IELTS preparation hints (1)

Đây là tài liệu tiếng Anh học thuật giúp mọi người trau dồi kỹ năng sử dụng ngoại ngữ cũng như phản xạ tiếng Anh ngoài đời thực. Tài liệu này hoàn toàn có thể tự học tại nhà, thêm vào đó là rất dễ hiểu có thể tiếp thu nhanh trong quá trình học, tài liệu đa phần là do những tác giả nổi tiếng biên soạn và có chỉnh sửa để phù hợp với sự thay đổi của mỗi năm.

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X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.0.6001.18049 IELTS = Preparation=20 hints

Skills for the Listening Module =

Skills for the = Reading=20 Module

Skills for the Writing=20 Module

Skills for the Speaking=20 Module=20

=A1=A1=20

The following study hints will help you in the = weeks leading=20 up to the

IELTS.=20

• Become familiar with the test as early as = possible The=20 skills being

tested in the IELTS take a period of time to build up = Cramming=20 is not

an effective study technique for IELTS.=20

• Use your study time efficiently Study when you = are fresh=20 and, after you have planned a timetable, make sure that you keep to = it Set=20 goals and ensure that you have adequate breaks In the IELTS test, = each of the=20 four Band Modules =A1=AA Listening, Reading, = Writing and=20 Speaking

=A1=AA carries the same weight = Study each skill=20 carefully and spend more time on the skills in which you feel you are=20 weak.=20

• Be aware of the exact procedure for the test = Be very=20 clear on the order

of each section, its length and the specific = question=20 types There are many resources available to help you practice these=20 skills.=20

• Having a study partner or a study group is an = excellent=20 idea Other students may raise issues that you may not have = considered.=20

• Seek help from teachers, friends and native = English=20 speakers

Countdown to the=20 test=20

Days before the = test=20

This is not a time for intensive study It is a = time to=20 review skills and your test technique It is important to exercise, eat, = rest=20 and sleep well during the

week in which you will take the test.=20

Leave nothing to chance If you do not know how to = get to=20 the test centre, try going there at a similar time one or two weeks = before the=20 real test.=20

The night before the = test=20

You must have a good dinner and go to bed at your = normal=20 time =A1=AA not too early and not too late, as = you do not=20 want to disrupt your sleep pattern if possible.=20

Have everything ready that you need to take with = you to the=20 test so you can simply pick it up in the morning, for example, the test=20 registration form,

passport, test number, pens, pencils, erasers, etc A = pen=20 that runs dry or a pencil that breaks can take several minutes to = replace Check=20 before the exam exactly what articles you need Set your alarm clock the = night=20 before or arrange a wake-up call.=20

On the morning of the=20 test=20

Eat a good breakfast You will have several hours = of=20 concentration ahead of you and you will need food and drink in the = morning You=20 may even want to bring more food or a snack with you, especially if your = speaking test is at a later time that day You cannot, however, take = food or=20 drink into the exam room If possible, wear a watch in case you cannot = see the=20 clock in the exam room It

is essential that you keep track of = time.=20

Give yourself plenty of time to get to the test = centre You=20 will be required to complete a registration form and to show your = passport=20 before you enter the examination room so you must arrive at the time = specified=20 by your test

centre If you are early, you could go for a walk If you = are late,=20 you will not

be allowed to enter Avoid the added tension of having to=20 rush.=20

During the = test=20

Most students at the test will feel nervous This = is quite=20 normal In fact, it can actually be quite helpful in terms of = motivation It may=20 make you alert and help you to focus The aim is for you to try to = perform at=20 your optimum

level.=20

In contrast, high levels of anxiety can affect a = student's=20 performance

However, much of this anxiety can be overcome by good = preparation,=20

familiarity with test details and a positive attitude.=20

The examination room should be suitable for = testing, that=20 is, the lighting, ventilation and temperature should be appropriate If = you are=20 uncomfortable because of any of these factors or if there is some other = problem,=20 such as not being able to hear the recording of the Listening Module, = make sure=20 you ask the person in charge to do something about it For example, you = may ask=20 to change seats.=20

Examination = technique=20

By using good examination technique you could help = to=20 improve your overall score for the IELTS test.=20

Remember that every section is marked = independently Do not=20 jeopardise your performance in one section just because you believe that = you=20 have done badly in another Do not underestimate or try to predict your = outcome.=20 You may, in fact, have done better than you imagined.=20

Focus on what you know rather than on what you = don't know=20 while you are doing the test.=20

Ensure that you adhere to the times suggested as = they=20 usually correspond to the number of marks given for a particular=20 question.=20

In the Listening and Reading Modules, it is a good = idea to=20 write down an

answer, even if you are not sure of it, before moving on = to the=20 next question Many students intend to return to the answers they have = omitted=20 at the end

of the test but do not have enough time to do so = Furthermore, by=20 writing your best answer at the actual time of reading the question, you = save=20 the time you need to spend again on re-reading the question and=20 re-acquainting yourself with the subject matter If you are not = confident about=20 your answer, mark it in some way and return to it at the end.=20

Do not leave any answers blank.You are not = penalised for=20 incorrect answers,

so =A1=AEguess=A1=AF = wisely.=20

=A1=A1=20

Skills = for the=20 Listening Module=20

In the IELTS Listening Module, the recording is = played once=20 only You must, therefore, use a number of strategies to help you listen = closely There are a few main skills you will need to do well in the = IELTS=20 Listening Module:=20

Understanding the instructions=20

Instructions are both written on the question = paper and=20 spoken on the tape Read and listen to every word in the instructions = very=20 carefully Ensure that you follow them exactly and answer in the correct = way.=20

Previewing and predicting=20

An announcer will briefly outline:=20

• the topic=20

• who is talking=20

• the situation

Try to=20 listen carefully as this will help you to preview the questions.=20

Before the recording begins for each section, you = will be=20 given up to 30

seconds to read and become familiar with the questions = Use this=20 time

efficiently so that you can prepare yourself to listen for the = information=20 you need.=20

Here are some hints for = previewing and=20 prdicting:=20

• Study the question carefully and try to predict = what type=20 of answer is required For example, will it be a date, a name or maybe = a=20 number?=20

• Check the differences between similar-looking = pictures or=20 diagrams.=20

• Look for minor details such as different = numbers or=20 omissions

In addition to the 30 = seconds=20 before each section, you will also be given 30 seconds after each = section to=20 look over your answers If you are satisfied with your answers in the = section=20 you have just finished, move on to the next

section and use the full 60 = seconds=20 for previewing.=20

Listening for specific information=20

Use of previewing and predicting skills will help = you listen=20 for the specific information you need to answer the questions in the = Listening=20 Module

Listening for key words and common connective words often helps = to=20 signal the specific information that you need in order to answer the = question.=20 Make sure that, while you are actually writing your answers, you = continue to=20 listen

to the information given in the recordings as there will not be a = second=20

opportunity to hear it.=20

Checking and rewriting=20

You are given about 30 seconds after each section = to check=20 your answers Check that all your answers correspond with the given=20 instructions.=20

Make sure that you have answered every question = Marks are=20 not deducted for incorrect answers so, if you are unsure of a particular = answer,=20 you should guess by writing down what you think is the most likely=20 answer.=20

Check that you have included only what is = necessary in the=20 answer.=20

At the end of the Listening Module, you are given = about 10=20 minutes to

transfer your answers from the question paper onto the answer = sheet.=20 Scan your answers to ensure that you have transferred them correctly so = that the=20 number on the question paper corresponds with the number on the answer = sheet Be=20 especially careful when transferring answers from tables as sometimes = the items=20 are not linearly ordered.=20

=A1=A1=20

Skills = for the Reading=20 Module=20

One of the main difficulties experienced by = students doing=20 the Reading

Module is not having enough time to complete the test It = is,=20 therefore,

essential to read both efficiently and effectively.=20

There are a few main skills that you will need in = order to=20 do well in the IELTS Reading Module It is useful to use the following = procedure=20 for each text that

is given.=20

Previewing (about 2 minutes for each = passage)=20

(a) Study the passage by noting:=20

• titles=20

• headings=20

• illustrations=20

• diagrams=20

• any print in bold type or italics =

(b) Study key parts of the passage by skimming Read the = first=20 paragraph which often focuses on the main idea The first sentence of = each=20 paragraph usually expresses the key points of the

paragraph Generally, = the=20 concluding paragraph provides a summary of the given passage You may

= wish to=20 highlight these with a pen.=20

Interpreting the instructions and questions = (about 2=20 minutes)=20

Read each word in the instructions carefully and = ensure that=20 you understand exactly what is required and in what form For example, = the=20 instructions may say, =A1=AEChoose no more = than three words=20 from the passage for each answer' In this situation, it would not be = acceptable=20 to write four or more words Often students find the right answer but = present it=20 in the wrong form and, unfortunately, do not score any marks for that = answer.=20 Understanding what is required, therefore, is just as important as = finding the=20 right answer in the passage.=20

When you are looking at the questions, you need to = recognise:=20

• what type of question you have to answer (is it = gap-filling, multiple choice, matching information, etc?)=20

• whether or not the question requires a specific = or=20 general answer=20

• what form the answer should take (is it a = number, date,=20 reason, etc?)

Scanning the text = for=20 specific answers (about 1 minute per question)=20

Use your time wisely Spend no longer than one = minute on=20 finding each

answer Only look in the given text, table, diagram or = graph for=20 the answer required Locate key words in the question and find them, or = synonyms=20 for them, in the text The sentences around these words are most likely = to=20

contain the answers you need.=20

If you are still unsure of the answer after you = have spent=20 approximately one minute on the question, make a sensible guess in the=20 appropriate form You may wish to mark the answers you are unsure of in = some way=20 so that, if you

do have time at the end of the Reading Module, you can = check=20 these answers again.=20

Checking your answers (about 3 = minutes)=20

After you have completed your answers for each = section, you=20 need to check them Check that you have followed the instructions = exactly If=20 you have time, return to the answers you marked because you were unsure = and see=20 if the answers you have given are the best ones.=20

Do not leave any answers blank = as you do=20 not lose marks for incorrect answers =20

Helpful hints for the

Practice = Reading=20

Module

• There may be

some words in

the passage =

with which=20

you are

unfamiliar Use

the strategies

explained in

the section, =

=A1=AEWorking

out unfamiliar

= vocabulary'

to help you=20

work out the

meanings of

these words.=20

• Be aware of the

use of

connective

words = These

will=20 help

you with the

general

meaning of the

text If you are

unsure = of

any=20

answers, check

the table of

common

connective

words.=20

• Note if there is

a glossary

accompanying

= the=20

passage.=20

• Follow the

instructions

carefully A =

correct=20

response will

be marked

wrong if it is

written in the

wrong =

form.=20

Working out unfamiliar=20 vocabulary=20

When reading a passage in the IELTS test, it is = most likely=20 that you will come across words with which you are unfamiliar Be = prepared for=20 this You may not need to understand the exact meaning of an unknown = word,=20 unless there

is a question directly related to it.=20

If you do need to know the meaning of an = unfamiliar word,=20 don't panic There are various strategies that you can use to work out = the=20 meaning of the

unknown words.=20

Check the context=20

Are there any clues in the surrounding words or = phrases?=20 Look particularly at the words just before and just after the unfamiliar = words.=20

Look for a definition=20

Sometimes the writers realise that the word is an = uncommon=20 one so they define, restate, explain or give an example of it Words = that signal=20 meaning often include =A1=AEis', = =A1=AEmeans', =A1=AErefers to', = =A1=AEthat is',

=A1=AEconsists of' For = example,=20 =A1=AESnoring is a noise generated by = vibrations of the soft=20 parts of the throat during sleep.' The word =A1=AEis'

signals=20 a definition.=20

Remember, too, to check if there is a = glossary.=20

Identify the word's place and = purpose=20

Is it a noun, adjective, verb or adverb in the = sentence? Are=20 there any

punctuation clues, for example, semicolons or question = marks?=20

Look for connective words=20

They are often near the unknown words and will = usually help=20 to identify the general direction of the argument which will help to = give some=20 understanding

of the unknown word.=20

Break the word down into syllables=20

Sometimes knowledge of common roots, affixes and = possible=20 similarity of words in your own language can help you to identify the=20 meaning.=20

Treat the unknown word as an algebraic entity=20 =A1=AEX'=20

Observe the relationship of the unknown = word,=A1=AEX', to other words and concepts with which you are more = familiar.=20 Often this is enough to answer questions that

include=A1=AEX'.=20

=A1=A1=20

Skills = for the Writing=20 Module=20

TASK ONE=20

In Task 1 of the Writing Module, you are given = about 20=20 minutes to write a minimum of 150 words.You are asked to look at a = diagram,=20 table, graph or short piece of text and describe the information in your = own=20 words There are three important steps you should follow: preparation, = writing=20 and editing These steps will help you to write a coherent and well = organised=20 essay in the time given.=20

Preparation (about 2 minutes)=20

You need to spend 2-3 minutes working out exactly = what you=20 are going to do You should pay attention to the following = points:=20

• Study the question carefully Most Task 1 = writing=20 involves writing a report which describes some information given You = may wish=20 to note the instructions with a high-lighting pen.=20

• Think carefully about the topic Outline some = pertinent=20 points.=20

• Ensure that your ideas are arranged = logically.=20

=A1=A1=20

Writing (about 15 minutes)=20

When writing a Task 1 report, include:=20

• introductory sentence=20

• body paragraphs (1-3)=20

• concluding sentence (optional) =

Introductory sentence=20

The=20 introductory sentence explains what you are describing, for = example:=20

=A1=AEThe table=20 compares the population growth and interstate migration in each = Australian state=20 for 12 months to the end of 1994.'=20

=A1=AEThe graph=20 shows the growth of computers in Australia between 1975 and = 1995.'=20

=A1=AEThe pie chart=20 represents the proportion of gases contained in natural gas.'=20

=A1=A1=20

Body paragraphs=20

When discussing the date presented in the task, = identify=20 significant trends and give examples that relate directly to the given=20 information to support your statements If you are explaining a process = or an=20 object and how it works, you need to group your information so that it = follows a=20 definite logical

order.=20

Remember that the use of verbs expressed in the = present=20 passive voice is often appropriate when giving a description of a = process or=20 procedure, for example:=20

=A1=AECoffee beans are pulped to remove their = casing They are=20 then soaked

in water, rinsed thoroughly and dried After the beans are = sorted,=20 they are roasted in a kiln and blended Next, they are packed and = dispatched to=20 shops and supermarkets.'=20

=A1=A1=20

Concluding sentence (optional)=20

A = simple=20 concluding statement could include any of the following, where = relevant:=20

• significant comments=20

• a potential solution=20

• an overall summary of the ideas=20

• future implications

=A1=A1=20

Editing (about 2 minutes)=20

Make sure that you have followed the instructions = carefully.=20 Be sure that you have written what you intended and that no important = ideas are=20 missing.=20

In the last few minutes, check for obvious errors, = such as=20 spelling or

grammatical errors.=20

=A1=A1=20

TASK TWO=20

All too often students begin planning or even = writing their=20 answers in the IELTS Writing Module before they understand what is = actually=20 expected of them Following the steps below will help you to plan a=20 well-structured and coherent essay or report that addresses the given=20 task.=20

=A1=A1=20

Preparation=20

You may wish to spend about 5-7 minutes working = out exactly=20 what you are going to do There are five steps to consider.=20

• Study the question carefully Most task = statements or=20 questions have a key instructional word or words telling you what to = do Note=20 these

words with a highlighting pen

There are=20 also key topic words which point to the most important parts of the = question.=20 Underline those words too Ask yourself how the key words relate to the = given=20 instruction.=20

• Think carefully about the topic How do you = feel about=20 it?=20

• Establish a point of view and list some points = for=20 development The answer normally takes the form of a short essay The = word=20

=A1=AEessay' comes from an old French word = essai=20 which meant

=A1=AEto attempt or try out', or = =A1=AEto test' In an IELTS Writing Module Task 2 answer, your = purpose is=20 to develop your point of view in a convincing way.=20

• Decide which points will be written as topic = sentences.=20 Think about how they will develop into paragraphs.=20

• Ensure that your points are arranged in a = logical=20 order

=A1=A1=20

Writing=20

When you are writing a Task 2 answer, a structure = based on=20 the following elements could be used (summarised in the flow chart=20 opposite).=20

=A1=A1=20

Introductory paragraph=20

The introduction of a Task 2 answer should begin = with a=20 general statement or idea of your own that takes into account the key = topic=20 words or their

synonyms The last sentence of the introduction should = include a=20 thesis

statement which shows the point of view or direction that = will be=20 taken in the answer.=20

=A1=A1=20

Body paragraphs=20

Body paragraphs each consist of several sentences = that are=20 arranged in a logical way to develop a main idea You can expect to = write about=20 2-4 body paragraphs for a Task 2 answer Each of these contains an = appropriate=20

connective word to ensure a smooth transition between paragraphs This=20

connective is then put in a topic sentence which is the main point of = the=20

paragraph clearly stated in a sentence Every sentence in the paragraph = must be=20 directly related to it Try to develop every paragraph adequately This = may be=20 done through the use of examples, explanations, detail, logical = inference, cause=20 and effect or making comparisons or contrasts There are many different

= ways to=20 organise your ideas for body paragraphs Be confident of the ideas you=20 choose.=20

=A1=A1=20

The conclusion=20

A good conclusion serves several purposes:=20

• It indicates the end of your essay.=20

• It gives your final thoughts and assessments on = the essay=20 subject.=20

• It weighs up the points in your essay and = should=20 strengthen your thesis statement.=20

• Do not simply repeat your opening paragraph = This appears=20 too

mechanical and superficial

=A1=A1 =20

INTRODUCTION

• General statement=2

0

• Thesis statement=2

0

=A1=A1 =20

BODY PARAGRAPH 1

• Topic sentence including connective

= word=20

• First supporting sentence=20

• Second supporting sentence=20

• Third supporting sentence=20

=A1=A1 =20