IELTS preparation - tarunchhabra/parakalo GitHub Wiki
IELTS 3 months plan- Exam date in August
Liz- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKPpfQUSfHhesyjbskDKSEg
https://www.ielts.org/about-the-test/test-format
Read- IELTS pdf common English errors.
Steps
- Solve and understand question types from ielts official and BC sample questions.
- Start official guide vol 1 and 2 from ielts.org / Keep working on vocab(from reading/listening passage/artciles online) and grammar(wren and martin/Manhattan book). Start books Mindset for IELTS foundation 1,2,3
- Start OG / Attend webminars/edx course
- Ielts.org site practice test
- BC/IDP site practice test
- Road to IELTS test
- Ielts 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,....15 tests (Buy 15 from India)
- Ielts trainer tests 6
Official Resources
https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/books
Sample questions
https://www.ielts.org/about-the-test/sample-test-questions
Books
https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/books
https://ieltsweekly.com/product/ielts-teacher-the-key-to-ielts-success/
Official Guide Book
Vocab
https://sachtienganhhn.net/audio-stream/cambridge-vocabulary-for-ielts-cd-audio.html
Cambridge official books
Vocab
https://sachtienganhhn.net/pdf-embed/cambridge-vocabulary-for-ielts-with-answers.html
Then read soft copy of Vocab advanced
Grammar
https://sachtienganhhn.net/pdf-embed/cambridge-grammar-for-ielts-with-answers.html
Tests
Official Test
Ielts.org tests https://www.ielts.org/usa/ielts-for-test-takers/ielts-practice-test
Ielts.org sample questions https://www.ielts.org/about-the-test/sample-test-questions
Cambridge Tests
https://www.cambridge.org/gb/cambridgeenglish/catalog/cambridge-english-exams-ielts/ielts-15
CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH IELTS TRAINER Book + Audio
https://sachtienganhhn.net/pdf-embed/cambridge-english-ielts-trainer.html
Unofficial test -
IDP = https://www.ieltsessentials.com/prepare/free-practice-tests
BC = https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/free-ielts-practice-tests
BC Road to IELTS Test = https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/courses/road-ielts
For Tips-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn_copLxb_o&list=PLdjj8cg0hPb-_zM5CvJVm-DPO73OSclS8
Writing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIclLPhqVIA
Listening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-4FRJQtDWk
Speaking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3x_ZFc1umiQ
Reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qdcazp_KFxc
Webminars
https://www.britishcouncil.com.cy/exam/ielts/prepare/free-ielts-preparation-webinars
Online courses-
edx https://courses.edx.org/courses/course-v1:UQx+IELTSx+1T2020/course/
Future learn by BC/Ielts.org
Course offline- Mindset for Ielts foundation, 1,2,3 books + audio
https://sachtienganhhn.net/audio-stream/cambridge-english-mindset-for-ielts-foundation-audio-cd.html
https://sachtienganhhn.net/pdf-embed/cambridge-english-mindset-for-ielts-1-students-book.html
https://sachtienganhhn.net/audio-stream/cambridge-english-mindset-for-ielts-1-audio-cd.html
https://sachtienganhhn.net/pdf-embed/cambridge-english-mindset-for-ielts-2-students-book.html
https://sachtienganhhn.net/audio-stream/cambridge-english-mindset-for-ielts-2-audio-cd.html
https://sachtienganhhn.net/pdf-embed/cambridge-english-mindset-for-ielts-3-students-book.html
https://sachtienganhhn.net/audio-stream/cambridge-english-mindset-for-ielts-3-audio-cd.html
Test guidelines:
Resources:
http://ieltsliz.com/useful-websites-and-resources-for-ielts/
Books- Cambridge Ielts-15 in June/July'20
Preparation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TAhwbB8GKM
Scoring- There is no negative marking in IELTS.
http://ieltsliz.com/ielts-band-scores/
Format of Exam-
Reading(40 questions in 60 mins) Listening (30 questions in 30 mins) Writing (Task-1 Letter of 150-200 words and Task-2 Formal Essay of 250-300 words) Speaking (Talk with examiner for 11-15 minutes)
Practice listening English- American, British, Australian, another non-native
Focus on my problems-
Be attentive and don't loose focus. Don't let your vague thoughts to distract your mind. Don't move your hand on your face or hairs so hat you do not loose the focus.
Sample Questions: https://ieltsliz.com/100-ielts-essay-questions/ Latest IELTS questions: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-essay-topics-jan-2020/
Reading
Ielts.org question types and sample questions
Task type 1 – Multiple choice
Task type 2 – Identifying information (‘true’, ‘false’ or ‘not given’ )
Task type 3 – Identifying writer’s views/claims
Task type 4 – Matching information
Task type 5 – Matching headings (My weak area)
Task type 6 – Matching features
Task type 9 – flow-chart , note, table, Summary completion
- ability to understand details and/or the main ideas of a section of the text.
For summary or note question - be aware of the type of word(s) that will fit into a given gap (for example, whether a noun is needed, or a verb, etc.).
https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-question-types/
- choose the correct heading for para A,B,C,D (https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-matching-headings/)
- True, False, Not Given https://ieltsliz.com/true-false-not-given-ielts-reading-practice/
- Match para with one line sentence
- Summary/para completion https://ieltsliz.com/food-ielts-summary-reading-practice/
- Sentence Completion https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-practice-sentence-completion/
- Multiple choice questions https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-multiple-choice-question/
- List selection - select 2 from a list of 6 options, (I am facing problem in this type...whether to write on notepad or mark)
- Choose a title https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-choosing-a-title/
- Match sentence ending http://ieltsliz.com/matching-sentence-endings-ielts-reading-practice/
Writing
https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/
Structure, Ideas, Grammar, Vocabulary
-
Focus on pronunciation, grammar, tenses, singular/plural, Prepositions
-
Learn vocab (only that much which is needed for test in writing and speaking)
Task-1 Letter
https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-letter-writing-essential-tips/
Application/Resignations(formal) Request(formal) Apology letter(formal/ semi-formal depending on authority) Amendment letter(formal) complaint letter (formal) Letter to a friend(semi formal/persoanl) Informative Explanation Invitation Letter(semi-formal or personal)
Structure of Letter
Task-2 formal essay types-_ Opinion, Discussion, Advantage/Disadvantage, Direct Questions, Solutions_.
Learn how to plan essay, format/structure of essay, how to write intro in different types of essay. http://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/
--** I am expected to write answer 25% marks but not the too much ideas only focused ideas(directly on topic), supported ideas (explaining the focused idea). Put 1 idea in a paragraph.**
Essay should be logical, organised and easy to read.
Structure of Formal Essay
Intro 2-3 para in body stating the central idea with supporting points Conclusion
How to write an introduction (50 words)
- Paraphrase the statement in your tone
- Then write the starting explaining the degree to which you agree with statement (start like... In my opinion)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YngqHl_BLOU
How to use Academic expression in essay
Means writing other people's opinion.
use Linking words
https://ieltsliz.com/linking-words-for-writing/
For Listing - Firstly, secondly, thirdly, lastly, finally,
additionally, in addition, as well as, not only...but also, moreover, furthermore
for example, for instance, such as , namely, to illustrate
as a result, consequently, therefore, thus, hence, so
For Highlighting and Stressing- particularly, especially, clearly, specifically
For Contrast- However, nonetheless, even though, although, but, despite, in spite of, still, on the other hand, alternatively, in comparison
For Reason and causes- Because, Owing to, Due to, Since, As
**To give opinion- ** I believe, I admiy, I disagree, I agree/concur
Avoid- https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-tips-sentences-to-avoid/
http://ielts-yasi.englishlab.net/WRITING_BLOG_3.htm
Speaking
Fluency, Vocab, Grammar, Pronunciation matters
In Speaking, learn to speak slowly so that listener can understand clearly. Remove your temtation to use filler words like umm, ahh, ohh,ouuu
Speaking samples- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3th2fIaDQQ4&list=PLsuhejYkZ347SSZIRO-bh5t0aiDl5lNO5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzDZipFu4uk
Speaking 101-
https://www.ielts.org/ielts-for-organisations/setting-ielts-entry-scores
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzTSh7zwRIM
Read about IELTS speaking topic list (Liz)
linking-words-for-ielts-speaking
https://ieltsliz.com/linking-words-for-ielts-speaking/
Speaking Test steps:
Greeting 1- Q & A 4 mins 2- a talk for 1-2 mins rounding off questions 3- Discussion on a topic
Tips, sample topics and Real topics- http://ieltsliz.com/ielts-speaking-free-lessons-essential-tips/
Listening
-> Read through the questions carefully before you listen so that you know how many words are expected for a question
Listen each and every word very carefully.
You will hear the word(s) you need to use in the recording. You will not need to change the form of the word(s) you hear.
Pay attention to the word limit. For example, if you are asked to complete a sentence using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS, and the correct answer is ‘leather coat’, the answer ‘coat made of leather’ would be incorrect.
Pay attention to spelling and grammar: you will lose marks for mistakes
Do NOT add any preposition which is not there in listening.
Take benefit of spare time given before and after the questions.
Question in which I need to write in NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER - My problem area
4 sections: 2 speakers -> 1 speaker -> 3-4 speakers -> one speaker about academic
Tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8qmJeBxk4Q
**Question Types- FIB, (Think- whether to write in online notepad or write answers directly)
MCQ with 3-4 options,
List selection - select 2 from a list of 6 options, (I am facing problem in this type...whether to write on notepad or mark)
Map completion (Building plan, town plan, map of a town)
Diagram Labeling ()
Form Completion ()
Note Completion ()
Flow Chart Completion
SC,
Summary completion (like a para)
Short Answer questions
Table completion **
Don't try to read, understand everything- focus on text related to question
Read questions quickly
Questions are given in the order in which reading flow will go.
Listen very carefully
Trap- answers that are changed- like time suggested 5pm then changed to 7pm- focus here to find the correct/final answer from the conversation.
- Write correct preposition like use at with time/location at - time, part of day (like meet me at noon), part of the week (like at weekend) at- place/location (meet me at the bus station)
in- time period (duration) (meet me in 2 days or 10 mins or 2 hours) in - month (we will meet in march) in - year (we met in 2015) in - season (went to London in Spring)
on - day(let's meet on Monday) on - date (we met on 15th April or April 15th this is american way)
No preposition- now, at once, tomorrow, next month, this evening, name
- Listen numbers correctly
- Listen Names correctly - Focus on Capital letter, spelling, IELTS expect you to learn common name, Initials (J.K. Rowling), Titles(Mr, Ms, Mrs, Miss, Dr, Sir, Lady, Madam, Pope)
- Listen and understand time like half past 7, quarter to 8, half past 9
examples-
1:50 = ten to two
5:20 = 20 past 5
7:45 = quarter to eight
4:40 = 20 to five (to means future)
6:30 = half past 6 (past as in time gone)
2:35 = 25 to 3
Listen Plurals correctly for sentence completion- write answer in 1 or 2 words or a number - my focus area
- know uncountable nouns -> like charity work's so , it can't be works since work is uncountable
- know some vocab -> understand some words like -grassroots(means basic), greenfield(means from scratch).
- Try to focus on words linked with events, numbers,places, time i.e. things which have essence.
- see list of examples of plurals
MCQ Questions in Listening
- note how many option or title we need to find,
- focus on keyword what we need to find like recommended, must, should
- paraphrase the keyword in question and also options then find answers accordingly.
Tips for MCQ
- Increase your vocab
- Answer must be a letter not a word.
########################################### Common Mistakes
Countries and articles- https://ieltsliz.com/countries-and-using-the-answers/
Tests
https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/free-ielts-practice-tests
https://www.ielts.org/usa/ielts-for-test-takers/ielts-practice-test
Cambridge official guide IELTS 15 Tests
Pauline Cullen videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIWCmwKUd8M&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6FPlQoEzcs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OPEPZrwSwI
Daily Improvement Plan
Reading
**Action:Read articles 2-3 good sources about Art, History, Natural history, psycology, geography, archealogy, health, Diseases (covid), environment, sports, society problems (racism), values, feminist and peace movements, revolutions, economics..... topics like fuels, fossils, technology, health and diseases, brochures, theories, complex ideas, work related like problems **
Sources: Australian, British, American newspapers
How and What to read- https://www.manhattanprep.com/gmat/blog/how-to-improve-your-reading-skills-for-reading-comprehension/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/
https://www.si.edu/ https://www.statnews.com/
https://naturalhistory.si.edu/
https://www.scientificamerican.com/
https://www.theatlantic.com/world/
https://www.bloomberg.com/businessweek
https://www.harvardmagazine.com/
https://www.pri.org/globalpost
https://www.theguardian.com/uk/commentisfree
https://www.sciencedirect.com/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
Listening
Action: Listen to podcast-1
understand people talking informal and less formal .....on general and acdemic topics
Speaking (focus on your pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary)
Explaining your views and ideas on general topics
Writing
a) Writing a formal and Informal letter b) Discuss an issue and explain your views and ideas in clear, formatted and structured way
Action: Write task-1 letter or task-2 essay (once in 2 days)
How to Read articles
Skip the first paragraph or two (possibly several) and dive in somewhere in the middle.
Read approximately three to five paragraphs (depending upon the length: you want about 200 to 400 words), and give yourself a time limit. Give yourself 2 minutes for a shorter length and 3 minutes for a longer one.
Don’t expect to get 100% comprehension from the three to five paragraphs you read initially; after all, you aren’t actually reading the full text.
Don’t give yourself extra time; stop when that buzzer buzzes. Part of your task is to become comfortable with reading quickly and actually not fully comprehending what you just read.
Then, try to articulate:
the main point of each individual paragraph
**the main idea of the entire article **(or at least of this section of the article) without having to go back to the introductory paragraph; don’t expect to get it exactly right, since you aren’t actually reading the entire article content language (facts, historical information, processes, categories) and judgment language (opinions, hypotheses, comparisons)
any changes in direction in the text that you read: however language, two differing points of view, etc.
Then, go read more and gauge your accuracy. Read a couple of additional paragraphs.
Does that change your answers to the above? How? Why? Read a bit more and do the same. Finally, read the entire article.
When you start to feel more comfortable with this type of reading, add another layer of complexity:
what might they ask you about the details of the article?
What can you infer? (That is, what is not stated but must be true based upon information given in the article?)
Do you understand the detail well enough that you could summarize it for someone else, possibly using easier language?