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4 EXPRESS CONTRASTING
IDEAS IN IELTS SPEAKING &
WRITING
1
CHECK YOUR VOCABULARY Each vocabulary area is presented in the form of a
By Joyce Wright
Photographs by Mark Halberg
EXPEDITION | PAGE 2 2
IELTS READING
ACTUAL TESTS
VOL 1-4 (PDF)
BY IELTSMATERIAL.COM
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3
10 STRUCTURES TO EXPRESS 1. Although X verb, Y verb
IN IELTS WRITING this contrast. Its a such a useful word when youre writing
essays or speaking in a formal setting.
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3. Nevertheless, X verb, Y verb 8. At the same time S + V
Example: Example: From my perspective, we are gradually moving
It is true that more and more factories are being built towards technology for every kid in the classroom. At the
along this stretch of the river and that a certain amount same time I know there are a range of school districts
of waste will inevitably be discharged into the river. who cant afford that kind of technology.
Nevertheless, in all the discussions that I have had with
these firms representatives, I have not found one who 9. Notwithstanding Noun/the fact that Clause, S + V
does not have a responsible attitude to environmental Meaning: is used in the same way as despite (more
protection. formal)
Example: Notwithstanding its profitability /the fact that
4. In spite of Verb-ing/ Noun-phrase, X verb the factory farming can be profitable, there are major
Example: doubts about its morality
In spite of the advantages of living in big cities, people
have a proclivity to live in the countryside. 10. Much as Clause, S + V
\Meaning: A very strong form of although
Example: Much as mass tourism is harmful to the
5. Regardless of Noun-phrase, Subject + Verb
environment, it should still be encouraged.
Regardless of: without regard or consideration for
\Example:
Regardless of their skin color, background or what their
language is, we should treat everyone equally.
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IELTS WRITING TEST & SAMPLE ANSWERS
IELTS WRITING TASK 1
Some people believe the government should spend money on building train and subway lines to reduce traffic congestion. Others think that building more
and wider roads is the better way to reduce traffic congestion. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
The methods of mitigating traffic congestion have been a heated topic of controversy. Some people argue that the construction of larger roads is the
answer for the problem. However, I contend that such a solution is ineffective in the long term, while the option to construct railways and subways is a far
better measure.
There is a common fallacy that governmental spending on building larger roads could sustainably address the problem of traffic congestion. An increase
in road size could reduce the traffic intensity in the short term, but larger roads also mean that the citizens are encouraged to purchase more individual
vehicles. This leads to the fact that the roads, albeit larger, would soon be filled with intense traffic again. For instance, traffic jams returned to
Shanghais main streets not long after they were expanded in the early 1990s. In brief, if this solution were implemented, traffic jams would still persist
in the long run.
Rail and subway systems, however, could ensure that traffic congestion is properly addressed. Unlike cars and buses, trains are capable of transporting
hundreds of people simultaneously and thus would meet the transport demand of a vast number of passengers. Moreover, trains do not have to go
through intersections and traffic lights, and dedicated lines ensure their travel is hardly interrupted. In other words, trains are always on time regardless
of the level of traffic. This level of punctuality would encourage many people to choose railways and subways as their primary means of transport, and
the number of individual vehicles would decrease accordingly. As a result, traffic congestion could be tackled successfully.
The existing data provides a concrete foundation to conclude that building more and larger roads is an unsustainable measure, while train and subway
lines would be a much more effective solution for the problem of traffic congestion.
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25USEFUL IDIOMS TO
HELP YOU SCORE BAND
8.0+ FOR IELTS SPEAKING
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In this article we cover 25 useful idioms to help you 10. be all ears eager and ready to listen
answer IELTS questions in the speaking (describe people, ==>Im all ears, waiting to hear your latest excuse for not
time, interests and activities) getting this job done!
11. in the nick of time not too late, but very close
1. A Penny for Your Thoughts ask someone who is
==>I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. Its a
being very quiet what they are thinking about
good thing, because I really need this medicine!
==> For several minutes they sat silently, then finally she
looked at him and said, A penny for your thoughts,
12. fresh/clean out of something have sold or used up
Walter.
the last of something
==>I have to go buy some more milk. It seems were fresh
2. Against the clock do something as fast as possible
out now.
and try to finish it before a certain time.
==>With her term paper due on Monday, she was racing
13. have/get mixed feelings about something to be
against the clock to finish it
uncertain about something
==> I have mixed feelings about my trip to England. I love
3. Lend an ear to listen carefully and in a friendly way to
the people, but the climate upsets me.
someone
==> If you have any problems, go to Claire. Shell always
14. Give it ones best shot do the best that one can
lend a sympathetic ear.
==>This test question is really tough! Ill give it my best
shot, and Ill get some marks for doing my best.
4. on cloud nine very happy; deliriously happy
==>She just bought her first new car and shes on cloud
15. In deep water in difficulty; in trouble or in a
nine.
dangerous situation
==>He has not submitted his dissertation so hes in deep
5. bushed tired.
water.
==>I am totally bushed after staying up so late.
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20. Explore all avenues investigate every possible means to find a solution to a given problem or to achieve a desired
outcome.
= We need to EXPLORE ALL AVENUES before doing something that is not very safe to a great number of people in
order to minimize unfavourable consequences
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how
This car gained the number one
spot in Best Cars Magazine
during the early 1980s
Source:http://ieltsmaterial.com/10-phrasal-verbs-to-push-your-speaking-score-to-a-8-or-higher/
Do you want that extra edge to push your score to Band 3. Do away with: end/ terminate
Example: Personally, I think we should do away with
8.0 or higher for the IELTS test? Lets make the most out
school uniforms. Students should wear what they like.
of 10 English phrasal verbs to stand out and get the score
you need!
4. End up: become eventually
Example: Im not sure what I will end up doing with my
1. Make it: arrive or get a result
life. I cant decide on a career path.
Examiner: Do you have any expectation regarding your
scholarship application?
Candidate: I am not sure if I am good enough to actually 5. Figure out: to learn the details of
get the scholarship, but I expect to at least make it to the something, or discover how it works.
final round Example: I figured out how to fix the television.
Example: I used to spend most of the school days goofing off with her friends.
Candidate: Im not sure what to make of this question. Could you rephrase it for me?
Example: Im usually worn out by the end of the week because Im studying for IELTS and working as well.
10. Clam up: say nothing usually because you are embarrassed or nervous
You can learn more 11 Phrasal Verbs To Boost Your Speaking Score To Band 8 Or Higher
(Part 2) at:
http://ieltsmaterial.com/11-phrasal-verbs-to-maximize-your-speaking-score-to-band-8-or-
higher-part-2/
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A proper grasp of vocabulary is definitely one of the most Lets get down to improving your range of vocabulary in
important criteria in the IELTS test. Not only does vocabulary the effective way with the following 5-step plan to have a
make up 25% of your mark in IELTS writing and speaking but it flexible use of a rich variety of vocabulary:
also plays a crucial part in IELTS Listening & Writing.
1. Read & Listen!
Most vocabulary words are learned from context so lets pick a
However, a vast majority of IELTS learners (90%) dont build up TV show, radio, podcast, magazine or book that interest you.
their vocabulary in the right way. Lots of them have downloaded (Bear in mind that you shouldnt force yourself to watch or
long lists of words without having seen them used in context read something you are not a fan of because you can feel
before and thought that they could simply learn them by distracted and then cant stick to your plan). The more words
memorising. This is the single worst thing to improve their youre exposed to, the better vocabulary you will have. While
vocabulary skill. Why? The point is that words rarely have only one you read, pay close attention to words you dont know & how
strict meaning, so learning out of context is, in essence, is an they are used. First, try to figure out their meanings from
absurd idea. It means that they dont fully expose the words within context. Then look the words up.
a sentence and paragraph, thereby not figuring out how to use
them properly. Therefore, to gain high score in vocabulary, IELTS
2. Get in the habit of looking up words you dont know.
learners have to use suitable words in each situation, not by using
It is absolutely essential to set up at least either of the online
new and strange ones.
dictionaries named Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary and
So my advice is that instead of learning difficult & strange words,
Cambridge Advanced Learners Dictionary. Keep in mind to
you should focus on examining the words in context, together
keep it open and handy with thesauruses on its tool bar to look
with learning word forms ( countable, uncountable, noun , verb,)
up any new word you are not entirely sure of. Beside each word
, collocations related to these words ( followed by which
you should jot down a brief note of the meaning, collocations,
adjectives, verbs or nouns).
synonyms, example sentences, antonyms and pronunciation.
You can also draw pictures, relate the word to words you
Then, check collocations: You should use the new words you noted down in your
speaking, writing and check your vocabulary regularly to make
sure you the words stick in your long-term memory. You can use
the following materials to practice at home:
This single learning method is the most powerful way I know for
3. Own one notebook: improving your Vocabulary and lots of my students have been
Have your own notebook and take note all of new words with successful with it. I bet you will do the same if you get your hand
meaning, collocations, examples, synonyms and the mistakes in learning vocabulary with this simple 5-step plan.
you made when using these words.
Read& download common Vocabulary topics in IELTS Speaking & Writing at:
http://ieltsmaterial.com/how-to-boost-your-vocabulary-score-in-ielts-writing-and-speaking/
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IELTS SPEAKING PART 1 (JUNE - AUGUST 2017)
- TOPIC: TRANSPORT
Without any doubt/There is no doubt that Planes and trains regularly depart and arrive on
(expression) a phrase expressing certainty or time. Plus, there are many convenient facilities
agreement; yes catering particularly to certain groups of
passengers. However, traveling by plane is
A wide variety of (collocation) a number or clearly time-saving and enjoyable in terms of on-
range of things of the same general class that board services like meals or comfortable seats,
is distinct in character or quality. while traveling by train offers you a chance to
see the world outside, admire the views from
2. How often do you take buses? their seats. Its totally a great experience for
most train-travelers.
Almost every day. Since my house is so far
away from my university, its impossible for Vocabulary
me to travel by motorbike. In addition, the air
is heavily polluted by exhaust fumes and On-board services (n) provided on or within a
traffic jams always take place, especially vehicle
during peak hours. Thus, Id prefer to take the
bus, to save time, save gasoline and causing Cater (v) provide with what is needed or required
less pollution.
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4.How much time do you spend
travelling on a normal day?
I have to commute from my home to
my workplace on a daily basis. It
normally takes me 30 minutes to
travel back and forth.
PART 1 TOPIC:
the future?
Definitely not. Riding a bike means
youre exposing yourself to the
unpredictable weather and to air
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2 0 1 7 I E L T S
S P E A K I N G P A R T 1
T O P I C : H O L I D A Y S &
S A M P L E A N S W E R S
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
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Do you prefer travelling alone or in a group?
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
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