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IELTS Tip 6 – General Training Writing

IELTS students can take the Academic or General Training version of the test. One way in which the tests are different is in the Writing Section. Below are some examples of General Training Writing Questions EXAMPLE 1 Task 1 You recently took a part-time job working for a local company. After a few weeks, you […]

General English Ethical Dilemma Series – 1 The Website

The Ethical Dilemma Series is a number of complex discussion topics for high level ELICOS students   The Website David is a student in a university where his mother is on the university board. Recently, three of his classmates posted a web site that openly attacks some of the teachers and students, using explicit and […]

IELTS Tips 5 – Example Task 2 Essay Answer

IELTS students are always looking for good examples of essay writing to learn from. See below for one such example. The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think this new century will bring? Use examples and details in your answer. Man, through the ages, has undergone many changes from the time when he […]

General English Discussion Topics Series – 5 What Do You Think?

What do you think? Mysteries: Imagine that the following situations happened to one of your classmates. Explain the mysteries with sentences that start with maybe, perhaps, or probably. Place students in small groups and asked them to discuss a possible scenario that explains the statement/s given to them. Ask them to report back to the […]

IELTS Tips 4 – Assessing Speaking and Writing

IELTS Examiners assess Speaking and Writing by comparing student communication to the relevant descriptors – see below: Speaking Descriptors Fluency and Coherence   Fluency = talking without long pauses at normal speed. Occasional short pauses will not count heavily against you. Coherence = sequencing information. Content is easy to follow in terms of ideas through […]

General English Discussion Topics Series – 4 Time Capsule

Time Capsule The city of Brisbane has decided to construct a new administration building. A small park will be built next to the building. The main focal point of the park will be a statue that represents the intercultural nature of Brisbane and her citizens. A time capsule will be placed underneath the statue and […]

IELTS Tips 3 – IELTS WRITING TASK 2 TOPICS

IELTS Students are often looking for Task 2 Topics to use for practice essays. Below are some good topic examples: Animal rights’ protesters strongly believe that any form of animal experimentation is not only cruel and inhumane but also immoral. Scientists, however, believe that it is justified when used to develop new medicines, which benefit […]

General English Discussion Topics Series – 3 Situations

Situations 1.   A) You are really looking forward to seeing this movie. Suddenly, you want to go to the bathroom. When you come back, someone is sitting in your seat.      B) Everything that can go wrong has gone wrong. On the way to the movie theater, you got a speeding ticket and then […]

IELTS Tips 2 – IELTS TASK 2 Writing Band Descriptors

Introduction IELTS Students often believe that Writing is the most difficult section of the IELTS test, especially Task 2. One way for IELTS students to improve their Writing Band Score is to gain a better understanding of the Task 2 Descriptors. There are four descriptors: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Response and Grammatical Range and […]

General English DIscussion Topics Series – 2 Opening a Restaurant

Opening a Restaurant Recently, you inherited a large sum of money. Now you can fulfill that dream of yours: opening a restaurant. Your partner/s and you have decided to go into business together. You and your partner/s will, no doubt, have some different ideas about the design of the restaurant and the services you will […]
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