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IELTS Writing Task 1 – Common mistakes to avoid

Over my 20 years of IELTS teaching experience, I’ve noticed some common mistakes IELTS candidates make in Writing Task 1. Read this article carefully or watch the video below to be aware of what these mistakes are and avoid making the same mistakes when you take the IELTS test. Mistake #1 – Not writing enough words. The instructions clearly state “You should write at least 150…

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When do we use at / in / on? Prepositions of time & place explained – Grammar for IELTS

Prepositions in English (i.e. small words like at, in, on etc. that are placed before nouns) can be challenging even for advanced English language learners. In fact, one of the most common mistakes in the IELTS Writing and IELTS Speaking test is using the prepositions incorrectly. Of course, you could lose marks if such mistakes are consistent. This article focuses on the words at, in,…

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IELTS test format explained – IELTS test examples for Academic & General Training

IELTS is an important test and succeeding in it can determine your future. In order to prepare well, you need to know what to expect in the test and understand the IELTS test format.  First of all, the IELTS test covers Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Altogether it will take around 3 hours. The first 3 modules come one after another but Speaking will be taken with…

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IELTS Test Day Rules and Advice

Not many people like taking exams, and IELTS is no exception. However, if you know what to expect on the day and how to prepare for the test day you can make the day easier. First of all, you will be given some guidelines from the test centre in an email before the test so you should read this email carefully. Here’s a review of…

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11 ways to improve your English speaking & get a higher IELTS Speaking score

Do you feel anxious or embarrassed when speaking English? Don’t worry, this is quite common and normal. It’s always challenging to have a conversation in a language other than your native language. As opposed to your native language, a foreign or a second language – like English is to you – requires extra effort; especially, if you’re not surrounded by it on a daily basis….

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[Updated] Online IELTS test at home – IELTS Indicator

Great news! IELTS has announced a temporary online option – IELTS Indicator – for those of you who are unable to sit exams due to coronavirus restrictions. IELTS Indicator was designed to support your progress in your University and Educational Institution applications during the COVID-19 crisis. Please watch this video and read all information in this article carefully before applying. What is the new IELTS…

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3 simple checks to ensure you’re ready for the IELTS test

Many students take the IELTS test before they’re ready just to “see how they go”. But this often leads to an IELTS band score lower than desired which makes students feel disappointed, stressed and sometimes even demotivated. This can also be quite costly as each test costs over 200 eu. Therefore, it is better to take the necessary time to prepare enough and apply for…

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Understanding International News – Coronavirus Vocabulary explained

Reading and listening to the news in English is an essential practice to improve your English and achieve a better score in the IELTS test. Now that we are all concerned and affected by the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), it is recommended to catch-up with both local and international news like BBC, The Guardian and the World Health Organization (WHO). Remember, it is crucial…

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