IELTS preparation notes

The Listening test runs for 30 minutes, with a further 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. Each recording is played once. Write your answers on the question paper as you listen — nothing on the question paper is marked until it is copied to the answer sheet.

Test format at a glance

• Four sections, increasing in difficulty.
• 40 questions in total — one mark each.
• You hear each recording once only.
• Time is given to read questions before each section begins.
• Answers may be written in lower case or capitals.

Ten essential listening tips

1. Read before you listen — predict the answer. Use the time before each section to read the questions and predict the answer type (a name, a number, a date, a noun).
2. Read as you listen — focus on the whole question. Most mistakes come from misreading the question, not from missing the audio. Track the exact wording.
3. Look at two questions at once. Answers often arrive quickly one after another. Be ready for the next question before it arrives — losing your place is far more costly than missing a single item.
4. Don't leave the writing to the end. Write as you listen and move straight to the next set of questions. Memory under pressure is unreliable.
5. Practise your shorthand. You have 10 minutes at the end to copy answers. Write just enough to recognise later. The exception is Part 1, where names and numbers must be written in full as you hear them.
6. Numbers and names — check your spelling. A single misspelt letter costs the mark. Build associations for confusable letters: J vs G, A vs E vs I.
7. Don't write the answer too quickly. Speakers often correct themselves. Wait for confirmation: "Thursday at 7" not the first day suggested.
8. Don't leave any blank answers. Guess — your guess may well be correct, and blanks risk shifting all your answers into the wrong boxes.
9. Listen for repeated information. Words that are repeated by the speaker are often the answer.
10. Look for clues in the question. In table-completion items, row and column headings tell you the category of word you are listening for.

On test day

• Underline keywords in the question stem before the audio begins.
• Watch the word limit — "no more than two words" means two, not three.
• Use the transfer time deliberately — check spelling, grammar and word limits.

You have 1 hour to complete 3 sections and 40 questions — one mark each. There is no extra transfer time. You must write your answers directly onto the answer sheet.

Question types to master

• Multiple choice
• True / False / Not Given (Yes / No / Not Given for opinions)
• Matching headings to paragraphs
• Sentence and summary completion
• Matching features and matching information to paragraphs
• Matching sentence endings

Four principles that lift your reading score

1. Beat the fear — read widely outside the test. Short articles in English on topics you find interesting build the confidence to keep moving when you meet unfamiliar vocabulary.
2. Train two reading speeds. Skimming gives you the general meaning; scanning finds specific information. Both are used to locate the answer — once located, read the relevant sentences in detail to confirm it.
3. Manage your time deliberately. Decide in advance how long you spend previewing each text, how long per question, and whether you will return to unanswered items. Practise different approaches and keep what works for you.
4. Focus on the question. A single qualifier — always, often, only — can flip the answer. Re-read the question before committing to your answer.

True / False / Not Given — a clear method

• True: the passage clearly confirms the statement.
• False: the passage clearly contradicts the statement.
• Not Given: the passage neither confirms nor contradicts it — do not use outside knowledge.

Write at least 150 words in around 20 minutes. You are given a situation and three bullet points to cover. Match the tone to the reader.

Three registers

• Formal — to people you do not know (manager, company, council). "Dear Sir or Madam" / "Yours faithfully".
• Semi-formal — to people you know in a professional capacity (landlord, colleague you address by name). "Dear Mr Smith" / "Yours sincerely".
• Informal — to a friend or close family. "Dear John" / "Best wishes".

Structure that always works

1. Greeting matching the register.
2. Opening sentence stating the purpose of the letter ("I am writing to…").
3. Three short paragraphs — one for each bullet point in the task.
4. Closing line ("I look forward to your reply" / "Hope to hear from you soon").
5. Sign-off matching the greeting.

Common letter types

• Request and complaint letters
• Apology and explanation letters
• Invitation and thank-you letters
• Application and enquiry letters
• Information-giving letters to friends

Opening lines by purpose

• Request — "I am writing to request…" / "I would be grateful if you could…"
• Complaint — "I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with…" / "I wish to draw your attention to…"
• Apology — "I am writing to apologise for…" / "Please accept my sincere apologies for…"
• Invitation — "I would like to invite you to…" / "I am writing to invite you to…"
• Application / enquiry — "I am writing in response to your advertisement…" / "I am writing to enquire about…"
• Informal update — "I thought I'd drop you a line to let you know…" / "It's been ages — how are you?"

Useful closing lines

• Formal — "I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience."
• Formal — "I would appreciate a prompt response to this matter."
• Semi-formal — "I look forward to your reply."
• Informal — "Hope to hear from you soon. Take care!"

Model formal letter — outline

Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to complain about the poor service I received at your branch on 12 May.

Paragraph 1 — what happened. Describe the situation factually: who, what, when, where.
Paragraph 2 — the impact. Explain why it caused you a problem and how it made you feel.
Paragraph 3 — what you want. State the action you expect: refund, apology, replacement, investigation.

I look forward to your reply within the next fourteen days.
Yours faithfully,
James Carter

Band 7+ checklist

• All three bullet points fully covered — no missing content.
• Register consistent from greeting to sign-off.
• Paragraphs visibly separated; one purpose per paragraph.
• Range of cohesive devices — not just "firstly, secondly, finally".
• At least 150 words; aim for 160–180 for comfort.

Write at least 150 words in around 20 minutes describing visual information — a line graph, bar chart, pie chart, table, process diagram or map. Do not give opinions; report what you see.

A four-paragraph framework

1. Introduction — paraphrase the question. State what the visual shows, the units, and the time frame.
2. Overview — two or three sentences capturing the most important trends or features. No numbers here.
3. Detail paragraph 1 — group related data and support with figures.
4. Detail paragraph 2 — describe the remaining data with figures and comparisons.

Language to build into your writing

• Change verbs — rose, increased, climbed, soared, fell, declined, dropped, plummeted, stabilised, fluctuated.
• Adverbs of degree — slightly, gradually, steadily, sharply, dramatically.
• Comparisons — twice as many as, half of, the highest, the lowest, by far the most.
• Process language — firstly, next, following this, finally, at this stage, the passive voice.
• Map language — to the north of, adjacent to, was demolished, was replaced by, was extended.

Introduction templates

• "The line graph illustrates the changes in [topic] between [year] and [year]."
• "The bar chart compares [topic] across [categories]."
• "The two maps show how [place] developed between [year] and [year]."
• "The diagram depicts the process by which [product] is produced."

Overview phrases (no figures here)

• "Overall, it is clear that…"
• "The most striking feature is…"
• "In general, [X] rose sharply while [Y] declined steadily."
• "The most significant change took place between [year] and [year]."

Linking and contrast

• Comparison — likewise, similarly, in the same way, in comparison.
• Contrast — in contrast, however, on the other hand, whereas, while.
• Adding data — furthermore, moreover, in addition, as well as.
• Cause / effect — as a result, consequently, due to, this led to.

Sample paragraph — line graph

Between 2000 and 2010, sales of electric vehicles grew steadily from around 5,000 units to just over 50,000, a tenfold increase. Petrol cars, by contrast, dipped slightly from 1.2 million to 1.05 million over the same period. The most dramatic change occurred after 2008, when electric sales accelerated sharply.

Band 7+ checklist

• Paraphrase the question — do not copy the prompt.
• Include a clear overview paragraph with no figures.
• Support every claim with a number, percentage or date.
• Use a mix of past simple and present perfect for trends.
• At least 150 words; aim for 170–190.

Write at least 250 words in 40 minutes. Task 2 carries more weight than Task 1. Examiners reward clear opinions, fully developed paragraphs, accurate grammar and a range of vocabulary.

The four common question types

• Opinion — "To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
• Discussion — "Discuss both views and give your opinion."
• Advantages and disadvantages — "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?"
• Problem and solution — "What problems does this cause and how can they be solved?"

A reliable four-paragraph structure

1. Introduction — paraphrase the question (1–2 sentences), then give your thesis stating your overall position.
2. Main body 1 — topic sentence, idea, explanation, example.
3. Main body 2 — topic sentence, idea, explanation, example.
4. Conclusion — restate your opinion using different words. Do not introduce new ideas.

The "idea, explain, example" paragraph

Every main paragraph follows the same shape: one clear topic sentence, one well developed idea, an explanation of why that idea is true, and a concrete example (real or hypothetical). One strong idea, fully extended, scores higher than three weak ones.

Have a strong, clear opinion

For opinion essays, choose one side and defend it consistently. Band 9 answers do not sit on the fence. For discussion essays, present both views fairly, then make your own position obvious in the introduction and conclusion.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Memorised introductions — examiners spot them instantly.
• Listing many ideas without developing any of them.
• Over-using linking words. "Firstly, secondly, finally" is fine — but real cohesion comes from referencing and re-using key vocabulary.
• Writing below 250 words — penalty applied automatically.
• Going off-topic. Answer every part of the question.

Introduction templates by question type

• Opinion — "It is sometimes argued that [paraphrased issue]. In my view, [clear position], for the reasons set out below."
• Discussion — "While some people believe [view A], others maintain that [view B]. This essay will examine both perspectives before concluding that [your view]."
• Advantages / disadvantages — "There are several benefits and drawbacks to [topic]. This essay will argue that the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages."
• Problem / solution — "[Topic] has become a serious issue in recent years. This essay will outline the main causes and propose practical solutions."

Body paragraph template — IEE (Idea · Explain · Example)

Topic sentence: "The primary reason for this is that [idea]."
Explanation: "This is because [reason / mechanism], which means that [consequence]."
Example: "For instance, a 2023 study by the WHO found that [specific evidence]."
Mini-conclusion: "It is therefore clear that [link back to thesis]."

Linkers Band 7+ examiners reward

• Adding ideas — moreover, in addition, furthermore, what is more.
• Contrasting — however, nevertheless, on the contrary, despite this.
• Conceding — admittedly, it is true that, while it may be argued that.
• Cause / effect — as a consequence, owing to, this gives rise to, accordingly.
• Concluding — to conclude, in summary, on balance, all things considered.

Conclusion templates

• "In conclusion, although [opposing view] has some merit, the evidence above demonstrates that [your position]."
• "To sum up, while [X] presents certain challenges, the long-term benefits clearly justify [Y]."
• "On balance, I firmly believe that [restated thesis], and that governments should [recommendation]."

Worked example — opinion essay outline

Question: "Some people believe that universities should focus on preparing students for work, while others think their role is to develop knowledge for its own sake. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Intro — paraphrase + thesis ("I believe universities serve both purposes, but employability must come first").
Body 1 — career-focused view: graduate employability, economic return, specific example (engineering degrees in Germany).
Body 2 — knowledge-focused view: research, critical thinking, specific example (humanities scholarship driving public debate).
Conclusion — restate thesis, recommend a balanced curriculum.

Band 7+ checklist

• Clear position stated in the introduction and re-stated in the conclusion.
• Each body paragraph develops one idea fully — not a list of three.
• Cohesion comes from referencing, not just connectors.
• Range of structures — conditional, passive, relative clauses, complex noun phrases.
• At least 250 words; aim for 270–290.

The Speaking test is a one-to-one interview lasting 11–14 minutes in three parts. You are graded on four criteria: Fluency & Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range & Accuracy, and Pronunciation.

The three parts

1. Part 1 — Introduction & familiar topics (4–5 min). Short questions about you: work or study, where you live, hobbies, holidays, food, sport. Aim for 2–4 sentences per answer.
2. Part 2 — Long turn (3–4 min). The examiner gives you a topic card. You have 1 minute to prepare and must speak for 1–2 minutes. Longer, well-organised answers earn higher scores.
3. Part 3 — Discussion (4–5 min). Abstract questions linked to your Part 2 topic. Expect to compare, analyse, speculate and justify opinions.

Extend every answer — three strategies

• Divide into 2 or 3 parts. "There are three kinds of food I'm really keen on. The one I like best is… I also enjoy… And I'm partial to…"
• General → specific → example. Begin with a general answer, narrow to a specific reason, then give an example.
• Past → present → future. Especially useful for Part 3 — anchor your answer in how things were, how they are now, and where they are going.

Grading at a glance

• Fluency & coherence — speak at length, link ideas naturally, avoid long pauses to search for language.
• Lexical resource — use less common vocabulary, paraphrase confidently, show awareness of collocation.
• Grammatical range — mix simple and complex sentences; use conditionals, relative clauses and a range of tenses.
• Pronunciation — clear individual sounds, natural word and sentence stress, intonation that carries meaning.

Habits that build a Band 7+

• Record yourself daily — listen back for filler words and self-correction.
• Learn topic-based vocabulary in collocations, not single words.
• Practise the long turn against a timer. Two minutes is longer than it feels.
• Never memorise full answers — examiners are trained to detect them.