Compare and Contrast

the same as; on the contrary; at the same time; compared with; by contrast; in the same way;

conversely; in contrast to this; on the other hand; in comparison with

The first pie chart shows reasons why some people prefer to drive. conversely / on the other hand / in
contrast to this / on the contrary / by contrast, the second chart shows reasons why others regularly travel
by public transport.
The two most popular reasons for owning a car are freedom and independence, with 29% stating this.This
percentage is the same as for those who enjoy driving. conversely / in contrast to this / on the other hand
/ by contrast, the majority of people who use public transport do so because owning a car is too expensive for
them. 3696 of people say this. in the same way / at the same time, 25% of those in the survey state that they
have not passed the driving test. For these two groups, it is not a matter of choice. conversely / on the other
hand / in contrast to this / by contrast20% of those who travel on public transport do so because they have
concerns about the effect that cars have on the environment, so this group choose not to drive whether or not
they can.
18% of drivers feel that they need to have a car because they have children. Another practical reason for
driving is that it saves time, and 16% said this, conversely / on the other hand / in contrast to this / on the
contrary / by contrast, 8% said that they drive a car because it gives them a higher position in society, even
though they may not need to drive. Of the remainder who travel by public transport, 12% say they dislike
driving, compared with / in comparison with 7% who feel that driving is too dangerous.
On the whole, it seems that most people would prefer to own a car if they could, on the other hand / in
contrast to this / by contrast a minority make a conscious choice to use public transport.

Writing Task 2

However; firstly; furthermore; such as; because of; particularly; as a result; in addition;

consequently; because; nevertheless

It is true that many people struggle to produce letters and often avoid writing letters completely. However /
Nevertheless I don't agree that this skill is gradually disappearing.
Firstly let us consider the reasons why people find it so difficult to write. To begin with, writing letters is less
frequent nowadays thanks to modern technology. These days we are much more likely to email someone than
write a letter. Furthermore / In additionour business communications have become more informal than in the
past. As a result / Consequently a less formal style of writing is more acceptable. Other forms of modern
communication such as text messaging have reduced our writing skills even further.
Nevertheless / However I still feel that letter writing is an important skill to learn because there are many parts
of the world where it is very important to be formal. This is particularly true if you are involved in international
business. Because ofglobalisation, the business world is becoming more and more international and it is not
always possible to pick up the telephone to talk to people. Consequently I believe that letter writing will never
die out completely. And, even though these letters may be written on computers rather than by hand, we still
need to learn and practise this skill.
To sum up, even though many people think writing letters is quite difficult, there are things they can do to
improve their writing skills if they find it too difficult. Personally, I believe that if you want to make a good
impression in any situation, then you need good writing skills.

IELTS Vocabulary: Writing a letter

Below, you will see eleven common situations that people encounter when they are writing a formal letter.
Choose the sentence or phrase (A, B or C) that would be most appropriate in each situation.

1) You are writing a letter to the headteacher of a school or college, but you don't know their name. How do you begin your letter?

A Dear headteacher,

B Dear Sir/Madam,

C Dear Sir,

2) You have received a letter from the manager of a company which buys computer components from your company, and you are
now replying. What do you say?

A Thank you for your letter.

B Thanks a lot for your letter.

C It was great to hear from you.

3) You recently stayed in a hotel and were very unhappy with the service you received. You are now writing to the manager. What
do you say?

A I had a horrible time at your hotel recently.

B I would like to say that I am unhappy about your hotel.

C I would like to complain about the service I received at your hotel recently.

4) You have sent a letter of application to a college, together with your curriculum vitae which the college requested. What do you
say in the letter to explain that your curriculum vitae is attached?

A You asked for my curriculum vitae, so here it is.

B As you can see, I've enclosed my curriculum vitae.

C As you requested, I enclose my curriculum vitae.

5) You have applied for a job, but you would like the company to send you more information. What do you say?

A I would be grateful if you would send me more information.

 B I want you to send me more information.

C Send me some more information, if you don't mind.

6) In a letter you have written to a company, you tell them that you expect them to reply. What do you say?

A Write back to me soon, please.

B Please drop me a line soon.

C l look forward to hearing from you soon.

7) In a letter you have written, you want the recipient to do something and are thanking them in advance of their action. What do you
say?

A Thank you for your attention in this matter.

B Thanks for doing something about it.

C I am gratified that you will take appropriate action.

8) The company you work for has received an order from another company and you are writing to them to acknowledge the order
and let them know when you can deliver. What do you say?

A About the order you sent on 12 January for...

B I would like to remind you of the order you sent on 12 January for...

C Refer to your order of 12 January.

9) In a letter, you explain that the recipient can contact you if they want more information. What do you say?

A Give me a call if you want some more information.

B If you would like any more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

C If you would like any more information, why not get in touch?

10) You began a letter with the recipient's name (e.g., Dear Mr. Perrin). How do you end the letter?

A Yours faithfully.

B Yours sincerely.

C Best wishes.

11) You did not begin the letter with the recipient's name (see number 1 above). How do you end the letter?
A Yours faithfully.

B Yours sincerely.

C Best wishes.

Show Answers - Hide Answers

Look at these sentences and decide if they are true or false.

1) Formal letters are always longer than informal letters.

a. False. Formal letters should be as brief and to the point as possible

2) In a formal letter it is acceptable to use colloquial English, slang and idioms.

a. False.

3) In a formal letter it is acceptable to use contractions (e.g., I've instead of I have).

a. False.

4) In a formal letter you should include your name and address at the top of the page.
a. False. It is not necessary to include your name

5) In a formal letter, you should always write the date in full (e.g., 1 April 2000 and not 1/4/00).
a. True (In some countries, writing abbreviated dates could be confusing. In Britain, 1/4/00 is the 1 April. In the USA it is the
4 January).

6) In a formal letter, you should always put your full name (e.g., James Harcourt and not J. Harcourt) after your signature at the
bottom of the letter.
a. True.

7) Formal letters do not need to be broken into paragraphs. It is acceptable to write them as one continuous paragraph.
a. False. (A letter which is not broken into paragraphs can be difficult and confusing to read. You should have at least
three paragraphs: Paragraph 1: explaining why you are writing. Paragraph 2+: details. Final paragraph: action to be taken -
e.g., 'I look forward to hearing from you soon')

IELTS Vocabulary: Idioms

there is something to be said for You can say that again!

having said that have a say

When all is said and done Needless to say

That is to say to say the least

1) John: That was a delicious meal!
George: You can say that again!.

2) Swimming was not permitted in the lake. However, having said that, many people did use the lake for swimming.

3) Of course you want to look good when out on the pull, but there is something to be said for not wearing too much makeup.

4) While you are studying abroad, you are certainly going to want somewhere to stay and looking for housing can be stressful, to
say the least.

5) When all is said and done, I believe I had a very enjoyable time on my vacation.

6) My father passed away when I was 16. Needless to say, this had a devastating effect on my life.

7) An essay should be an argument. Ask yourself what are the important questions in any particular issue. That is to say, you
should discuss a problem and not simply narrate events or the stages of an argument.

8) We live in a democratic country, which means we all have a say in how the country is run.

1) You can say that again! (= I totally agree with you)

2) having said that (= despite this)
3) there is something to be said for (= It has some advantages)
4) to say the least (= it is in fact even more important than I have just said)
5) When all is said and done (= After everything else; remember this)
6) Needless to say (= This is to be totally expected)
7) That is to say (= In other words)
8) have a say (= be involved in making a decision)

Expressions with time

by the time time-consuming took so long

spend time at times the right time

in time take your time save time

lose track of time on time from time to time

1) I am not in regular contact with him; I just send him an email from time to time.

2) Excuse me, do you have the right time? I have a job interview at 9 oclock and I really want to get there on time.

3) I prefer to shop online to avoid the crowds and save time.

4) He can get a bit bad-tempered at times.

5) By the time we get home this pizza will be cold!

6) I arrived just in time to watch a spectacular sunset.

7) I ordered a book for my sisters birthday, but it took so long to get delivered that it missed her birthday.
8) Every time I go to the library, I lose track of time. Once, I stayed there for 6 hours!

9) Going to university is now very expensive, and looking for the right course can be very time-consuming.

10) If you get up very early, you can take your time getting ready and may even have enough time to cook a proper breakfast.

11) After school, I would spend time with my family, rather than hanging out with friends.

1) from time to time (= sometimes but not often)

2) the right time ... on time (= at the planned time; neither late nor early )
3) save time
4) at times (= occasionally)
5) By the time
6) in time (= with enough time to spare; before the last moment)
7) took so long (NOT so long time)
8) lose track of time (= to be unaware of what time it is)
9) time-consuming (= taking a lot of or too much time)
10) take your time (= to not hurry)
11) spend time

Letter of complaint
Sara has just returned from an unsatisfactory meal in a restaurant. Look at the words or phrases in capitals.
Choose the most appropriate word or phrase.

Dear Mrs Harper,

I have just returned from a very disappointing meal at your restaurant. As you know, I am a regular customer and have always
been delighted with the quality of the service and the food.

However, the meal I ate tonight fell far short of my expectations. Our steaks were seriously undercooked and the accompanying
potatoes were cold. While your waiter was clearly experiencing a busy night I felt that he was somewhat distracted when I voiced my
disappointment.

To make matters worse, the meal was a treat for my father's 70th birthday. What should have beer an enjoyable experience turned
into a less than relaxing evening. I would like to express my disappointment at this evening's events. I would also appreciate your
reassurance that this will not happen again.

Yours sincerely,

Sara Page

Conditional Sentences
Conditional structures are used to talk about a condition and a possible result or consequence. The
condition is something that must happen first in order for something else to happen as a result or
consequence. Conditionals are complex sentences, which consist of an if-clause, followed by a main clause.
Either clause can be positive or negative.

1) Zero conditional
if + present tense + present tense

If you heat water to 100 degrees, it boils.

present tense + if + present tense

Water boils if you heat it to 100 degrees.

Zero conditional is used to talk about factual or true information. We use the same tense (present or past) in both the if-clause and
the main clause (if has a similar meaning to every time):

If you cool water below zero degrees, it freezes.

We can also use when to introduce the condition:

When you visit a place of worship, you dress appropriately.

If it is no longer a fact we use the past tense:

When I was a child, if I was naughty, my parents sent me to bed early.

2) First conditional
if + present tense + will/wont (might/could/going to) + verb

If you invest your money, it will grow.

will/wont (might/could/going to) + verb + if + present tense

Your money will grow if you invest it.

First conditional is used to talk about future situations based on conditions. We use the present tense in the if-clause and a future
form in the main clause:

If the world continues to burn fossil fuels at the current rate, global warming will rise to two degrees Celsius by 2036.

We can use might, may, or could instead of will to suggest something is less probable:
If its foggy tonight, the plane may be late.

or can to mean sometimes:

If you travel on weekends, the roads can be very crowded. (this sometimes happens)

3) Second conditional
if + past tense + would(nt) (might/could) + verb

If you invested your money, it would grow.

would(nt) (might/could) + verb + if + past tense

Your money would grow if you invested it.

Second conditional is used to talk about something thats imaginary, impossible or unlikely in the present or future. The past tense in
the if-clause does not refer to past time:

If I won 100,000, I would give up my job.

Note: with the verb be we can use was or were with I/he/she/it:

If I were/was you, I would buy a car.

We can use was/were + infinitive to refer to an improbable action:

If I were to win one million dollars, I would give up my job.

4) Third conditional
if + past perfect + would(nt) have + past participle

If youd asked me, Id have done it.

would(nt) have + past participle + if + past perfect

Id have done it if youd asked me.

Third conditional is used to speculate about past events. It is often used to express regret or to imagine the result of something that
did not happen:
If she had been in her office, I would have seen her. (= she was not in her office so I didnt see her)

In the main clause we can use might or could to say that something was less certain:

If Id asked her, she might have helped me. (possibility)

5) Mixed conditional
if + past perfect + would(nt) + verb

If youd saved more, youd be rich.

if + past simple + would(nt) have + past participle

If you were sensible, youd have saved more.

if + past perfect + would(nt) be + ing

If you hadnt saved, you wouldnt be going on holiday.

if + past continuous + would(nt) + verb

If you were going on holiday soon, youd be happy.

if + past simple + would(nt) be + ing

If you didnt have savings, you wouldnt be going on holiday.

Mixed conditional is used to express the present result of a past situation or explain how a present situation affected a past action.
To do this we use a combination of second and third conditionals.

The present result of an imagined situation or action in the past (past situation + present result):

If I'd taken the medication as prescribed, I wouldn't be still sick. (= I didnt take the medication as prescribed so now I am still sick)

The past result of an imagined situation in the present (present situation + past result):

If I had more confidence, I would have got the job. (= I dont have enough confidence so I didnt get the job)

The future result of an imagined situation or action in the past (past situation + future result):

If I hadnt broken my leg, Id be playing football latter. (= I did break my leg so I am not playing football later)

The present result of an imagined situation or action in the future (future situation + present result):

If I wasnt meeting my mentor later, Id be on vacation now. (= I am meeting my mentor later, so Im not on vacation now)
 The future result of an imagined situation in the present (present situation + future result):

If I was in London, Id be going to Trafalgar Square tomorrow because its St Patrick's Day. (= I am not in London, so I wont be
going to Trafalgar Square tomorrow)

Grammar Tip
Conditional structures are usually presented as types (zero, first, second, third, mixed) using specific structures. It is important to
remember that these specific structures are a general guide and that different tenses can be used in the condition clause. There are
also alternatives to will/would in the result clause.

Conditional structures can be useful for the IELTS Writing Task 2 to express facts or unreal situations based on conditions or to
speculate on results or consequences in the future or past.

Used to and Would

used to / would + infinitive

Example: I used to / would smoke.

did not + use to + infinitive

Example: I did't use to smoke.

did ... use to + infinitive?

Example: did you use to smoke?

We use used to + infinitive or would + infinitive to describe repeated actions in the past:
I used to keep the windows closed when I first moved in. (but I stopped doing this)
I would leave the windows open whenever I was at home.
Note: we do not usually use would in the negative form and in Yes/No questions.

We use used to + infinitive to describe past states that are usually no longer true:
We used to live in London when I was a kid. (but we dont now: not We would live in London when I was a kid.)

We do not use used to to refer to specific restricted periods in the past or saying how long it took or how many times:
I lived in New York City for ten years. (not I used to live in New York City for ten years.)
I went to London twice when I was young. (not I used to go to London twice when I was young.)
Note: we do not use would with state verbs.
 Present Perfect Simple

have/has + past participle

Example: He has finished his homework.

have/has not + past participle

Example: I haven't finished my homework.

have/has ... + past participle?

Example: Have you finished your homework?

The principal uses of the present perfect are listed below.

To refer to a time period which is not yet finished (e.g. today, this month):
We've bought a new house this week. (an incomplete period)

To show that something happened in the past. We don't state when is happened:
I've lost my watch. Have you seen it anywhere?

Note: If we give the time we must use the simple past:

I lost my watch yesterday. (not I've lost my watch yesterday)

The following time expressions are often used: ever, never, always, up to now, so far.
This is the worst storm we've ever had. (at any point before now)

To talk about a situation which started in the past and usually continues after the time of speaking in the present:
 He has lived here for six years. (He has lived here till now)

We use for with a lenght of time (e.g. for three weeks, for two days, for six years) and sincewith a point in time (e.g. since 2010,
since Wednesday, since nine o'clock, since I was five, since I moved here)

To talk about an action which occured at an unstated time in the past, provided that there is still a connection with the present:
Ive collected all the documents that are needed for the house sale. (I have the documents now)

Note: If we give the time we must use the simple past:

I lost my watch yesterday. (not I've lost my watch yesterday)

The following time expressions are often used: recently, just, already, and yet with negatives or questions.
I've just arrived.
Have you done your homework yet?

Compare the use of the present perfect with the past simple:

Present perfect Past simple

links the past with the present:

only talks about the past:
John has won several awards. (at some point
John won several awards in 2012.
before now and he may win more awards)

states a specific past time, or the time is

does not talk about a specific time in the past: understood:
Have you read the latest issue of the Magazine? I read the latest issue of the Magazine when I was
(at some time before now) at home. (I'm not at home now and the reading is
finished)

uses time expressions that show the time period uses time expressions that show the time is
is unfinished: finished:
I haven't seen John this morning. (up to 12 noon, I didn't see John this morning. (after 12 noon, last
the morning isn't finished) morning has finished)

Note the position of the following time expressions that occur with the present perfect:

between the auxiliary and main verb (e.g. recently, already, always, ever, just, never):
I've already bought my ticket.
Ive never met your brother.

Ever is generally used with questions or negatives:

Have you ever been to London?

after the main verb (e.g. all my life, every day, yet, before, for ages, for two weeks, since 2001, since I was ten etc.)
I haven't seen him for ages.
Ive known John since I was ten.

if there is an object clause, the time expression comes at the end:

I've read this book every morning since then.
He hasn't ridden since he broke his arm.