Aiming for a score
of 7 or above?
Remember that learning a language
takes time and effort. The IELTS
Masterclass is designed to provide
advice and support to supplement your
other English language learning tools
and IELTS test preparation materials.
Register for your test at ielts.com.au
A free 90-minute class for anyone aiming
for an IELTS band score of 7 or above
Practical advice on how best to enhance
your English
Provides guidance on the common
mistakes to avoid
 elps you understand the IELTS
H
assessment criteria
What is the IELTS test format?

Choose from an academic test of English or a more general test of English.

IELTS Academic IELTS General Training

IELTS Academic measures English language proficiency IELTS General Training measures English language
needed for an academic, higher learning environment. The proficiency in a practical, everyday context. The tasks
tasks and texts are accessible to all test takers, regardless and tasks reflect both workplace and social situations.
of what each test taker has studied in the past.

Listening 30 minutes Listening 30 minutes

Four recorded monologues and conversations Four recorded monologues and conversations

Reading 60 minutes Reading 60 minutes

Three long reading passages with tasks Section 1 contains two or three short factual texts

Texts may include diagrams, graphs or illustrations Section 2 contains two short, work related factual texts

Texts are taken from books, journals, magazines Section 3 contains one longer text on a topic of
and newspapers general interest
Tools are authentic taken from notices,
advertisements, magazines and newspapers.
60 minutes
Writing
Writing 60 minutes
Writing task of at least 150 words where the essay
must summarise, describe or explain a table, graph,
Letter writing task of at least 150 words where the
chart or diagram
essay must refer to, explain and expand upon each of
Short essay task of at least 250 words the three points from the question.
Short essay task of at least 250 words

Speaking 11-14 minutes

Speaking11-14 minutes
Face to face interview without disruptions or
Face to face interview without disruptions or
distractions
distractions
Includes short questions, speaking at length about
Includes short questions, speaking at length about
a familiar topic and a structured discussion
a familiar topic and a structured discussion

The Listening and Speaking components are the same for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

IELTS Masterclass - What is the IELTS test format? | 2

IELTS nine-band scale

Each band corresponds to an English skill level. All parts of the test and the overall band
score are reported in whole (e.g. 7.0, 8.0) or half (e.g. 7.5, 8.5) bands.

Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with
9 Expert user
complete understanding.

Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic
8 Very good user inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations.
Handles complex, detailed argumentation well.

Has operational command of the language, although with occasional inaccuracies,

7 Good user inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex
language well and understands detailed reasoning.

Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies,

6 Competent user inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex
language, particularly in familiar situations.

Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations,
5 Modest user although is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication
in own field.

Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding

4 Limited user
and expression. Is not able to use complex language.

Extremely Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent
3 limited user breakdowns in communication occur.

No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated
2 Intermittent user words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great
difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

1 Non-user Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

Did not attempt

0 the test
No assessable information provided.

IELTS Masterclass - IELTS Nine-Band Scale | 3

12955_IELTS Masterclass Booklet_singles_FA.pdf 1 12/1/2014 3:44:13 PM

Academic Writing Task 1

Academic Writing Task 1
Sample question
Sample Question This question first appeared on a test in 2010
This question first appeared on a test in 2010

Cinema
Cinema Attendance
Attendance
You should
You spend about about
should spend 20 minutes on this
20 minutes task.task.
on this

The graph below

The graph gives
below information
gives informationabout
aboutcinema
cinema attendance
attendance in Australia between 1990
in Australia
and the present, with projections to 2010. with projections
between 1990 and the present,
to 2010.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make
Summarise the information
comparisons by selecting and reporting the
where relevant.
main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Write at least 150 words.

1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010

Sourced from the IELTS Scores Explained DVD 2009 IELTS Masterclass - Academic Writing Task 1 | 4
Sourced from the IELTS Scores Explained DVD 2009
Academic
Academic Writing
Writing Task 1 Task 1
Sample response
Sample Response

Band score awarded and

examiner Band score awarded
comments
and examiner comment
Band 5.5
Band 5.5
This response addresses the
requirements ofThis response
the task addresses the
and selects
requirements
relevant material of the task and se
to describe. Key
features and anrelevant
overviewmaterial
are presented,
to describe. Ke
although clearerfeatures
highlighting,
andmore
an overview are pr
support and a more comprehensive
although clearer highlighting, mo
overview wouldsupport
be neededandto a
reach
more comprehens
a higher band. overview would be needed to re
higher band.
Information is well-organised and there
is a clear overallInformation
progression isin well-organised
the an
response. There a isclear
someoverall
effectiveprogression
use in the
response.
of cohesive devices but onlyThere
limitedisuse
some effectiv
of reference andcohesive devices but only limite
substitution.
reference and substitution.
The range of vocabulary is not wide,
The range of vocabulary is not w
but it is adequate for the task. Control
is adequate for the task. Control
of word form and spelling is consistently
form and spelling is consistently
good, although there are some clumsy
although there are some clumsy
noun phrases that indicate limited
flexibility. phrases that indicate limited flex
The candidate attempts to use a
The candidate attempts
simple and to use a mix sentences,
complex
of simple and complex
controlsentences,
is variablebut and grammati
control is variable
or and grammatical
omissions are quite intrusive
errors or omissions are quite
Figures intrusiveintegrated int
are poorly
at times. Figures are poorly integrated
sentences and indicate evident
into sentences and indicate evident
limitations.
limitations.
The weakness in grammatical ra
The weakness incontrol prevents
grammatical this script from
range
Bandthis
and control prevents 6. script from
reaching Band 6.

Sourced from the IELTS Scores Explained DVD 2009 IELTS Masterclass - Academic Writing Task 1 | 5
Academic Writing Task 2
Sample Question

International Tourism
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

International tourism has brought enormous benefit to many places. At the same
time, there is concern about its impact on local inhabitants and the environment.

Do the disadvantages of international tourism outweigh the advantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Sourced from the IELTS Scores Explained DVD 2009 IELTS Masterclass - Academic Writing Task 2 | 6
12955_IELTS Masterclass Booklet_singles_FA.pdf 1 12/9/2014 10:25:49 AM

Academic Writing
Academic Writing Task Task
2 2
Sample response
Sample Response

Band score awarded and

Band score awarded
examiner comments
and examiner comments

Band 7
Band 7

The test taker addresses both aspects

The test taker addresses both aspects
ofofthe
thetask
taskand
andpresents
presentsa aclear
clearposition
position
throughout
throughout the response. Mainideas
the response. Main ideasareare
generally
generallyclear
clearand
andrelevant,
relevant,although
although some
some supporting
supporting ideasideas lack focus
lack focus (as in(as
thein
opening
the openingof of
paragraph
paragraph 2).2).

Ideasare
Ideas aregenerally
generallywell
wellorganised
organisedand and
there is a clear overall progression, but
there is a clear overall progression,
there are lapses where points are not well
but there areinto
integrated lapses where points
the argument. are of
A range
not well integrated
cohesive devices into the argument.
is used effectively, but
Asome
rangeunder-use
of cohesiveof devices is used
connectives and
effectively, butand
substitution some under-use
some lapses in ofthe use
of referencing
connectives andare noticeable.
substitution and some
lapses in the use of referencing are
A good range of vocabulary is used with
noticeable.
a good awareness of style and collocation,
Aand
good range ofawkward
although vocabulary is used or
expressions
with flexibility andinprecision,
inappropriacies The occur
word choice test these
taker has good
are only awareness
occasional and doofnot
style and
limit the
collocation, andcriterion.
rating for this although awkward
expressions or inappropriacies in word
Likewise,
choice occur a good
theserange of sentence
are only occasional
structures is used with
and do not limit the rating fora high level of
this
accuracy resulting in frequent error-free
criterion.
sentences. Minor systematic errors persist,
however, and punctuation is unhelpful at
Likewise,
times. a good range of sentence
structures is used with a high level of
The strong
accuracy lexicalinresource
resulting frequentcompensates
error-free
sentences. Minor systematic errors
overallhowever,
persist, this response is a good example
and punctuation is of
Band 7. at times.
unhelpful

The strong lexical resource compensates

for flaws in the organisational features so
overall this is a good example of Band 7.

Sourced
Sourced
Sourced from
from
from thethe IELTS
IELTS
the IELTS Scores
Scores
Scores DVDExplained
Explained
Explained DVD
2009DVD 2009 2009 IELTS Masterclass - Academic Writing Task 2 | 7
General Training Writing Task 1
Sample Task

Local Environment
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You saw an advertisement asking for people to help with a project to clean up the local environment

Write a letter to the project organiser. In your letter:

• say where you saw the advertisement
• explain how you can help
• give details about when you are available

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Sourced from the IELTS Scores Explained DVD 2009 IELTS Masterclass - General Training Writing Task 1 | 8
12955_IELTS Masterclass Booklet_singles_FA.pdf 1 12/9/2014 10:09:19 AM

General Training
General Training Writing
Writing Task 1 Task 1
Sample response
Sample Response

Band
Band score awarded and
score awarded
examiner comments
and examiner comments

Band 4 Band 4
The purpose of the letter is stated but the
The purposefails
candidate of the letter is stated
to address the thirdbutbullet
the
candidate
point while fails to address
including some theirrelevant
third bullet
point while including
information, so the some
rating irrelevant
is limited for Task
information,
Achievement. so the
Therating
openingis limited for
and closing
sections
Task are inappropriate
Achievement. The opening in tone
andand do
not match
closing the purpose
sections of the letter.
are inappropriate in The
sequencing
tone and do not of information gives the
match the purpose of letter
the letter. The sequencing of informationcan
an underlying coherence so the ideas
be followed, but there is a lack of overall
gives the letter an underlying coherence
progression. Sentences are not fluently
solinked
the ideas
and thecanlack
be followed, but there
of referencing and is
a substitution
lack of overall progression.
results Sentences
in considerable
are not fluently linked and the lack of
repetition.
referencing and substitution results in
The range ofrepetition.
considerable vocabulary is limited to basic
expressions which are used repetitively,
and overall these are inadequate for the
The range of vocabulary is limited to
task. Similarly, the range of sentence forms
basic expressions
is very limited with which are used short,
predominantly
repetitively, and overall
simple structures usedthese are
repetitively.
inadequate
Attempts at forvariation
the task.inSimilarly,
expression theor more
range
complexof sentence
structures forms
are is very
rare andlimited
result in
grammatical
with predominantlyerror.short, simple
structures used repetitively. Attempts
at variation in expression or more
complex structures are rare and result
in grammatical error.

Sourced
Sourced
Sourced from
from
from thethe IELTS
IELTS
the IELTS Scores
Scores
Scores DVDExplained
Explained
Explained DVD
2009DVD 2009 2009 IELTS Masterclass - General Training Writing Task 1 | 9
General Training Writing Task 2
Sample Task

Serial Dramas
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Many serial dramas on TV (e.g. ‘soap operas’ or ‘soaps’) play an important social role.
Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge
or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Sourced from the IELTS Scores Explained DVD 2009 IELTS Masterclass - General Training Writing Task 2 | 12
12955_IELTS Masterclass Booklet_singles_FA.pdf 1 12/9/2014 10:27:09 AM

General Training
General Training Writing
Writing Task 2 Task 2
Sample response
Sample Response

Band
Bandscore
scoreawarded
awarded and
examiner comments
and examiner comments

Band 7.5Band 7.5

This
This is aisthoughtful
a thoughtful
andand considered
considered
response
response thatthat addresses
addresses all parts
all parts of of
the task.
the task.
Ideas are developed and supported,
Ideas are developed
although some could andbe supported,
more clearly
although
focused some could
on the be more
social clearly
role of serial dramas.
focused on the social
Nevertheless, role of serial
the approach is germane
to theNevertheless,
dramas. issue under discussion
the approach andisthe
conclusions
germane to the drawn are clear
issue under and relevant.
discussion
and the conclusions drawn are clear
andofrelevant.
the argument is logical
The answer throughout.
flows well There
andarethelapses in paragraph
progression development
of the argument is and
occasional awkwardness in referencing that
logical throughout. There are lapses in
limit the rating. Cohesion is otherwise
paragraph
handleddevelopment
well. and occasional
awkwardness in referencing that limit
theThe
rating.
testCohesion
taker uses is otherwise
a wide range of
handled well. and skilfully incorporates less
vocabulary
common words and phrases. There are
Theonly
testoccasional
taker uses errors
a wideinrange
wordof choice and
spelling errors
vocabulary are rare.
and skilfully incorporates less
common words and phrases. There are
Overall, grammar is well controlled and
onlya occasional errors intypes
range of sentence word ischoice
used and
with
spelling errors are rare. Overall, grammar
is well controlled
agreement andand a range
verb phrases occur but
of sentence
these aretypes is used with
non-systemic and do not reduce
confidence. A few errors in articles
comprehension.
agreement and verb phrases occur
butThe
theserange of lexis and structures
are non-systemic and do not raises
this response
reduce above Band 7, but the
comprehension.
reach Band 8.
The range of lexis and structures raises
this response above Band 7, but the
overall performance is not sufficient
enough to reach Band 8.

Sourced from the IELTS Scores Explained DVD 2009 IELTS Masterclass - General Training Writing Task 2 | 11

Sourced
Sourced fromfrom theScores
the IELTS IELTS Scores
Explained DVDExplained
2009 DVD 2009
 12955_IELTS Masterclass Booklet_singles_FA.pdf 1 12/9/2014 10:35:29 AM

Listening
Listening sample questions
Page 1 of 2 Sample Listening B: Questions

Sample Question
Sample Listening B: Questions
SECTION 2 Questions 11

Questions Page 4 of original Listening paper

Complete the notes below.

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE

Well known for: 11

Complex consists of: concert rooms

theatres

cinemas

art galleries

public library

restaurants

12

Historical background: 1940 area destroyed by bombs

1960s Centre was 13

In 14 opened to public

Managed by: 15

Open: 16
Page 2 of 2 Sample Listening B: Questions

Questions Page 5 of original Listening paper

Complete the table below.

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Day Time Event Venue Ticket price

Monday and 7.30 p.m. Flute 17 from £8.00

Tuesday (opera by Mozart)

Wednesday 8.00 p.m. 18 Cinema 2 19

(Canadian film)

Saturday and 11 a.m. to 20 Gallery 1 free

Sunday 10 p.m. (art exhibition)

Sourced
Sourced fromfrom theScores
the IELTS IELTS Scores
Explained DVDExplained
2009 DVD 2009
Sourced from the IELTS Scores Explained DVD 2009 IELTS Masterclass - Listening Sample Questions | 12

IDP Masterclass 1
Examiner approved IELTS tips
IELTS is accepted for study, work and migration in more countries than any other
test. More than 10,000 universities, employers, professional registration bodies and
governments around the world accept IELTS as evidence of your English proficiency.

Learning a language takes time and effort. This booklet is designed to help you prepare for your IELTS test
and improve your understanding of the test format, but should not be seen as a substitute for language tuition
and regular practice.

Speaking Listening Writing Reading

Please note

The Listening, Reading and Writing tests must be completed on the same day.

The order in which these tests are taken may vary. There are no breaks between these three
tests. The Speaking test may be taken up to seven days before or after the other three tests.

Further Support

Try a free practice test at Register for an IELTS Masterclass at

IELTSessentials.com/prepare IELTSessentials.com/masterclass

Find a test centre near you at Get advice and share your feedback at
IELTSessentials.com/testcentres Facebook.com/IELTSessentials

IELTS Masterclass - Examiner-approved IELTS tips | 13

 Examiner approved IELTS tips

Listening
Listening test format 11-14 minutes
The Listening component is the same for both versions of IELTS (Academic and General Training). There
are four parts. You will hear the recording only once. A variety of voices and native-speaker accents are used.

Section 1 Section 3

A conversation between two people set in an everyday A conversation between up to four people set in an
social context (e.g. a conversation about accommodation). educational or training context (e.g. a university tutor and
a student discussing an assignment, or a group of people
planning a project).

Section 2 Section 4

A monologue set in an everyday social context (e.g. a A talk set in an educational or training context
speech about local facilities or about arrangements for (e.g. a university lecture).
meals during a conference).

Tips

1 At
 the beginning of each section read the questions for
that section carefully, before the recording starts. This will
help you to follow the recording and identify the answers.
You are provided time just before each listening section to
read questions ‘n’ to ‘n’ (Example: 1 to 5).
2 A
 fter completing a section, it is better to look ahead and
read the questions for the next section than to worry about
the last section.
3 You
 will sometimes have a list of options to choose from
as answers. The possible answers may be listed in
alphabetical order and not necessarily in the order you
will hear them.
4 B
 e careful to note word limits. If there is an instruction:
Write no more than two words, writing more than two
words will mean you will receive no marks at all for your
answer, even if some of the words are correct.
5 T
 ry to listen for key words or synonyms (words that have
the same or nearly the same meaning as another word)
from the question to help you identify the answer. For
example, in the recording you might hear: “She likes going
to the gym and playing tennis”. On your answer sheet, this
could appear as “She is an active person.”
7 L
 isten carefully for words that indicate which stage of
the recording you are listening to, e.g. ‘firstly’, ‘my next’,
‘to sum up’. These words will help you identify which
question you have reached.
8 As you are listening to the recording, cross out options
that don’t fit. This makes it easier for you to find the
right answer.
9 If you are writing dates as an answer to any question,
remember that there are several correct ways to write
them (e.g. 24th April, April 24 and 24 April are all correct.
10 If there are questions you cannot answer leave them and
move on to the next question. This will help you to stay
calm and positive. Go back to those questions at the end,
if you have time.
11 After the last recording has ended you have 10 minutes to
transfer your answers from the Listening booklet to your
answer sheet. Don’t make the mistake of copying these
answers across to the answer sheet in between sections
or you may miss important information about the next
section of the test. Wait until the end of Section 4 before
transferring your answers.

6 You may be asked to write down words that have been

spelled out in the recording. In order to do this well, you
need to know the English alphabet and how each letter is
pronounced (for example, the letter ‘W’ is pronounced as
‘double-u’).

IELTS Masterclass - Examiner-approved IELTS tips - Listening | 14

 Examiner approved IELTS tips

Reading
Reading test format 60 minutes

IELTS Academic

There are three sections, each containing one long text.

The texts are all real and are taken from books, magazines and newspapers. They have been written for a non-specialist
audience and are on academic topics of general interest, which means you do not need specialist knowledge to do well. The
texts are appropriate to, and accessible to, candidates entering undergraduate or postgraduate courses or seeking professional
registration. Texts range from the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. Texts may contain nonverbal materials
such as diagrams, graphs or illustrations. If texts contain technical terms, then a simple glossary is provided.

IELTS General Training

Section 1 Section 2 Section 3

Contains two or three short factual
texts, one of which may be composite
(consisting of 6-8 short texts related
by topic, e.g. hotel advertisements).
Topics are relevant to everyday life in
an English speaking country.
Contains two short factual texts focusing
on work-related issues (e.g. applying
for jobs, company policies, pay and
conditions, workplace facilities, staff
development and training).
Part 3
Contains one longer, more complex
text on a topic of general interest. You
will be reading real passages taken
from notices, advertisements, company
handbooks, official documents, books
magazines and newspapers.

Tips

1 To
 improve your performance in the Reading test you
need to practise reading a variety of English texts. This
will help you develop the ability to read quickly.
2 R
 ead every question carefully first before reading the
passages. This will make it easier for you to find the
answers. Underline possible answers as you go.
3 When
 you begin reading the passage, read it quickly the
first time in order to get a general idea of what it’s about.
Don’t worry about words you do not understand. Then
read each question again to remind yourself which parts
of the passage you will need to read again in detail.
For example, the question may ask what the topic of a
particular passage is. Try underlining key words and ideas
in each paragraph as you read to help you understand the
key message of each passage.
7 C
 ircle or underline key words as you read. For example, if
a reading passage contains many place names or dates,
circle them as you go along. This will make it easier to find
these details if they come up in any of the questions.
8 If you are asked to label a diagram, you will find the words
you need in the text. Be sure to copy them from the text
carefully with the correct spelling.

4 The
 Reading passages always contain the information
you need to answer the question. You won’t have to use
your own knowledge of a topic.
5 If you are copying words from a question or reading
passage to use in your answer, remember that your
spelling must be accurate.
6 The Reading test may sometimes include questions
that test your overall understanding of a passage.
9 If
 there are questions you cannot answer, leave them and
move on to the next question. This will help you to stay
calm and positive. Go back to those questions at the end,
if you have time.
10 Make
 sure you write down your answers for the Reading
test on the answer sheet – not the question paper. There
will be no extra time to transfer your answers after the
Reading test.

IELTS Masterclass - Examiner-approved IELTS tips - Reading | 15

 Examiner approved IELTS tips
Writing
Writing test format 60 minutes
IELTS Academic There are two parts. Responses to Task 1 and Task 2 should be written in a formal style.
Task 1
You are presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and are
asked to summarise and report the information in your own words.
You may be asked to select and compare data, describe the
stages of a process, describe an object or how something works.
Notes The issues raised are of general interest to, suitable for, and easily understood by test takers entering undergraduate or postgraduate
studies or seeking professional registration. Responses to Task 1 and Task 2 should be written in an academic, semi-formal or neutral style.
IELTS General Training
Task 1
You are presented with a situation and are asked to write a
letter requesting information or explaining the situation. The letter
may be personal, semi-formal or formal in style. Topics are of
general interest.
Tips
1 I n your Writing test there are no right or wrong answers or
opinions. The examiners are assessing how well you can
use your English to report information and express ideas.
2 Analyse the questions carefully to make sure your answer
addresses all the points covered by the question, in Task 1
of the General Training version.
3 Notice
 the minimum word limit. If you write less than 150 words
for Task 1 and less than 250 for Task 2, you will lose marks.
4 Be
 careful to use your own words because the examiner will
not include words copied from the question in the word count.
5 Y
 ou must write both your answers in full, not in note form or
in bullet points. You must arrange your ideas in paragraphs
to show the examiner that you are able to organise your main
and supporting points.
6 You do not have to write very long sentences to do well
in your Writing test. If sentences are too long, they will
become less coherent and also make it harder for you to
control the grammar.
7 In Academic Writing Task 1 you have to select and compare
relevant information from data presented in a graph, table or
diagram. In your introduction, do not copy the text from the
question. Use your own words. You shouldn’t try to interpret
or give reasons for the data; keep your response factual. In
General Training Writing Task 1, you have to write a letter in
response to three points. Remember to equally respond to
all three points. ‘
Task 2
You are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view,
argument or problem. Task 2 contributes twice as much as
Task 1 to the Writing score.
Part 3Part 3
Task 2
You are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view,
argument or problem. The essay can be less formal in style with a
more personal response than the Academic Writing Task 2 essay.
Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.
Topics are of general interest.
8 Task 2 of the Academic Writing test and the General
Training Writing test is an essay. Don’t forget to plan your
essay structure before you start writing. You should include
an introduction, ideas to support your argument or opinion,
real-life examples to illustrate your points, and a conclusion
based on the information you have provided.
9 You have 40 minutes to write your Task 2 essay. Make
sure you give yourself up to five minutes to plan your
answers before you start writing. Also leave five minutes
at the end to review your answer and check for mistakes.
10 Make your position or point of view as clear as possible
in your essay for Academic and General Training Writing
Task 2. Your last paragraph should be a conclusion that
is consistent with the arguments you have included in
your essay.
11 Memorising a model answer for the Writing test won’t help
you. The examiner will see that your answer does not
match the topic of the essay.
12 Many candidates confuse singular and plural nouns. For
example, the plural form for many nouns includes an ‘s’
– students, journals, articles, issues. Pay attention to this
when writing.
13 Take care to spell words correctly. Standard American,
Australian and British spellings are acceptable in IELTS.
IELTS Masterclass - Examiner-approved IELTS tips - Writing | 16
 Examiner approved IELTS tips

Speaking
Speaking test format 11-14 minutes
The Speaking component is the same for both versions of IELTS (Academic and General Training).
There are three parts. The test is recorded.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Introduction and interview (4-5 minutes).
The examiner introduces him/herself
and your identity. The examiner asks
you general questions on familiar topics
(e.g. family, work, studies and interests).
Individual long turn (3-4 minutes). Two-way discussion (4-5 minutes).
The examiner gives you a task card that The examiner asks further questions
asks you to talk about a particular topic that are connected to the topic of Part 2.
and which includes points you can cover This gives you an opportunity to discuss
in your talk. You are given one minute more general issues and ideas.
to prepare your talk, and you are given
a pencil and paper to make notes. You
talk for one to two minutes on the topic.
The examiner then asks you one or two
questions on the same topic.

Tips

1 In
 the lead up to the Speaking test, make sure you take
the time to practise speaking English – with friends,
at work and on the phone. You should also consider
recording yourself, so that you are confident speaking
English during the Speaking test.
2 T
 here are no right or wrong answers in the Speaking
test. The examiner will assess you on how well you can
express your ideas and opinions in good English.
3 It will help you to feel relaxed if you imagine you are
talking to a friend. Remember that you are not being
assessed on your opinions, rather on your use of English.
4 T
 ry to avoid repeating the words used in the examiner’s
question. Use your own words to show the examiner your
full ability.
5 S
 peak clearly and at a natural pace. If you speak too
quickly, you may make mistakes or pronounce words
incorrectly.
6 Answer in as much detail as you can. Don’t just answer
‘yes’ or ‘no’. Try to develop your response to each
question − draw on your own experience and give
examples. The examiner wants to hear whether you
can talk at length on a range of topics.
7 U
 se the correct verb tense when answering questions
in the Speaking test. Listen carefully to the question
and notice which verb tense is used. For example,
if the question is ‘What kind of music do you like?’ (in the
present tense) your answer should also be in the present
tense (e.g. ‘I like pop music best’). You can go on to use
other tenses as you extend your response, e.g. ‘I haven’t
always enjoyed that kind of music...’.
8 P
 ractise the pronunciation of numbers to be sure that your
meaning is clear. For example, many numbers can sound
very similar when spoken, so be sure to say them clearly,
e.g. ‘Thirty’ and ‘Thirteen’, ‘Forty’ and ‘Fourteen’, ‘Fifty’
and ‘Fifteen’ etc.
9 It is better to use simple, commonly used vocabulary
and to use it correctly than to use advanced vocabulary
that you are unsure about. However, to get a high score,
you must show you know how to use more advanced
vocabulary.
10 Try to answer as fully as possible and give reasons for
your answers. This will help you to use a wider range
of vocabulary and grammar.
11 Remember that if the Examiner stops you while speaking,
do not panic. You are not being assessed on ‘Task
Response’ or ‘Task Achievement’ and therefore, it is
perfectly normal for the Examiner to stop you.

IELTS Masterclass - Examiner-approved IELTS tips - Speaking | 17

IELTS preparation checklist
Preparing for IELTS takes time and requires practise.
Before booking your test for the first time, or
re-sitting the test again, ask yourself whether you
have taken the necessary steps to ensure you have
the best opportunity to succeed. Follow these tips in
the months and weeks before your test and you will
feel more confident and ready to take the test.
First Steps

Register for the test. There are 48 test dates per
year and IDP IELTS offers over 200 test locations
all over the world. Find a test centre near you at
ieltsessentials.com. To book your test visit
ielts.com.au

Check the IELTS score required by your chosen
university, institution, employer of organisation. You
can search a list of over 9,000 organisations which
accept IELTS at ielts.com.au/whoaccepts. Can’t
find the organisation you’re looking for? Contact the
organisation directly to check their IELTS requirements.
Get to know the test
Read the Information for Candidates booklet which
contains essential information to help you do your
best. This can be downloaded from
ieltsessentials.com/prepare
To understand what examiners look for in the
Speaking and Writing tests, see the ‘IELTS
assessment criteria’ on pages 20, 21, and 22.
Improve your English
Taking an English language course is one of the
quickest ways to improve your English. The
feedback you receive from your teacher will
improve the specific skills involved in speaking,
listening, reading and writing English.
Test preparation is different to an English language
course. Test preparation will not help improve your
English. An IELTS preparation course can help you
to familiarise yourself with the types of tasks included
in an IELTS test. Ask your local IELTS test centre for
more information about both an English Language
programme as well as an IELTS Test preparation
course near you.
“Don’t be scared of IELTS. Just come prepared and go with it.”
Use your English everyday
Listen to English language radio, television and
film. You should try to listen to a variety of English
accents including American, Australian, British,
Canadian and New Zealand.
Read English publications such as newspapers
and magazines regularly.
Write letters, emails or notes in English
whenever possible.
Speak English with your friends and family.
Practise sample questions
Practise the free IELTS test sample available
at ielts.com.au
Use the Official IELTS Practice Materials (two books
are available) which include sample questions
and sample responses with examiner comments.
Purchase these online or from your local test centre.
There is a wide range of IELTS preparation
material available for purchase at bookshops
and online. For a list of popular books visit
ieltsessentials.com/purchase
The day before the test
Re-read the Information for Candidates booklet
and Notice to Candidates again to ensure that you
understand the test format and rules.
Plan your journey − ensure you know how to get to
the test venue so that you arrive on time. Also get
plenty of rest the night before your test to help you
to feel more relaxed on the day.
Test day
Allow plenty of time to travel to the test venue to
ensure you arrive on time.
Bring your passport with you, or you will be unable
to take the test.
Sutasinee Kongrawd, Bangkok
IELTS Masterclass - Examiner-approved IELTS tips - Speaking | 18
What to expect on the day

The IELTS test has four components. Three of these – Listening, Reading and Writing – are always taken on the
same day, in the same session. The order is which these tests are taken may vary. The Speaking test may be
sat the same day or taken up to seven days before or after the other tests, depending on your test centre. The
IELTS test implements sophisticated, biometric security measures which protect candidates and organisations
from attempts to cheat. You will go through the processes described below when you register on test day.

Arrive early Check in your personal items


You should arrive early for your test in order to allow
time for you to register and be seated for the test.
Please refer to your booking confirmation for details.
If you arrive late, you may not be allowed
to take the test.
No personal items to be taken into the test room
(except for religious reasons). Test day staff will
collect and safely store your personal belongings.
Items which are forbidden from the test room include:
mobile phones, hand held computers, cameras, hats,
watches, scarves, wallets, books, notes or food.

Entering the test room ID Check

When it is time to enter the test room, a test
invigilator will guide you to your seat. Do not write
any notes. You are not permitted to speak to any
other candidates. If you have a question, put up
your hand and a member of staff will assist you.
On your desk, you are only allowed to have your
identification, pens/pencils, eraser and a drink in
a transparent bottle.
When you register on test day, a member of staff will check
your identification (ID). Your ID must be the same ID that
you used when you booked the test. It must also be valid
(unexpired) and have a recognisable photo of yourself.
If you booked your test at a test centre then a photograph
and finger scan may have been taken already. If not,
these will be taken when you arrive on test day. Before
you enter the test room, your finger will be scanned to
verify your identity.

Breaks Asking for help

You are not permitted to leave during the first
or last 5 minutes of the Writing or Reading
component of the test. If you need to leave the
test room to go to the bathroom at any other time,
raise your hand and ask a member of staff. You
are not allowed to go for a toilet break prior to and
during the Listening test.
If you have a problem (for example if you think you
have been given the wrong paper, you cannot hear
the instructions, or you feel ill) raise your hand to
attract the attention of the invigilators.
Please note that the invigilator will not provide
an explanation of the questions.

After the test End of the test

Collect your belongings. Your provisional results You cannot leave your seat until your papers have been
will be available online 13 calendar days after the collected and you have been told to leave. If you finish
test at results.ielts.com.au the test early you must wait quietly until the last test is
finished and you are advised that you can leave. You
Your official results will appear on your Test Report must leave any notes and materials on the desk.
Form which will also be ready after 13 days. You
can collect it from the test centre or have it posted
to you – depending on what was specified at the
time of registration.

IELTS Masterclass - What to expect on the day | 19

 Writing assessment criteria – Task 1
Public Version
Writing Assessment Criteria - Task 1
Band Task achievement
9 • uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts
• clearly presents a fully developed response
8 • sequences information and ideas logically
• presents, highlights and illustrates key features/bullet
points clearly and appropriately
7 • covers the requirements of the task
• (A) presents a clear overview of main trends, differences or stages
• (GT) presents a clear purpose, with the tone consistent and appropriate
• clearly presents and highlights key features/bullet points but could
be more fully extended
6 • addresses the requirements of the task
• (A) presents an overview with information appropriately selected
• (GT) presents a purpose that is generally clear; there may
be inconsistencies in tone
• presents and adequately highlights key features/bullet points
but details may be irrelevant, inappropriate or inaccurate
5 • generally addresses the task; the format may be inappropriate in places
• (A) recounts detail mechanically with no clear overview; there may
be no data to support the description
• (GT) may present a purpose for the letter that is unclear at times;
the tone may be variable and sometimes inappropriate
• presents, but inadequately covers, key features/ bullet points;
there may be a tendency to focus on details
4 • attempts to address the task but does not cover all key
features/bullet points; the format may be inappropriate
• (GT) fails to clearly explain the purpose of the letter;
the tone may be inappropriate
• may confuse key features/bullet points with detail;
parts may be unclear, irrelevant, repetitive or inaccurate
3 • fails to address the task, which may have been
completely misunderstood
• presents limited ideas which may be largely irrelevant/repetitive
2 • answer is barely related to the task
1 • answer is completely unrelated to the task
0 • does not attend
• does not attempt the task in any way
• writes a totally memorised response
20
IELTS Masterclass - Writing Assessment Criteria - Task 1
Public Version
Coherence and cohesion
no attention
• skilfully manages paragraphing
• manages all aspects of cohesion well
• logically organises information and ideas; there
is clear progression throughout
• uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately
although there may be some under-/ over-use
• arranges information and ideas coherently
and there is a clear overall progression
• uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion
within and/or between sentences may be faulty
or mechanical
• may not always use referencing clearly
or appropriately
• presents information with some organisation
but there may be a lack of overall progression
• makes inadequate, inaccurate or over-use
of cohesive devices
• may be repetitive because of lack of referencing
and substitution
• presents information and ideas but these are
not arranged coherently and there is no clear
progression in the response
• uses some basic cohesive devices but these
may be inaccurate or repetitive
• does not organise ideas logically
• may use a very limited range of cohesive devices,
and those used may not indicate a logical
relationship between ideas
• has very little control of organisational features
• fails to communicate any message
Lexical resource
• uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural
and sophisticated control of lexical features; rare
minor errors occur only as ‘slips’
• • uses a wide range of structures
• skilfully uses uncommon lexical items but there may be
occasional inaccuracies in word choice and collocation
• produces rare errors in spelling and/or word formation
• • uses a variety of complex structures
• uses less common lexical items with some
awareness of style and collocation
• may produce occasional errors in word choice,
spelling and/or word formation
• uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task
• attempts to use less common vocabulary
but with some inaccuracy
• makes some errors in spelling and/or word
formation, but they do not impede communication
• uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this
is minimally adequate for the task
• may make noticeable errors in spelling and/or
for the reader
• uses only basic vocabulary which may be used
repetitively or which may be inappropriate for the task
• has limited control of word formation and/or spelling;
• errors may cause strain for the reader
• uses only a very limited range of words
and expressions with very limited control
of word formation and/or spelling
• errors may severely distort the message
• uses an extremely limited range of vocabulary;
essentially no control of word formation and/or spelling
• can only use a few isolated words
19
Grammatical range and accuracy
•
and accuracy; rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’
• the majority of sentences are error-free
• makes only very occasional errors
or inappropriacies
• produces frequent error-free sentences
• has good control of grammar and punctuation
but may make a few errors
• uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
• makes some errors in grammar and punctuation
but they rarely reduce communication
• uses only a limited range of structures
• attempts complex sentences but these tend
to be less accurate than simple sentences
• may make frequent grammatical errors and
punctuation may be faulty; errors can cause
• uses only a very limited range of structures
with only rare use of subordinate clauses
• some structures are accurate but errors
predominate, and punctuation is often faulty
• attempts sentence forms but errors in grammar and
punctuation predominate and distort the meaning
• cannot use sentence forms except
in memorised phrases
• cannot use sentence forms at all
 Writing assessment criteria – Task 2
Public Version
Writing Assessment Criteria - Task 2
Band Task response
9 • fully addresses all parts of the task
• presents a fully developed position in answer to the question
with relevant, fully extended and well supported ideas
8 • sequences information and ideas logically
• presents a well-developed response to the question
with relevant, extended and supported ideas
• addresses all parts of the task
7
• presents a clear position throughout the response
• presents, extends and supports main ideas, but there may be a
tendency to over-generalise and/or supporting ideas may lack focus
6 • addresses all parts of the task although some parts may be more fully
covered than others
• presents a relevant position although the conclusions may become
unclear or repetitive
• presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately
developed/unclear
5 • addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate
in places
• expresses a position but the development is not always clear
and there may be no conclusions drawn
• • may be repetitive because of lack of referencing
developed; there may be irrelevant detail
4 • responds to the task only in a minimal way or the answer
is tangential; the format may be inappropriate
• presents a position but this is unclear
• presents some main ideas but these are difficult to identify and
may be repetitive, irrelevant or not well supported
3 • does not adequately address any part of the task
• does not express a clear position
• presents few ideas, which are largely undeveloped or irrelevant
2 • barely responds to the task
• does not express a position
• may attempt to present one or two ideas but there is no development
1 • answer is completely unrelated to the task
0 • does not attend
• does not attempt the task in any way
• writes a totally memorised response
21
IELTS Masterclass - Writing Assessment Criteria - Task 2
Coherence and cohesion
• uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts
no attention
• skilfully manages paragraphing
• manages all aspects of cohesion well
• logically organises information and ideas; there
is clear progression throughout
•
uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately
although there may be some under-/over-use
• presents a clear central topic within each paragraph
• arranges information and ideas coherently
and there is a clear overall progression
• uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within
and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical
• may not always use referencing clearly or appropriately
• uses paragraphing, but not always logically
• presents information with some organisation
but there may be a lack of overall progression
• makes inadequate, inaccurate or over-use
of cohesive devices
and substitution
• may not write in paragraphs, or paragraphing
may be inadequate
• presents information and ideas but these are
not arranged coherently and there is no clear
progression in the response
• uses some basic cohesive devices but these
may be inaccurate or repetitive
• may not write in paragraphs or their use may
be confusing
• does not organise ideas logically
• may use a very limited range of cohesive devices,
and those used may not indicate a logical
relationship between ideas
• has very little control of organisational features
• fails to communicate any message
Public Version
Lexical resource
• uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural
and sophisticated control of lexical features; rare
minor errors occur only as ‘slips’
• • uses a wide range of structures
• skilfully uses uncommon lexical items but there may be
occasional inaccuracies in word choice and collocation
• produces rare errors in spelling and/or word formation
• • uses a variety of complex structures
• uses less common lexical items with
some awareness of style and collocation
• may produce occasional errors in word choice,
spelling and/or word formation
• uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task
• attempts to use less common vocabulary but with
some inaccuracy
• makes some errors in spelling and/or word
formation, but they do not impede communication
• uses a limited range of vocabulary,
but this is minimally adequate for the task
• may make noticeable errors in spelling and/or
for the reader
• uses only basic vocabulary which may be used
repetitively or which may be inappropriate for
the task
• has limited control of word formation and/or spelling;
errors may cause strain for the reader
• uses only a very limited range of words and
expressions with very limited control of word
formation and/or spelling
• errors may severely distort the message
• uses an extremely limited range of vocabulary;
essentially no control of word formation and/or spelling
• can only use a few isolated words
20
Grammatical range and accuracy
•
and accuracy; rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’
• the majority of sentences are error-free
• makes only very occasional errors or inappropriacies
• produces frequent error-free sentences
• has good control of grammar and punctuation
but may make a few errors
• uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
• makes some errors in grammar and punctuation
but they rarely reduce communication
• uses only a limited range of structures
• attempts complex sentences but these tend
to be less accurate than simple sentences
• may make frequent grammatical errors and
punctuation may be faulty; errors can cause
• uses only a very limited range of structures
with only rare use of subordinate clauses
• some structures are accurate but errors
predominate, and punctuation is often faulty
• attempts sentence forms but errors in grammar and
punctuation predominate and distort the meaning
• cannot use sentence forms except
in memorised phrases
• cannot use sentence forms at all
 Speaking
Speaking assessment criteria
Assessment
Public Version
Band Fluency and coherence
9 •
• speaks coherently with fully appropriate cohesive features
• develops topics fully and appropriately
8 •
hesitation is usually content-related and only rarely to search
for language
• develops topics coherently and appropriately
7 • speaks at length without noticeable effort or loss of coherence
• may demonstrate language-related hesitation at times, or some
repetition and/or self-correction
• uses a range of connectives and discourse markers with some
6 • is willing to speak at length, though may lose coherence at times
due to occasional repetition, self-correction or hesitation
• uses a range of connectives and discourse markers but not
always appropriately
5 •
self-correction and/or slow speech to keep going
• may over-use certain connectives and discourse markers
• but these usually contain errors and may cause
4 • cannot respond without noticeable pauses and may speak slowly,
with frequent repetition and self-correction
• links basic sentences but with repetitious use of simple
connectives and some breakdowns in coherence
3 • speaks with long pauses
• has limited ability to link simple sentences
• gives only simple responses and is frequently unable to convey basic
message
2 • pauses lengthily before most words
• little communication possible
1 • no communication possible
• no rateable language
0 • does not attend
22
IELTS Masterclass - Speaking Assessment Criteria
Criteria Public Version
Lexical resource
• • uses a full range of structures naturally and
in all topics
• uses idiomatic language naturally and accurately
• uses a wide vocabulary resource readily
• uses less common and idiomatic vocabulary
skilfully, with occasional inaccuracies
• uses paraphrase effectively as required
• • uses a range of complex structures with some
a variety of topics
• uses some less common and idiomatic vocabulary
and shows some awareness of style and
collocation, with some inappropriate choices
• uses paraphrase effectively
• has a wide enough vocabulary to discuss topics
at length and make meaning clear in spite of
inappropriacies
• generally paraphrases successfully
• manages to talk about familiar and unfamiliar
• attempts to use paraphrase but with mixed success
• is able to talk about familiar topics but can
only convey basic meaning on unfamiliar topics
and makes frequent errors in word choice
• rarely attempts paraphrase
• uses simple vocabulary to convey personal
information
• only produces isolated word or memorised
utterances
Grammatical range and accuracy
appropriately
• produces consistently accurate structures apart
from ‘slips’ characteristic of native speaker speech
• produces a majority of error-free sentences
with only very occasional inappropriacies or
basic/non-systematic errors
• frequently produces error-free sentences,
though some grammatical mistakes persist
• uses a mix of simple and complex structures,
• may make frequent mistakes with complex
structures, though these rarely cause
comprehension problems
• produces basic sentence forms with
reasonable accuracy
• uses a limited range of more complex structures,
some comprehension problems
• produces basic sentence forms and some correct
simple sentences but subordinate structures are rare
• errors are frequent and may lead to misunderstanding
• attempts basic sentence forms but with limited
success, or relies on apparently memorised
utterances
• makes numerous errors except
in memorised expressions
• cannot produce basic sentence forms
21
Pronunciation
• uses a full range of pronunciation features
with precision and subtlety
• is effortless to understand
• uses a wide range of pronunciation features
•
occasional lapses
• is easy to understand throughout; L1 accent
has minimal effect on intelligibility
• shows all the positive features of Band 6 and some,
but not all, of the positive features of Band 8
• uses a range of pronunciation features with mixed
control
• shows some effective use of features
but this is not sustained
• can generally be understood throughout,
though mispronunciation of individual words
or sounds reduces clarity at times
• shows all the positive features of Band 4 and
some, but not all, of the positive features of Band 6
• uses a limited range of pronunciation features
• attempts to control features but lapses are frequent
• mispronunciations are frequent and cause some
• shows some of the features of Band 2 and some,
but not all, of the positive features of Band 4
• speech is often unintelligible
Why choose IELTS?

IELTS is the world’s most popular English test for work, study and migration. Join a community
of more than 2.9 million people each year who choose IELTS as their measure of English.

Here are just a few reasons why.

Face-to-face Speaking test Extensive practice material

Speak to a real person (not a computer!) in your Access a free online preparation course when you
IELTS Speaking test. Your IELTS examiner can slow book your test with IELTS*. A full range of support
down, won’t time out on you, and can repeat material is also available online to help you improve
a question. your band scores.

ielts.com.au/ielts-speaking-test ielts.com.au/free-practice-material

Choice of two tests Get help when you need it

The IELTS test is offered in two formats, IELTS Get easy, fast and friendly customer support from our
Academic or IELTS General Training. Choose the dedicated team of IELTS experts.
test that matches your needs and English skills.

ielts.com.au/academic-or-general ielts.com.au/contact

*Not available when you book your test with Charles Darwin University or UNSW test centres.

IELTS Masterclass - Why Choose IELTS? | 23

Stay social with IELTS

Find us online for more tips and study advice.

Facebook YouTube
Connect, learn and share with other test takers from Subscribe now to get the latest IELTS video content
around the world. from IDP Education.

facebook.com/ieltsessentials youtube.com/ieltsessentials

Weibo WeChat
Follow IELTS Australia on Weibo for weekly tips Subscribe to the official IELTS Australia account on
and access to great promotions. WeChat and keep an eye out for exclusive offers.

Search IELTS_Aus Search IELTS_Australia

IELTS Masterclass - Stay social with IELTS | 24

Notes

IELTS Masterclass - Notes | 25

Register for your test at ielts.com.au/events