IELTS SNI

• In the previous years the advice had always been to stick with OET
and don’t risk wasting time with IELTS. Due to the time restrains for
the 18Th march 2023 deadline this was the only option and it made
some of use realise that maybe it isn’t the impossible task people
think it is.

• Around 30 people appeared in it from our class and all of them got
the 7.5 band average required.

• The issue 17/ 30 people faced was the writing part, they couldn’t get
the minimum 6 which was required even though they had a high
average overall.

• Even with a repeat attempt at IELTS it still works out cheaper than
OET, with exams happening multiple times a week and the results
turn around time being 3-5 days it is a great option to consider.

• Doing 1 mock exam is enough to judge if you can be ready for the
exam in 1 week. If you get a 6.5 to 7 on a practice test, you can
easily get much higher on exam day based on the marking strategy.

• I have shared the advice which I found helpful when I appeared in the
exam in Feb 2023, hopefully it can be helpful to you as well.

Listening • For this section I recommend using the link in the box on the https://ieltsonlinetests.com/collection/ielts-mock-test-2023-february
right and going though the mocks. There are 4 sample tests,
the real thing is always easier than mocks.

• Listen carefully to the instructions. Before each section of the

listening test, the instructions will be given. Listen carefully to
the instructions and make sure you understand what is
expected. Read the questions before the audio begins so you
know what to listen for. This will also help you predict what
kind of information you need to listen for.

• Don't get stuck on one question, if you are having trouble with
a question, don't get stuck on it. Move on to the next question
and come back to it later if you have time. Missing subsequent
questions can be dangerous.

• Use the time given to review your answers, at the end of each
section, you will be given some time to review your answers.
Use this time to check your answers and make sure you have
answered all the questions.

• The listening section can be intense, so make sure you stay

focused throughout the test. If you lose focus, you may miss
important information.

• Improve your listening skills: Practice your listening skills by

listening to English audio, such as movies, TV shows, or
podcasts. This will help you get used to the different accents
and improve your ability to understand spoken English. Here in
UK they used a mixture of British and Australian accents, from
what I have heard the accent in Pakistan depends on the
centre you are booked at.

• Ensure spelling and also focus on where the symbol for

currencies go. 75 pounds is written as £75 and 75 pence is
written as 75 P

• It will be good to use the suggested mock tests but more

importantly the resources sent when you book the test are
good enough.
Reading • Skim the passage, before you start reading the questions.
Read the first paragraph then read the first line of all
subsequent paragraphs and then read the full last paragraph.
This will help you understand the passage better and answer
questions more quickly.

• Read the questions carefully, paying close attention to the

statements and make sure you understand what they are
asking. Look for keywords and phrases that can help you
identify the answers.

• If you are having trouble with a question, don't spend too

much time on it. Move on to the next question and come back
to it later if you have time.

• Try to practice reading passages and answering questions

within a time limit. This will help you get used to the pace of
the test and improve your speed.

• Again use the same link for the listening assessment to

practice. If you have booked the test you will have practice
tests for it which are more than enough.

• Keep track of the time and make sure you are answering all
the questions within the allotted time. If you are running out of
time, guess the remaining answers.

• If you are not sure about an answer, eliminate the options that
you know are wrong. This will increase your chances of
guessing the correct answer.

• Try to improve your vocabulary by reading more and learning

new words. This will help you understand the passages better
and answer questions more accurately.

• There are 3 passages and they keep getting harder. It is

recommended to spend 20 minutes on each. But I would
recommend spending 15 on the first then 20 on the second
leaving you 25 for the hardest one.

• Practice 3-4 tests and if you score above a 7 by your 3rd

attempt leave this section, you will do much better on the real
thing anyways,
Writing • This section includes 2 tasks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3U1Y1jgGls&t=6s

• The first one is report writing, you have 20 minutes to write

information from either a graph, map or diagram. This is quite
easy and can be practiced quite quickly from an 18 minute 1. Education: This topic often focuses on issues such as the
video of Liz ielts. Leaving a link in the box on the right.
importance of education, the role of technology in education, or
whether higher education should be free.

• You are required to write over 150 words.

2. Health: Questions in this area might ask about issues such as the
• Suggestion would be to divide the report in 3 paragraphs.
benefits of regular exercise, the dangers of smoking, or whether
• The first paragraph paraphrasing the title and the government should provide free healthcare.

mentioning any units of measurement mentioned.

• The second should talk about the overall trend and part 3. Environment: Environmental topics might include questions about
of the the data with figures.
climate change, pollution, or conservation efforts.

• The third paragraph should talk about the other part of

the date with figures and ending the report there.
4. Technology: Writing prompts about technology might ask about
the impact of technology on society, the importance of privacy in
• The Liz ielts prepares you well for this.
the digital age, or the future of technology.

• Make sure you also have a look at the diagram and map 5. Globalisation: This topic can cover issues such as the benefits
examples too.
and drawbacks of globalisation, the impact of global trade, or
cultural exchange.

• Task 2 involves writing an essay with a minimum word count

of 250. Ensure you write more than that and not less otherwise 6. Crime and punishment: Topics in this area might include
you loose marks.
questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system,
the use of capital punishment, or the impact of crime on society.

• In simple words write a basic properly structured essay which

is divided into paragraphs and use a lot of commas.
7. Society and culture: Writing prompts in this area might cover
topics such as the role of the family in society, the importance of
• Looking into detail, the marks for the essay are for the cultural heritage, or the impact of social media on relationships.

following aspects

• Task response
For more topics please use the PDF, make sure you go through the
• Is the question statement answered in the essay? Did sample band 9 essays.
you clearly communicate your view?

• Coherence and cohesion

• Was the structure flowing well? Were ideas confined

to a paragraph each? Continuing the same idea into
more than one paragraph or putting two ideas into 1
paragraph will make you loose marks.

• Lexical resources

• Using a range of vocabulary and fancy words will

help you gain marks in this section.

• Grammatical range and accuracy

• This is the part which requires the commas.

• A band 9 essay will involve a comma in every

sentence making all sentences complex. Using other
punctuations like colons semi colons and inverted
commas are also going to help you.

• It is important to ensure the correct use of punctuation, just

throwing in commas at random spots will make you loose
marks.

• Once you are done with the writing make sure you revise it
again and again to ensure spelling errors are taken care of.

• The advice is to stick to 15 minutes for the report and 30

minutes for the essay, then send the last 15 minutes
rechecking.

• There are a few practice essays in the next box on the right.
Once you practice these, have a look at ones Int eh separate
pdf document, it includes sample answers too.

Speaking • This is the easiest section of the lot, we all speak well enough • Would you like to pursue further education? If so what degree and
to get through it with a good band score.
where?

• Talk about your favourite coffee shop


• If you have ample time before the exam, try listening to BBC Describe a holiday you will always remember

news and read the news ticker at the bottom. This will help • Was there a time you achieved something that you are proud of?

improve fluency and pronunciation.

• Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

• Where is your favourite place to live and why?

• Presenting histories on the ward round in English is also a • Talk about an article which supports health

good opportunity to practice.

• Describe you most priceless possession

• Familiarise yourself with the exam format. For example, how

long do you have to answer each question? Are there specific
topics or prompts you should prepare for? Knowing the format There is a PDF which I can share, called Makkar IELTS.

can help you feel more prepared and less anxious.

It has some sample topics and suggested answers; great for
practice.
• There are 3 parts

• Introduction and small talk

• You speaking on a given subject for 2 minutes

• In-depth discussion with back and fourth questions

• Make sure you understand the prompt or question before you

start speaking. Take a moment to think about your answer
before you begin. You will have 1 minute.

• Speak clearly and loudly enough so that the examiner can

hear you. Try to speak at a moderate pace and avoid speaking
too quickly or too slowly. Avoid Ahhh ahms, they make you
loose marks.

• When answering questions, try to provide specific examples or

details to support your answers. This can help make your
answers more interesting and convincing.

• Don't be afraid to ask for clarification: If you don't understand

a question or prompt, don't be afraid to ask the examiner to
clarify.

• Try to stay calm and focused during the speaking section.

Take a deep breath before you start speaking and remember
that it's okay to make mistakes. Just keep going and do your
best!

• There are suggested topics on the right, make sure you

practice there. Take a minute to organise your thoughts and
then practice speaking for 2 minutes at least.