192 How to Master the IELTS

General Training

Test A

Reading section (A)

Section 1

Check-in procedure at Stanza Airport

321FALSE

322TRUE

323FALSE

324TRUE

325NOT GIVEN

326FALSE

327NOT GIVEN

You’re fired!

328reason

329wages

330dismissal procedures

331just cause

332written down

333gross misconduct

334sacked

Answers 193

Section 2

Newview Hotel

335(via the) website

336breakfast

337100%

338(the) deposit

33914.00 hrs

340(the) room holder

A proper brew

341wastes energy

342set out

343brewing process

344properly infused

345work surface

346desired strength

347prefer

Section 3

Vertical transport

348FALSE

349TRUE

350TRUE

351FALSE

352TRUE

194 How to Master the IELTS

3531854

3541961

3551903

3561941

357E

358A

359I

360H

Writing section (A)

The following writing-task answers have been written by the author. The method used is explained at the end of each task. There are no right or wrong answers but you must cover all parts of the question. Marks are lost for mistakes in grammar, punctuation and spelling, as well as repetition of words. A higher mark is awarded for well-constructed sentences that communicate a clear message using sufficient vocabulary.

Writing task 1 Sample answer

Dear David

Thanks for writing. It’s good to hear from you again and I hope you are well.

My preparation for the IELTS is going OK but I don’t have enough time for studying. I am too tired in the evenings after a full day in the office, so I have to rely on the weekends. I might need to book some private lessons if I want a good score.

One thing I like to do is to read magazines in English whilst I travel to work on the train. This is helping me with my vocabulary and grammar. I also send out e-mails in English to practise for the writing section. When I get home I like to watch a film in English, with the subtitles turned off. My listening skills have improved greatly since I started watching films, which is more interesting than listening to CDs.

Answers 195

The most difficult section for me is the writing section because my grammar is not good enough. I am trying my best to learn the rules of English but some of the verbs seem to have more than one meaning and this is causing me trouble. I hope to sit the test in about three months.

Best wishes

Behnaz

Method

The writer introduces herself and thanks the reader for writing. The three para­ graphs that follow deal with each of the bulleted points in turn. The first paragraph explains the author’s progress in her IELTS preparation. The second paragraph outlines how the author is preparing for the test, by way of an example. The third paragraph covers the most difficult section for the author, again with examples.

Writing task 2 Sample answer

Many students choose to take a year out before going to university. To do so can be a positive and rewarding experience but there are also downsides to consider.

Some people will spend their time travelling whilst others will seek work experience. Travelling, especially to foreign countries, is advantageous because it broadens your outlook on life and its possibilities. It will make you more aware of different cultures and people and should increase your confidence, especially in social situations.

If you choose to spend your year out working this can also bring benefits. Work experience can help you to confirm that you have made the right degree choice. Working in an area related to your degree can also be helpful when it comes to find­ ing a permanent job at the end of your course. A job can also improve your financial situation.

However, there are downsides to delaying your entry into university. One obvious problem is that you will have grown out of the habit of studying. There is a risk that the lure of paid employment will sway you from going to university altogether. If you spent your year out travelling then a future employer might look less favourably on you than a candidate who spent their time working.

I believe that a gap year can be a good idea as long as you do something pro­ ductive that will be to your advantage in the future. Taking a year out can give you a better feel for life in the world in general and also in the workplace. You may never have the opportunity to take time out again so I would recommend it, but only if you choose carefully what to do or where to go.