Last week I wrote about 'using what you know'. Here are some more quick examples of how you can make a 'difficult' question much easier:
1) Describe something that you collect.
Most students panic because they don't collect anything. But this question is easier than you think. If your hobby is listening to music or reading books, just tell the examiner that you collect CDs or novels. You could talk about your "collection" of clothes or shoes. Everyone has a collection of something, even if you don't call yourself a collector.
2) Describe an important decision that you made.
Easy. Just talk about the subject you chose to study or the career you decided to pursue. If you moved to live/study in a different country, you could talk about that.
3) Describe an important letter you received.
Use the answer you gave for number 2 (with a few small changes). Talk about the letter you received confirming your place on a university course, or confirming a successful job application.
Simon, I am very happy and I want to extress my feelings!! Thank you SO MUCH for the website and all your advises that helped me to get the results I needed.
I got:
Listening 7.5
Reading 8.5
Writing 7.0
Speaking 7.5
The e-book made my wish come true!
TO ALL Students that attend Simon's online lessons - keep working hard, you are on the right track, this for sure!!! )))
Good luck for you, Simon, and everyone!
Posted by: Elena | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 12:34
Fantastic news Elena!
Those are great scores. I'm pleased to have been able to help, and wish you the best of luck with whatever you intend to do next.
PS. Could I use your comments as a testimonial (a bit of advertising for my ebook)?
Posted by: Simon | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 17:40
Sure!:)
Posted by: Elena | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 22:55
hi Elena,
congratulations !i have read somewhere u earlier got 5.5 or something...so u made really good progress and so fastly!i think u r from melbourne too..i would like to contact u if u can help me a bit?can u give me ur email id or contact number? thanks ...
Posted by: anju | Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 01:29
Hey, Anju. Sorry, but i probably can not help you with English because I am bad particulary in teaching and for you better to contact naitive English speaker. I am afraid I will teach you something wrong:) But I am sure if you continue studing with Simon, you will improve you English gradually.
Good luck to you!!:)
Posted by: Elena | Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 06:59
Congratulations, Elena
Posted by: Nazri | Monday, February 28, 2011 at 00:49
Thanks Elena.
Posted by: Simon | Monday, February 28, 2011 at 11:24
Hi Simon and all of u there! i have a question related to the speaking on IELTS test.
During the speaking section,
can we use the phrases like " well,...,You know what?,....., I'll tell you what......, you can say that again,.." etc.? Also can we use idioms or slangs?
Posted by: Usama Abdullah | Saturday, March 05, 2011 at 16:45
Hi Usama,
It's ok to use these phrases once or twice, but don't use too many of them. Don't use slang at all - it's supposed to be a semi-formal exam.
Posted by: Simon | Sunday, March 06, 2011 at 22:22
Hi Simon
I was thinking about some idea that might come in speaking or writing test, I wonder if you mind to rephrase them into preper questions.
1- CCTV , advantages and disadvantages.
2- luck ,what is luck? mention a situation that you have passed and luck has helped you with ? do you think that we should not rely on luck ?
3-early marriage , some communities have preferred to marry their sons in the age of 18- 20, what is your opinion ?
4- love between the two with different cultures is not along-lasting love . do you agree or disagree?
Thank you
Posted by: hasan | Monday, March 07, 2011 at 17:11
Hi Hasan,
I think you've done it well yourself. You don't need me to rephrase them - just prepare your answers.
Posted by: Simon | Tuesday, March 08, 2011 at 16:02
Describe an important decision that you made
Posted by: phet | Thursday, March 01, 2012 at 16:03