In my opinion, online videos are a revolutionary tool for language learners and teachers. Never before have we had such access to authentic listening 'texts'.
I often use short videos in my lessons; if the video is short, we can watch it several times and take all of the good language from it. However, this doesn't mean that you shouldn't watch longer programmes or films. If you watch a longer video, don't worry too much about understanding every word or phrase; just try to follow the overall message.
Here's a longer documentary that I found interesting:
"Answer the following question", is this a question type for IELTS exam? Should I prepare this type of question too?
Posted by: Sunil | Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 10:35
Thanks to you, Simon.
Really really really good film!
http://vimeo.com/25491676
"Inside Job"
I think this one might be also worthy to watch.
Posted by: Kiwi | Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 15:47
It is a big pity that we cannot watch in China...
Posted by: zzz | Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 16:07
Hi Simon,
I am using your website for 8 months, it has really useful information, I also bought your book for writing.I took my test and my result is:
Speaking 7.5
listening 6.5
writing 6
reading 5.5
I need to take 6.5 in all scores and I have 2 months, I studied really hard, but i do not know how can I improve in Reading and writing. I was advised by university to take TOEFL test and it is easier. I am really confused. Could you please advise me?
I really appreciate your advice
Posted by: Azadeh | Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 16:34
Simon, thanks for your all attention... What can you say about online chat with other sudents??? in skype??? I need friends who are preparing for IELTS... I have to speak with them for improving my speaking. Please, give your adress, students
Posted by: oli | Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 18:46
I frequently tell my students to search YouTube videos on things that they are really interested in. For instance, since I am really into tennis, I could search for interviews or profiles of my favorite tennis player Roger Federer. Also, since I'm planning for my next vacation trip to the Canadian Rockies, I could search for videos of the particular places I want to visit.
Another thing that students can do is to use YouTube to help expand their general knowledge. For example, many of my students don't know the term "e-waste", and YouTube offers many different kinds of videos about this subject/issue.
The Internet has basically become a really efficient tool to help students improve English as a whole. It may still take a long time to master the language, but at least we now have more fun ways to learn, right?
Cheers,
Martin
Posted by: Martin | Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 18:53
Hello Simon
It's been a long time to see this site.
It still has good resources that are very helpful. Thanks for all your works.
hello, oli
I need to improve my ability to speak English just like you. Let me know your skype ID,I will send a requst to you as my friend if it's ok with you. :)
Posted by: Elaine | Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 04:25
I got
Listening: Test1 = 8 Test2 = 6
Reading: Test1 = 7 Test2 = 7
Writing: Test1 = 6 Test2 = 7.5
Speaking: Test1 = 6.5 Test2 = 7.5
I am unable to understand what happened to me in listening, how someones English may deteriorate in just one month from 6 to 8.
IELTS exam strategy needs a proper review.
Now I am disappointed, i need 7 in each
Posted by: Shahid | Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 11:53
Thanks Kiwi!
...
Hi Azadeh,
My advice is: don't give up, you're so close to getting the scores you need! With a bit more practice I'm sure you'll get the 6.5 in reading and writing.
...
Hi Oli,
I think there are other students here who would like to chat with you (see Elaine's comment above for example). Good luck with it!
...
Good advice as usual Martin. The Internet certainly is a wonderful too for language learning!
...
Hi Shahid,
Yes, it's strange how that happens. However, your improvements in writing and speaking are fantastic. Not many people jump from 6 to 7.5 in writing! Keep trying!
Posted by: Simon | Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 12:38
Last night I came across this nice video by the National Geographic posted on YouTube about my hometown:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcNaQRT-yQo
I think this is very good practice for speaking, especially when you are asked to describe different aspects of your native country!!!
Have you ever thought of watching a video in English about your hometown? Try it!!! This is a fun way of learning!!!
Posted by: Martin | Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 19:09
Thanks Martin!
Posted by: Simon | Friday, June 22, 2012 at 11:41
english_olimjon@mail.ru it is post adress, please write me
Posted by: oli | Friday, June 22, 2012 at 17:17
My pleasure, Simon.
Enjoy your weekend!
Posted by: Martin | Friday, June 22, 2012 at 22:17
Thanks Simon,
This time i will make sure that i get through.
Appearing on 30 June, (a day left)
Thanks for your motivational remarks.
Your student,
Shahid
Posted by: Shahid | Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 05:26