When describing changes I prefer to avoid words like soar, rocket and plummet because they are too "sensationalist" - they exaggerate too much, and are more journalistic than academic in style.
Instead, we can demonstrate good control of grammar by using words like increase, rise and fall as both nouns and verbs:
- London saw a significant increase in the cost of homes. (noun)
- The cost of homes in London increased significantly. (verb)
- There was a rise in house prices between 1990 and 1995. (noun)
- House prices rose between 1990 and 1995. (verb)
- There was a 7% fall in the average house price in Tokyo. (noun)
- The average Tokyo house price fell by 7%. (verb)
could anyone tell me how can i improve my speaking? iam struggling to increase my score for 3 time i scored 6.5 i fell terrible.
Posted by: HIBA | Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 15:26
Dear Simon,
Do you think it is necessary to include a conclusion in WT1?. In some IELTS text books appear it but such a conclusion is ommited in others.
Thanks!
Posted by: Maria | Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 15:40
Hi Maria,
have a look at Simon's lesson.
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2012/01/ielts-writing-task-1-you-dont-need-a-conclusion.html
Posted by: Ld | Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 16:08
Hello Simon
Can you explain how much weightage does each of the task carry and how a score is given for the writing task on the whole. Because you always say task 2 has more importance than task 1.
Posted by: k.d | Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 17:49
Hi HIBA
Do not be disappointed. I can give you some tips if you like to get your desired score in speaking
student.ielts@gmail.com
Posted by: BMc | Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 20:50
Hi Simon,
Please could you give us some examples of using the word 'double' and phrases eg 'three times as much as', in task 1 writing.
Many thanks.
Posted by: Qizhi Huang | Friday, August 31, 2012 at 00:00
Dear Simon,
Can I use phrase "It can be seen clearly that" instead of "It is clear that" in my overview?
Posted by: Linh | Friday, August 31, 2012 at 05:44
Not only this, there is a very much good relation between verb and noun. We should follow this for better writing.
Posted by: Md. Kamal Hossain | Friday, August 31, 2012 at 06:23
Dear HIBA,
I am ready to help you in your Speaking.
Kamal
Posted by: Md. Kamal Hossain | Friday, August 31, 2012 at 06:25
thanks a lot .i will be grateful.
Regards.
Posted by: hiba | Friday, August 31, 2012 at 13:40
FROM SIMON:
I no longer have time to answer everyone's questions individually. However, I do read them all, and I'll try to answer some of them in a lesson each Saturday.
Posted by: Simon | Monday, September 03, 2012 at 16:26