Reading
What is the best reading strategy for a True/False/Not Given question?
Locate keywords and check if the text agrees (True), disagrees (False), or says nothing (Not Given).
What type of recordings are typically used in Section 1 of the Listening test?
Section 1 usually has a conversation in a social context (e.g., booking a hotel or asking for information).
What is the purpose of an overview in Task 1?
An overview summarizes the main trends or features of the data — it’s essential for Task 1.
How many minutes should you speak in Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test?
Aim to speak for 1.5–2 minutes — this shows fluency.
What is the superlative form of “bad”?
worst
How many reading passages are included in the Academic IELTS test?
The Academic IELTS Reading has 3 passages with increasing difficulty.
Why is it important to predict the type of information before each question?
Predicting helps you guess the type of word or information (number, name, date, noun, verb) to expect, making it easier to catch the answer.
Name a linking phrase used to compare two trends.
“compared to,” “in contrast,” “while X increased, Y decreased.”
What kind of topics are asked in Part 1? Give one example.
Part 1 asks simple, personal questions like “Where do you live?” “Do you work or study?”
What’s the difference between “few” and “a few”?
Few = almost none (negative tone). A few = some (positive tone).
What type of question asks you to complete a sentence using words from the text?
This is sentence completion — fill in the blanks with words from the text.
How many times do you hear each recording in the Listening test?
You hear each recording only once. This tests real-life listening skills.
What kind of essay asks you to discuss both sides of an issue and give your opinion?
That’s a “Discuss both views and give your opinion” essay.
What should you do if you make a grammar mistake while speaking?
Self-correct naturally (“Sorry, I mean…”). This shows awareness, not weakness.
Choose the correct sentence: “He enjoys to swim” or “He enjoys swimming”?
Correct: “He enjoys swimming.” After “enjoy” use the -ing form.
What’s the main difference between the Academic and General Reading tests?
Academic Reading is longer and more complex with academic topics. General Reading uses shorter, everyday texts.
What is one way to recognize when the answer is coming?
Listen for signpost words like “but,” “so,” “then,” “finally” — these often signal the answer coming soon.
What is a common mistake students make in Writing Task 2 conclusions?
Students often introduce new ideas in the conclusion — don’t do this. Only summarize main points.
How can using fillers like “well,” “actually,” or “you know” affect your fluency score?
Fillers are fine if used sparingly. They can help you think but don’t overuse them.
Give 3 synonyms for the word “increase” that you can use in Writing Task 1.
rise, grow, escalate, climb, surge.
Why is paraphrasing important when answering reading questions?
Paraphrasing is crucial because questions are rarely word-for-word from the text — they use synonyms.
What should you focus on when the speaker uses synonyms instead of exact words from the question?
Focus on meaning, not exact words. IELTS often paraphrases (e.g., “big increase” = “rose sharply”).
What is one way to improve coherence in your writing?
Use linking words (“however,” “therefore,” “in addition”) to connect ideas and improve coherence.
What strategy helps you extend your answers in Part 3?
Use examples, reasons, and comparisons to extend your answers. E.g., “In my country…, but in other places…”
Identify the error in this sentence: “The datas shows a significant decrease.”
Correct: “The data show a significant decrease.” (“Data” is plural; “shows” is singular.)