10th August 2020
To pass IELTS with flying colours you need to use low-frequency words, idiomatic language, discourse markers AND speak with natural intonation, stress and rhythm.
This means PRACTICE, PRACTICE & PRACTICE
So, without further ado, complete these idioms:
Once in _______________
Put (my, your etc) _______________ to the ______________
Burn (ing) __________________ at ______________
It’s raining _____________________
It costs ___________________________
Piece ________________
Now use them in a sentence:
A 4star hotel in Singapore _______________________ (very expensive)
Wear boots and a coat; it’s been ____________________ (very bad weather)
He parties all day and night! He can’t ________________ forever. (doing something for too many hours)
She is not academic, she’ll read a book ______________ (hardly ever).
If you are serious about IELTS, you’ll need to _____________________ (start working much harder).
Now – give me an adverb and a low-frequency word
EXAMPLE:
Teaching unmotivated students is terribly tedious.
Thai food is ______________ _______________
(very tasty)
After failing her test, she was _________ _________
(very sad)
Marvel films are _____________ _______________
(very popular)
My poor old grandma is getting ___________ _______
(very forgetful)
Practice saying these for correct intonation
Speaking Practice – use discourse markers to extend your speaking and to link ideas.
Try to use: although / consequently / therefore
Describe something you own which is very important to you.
You should say:
where you got it from
how long you have had it
what you use it for
explain why it is important to you.
- You will have to talk about the topic for 1 to 2 minutes.
- You have one minute to think about what you’re going to say.
- You can make some notes to help you if you wish.
Rounding off questions
- Is it valuable in terms of money?
- Would it be easy to replace?
This could be a physical object, a memento with sentimental value, or an abstract noun such as health, happiness etc.
Small talk …. Try to talk for as long as possible – then change subjects:
your home town / your favourite holiday / family / favourite hobby / a great place to visit in your city / some terrible things about your city /
