IELTS General Reading with Solution

General Reading Practice

READING PASSAGE 1

Waitrose – High Street Branch 

TEXT 1

Read the text below and answer Questions 1– 6.

A. Waitrose – High Street Branch 

Position available for two cleaners
Night shift and/or early morning
Must be able to work unsupervised, to a time limit.
No experience needed.
Must have own transport.
Drop in and ask for Pete Evans

B. WORKSHOP PRESENTERS

Do you have a bubbly outgoing personality?
Love children?
Good singing voice. Responsible and positive attitude.
Will run musical workshops for preschool children.
Classes are 30-45 minutes in length / training provided
Own transport essential.
Call into ABC Academy - Brook Street between 10am - 2pm and ask for Jenny. 

C. Dog Walker 

An animal loving person needed to walk our two lovely Yorkshire Terriers three times a week.
Evenings preferred.
No weekends 16 years or older is ideal
Call: 0916-202-7445 to apply

D. Nanny Wanted

To help look after two children - 2 and 5 years old.
Experience useful but patience and willingness to learn is enough.
Accommodation, food and pocket money provided.
Flexible working times. Ideal for foreign student studying English.
Please send resume and photo to – Evelyn1978@hotmail.com

E. 20 full time volunteers wanted

One year project.
Willing to relocate with free accommodation. Basic salary provided.
Supporting people with disabilities and young people from broken homes.
18-65 can apply.
Experience preferred but not essential.

F. Web-based company

Urgently requires a graphic designer
Working knowledge of Photoshop
College graduate preferred but enthusiastic computer nerd can apply. Send short resume (with photo) to – MegaBites, 10 Oak Road, Ashbourne

G. OLDE WORLDE CAFÉ

Waitress needed. (Full-time / Part-time)
Previous restaurant or café experience preferred.
Must be physically active and able to take orders.
Salary according to experience.
Will consider: high school graduate
Call 0245-67332 for interview. Ask for Mary.

TEXT 2

Read the text below and answer Questions 7-14.

Mobile Phone Etiquette

Etiquette is a code of behavior that allows people to follow the standards accepted in society. Although these rules can change from country to county many similarities can be found. Many of the manners we develop are based on three categories; health, courtesy, and cultural norms. It is through these that we develop the customs and habits of a society.

Etiquette # 1

This is where you have to think more of others than yourself. Don’t think of all those times that you had to put up with people talking on the phone in the cinema, on the train, and in the queue at McDonalds. Simply imagine all the ways other people will find you annoying if you use your mobile phone.

Etiquette # 2

The good thing about people is that sooner or later someone will tell you that you are annoying them. Their request to stop talking or talk quietly might seem unreasonable but if you really want to be a model mobile phone user just follow their request.

Etiquette # 3

To stop #2 from happening, and to keep your secrets to yourself then keep your distance - 3 metres - between you and anyone else.

Etiquette # 4

Even if you are following #3 you don’t need to shout. This just makes it easier for people to hear you and much easier to annoy them.

Etiquette # 5

Remember, people don’t want to hear you talking on the phone so they certainly don’t want to hear the other person either. Don’t turn your speaker on!

Etiquette # 6

If you don’t want to be talked about keep your personal details to yourself. This means that #3 is probably not far enough from wagging ears. Either save the conversation for later or start using text messaging.

Etiquette # 7

Don’t multi-task, it could cost you your life. Don’t use the time you are spending in a queue to phone someone and certainly don’t use the mobile phone when you are driving. In many countries this is illegal but it is also dangerous. National data show mobile phones were involved in 350 fatal crashes in 2011.

Etiquette # 8

There are many places such as a library, museum, theatre, and hospital where, hopefully, common sense tells you not use your phone.

Questions 1-6

Look at the seven job advertisements, A-G, and read the descriptions of people below.

Which is the most suitable job for each person?

Write the correct letter, A-G, in boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet.


1 ......................... a person willing to move location for one year. Salary is low but ideal for someone interested in social work

2 ........................ a high school student who loves exercise and animals with a few evenings free every week

3 .......................... an independent kind of person prepared to work at night or early mornings with transport

4 ........................... a high school graduate looking for their first job, must like talking to people

5 ............................. a cheerful person who loves working with young children who is able to sing and has own transport

6 .............................. a person who loves working with young children in return for a basic allowance, accommodation and time to study

Questions 7-14

Complete the notes below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 7-14 on your answer sheet.

NOTES ON MOBILE PHONE ETIQUETTE

Etiquette # 1

Don’t think about the people you have met using their phone in front of or behind you.
Stop using your phone if you think people will find it 7 .............................

Etiquette # 2

Other people will tell you about your phone etiquette. If they don’t like it they might ask you to 

8 ..............................

Etiquette # 3

If you want to keep your 9 ....................... to yourself then keep 10 ......................................

Etiquette # 4

Even if you are not near anyone that is no excuse to shout. People will still hear you.

Etiquette # 5

Remember that people don’t to hear you and so they definitely don’t want to hear the person you are talking to.

Etiquette # 6

If you really want to keep the conversation between the two of you then 11 .............................. is the best way to keep people from hearing.

Etiquette # 7

Trying to do too many things at once can be a problem. You know that using your  mobile in a 

12 .................... is frowned upon but using it in your car could be fatal. In America, of all car accidents there were 13 .............................. fatalities in 2011 because the driver was using a phone.

Etiquette # 8

Finally, if you have any 14 ................................, you should know that talking on your mobile in a theatre is a big no-no in mobile phone etiquette.

READING PASSAGE 2

Savants

TEXT 1

Read the text below and answer Questions 15– 21.

Super heroes like Superman have powers that are the envy of many children and even adults. Yet, we don’t have to read comic books to find people with super powers. These

1. Leslie Lemke

Born blind, he was 15 when he eventually learnt how to walk. When he was 16 he played Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1. after hearing this piece of music on the television the previous night. He is now able to play any piece of music simply by listening to it once.

2. Orlando Serrell

He was not born a savant. He was ten years old when he was hit on the head with a baseball. Since then he has been able to perform complicated calendar calculations and remember the weather every day from the day of the accident.

3. Kim Peek

Kim was the inspiration for the character played by Dustin Hoffman in the Rain Man. His nickname is “Kimputer” because he has read over 12,000 books and remembers everything about them. He reads two pages at once – his left eye reads the left page and his right eye reads the right page – in 3 seconds!

4. Stephen Wiltshire

When he was nine he learnt to talk but before this he had already developed a love for drawing. After a helicopter ride in Tokyo he drew an accurate and detailed view of the city on a piece of paper 10 metres long!

5. Ellen Boudreaux

Like Leslie Lemke, Ellen Boudreaux is a blind autistic savant with exceptional musical abilities. She can play music perfectly after hearing it just once. She can also walk around without bumping into things. She does this by making little chirping sounds that seem to act like a human sonar.

6. Daniel Tammet

Daniel is exceptionally gifted mathematically and linguistically. He can speak 11 languages fluently and learnt one of them, Icelandic, in 7 days. He appears normal but Daniel contends that he actually had to will himself to learn how to talk to and behave around people.

TEXT 2

Read the text below and answer Questions 22-27.

Job Sharing 

Job sharing is the perfect solution for people who want to carry on with their career but also raise a family. Before you do it you need to learn a few things as it can be more difficult than it might seem.

Job Sharing Is Like Marriage

When looking for a job share partner you need to look for someone that is the perfect teammate. You don’t need to find someone who is a carbon copy of you but certainly they need to have a similar professional style, work ethic, and standards as you.

Job Sharing Relies on Communication

For a job share to work smoothly and efficiently you must work like one person. The transition from one person to another, from one day to the next must be seamless. Sharing information successfully can be done by setting up a shared email account, and using the same filing system to organise computer and paper files.

Be Flexible

No matter how well organized your schedule is things happen. Your child needs to visit the dentist. A friend flies in to visit you. A hundred and one reasons why you can’t be at work tomorrow. If you have a good job sharing relationship then your partner will cover for you.

Job Sharing Means Less Income

This might be obvious but when you job share you not only share the work but you also share the income. That’s right you will only get half the income maybe even less if you decide to do less than half the work. 

You Share Accomplishments

Just as in a marriage many things you do, probably all the things you do, will be achieved because of you and your job share partner. In other words, you must share any praise for accomplishments.

Your Circumstances May Change

No matter how much you like your job, things change and so your commitment to it might also change. Things that you can’t predict now might make you think about getting a fulltime job again; your spouse might move to another city, you decide to go back to university who knows what the future might bring?

Questions 15-21

Look at the following statements and the list of savants below.

Match each statement with the correct savant, A-F.

Write the correct letter, A-F, in boxes 15-21 on your answer sheet.

NB You may use any letter more than once.

Savants

A. Leslie Lemke 

B. Orlando Serrell
C. Kim Peek
D. Stephen Wiltshire
E. Ellen Boudreaux
F. Daniel Tammet

• 15 ..................... This savant reminds people of a computer as everything he reads he remembers.
• 16 ..................... This savant learnt one language very quickly and speaks many more. 
• 17 ...................... This savant developed extraordinary powers after an accident. 
• 18 ......................This savant plays the piano. 
• 19 ......................This savant inspired a movie. 
• 20 ......................This savant avoids falling over with sonar like ability. 
• 21 ......................This savant loves to draw buildings with incredible accuracy. 

Questions 22-27

Complete the sentences below.


Choose NO MORE THAN ONE WORD from the passage for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 22-27 on your answer sheet.

You don’t have to find an exact copy of you when looking for a job share partner but they must have similar 22 .........................
A successful job share means being able to share information with the same filing  system so that each day flows into another in a 23 .......................... manner.
One thing is certain and that is no matter how well prepared you are 24 ..........................will happen.
An important thing to remember is that when you job share you won’t get the 25 ..................... of a fulltime job.
In a job share you can no longer accept all the 26 .............................
You might not always have the same 27 ................................ because your life might be moving in another direction.

READING PASSAGE 3

Read the text below and answer questions 28-40. 

Mission to Mars

2011 Mars One Founded

In 2011 Bas Lansdorp and Arno Wielders lay the foundation of the Mars One mission plan. Discussion meetings are held with potential suppliers of aerospace components in the USA, Canada, Italy and United Kingdom. Mission architecture, budgets and timelines are solidified from the feedback of supplier engineers and business developers. A baseline design for a mission of permanent human settlement on Mars achievable with existing technology is the result.

2013 Start Crew Selection

In April 2013, the Astronaut Selection Program is launched at press conferences in New York and Shanghai. Round One is an online application open to all nationalities. The selection program proceeds with three additional rounds over the course of two years. At the end of it around six teams of four individuals are selected for training. A new batch of the Astronaut Selection Program begins every year to replenish the training pool regularly. An analogue of the Mars habitat is constructed on Earth for technology testing and training purposes.

2015 Start of Crew Training

Selected candidates from the first batch of applicants enter full-time training groups. This training continues until the launch in 2024. The group's ability to deal with prolonged periods of time in a remote location is the most important part of their training. They learn to repair components of the habitat and rover, learn to grow their own food, and train in medical procedures. The first outpost simulation, a Mars-like terrain that is relatively easy to reach is chosen. A second training outpost is located at a more remote environment like the Arctic desert.

2018 Demo and Comsat Mission

A Demonstration Mission is launched to Mars in May 2018; it provides proof of concept for some of the technologies that are important for a human mission. A communication satellite is also launched that is placed into a Mars stationary orbit. It enables 24/7 communication between the two planets. It can relay images, videos and other data from the Mars surface.

2020 Rover Mission Launched

One intelligent rover and one trailer are launched. The rover can use the trailer to transport the landers to the outpost location. On Mars, the rover drives around the chosen region to find the best location for the settlement. An ideal location for the settlement is far enough north for the soil to contain enough water, equatorial enough for maximum solar power and flat enough to facilitate construction of the settlement. When the settlement location is determined, the rover prepares the surface for arrival of the cargo missions. It also clears large areas where solar panels will lie. A second communications satellite is launched into orbit around the Sun.

2022 Cargo Missions Launched

Six cargo missions are launched and two living units, two life support systems, and two supply units are sent to Mars in July 2022. In February 2023 all units land on Mars using a rover signal as a beacon.

2023 Outpost Operational

The six cargo units land on Mars, up to 10 km away from the outpost. The rover picks up the first life support unit using the trailer, takes it to the right place, and deploys the thin film solar panel of the life support unit. The rover can now connect to the life support unit to recharge its batteries much faster than using only its own panels, allowing it to do much more work. The rover picks up all the other cargo units and then deploys the thin film solar panel of the second life support unit and the inflatable sections of the living units. The life support unit is connected to the living units by a hose that can transport water, air and electricity.

The life support system is now activated. The rover feeds Martian soil into the life support system. Water is extracted from the Martian soil by evaporating the subsurface ice particles in an oven. The evaporated water is condensed back to its liquid state and stored. Part of the water is used for producing oxygen. Nitrogen and argon, filtered from the Martian atmosphere make up the other components of the breathable air inside the habitat.

2024 Departure Crew One

In April 2024, the components of the Mars transit vehicle are launched to Earth orbit on receiving the green light on the status of the systems on Mars. First, a transit habitat and a Mars lander with an assembly crew on-board are launched into an orbit around the Earth. The assembly crew docks the Mars lander to the transit habitat. Two propellant stages are launched a month later and are also connected. The first Mars crew, now fully trained, is launched into the same Earth orbit. In orbit the Mars One crew switches places with the assembly crew, who descend back to Earth. Engines of the propellant stages are fired and the transit vehicle is launched on a Mars transit trajectory. This is the point of no return; the crew is now bound to a 210-day flight to Mars.

Questions 28-31

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

Write the correct letter in boxes 28-31 on your answer sheet.


28. What is the plan to have a permanent human settlement on Mars based on? 

A new technology

B new and old technology

C existing technology

D recent technology


29. How is the ideal site for the settlement found?

A GPS

B rover

C the settlers

D some luck


30. After the outpost is operational how does the rover recharge its batteries?

A from the living units

B from the life support unit

C from its own solar panels

D from the cargo units


31. Where does oxygen come from?

A Nitrogen and argon

B water

C Martian atmosphere

D Life support system

Questions 32-38

Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR NUMBER from the passage for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 32-36 on your answer sheet.


To begin the process of selecting suitable astronauts two 32 ........................ are held in two cities around the world. The first application is 33 .......................... and available to every nationality. This is followed by a further 34 ........................... rounds and results in the selection of 35 ........................
teams that then start training. During training they learn how to cope with life in an isolated 

36 ........................., cultivate 37 ........................, and perform 38 .............................

Questions 39-40

Answer the questions below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 39-40 on your answer sheet.


How will it be possible for people on Mars to contact people on Earth?

39 ...................................

What point is reached when the crew start their journey to Mars?

40 ..................................

IELTS Task 2 Discussion Essay Including Examiner's Report

Here are two sample IELTS task 2 answers on the topic of who should look after children during the day when parents are working.







Question: Some parents think that childcare centres provide the best services for children of pre-school age. Other working parents think that family members such as grandparents will be better carers for their kids. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Essay 1

Some argue that when parents are at work, close relations provide the best care to young children, while others believe day care centres offer a better service. It is agreed that while some relatives take care of youngsters extremely well, childcare professionals offer a better overall service. This essay will first discuss the merits of family members looking after ‘pre-schoolers’, secondly, an analysis of childcare centres’ services, followed by a reasoned conclusion.

Many parents in full-time employment prefer to leave their young ones with grandparents and siblings when they are at work. This is often a trust issue, as the parents feel their child will be safer with someone from within the family nucleus. For example, a recent study showed that 62% of working mothers prefer a member of the immediate family to provide care when they are working. However, most kin are not trained childcare professionals and may not have the skills required to fully nurture a child.

Daycare centres may be a better option due to the fact that most of their staff are highly skilled professionals. Many of their staff are highly trained and have diplomas in child development. For instance, if you want a job in a Montessori school, they will insist that you are fully qualified, with many of their staff having degrees in early years development. In spite of this, there have been recent high-profile cases of abuse within these establishments which makes some parents wary.

In summary, although there are some issues involving trust, as long as parents vet each school properly, the high level of service provided by daycare professionals trumps that of unqualified family members.

Examiner’s Report: This answer fully addresses all parts of the question, focusing on which of the two alternatives mentioned provides the better service. A number of relevant, extended and supported ideas are used to produce a well developed response. The ideas are logically ordered and cohesion is used in such a way that it attracts no attention. Paragraphing is used very skillfully and progression between paragraphs is managed with a high level of sophistication. A very wide range of lexis is used appropriately. The range of grammatical structures is wide and all sentences are error free. (Band 9)

Essay 2

Nowadays, childcare centres are a very hot topic and many parents are talking about their controversial issue. It is without precedence that so many mums and dads are now in the global working marker, caused in part by the remarkable phenomena of globalization that creeps in to society with ever more vigilance day by day.

I think that it is a crying shame that so many loving mothers and fathers have to leave their baby with a childcare centre. The baby will pine and crave for the affections of its mother and this may lead to the baby have developmental issues, such as learning and behavioral difficulties further down the line in later life. Moreover, these centres have been shown to be shoddy operators with many incidences of malpractices, such as neglect and physical and mental abuse damaging forever the true spirit of the infant.

So what about the grandparents? Many grandparents look forward to the day they can relax and put their feet up without the distraction of unruly children. However, many grandparents are totally committed to the welfare of their grandchildren and love to see their loved ones, lighting up their sense of personality in an unambiguous fashion.

In conclusion, it is no wonder how many parents have to leave their children at home while they try to pay off mortgages and credit card bills brought about by the current geo-political set up and burgeoning financial system of developing countries. I for one will stay at home with my kids and will therefore not require the service of professionals or next of kin.

Examiner’s Report: This candidate does not address the question asked by focusing on how children and grandparents feel, rather than the services provided. Ideas are not well developed and unsupported by examples. The information is not organised coherently and there is a lack of progression. The candidate also fails to make their position clear. The candidate has tried to use a wide range of vocabulary but there are lots of inappropriate word choices e.g. ‘unambiguous fashion’, ‘ever more vigilance’. The candidate has also tried to make complex sentences, but this often leads to them making errors that prevent meaning being conveyed. (Band 4.5)

You may click here to know Top 10 Grammar Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

General Writing Task 1 Sample Letters

IELTS Sample Letters for Writing Task 1

Here is a collection of sample letters to help you prepare for IELTS writing task 1
for the General Training Paper (students taking the Academic Paper will not get
letters for writing task 1). The IELTS sample letters below are a range of personal,
semi-formal and formal which are all common in task 1.

[1]Letter of Instruction

You have just spent a week with a friend on holiday. When you got
home, you realised you had left your wallet there.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

• thank your friend for the holiday
• explain that you left your wallet in their house:
• give them instructions of how to send it back to you

[2]Asking for a Letter of Reference

You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference.

Write a letter to a former teacher. In your letter:

• give details of the job
• explain why it is important to you
• suggest what information your teacher could put in the reference

[3] Letter of Advice

A friend has written to you asking for advice about a problem at work. You have had a similar problem in the past. 

Write a reply to your friend. In your letter:

• tell your friend you understand the problem
• explain what happened to you in the past
• suggest possible solutions to the problem.

[4] Letter of Complaint

Work is being done on the street where you live. The noise is disturbing you.

Write a letter of complaint to your local council. In your letter:

• introduce yourself
• explain what the problem is
• suggest solutions to the problem

[5] Letter of Application

You saw an advert in the newspaper asking for volunteers to help run a charity event.

Write a letter of application to the organisers. In your letter:

• explain why you are interested in helping
• give details suitable past experience
• suggest ways you might help with the event

[6] Letter of Request

You free to take leave from your work of over one month for personal reasons.

Write a letter to your boss. In your letter: 

• explain the reason for the leave and the length of the leave you need
• explain how you will keep up-to-date while you're away
• suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

[7] Letter of Resignation

You have decided to resign from your work in order to try a new field.

Write a letter of resignation to your boss. In your letter:

• tell your boss of your decision and explain why you are leaving
• explain what you have learnt from your current job and how you feel about leaving
• ask for a letter of reference

[8] Letter of Arrangement

You have organised to go on holiday with your friend. However, you must change your plans.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

• tell them how much you are looking forward to the holiday
• explain why you must change your plans
• suggest alternative arrangements

[9] Letter of Complaint

You recently ordered something online. When the delivery came it was not complete.

Write a letter to the company. In your letter:

• explain what you ordered and what was missing from your delivery
• explain the importance of this delivery
• ask for a replacement item to be sent

[10] Letter of Acceptance

A friend has offered you some work in his company. 

You are currently employed and not able to start for three months.

Write a reply to your friend. In your letter:

• give details of what you know about his company
• explain your current situation
• give your answer to the offer and explain why

You can click here to know Top Ten Grammar Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Happy Learning ❤

IELTS Task 2 Essay - Teenage Years

This post gives you a band 9 sample answer and a structure to help you answer questions like this on test day. It is a General Training essay but is also helpful for Academic candidates.

Some people think that the teenage years are the happiest times of most people’s lives. Others think that adult life brings more happiness, in spite of greater responsibilities.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

It is often argued that the most fulfilling stage of a person’s life is during adolescence, while others believe that adulthood, despite things like a job, family and money concerns, is better. This essay agrees with the former, rather than the later view. It will first discuss how grown-ups are much less fulfilled than teenagers because of the pressures they are under and then discuss how contented most teenagers are, before coming to the conclusion that the ages of thirteen to eighteen really are the best years of our lives.

Upon reaching maturity people are expected to fend for themselves and this often leads to unhappiness. This is because most adults have rent and bills to pay, as well as a partner and dependents to look after, which more often than not, leads to them doing a job they don’t enjoy in exchange for money. A recent study by Queen’s University, Belfast found that 79% of people would leave their jobs if they didn’t have a mortgage and 64% of people stated that their job made them depressed at some point.

On the other hand, young people are free from these worries because they are often supported financially and free from any real troubles. Most live with their parents who pay for all their needs and the only thing they have to focus on is studying. Research carried out by Cambridge University found that only 29% of 15-16 year old students said they were ‘happy’, but when questioned 10 years later 84% said that they were ‘much happier’ when they were 16.

In conclusion, youth really is wasted on the young because older people are under much more strain when it comes to money and people relying on them.

(289 words)

Approach and Structure

There are three things we need to do in this essay:

1) Discuss teenagers’ happiness

2) Discuss adults’ happiness

3) Give our opinion

In order to do this I have to first choose which side I am on. You can choose to say that both adults and teenagers are happy and give a balanced view, but I have found that students find this approach more difficult and it often leads to a confused essay. Confused essays are difficult to read and can therefore lose you marks for lack of coherence.

It is better to take one side and argue in favour of it. I therefore use this basic structure:

Introduction– give opinion and say what the essay is about. 

Main Body Paragraph 1- Why adults are unhappy. 

Main body Paragraph 2- Why teenagers are happy. 

Conclusion- summarise main points and restate opinion. 

If we look at the structure on a sentence by sentence level it looks like this:

Paragraph 1- Introduction

Sentence 1- Paraphrase question

Sentence 2- State opinion

Sentence 3- Outline what essay will say

Paragraph 2- Adults

Sentence 1- Topic sentence (main idea)

Sentence 2- Explain topic sentence

Sentence 3- Example

Paragraph 3- Teenagers

Sentence 1- Topic sentence (main idea)

Sentence 2- Explain topic sentence

Sentence 3- Example

Paragraph 4- Conclusion

Sentence 1- paraphrase main points and give opinion again

This structure can be used for any ‘discuss both views and give your opinion’ essay.

I hope you found this useful and if you have any comments or questions please comment below.

For more common essay topics please visit our IELTS Task 2 page.

Happy Learning ❤

Recent Exam Question asked in IELTS Speaking TASK 1 & 2

Question asked by the Examiner for IELTS Speaking Task 2:

Talk about a language you want to learn. Please say:

• What the language is?

• Where is it spoken?

• Why you want to learn it?

• And explain how you plan to learn it?

Sample Answer for IELTS Speaking Task 2 according to IELTS Band 7:

Language is the medium through which people convey their thoughts and ideas. Many languages are spoken world-wide. I know the languages that are spoken in the part of the country where I live. But one language that I want to learn is the French language. As it is obvious from name itself, this language is spoken in France. Besides, it is the second most spoken language in Canada.

The reason why I want to learn this language is that , I have heard , it is the most sophisticated language of the world. So knowing this language will add to my personality and sophistication. Not only this, this language will facilitate my migration to Canada. Immigration to Canada is based on points. A person, who knows the language of the French, gets some additional points. These two reasons, kindle in me the desire to learn this language.

I plan to learn this language by enrolling myself in some good institute where this language is taught. In fact, it is also taught in the evening classes in the university. In addition to this, I shall also watch French movies. Initially I would watch French movies with English sub-titles. This will help me to understand the language better. I shall also read French literature. I am sure, all my efforts will bear fruit and I will be able to master this sophisticated language soon.

Discussion for IELTS Speaking Task 3 based on the above question asked:

Q.1. Why is it important to know more languages?

Ans. It is important to know more languages because of a number of reasons. Firstly, in this globalised world knowing more languages can help person in his business and even in education. Secondly, knowing more languages can go long way in understanding the culture to which that language belongs as language is the core part of that culture.

Q.2. Some languages are being spoken by less number of people and there is a fear that they may die down.Do you think these languages should be preserved?

Ans. Yes definitely, these languages should be preserved. I believe, language is the core part of every culture and if a language dies, the culture also does not flourish.

Q.3. Why is it easy to learn a language easily where it is actually spoken?

Ans. It is easy to learn a language where it is actually spoken because the environment is such. By interaction with the people there, the learning of that particular language becomes not so tough.

Q.4. Is it possible to master a language at a place other than where it is spoken? Why/ Why not?  

Ans. Yes, of course. It is possible to master a language any where in the world. This can be done by reading the books of that language, watching movies and interacting with people who know that language. Now it has become possible to learn languages online also.

Q.5. Do you think that the world would be a more peaceful place if there was just one language spoken all over the world as there would be no communication gap?

Ans. I don’t think so as the world history is full of examples where the nations having the common language had been at war. In my opinion there would be too much monotony.

You can check the updated cue cards here.
Click here 

Happy Learning ❤

Best Podcasts for English Learners

The best English students are always looking for new ways to develop their skills, and increasingly, podcasts have become an unparalleled source of ‘real English’. There are lots of podcasts out there that focus on teaching grammar, vocabulary and other skills, but they tend to be a little too much like being in English class and don’t expose learners to how real English speakers converse with each other.

Podcasts offer you an insight into what you can expect if you actually lived in an English speaking country. There are also so many of them, that you can pick the ones that suit your interests. How many times have you sat in an English class listening to a topic that puts you to sleep? With podcasts you can choose whatever you’re in to, improve your English and learn about your passion, all at the same time.

I’ll be honest and confess that I’m a bit of a podcast addict, but it’s mostly because I’ve learned more from them about a whole range of topics, including web design, social media, entrepreneurship, teaching, astrophysics, philosophy and the list goes on and on, than I ever did at school.

If you’re passionate about something, you’ll learn more effectively. So instead of listening to boring grammar tapes or learning lists of academic vocabulary, why not find a podcast you love and learn your grammar and vocabulary from them?

I’ve sampled a bunch of podcasts and also had some recommendations from students, and below are some the best and most educational out there.

Where can I listen to podcasts?

Most people listen to them on their phone. If you have an Apple device, podcasts will already be a pre-installed app.

You can download an app called Stitcher on any device. It’s free and you can also listen to it on your computer at home.

How can they improve my English?

You can simply just relax and listen to them if you want, but this is what I call ‘passive’ listening. A much more effective way is something called ‘active’ listening. This is when you listen and actively think about the vocabulary, grammar, sentence structures or pronunciation.

If you hear a word you don’t know, listen to the section again and try to guess the meaning. You can then note down the word on your phone or in a notebook and check to see if you were correct. Soon you will really expand your vocabulary.

If you listen to a sentence and you didn’t understand a phrase, it is probably because of connected speech. Rewind and listen to it a few times and the words will become clearer each time. Soon you will get used to how native speakers naturally join words together. This is essential if you want to get one of the higher scores in the Listening test.

You can also imitate stress patterns, intonation and individual sounds that you find difficult. Make sure you’re alone when you do this and not on the bus on the way to work. 

These are just a few ways you can ‘actively’ listen. The great thing about podcasts is you can listen and learn anywhere.

My Favourites

Below are a list of the podcasts I love and I’ve recommended to friends and students. You might not be in to the same things I am, but simply have a search for podcasts and you are sure to find one that interests you.

Hardcore History

This is my personal favourite. Hardcore History by Dan Carlin is simply brilliant.

Was Alexander the Great as bad a person as Hitler? How did World War I shape our lives today? How did Genghis Khan rise from humble beginnings to master a huge empire? Dan answers these questions and more.

Freakonomics Radio

This podcast is likely to appeal to people who are interested in sociology, social issues, current events, science, and the human condition. The delivery is lively and fascinating, and the hosts have fun personalities. This is not a dry or boring economics lecture by any means.

The Joe Rogan Experience

Joe is the man. I’ve collectively lost weeks of my life listening to this podcast. Joe is never short of an interesting guest from comics, professors, celebrities, MMA fighters, authors etc. His shows are long, always interesting and often hilarious. Hours will disappear fast.

The Tim Ferriss Podcast

Out of all the podcasts on this list, I’ve recommended this one the most to my friends. Tim interviews world class performers from many different fields and tries to isolate their common traits. You always end the podcast feeling like you have learned something that will make you a better performer in whatever you do.

Startalk

Not about celebrities, but about the real stars above us. Dr. Tyson breaks everything down into terms that the common dummy (like me!) can understand. Startalk is an inspiring podcast that I follow each week, and come out feeling more intelligent and more informed.

Tech News Today

Find out what’s happening in the world of technology in 30 minutes or less. Always interesting and informative, and just the right length.

Common Sense with Dan Carlin

If politics and current affairs are your thing, then check out this one. He has an integrity and sense of purpose that you don’t often find with the voices involved in current issues.

Football Weekly

My favourite football podcast, brought to you by the Guardian. News and analysis, and the best blow-by-blow coverage of the Premier League and beyond.

Smart Passive Income

Pat Flynn gives you honest advice about how to start a profitable online business. I’ve learned so much from him. You’ll learn everything from how to start a blog, use social media and he’s even helping me create an online course. A wealth of information.

Stuff You Should Know

Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant get to the bottom of odd questions, like how the Pyramids were built and if zombies exist.It’s a fascinating biweekly podcast. A unique dose of education and comedy.

Criminal

Fascinating stories about people who’ve broken the law, been the victims of crime, or somewhere in between.

There are so many more I could tell you about, but I’ll leave it up to you to discover some for yourself. It is so important to listen and practice to English as much as you can if you want to progress and podcasts are, in my opinion, one of the best ways to do so.

IELTS Vocabulary - Health

Below are twenty words associated with one of the most common IELTS topics- health. They are represented visually and include meanings, form, synonyms, antonyms, collocations and example sentences.

Happy Learning ❤

IELTS Vocabulary - Environment

Below are twenty words associated with one of the most common IELTS topics- the environment. They are represented visually and include meanings, form, synonyms, antonyms, collocations and example sentences.

Happy Learning ❤

IELTS Vocabulary - Education

Below are twenty words associated with one of the most common IELTS topics- education. They are represented visually and include meanings, form, synonyms, antonyms, collocations and example sentences.

I hope this will help you prepare for the IELTS test and please let me know if you have any suggestions for further posts.

Happy Learning ❤