The main purpose of this blog is to provide candidates IELTS practice material to achieve the required bands in IELTS as practice is the only way to make your dreams true. I tried my best to share all (download-able) possible practice books, books for guidelines and books to improve you english. In future, I must struggle to gather more useful information and share on my blog for IELTS candidates. I make an effort to provide the map of this site here

Cambridge Practice Test For IELTS - 1                  Cambridge Practice Test For IELTS - 2

Cambridge Practice Test For IELTS - 3                  Cambridge Practice Test For IELTS - 4

Cambridge Practice Test For IELTS - 5                  Cambridge Practice Test For IELTS - 6

Cambridge Practice Test For IELTS - 7                  Cambridge Practice Test For IELTS - 8

Insight Into IELTS                                        101 Helpful Hints for IELTS

Common Mistakes At IELTS Intermediate

Cambridge Grammar for IELTS with answers 

Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS

•  Types of Letters- Writing Module

IELTS Letter-1                              IELTS Letter-2                              IELTS Letter-3

IELTS Letter-4                              IELTS Letter-5                              IELTS Letter-6

IELTS Letter-7                              IELTS Letter-8                              IELTS Letter-9   

• Types of Graphs- Writing Module

IELTS Graph-1                              IELTS Graph-2                              IELTS Graph-3

IELTS Graph-4                              IELTS Graph-5                              IELTS Graph-6

IELTS Graph-7                              IELTS Graph-8   

• Essays from Past IELTS Papers

IELTS Essay-1                              IELTS Essay-2                              IELTS Essay-3
                
IELTS Essay-4                              IELTS Essay-5                              IELTS Essay-6

IELTS Essay-7                              IELTS Essay-8                              IELTS Essay-9

IELTS Essay-10                            IELTS Essay-11

• IELTS Speaking Test Practice 

Introduction to Speaking Module                                     Guidelines and Sample -1

Guidelines and Sample -2



                        

Share

101 Helpful Hints for IELTS

     In my opinion this is one of the first book - if not the very first one - that anybody who would like to know if he would sit for IELTS exam. This is the book that tells you, in no uncertain terms, what would like to know about this Testing system as completely as possible.These hints are divided into two main sections. The first one contains what the authors call the basic hints. These are, subdivided into three parts: a) those hints regarding what a student should know before the test b) what he needs to know during the test c) the section they call Check Before the End of the Test

     Once he has studied these hints, the student should have a very clear idea of how to tackle this test. The next type of hints are divided - like the test itself - into four and will tell him what he should know in order to tackle IELTS. In this book you will find practical tests in Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing - the four disciplines that he will be tested in during the test proper.

     The Answer-Key and the model answers will also enable him to assess his ability now and give him an idea of how much work is required of him before he decides to take IELTS. I have attached download-able E-Book in my post along with the Audio Recording.

   Click Here to download E-Book








Audio Recording of Listening Tests:   

Share

Insight Into IELTS (Tips & Practice)

Insight into IELTS has been designed for IELTS preparation. However, it is equally appropriate as a self-study resource book for students wishing to improve their IELTS skills on their own as it contains helpful advice, sample IELTS material throughout the units and detailed answer keys.

The book is appropriate both for learners seeking to enter an English-speaking university, school or college, as well as for people who may need to provide an IELTS score for the purposes of immigration to an English speaking country. However, the earlier units in each section are designed for lower-level learners or students not familiar with the IELTS test format, while the later units are intended to stretch the stronger candidates beyond their immediate IELTS needs and enhance their language skills overall.

The book consists of four parts:
• Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking sections
• Supplementary activities for each unit
• A complete practice test
• Recording Script and Answer Key

The first part of the book is divided into four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, to reflect the format of the test, and these are broken down into manageable units. Each section begins with an overview of the IELTS test and students who work their way through the book will become familiar with all question types and tasks that they are likely to meet in the test. The skills covered are not restricted to test-taking strategies alone but also reflect the broader range of language that students will encounter in an English-speaking environment, whether at university or in the wider community. The units contain class and pair activities and the opportunity for individual practice.

The Supplementary activities can be used to expand the units as follow-up work in class or as homework exercises. For students working on their own, they provide further opportunity to practise and consolidate the language covered in each unit or they can help students to structure their revision schedule once they have covered the units in the first part of the book.

The final part of the book offers a full practice IELTS test which is accompanied by a band conversion table (on page 189) to allow students to assess their approximate level in the Reading and Listening sections from their performance in this test.

A Recording Script is provided for the Listening units and the Listening part of the practice test and this is annotated to show where the answers are located in the text.

A thorough Answer Key is provided for all sections of the book, including the practice test. The Key provides a framework of support to ensure that students can receive feedback on all activities and exercises undertaken. It includes a selection of model Band 9 answers to a number of the writing questions. We would like to stress that these model answers represent only a sample of the many possible ways of approaching the writing tasks, but we hope that learners will find them a useful guide.

The download-able E-book ( Insight Into IELTS) is attached with the Audio Recording in this post.

   Click Here to download E-Book

Audio Recording :

                Side A:    
                Side B:    

Share

IELTS Letter - 9

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You ordered a new cheque book from your bank two weeks ago but you have received nothing.

     Write a letter to the manager complaining about the bad service. Say when and how you ordered the cheque book. Ask how much longer you will have to wait and ask the manager what action he will take over this matter.

You should write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write your own address.

Model Answer:

Dear Sir,

     I am writing to complain about the service that I have received at your bank. Two weeks ago I ordered a cheque book by filling out the appropriate form when I visited the bank but since then I have not received the cheque book and I have received no other correspondence from the bank. It is quite urgent for me as I have quite a few bills that I need to pay that can only be paid by cheque.

     Please write to me as soon as possible and let me know how much longer I will have to wait for my cheque book and please explain why I have had to wait so long. I would also like to know what action you are going to take regarding this bad service.

     I have been a customer of your bank now for fifteen years and this is the first time I have had to complain. It is very disappointing.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely,

Graham Swann

(172 words)

Share

IELTS Letter - 8

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Write a letter to complain about a situation in which some adolescents let their dogs run wildly causing dangerous.

You should write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write your own address.

Model Answer:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to draw your attention to a situation that has been developing in my neighbourhood.

      Recently, I have witnessed many dogs on the loose in the neighbourhood. The dogs, which are fierce looking and not muzzled, are given license to run around the neighbourhood. They are intimidating, especially to children and the elderly. I am afraid that it’s just a matter of time before someone gets seriously injured.

      The owners of these dogs, a bunch of adolescents, seem to be unaware of the dangers of letting their pets off the leash and have adopted a nonchalant attitude. The teenagers have been asked by numerous locals to keep the dogs under control but all requests have been ignored and the situation has not improved. I therefore believe that immediate action must be taken and I ask that you investigate the matter and take appropriate action as soon as possible to prevent the occurrence of injury and serious bodily harm.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

(162 words)

Share

IELTS Letter - 7

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You had a good meal in a local restaurant with your family. Write a letter to the newspaper to tell them about it, describe the meal you had, and why you think the restaurant is worth visiting.

You should write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write your own address.

Model Answer:

To the Editor,

     I am a long standing member of our local community and I am writing a recommendation to other citizens for one of our fine neighbourhood dining establishments; The Lone Star Café.

     There were many impressive attributes which struck me upon my entrance, such as the décor and ambience. I particularly enjoyed the laidback attitude of the place. But for my mind it was the service along with the size and quality of the portions that was most memorable.

     The service was professional yet intimate, and along with the sheer quantity of the dishes served, motivated me to pass on my recommendation. I enjoyed a steak of mammoth proportions and a giant fresh, crisp salad accompanied by a selection of appropriately selected seasonal vegetables. The piece de resistance, however, was the rich Black Forest gateau served as dessert –and all for a reasonable price.

I hope after reading this, potential customers will frequent this diner – Bon appetite.

Yours truly

(161 words)

Share

IELTS Letter - 6

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You cannot go to a company where you got an offer. Write a letter to the HR supervisor to
1. Explain the reason why you decline the offer
2. Express you gratitude
3. Explain you like your current job very much.

You should write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write your own address.

Model Answer:

Dear Sir,

      I was a potential employee to whom you made a job offer. I would like to extend my thanks for such an offer, especially at such a company as yours. It is, however, with deepest regret that I must decline your generous invitation and apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused.

      I appreciate immensely the interview organized by your company and the extensive effort made by all the staff involved. Their attitude was impressive and highly commendable. As such I must pass my sincerest apologies for any difficulties related to the extra work that must have been involved, and the time wasted on your behalf. Although the offer was substantial, it wasn’t enough to encourage me to sever the bonds with my current employer. During my time at my present company my superiors supported me and fostered my career. In short, they made me the employee I am today.

      I would like to keep the lines of communication open between our two parties, and look forward to further correspondence.

Yours sincerely

(174 words)

Share

IELTS Letter - 5

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

 Your car is hired from a company and while you are driving on holiday, you have a small accident.

  You will have to write a report to the company to explain it.

  You need to explain the following:
                 1. When and where you hired it?
                 2. Describe how the accident happened?
                 3. What kind of action did you take after the accident?

You should write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write your own address.

Model Answer:

Dear Sir,

     I am a recent customer of your rental company having I rented a car from your downtown outlet in Detroit. The car hired was an economy model vehicle which I rented from March 21st to the present. I would like to commend your company on their professionalism and the service offered, and as such I am sure you will handle my incident with these qualities.

     Unfortunately, I had an unavoidable accident involving the aforementioned vehicle and another party. The accident was caused by the other car failing to stop at the red light of the intersection I was passing through, and as such the second party collided into the driver's side of my automobile. The police were informed in situ, whereupon they recorded information regarding the accident and the other driver’s insurance details.

     The police established the other driver's responsibility for the accident, and the second party's insurance company has been informed. I would like to request that a replacement vehicle be offered while my current vehicle is incapacitated. Once again, I would like to commend your company's professional attitude.

Yours sincerely

(184 words)

Share

IELTS Letter - 4

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You will move to a new city for work. You know some people who live there.

• Ask them for help finding accommodation
• Tell them where you would like to live
• Tell them the type of place you are looking for

You should write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write your own address.

model answer:

Dear Sir,

      I wanted to let you know that I am coming to live in (city) and I would like to ask if you can help me with a few things before I arrive and start my new job.

      Do you think you could give me a hand finding somewhere to live? Ideally I would like to live close to where I am going to be working, or in the downtown district. If possible I would like to be near some shops, like a supermarket and a DVD rental place. As I really love sports it would be great to be near a park too.

      I’m not too worried about the place itself. Obviously I will be looking for a flat, rather than a house, as it is just going to be me and I won’t be able to afford too much. So, a place with one bedroom is fine, but I would like to have a private bathroom (not shared), a kitchen and some kind of living room. It doesn’t matter if the kitchen is small, but it would nice to have one. I would prefer to live somewhere new, so anything in a modern apartment block would be great.

Thanks for your help

(206 words)

Share

IELTS Letter - 3

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Your heighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your houselflat.

Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter

• explain the reasons for the noise
• apologise
• describe what action you will take

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Dear James,

      I was very shocked to get your letter saying that the noise from my flat has been spoiling your evenings and causing you some distress. I am really, really sorry about that. I had no idea that you would be able to hear so much, so I hope you will accept my apologies.

      As you may have guessed, I am trying to refit my kitchen in the evenings when I get home from work. Unfortunately it is all getting longer than expected and I have been having problems with getting things to fit properly. This has meant to a lot of banging and hammering.

      As the kitchen is still not finished, I have decided to call in a professional builder who will finish the work in the next day or two. He’ll work only during daytime hours, so you won’t be disturbed in the evenings again, I promise.

Sorry to have caused these problems,

Bill.

(157 words)

Share

Cambridge Practice Test For IELTS - 4

     Dear readers I have attached all the practice books issued by Cambridge university for IELTS preparation. The E-Books can be downloaded free of charge in this blog and the audio recordings have been attached with these books accordingly. I suggest to practice on tests provided in the series of eight books (By Cambridge University) under exam conditions to achieve desired bands in IELTS and to handle pressure on exam day.

     Having a good level of English language does not guarantee you a good score in the IELTS. Some students are more successful than others when taking IELTS. Often the more successful students are better prepared. However, sometimes students who do well have better test taking skills. These abilities really have nothing to do with understanding English better. They are strategic skills that make taking the test easier, and therefore provide better results. These strategic skills can only be polished by practicing more and more and In my opinion 8 book series of Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS is the best source for practice. I have attached all books that can be easily download in PDF format. The audio recordings are also available on my posts.

     However, some books have also been attached in this blog to polish your skills with the guidelines of IELTS experts. So, no need to waste your time and money to attend classes of IELTS to achieve 7+ bands in IELTS. You have to follow the guidelines and practice as much as you can.

     



Click Here to download E-Book








Listening Test-1 Audio Recording:
 
     Section:1        
     Section:2     
     Section:3     
     Section:4     

Listening Test-2 Audio Recording:

     Section:1     
     Section:2     
     Section:3     
     Section:4     

 Listening Test-3 Audio Recording:

     Section:1     
     Section:2     
     Section:3     
     Section:4     

 Listening Test-4 Audio Recording:

     Section:1     
     Section:2     
     Section:3     
     Section:4     
               

Share

IELTS Letter - 2

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You have a full time job and are also doing a part time evening course. You now find that you can not continue the course.

Write a letter to your tutor. In your letter

• describe the situation
• explain why you cannot continue at this time
• say what action you would like to take

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Dear Sir or Madam,

    My name is Muhamad Abdul. I am taking a part-time evening course. I am having a hard time keeping up with this course. I am afraid I cannot continue the course.

    My problem is, I have a full-time job, from 9am – 5pm. Sometimes, I am asked to stay extra hours, to finish up the rest of the work. That is because the holidays are coming up soon. Also I have to do some work preparations for the next day.

    At night when I get home, I am too tired to even prepare a dinner for myself. Also I have no time to study for this course.

    I would like drop this course this quarter. Then take it again the next quarter. So, please accept my situation.

Thank you for your cooperation

Sincerely

M. Abdul

(135 words)

    This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 5 score. Here is the examiner's comment:

    The reason for writing is very clear in this letter but it is not clear who the letter is to. The writer gives information to cover all three bullet points, but only one is well extended, and the whole response is under    length at 135 words, so it loses marks for this.

    The information is organized and it is easy to follow the message. A range of linkers is used across the answer and they are generally accurate, but in some places, especially the first paragraph, sentences are not well-linked.

    The range of vocabulary is sufficient for the task and there are some quite precise expressions. There are no errors in word form, but some very basic spelling errors occur. In terms of grammar, the range is rather limited with many very short sentences and few complex structures. Grammar is generally well-controlled, however, with only a few minor errors and occasional inappropriate punctuation.

Share

IELTS Letter - 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You eat at your college cafeteria every lunchtime. However, you think it needs some improvements.

Write a letter to the college magazine. In you letter

• explain what you like about the cafeteria
• say what is wrong with it
• suggest how it could be improved

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Dear Sir/Madam,
 

    I normally eat lunch at the college cafeteria because it is reasonable priced, convenient and it has a friendly atmosphere.

   There are, however, a number of deficiencies which I think should be put right Firstly, although the staff try to keep the tables clean, there are not enough workers at peak times to clear their tables themselves then they have finished eating.

   Unfortunately , some students do not bother to do this. Also, there are a number of students who do not wait in the queue to be served, which is very annoying for the majority of us. Finally, I think the cafeteria could have better ventilation as it gets too hot, especially in the summer.

    I think it would be a good idea if more signs were put around the cafeteria asking students to put their dirty plates and cutlery on the trolleys provided and to throw away their leftovers and rubbish. Also, I think we should tell students when they are being anti-social and jumping the queue. Finally, could we please have a few windows open when things get too hot?

Yours faithfully 

   

Share

IELTS Graph - 8

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The bar chart below shows the results of a survey conducted by a personnel department at a major company. The survey was carried out on two groups of workers: those aged from 18-30 and those aged 45-60, and shows factors affecting their work performance.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown below.

You should write at least 150 words.

Model Answer:

     The bar chart indicates a survey on two different age groups on the factors contributing to make their environment pleasant for working.

      These factors are divided into external and internal factors. The internal factors are team spirit, competent boss, respect from colleagues and job satisfaction. The external factors are chance for personal development, job security, promotional prospects and money.

      On the internal factors above 50% in both age groups agreed that team spirit, competent boss and job satisfaction are essential to make their environment pleasant. Whereas on the external factors, there are contrasting results. On the chance for personal development and promotional aspects, 80% to 90% of the younger groups were in favor while only less than 50% of the older group thought so. A similar pattern is also noted on job security. With regards to money, 69% to 70% on both age group said it is essential.

      In conclusion, the internal factors have similar responses from the two age groups while they had dissimilar responses on the external factors.

(170 words) 

This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 7 score. Here is the examiner's comment:

     The information contained in the bar chart has been described accurately and concisely and follows a clear progression. There is a clear introduction followed by effective comparisons between the age groups and a valid conclusion. Good formulaic phrases (the bar chart indicates, these factors are divided), although the candidate uses the same language to describe the factors in the bar chart and does not attempt to rephrase them in any way.

Share

IELTS Graph - 7

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The diagram below gives the information about the Hawaiian island chain in the centre of the Pacific Ocean.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown.

You should write at least 150 words.

Model Answer:

     The Hawaiian island chain, in the centre of the Pacific Ocean, is approximately 2,700 km in length. It is formed of volcanoes and the active ones are at the south-east tip of the archipelago, where Hawaii itself is located.

      It is believed that the chain began to form nearly 80 million years ago. Each island started to evolve after an eruption on the sea floor. First, a `hot spot' existed on the ocean bed, which let out a plume of material called magma. This magma may originate as deep as 2,883km below the ocean bed. Next, further eruptions took place, which built up the volcano. Eventually, it emerged above the surface of the ocean.

      Since that time, the spume of magma has remained static as the Pacific tectonic plate moves in a north-west direction across it at a speed of 7-9cm per year. As it moves, a volcano forms as it passes over the hotspot and then become inactive when it has passed it.

(164 words)

Share

IELTS Graph - 6

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The diagrams below give information about the Eiffel Tower in Paris and an outline project to extend it underground.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown.

You should write at least 150 words.

Model Answer:

     The Eiffel Tower is situated close to the Seine River in Paris. It is a metal structure that is 1,063 feet high and weighs 7,417 tonnes. The tower has been a tourist attraction since 1889, when it was built, and there are 1,665 steps that can be climbed in order to reach the two viewing platforms.

      There are now plans to build below the foundations of the tower. These plans include the development of five underground levels that will incorporate the tower's ticket office, shopping facilities, a cinema and museum and two floors of underground parking.

     Although details have yet to be finalised, the principle is that the five floors will be connected by two vertical passenger lifts on either side of the tower. In addition, the floor immediately below the tower, which is planned to house the ticket office, will also consist of a large atrium with a glass ceiling so that visitors can look directly up at the tower itself.

(162 words)

Share

IELTS Graph - 5

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The table below provide information on rental charges and salaries in three areas of London.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown below.

You should write at least 150 words.

 

Model Answer:

     The table shows two sets of related information: the relative cost, in pounds, of renting a property with one, two or three bedrooms in three different suburbs of London and an indication of the kind of annual salary you would need to be earning to rent in these areas.

      Of the three areas mentioned, Notting Hill is the most expensive with weekly rents starting at 375 pounds (salary approximately 100,000) and rising to 738 pounds per week for a 3-bedroom property. To afford this, you would require a salary in the region of 200,000 pounds per annum. Alternatively, Fulham is the cheapest area shown with rents ranging from 215 pounds per week for a one bedroom property to 600 pounds per week for a 3-bedroom property. To rent in this area, salaries need to be somewhere between 85,000 pounds and 170,000 pounds depending on the number of bedrooms required. For those able to pay in the middle price range for accommodation, Regent's Park might be a more suitable district.

(163 words)

Share

IELTS Graph - 4

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

 The graph below gives information about the preferred leisure activities of Australian children.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown.

You should write at least 150 words.

Model Answer:

 

     The graph shows the preferred leisure activities of Australian children aged 5-14. As might be expected, it is clear from the data that sedentary pursuits are far more popular now a days than active ones.

     Of the 10,000 children that were interviewed, all the boys and girls stated that they enjoyed watching TV or videos in their spare time. In addition, the second most popular activity, attracting 80% of boys and 60% of girls, was playing electronic or computer games. While girl related activities such as art and craft highly - just under 60% stated that they enjoyed these in their spare time- only 35% of boys opted for creative pastimes. Bike riding, on the other hand, was almost as popular as electronic games amongst boys and, perhaps surprisingly, almost 60% of girls said that they enjoyed this too. Skateboarding was relatively less popular amongst both boys and girls, although it still attracted 35% of boys and 25% of girls.

(157 words) 

  

Share

IELTS Graph - 3

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The diagram below shows how a central heating system in a house works.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

You should write at least 150 words.

Sample Answer:

     This diagram provides an overview of a domestic central heating system. It shows how the tank, boiler and pipes ensure a constant flow of hot water to both the radiators and the taps.

     The cold water enters the house and is stored in a water storage tank in the roof. From there water flows down to the boiler, located on the ground floor of the house.

     The boiler, which is fuelled by gas or oil, heats up the water as it passes through it. The hot water is then pumped round the house through a system of pipes and flows into radiators, located in different rooms. The water circulates through the radiators, which have small tubes inside them to help distribute the heat, and this warms each of the rooms. Some of the water is directed to the tabs to provide hot water for the house.

     Once the water has been through the pipes and radiators, it is returned to the boiler to be re-heated and circulated round the house again.

(172 words)

Share

Guidelines and Sample of Speaking Module-2

     This tip refers to the whole Speaking test. Don’t start long and complicated sentences if you don’t know how to finish them! Keep your sentences simple, and words understandable. If you make grammatical error – it’s ok to correct yourself, but don’t overdo it, you must sound fluent.

     When you hear a question, your mind automatically draws an image with the answer. You can describe this image in your own language, but when you start to describe it in English, suddenly you don’t have enough words in your vocabulary. So try to think of what part of that image you can describe, do it and stop there. Don’t let yourself show what words you don’t know by saying incomplete sentences.

It can happen that the examiner asks you a question and you don’t have a clue what is he/she talking about. Don’t panic! Just say:

• I am not sure what you mean, could you be more specific?
• Could you repeat the question, please?

If you don’t have a ready answer and you are trying to borrow some time, say:

• Well, I never thought about that, but if I do, I would say that…
• Well, it is not a simple question.

If they ask for your opinion, you can start by saying:

• In my opinion…
• I think that…
• Well, if you ask me, …
• When it comes to me, I …

You will probably have to speak in present, past and future tenses. When asked to speak about future, say:

• I am sure that (something will/won’t happen)
• It is likely/unlikely that (some event will / won’t occur)

FINALLY!!! When leaving the room after the interview, look the examiner in the eyes, smile and simply say: “Thank you for your time. Good bye”.

Isn’t life great? ☺

Here is an example of IELTS speaking module with an Asian candidates.

Share