Basic Writing Strategies

1. Writing Task – 1 has fewer marks.

2. You will get a mark from 1 to 9 on Task Fulfillment, Coherence & Cohesion and
Vocabulary and Sentence Structure.
3. Cohesion and Coherence are interrelated, which is why they are done together.
Cohesion is how your writing fits together. Does your writing with its ideas and
content flow logically? Coherence is how you are making yourself understood
and whether the reader of your writing understands what you are saying.
4. Always present your writing in at least three paragraphs: Introduction, Body
and Conclusion. Paragraphing is important in IELTS writing.
5. Grammar is important. But don’t worry about grammatical and spelling
mistakes too much because IELTS is more interested in communication than in
grammatical accuracy.

Speaking Test Format

Face to face interview between one candidate and one examiner. 
1. Part 1 (4-5mins): Introduction and interview on topics of common interest.
2. Part 2 (1-3 mins incl. prep): Individual talk. A card with a Topic and some instructions on
it.
3. Part 3 (4-5 mins): Discussion topics. More demanding and critical.

Basic Speaking Strategies

1. Speak fluently and link ideas coherently and demonstrate a range of appropriate
vocabulary. Use accurate grammar and appropriate register.
2. Speak so that a listener can understand
3. Be prepared to respond fully to questions asked by examiner. Take the initiative
if possible, always say more than ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ and try to overcome nerves
4. Prepare well for your presentation and sound interested in the talk.
Demonstrate your control of the language and Support your opinions with
reasons.
5. Don’t worry about your mistakes. He will not note every mistake you make. He
will get general impressions of your speaking and grade you. More important is
the total communication rather than individual words.