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Task 1
This task tests your ability to perform one or more of the following
functions in English:
describe and interpret graphic data
describe the stages of a process or procedure
describe an object or event or sequence of events
explain how something works
The question
You are given graphic or pictorial information and you have to write
a description of this information.
Bar charts, line graphs, pie charts and tables are most frequently
given for this task. However, you could also be given an object or
series of pictures or diagrams or a flow chart to describe.
If graphs are used there may be just one – usually a line graph or a bar
chart. However, there could also be more than one of the same type of
graph or a combination of graphs and charts. For example, you could
get a bar chart and a pie chart together or
a line graph and a table.
How to prepare for IELTS - Writing
Length & Timing
You have to write at least 150 words.
You are advised to spend 20 minutes on this task.
Marking
Your performance in Task 1 will be assessed on the criteria below:
Task Achievement
Being able to follow the instructions properly.
Being able to write a clear, accurate and relevant description of the
information.
Being able to focus on the important trends presented as graphic
information.
Coherence and Cohesion
Being able to organize your writing using a suitable structure.
Using connective words to link sentences and paragraphs logically.
Lexical Resources
Being able to use a wide range of vocabulary naturally.
Being able to spell accurately and using the appropriate word formation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Using the appropriate grammatical structures accurately
Using a variety of sentence structures.
Look at the two examples below.
Example 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The chart below shows how primary, secondary and tertiary students in Britain
spend their free time.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and
make comparisons where relevant.
You should write at least 150 words.
How students in Britain spend their free time (5 or more hours a week).
Look at the two examples below.
Example 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The chart below shows how primary, secondary and tertiary students in Britain
spend their free time.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and
make comparisons where relevant.
You should write at least 150 words.
How students in Britain spend their free time (5 or more hours a week).
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The pie charts below show incidences of firework injuries in Great Britain in 1984
and 1998.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and
make comparisons where relevant.
You should write at least 150 words.
Incidences of firework accidents in 1984.
• Spend about 5 minutes studying the flow chart or diagram and preparing your answer.
• Make sure you understand what the important stages of the flow
chart or diagram are and that you know what order they all come in.
Find a place to begin and work your way through or around the
diagram or chart.
• You will need to include all the stages in your description.
• Make sure you are aware of any stages that happen at the same
time as other stages or are alternatives.
• You will probably be using the present simple passive and present
simple if you are describing a process.
• Use any notes on the diagram but put them into your own words.
• Think about varying your vocabulary. Use synonyms. If, for
example, the diagram describes jobs – interchange ‘jobs’, ‘occupations’,
‘types of employment/work’ etc.
• Make sure you organize your information clearly. You will need
an introduction and body for this report. A conclusion is not
necessary.
- Your introduction should introduce the process or flow chart
and give an overview to summarize its overall function.
- Your body will describe the process or flow chart in a logical
order.
• For this report you will need to guide the reader with sequence
expressions such as ‘first of all’, ‘after that’, ‘at the same time’,
‘concurrently’ etc.
• Don’t copy phrases from the instructions as this will not be
assessed. Use your own words.
• Don’t take more than 20 minutes over this task.
• Try to write neatly and cross out errors with one line only.
• Leave a couple of minutes to read through what you have written.
Remember
- that you will receive a higher mark if your use a range of structures
and vocabulary.
- you are NOT being asked for your opinion on the information, just
to report
As an instructor of English as a second language, you have the option of going abroad and living in one of dozens of countries where there is a high demand for qualified instructors. You may also remain at home, and teach new residents of the United States how to speak, read, and write the language. Either way, you need to be certified to provide instruction. Because there is such a high demand for instructors who are qualified to teach English as a second language, language schools are highly selective when it comes to hiring new teachers. Receiving your certification exhibits your drive to potential employers and shows that you are serious in taking on this challenging new career. Certification can be earned by taking courses at one of several campuses nationwide, and there are also certification course programs available online. Receiving your certification for teaching English as a second language will unquestionably prepare you to be a more effective and successful teacher by instructing you on how to teach grammar, vocabulary, speaking, writing, how to motivate your students, how to manage a classroom, and how to construct lesson plans. If you decide to teach English as a second language in another country, obtaining your certification will also better prepare you for a move abroad, which can be intimidating and stressful. You will have the confidence in knowing that you are entirely qualified to perform your new job, which will help to alleviate some of the stress in immersing yourself into an entirely new country and culture.
Teaching English as a second language has many personal benefits. If you teach abroad, you will have the opportunity to break down stereotypes regarding our own American culture. You will learn about new cultures and traditions. You will be able to travel to neighboring nations. You will become self-reliant and self-assured, and you will no doubt make many new friends. In teaching English as a second language, will be able to develop your communication skills, which will give you a confidence that will help you to excel professionally and personally.
Teaching the English language to students in foreign nations can be exciting, fulfilling, and highly enjoyable. It is a mutually beneficial experience for you and your students. Not only are you representing your own country and culture, and imparting your personal knowledge of the English language and your culture onto others, but you are also learning about other individuals, their experiences, their traditions and their languages. While broadening your mind and experience something totally unique, you are also embarking on an exciting new career, one that has the opportunity to open many new doors for you professionally.
You will find that teaching English as a second language is a mutually beneficial experience for you and your students. Not only are you representing your own country and culture if you teach abroad, and imparting your personal knowledge of the English language and your culture onto others, but you are also learning about other individuals and their experiences and their traditions and their language. And if you are teaching stateside, you are providing a precious service to new residents of the United States. You are giving them the power to communicate in their new homeland. This power will enable them to find jobs, seek educations, and possibly gain American citizenship. That makes for an exceptional experience to have in your memories.
John is a director of numerous Internet companies and is a published author. Many articles have been produced on a variety of subjects with excellent content and depth. All his articles may be reproduced provided that an active link is included to http://www.foreign-languages-school.com
Find the essential information on where and how to learn a new or second language at English as a Second Language
About The Author:
Find the essential information on where and how to learn a new or second language at English as a Second Language
ESL exams fall broadly into three main categories: General English, Business English and Academic English.
General English
Probably the most popular in this category are the Cambridge ESOL exams. One and a half million people in 135 countries take Cambridge exams every year. There are five General English exams, sometimes referred to as the "Cambridge Main Suite."
The first two levels are the KET (Key English Test) and the PET (Preliminary English Test). The KET and PET have reading and writing, listening, and speaking components, and are most often used to assess progress or to prepare for the next exam in the series. The PET is also recognized by some employers and universities. KET and PET have two pass grades, Pass with merit and Pass.
Next up from the PET is the FCE (First Certificate in English). The FCE has five sections, reading, writing, use of English, listening and speaking. It is widely recognized by employers and educational institutions and so is very popular with students who want to study or work abroad.
Many universities and employers, however, prefer the CAE (Certificate in Advanced English), which is the next level up. This exam shows that a student is capable of following a university course or can function in a range of business contexts.
After the CAE comes the CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English), the highest level in the series. Students who pass this exam have the ability to function effectively in almost every English speaking context. The CPE is also a typical requirement for non-native speakers who want to train as English teachers. Students typically need 3 years of study after passing the FCE to reach this level (depending, of course, on how often they study and other factors).
FCE, CAE and CPE have five grades, A-E, of which A-C are passes.
Cambridge also has a series of General English exams for Young Learners aged between 7 and 12 (YLE). There are three exams in the series, Starters, Movers and Flyers. They are taken mainly as a means of measuring progress, and also as preparation for the KET and PET. There is no pass or fail - students are awarded up to five "shields" for each component (reading and writing, listening, speaking).
Other General English exams
Cambridge also offers CELS (Certificates in English Language Skills). These are individual exams in each of the four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking). Students can choose which of the exams they want to take, according to their strengths and requirements.
Pitman, part of the British City and Guilds Group, is another examining body with a series of General English exams. The International ESOL covers listening, reading and writing, and the International Spoken ESOL is a one to one structured interview. Both have six levels, from basic to advanced.
Business English
Every year four and a half million people take the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication), run by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The TOEIC is a multiple choice exam in two sections, listening and reading, each scored out of 445, giving a total of 990. Many companies and government agencies use TOEIC as a criterion for recruiting or promoting staff, or for sending staff abroad. Some universities also use TOEIC, requiring their business school students to achieve a particular score prior to graduation, for example.
Cambridge also has a series of business exams called the BEC (Business English Certificate). BEC comes in three levels, Preliminary, Vantage and Higher. The types of exam task are similar to those in the Cambridge Main Suite, but test language ability in a business context. They are recognized by many employers worldwide, and students take them to demonstrate language skills required for international business. There are two pass grades for BEC, Pass with merit and Pass.
Other Business English exams
Cambridge offers BULATS (The Business Language Testing Service). BULATS is designed specifically for companies and organizations to test the language ability of employees who need English in their work, and for students and employees on language and business courses.
Pitman has a three-level series of exams called English for Business Communications, which tests business writing ability, and English for Office Skills, a two-level series designed to test the ability to carry out office-related tasks where accuracy in writing and following instructions is important.
Academic English
A common question from students is "What's the difference between TOEIC and TOEFL?" Well, both are run by ETS, but whereas TOEIC evaluates language skills for the workplace, TOEFL evaluates language skills in an academic context. It is therefore used primarily as a prerequisite for admission to universities and colleges. More than 5000 colleges and universities in 90 countries recognize the exam. During 2005 and 2006, TOEFL is phasing in a new internet-based test (iBT), which will replace the current computer-based and paper-based exams. The iBT has 4 sections, reading, listening, speaking and writing, each with a score of 30, giving a total score of 120. This is likely to cause some confusion for a while, as most students and universities are used to working with the paper-based total of 677, or the computer-based total of 300!
Cambridge also has an academic exam, the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), which they jointly manage with the British Council and IDP:IELTS Australia. IELTS is recognized by universities and colleges, as well as employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies. The exam has listening, reading, writing and speaking components. For the reading and writing, students can choose between an academic and a general option. IELTS is scored on a scale of 1-9.
Comparing levels
One of the most common questions from students is how exams in the different categories compare to each other. Is the FCE equivalent to one of the BEC exams? If I have the CAE, what TOEFL score can I expect? Luckily, we have a reference guide to help us here, called the "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages" (CEF). The CEF divides language learners into six levels, and enables us to compare all the ESL exams according to these levels.
The six levels are A1 (Breakthrough), A2 (Waystage), B1 (Threshold), B2 (Vantage), C1 (Effective Operational Proficiency), and C2 (Mastery).
Here's a quick comparison of exams at the different levels. Bear in mind that this is a general guide only -- students' scores in different exams will of course depend on many factors, such as preparation time and motivation!
A1: YLE Movers, Pitman ESOL Basic, IELTS score 1-2.
A2: KET, YLE Flyers, Pitman ESOL Elementary, TOEIC score 246-380, TOEFL iBT score 32-42, IELTS score 3.
B1: PET, TOEIC score 381-540, BEC Preliminary, TOEFL iBT score 43-61, IELTS score 3.5-4.5.
B2: FCE, Pitman ESOL Intermediate, TOEIC score 541-700, BEC Vantage, TOEFL iBT score 62-91, IELTS score 5-6.
C1: CAE, Pitman ESOL Higher Intermediate, TOEIC score 701-910, BEC Higher, TOEFL iBT score 92-112, IELTS score 6.5-7.
C2: CPE, Pitman ESOL Advanced, TOEIC score 911-990, TOEFL iBT score 113-120, IELTS score 7.5-9.
There is of course much more information about these exams on the Cambridge ESOL, TOEIC, TOEFL and Pitman websites -- you will find the links at this ESL exams resource.
Keith Taylor is the founder of eslbase.com, providing free resources, information and advice for TEFL teachers as well as TEFL jobs worldwide. He also maintains the eslbase language exchange, an easy way to learn English or any language.
IDEAS BANK
1. ‘Some people believe that they should keep all the money they
have earned and should not pay tax to the state. Do you agree or
disagree?
Should
-Government can use tax to improve infrastructure.
-Tax can pay for the salaries of government staff.
-Tax can pay for health care for people.
-Tax can contribute to pensions for old people who have retired.
Shouldn’t
-Government may misuse the tax money.
-Government staff may lack motivation to work hard if they get easy money
from tax-payers.
-Individuals should keep any money earned as it belongs to the individual
not the government. Paying tax only encourages other people to be lazy and
live off tax-payers money
2. ‘What are the advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones?’
Advantages
-Communication, can talk to anyone at anytime. It is possible to make local,
national, and international calls.
-Convenient, can call whoever we want, whenever we want, from wherever
we want.
-Increasing features on phones, such as internet, make it much easier for
business and also increases options for entertainment.
Disadvantages
-Wastes time, too much time spent to much time on the phone.
-Stress, always waiting for a call, or thinking who to call.
-Wastes money, using a mobile phone is often more expensive than using a
land-line at home.
3. ‘ Today, the advances in science and technology have made great changes
to people’s lives, but artists, such as musicians, painters and writers are still
highly valued. What can arts tell us about life that science and technology
cannot?’
-Art can tell us about people’s opinions of events. Science can only tell us
what happened, not what it means to different people.
-Art allows people to interpret things through their own eyes. Science can
only show us the facts, everyone has different ways of looking at the facts,
we are all individuals and have our own interpretations of factual events.
-Art allows us to express our emotions, how we feel as human beings. It
is especially useful for feelings of love, pain, and happiness.
-Art is creative and enables us to design new things, science can only
analyse things which exist already.
-Art as writing allows writers to express the human experience in words and
not simply as facts and figures.
4. ‘In many countries, the proportion of older people is steadily increasing.
Does this trend have more positive or negative effects on the society?’
Positive
-More old people in a society can lead to an increased knowledge bank.
Old people are wise as they have a lot of experience and have a lot of
advice and good ideas to pass on to the younger generation.
-More older people, who will eventually retire, leads to more job
opportunities for younger people.
-Old people usually have a lot of savings and are a valuable economic
resource for the country.
Negative
-More old people are a burden on society as they will require looking
after and will take up a lot of government tax money on health and
pensions.
-Economically, having more old people than young people, is bad as it
means that the younger generation have to pay more tax and have to
generate more money in order to look after the old
The band scores are given in whole numbers only and each section is designed to test different aspects of a candidate’s English speaking skills.
In the first section, the examiner asks the candidate general
questions selected from a range of familiar topics, such as the
candidate’s hometown, family, hobbies, free time activities, work or study.
In the second section or ‘long turn’, which lasts for about 3
minutes, the candidate is given a card with a topic on it and has 1 minute to prepare their response. After a minute has elapsed, the candidate must then speak alone for between 1-2 minutes with no prompting from the examiner. At the end of the candidate’s speech, the examiner may ask one or two closure questions which will lead into the third section.
In the third and final section, the examiner will ask the candidates further questions relating to the topic that had been presented in speaking part two. The candidate is being assessed on the following speaking skills : comparing and contrasting, giving opinions, stating a preference, predicting the future, making suggestions.
The IELTS Speaking test is recorded on an audiocassette. This
allows the examiner to listen to the conversation again if they need to clarify the band awarded.
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