How To Get a Band 9 in Academic Task 1
IELTS Podcast
In this tutorial, you get information about how to score a band 9 in your academic task 1 for your . Ellen goes through each of the band descriptors and helps you interpret what is needed to reach the best score possible.
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Academic task 1: Describing a natural process
IELTS Podcast
In this tutorial we are going to take you through how to describe a Natural Process in task 1 writing and a Natural Process is more closely linked to animals, the weather, growing trees or plants and marine life and this tutorial will show you: Where to start in understanding and interpreting the picture. Which language to use to connect your ideas and link the stages in the process together. How to improve your coherence. Grammatical suggestions to score really highly in this task by using the passive voice and participle clauses. Following these tips will ensure your response to...
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IELTS Speaking Vocabulary: People, Personalities and Characters
IELTS Podcast
Are you struggling to break through the language barrier in your IELTS speaking exam? Do you find yourself repeating the same basic descriptors when talking about people, struggling to express nuanced thoughts about personalities and characters? You're not alone—and more importantly, you're just moments away from transforming your speaking skills. The secret weapon in your IELTS arsenal isn't just grammatical perfection or pronunciation—it's vocabulary. Specifically, vocabulary about people, personalities, and human characteristics. This isn't just another language learning tip; it's a...
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His 6.5 blocked him going to Canada
IELTS Podcast
How Rohan Overcame IELTS Writing Challenges to Achieve His Dream Many IELTS candidates face a frustrating roadblock: scoring 6.5 in writing when they need a 7.0. This was exactly the challenge Rohan from Mumbai, India, encountered. He needed to improve his IELTS score to qualify for Canadian immigration. After multiple attempts, he discovered and transformed his writing skills. This is his story. The Struggle: Stuck at 6.5 in Writing Rohan had already attempted the IELTS test three or four times before turning to IELTS Podcast. His scores in listening (8.5) and reading (8.5) were strong, and...
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How to write formal letters (part 2)
IELTS Podcast
The aim of this tutorial is to help you: -Understand the questions and the setting or context for the letter. -Think about what to write – how to use the prompts that you are given in the question rubric. -Understand how to start and how to finish your letters – with IELTS you cannot make mistakes on this! -How to get your letter in a logical order which will help your coherence. -How to use great grammar but make it sound natural Click here to get the full tutorial https://www.ieltspodcast.com/ielts-writing-task/task-1-general-letter-2/ Mastering IELTS General Training Letters: A...
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How to Write Formal Letters (part 1)
IELTS Podcast
In this tutorial we cover how to: Understand the questions and context for the letter. Think about what to write – how to use the prompts that you are given in the question rubric. Work out how creative to be? Is it ok to make up lots of strange facts and information? Understand how to start and how to finish your letters – this is so important and at IELTS level you cannot make mistakes on this! Click to listen to the full tutorial: Click to read the full transcript.
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Using a Checklist for Academic Task1
IELTS Podcast
Preparing for the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 can be a daunting experience, especially if you're unsure of what examiners are looking for. In a recent episode of the , hosts Ben Worthington and Daphne provided a comprehensive checklist to help you ace this task. This article summarises their key points, offering practical advice and examples to guide your preparation. 1. Paraphrase the Rubric The first step in tackling Academic Task 1 is to paraphrase the rubric. Instead of copying the question word-for-word, demonstrate your language skills by rephrasing it. For example,...
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Playing The IELTS Examiner
IELTS Podcast
In this podcast, our essay corrector Ellen puts YOU in the driver’s seat as you review a student’s essay with her, deciding what band score the essay should get. With the band descriptors as your guide, you will learn How the introduction makes a first impression on the examiner How mistakes and missteps can influence the examiner along the way How some strong arguments, precise vocabulary and accurate grammar can redeem your score How important the last impression your essay leaves is In the end, you will see how challenging the task of the examiner is and all the elements they...
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IELTS Vocabulary The Future of Public Transportation
IELTS Podcast
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How to Answer Map Questions (Vocabulary List Included)
IELTS Podcast
In this tutorial, you’ll learn How an IELTS examiner would look at one of the more usual Task 1 questions - MAPS! I love map questions but many students are unfamiliar with them and so might panic in the exam! How to understand what is needed and what clues to look for before you start writing. Examples of good grammar and key useful vocabulary from our review of 2 students' essays - one Band 6 and one Band 7-7.5 as our examples. How you can practice by looking at another kind of map question. Really important vocabulary needed for...
info_outlineHow to Generate Ideas for IELTS Writing Task 2
Why Do Students Struggle with Idea Generation?
As discussed in a recent IELTS Podcast episode, many students, particularly from educational systems that focus on right and wrong answers, find it challenging to develop creative or critical responses. In some cultures, education is structured around memorisation rather than independent thinking, making it difficult to brainstorm ideas in open-ended writing tasks.
Strategies to Develop Essay Ideas
1. Expand Your Knowledge Base
One of the best ways to generate ideas is to build your general knowledge. Read about common IELTS topics such as technology, education, and the environment. The more you know, the easier it will be to recall relevant ideas during the exam.
Check out our IELTS Writing Task 2 resources to get started.
2. Use the ‘Why, What, How’ Method
For any given essay question, break it down into these three components:
- Why? – Why is this issue important?
- What? – What are the key arguments?
- How? – How can we solve this problem or support an argument?
This simple framework helps you create well-structured responses quickly.
3. Consider Different Perspectives
Many students struggle because they only consider one viewpoint. Instead, think of how different groups (governments, businesses, individuals) might respond to an issue. This will give you a wider range of ideas to use in your essays.
4. Practise Brainstorming Under Timed Conditions
Time pressure can make it difficult to think clearly. Practise brainstorming for 5 minutes before writing a full essay. Try our online IELTS course for structured practice exercises.
Overcoming ‘Blank Mind’ Syndrome
Many students freeze when faced with an unfamiliar topic. To combat this:
- Practise writing about a variety of IELTS topics.
- Use mind maps to visually organise ideas.
- Memorise key vocabulary and phrases to help structure your response.
If you need feedback on your writing, consider our IELTS essay correction service.
Final Thoughts
Generating ideas for IELTS Writing Task 2 is a skill that improves with practice. By expanding your knowledge, using structured thinking methods, and practising regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any essay question confidently.
For more IELTS tips and strategies, visit IELTSPodcast.com.