Collocations for Speaking IELTS

Collocations are adjectives and adverbs used to give more information about something. Certain adverbs go with certain adjectives.

terribly exciting e.g. The football match was terribly exciting.
really exciting e.g. Travelling across Asia is really exciting.
extremely amusing e.g. Did you see that series? It's extremely amusing.
incredibly good e.g. The food they serve is incredibly good.
rather dull e.g. My history lesson is rather dull.
totally relaxing e.g. I had a totally relaxing weekend.
really interesting e.g. I find art galleries really interesting.
most informative e.g. The brochure they have about the city is most informative.
absolutely awful e.g. The weather yesterday was absolutely awful.

Compound nouns (Travel vocabulary)

When we combine 2 or 3 nouns we make a compound noun.

speed limit
air traffic
business trip
credit card
flight attendant
insurance policy
tour guide
package tour
traffic jam
rush hour
arrivals hall
name tag
travel insurance
hand luggage
holiday destination
adventure holiday
public transport
lost luggage

IELTS Academic Writing - Task 2

It is important for children to learn the difference between right and wrong at an early age. Punishment is necessary to help them learn this distinction.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

What sort of punishment should parents and teachers be allowed to use to teach good behaviour to children?

Societies have certain rules that need to be followed by all citizens and families also have their own beliefs about what is right and wrong. These need to be taught to children at a young age so that when they are older they will be able to understand what is right and what isn't.

Some believe that this distinction can be taught using some form of punishment. I believe that disciplining children will help them understand that there are consequences to bad behaviour. They will learn to respect their parents and other people in positions of authority. If parents do not want their children to become spoilt and live as adults believing they can get away with everything then they need to be strict with them from an early age. A parent who punishes their child is doing so in order to help them. For example, if a child is playing with matches, this is dangerous for them and they need to be taught not to do so again.

Good behaviour needs to be taught in an appropriate way. Beating a child doesn't achieve anything. It just makes them scared. That is why it is no longer accepted as a form of punishment. Teachers should not embarrass a child in front of their classmates. They should speak to the child privately in order to find out what is bothering them and also speak to the parents. Some schools have detention, warnings and in extreme cases expel students. At home parents can make their children reconsider their behaviour by taking away something that is valuable to them such as an electronic toy or send them to their room until they are ready to apologise.

Question taken from Cambridge IELTS 10 p.31

How to fill in the IELTS Listening & Reading Answer Sheet

The listening is the first part of the test. You should first write your answers on the question paper. At the end of the listening test you have 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. 

The reading section is the second part of the test. You do not have extra time to transfer your answers. You should write your answers directly on the answer sheet.

IELTS Academic Writing - Task 2

Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Currently students are free to choose their course of study based on their interests or future plans. Subjects such as art, philosophy, Latin etc. might not be considered useful subjects by some who believe that the future depends on science and technology and this is what needs to be taught at university.

Firstly, if students study what they are passionate about they are likely to succeed in this area. Students have different aims and interests and should not be forced to follow a path they did not select for themselves. Secondly, although science and technology are subjects that lead to development and drive us forwards it doesn't mean that other subjects are less important. The world still needs to be entertained, we need technicians, caretakers, midwives etc. 

On the other hand, many university courses attract students who are interested in the sciences. This is a growing field which helps to advance society in every imaginable area from manufacturing, medicine and the environment to space travel and exploration. Having students focus on useful subjects will mean that graduates will be efficient and can contribute positively to human advancement. It might also mean high employment rates. Let us not forget that technology is used in all types of work to make our lives easier so there will always be a great demand for this.

Even though our future depends on the sciences, I believe students should be given the freedom to decide what career path they would like to follow. It is important to have this choice as other subjects are also needed.

Question taken from Cambridge IELTS 10 p.55

IELTS Speaking

Part 2

Describe something you don't have now but would really like to own in the future.

You should say:
     what this thing is
     how long you have wanted to own it
     where you first saw it
and explain why you would like to own it.

Part 3 (discussion)

What types of things do young people in your country most want to own today? Why?
Why do some people feel they need to own things?
Do you think owning lots of things makes people happy? Why?

Do you think TV and films can make people want to get new possessions? Why do they have this effect?
Are there any benefits to society of people wanting to get new possessions? Why?
Do you think people will consider that having lots of possessions is a sign of success in the future? Why?

Questions taken from Cambridge IELTS 10 p. 103

IELTS Speaking

Part 2

Describe a child that you know.

You should say:
who this child is and how often you see him or her
how old this child is
what he or she is like
and explain how you feel about this child.

Part 3 (discussion)

How much time do children spend with their parents in your country? Do you think that is enough?
How important do you think spending time together is for the relationships between parents and children? Why?
Have relationships between parents and children changed in recent years? Why do you think that is?

What are the most popular free-time activities with children today?
Do you think the free-time activities children do today are good for their health? Why?
How do you think children's activities will change in the future? Will this be a positive change?

Questions taken from Cambridge IELTS 10 p.79