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 IELTS Podcast 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 his speaking score (7.5) was solid. However, his writing consistently fell short.

Like many students, he believed he was writing correctly, but minor mistakes prevented him from reaching his target score. He practised writing essays on various topics but lacked structured feedback to identify and correct his weaknesses.

How IELTS Podcast Helped

Rohan stumbled upon IELTS Podcast while searching for writing tips online. What set the platform apart was the detailed video feedback on essays. Instead of receiving generic corrections, he watched videos explaining his specific errors, including:

The importance of cohesion—ensuring ideas flow smoothly from start to finish.

Using relevant examples to strengthen arguments.

Correct usage of articles, a common stumbling block for many IELTS candidates.

The structured feedback helped him realise mistakes he wouldn’t have noticed on his own. As a result, he refined his writing technique, improved sentence structure, and eliminated common grammatical errors.

Breaking the IELTS Barrier

With focused preparation, Rohan finally achieved his goal. He boosted his writing score and is now on track for Canadian immigration. His advice to others? Invest in expert feedback before rebooking the test.

“Even before you go for your next test, take some professional help from IELTS Podcast. It will help you avoid multiple failed attempts.”

Lessons from Rohan’s Journey

Rohan’s story is a reminder that small improvements can make a big difference. If you’re struggling to boost your IELTS score, consider these steps:

Identify your weak areas through expert feedback.

Practice with structured guidance rather than randomly writing essays.

Learn strategies to avoid common mistakes, such as unnecessary article usage.

If you’re aiming for IELTS success, don’t gamble with multiple test attempts. Learn from Rohan’s journey and get expert feedback today. Check out more success stories here.

You can download or listen to the audio version here:

|Direct Download Here | Stitcher | iTunes | Spotify | Soundcloud |

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 Comprehensive Guide to Cover Letters and Informal Writing

Writing letters for IELTS General Training Task 1 requires a keen understanding of different writing styles and formats. Today, we’ll explore two crucial types of letters: formal cover letters for job applications and informal letters to friends or family.

Cover Letters: Making a Professional Impact

When crafting a cover letter for IELTS, it’s essential to maintain a professional tone whilst showcasing your qualifications effectively. Here are the key elements to include:

Opening Your Cover Letter

Begin with a clear reference to the position you’re applying for. For example: “I’m writing in reference to the position of [job title] which I saw advertised in [source].” This immediately establishes context and purpose.

Follow this with a brief overview of your qualifications and experience. Remember to maintain formal language throughout your letter.

Essential Phrases for Cover Letters

“I’ve previously worked as…” (describing past experience)

“I consider myself to be…” (highlighting personal qualities)

“My skills include…” (detailing specific abilities)

“I would very much like to join your team…” (expressing interest)

Structure and Content Tips

Keep your cover letter concise and precise. The examiner looks for:

Clear organisation of ideas

Appropriate formal language

Relevant qualifications and experience

Proper opening and closing phrases

Visit our General Training Task 1 guide for more detailed examples and templates.

Informal Letters: Striking the Right Balance

Writing informal letters requires a different approach. While they should be friendly, remember this is still an exam – avoid being overly casual.

Key Features of Informal Letters

You can include:

Contractions (I’m, don’t, wouldn’t)

Phrasal verbs

Idiomatic expressions

Personal anecdotes

Natural Language Examples

Consider these informal yet appropriate expressions:

“Hope this letter finds you well!”

“It’s been ages since I last saw you”

“I can’t bear…” (expressing frustration)

“…with a decent salary” (describing job benefits)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Whether writing formal or informal letters, be careful to avoid:

Mixing formal and informal language

Using overly complex sentences

Forgetting to address all points in the task

Including irrelevant information

For more guidance on avoiding common mistakes, check our IELTS writing mistakes guide.

Need More Help?

If you’re preparing for IELTS and want professional guidance, consider joining our online IELTS course. We offer comprehensive feedback on your writing and specific modules designed to help you achieve your target score.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep writing different types of letters, and don’t hesitate to get expert feedback on your work. With the right approach and guidance, you can master IELTS General Training Task 1 letters.

Click here to read the full transcript.

You can download or listen to the audio version here:

|Direct Download Here | Stitcher | iTunes | Spotify | Soundcloud |

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 here for IELTS essay correction

Learn more about the IELTS writing task

Full online IELTS course

Massive IELTS vocabulary guide

Click here to listen to the full tutorial:

https://www.ieltspodcast.com/ielts-writing-task/task-1-general-letter-1/

Click here to read the full transcript.



You can download or listen to the audio version here:

|Direct Download Here | Stitcher | iTunes | Spotify | Soundcloud |

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 IELTS Podcast, 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, if the question states, “The graph below shows the number of visits to two music sites on the web,” you could write, “The line graph illustrates how many times two music websites were visited over a 15-day period.” This shows the examiner that you can use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures.




2. Write a Clear Overview





Your overview is a crucial part of your response. It should summarise the main trends or features of the data without going into too much detail. Avoid using phrases like “to conclude,” as this is more appropriate for Task 2. Instead, use words like “overall” to introduce your summary. For example, “Overall, both music websites experienced an upward trend in visits, with Music Choice being more popular than Pop Parade for most of the period.”




3. Summarise, Don’t List





One common mistake is listing every piece of data instead of summarising the key points. Remember, the task asks you to “summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.” Focus on the most significant trends, such as peaks, troughs, or notable changes, rather than describing every minor fluctuation.




4. Stick to the Data





It’s essential to report only the information presented in the graph or chart. Avoid adding personal opinions or external knowledge. For instance, if you notice a dip in website visits on a particular day, don’t speculate that it was due to poor weather or a public holiday. Stick to the facts provided in the data.




5. Include All Important Data





While summarising, ensure you don’t omit any crucial information. For example, if you’re describing a pie chart, make sure you mention every segment, even if it’s only briefly. Grouping similar data points can help you cover all the information without listing every detail.




6. Compare Data





Comparing data is a key skill in Task 1. Instead of simply listing information, highlight similarities and differences. For example, “While Music Choice saw a dramatic increase in visits between days 9 and 11, Pop Parade experienced a more gradual rise over the same period.”




7. Organise Your Response





A well-organised response is easier to follow and scores higher in coherence and cohesion. Plan your essay into clear paragraphs, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the data. Use linking words like “while,” “whereas,” and “in contrast” to connect your ideas smoothly.




8. Highlight Striking Features





Identify and mention any striking features in the data, such as the highest or lowest points, or any anomalies. These details can make your response stand out and demonstrate your ability to analyse the data effectively.




9. Avoid Repetition





Vary your vocabulary and sentence structures to avoid repetition. For example, instead of repeatedly using the word “visits,” you could use terms like “clicks,” “visitor numbers,” or “followers.” This not only makes your writing more engaging but also showcases your language proficiency.




10. Use a Range of Grammar and Vocabulary





Demonstrate your command of English by using a variety of grammatical structures and vocabulary. For instance, instead of writing “Music Choice is more popular,” you could say “Music Choice being more popular than Pop Parade.” This use of participle phrases and comparative structures can boost your score.




11. Use the Correct Tense





Ensure you use the appropriate tense for the data. If the graph shows past data, use the past tense. For example, “The number of visits increased over the 15-day period.” Consistency in tense is crucial for accuracy.




12. Use Appropriate Linking Devices





Linking words and phrases like “while,” “whereas,” and “in contrast” help to connect your ideas and improve the flow of your writing. Avoid using Task 2 language, such as “on the one hand,” as it’s not suitable for Task 1.




13. Check for Mistakes





Always proofread your work before submitting it. Look out for common errors, such as incorrect verb forms, noun-verb agreement, and factual inaccuracies. If you’re unsure about your writing, consider using the IELTS Writing Correction Service to get detailed feedback.




14. Follow the Rubric





Ensure your response meets all the requirements of the task. Summarise the information, report the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. If you’ve missed any of these elements, add them before finalising your answer.




15. Aim for 150-180 Words





While the official IELTS guidelines don’t specify a word count, aiming for 150-180 words is a good practice. This ensures you have enough content to fully address the task without being overly verbose.




Final Thoughts





By following this checklist, you can approach IELTS Academic Task 1 with confidence. Remember, practice is key. Use resources like the IELTS Academic Task 1 Online Course to refine your skills and get personalised feedback. With the right preparation, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your desired band score.





For more tips and resources, visit IELTSPodcast.com and sign up for their free eBook, packed with sample essays, vocabulary lists, and expert advice.



You can download or listen to the audio version here:
|Direct Download Here | Stitcher | iTunes | Spotify | Soundcloud |

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 take into consideration.  This knowledge will help you to construct stronger essays.

Click here for IELTS essay correction

Learn more about the IELTS writing task

Full online IELTS course

Massive IELTS vocabulary guide

Click here to read the full transcript.

You can download or listen to the audio version here:

|Direct Download Here | Stitcher | iTunes | Spotify | Soundcloud |