Mais' (I-match weblog) IELTS report

Dreamers! Mais has kindly posted this on the I-match weblog. Have a read and say what you think. As ever, comments are most welcome:

MY IELTS TEST-IN DETAIL.

The SPEAKING VERSION- that I have given on the 23rd of this month.I was very nervous and stressed and according to my friend(taking the test with me) I seemed very disappointed and boring. As a result,I decided then to eat something(chocolate), and had plenty of water(many people contend water calms you down).Next, I started speaking with my friend,ONLY IN ENGLISH(waiting to be called for the test),we talked about the past and old memories ,and this speech seemed to have lifted me up to some extend and got me more excited ,specially when I noticed myself speaking in a rhythm. After that, within an hour or so,I was called for the test.I tried to keep the good mood and with alot of prayers, I went in.My examiner was a lady (I am sorry,cause I can not remember her name,probably,Iwas thinking that moment how will this test go :) First section:1-We will talk about you,what do you do?why you chose this field?2-What do you think about Photography?What do you think about being a Photography expert?3-Moving towards the weather,Which one do you prefer?Why?Does weather affects the mood?discussPLEASE ,look at the Speaking sites recently given by Ashwaq,they included every question I was asked,in every section.Second section:Talk for 2 minutes about a house/place you liked/admired.-Where was that?-How long have you stayed in it?-Why do you like it?Third section:Questions asked about the 2nd section,-How does a typical house in your country look like?-What changes has occured in the houses since 20 years in your country?

The LISTENING,READING and WRITING that I gave 2 days after ,having the speaking behind my back.Personally,I think it is better to have the test over 2 days.One reason is that just in case you did not do well in 1 or all the parts,then this would not affect your speaking performance. Another one is that I am convinced that most candidates would be exhausted from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm,and to have the speaking version to come, that would be hectic.

In LISTENING,as usual not that good for me,I think section 4 was too hard and I think I made a mistake in section 1 as well.One thing to drag your attention,when listening and filling in the spaces,PLEASE make sure what you filled in is relevant and appropriate.In my case ,for example,During the test,I thought what I heard as an answer was definately" PRESSURE STONES",but unfortuately late I found out it was "PRECIOUS STONES"which is most probable the correct choice.

In READING-3 sections,harder than what I thought,but as most of us know,reading is unpredictable. Personally ,I think that chance does play a considerable role.

And last but not least the WRITING, Task 1 covered three small tables,that was managable as I thought,in which as usual we had to describe facts and datas.Task 2-Was to discuss the social effects on the individual and the society of having alot of aspects of life like shopping and banking that can be done without face to face meetings.

Finally,as Sir Tony always mentioned,IELTS IS NOT MISSION IMPOSSIBLE,but it requires A LOT ,A LOT and A LOT of practice and hard work.

Wishing you all the best of luck.

Mais

'I have a dream..' * ring any bells who said that?*

Hallooo people!

Surprise! er..i hope a pleasant one!

Intro's first !

This is mubS from i -words, a former student of ielts(amin to that).I gave my exam on 9/11 June and acheived a band of 7.0(academic) in the first try.

Ok guys i heard that you people have around 10 days left before your course finishes.How many of you plan to give the exam as soon as your course is over?.My advise-set a date when you feel ready but do not delay it or you will start fearing ielts.By now you must have assessed your weaknesses and whichever section you find most difficult.Discuss it with Sir Tony or here on the weblog.In my opinion, this is a awesome Gift of God to all ielts students to interact and sharpen our swords to fight the ielts "MONSTER".

I will be logging in frequently and would like to get acquainted with the dream bloggers :)

Hey Zeena..are you the same Zeena?
Yasmeen..you there?

Ashwaq's Advice (I-match blogger)

Dear I-dream bloggers

For the speaking part :

http://www.eclecticenglish.com/worksheets/IELTS1A.html http://www.gday.ru/ielts/speaking/topics4/ http://www.gday.ru/ielts/speaking/ http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/ielts/main.htm http://education.kulichki.net/lang/iespeac.html http://www.aipge.com/article1337.html http://www.aipge.com/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=1337

4 modules: http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/IELTS/default.htm http://www.ielts.snt.ru/book1/ Reading+ speaking very helpful,,but but i don't recommand the others modules especialy writing task 1 and 2 you can just take the ideas

Ashaq's advice regarding websites for IELTS.

Cheers

Tony

Hi dreamers!

Hello I-dreamers!

This is Tony's little daughter Zeena speaking! Just saying hello and hope that you are going to have a nice class with my dad. Tomorrow its my Year 6 play and my dad is coming along, so I'm very sorry that my dad may be missing a bit of class, if the play will run over time (which I hope it won't!!) Keep on ielting fellow i-dreamers!!
Goodbye,
Zeena xxxx

Eghbal Task 2(Technology and tradition)

The conflict between tradition and technology started centuries ago as soon as this monster disappeared in the life of humankind,replacing all those customes and beliefs away and grasping over lives in all aspects.
Some nations completely lost their past and sanked in to the fascinating world of technology, while others accepted it without losing their past and forgetting their cultural traditions. They consider that without remembering your past it is impossible to have a good future.So they paced forward to adapt themselves with the new means and modes of life,always having a glance backward to remember who they were.
There are still a lot of laid-back poverty-ridden countries that not only they are far away from any modernisation,but far away to think about it,becouse they are suffering of a lot that they do not have,even a little hope to survive a bit more.Scientific inventions or any new veiw of life has a lot of advantages and are so essential that it seems to be impossible to be in this new era without accepting it's magic power,although there will be a lot of adverse effects and symptomes accompanying with,but they cost the benefits which we get.

In conclusion i would like to stress that the intellectual nations are those who hang on to the positive dimensions of technology and utilise them in their life to be step by step with the dramatic changes of the time,as well as not forgetting their past as it will bring them some kind of hope and inspire,and they will succeed better than those just greeted this monster and embraced it alone to be imposed to a lot of unavoidabl repercussions.

Rashid's Task 2 Essay reviewed

Many people argue, (P) that the rapidly developing technology is leading to the loss of our traditional culture - that they are antagonistic to each other.However,there are others who believe that new inventions have contributed to the development,growth and propmotion (S) of our art,customs and way of living;considering that (in fact,) they are complementary to each other.In this essay,I shall examine the two sides of the argument, and try to draw a reasonable conclusion.
A classic introduction, try to avoid over-elaborate sentences with too many clauses so as to make it MORE effective.
Many arguments are given in favour of the view that advances in scientific technology have adversely affaceted (S) our cultural heritage.First of all, the (G) art has lost its natural touch.For instance, ( ) G use of computer graphics technique, instead of manual methods, has resulted in the loss grace (WC) of art of painting, although it has equipped the user with a better way of expressing.Similarly,we are unable to hear anymore, (P) the old melodious tunes of music since the advent of use of modern musical instruments.Classical music instrument players like (WC) 'SITAR player Raees Khan' are not heard these days.Secondly,the use of new technological devices has affected our cutoms and rites;the internet and telephonic marriages have deprived us of musical and colourful wedding ceremonies.Furthermore,our private life has fallen a (G) victim to the invasion of gadgets and tools. ( ) G ubiquitous presence of security cameras at various public places has taken away our privacy, and we have been reduced to prisoners under surveillance.
Super ideas, well constructed and linked together in a very impressive manner - I am finding faults, because I know Rashid is a perfectionist . . .
Although, (P) there are numerous undesirable effects of scientific inventions, there are several salutary influences as well.One of these is the change in the reading culture.A simple click of a computer mouse provides us with an instantaneous access to resources of latest reading material on ( ) G internet.Whereas, (P) the knowledge published in the (G) books reaches us when it is, (P) already, (P) out of date.Another significant effect is on the way we celebrate various events.Like, (WC) the use of LASER technology has revolutionised our way of celebration.It has added colour and variety to happy occasions.Now, (P) LASER-fireworks at night, (P) are a regular feature of National Day celebrations of various countries.Last but not the (G) least, ( ) G appropriate use of technology saves our time, so that we can spend more quality time with our families.Slower means of travelling:horses ,camels, and bikes have been replaced by faster ones like: (WC / P)cars,trains and aeroplanes. Business-persons (WC) travel internationally by air,attend their meetings, and return home to be with their families , (P)within days, as compared to weeks and months in the past.
In conclusion,undoubtedly,the newer developments in the field of technology have had a profound impact on our culture, but both are not incompatible (WC "double negative - to be avoided!!!!) with eah other.Rather,they complement each other.In fact,in my opinion,with the judicious use of scientific devices,we can preserve,develope, and promote our culture.

WRITING TASK 2-ESSAY.

Thanks Rashid! There are lots of positives in this essay - clear layout, classic 4 paragraph structure, super use of linking words and very sophisticated ideas. Let's make it even better! How?

1. Fewer intrusive commas
2. Attention to use / non-use of 'the'
3. Short sentences as the norm
4. Avoidance of 'like' except as a verb (why?)

What do the rest of you think? COMMENTS please!!!!

Tony the Taskmaster ;)

Tony blogging in - how's the weekend?

Hello campers!

Normally, I leave you alone at the weekend, but we only have two weekends 'together'. I also promised Mona to recap on what we did last night and you were tasked for the weekend. I quite understand if family and work commitments take up your precious time, however this is a very intensive short course that you have undertaken, isn't it?

Therefore the weekend agenda consists of:

• organising your folders
• starting your vocabulary lists
• writing a 250 Task 2 essay from the paper I gave you on Academic /General Training writing (Mona - smoking in offices...)
• re-writing any Task 1 reports / letters that you are unhappy with
• posting a National Geographic review paragraph on the blog of a new article that you have read and enjoyed
• Read Insight into IELTS Listening modules as appropriate
• Academics: read Insight into IELTS READING modules 1, 2 & 3
• Generals: read Insight into IELTS READING modules 1, 8 & 9
• Khaldoun / Ahmed prepare your debate arguments for Saturday
• Zulfiya / Ricky prepare your debate arguments for Saturday
• Finish that Reading Test [Test B Mona from the Cambridge book p112]

Have fun in the sun, don't worry in a hurry or panic in a manic!

Some I-match bloggers have done their IELTS today!!!! Stand by for reports on how they got on - check www.ieltsmatch.blogspot.com !!!

Looking forward to your comments and posts, IELTS dreamers!

Bye for now

Tony the Torturer

eghbal

Hi every body
I hope a nice weekend all enjoying in it.Last night i did my speaking test,actually it was not so difficult but for the first time as it was, i made some mistakes that i hope they will be like a lesson for me and will help in real test.By the way i got band 6 and aim to rais it as higher as i can.
As drunk as a dog!
The phrase comes from the evidences of inuit people in greenland that some time they see sledge-dogs show an abnormal behavior and begin to inebriat and can not stand on they feet immediately after eating the flesh of a shark living there,with the name of "Somniosus Microcephalus".
Greenland shark is so much different from other kinds,and it's flesh is a high content of urine and a poisoness neurotoxin.But if the flesh will be soaked in salt water for a few days and then be eaten,there would not be any adverse symptoms .

That was something to show up myself and i think this is a wonderful site especially for those who want to improve their writing and vocubulary.
Bay for now!

Eghbal says hello

Ehgbal says hi and have a good weekend to everyone from the Learning Zone!

It's been a looooooooooooooooooong day

Hello bloggers!

I assume you are reading this, good!

I strongly believe that IELTS is a challenge that can be faced squarely and fairly.

The advice I give you is based on years of experience as a teacher, IELTS examiner and IELTS tutor. I am used to students being open-minded and flexible in their approach to this exam. What I say is my honest opinion and recommendation for you to succeed. If another source says differently, then so be it. There are many ways to 'skin a cat', I advocate being simple, direct and interesting. We cannot 'solve' all your IELTS needs within the first three days of the course, I advise you to be patient and positive-minded - how boring life would be if there was only one approach to every problem.

I welcome constructive criticism and sincere questions that reflect the whole class's concerns, not the rather dogmatic attitude to learning that some students are products of. I lay the evidence before you on how to succeed at IELTS, make of it what you will. If you are not prepared to listen then why did you register for this course - you can 'do-it-yourself' in a host of other ways.

Let's hope for plain sailing tonight and every night.

Just to check you've read this far, ask me about the shortest book ever written.

A bientot

Antoine de Saint Exubery

Learning Zone HOURS and BENEFITS

Dear dreamers!

Please note that the Learning Zone is open daily, Saturday to THURSDAY, from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
That means you can access the BC IELTS study program during the mornings, afternoons and before class in the evening (unless the room has been booked for testing or a teacher needs it).
Better still, why not make STUDY groups and work together on these tasks?
I will show you this evening how to access these IELTS programs. If you can't wait till then, here is what to do:

• Go to the START button
• Click on PROGRAMS
• Scroll down to IELTS Ac or IELTS Gt
• Click on the icon for IELTS Ac or IELTS Gt
• Enter the program
• You have 12 TOPIC areas which cover skills related to your IELTS needs in: words / listening / reading / writing / speaking
• Decide on the topic area / IELTS skill that you want to practise and OFF YOU GO!
• Use the RIGHT Click to see tips / answers / redo etc etc

It's a marvellous resource and will help you immensely - my former students swear by the Learning Zone, don't you? Any I-match bloggers reading this, please feel free to comment / post using your account [Comments] or postings [Blogmember unless you want me to invite you to join the blog - which I'm very happy indeed to do!! :) ].

That's all for now, blogmates. Let's have some more postings (Waseem, Zulfiya and Rashid have posted to date) plus comment reaction to these posts. OK? As they say in the vernacular: "ya gotta be in it to win it!"

Bye for now

Tony

How to post a message on the blog:

Posting made simple

Dear I-dreamers

1. Maybe you don't know how to post a message.It's dead easy.
2. On the blog go to the "blogger" icon (top left hand of toolbar).This connects you to www.blogger.com
3. Next comes up the blogger website, where you sign in with your username + password.
4. Email me on beale@eim.ae if you can't sign in - then I'll give you the blogmember username/password or re-invite you.
5. So, after signing in, the "DASHBOARD" comes up and there you see "IELTSCOMMUNITY" blog.
6. Just click on "new post" and there you go, you're in business! If you have windows XP then a choice of fonts and colours come up.

Boom! Boom! Posting made simple in the 21st century!

It's a lot of fun and really, really useful to post / comment on the blog - ask my former pupils! You know it makes sense!

Bye for now

Tony

Yes, it's starting to get serious

Good afternoon Ieltsdream folk!

The blog never rests, never sleeps, it's always there for you - like a comfortable pair of shoes or your favourite T-shirt or whatever.

By now you should ALL have received your blog invitation - you do check your email account, don't you? The 16th student should be with us tonight and then the bus can really start moving - put on your seatbelts!

Try to follow the links to register on the blog, if it doesn't work, then I'll re-invite you, sometimes it takes two or three attempts.

How did it go last night? There was a lot to take in, wasn't there? It's gonna be a hectic three weeks, so a 'breather' before you sit for the actual IELTS is not such a bad thing, in my opinion.

Tonight we'll look at Listening and Reading, so I hope EVERYONE has the books - otherwise the wrath of Tony might be unleashed and some yellow cards brandished (I've got to use fancy words sometimes - just to show you how rich and colourful the English language is). Have you written me that letter? Good! Also we'll have a five minute re-cap for Mariam the new student on what she missed last night.

Have fun!

Read through the old weblogs - start from the end and work backwards!

See you later

Tony

Ieltsdreamers! Welcome to the blog!

Hello ieltsdream people!

This is your blog that I have just created.

It's for you to use and benefit from. The more you put in, the more you...

That's all for now!

I look forward to meeting you on Saturday.

Your IELTS tutor

Tony