1. IELTS Exam Preparation
Nay Nyi Nyi Lwin

2. Outline of the presentation…
Brief Introduction
Why and how did I prepare for the exam?
Exam structure and tips
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Common mistakes

3. Brief Introduction… Nay Nyi Nyi Lwin
Graduated from University of Medicine 2, Yangon in 2011
Worked in three international non-government organizations in different positions and responsibilities
Experienced in public health activities in hard to reach and conflict affected areas in partnership with community based organizations, civil society organizations and ethnic health organizations for more than 5 years
Currently working as Senior Project Manager with
Community Partners International (CPI)

4. Why did I sit for the exam?
To test my English language competency
To apply for the scholarship for my future career development
I have heard about IELTS exam since after my matriculation exam. Many of my friends sat for it to go abroad. At that time, I am not quite interested in it.

5. How should I prepare for the exam
to get flying marks???
Solution Here!!!

6. “Know your opponent and you will never lose,
Know yourself and you will always win”
General Sun Hzu, Art of War
Sun Hzu (Chaung Zu), a Chinese general, military strategist, and philosopher who lived in the Spring and Autumn period of ancient China. Sun Tzu is traditionally credited as the author of The Art of War, a widely influential work of military strategy that has affected both Western and Eastern philosophy.
Lessons learnt
Assess and improve your skills
Know the exam structure
Know the exam tips and avoid common mistakes

7. How did I prepare for the exam?
Attended tuition at Synergy English Language Center one years ago
Took one month leave before the exam
Self Study - Daily – one reading and listening test in the morning
Self Study - Daily – practice speaking and writing in the evening
Reading speaking scripts and making gist
Reading sample good essays and
Writing different types of essays for task 1 and 2
Listening to Audio recording of previous speaking tests

8. Difficulties before the exam…
Delay in decision making – sit or not sit for the exam
Time Management – balance among personal, family, work & social lives
Laziness
Exam references.. – Cambridge IELTS books series with answer Vol 7- 11, notes from tuition, previous good sample essays and audio recordings.

9. IELTS Overall Band Score - 8
Individual Band Score
Listening – 8.5
Reading – 8.5
Writing – 7
Speaking – 7
IELTS Overall Band Score - 8

10. Test Duration Totally in our hands!!! Listening 30 mins Reading
Writing
Speaking
Around 15 mins
Totally in our hands!!!
Speaking test may be on the same day or later

11. IELTS Listening and Reading Marking Schemes
Band Score 9
8.5 8
7.5 7
6.5 6
5.5 5
4.5 4
3.5 3
2.5
Score/40
39-40
37-38
35-36
32-34
30-31
26-29
23-25
18-22
16-17
13-15
10-12
8-10
6-7
4-5

12. Listening (30 mins) Question Type Completions Choices 10 Questions
Section 1
Dialogue
Social Talks
Section 2
Monologue
Section 3
Academic Talks
Section 4
Question Type
Completions
Choices

13. Study Techniques Before Read and analyze the questions
While
Listen to the similar words
Listen to the conjunctions (linking signals)
Avoid the distractors
After
Check the spelling

14. Important tips here… Fully concentrate but don’t be anxious
Reading time (Pause) is the golden opportunity for Prediction
Never miss the introductory sentence which can give important clues
What is it about?
Who are the ones to speak?
Never think about the missing words while the recording goes on

15. Vital Importance
Time Management
Order of Difficulty
Less time in 1st two passages
Complete Answer Sheet
More time in final passage

16. Reading (60 mins) Question Type
Passage One
13 Questions
Passage Two
Passage Three
13/14 Questions
Question Type
Completions MCQ True/False/Not Given
Choices Matching

17. Study Techniques Before Read the title, topic and sub-titles
Read and analyze the questions (underline the keywords)
While
Find the similar words and answers
After
Copy the answer and check the spelling

18. Important tips here…
Don’t read the passage!!!
Skim and Scan!!!

19. Writing (60 mins) 20 mins Task 1 Report Writing 150 words 40 mins
Essay Writing
250 words

20. Question Type… Task 1 (20 mins) Line graph Table Pie chart Bar chart
Process
Map

21. Question Type…(continued)
Task 2 (40 mins)
Argument (Advantages/Disadvantages Essay)
Opinion (Thesis led Essay)
Problem-Solution Essay
Plan
(5 mins)
Write
(30 mins)
Review (5 mins)

22. Be prepared to fulfil all 4 components of marking scheme
Task response (Argumentative/ Thesis-led/ Problem-Solution essays)
Cohesion and Coherence
Grammar
Lexical resources (Vocabulary)
General knowledge and Rational/Critical thinking
Someone to check and give advice

23. Important tips here… Write Review Plan
Introduction and conclusion should be structured in advance
Give sufficient time to body paragraphs
Use transition words (Moreover, However, Therefore, etc)
Include relevant facts/information
Check for correct tense (present/past/future)
Check for grammar errors

24. Speaking…(Around 15 mins)
Part 1
Social Talk
4-5 mins
Part 2
Cue Card (Card talk)
Preparation - 1 mins
Speaking – 2 mins
Part 3
Discussion

25. Important tips here… Fluency and Coherence
Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
Grammatical range and accuracy
Pronunciation
Practice with a friend or teacher
Listen to IELTS speaking voice recording
Use a timer for practicing
List the talking points for possible topics (Person, Place, Things, Event, Activity), but not by heart

26. Important tips here… Be relaxed
Don’t hesitate asking the examiner to re-structure the question if you didn’t catch it. (Clarification questions)
Don’t give very short answers and reply as completely as possible
Don’t make repetition on the same phrase or clause
In case of unfamiliar topic, try to answer to the best of your knowledge
Use fluency markers wherever appropriate (well, I mean, I think, etc)

27. Common mistakes in IELTS exam
Word limit
Spelling
Longer essay doesn’t mean better mark
Obvious grammar mistakes
Memorized answers in speaking

28. Success lies upon…
Efforts/
Endeavor
Wisdom
Luck

29. an ordinary English language testing!
IELTS is more than
an ordinary English language testing!
General knowledge
Critical/Logical thinking skill
Decision making skill
Time management
Etc,…

30. Thanks for your time!!!
Nay Nyi Nyi Lwin