1. The Speaking & Writing Module Bob Morrison

2. Check with a partner – how much do you know already? 1. How long does the test take? 2. How many parts are there? 3. What is each part about? 4. What 4 things to you get graded on?

3. 3 parts in 15 minutes Part 1  you / your country Part 2  your experience Part 3  The future, the past, opinions etc

4. Each interview is given four grades:  Fluency  Vocabulary  Grammar  Pronunciation

5. Fluency influences:  Vocabulary  Pronunciation  Grammar

6. Fluency strategies ◦ Start speaking  Well, actually, it depends, there are a couple of different factors ◦ Extend your answers  Say why  Give examples ◦ Extend some words ◦ Use pauses to help your message (not to search for words)

7. VocabularySophisticatedaccurateSophisticatedinaccurateSimpleaccurateSimpleinaccurate Complex accurate Complex inaccurate Simple accurate Simple and inaccurate Grammar

8.  Pronunciation ◦ Individual sounds ◦ Features of connected speech  Joining words appropriately (gonna, wanna, d ’ yaknowarramean?) ◦ Rhythm  Word stress and weak forms ◦ Intonation

9. For the best possible score: 1. Be fluent, extend your answers 2. Use complex grammar 3. Use a range of vocabulary 4. Use paraphrasing 5. Don ’ t think before you start speaking – speak and think at the same time * You do NOT need to answer the question

10.  Know your strengths and weaknesses ◦ Talk to a Learning Advisor  Focus your study  Build your vocabulary  Practice fluency phrases  Read widely – and think about the information  Practice the test ◦ With friends / study buddy (IELTS Learning Community) ◦ In the practice centre  James O, Liz, Lorraine, Carol, Shawn, Tara

11. Any Questions?

12. Check with a partner – how much do you know already? 1. How long does it take? 2. How many parts/tasks are there? 3. How many words must you write for each part? 4. What is the difference between the 2 parts? 5. What 4 things to you get graded on?

13. There is 1 hour to write 2 essays. Task 1 ◦ Diagram ◦ 150 words minimum ◦ 20 minutes Task 2 ◦ Discursive question (give your opinion) ◦ 250 words minimum ◦ 40 minutes.

14. Descriptions of a diagram ◦ Data  Bar chart  Table  Graph  Pie chart ◦ Map ◦ Process

15. A discursive essay ◦ Give your opinion  To what extent do you agree or disagree?  Discuss both these views and give your own opinion?  Which do you consider to be more important?  Should something happen?  e.g. should university be free?  Should private cars be banned from cities?  Should rich countries help poor countries?

16. Each essay is given four grades:  Task completion  Coherence and cohesion  Vocabulary  Grammar

17. Each essay is given four grades:  Task completion ◦ Is the essay long enough? ◦ Does the writer answer the question? ◦ Is the answer accurate? (Task 1) ◦ Is there an overview & data to support the overview (Task 1) ◦ Does the writer support his/her ideas? (Task 2)

18. Each essay is given four grades:  Coherence and cohesion ◦ Is the introductory paragraph adequate? ◦ Are there clear paragraphs, with 1 idea in each paragraph and support for this idea? ◦ Are there good paragraph transitions? ◦ Are the sentences and clauses signposted well? ◦ Does the summary / concluding paragraph make sense?

19. VocabularySophisticatedaccurateSophisticatedinaccurateSimpleaccurateSimpleinaccurate Complex accurate Complex inaccurate Simple accurate Simple and inaccurate Grammar

20. For the best possible score: 1. Write enough 2. Answer the question 3. Support your ideas 4. Use complex grammar 5. Use sophisticated vocabulary 6. Use paragraphs and signposting language

21.  Know your strengths and weaknesses ◦ Talk to a Learning Advisor  Focus your study  Build your vocabulary  Practice fluency phrases – look at good examples and write down which phrases you could recycle  Read widely – and think about the information  Practice the test under timed conditions

22.  Learning Advisors  Exam papers with sample writing  Self-study books  The Writing Centre  Shawn  Richard  Bob  SALC writing materials  Study buddies (IELTS Learning Community)

23. Any Questions?