The Speaking & Writing Module

Bob Morrison

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 parts in 15 minutesPart 1 you / your countryPart 2 your experiencePart 3 The future, the past, opinions etc

Each interview is given four grades: Fluency Vocabulary Grammar Pronunciation

Fluency influences: Vocabulary Pronunciation Grammar

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)

Vocabulary

SophisticatSophisticateded

accurateaccurate

SophisticatSophisticateded

inaccurateinaccurate

SimpleSimple

accurateaccurate

SimpleSimple

inaccurateinaccurate

Complex Complex accurateaccurate

Complex Complex inaccurateinaccurate

Simple Simple accurateaccurate

Simple and Simple and inaccurateinaccurate

GrammarGrammar

Pronunciation◦ Individual sounds◦ Features of connected speech

Joining words appropriately (gonna, wanna, d’yaknowarramean?)

◦ Rhythm Word stress and weak forms

◦ Intonation

For the best possible score:1. Be fluent, extend your answers2. Use complex grammar 3. Use a range of vocabulary 4. Use paraphrasing5. Don’t think before you start speaking –

speak and think at the same time

* You do NOT need to answer the question

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

Any Questions?

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?

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.

Descriptions of a diagram◦ Data

Bar chart Table Graph Pie chart

◦ Map◦ Process

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?

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

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)

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?

Vocabulary

SophisticatSophisticateded

accurateaccurate

SophisticatSophisticateded

inaccurateinaccurate

SimpleSimple

accurateaccurate

SimpleSimple

inaccurateinaccurate

Complex Complex accurateaccurate

Complex Complex inaccurateinaccurate

Simple Simple accurateaccurate

Simple and Simple and inaccurateinaccurate

GrammarGrammar

For the best possible score:1. Write enough2. Answer the question3. Support your ideas4. Use complex grammar 5. Use sophisticated vocabulary 6. Use paragraphs and signposting language

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

Learning Advisors Exam papers with sample writing Self-study books The Writing Centre

Shawn Richard Bob

SALC writing materials Study buddies (IELTS Learning Community)

Any Questions?