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Simone Braverman

Simone Braverman is the founder of IELTS-Blog.com and the author of several renowned IELTS preparation books, including Ace the IELTS, Target Band 7, the High Scorer's Choice practice test series, and IELTS Success Formula. Since 2005, Simone has been committed to making IELTS preparation accessible and effective through her books and online resources. Her work has helped 100,000's of students worldwide achieve their target scores and live their dream lives. When Simone isn't working on her next IELTS book, video lesson, or coaching, she enjoys playing the guitar or rollerblading.

7 Great IELTS tips from Lena, who got Band 8.5 in her exam

As you may remember we had 4 winners in our results competition last month. One of these high achievers, Lena Bucatariu, shared with us her best exam tips, what she thinks is important and can help you get a better result. Here is what she says:

“Dear Simone,

Every month, high achievers from around the world post on your blog excellent tips on how to tame the English language and improve the four skills. To avoid re-inventing the wheel, I have decided to focus on common sense advice on less ‘technical’, but still potentially dangerous details.

1. Sleep very well the night preceding the test; before going to bed, avoid watching TV, playing video games or doing other activities that may put undue strain on your eyes. And no alcohol!

2. On the day of the test, get up early enough – you want to make sure you are thoroughly awake by the time the test starts. Have a good breakfast, drink sufficient water, and don’t forget to use the restroom 🙂

3. When deciding what time to leave the house, take weather conditions and traffic into account; I suggest you have a friend or family member give you a ride, to avoid being pulled over for reckless IELTS-fever driving.

4. If possible, try to take the test at the same time with a friend or classmate; you can help each other out a lot by studying together, sharing materials and comparing teacher’s corrections on your homework.

5. During the last 20 minutes of waiting in the test room, anxiety may take over and fill your head with terrifying scenarios. You may feel scared, paralyzed, drawing a blank. This is the time to look around the room, make eye contact with your friend and smile. He or she probably needs this even more than you do.

6. While the recording is playing, look in your paper, and occasionally rest your eyes on the floor or anything inanimate. DON’T look at other people. Their reactions to the listening will distract you and, even worse, the proctors may suspect you are trying to cheat.

7. For the interview, dress professionally, but don’t overdo it; try to avoid new, very tight, or uncomfortable clothes or shoes. When giving your 2-minute answer, make sure you have an interesting story to tell, but don’t worry if the examiner seems a bit cold or unfriendly; they have instructions to stay neutral and keep facial expressions to a minimum.

Good luck! :)”

IELTS Speaking questions, Australia – September 2009

IELTS Speaking questions were shared by C. from Australia, thanks a lot for your kindness, and here they are:

Speaking test

Interview
– What is your name?
– How should I pronounce your name?
– What shall I call you?
– Do you work or study?
– What made you decide to choose this job?
– What do you have to do on your job?
– What makes this job interesting?
– Do you like to watch TV?
– Which channel and what kind of programs do you prefer?
– Do you like watching advertisements on TV? How do they influence consumers?

Cue card
If you could live in a foreign country, which country you would like to live in? You should say:
– What country would it be?
– How do you know about this country?
– If you could work in that country, what kind of work you think you would do?

Discussion
– What do you have to prepare yourself for to learn another language?
– Do you think it’s difficult to learn other languages?
– Is it true that children can learn another languages while living abroad easier, than to learn it from their parents?
– If you can go to the country you want to, what do you have to prepare yourself for?
– Nowadays many people like to go abroad, what are the reasons for that?
– Does the Internet affect countries and cultures?
– Internet makes people from all over the world join in one place, what are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
– Is swimming popular in your country?
– Does your school have a swimming pool?
– Is it important to teach children how to swim?