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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.

IELTS Report, topic: Multiple line graph describing the percentage of students learning a second language (from IELTS High Scorer’s Choice series, Academic Set 2)

This is a model response to a Writing Task 1 topic from High Scorer’s Choice IELTS Practice Tests book series (reprinted with permission). This answer is close to IELTS Band 9.

Set 2 Academic book, Practice Test 7

Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The graph below shows the percentage of New Zealand primary school students learning a second language by language learned for the years 2006 to 2014.


Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

You should write at least 150 words.

Percentage of New Zealand Primary School Students Learning a Second Language by Language Learned; 2006 – 2014

Multiple line graph describing the percentage of students learning a second language (from IELTS High Scorer's Choice series, Academic Set 2 book)

Sample Band 9 Report

The graph shows the percentages of New Zealand primary school students who were learning a second language for the years 2006 to 2014.

It can be clearly seen that the popularity of various languages amongst school children changed over the years. Even languages that started off as equally popular in 2006 experienced a change in demand by 2014.

In 2006, the most common second language students learned in New Zealand primary schools was French (29%), with Japanese (28%) following very close behind. In 2014, the most common second language learned in primary school was still French at around the same percentage, however, the second most common had switched to Spanish (23%). Japanese dropped from its 2006 high of 28% to 17% in 2014.

The two least commonly learned second languages were German and Chinese. Chinese, which in 2006 had been the least commonly learned language at under 5%, dramatically increased and reached around 12% in 2014. German, which in 2006 had been the most common of the bottom three of the results given with 12%, steadily decreased to around 6% in 2014. “Other languages” groups various languages that are not stated. These were at 7% in 2006, but became more popular over the years, reaching around 9% in 2014 after having peaked in the previous year.

Go here for more IELTS Band 9 Reports

IELTS test in the USA – October 2021 (General Training)

Thanks to our kind friend T.M. from the USA we are sharing the questions from his recent exam:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

You are renting a house in an English-speaking country and the landlord has been very helpful during your stay. Your friend is interested in renting your place. Write a letter to your landlord to inform him/her that you will be moving out. In your letter,

– Tell your landlord that you are leaving and explain why
– Thank your landlord for being helpful
– Recommend your friend as a prospective tenant.

Writing Task 2 (an essay)

Some people think that being creative during your time off is helpful. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this and express your own opinion.

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your full name?
– Can I see your ID?
– Where are you from?
– Do you study or work?
– How do you organise your time as a student?
– What are the best education tools for learning?
– How do you travel to school?
– What means of transportation do you prefer? Why?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Talk about something you borrowed from someone a few weeks ago. Please say

– What you borrowed
– Who you borrowed from
– Why you borrowed this item
– And explain how you felt about borrowing it.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– What are the advantages and disadvantages of accommodating someone’s needs?
– Do you prefer to work alone or in a group?
– Should awards or prizes at work be given to individuals or groups of workers?