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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 test in the US and Israel – July 2010 (General Training)

IELTS exams in the US and Israel were remembered and shared by our kind friends N and A, and here is what they told us about the Writing and the Speaking parts:

Writing test

Writing Task 1 (a letter)

You were sent to a training to another country and are doing a course. You wish to stay there for longer than was planned. Write a letter to your boss, in your letter

– say what you gained from the training,
– explain why you wish to stay longer, and
– how much longer you wish to stay.

Writing Task 2 (an essay)

Some people are saying that children shouldn’t wear uniform to school because they can’t express themselves. Do you agree or disagree? Give examples from your own experience.

Speaking test

Interview

– Do you work or are you a student?
– What kind of job do you have?
– Do you like your job?
– Are there many people in your country in the same kind of job as you are?
– Do you like animals?
– Do you keep a pet at home?

Cue Card

Talk about a subject you liked studying in a high school or in a university, please say
– what the subject was,
– who the teacher was and
– why you liked studying that subject.

Discussion

– What is the difference between studying in a university versus high school?
– Do you think people like university studies better than high school? Why?
– What subject is the most popular in your country?

IELTS Speaking test in South Africa – July 2010

IELTS exam in South Africa was identical to the test in Australia, according to B and her husband (thank you guys!). Here are two versions of the Speaking test they remembered:

Speaking test 1

Interview

– What is your name?
– Which country do you come from?
– Where in South Africa are you from, what city?
– Would you recommend someone to visit in your city?

Cue Card

Talk about a wild animal that you like:
– describe the animal,
– say why you like it

Discussion

– Should government support the prevention of extinction of animals?
– Do you like cooking? Why?
– Do you like to travel?
– Where would you like to travel? Why?

Speaking test 2

Interview

– The usual questions.
– How many languages do you speak?
– Is it important to know more than one language?

Cue card

Describe a walk in the park with your best friend, please say
– where you went,
– why you went there, and
– what happened

Discussion

– Do you think fairness in the workplace is important? Why?
– Is it necessary to reward staff?
– Do you think people use vehicles to drive short distances?
– Why do you think they do it?
– What can be done to change their minds?