What happens in the IELTS Speaking Test?

The official IELTS website, http://www.ielts.org/ , has published recordings and transcripts of a sample IELTS speaking test at http://www.ielts.org/test_takers_information/test_sample/speaking_sample.aspx .

Checking the information on this page is highly recommended if you're planning to take the IELTS test. The series of interviews published by IELTS Official is also extremely helpful. Here's a link to an interview with a speaaker at Band 7 level: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T6zglM1Onc

Painting: L"Art de la Conversation by Rene Magritte

How long does it take to become fluent in English?

Many, many students have asked their teachers how long it will take to master English. Many, many teachers have answered, "It depends on several factors...". A new BBC Channel 4 documentary - Why Don't You Speak English? - explores this topic, looking at four immigrants who have struggled with English since arriving in the UK a year ago. "Age is the most important factor in language acquisition, says Mila Vulchanova, professor of linguistics at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. "There is a sensitive period in language learning, which is biologically determined, with an onset at birth and a decline around puberty. So the younger the immigrant, the better. Since this decline is only gradual, teenagers are at an advantage over adults." Would you like more details? Read the rest of the article at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23407265">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23407265 .

What NOT to do before or after the IELTS Speaking test

What you should NOT do before or after the IELTS Speaking Test Don’t give information about yourself before the test starts. The examiner will ask for your name and ID when ready. Don’t try to “chat” with the examiner before or after the test starts. Don’t compliment the examiner on the way they look (or the clarity of their speech, or anything else). Don’t tell the examiner about previous test attempts or results. Don’t ask the examiner your result after the test. Doing any of the above will not have a negative effect on your result but it won’t affect it positively, either!

Painting, "The Scream" by Edvard Munch #IELTS #speaking #test #tips

What are the benefits of learning other languages?

Learning other languages brings many benefits, such as helping open our minds to other ways of thinking.

Here is an excellent article with short video which explains the importance of exploring other languages and cultures. (Click on the link below to view the article and video.)


https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/12/learning-a-language-has-a-lot-of-benefits-including-making-you-more-tolerant




Can you suggest any more reasons for learning other languages?

Season's Greetings!

Wishing you much joy, adventure and success in 2017!

What do you see in the sky?

Is the dove of peace flying above the trees?

Today is November 11th, or Remembrance Day, when we remember all who have died in wars.

A great opportunity! Free 5-week online course for IELTS preparation

A great opportunity! Register for a free 5-week online course from the experts who produce the test here at Cambridge English. The course involves 3 hours' work a week and learners can take part in their spare time.

Inside IELTS: Preparing for the Test with the Experts will give test takers a clearer idea of what and how to study, both to prepare for the IELTS test and to develop their academic English skills.

It is especially useful for learners who want to take IELTS Academic and go to university.

Over the 5-week course, participants will find out:
what skills are important for success in the IELTS Academic test
how IELTS examiners assess their level
what they need to do in order to improve their IELTS band score.

Participants can interact with experts and with other learners from around the world, and will also have the chance to try authentic IELTS practice tasks.

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/cambridge-english-ielts

What's your favourite colour?

What's your favourite colour?

My favourite colour is green. I especially like emerald green and some bluish-greens like aquamarine. I've always loved green, in all its shades. Green is vibrant and represents life.

Free resource from Cambridge English: Learn, use & remember vocab for IELTS or academic study

A free resource from Cambridge English: Learn, use and remember vocabulary for your IELTS test or academic study on your computer, tablet or smartphone.

Improve your English through short, frequent activities every day.

Take a look!

http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/ielts/preparation/vocabulary-and-writing/

Topics: Education ~ Creating schools that prepare for the future

Topics: Education ~ Creating schools that prepare for the future


Highly recommended viewing! (1:06) Richard Gerver's an inspiring speaker with great ideas to share. Change doesn't need to be complex or difficult!

Talk by Richard Gerver, former head of Grange primary school, Long Eaton, UK, and an expert in leadership, creativity and organizational change.

https://youtu.be/9mrnhq1uAbA

You can also read about education and change at www.richardgerver.com/

IELTS Speaking Test - Intensive Preparation Package

IELTS Speaking Test - Intensive Preparation Package: A program for candidates aiming to lift their spoken English to the next level in the IELTS test - see more at http://www.englishteachinglive.com/

IELTS Topics: Art ~ Who are your favourite artists?

Who are your favourite artists? What kind of art do you like most?


Today is the birthday of René Magritte, born on this day in Belgium in 1898! Magritte is known and loved for his surrealist art.

“I despise my own past and that of others. I despise resignation, patience, professional heroism and all the obligatory sentiments. I also despise the decorative arts, folklore, advertising, radio announcers' voices, aerodynamics, the Boy Scouts, the smell of naphtha, the news, and drunks.
I like subversive humor, freckles, women's knees and long hair, the laughter of playing children, and a girl running down the street.
I hope for vibrant love, the impossible, the chimerical.
I dread knowing precisely my own limitations.”

― René Magritte



On view: "The Healer," 1967
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washinton DC, USA http://siarchives.si.edu/history/exhibits/pictures/hirshhorn-museum-and-sculpture-garden

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." ~ Arthur Ashe

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." ~ Arthur Ashe