Everyone knows about the basic criteria that help IELTS candidates to get better scores in Writing and Speaking. There are, however, other factors that may indirectly aid test takers during their speaking tests. So, let’s explore 5 easy ways to ace your IELTS Speaking section.
Keep your Body Language Calm
In the Speaking test, the examiner asks you several questions and you have to answer them. It is understandable that when you have so much in your mind it is difficult to relax. But if you think of it as a light conversation with a friend, the whole process will become easier for you. Remember that the examiner is not there to find faults in your language, instead he is there to observe your strengths as a communicator. Therefore, you can talk in a cool and calm manner rather than becoming a bundle of nerves.
Speak in an Engaging Manner
No one likes to get bored to death, hence, deal with the questions as if you are excited about them. Examiners take several speaking tests in a day and the last thing they want is a dull conversation. Therefore, once you tempt an examiner into listening to what you say, he will be more interested in finding your positives than negatives, which will ultimately help you improve your score.
Use Intonations to Break the Monotony
Adhering to the four basic criteria of speaking is crucial, but presentation is equally important. It is essential to reiterate here that the IELTS Speaking test is more of a conversation than Q & A. Therefore, natural rise and fall in your tone is expected. Voice modulation aids in understanding of the listener and keeps the conversation spry, which helps you grab the examiner’s attention.
Sound Genuine while Speaking
Little bit of theatrics may come handy here! How? Well, it may happen that for some questions you have to borrow experiences from others or make up a story; however, while doing so it is important to sound convincing; the way actors do. This confidence will keep you composed and eventually help you establish control over the conversation.
Avoid Using Fillers
Fillers like umm.., uhh…, so…, actually…breaks the flow of the conversation and makes it difficult to understand the content. Therefore, it is utmost important to eliminate fillers from your speech. Interestingly, you can change this weakness into strength by embracing the pauses and using them to collect your thoughts before we speak.
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The SAT Reading section is something that stumps even the most diligent of students, especially students who have not studied in the American system. History passages are tough to crack, often featuring unfamiliar events and abstruse (difficult) language. As an Indian student, it is highly unlikely that you would be acquainted with momentous occasions in American history. In addition to that, the language can seem alien, especially if you don’t read widely. Hence, simply solving passages is not enough. You must dive – not deeply, but cursorily and swim widely – into the realm of US history. Having a general understanding of such events will enable you to grasp the context with ease. But where should you start? Which sources are the most reliable? Which content is the easiest to consume? Being mindful of the extremely hectic schedule that most students have to adhere to, we have compiled a list of the most important topics.
The Best Sources
Learning about US history has never been simpler (easier). No longer do you need to browse through numerous books – everything you need is in that wonderful rectangle in your pocket! There are several YouTube channels that fit the bill. However, there are two channels that stand out: Crash Course and Oversimplified. Crash Course has various series of videos that explain the most important parts of American history in a sequential way. On the other hand, Oversimplified has videos about individual events but they give the viewer a pretty thorough idea about each topic. So if you have a couple of months, we recommend that you watch these series in their entirety: Crash Course US History, Oversimplified – World Wars and Revolutions. If you’re short on time, watching the following videos will give you a basic idea that will be sufficient for the SATs.
These videos have not only easily accessible knowledge but also great language. So, you’ll be killing two birds with one stone. Additionally, they have great animations which make these videos a joy to watch. Have fun!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eytc9ZaNWyc&list=PL8dPuuaLjXtMwmepBjTSG593eG7ObzO7s&index=7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EiSymRrKI4&list=PL8dPuuaLjXtMwmepBjTSG593eG7ObzO7s&index=8
IELTS candidates face a lot of problems while writing essays. Despite the ample amount of material available online, they find it difficult to score a good band in writing task 2. All the hacks and notes they have referred to fail when they confront the blank answer sheet. Has that ever happened to you?
If yes, then you have come to the right place, as this blog will help you write essays by following 5 simple yet effective steps:
Step 1: Understand the Question
The answer lies in the question itself. This holds true for IELTS essays also. Read the task or question carefully, identify the keywords, and pay heed to all the points mentioned in the question. This will help you understand what is expected of you in the essay.
Step 2: Form an Opinion
Your opinion matters! Once the task is crystal clear, the next step is to analyze the points mentioned in the prompt. To come up with more ideas, ask yourself several questions like who/when/what/why. This will help you generate more ideas for writing a power-packed essay.
Step 3: Structure your Essay
Structure makes your essays easily readable. Using correct syntax and writing coherently improves clarity and comprehensibility. Therefore, ensure that you use correct grammar and arrange your points in a logical order.
Step 4: Conclude Briefly
A well-rounded conclusion works like a charm. Reinforcing your points in a succinct manner gives a clear-cut idea to the reader by summing up everything you have elaborated in your essay.
Step 5: Proofread Keenly
Proof reading can take you one band ahead. It is observed that students who score more than 7 bands on the IELTS essay proofread their essay and make changes where necessary. This is the master stroke that will separate you from the rest.
Most SAT passages are manageable; the language is modern and direct. However, we also have to tackle passages with pretty complex – at times downright convoluted – framing. In addition to this, most international students don’t have the same exposure to American history and literature that students from the USA have. Now, if you’re ambitious and determined, you may do the most logical thing: start reading content that will help you with such reading passages. But where should you begin? When you search for SAT reading sources, you get super long lists, which, frankly speaking, are overwhelming as well as unrealistic. You don’t have the time to read everything. In fact, many students simply give up on such passages due to frustration. But despair not, for there is another way. We’ve curated a list of the top five sources (topic-specific) for improving your reading for the SAT.
Science
Let’s start with the easiest. SAT passages based on science are the simplest to process. So, if you’re just starting out on your reading journey, begin here.
Easy-to-understand science articles
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine
https://www.scientificamerican.com/
Humanities
Passages based on psychology, economics, socio-cultural phenomena, etc., are simple enough to read but sometimes the ideas may be unfamiliar or complex. You can gain confidence regarding these themes by reading from the following sources.
https://www.aldaily.com/ This website gives you free access to thousands of articles. It’s a great resource to practice reading advanced language.
https://www.nytimes.com/ This is a great source for modern opinion pieces on a wide range of topics.
History
History passages are usually the most challenging as the context is unfamiliar and usually the language is difficult as some passages are extracts from texts written around 200 years ago. The easiest solution to this problem is to watch the Crash Course series on YouTube. Not only will this give you a great overview of history but it will also help you improve your language in general.
History explained in an engaging way with SAT vocabulary
Crash Course US History
Crash Course World History
Watch this space for more tips!
Coming up…
Which historical incidents are a must-know for SAT?
Sources you should read for SAT Literature passages.
Preparing for a competitive exam like GRE is always a daunting task. Nonetheless, summing up the preparation is also equally important to perform better on the exam. In this blog, we will share some of the tips with you on how to brush up on the Math section in the last week before your GRE. So, let’s get started!
Revise all the theory concepts well
Don’t forget that the GRE is more about conceptual clarity than heavy calculation. So, make sure that you have understood all the concepts well. In case you come across a point where some clarity is required, refer to your lecture notes and practice it again but don’t panic.
Check your error log
In the last week of preparation, instead of revising all the problems that you have solved, it is advisable to concentrate only on those questions that you have got incorrect while practicing. So, refer to your error log and revise only the difficult questions.
Solve only a limited number of questions
Don’t get exhausted by solving too many of the questions in the last week. Instead, select only a limited number of questions for practice.
Revise formulae sheet
Please remember that the required formulae should be on the tip of your tongue! Thus, revise all the formulae at least once daily without fail.
Revise tables daily
This is yet another important technique to give a boost to your Quant score on the GRE. In spite of the fact that the use of a calculator is permitted on GRE, it is better to do the calculations manually as much as possible. Thus, revise the tables at least twice a day.
If you ensure that these aspects are taken care of, you will feel more confident as you attempt the exam.
Wish you all the very best in your preparation!!