Study Plan The information in these slides is designed for B2 candidates wishing to get to C1 level. This is a complete study guide that will help you to focus on the preparation instead of worrying about whether you are doing the right thing. You can fully trust this guide, as it has been working quite well with my own students offline for many years. Writing Module
If you are at strong B2 level (6.0-6.5) and want to get to C1 (7.0+) your major weaknesses are typically in the Writing Module. In this slide, I will be addressing the Writing Module first.
Main problems at B2 level (5.5-6.5) include:
● Poor Task 1 performance ● Poor Task 2 performance ● Time management issues Poor Task 1 performance A lot of candidates at this level are not familiar with Task 1 rules because they think this part of the exam is easy, thinking they can just describe the numbers and they are good to go. However, it’s not really the case. Task 1 can sometimes be more challenging Task 2. So, if you don’t want to keep retaking the test, make sure you are confident in your Task 1 performance. Here is the list of steps you must take to improve your Task 1 score: 1. Understand all task 1 types: Trend, Comparative, Maps, Process Diagrams, double graph. (YouTube videos) 2. Get to know various subtypes: Trend line graph, trend bar chart, trend table, comparative bar chart, comparative pie chart, comparative table, past-past map, past-present map, present-future map, production process diagram, life cycle diagram. (YouTube + samples or just ask ChatGPT to explain these) 3. Gather some basic vocab for each type. (Use these sources: “IELTS Advantage Writing Skills”, “Ebrahim Tahasoni”) 4. Understand the band descriptors, memorise these. (YouTube – “CompleteTestSuccess”) 5. Read 20 samples at least: 6x Trend graphs, 10x Comparative graphs, 2x Maps, 2x Process Diagrams (My Samples, TG - @ieltswithsanokulov; YouTube – “BestMyTest”) 6. Write reports under home condition (no time limit, + vocabulary cheating, + grammar support, + peeking at samples) 7. Write 5 reports under exam condition (timed, no cheating, no tools) 8. Get feedback for your work (My Online Writing Marathon – paid, ChatGPT – free) 9. Study the concept of “Paragraphing” (My online Writing Course – paid, ChatGPT – free, YouTube – free) 10. Study the concept of “Referencing & Substitution” (My online Writing Course – paid, ChatGPT – free, YouTube – free) 11. Study the concept of “Making comparisons” (My online Writing Course – paid, ChatGPT – free, YouTube – free) 12. Study the concept of “Past Perfect for line graphs”, “Present Participle”, “Comparatives & Superlatives”, “Commas”, “prepositions”, “passive voice” (My online Writing Course – paid, ChatGPT – free, YouTube – free) Poor Task 2 performance A lot of candidates at this level are more or less familiar with essay writing and marking criteria for Task 2 but still keep making the same mistakes. Task 2 carries more marks, so the fastest and most effective way to improve your score is to refine your Task 2 essays. Here is the list of steps you must take to improve your Task 2 score:
1. Understand all essay question types: Positive-Negative, Advantages-Disadvantages, Both views, Agree-Disagree, Mixed questions, Causes-Solutions. (YouTube videos) 2. Understand the band descriptors, memorise these. (YouTube – “CompleteTestSuccess”) 3. Read 30 samples at least: 10xAgree-Disagree, 4xCauses-Solutions, 4x Mixed Questions, 4x Both views, 4xPositive- Negative, 4xAdvantages-Disadvantages (My Samples + Sanokulov) 4. Write 10 essays under home condition (no time limit, + vocabulary cheating, + grammar support, + peeking at samples) 5. Write 10 essays under exam condition (timed, no cheating, no tools) 6. Get feedback for your work (My Online Writing Marathon – paid, ChatGPT – free) 7. Study “Paragraphing” (My online Writing Course – paid, ChatGPT – free, YouTube – free) 8. Study “Cohesive Devices” (My online Writing Course – paid, ChatGPT – free, YouTube – free) 9. Study “Cause & Effect” (My online Writing Course – paid, ChatGPT – free, YouTube – free) 10. Study “Critical Thinking & Counter-arguments” (My online Writing Course – paid, ChatGPT – free, YouTube – free) 11. Study “Contrast” (My online Writing Course – paid, ChatGPT – free, YouTube – free) 12. Study “Reference & Substitution” (My online Writing Course – paid, ChatGPT – free, YouTube – free) 13. Study “Relative Clauses”, “commas, “present participle”, “Subject + Verb agreement”, “conditionals”, “modals” (My online Writing Course – paid, ChatGPT – free, YouTube – free) Time Management Issues
A lot of candidates at this level either can’t finish both tasks under 60 minutes, or they finish these with no extra time for editing. Editing is a must. You can’t afford silly mistakes. You have to have 5 minutes at least to proofread your work. So, practice writing under 55 minutes or less.
However, it is important to practice using the right approach and avoid unnecessary time-drainers. A lot of candidates seem to waste time on the following aspects:
1. Introduction (spend no more than 3 minutes (T2) and 2 minutes (T1))
2. Conclusion (spend no more than 2 minutes (T2)) 3. Don’t worry about paraphrasing yet, you can always come back and do the paraphrasing once you are done with the tasks. 4. Do the planning for both tasks (5 min (T2) and 1-2min (T1)) 5. Start with T2 and then T1. 6. If you are running out of time desperately, skip intro in T1 and start with the Overview. Useful links (ctrl + left click)
● TFNG misunderstood ● Lack of standard vocab for Passages 2-3 ● Poor time management ● Not using “multitasking” ● Practising only Exam conditions TFNG misunderstood
TFNG and YNNG questions are the most common question types and arguably the trickiest. However, you CAN improve your skills by keeping in mind certain rules.
My personal rule of thumb when it comes to this question type is to always find evidence. If you pick your answer based on feelings or assumptions, you are going to stay stuck at 50-70% success rate, which is too low given that you have a base rate of 33%. Wanna take it to 80%+? Make sure you try what’s known as “paraphrase table”, just like @diyorbeksielts does.
Here is an example from Cambridge 15, Test 1 Passage 1 question 5-7
● Knew =/= didn’t reveal (False) ● First major company = ? (NG) ● Had control of all islands = had monopoly, hold of every island (True) Lack of vocab
If you think that your vocab is good but you are still stuck at 6.0-6.5, trust me, it isn’t as good as you think. You better hide your ego, and start learning more vocab. But not random words, but only those that appear in ielts reading passages. Standard passage 2 and 3 vocab. For 7.0+ you will probably need to master around 500-1000 words at the very least. If you exam is on the horizon, you may wanna hurry up. Time management
Time management is a major concern for many candidates, particularly at B2
level. What’s the problem? 1) Re-reading 2) Being stuck on tricky questions 3) Not doing multitasking Solutions? 4) Never re-read paragraphs because oftentimes it simply doesn’t help, it’s just not worth it. Trust me. If you feel like you missed the point of the author in the paragraph, it’s okay, keep doing other question. You can always come back to that paragraph at the end. 5) Skip tricky questions, if you can’t work out the answer in 2-3 minutes, it’s probably too hard for you, skip it. 6) Do the multitasking. Multitasking
What’s multitasking? I can’t fully explain it in one slide, it requires a separate video lesson, which I will do or have already done it. Check out my channel. (#reading)
Basically, multitasking is when you deal with several question types at the same time. Sounds hard? Yeah, it should. That’s why you save a lot of time and get a good score. Practice multitasking numerous times to see if you can handle it. Exam Conditions vs Home Conditions
If you time yourself (60min) every time you do the reading, you won’t progress much. It is important to balance both approaches. Sometimes, do under exam conditions to understand the timing, other times, do the tests under home conditions (dictionary, no time pressure, re-reading, whatever works for you) and try your best. A normal disparity between Exam conditions and Home conditions is 0.5-1.0 band. For example, if you score 25/40 under exam conditions, you should be able to do around 30 or more under home conditions. The only way to improve your reading score is to improve your results under “home conditions” first and foremost. You can never get 7.0+ on the exam if you can’t do it at home. L and S Modules
With Listening and Speaking I don’t have much to say honestly, simply because these are easily improved by practicing. It’s all about the volume. Just do lots of tests (under home conditions mostly) and you will certainly improve.
For speaking specifically, I think you should be ready to spare a few hundred bucks for some decent feedback. Try former examiners on “italki” or some instructors online here in Uzb (their services might be a bit more affordable). And again, keep practicing. I personally like to have a private channel where I upload my Part 2 performances. Just use the telegram video message recording. Also, check out all 50 recent actual topics just for the sake of confidence. But do not memorise answers! Useful links (ctrl + left click)
Ielts Writing Success. The Essential Step by Step Guide for Task 1 Writing. 8 Practice Tests for Bar Charts & Line Graphs. w/Band 9 Model Answer Key & On-line Support.
Ielts Writing Success. The Essential Step By Step Guide for Task 1 Writing. 8 Practice Tests for Pie Charts & Data Tables. w/Band 9 Answer Key & On-line Support.
The Ultimate Dental School Application Guide: Dental School Application. Latest specification with fully worked real interview questions, time saving techniques, score boosting strategies, and essay writing tips.
Ielts Writing Success. The Essential Step by Step Guide for Task 1 Writing. 8 Practice Tests for Bar Charts & Line Graphs. w/Band 9 Model Answer Key & On-line Support.
Ielts Writing Success. The Essential Step By Step Guide for Task 1 Writing. 8 Practice Tests for Pie Charts & Data Tables. w/Band 9 Answer Key & On-line Support.
The Ultimate Dental School Application Guide: Dental School Application. Latest specification with fully worked real interview questions, time saving techniques, score boosting strategies, and essay writing tips.
