IELTS Lesson One
IELTS Lesson One
IELTS Lesson One
ii) Listen and check if you were right. Now decide if the following statements are true or false. If a statement is
false, write the correction.
iii) Look at your answers above. Now answer the following questions.
Present Continuous
These are the two most basic tenses in the English language.
State Verbs
The present continuous is not usually used with state verbs. The meaning of the verb is usually a general truth
instead of something temporary. These verbs describe thought, feeling, senses, possession and description.
Now to some grammar exercises in order to make sure we can use these tenses appropriately!
1. Choose the best ending to each sentence.
Now try and make your own sentences with similar sentence patterns!
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3. Fill in the gaps with the verbs in the box in the correct present tense.
4. Look at the following extracts. There are six incorrect verbs. Find and correct them.
iii) Good job on getting through the first task. Now lets look at how the essay question would be presented in
the IELTS exam and how to approach the topic.
Now read this model essay that is answering the above prompt.
Can you find the advantages and disadvantages the writer is trying to present?
Underline them and discuss with your instructor.
iv) We now move on structuring good introductions and conclusions. Next lesson we will cover organizing
good essay bodies and advanced essay techniques. For now focus on writing good beginnings and endings!
1. Introductions
Writing a clear introduction gives you self-confidence and also acts as a great first impression for examiners.
Now you will learn a formula that will help you create good introductions for this type of essay.
Look at the introduction to the model essay you read earlier. It consists of four sentences. Complete the table
by matching the correct step from the formula (a-d) to the correct sentence in the introduction (1-4).
a. Add an extra sentence to support the first.
b. Focus on the question in your own words.
c. Tell the reader your plan.
d. Write a general sentence about the topic (living/working abroad).
Now read this question and a model introduction to it. The four steps in the introduction are in the wrong
order. Rewrite it correctly, then think of your own.
Model introduction:
In this essay I will look at both sides and try to draw some conclusions. Many have at least one change of
career at some point in their lives. Nowadays, it is becoming more and more common for people to take two
jobs. But what are the benefits of this situation, and what are the drawbacks?
Try to apply these steps to write four-sentence introductions for the following exam questions.
1. What are the pros and cons for children of watching television?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using CCTV cameras to fight crime?
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2. Conclusions
At the end of any type of IELTS essay, you need to write a short conclusion. Remember there is no such thing
as a right or wrong conclusion, focus instead on clarity and freedom of expression to impress examiners!
Look at the conclusion from the model essay you read earlier.
However, it can also be very difficult to cope with the new culture and language. In my view, having the chance
to see life in another country can open up lots of exciting new experiences. It is important to be happy
wherever you are, as the grass is not always greener on the other side. To sum up, living abroad is a challenging
experience that has both ups and downs.
Try and write conclusions for the exam questions printed at the bottom of the previous page, page 9.
As homework, choose one of the two essays and write a full essay on that topic at home. Remember to
structure your introductions and conclusions as we have learnt in this class. Most importantly, time yourself
and try to keep to both the time and word limit suggested at the beginning of the Time for Writing section.