Eid Mubarak!
I made my signature Pineapple Jam Tarts a few hours ago in my last minute preparation effort to welcome Eid-ul-Fitr 2014. To my Muslim readers, have a happy and blessed Eid! Until next time!
Read more "Eid Mubarak!"Month: July 2014
Protest and Help for Gaza
I am truly happy to read about a group of people in Japan yesterday that protested the massacre that is happening in Gaza. Although international condemnation is necessary to help recognise this blatant act of murder against civilians, children, in particular, there are also ways to help with delivering aid to affected areas. If you […]
Read more "Protest and Help for Gaza"Process in IELTS Writing Task 1
Occasionally, candidates may be given a process to describe in IELTS Writing Task 1. This can be a problem if you are not prepared and have no idea of the language that you need to use for this context. Obviously, you cannot use commonly-used (and sometimes over-used!) expressions like: increased dramatically, fluctuated, gradual decline, etc. […]
Read more "Process in IELTS Writing Task 1"Can you guarantee a high score for my IELTS Test?
I am glad that none of my students have asked me this before – word for word. 🙂 Instead, I think this has been put a little more kindly “Do you think I could get a high score for my IELTS test?” I can perfectly understand the anxiety that candidates have before sitting for an […]
Read more "Can you guarantee a high score for my IELTS Test?"How to deal with interruptions in IELTS Speaking Part 2
Should candidates be worried if the examiner stops them from talking in Part 2? This question was raised by one of my students quite recently. Well, to be honest, this happens in IELTS interviews all the time. And in my experience as an examiner, I have very often done this for one very simple reason: […]
Read more "How to deal with interruptions in IELTS Speaking Part 2"Are you an IELTS word criminal?
I came across this today and was quite amused by the catchy lyrics and music. I remember Weird Al Yankovic from the Michael Jackson parody. Was it “Eat it”? My memory fails me, but it’s good to see that he’s still active in the music industry. Anyway, being an English teacher, I can absolutely relate […]
Read more "Are you an IELTS word criminal?"The IELTS Tutor
CAN’T GET A BAND 7 OR 8 IN THE IELTS TEST? STILL GETTING THE SAME SCORE AGAIN AND AGAIN? SPENT A LOT OF MONEY ON LESSONS BUT NO IMPROVEMENT? WORRIED ABOUT NEVER GETTING THAT HIGH SCORE? IELTS may be difficult for many people but you CAN easily beat this challenge with the right kind of […]
Read more "The IELTS Tutor"How to manage your word count in IELTS Writing
It can be quite difficult to beat that clock when it comes to finishing writing your script but one thing candidates must never overlook is making sure that their writing meets the word count. No matter how well you write, no matter how sophisticated and interesting your argument and description are, if you do not […]
Read more "How to manage your word count in IELTS Writing"More IELTS student feedback
There is nothing more delightful than receiving message after message from students who have gone on to achieve their goals after going through IELTS lessons with me. Although the training can be tough, the results speak for themselves and the credit goes to you, the student, for all your hard work in persisting with me […]
Read more "More IELTS student feedback"How to deal with unfamiliar topics in IELTS Speaking Part 2
An interesting question came up by one of my students today about what to do if the examiner gives the candidate a topic that is unfamiliar. This is not the first time I have been asked this question. The answer is pretty simple. You can do two things: lie or give an honest answer, depending […]
Read more "How to deal with unfamiliar topics in IELTS Speaking Part 2"