Hello and goodbye it seems!
Most of you never did and probably never will pluck up the courage to post on the blog. It was your loss.
We're moving on, the next blog has been set up and I shall welcome 16 (?) IELTS hopefuls this coming Sunday, 8 July. You are most welcome to join us at:
www.ieltsdrama.blogspot.com
and see how the new group shape up. I will be inviting the famous contributors of recent months - Firas, Ahmed, Maha and Khawla. Does anyone else want to contribute - especially those who are IELTSing / will have IELTSed in July? So, let's hear from you!
Bye for now and good luck!
Tony
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
KNOCK KNOCK !!!!!!
Hey where is everyone gone I mean the ieltscommunity20. No news from anyone are they alive :). So Mr tony how are you when is the new course begining soon or later??
Oh the ielts preparation is started. Struggling a bit.But anyways my exam is on 16 aug.
I am going to learning zone tommorow.Hey ieltscommunity20 we can have a group gathering as alek said before in the learning zone to exchange ideas and tips.
Oh the ielts preparation is started. Struggling a bit.But anyways my exam is on 16 aug.
I am going to learning zone tommorow.Hey ieltscommunity20 we can have a group gathering as alek said before in the learning zone to exchange ideas and tips.
Hi to Kawla
Hi Khawla,
I hope you are doing fine. As for the immigration calculation, please note that immigration consider the points for the 4 IELTS tests as follows:
Bands 7-9 : 4 points each test
Bands 5-6.5: 2 points each test
The total points you can score under languages is 16/16 (it means even if you score bands 8 or 9 you still get 4 points as band 7)
So if you calculate your points: you scored 2 7s = 8 points
you scored 2 6-6.9 = 4 points
Therefore, the immigration will give you 12 points under languages. So if you miss for instance 2- 4 points for your file, I encourage you to take another IELTS test and try to score the full marks which is 16/16. After your calculation, if you find that you miss more than 4 points for your file, then there is no point to suffer and take another test, try to find another way to reach your target points or consult a lawyer, I can give you the name & contact of my lawyer for support.
Wish you good luck and please keep in touch.
Regards
Maha
July 3, 2007 12:30 PM
I hope you are doing fine. As for the immigration calculation, please note that immigration consider the points for the 4 IELTS tests as follows:
Bands 7-9 : 4 points each test
Bands 5-6.5: 2 points each test
The total points you can score under languages is 16/16 (it means even if you score bands 8 or 9 you still get 4 points as band 7)
So if you calculate your points: you scored 2 7s = 8 points
you scored 2 6-6.9 = 4 points
Therefore, the immigration will give you 12 points under languages. So if you miss for instance 2- 4 points for your file, I encourage you to take another IELTS test and try to score the full marks which is 16/16. After your calculation, if you find that you miss more than 4 points for your file, then there is no point to suffer and take another test, try to find another way to reach your target points or consult a lawyer, I can give you the name & contact of my lawyer for support.
Wish you good luck and please keep in touch.
Regards
Maha
July 3, 2007 12:30 PM
immigration score
hi Maha,
I read your email sent to Ahmed about the IELTS scores, and i wonder if you could please tell the method used by your lawyer to calculate your exam scores so i can do mine since i told you before that i am submitting my application through mail without a lawyer to assist me.
thak you again for your help,
khawla.
I read your email sent to Ahmed about the IELTS scores, and i wonder if you could please tell the method used by your lawyer to calculate your exam scores so i can do mine since i told you before that i am submitting my application through mail without a lawyer to assist me.
thak you again for your help,
khawla.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Four From Four
Dear Firas,
Dear all,
When I wrote (my Grateful) two days back,I was thinking about (Grammar in use),Your advice to read the same book pushed me more to buy this book urgently, moreover you identify the book which is for intermediate and you recognize the chapters as well, this is perfect detailed advice,since I will save time and move directly toward the correct direction,I highly appreciate your national feeling which I am sure it will not be considered as racist by our friends in this blog,because you are trying to help all according to your letters in this blog.
For Maha,you are wonderful women, you have very reasonable high confidence in yourself,that macks most of the people around you has the same confidence rate in your output what ever it is, Wishing you the best in your live and in your next test.
At the end,I received four valuable letters from four perfect people.Khawla, Maha Tony and Firas.
Best Regards
Dear all,
When I wrote (my Grateful) two days back,I was thinking about (Grammar in use),Your advice to read the same book pushed me more to buy this book urgently, moreover you identify the book which is for intermediate and you recognize the chapters as well, this is perfect detailed advice,since I will save time and move directly toward the correct direction,I highly appreciate your national feeling which I am sure it will not be considered as racist by our friends in this blog,because you are trying to help all according to your letters in this blog.
For Maha,you are wonderful women, you have very reasonable high confidence in yourself,that macks most of the people around you has the same confidence rate in your output what ever it is, Wishing you the best in your live and in your next test.
At the end,I received four valuable letters from four perfect people.Khawla, Maha Tony and Firas.
Best Regards
My Gratfull
It is very nice to read such sympathy words from expert tutor and decent lady, your humanity feeling is supporting me to a chivied my family goal.
Tony I full agree with your verification of my unworthy mistakes which coasting me a golden point.
I am so happy for your esteem of my reaction against this disappointment. Frankly I am surprise that a gentleman like you working in military and in teaching field has such a soft feeling like a butterfly wings.
You are so generous to offer me your help to improve my writing skill through this bloge or the next one.
I checked this morning in BC Abu Dhabi for earliest test, but as you wrote,the IELTS are booked up to second of september.
For my younger sister khawla,
It is the bright thing that you send such a meaningful words to me; I highly appreciate your response to me, wishing you and your family a nice trip to Syria. Please keep in touch with this brotherly group.
best Regards
Tony I full agree with your verification of my unworthy mistakes which coasting me a golden point.
I am so happy for your esteem of my reaction against this disappointment. Frankly I am surprise that a gentleman like you working in military and in teaching field has such a soft feeling like a butterfly wings.
You are so generous to offer me your help to improve my writing skill through this bloge or the next one.
I checked this morning in BC Abu Dhabi for earliest test, but as you wrote,the IELTS are booked up to second of september.
For my younger sister khawla,
It is the bright thing that you send such a meaningful words to me; I highly appreciate your response to me, wishing you and your family a nice trip to Syria. Please keep in touch with this brotherly group.
best Regards
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Ahmed Result
Below was my result in IELTS:
listening 4
Reading 4
Writing 6
Speaking 7
This was in Tony Test.But the formal IELTS result is as following:
listening 6
Reading 6
Writing 5
Speaking 7
Over all BAND 6
According to what I have been told band six is enough to help my wife to submit her paper to immigrate to Australia,This was good reason to spend week end night peacefully, But on Friday morning i checked the detail and call the immigration office in Australia the answer was( Sorry I am a fried you have to get six as minimum in all tasks) Therefor I have to book for nearest IELTS test. I admits however I improve my self in listening and reading, but I ignores the writing exercise, this week i will start my straggle again.there is some interesting to do it a gain.
listening 4
Reading 4
Writing 6
Speaking 7
This was in Tony Test.But the formal IELTS result is as following:
listening 6
Reading 6
Writing 5
Speaking 7
Over all BAND 6
According to what I have been told band six is enough to help my wife to submit her paper to immigrate to Australia,This was good reason to spend week end night peacefully, But on Friday morning i checked the detail and call the immigration office in Australia the answer was( Sorry I am a fried you have to get six as minimum in all tasks) Therefor I have to book for nearest IELTS test. I admits however I improve my self in listening and reading, but I ignores the writing exercise, this week i will start my straggle again.there is some interesting to do it a gain.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Happy Birthday
Happy birthday "Captain"!
May (God) bless you and each member of your family, give you all health, wealth and prosperity.
Any chance to see you in the (The Club) this weekend?
May (God) bless you and each member of your family, give you all health, wealth and prosperity.
Any chance to see you in the (The Club) this weekend?
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Defy the Computer
Dear niketh,
Since your test will be on 16th of August, That will expand your chance in improving yourself, you are authorized to use the learning zone since you are registered for IELTS, This will help you to digest all the information you got this month by Mr.Tony. It is worth to spend a beneficent time in front of the computer solving different topics and trying to defy him. And proof your knowledge.
Ahmed Al Qassab
Tasty Snack Is Waiting You
Dear ieltscommity20,
Your test appointment will be at 8:00 am, as usual, Try to reach before that, and reserve a short period to concur an accepted friends around the snack table, which includes a different brands of hot and cold drinks, pastries, dates and nut.
You can enjoy and refresh yourselves by drink a very testy English tee in multi tasty flavors.
I hope it will be nice morning to every one.
Reach early and energise yourselves to be ready for the battle.
Regards
Ahmed AlQassab
Your test appointment will be at 8:00 am, as usual, Try to reach before that, and reserve a short period to concur an accepted friends around the snack table, which includes a different brands of hot and cold drinks, pastries, dates and nut.
You can enjoy and refresh yourselves by drink a very testy English tee in multi tasty flavors.
I hope it will be nice morning to every one.
Reach early and energise yourselves to be ready for the battle.
Regards
Ahmed AlQassab
My IELTS Trip
On 16th of June I had my IELTS exam, there were 171 candidates, 61 of whom were General Training IELTS and the balance were Academic. The test was meant to start at 8:00 am, that's why I reached the test center at 7:23 am, but some had arrived before me!
What you have to do:
1- You have to pick your No. from the lists of the IELTS candidates' names which they put near the hall's door.
2- If you are an engineer you can also gate your raw and seat No. from the second schedule sketch.
3- You don’t need to bring to test center anything except your original Passport and your stationery, papers are not allowed.
4- Leave your mobile phone outside the exam hall. The British Council employ qualified staff to help you, and you will access the hall smoothly, do not worry.
5- The test actually started at 9:00 instead of 8:00 am.
The tests went as follows:
Listening Test:
The listening test started very clear; the test supervisor checked the speakers and arranged the volume to the candidates' satisfaction. The test was tricky, on many times the conversation was directed to the wrong choice, but you have to hunt your prey once it appears. You have to keep your total attention to the last of the of the sentences or the paragraph.
The last task was a monologue about a doctor working in a marine animal laboratory. It was very quick and had strange animals' names. Also the advantages of her researches were not clear to me. However I did my best, but I lost some precious marks.
Reading Test:
It was the second test, it started simply but not so at the end - the last twelve questions were about improving the fabric manufacturing. It included many different clothes, inventors and model designers, each has his own method and unusual style of design, these several names from different origins producing up normal styles using wide variety of textile, made the topic rather difficult specially it was the last section in the test when most of the time had been consumed, That’s why I advise you to: please move fast through the simple questions to save the time for the more difficult ones.
Writing test:
Task No 1 was a letter to the manager of the restaurant where you had a nice dinner with your friends. Write what was the occasion? What was the good food offered to you?
Two nights before the test I red a sample of a thank you letter to the manager of a computer maintenance company which I belive helped me to build the structure of the letter. (You have to use the benefits of your continuous reading or research and try to link the subjects together).
Task No.2 was titled: "Some apeople believe that young employees are more useful to the company than old employees. Discuss the above giving examples to support your opinions."
Speaking Test:
After the writing test, the test supervisors will give you a notice letter for your speaking test appointment. Please note that you have to be in the exam center one hour before your appointment. My appointment was 3:30 pm but I left my home at 2:50pm! Ten minutes later I got a call through on mobile with an Indian lady kindly reminding me about my speaking test. I confirmed to her that I was on my way and I would reach the test center in the next five minutes. (Arrive at your test center early).
Speaking task:
After the starting of the warm-up questions, it was just general personal information. In part two the examiner gave me one minute to be ready for speaking not less than two minutes about (Story I remember from my childhood) I should answer as follows:
What is the name of the story?
Did I read it or did someone read it to me?
When was it?
Were there colored photos?
I was shocked for a few seconds. How can I spend two minutes talking about a children's story if the children's story itself was not longer than two minutes? Suddenly I remembered Tony when he was advising us in the class (you have to tell something attractive, you have to pull the examiner slightly to your hermetical and magical imagination). At the same time I remembered my advice to Khawla (you have to be a professional liar to tell a good story, you do not need to tell the truth).
Most of the stories I read in my childhood were from a well-known Arabic series called the Prosperous - including autobiographiis of leaders and scientists that I don’t remember the dates of born and the detail of the events exactly. But according to Tony's advice. I started writing some notes about Sindbad the Sailor all of you know how much you can talk about this long story and its adventures.
Sorry Mr. Tony I do not know how much you can accept from the above?
We can improve our experience from the successful trials and failures as well. I will inform you of my result at the weekend.
Best regards
What you have to do:
1- You have to pick your No. from the lists of the IELTS candidates' names which they put near the hall's door.
2- If you are an engineer you can also gate your raw and seat No. from the second schedule sketch.
3- You don’t need to bring to test center anything except your original Passport and your stationery, papers are not allowed.
4- Leave your mobile phone outside the exam hall. The British Council employ qualified staff to help you, and you will access the hall smoothly, do not worry.
5- The test actually started at 9:00 instead of 8:00 am.
The tests went as follows:
Listening Test:
The listening test started very clear; the test supervisor checked the speakers and arranged the volume to the candidates' satisfaction. The test was tricky, on many times the conversation was directed to the wrong choice, but you have to hunt your prey once it appears. You have to keep your total attention to the last of the of the sentences or the paragraph.
The last task was a monologue about a doctor working in a marine animal laboratory. It was very quick and had strange animals' names. Also the advantages of her researches were not clear to me. However I did my best, but I lost some precious marks.
Reading Test:
It was the second test, it started simply but not so at the end - the last twelve questions were about improving the fabric manufacturing. It included many different clothes, inventors and model designers, each has his own method and unusual style of design, these several names from different origins producing up normal styles using wide variety of textile, made the topic rather difficult specially it was the last section in the test when most of the time had been consumed, That’s why I advise you to: please move fast through the simple questions to save the time for the more difficult ones.
Writing test:
Task No 1 was a letter to the manager of the restaurant where you had a nice dinner with your friends. Write what was the occasion? What was the good food offered to you?
Two nights before the test I red a sample of a thank you letter to the manager of a computer maintenance company which I belive helped me to build the structure of the letter. (You have to use the benefits of your continuous reading or research and try to link the subjects together).
Task No.2 was titled: "Some apeople believe that young employees are more useful to the company than old employees. Discuss the above giving examples to support your opinions."
Speaking Test:
After the writing test, the test supervisors will give you a notice letter for your speaking test appointment. Please note that you have to be in the exam center one hour before your appointment. My appointment was 3:30 pm but I left my home at 2:50pm! Ten minutes later I got a call through on mobile with an Indian lady kindly reminding me about my speaking test. I confirmed to her that I was on my way and I would reach the test center in the next five minutes. (Arrive at your test center early).
Speaking task:
After the starting of the warm-up questions, it was just general personal information. In part two the examiner gave me one minute to be ready for speaking not less than two minutes about (Story I remember from my childhood) I should answer as follows:
What is the name of the story?
Did I read it or did someone read it to me?
When was it?
Were there colored photos?
I was shocked for a few seconds. How can I spend two minutes talking about a children's story if the children's story itself was not longer than two minutes? Suddenly I remembered Tony when he was advising us in the class (you have to tell something attractive, you have to pull the examiner slightly to your hermetical and magical imagination). At the same time I remembered my advice to Khawla (you have to be a professional liar to tell a good story, you do not need to tell the truth).
Most of the stories I read in my childhood were from a well-known Arabic series called the Prosperous - including autobiographiis of leaders and scientists that I don’t remember the dates of born and the detail of the events exactly. But according to Tony's advice. I started writing some notes about Sindbad the Sailor all of you know how much you can talk about this long story and its adventures.
Sorry Mr. Tony I do not know how much you can accept from the above?
We can improve our experience from the successful trials and failures as well. I will inform you of my result at the weekend.
Best regards
Monday, June 25, 2007
I salute!
Tony's word: Salute
That is right! I salute any (IELTS) fighter who collects his weapon from "Writefix.com", and the "BC Learning Zone". It is VITAL.
That is right! I salute any (IELTS) fighter who collects his weapon from "Writefix.com", and the "BC Learning Zone". It is VITAL.
the final counts down
Hi all...
I am thankful to all contributors in this site. Tony , we are docile class but you can see there are some voices raising up and trying to be there in the field. Actually day by day we are "learning" to improve our performance , though the time is limited but im feeling that sticking on advices of formal ILETS fighters will give us some enhancement , Tony I guess you did so perfect with the formal fighters...they are talking like you..I hope that community 20 will use the "magical prescription" properly for maximum benefit.
Laith
I am thankful to all contributors in this site. Tony , we are docile class but you can see there are some voices raising up and trying to be there in the field. Actually day by day we are "learning" to improve our performance , though the time is limited but im feeling that sticking on advices of formal ILETS fighters will give us some enhancement , Tony I guess you did so perfect with the formal fighters...they are talking like you..I hope that community 20 will use the "magical prescription" properly for maximum benefit.
Laith
Sunday, June 24, 2007
fix your writing by visiting writefix.com
hi all,
i guess we started counting down towards the end of our course,let me
wish you all, best of luck , by the way i would like to convey my many thanks to Khawla and Firas for the help and valuable advises that will indeed guide us to a better way of handling IELTS test .
dear all, if you have not visited the above mentioned website yet, you better hurry up and do ( www.writefix.com), i advise you to follow the "step by step" guide; furthermore i will send you all (in a minute through your e-mails), an example page which explains how you can use a topic to create similar words (synonyms), that you can use in your introduction,
i wonder if we can have a group gathering one morning in the learning zone to exchange ideas and tips!!!!!!!
c ya tonight
Alek
i guess we started counting down towards the end of our course,let me
wish you all, best of luck , by the way i would like to convey my many thanks to Khawla and Firas for the help and valuable advises that will indeed guide us to a better way of handling IELTS test .
dear all, if you have not visited the above mentioned website yet, you better hurry up and do ( www.writefix.com), i advise you to follow the "step by step" guide; furthermore i will send you all (in a minute through your e-mails), an example page which explains how you can use a topic to create similar words (synonyms), that you can use in your introduction,
i wonder if we can have a group gathering one morning in the learning zone to exchange ideas and tips!!!!!!!
c ya tonight
Alek
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Re: Questions for Firas
Dear 'Captain' Tony and (IELTS) citizens,
My apology for the late reply due to some outstanding issues that had to be accomplished during the weekend.
Regarding the questions posed on the former post "Questions for Firas", I will make my answers short and quick, so you will not get bored by reading them.
Writing:
1- Follow Tony’s golden advice “stick to one side of the essay”. By that, I mean to defend one part of the essay – the part you believe in – in either argument or opinion essays.
2- By defending one side, you will make your essay stronger and have more power and meaning for the reader.
3- Make your introduction: tell the reader where you are going with the essay; make it explicit which way you have chosen.
4- The first body paragraph consists of: building up your first belief and backing it up with examples.
5- The second body paragraph consists of: Building up your second belief and backing it up with examples.
6- The conclusion: not much different from the introduction.
7- Use punctuation in the right manner / location. Go to the website http://lilt.ilstu.edu/golson/punctuation/ to read and learn more about this subject. (It is vital!).
8- Use synonyms and make the reader feel that you know more than he expects from you. Please go to my former post that has the title (VOCABULARY).
9- Follow Tony’s three model essay examples that have been distributed to you.
10- Finally, do not panic. Spend five minutes to write down whatever ideas / thoughts spark in your mind related to the essay and then arrange your ideas to form your paragraphs. It is very simple. The subject of any essay will be something you have experienced / might have heard/ might have read about during your life.
Speaking:
1- While communicating with the examiner, show no speaking hesitation . Speak confidently.
2- Widen your vocabulary and use synonyms.
3- Form your speaking by using correct grammar. When you speak about the past events, make all your sentence verbs in the past, and similarly do the same regarding the other events with the related (correct) time frame.
Yours sincerely
My apology for the late reply due to some outstanding issues that had to be accomplished during the weekend.
Regarding the questions posed on the former post "Questions for Firas", I will make my answers short and quick, so you will not get bored by reading them.
Writing:
1- Follow Tony’s golden advice “stick to one side of the essay”. By that, I mean to defend one part of the essay – the part you believe in – in either argument or opinion essays.
2- By defending one side, you will make your essay stronger and have more power and meaning for the reader.
3- Make your introduction: tell the reader where you are going with the essay; make it explicit which way you have chosen.
4- The first body paragraph consists of: building up your first belief and backing it up with examples.
5- The second body paragraph consists of: Building up your second belief and backing it up with examples.
6- The conclusion: not much different from the introduction.
7- Use punctuation in the right manner / location. Go to the website http://lilt.ilstu.edu/golson/punctuation/ to read and learn more about this subject. (It is vital!).
8- Use synonyms and make the reader feel that you know more than he expects from you. Please go to my former post that has the title (VOCABULARY).
9- Follow Tony’s three model essay examples that have been distributed to you.
10- Finally, do not panic. Spend five minutes to write down whatever ideas / thoughts spark in your mind related to the essay and then arrange your ideas to form your paragraphs. It is very simple. The subject of any essay will be something you have experienced / might have heard/ might have read about during your life.
Speaking:
1- While communicating with the examiner, show no speaking hesitation . Speak confidently.
2- Widen your vocabulary and use synonyms.
3- Form your speaking by using correct grammar. When you speak about the past events, make all your sentence verbs in the past, and similarly do the same regarding the other events with the related (correct) time frame.
Yours sincerely
Friday, June 22, 2007
bbc again and again
Dear all,
Thanks to Tony and Khawla regarding the BBC website. Please visit this website then go for learning online where you will find many subjects such as grammar; vocabulary; watch and listen and also you you can start with quizzes.
I am sure everyone will expand his vocabulary, strengthen his grammar and moreover he will enjoy himself.
Thanks to Tony and Khawla regarding the BBC website. Please visit this website then go for learning online where you will find many subjects such as grammar; vocabulary; watch and listen and also you you can start with quizzes.
I am sure everyone will expand his vocabulary, strengthen his grammar and moreover he will enjoy himself.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Questions for Firas
Hello Firas
On behalf of ieltscommunity20 and future generarations of IELTS scholars, would you kindly tell how how you improved your General Training IELTS Writing from an initial band 5.0 / 6.0 level to your ultimate truly maginificent achievement of band 8.0? What was the secret, magic formula?
Also, you cranked up your Speaking from a very respectable band 7.0 with me to an outstanding band 8.0. Again, how did you manage this?
OK, so you 'only' improved in your Listening from a band 5.0 to 6.5 and Reading from 5.5 to 6.0 - if you had had more time between finishing the course and doing the IELTS exam could you have similarly boosted these to band 7.0?
My current class, who, like me, are shattered by four x three hour lessons a week, would love to hear from you and for you to inspire them to emulate your marvellous results.
Many thanks in anticipation
Tony
Come on ieltscommunity20, let's hear from you - we only have a week to go!
On behalf of ieltscommunity20 and future generarations of IELTS scholars, would you kindly tell how how you improved your General Training IELTS Writing from an initial band 5.0 / 6.0 level to your ultimate truly maginificent achievement of band 8.0? What was the secret, magic formula?
Also, you cranked up your Speaking from a very respectable band 7.0 with me to an outstanding band 8.0. Again, how did you manage this?
OK, so you 'only' improved in your Listening from a band 5.0 to 6.5 and Reading from 5.5 to 6.0 - if you had had more time between finishing the course and doing the IELTS exam could you have similarly boosted these to band 7.0?
My current class, who, like me, are shattered by four x three hour lessons a week, would love to hear from you and for you to inspire them to emulate your marvellous results.
Many thanks in anticipation
Tony
Come on ieltscommunity20, let's hear from you - we only have a week to go!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
BBC website & TV
Good day my colleagues,
I have been checking the BBC website www.bbc.co.uk (as per the advice of captain tony) for almost two months and you cannot imagine how much information I am getting regarding all fields of life. I sometimes feel that I do not have enough time to read everything. I have discovered how ignorant a person can be if he keeps his eyes closed towards what is happening in the world whether politically ( which is my best field because of our country's state) or medically, or scientifically...
Please try not to waste time on silly things, rather widen your vision and enlighten your mind by reading more and more and more on anything you like, just read...
Best regards,
Khawla
I have been checking the BBC website www.bbc.co.uk (as per the advice of captain tony) for almost two months and you cannot imagine how much information I am getting regarding all fields of life. I sometimes feel that I do not have enough time to read everything. I have discovered how ignorant a person can be if he keeps his eyes closed towards what is happening in the world whether politically ( which is my best field because of our country's state) or medically, or scientifically...
Please try not to waste time on silly things, rather widen your vision and enlighten your mind by reading more and more and more on anything you like, just read...
Best regards,
Khawla
Monday, June 18, 2007
Last minute message from Tony
Dateline, Monday 18 June 2007, 1800 hours
Sorry folks, I might, just might be slightly late this evening.
I do apologise and will 'make it up' to you, I promise.
My daughter, 'Princess' Zeena is appearing in a concert at her school and I thought it was starting at 6.oopm, but it is 6.30pm apparently.
So, if I am late for 15 - 20 minutes (?) please carry on with that Sydney Opera House exercise; go to the Learning Zone (we have it booked from 7.30 - 8.00pm) or look at Insight into IELTS reading module unit 4 Paragraph Headings pages 42 - 45 - we shall be doing some work on this later.
Please pass on this message to the other class members!
This 'lateness' of mine is exceptional and won't happen again!
Regards
Tony
Sorry folks, I might, just might be slightly late this evening.
I do apologise and will 'make it up' to you, I promise.
My daughter, 'Princess' Zeena is appearing in a concert at her school and I thought it was starting at 6.oopm, but it is 6.30pm apparently.
So, if I am late for 15 - 20 minutes (?) please carry on with that Sydney Opera House exercise; go to the Learning Zone (we have it booked from 7.30 - 8.00pm) or look at Insight into IELTS reading module unit 4 Paragraph Headings pages 42 - 45 - we shall be doing some work on this later.
Please pass on this message to the other class members!
This 'lateness' of mine is exceptional and won't happen again!
Regards
Tony
IELTS Listening Practice Test
This is a listening practice tests for those who are appearing for ielts
Right click and press save target as.
The listening is in mp3 format and pdf
Listening section 1-
PDF http://www.oup.com/pdf/elt/products/exams_ielts_mc_pt_list01.pdf
AUDIO
http://www.oup.com/audio/elt/exams_ielts_mc_pt01.mp3
Listening section 2-
PDFhttp://www.oup.com/pdf/elt/products/exams_ielts_mc_pt_list02.pdf
AUDIOhttp://www.oup.com/audio/elt/exams_ielts_mc_pt02.mp3
Listening section3-
PDFhttp://www.oup.com/pdf/elt/products/exams_ielts_mc_pt_list03.pdf
AUDIOhttp://www.oup.com/audio/elt/exams_ielts_mc_pt03.mp3
Listening section 4-
PDFhttp://www.oup.com/pdf/elt/products/exams_ielts_mc_pt_list04.pdf
MP3http://www.oup.com/audio/elt/exams_ielts_mc_pt04.mp3
I recommend download all the 4 audio and then the writing material(pdf)
I have to do this soon too.
Answers will be given after downloading everything and finishing the work.Please reply after you have finished.I feel its a good practice
Right click and press save target as.
The listening is in mp3 format and pdf
Listening section 1-
PDF http://www.oup.com/pdf/elt/products/exams_ielts_mc_pt_list01.pdf
AUDIO
http://www.oup.com/audio/elt/exams_ielts_mc_pt01.mp3
Listening section 2-
PDFhttp://www.oup.com/pdf/elt/products/exams_ielts_mc_pt_list02.pdf
AUDIOhttp://www.oup.com/audio/elt/exams_ielts_mc_pt02.mp3
Listening section3-
PDFhttp://www.oup.com/pdf/elt/products/exams_ielts_mc_pt_list03.pdf
AUDIOhttp://www.oup.com/audio/elt/exams_ielts_mc_pt03.mp3
Listening section 4-
PDFhttp://www.oup.com/pdf/elt/products/exams_ielts_mc_pt_list04.pdf
MP3http://www.oup.com/audio/elt/exams_ielts_mc_pt04.mp3
I recommend download all the 4 audio and then the writing material(pdf)
I have to do this soon too.
Answers will be given after downloading everything and finishing the work.Please reply after you have finished.I feel its a good practice
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Message for Khawla
Hello Khawla
You asked about reading material, so I checked with my wife, Aida, and daughter Zeena (both avid readers) what authors you might like to consider reading for pleasure. They came up with seven female writers and one male writer - have a look in the bookshop/local library for titles by:
Good luck and good reading! Just enjoy it and see how it will enrich your command of English!
All the best
Tony
You asked about reading material, so I checked with my wife, Aida, and daughter Zeena (both avid readers) what authors you might like to consider reading for pleasure. They came up with seven female writers and one male writer - have a look in the bookshop/local library for titles by:
- Maeve BINCHY
- Erica JAMES
- Agatha CHRISTIE
- Daphne DU MAURIER
- Jean PLAIDY
- Philippa GREGORY
- Georgette HEYER
- Sidney SHELDON
- National Geographic (of course!)
- New Scientist / Scientific American (science and technology)
- Readers' Digest (human interest stories)
- Ahlan! (celebrity news)
- Cosmopolitan (or similar women's magazines)
- Time (news digest)
- Newsweek (news digest)
- The Economist (very serious and heavy!)
Good luck and good reading! Just enjoy it and see how it will enrich your command of English!
All the best
Tony
Weekend over
Hmmm
Yes, we have no leaders in this group, it appears. No one wants to take the responsibility to drive this weblog. The successful IELTSers grabbed this chance to engage with me and former students. Then you ask me what you can do to improve your IELTS performance while you sit in the corner and worry about this darned exam!
Eh bien, plus ca change, c'est le meme chose as the French say.
You had your chance, no one spoke to me except for Alek. All in all, this is a pretty dismal show. What do you think, Firas, Khawla and Maha?
Bye for now
Tony
Yes, we have no leaders in this group, it appears. No one wants to take the responsibility to drive this weblog. The successful IELTSers grabbed this chance to engage with me and former students. Then you ask me what you can do to improve your IELTS performance while you sit in the corner and worry about this darned exam!
Eh bien, plus ca change, c'est le meme chose as the French say.
You had your chance, no one spoke to me except for Alek. All in all, this is a pretty dismal show. What do you think, Firas, Khawla and Maha?
Bye for now
Tony
Friday, June 15, 2007
Under marching orders
Right then, there is no time for slacking, so, your 'captain' expects you to:
You have not heard the last from me ladies and gentlemen over this weekend [during the week I have very little time to post new messages and we had to 'hit the ground running', didn't we]?
Comments, reactions please!
Captain Tony
- join the weblog
- post on the weblog
- comment on the weblog
- read this weblog and previous ones, www.ieltsdream.blogspot.com was one of the very best
- organise your folders
- do the reading practice from the handouts and Insight book Units 1, 2, 3 and 6, 7 (GT especially)
- check out those websites, especially www.writefix.com
- think about the week ahead and where you need to focus your efforts
- try to get to the Learning Zone on Saturday or Sunday
- read those handouts on Task One Writing - you will need to 'knock this off' in 15-20 minutes
- listen to as much authentic English as possible
- get those vocabulary sheets started
- see how you can expand your repertoire of grammar and vocabulary
You have not heard the last from me ladies and gentlemen over this weekend [during the week I have very little time to post new messages and we had to 'hit the ground running', didn't we]?
Comments, reactions please!
Captain Tony
How to contribute to the blog
Eleven people have joined the weblog, five have neglected the five invitations that I have sent so far! Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When you accept my invitation you create a google account - remember your username and password!
After you sign in, your dashboard opens up, click on new post .
Then you can communicate to your co-students, former IELTS students, me and the world! It's fun, instructive and highly recommended. So, if you don't 'get your acts together' over this weekend, then before you know it, it'll be Sunday again and another four day slog will start.
You can comment on any post, once you have signed in, by simply clicking on the comments icon.
I will re-invite the sleepy-head students now for a fourth time! Come on, wake up!
Bye for now
Tony
When you accept my invitation you create a google account - remember your username and password!
After you sign in, your dashboard opens up, click on new post .
Then you can communicate to your co-students, former IELTS students, me and the world! It's fun, instructive and highly recommended. So, if you don't 'get your acts together' over this weekend, then before you know it, it'll be Sunday again and another four day slog will start.
You can comment on any post, once you have signed in, by simply clicking on the comments icon.
I will re-invite the sleepy-head students now for a fourth time! Come on, wake up!
Bye for now
Tony
Task 2 Writing
As re-posted from ieltscommunity19, this is what Task 2 writing is about:
The Task 2 essays were:
ACADEMICS: IELTS Academic Writing Task 2
You should spend 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many countries children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people regard this as completely wrong, while others consider it as valuable work experience, important for learning and taking responsibility.
What are your opinions on this?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
IELTS GT Writing Task 2
You should spend 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many countries people no longer wear their national costumes. They are forgetting their history and traditions. More people should be encouraged to wear their national costumes every day.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
So, I wanted FOUR paragraphs:
1. INTRODUCTION (3 sentences) - rephrase the question / say something intelligent / state your position on this question
2. BODY PARAGRAPH (5 sentences) - give your ideas/opinions/examples FOR or AGAINST the question
3. BODY PARAGRAPH (5 sentences) continue giving your ideas/opinions/examples FOR or AGAINST the question
4. CONCLUSION (2/3 sentences) round off your essay with a logical conclusion that reflects your position in the introduction and which has been justified by the arguments/evidence/ examples that were developed in paragraphs 2 and 3
I was looking for interesting ideas; relevant arguments; personal examples from your life/experience/country/culture/society; a range of vocabulary; use of a wide field of grammar; attention to spelling and punctuation; no short forms using [ ' ] and a formal academic style of written English.
Did you deliver?
Can you deliver?
IELTS warriors Firas, Maha and Khawla, how can my fighters raise their 'game' to meet the magic band 7.0 (or better!) for writing?
Standing by for your advice!
Tony
The Task 2 essays were:
ACADEMICS: IELTS Academic Writing Task 2
You should spend 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many countries children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people regard this as completely wrong, while others consider it as valuable work experience, important for learning and taking responsibility.
What are your opinions on this?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
IELTS GT Writing Task 2
You should spend 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many countries people no longer wear their national costumes. They are forgetting their history and traditions. More people should be encouraged to wear their national costumes every day.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
So, I wanted FOUR paragraphs:
1. INTRODUCTION (3 sentences) - rephrase the question / say something intelligent / state your position on this question
2. BODY PARAGRAPH (5 sentences) - give your ideas/opinions/examples FOR or AGAINST the question
3. BODY PARAGRAPH (5 sentences) continue giving your ideas/opinions/examples FOR or AGAINST the question
4. CONCLUSION (2/3 sentences) round off your essay with a logical conclusion that reflects your position in the introduction and which has been justified by the arguments/evidence/ examples that were developed in paragraphs 2 and 3
I was looking for interesting ideas; relevant arguments; personal examples from your life/experience/country/culture/society; a range of vocabulary; use of a wide field of grammar; attention to spelling and punctuation; no short forms using [ ' ] and a formal academic style of written English.
Did you deliver?
Can you deliver?
IELTS warriors Firas, Maha and Khawla, how can my fighters raise their 'game' to meet the magic band 7.0 (or better!) for writing?
Standing by for your advice!
Tony
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Maha's (General Training) IELTS Results
Thursday, 14 June 2007
Dear Ieltscommunity19 and 20
Today was the IELTS result collection for those who did the test on 2nd June 07. During the waiting period, I got mixed feelings, sometimes I told myself that I did good and that I will achieve my band 7 and some other times like yesterday, I felt that I am going to achieve 5 or 6!! Waiting for result was harder than preparing for this exam.
Now, I would like to share my happiness with you and give you my detailed result:
Listening: 7.0 (was 6.0 last exam with Tony)
Reading : 6.5 (was 5.5 last exam with Tony)
Writing : 7.0 (was 7.0 last exam with Tony)
Speaking : 7.0 (was 7.0 )
Overall band score: 7.0
I am so happy and so thankful to Tony for the following:
Writing: I know that I write well but I needed the special touch to achieve band 7 and here comes Tony to give us all the hints and tricks to do it.
Speaking : I am always good at that!
Listening & Writing: Because of Tony's final test, I was alerted and felt that I needed to focus on those tests to achieve my band 7. I did more Listening and Reading than anything else even though I considered myself good at both (Of course!! That was before I did the course with Tony!)
I believe it is already a long message, guys I want to wish you all success, specially the guys whom I met in my class and the list is long.
I will keep reading and checking the weblogs for news and as a learning zone.
Note: Tony Do you think that they will reject my result because I did 6.5 in reading? Please give me your feed back
Regards,
Maha Hanna
Posted by Maha Hanna at 12:09 PM
Dear Ieltscommunity19 and 20
Today was the IELTS result collection for those who did the test on 2nd June 07. During the waiting period, I got mixed feelings, sometimes I told myself that I did good and that I will achieve my band 7 and some other times like yesterday, I felt that I am going to achieve 5 or 6!! Waiting for result was harder than preparing for this exam.
Now, I would like to share my happiness with you and give you my detailed result:
Listening: 7.0 (was 6.0 last exam with Tony)
Reading : 6.5 (was 5.5 last exam with Tony)
Writing : 7.0 (was 7.0 last exam with Tony)
Speaking : 7.0 (was 7.0 )
Overall band score: 7.0
I am so happy and so thankful to Tony for the following:
Writing: I know that I write well but I needed the special touch to achieve band 7 and here comes Tony to give us all the hints and tricks to do it.
Speaking : I am always good at that!
Listening & Writing: Because of Tony's final test, I was alerted and felt that I needed to focus on those tests to achieve my band 7. I did more Listening and Reading than anything else even though I considered myself good at both (Of course!! That was before I did the course with Tony!)
I believe it is already a long message, guys I want to wish you all success, specially the guys whom I met in my class and the list is long.
I will keep reading and checking the weblogs for news and as a learning zone.
Note: Tony Do you think that they will reject my result because I did 6.5 in reading? Please give me your feed back
Regards,
Maha Hanna
Posted by Maha Hanna at 12:09 PM
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Vocabulary
Vocabulary: is the backbone of the English language. All IELTS' moons (listening, writing, reading and speaking as well) revolve in its galaxy. As a humble opinion from a former IELTS student (Ieltscommunity18), memorize as much as you can. But, what I'm talking about? What sort of vocabulary Ieltscommunity20 need, and howmuch? of course, it is impossible to catch 615,000 words that shape the English language. Here is the solution for the short span of three weeks. Take the words that are "new"; words that you have not experienced before, from the reading essays included in the book you have already bought "IELTS 3" and 'Insight into IELTS". Try to memorize 10 words as minimum per day. Steal the moments in the morning to memorize them, even if you are working or busy, try your best to catch them and make your review in the weekend. The clues for the different elements of the exam will massively rely on these words. Fellows, trust me! You will realize their values when you conduct the exam.
All the best.
All the best.
The clock is ticking...
Phew! Welcome to three hectic weeks ladies and gentlemen - busy for me as well!
I have invited you all to join this weblog, Niketh has already created a Google account.
NEW students: check your inboxes; accept my invitation; create a Google account; remember your password and then comment below or even better, create a post!
FORMER students: leave a comment below to join this latest blog or email me - you know the address!
That's all for the moment!
Seize this opportunity to maximise your benefit from this course - we can keep in touch over the weekend as well.
BFN
Tony
I have invited you all to join this weblog, Niketh has already created a Google account.
NEW students: check your inboxes; accept my invitation; create a Google account; remember your password and then comment below or even better, create a post!
FORMER students: leave a comment below to join this latest blog or email me - you know the address!
That's all for the moment!
Seize this opportunity to maximise your benefit from this course - we can keep in touch over the weekend as well.
BFN
Tony
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Countdown
Dear Ieletscommunity20,
Welcome to all fighters, the countdown is started this night with a new mission which will add extra expert to most of you, it is a serious, exiting and it is worth to spend your time and money for it.
I wish you all happy nights and full success in your IELTS tests.
Welcome to all fighters, the countdown is started this night with a new mission which will add extra expert to most of you, it is a serious, exiting and it is worth to spend your time and money for it.
I wish you all happy nights and full success in your IELTS tests.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Summer in the city...
Welcome, welcome, welcome to another month, another IELTS preparation course and a new weblog with a fresh group of IELTS hopefuls!
It's hot, we're feeling the heat - literally and metaphorically. Your IELTS is on the horizon and lots of doubts start kicking in. Why didn't I start my build-up to this infernal exam months ago?
Ah well, help is at hand, IELTS veterans from previous courses will be reading this post, they might well join the weblog and help YOU, ieltscommunity20 in your quest for the glittering IELTS prizes.
Anyone who can't wait till next week, please comment below and I shall invite you to join this weblog.
Bye for now
Mind the sun!
Tony
It's hot, we're feeling the heat - literally and metaphorically. Your IELTS is on the horizon and lots of doubts start kicking in. Why didn't I start my build-up to this infernal exam months ago?
Ah well, help is at hand, IELTS veterans from previous courses will be reading this post, they might well join the weblog and help YOU, ieltscommunity20 in your quest for the glittering IELTS prizes.
Anyone who can't wait till next week, please comment below and I shall invite you to join this weblog.
Bye for now
Mind the sun!
Tony
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