IELTS

How can I prepare for IELTS?

It is not necessary to attend an IELTS preparation course though it is, of course, a good idea to prepare thoroughly for the test. The IELTS Specimen Materials have been produced according to Cambridge ESOL's Question Paper Production cycle and are the only preparation resources that are endorsed by all three IELTS partners. 

A revised edition of the Specimen Materials will be available from 24 January 2005. This edition will contain a complete new Listening test and nine new Academic and General Training Writing tasks. There is also a detailed explanation of the revised assessment criteria for Writing tests (in use from January 2005), with 10 scripts rated according to the new rating scales, plus Examiner comments.

If you would like further assistance with test preparation, many IELTS test centers and language schools offer IELTS preparation courses. There are also other publications available from bookshops or direct from the publishers, which familiarize candidates with the format and style of the IELTS test.  

Read the passage below and answer Questions 1-10.

Daybreak Trips by Coach

SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

Welcome to our Spring Daybreak program, which continues the tradition of offering daytrips and tours at unbeatable value for money. Premier Travel Services Limited or Millers Coaches will operate all the excursions in this brochure; both companies are part of the CHL Group, which owns Cambridge's Cambus fleet.

WE'RE PROUD OF OUR TRADITION

Premier was established in 1936; the Company now offers the highest standards of coach travel in today's competitive operating environment. Millers has an enviable reputation stretching back over the past 20 years, offering value for money coach services at realistic prices. We've traveled a long way since our early days of pre-war seaside trips. Now our fleet of 50 modern coaches (few are more than five years old) operates throughout Britain and Europe but we're pleased to maintain the high standards of quality and service that were the trademark of our founders nearly sixty years ago.

EXCLUSIVE FEATURES

All Daybreak fares (unless specifically stated otherwise) include admission charges to the attractions, shows and exhibits we visit. Many full days scenic tours are accompanied by a fully trained English Tourist Board 'Blue Badge' guide or local experienced driver/guide. Some Daybreak include lunch or afternoon tea. Compare our admission inclusive fares and see how much you save. The cheapest is not necessarily the best and value for money is guaranteed with Daybreaks. If you compare our bargain Daybreak fares beware - most of our competitors do not offer an all-inclusive fare.

SEAT RESERVATIONS

We value the freedom of choice, so you can choose your seat when you book. The seat reservation is guaranteed and remains yours at all times when aboard the coach.

NO SMOKING COMFORT

With the comfort of our passengers in mind, coaches on all our Daybreaks are no smoking throughout. In the interests of fellow passengers' comfort, we kindly ask that smokers observe our 'no smoking' policy. On scenic tours and longer journeys, ample refreshment stops are provided when, of course, smoking is permitted.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Do I need to book?

Booking in advance is strongly recommended as all Daybreak tours are subject to demand. Subject to availability, stand-by tickets can be purchased from the driver.

What time does the coach leave?

The coach departs from Cambridge Drummer Street (Bay 12) at the time shown. There are many additional joining points indicated by departure codes in the brochure. If you are joining at one of our less popular joining points, you will be advised of your pick up time (normally by telephone) not less than 48 hours before departure. In this way, we can minimize the length of pick-up routes and reduce journey times for the majority of passengers.

What time do we get back?

An approximate return time is shown for each excursion. The times shown serve as a guide, but road conditions can sometimes cause delay. If your arrival will be later than advertised, your driver will try to allow for a telephone call during the return journey.

Where can I board the coach?

All the Daybreaks in the brochure leave from Cambridge Drummer Street (Bay 12) at the time shown. Many Daybreaks offer additional pick-ups for pre-booked passengers within Cambridge and the surrounding area. This facility must be requested at the time of booking.

Questions 1-10

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage above?

In boxes 1-10 on your answer sheet write

TRUE              if the statement agrees with the information

FALSE            if the statement contradicts the information

NOT GIVEN   if there is no information on this 

1. Millers Coaches owns Cambridge's Cambus fleet.

2. Premier is an older company than Millers.

3. Most of the Daybreak coaches are less than 5 years old.

4. Daybreak fares are more expensive than most of their competitors.

5. Soft drinks and refreshments are served on longer journeys.

6. Smoking is permitted at the rear of the coach on longer journeys.

7. Tickets must be bought in advance from an authorized Daybreak agent. 

8. Tickets and seats can be reserved, by phoning the Daybreak Hotline. 

9. Daybreak passengers must join their coach at Cambridge Drummer Street. 

10. Daybreak cannot guarantee return times. 

Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You rent a house through an agency. The heating system has stopped working. You phoned the agency a week ago but it has still not been repaired.

Write a letter to the agency. In your letter

Introduce yourself

Explain the situation

Say what action you would like the agency to take

Write at least 150 words.

You do not need to write your own address.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear...

Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some businesses now say that no one can smoke cigarettes in any of their offices. Some governments have banned smoking in all public places. This is a good idea but it takes away some of our freedom.

Do you agree or disagree?

Write at least 250 words.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your experience.

This section provides a sample of Part Two of the Speaking Module.  There are three main parts to the IELTS Speaking Module.  In Part one the candidate answers general questions about themselves, their home/family and other such personal topics.  This part lasts about four-five minutes.  Part Two is sampled below and in Part Three the candidate and Examiner engage in a discussion of more abstract issues and concepts which are related to the topic in Part Two.

Speaking Part Two Sample

Describe a teacher who has greatly influenced you in your education.

You should say:

Where you met them;

What subject they taught;

What was special about them?

And explain why this person influenced you so much.

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