IELTS

备考雅思（A类）

雅思备考指南 https://ielts.kmf.com/guide

雅思考试流程

08:00 — 08:20 到达考点，根据雅思确认信上的报考号在考场入口处查询教室
08:20 — 08:30 进入考场（8:30后禁止进入考场）
08:30 — 09:00 考官宣读雅思考场规则和考相关内容
09:00 — 09:30 听力部分
09:30 — 09:40 雅思考试听力誊写答题纸时间
09:40 — 09:45 收听力卷，发阅读卷（听力答题纸不收，因为背面为阅读答题纸）
09:45 — 10:45 阅读部分（无额外誊写答题纸时间，童鞋们一定注意时间分配）
10:45 — 10:50 收阅读卷和听力阅读答题纸，发写作卷
10:50 — 11:50 写作部分（task one +task two）
PLS1：考场上会有5分钟左右的差异，考官会根据实际时间为大准确计时，并把相关每个阶段的时间写在黑板上
PLS2：务必别忘带护照照片，雅思确认信，身份证
口语：周六下午或者周日某个半天，按照确认信上规定时间提前15到30分钟到达口语考场，等待身份确认，等待考试。\

IELTS-Simon

IELTS Listening

IELTS Listening Lesson 1

Know the test: You only hear the recordings once

• About 30 minutes
• Extra 10 minutes at the end
• 40 questions
• 4 sections of 10 questions
• Answers are always in order
• Only 3 main types of question: gap-fill, multiple choice, matching
• Various English accents
• You only hear the recordings once!

Section 1

• two speakers
• an ‘every day’ conversation, e.g., making a booking
• one speaker gives basic information
• simple gap-fill: missing details
• names, addresses, dates, times, numbers
• section 1 is easy, but you need a high score (9 or 10 correct)

Key technique: Use the breaks to read ahead (Don’t check back, read ahead)

• before each section starts
• in the middle of each section (except in section 4)
• at the end of each section

Section 2

• use all of the break time at the end of section 1
• one speaker only
• a short speech about a non-academic topic, e.g., tourism, a park, local facilities
• gap-fill, multiple, choice, matching
• still quite easy, aim for a high score

Section 3

• use breaks to read and underline
• two or three speakers
• conversation related to education or training, e.g., tutor and student
• gap-fill, multiple choice (difficult)
• underline keywords in questions and choices
• listen for keywords or synonyms
• difficult section, aim for 6 or 7

Section 4

• use break at the end of section 3
• underline keywords
• no break in the middle!
• one speaker only
• speech about an academic topic
• gap-fill, multiple choice
• listen for keywords or synonyms
• difficult: faster speech, more content, extra information

Know the test: Do some real practice tests

Tips

1. Read ahead (only check back at the end)
2. Underline keywords
3. Listen for keywords or synonyms
4. Be careful with spelling
5. Don’t get stuck on a difficult question - move forward
6. Concentrate!

IELTS Listening Lesson 2

Examples and practice: example questions for the 4 sections

• Section 1: gap-fill, basic information
• Section 2: gap-fill, multiple choice, matching
• Section 3: gap-fill, multiple choice
• Section 4: gap-fill, multiple choice

IELTS Reading

Course summary

1. The main technique - Keyword technique
2. It’s a vocabulary test
3. Question types
   • Gap-fill
   • True/false/not given
   • Yes/no/not given
   • Multiple choice
   • Short answer questions
   • Matching paragraph headings
   • Matching paragraph information
   • Matching names
   • Matching sentence endings
4. The time problem
   • read at a normal speed
   • use the keyword technique
   • miss any difficult questions
   • 20 minutes for each passage
5. Lots of practice
   • official Cambridge IELTS books
   • Simon videos and blog lessons
   • slowly and carefully
   • high score first, get faster later

lesson 1

IELTS reading

• 1 hour, 40 questions
• Read the passages and answer questions about the information
• Reading comprehension
• Testing your understanding of written English
• A vocabulary test

lesson 2 Basic exam techniques, gap-fill questions

Basic exam techniques

1. Don’t read the passage first
2. Just read the title
3. Then go to the first question
4. Underline ‘keywords’ in the question
5. Then search for those words in the passage
6. Underline them
7. Read that part of the passage carefully
8. Try to get the answer

Three more pieces of advice

1. Read at normal speed
2. Only skim / scan for names or numbers
3. Miss any difficult questions, get to the end

Question types

1. Gap-fill
2. True / false / not given
3. Yes / no / not given
4. Multiple choice
5. Matching paragraph headings
6. Matching paragraph information
7. Matching sentence endings
8. Matching other features e.g. names
9. Short answer questions

Types of ‘gap-fill’ question

1. Fill the gapes with words from the passage
2. Fill the gaps to label a diagram
3. Fill the gaps with words from a list / box
4. Fill the gaps in a table

lesson 3 True, false, not given; yes, no, not given

Is there a difference between the following?

• True, False, Not given: When the passage is about facts (Are the statements true according to the information in the passage?)
• Yes, No, Not given: When the passage is about the writer’s reviews (Do the statements agree with the views expressed by the writer?)

Tips

• These differences are not important!
• We can approach both question types in the same way.
• Just think: correct, incorrect, not given.

Remember

• True/Yes - the correct information is given
• False/No - different information is given, contradicting the statement
• Not given - we don’t know the answer; there isn’t enough information
• Find the ‘keywords’ and then compare the question and passage carefully
• Answers are always in the correct order in the passage

Lesson 4 Matching paragraph headings

• List of headings
• Choose the best heading for each paragraph in the passage

‘Paragraph headings’ questions are difficult…

• because the answers are not in order in the passage
• because some of the headings may be similar

Techniques

1. Do ‘paragraph headings’ questions last
   • Do all other questions for that passage first
   • You will then be more familiar with the passage
   • You might get some of the answers from memory
2. Underline ‘keywords’ in each heading on the list
3. Then read the shortest or easiest paragraph
   • Read at normal speed
   • Underline the main ideas in the paragraph
4. Compare with all of the headings
5. Choose the best one

Lesson 5 Which paragraph contains?

• List of statements
• Find which paragraph contains the information in each statement

‘Which paragraph contains’ questions are difficult…

• because the answers are not in order in the passage
• the same paragraph may contain more than one answer
• some of the paragraphs may not contain any answers

Techniques

1. Do ‘which paragraph contains’ questions last
   • Do all other questions for that passage first
   • You will then be more familiar with the passage
   • You might get some of the answers from memory
2. Underline ‘keywords’ in each statement
3. Then start with the easiest statement
   • Information that you remember reading about
   • Easy keywords that you can scan for

Lesson 6 Multiple choice questions

Multiple choice questions

• Can be difficult because there is a lot to read, and the choices can be similar and confusing
• You can normally find the answers in order in the passage

Lesson 7 Matching names

• A list of question statements
• A box containing a list of names

‘Matching names’ sections can be difficult because…

• the answers are not in order in the passage
• one name may be used for more than one answer (if it matches more than one of the statements)
• some of the names may not be needed

Techniques

1. Underline ‘keywords’ in each statement
2. Scan the passage to find all of the names
   • Highlight each name clearly (e.g. circle them)
3. Choose the name with the shortest description
   • read the sentences around that name
   • underline the main ideas relating to that name
4. Compare with all of the questions statements
   • go through the question statements to see if any of them match what you read

Lesson 8 ‘Short answer’ questions

Method/techniques: ‘keyword technique’(lesson 2)

Lesson 9 Matching sentence endings

First, underline keywords in the sentence endings
Next, start with question 1

Remember:

1. Underline keywords in the sentence endings
2. Then start with the first question
3. Underline keywords in the question
4. Read the passage at normal speed
5. Underline keywords that you find
6. Compare the passage with the sentence endings
7. Choose the best one

IELTS Speaking

Lesson 1

• 3 parts of the test
• scoring system
• some overall advice

Timing, 3 parts of the test

• 11 to 14 minutes overall
• timing is very strict
• Part 1: 4 to 5 minutes
• Part 2: 3 to 4 minutes
• Part 3: 4 to 5 minutes

Scoring system (4 scores, 25% each)

1. Fluency and coherence (speak fluently and the answer make sense)
2. Vocabulary (good language in your answers)
3. Grammar (reduce the number of mistakes that you make)
4. Pronunciation (not about accent, but about how clearly you pronounce your words and phrases)

Some tips

• be ready (know what to expect and what the examiner expects from you)
  • Part 1: there is going to be fast questions and you should give short fast answers
• natural language, not difficult language
  • Difficult words and grammar will just make you speak more slowly as you are thinking
  • Answer as quickly as you can (hesitation could affect your fluency score)
  • Just say the first thing that comes into your head and keep going about that
  • The examiner is not judging the quality of your answers
  • They are looking at the language that you use and fluency of those answers

Don’t worry about

• body language
• eye contact
• the quality of your ideas (or opinions)
• whether the examiner agrees with you
• presentation skills
• the examiner’s behaviour

Aims of this course

1. Give you a method
2. Prepare topics and common questions

Lesson 2 IELTS speaking Part 1

Speaking part 1

• 4 to 5 minutes
• 10 or 11 questions
• 3 topic areas
• easy!

The examiner will start with 2 or 3 questions about your work or your studies or way you live, and then they will move on to 4 questions about one short topic and another 4 questions a second mini topic

Remember

• try to show fluency (key in speak part 1)
• don’t stop and think (hesitation is when your fluency stops: emm, ahh…)
• don’t worry about vocabulary or grammar (don’t show off your best language)
  • no need of difficult vocabulary or complex grammar, which won’t help you
  • try to focus on fluency, just say the first thing that come into your head
  • answer as quickly as you can and don’t worry about the quality of your ideas
• it’s an easy warm-up
• give short , simple answers

You can’t get a high score from part 1, but from part 2 and 3

What’s the best technique?

• answer the question, then given a reason
• give short, simple answers, but use full sentences
• stop with confidence, don’t keep talking, smile at the examiner!

Topics: often seem childish

• Q: What’s your favorite colour?
• A: My favorite colour is blue because it’s the color of the sky on a nice day.

A good way to practice

• E: Do you like … (games/walking/gardens/flowers/dancing)?

Lesson 3 IELTS speaking part 2 1/6 Describe a person

• 3 to 4 minutes
• 1 minute to repare
• speak for 2 minutes
• task card
• describe…

the examiners starts by giving you a task card, a piece of paper /card with a question written on that, a question task, and that task question always begin with ‘describe… ‘, then the examiner also gives you a pencil and a piece of paper for making notes (one minute to make notes on the task)

Make notes: Quickly decide what you’re going to talk about

• think the first thing that comes into your head, make that decision, and then make some notes about that
  Technique: Follow the points on the task card
• They help your structure and give you something to say.
• Say as much as you can for each point.

Before the exam

• prepare for common topic areas
• vocabulary and ideas are the key

Topics, techniques, vocabulary, example question

• 6 main topic area: describe (1)a person; (2)a place; (3)an object; (4)an event; (5)an activity; (6)your favourites
• prepare ideas and vocabulary, not grammar or linking
• speak naturally, explain in detail (content, not structure)

Describe a person

1. types
   • teacher
   • famous person
   • friend
   • family member
   • child
   • someone who helps people
   • someone who does something well
2. points
   • who (appearance, personality)
   • what he / she does
   • when / how / where you met
   • how you know about this person
   • why you like this person
3. preparation tip
   • think of a ‘theme’ for any person (friend, family, famous, child etc.)
   • start with easy adjectives
   • search for better words and phrases
   • example: theme = hardworking; adjectives = busy, active; better words = conscientious, someone you can count on
4. hard-working ‘theme’
   • enthusiastic
   • energetic
   • studious
   • persistent
   • motivated
   • determined to succeed
   • some who sees things through
   • a good team player
   • likes to challenge himself / herself
5. friendly ‘theme’
   • kind, caring
   • generous, unselfish
   • big-hearted
   • supportive
   • down-to-earth, easy-going
   • always there when you need him / her
   • someone who cheers me up
   • a big / magnetic personality
   • lights up the room
6. Final step in preparation: Think of example or stories to demonstrate each theme
   • Theme: My brother is hardworking
   • Example: I remember when he used to get up at 5am to do some extra work before school…

You can’t prepare for everything: you will need to adapt your ideas and improvise in the test (practise, record, improve)

Lesson 4 IELTS speaking part 2 2/6 Describe a place

IELTS Speaking Part2: Work on good ideas and vocabulary for the most common topic areas… NOT grammar or linking

Describe a place

1. type A
   • a city (you’ve visited)
   • a city (you would like to visit)
   • somewhere you went on holiday
   • a historic place
   • a river, lake or sea
   • a journey (where you went)
2. type B (more specific place)
   • a shop
   • a restaurant
   • a street market
3. points
   • which place its is (the name of the place)
   • where it is
   • what you did / can do there
   • why you like it
4. preparation tip
   • think of a ‘theme’ for any place
   • start with easy adjectives
   • search for better words and phrases
   • example: theme = an interesting place; adjectives = fun, lively; better words = fascinating, unforgettable, the time flew by
5. interesting / fun city ‘theme’
   • lively, bustling, hectic, thriving
   • cosmopolitan, multicultural
   • fascinating, unique
   • a special atmosphere
   • sightseeing, entertainment
   • an unforgettable experience
   • enjoyed every minute
   • the time flew by
   • endless things to see and do
   • it was over too quickly
6. historic ‘theme’
   • old buildings, palaces, statues
   • ancient
   • monuments
   • landmarks
   • where great events took place
   • connection to the past
   • reminders of the past
   • everywhere you look
   • full of history
   • a rich cultural heritage
7. friendly ‘theme’ (e.g. restaurant)
   -welcoming, inviting
   • warm, approachable
   • polite
   • thoughtful, attentive
   • great atmosphere
   • make you feel at home
   • the sevice was excellent
   • nothing was too much to ask
   • an unforgettable evening
8. Final step in preparation: Think of example or stories to demonstrate each theme
   • Theme: The city was interesting…
   • Example: We visited famous landmarks and attractions, such as… We lost track of time because…
   • Theme: The restaurant was friendly
   • Example: The waiters really made us feel special. They even surprised us with a birthday cake…

Lesson 5 IELTS speaking part 2 3/6 Describe an object

Describe an object

1. what, where, who, how, why?
   • something you own
   • something you would like to won
   • something you use every day
   • a piece of electronic equipment
   • a gift you received
   • a gift you gave
   • something old that you own
2. • what the object is
   • where you got it
   • who gave it to you
   • how long you have this object
   • why do you like this object
   • Tips: choose an object that could be used for nay of the topics above (e.g. a watch)
3. electronic watch features ‘theme’
   • smart watch
   • synchronised with phone / computer
   • contacts, phone, emails
   • store music
   • receive notifications
   • search the web
   • it responds to voice commands
   • make ‘contactless’ purchases
   • track exercise goals
   • fashion accessory - it looks stunning
4. electronic watch useful ‘theme’
   • various features and functions
   • organise my life
   • work, appointments, social life
   • check calendar at a glance
   • set reminders and notifications
   • practical, functional, convenient
   • the ultimate in portable devices
   • instant access to…
   • couldn’t live without it
5. old watch inherited ‘theme’
   • an inheritance
   • passed down to me by
   • a family heirloom
   • in the family for several generations
   • an antique
   • it has sentimental value
   • I’m emotionally attached to it
   • it reminds me of
   • it brings back happy memories
   • I’ll hand it down to my children
6. old watch appearance
   • parts: the face, the strap
   • traditional clock dial and hands
   • made of (leather, gold, silver)
   • colour
   • inscription / engraving on the back
   • grandfather’s name engraved
   • simple, minimalistic design
   • timeless, classic
   • elegant, stylish
   • well-made, durable, resilient
7. Final step in preparation: Think of example or stories to demonstrate each theme
   • Theme: My watch is useful
   • Example: If my watch hadn’t notified me, I would have forgotten that I had a dentist’s appointment.
   • Theme: It has sentimental value
   • Example: I remember that when I was a child, my grandfather taught me how to tell the time…

Lesson 6 IELTS speaking part 2 4/6 Describe an event

Describe an event

1. what, where, who, why?
   • what (type of) the event was
   • where the event was
   • who was in the event
   • why did you like/enjoy/go to this event
2. • an important event in your life
   • a festival in your country
   • a party
   • a celebration
   • a sports event that you watched
   • a concert or music event
   • Tip: Prepare vocabulary ‘themes’ for any event
3. a ‘special’ event
   • memorable
   • unforgettable, spectacular
   • a day to remember
   • it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience
   • I had a great time
   • I enjoyed every minute
   • I was blown away
   • I couldn’t have asked for more
   • it exceeded my expectations
4. where the event was
   • the venue
   • a perfect / prime location
   • beautifully decorated
   • the decoration / lighting was…
   • spectacular, romantic
   • alovely setting
   • a fantastic atmosphere
   • the atmosphere was electric
   • we were impressed by…
   • service, staff, attention to detail
5. specific vocabulary
   • wedding: bridge, groom, guests, ceremony, marriage, vows, speech, wedding reception party), flowers, clothing (dress), cake
   • festival: what it commemorates, religious significance, gifts, decorations, customs, special meal, public holiday
   • sports event: athlets, players, crowd, spectators, stadium, field/pitch/track, commentators, the contest, the score, the winner
   • concert: band, group, orchestra, lighting, sound, stage, crowd, audience, instruments, voice, song, piece of music
6. Final step in preparation: Think of example or stories to demonstrate each theme
   • Theme: My sister’s wedding was special
   • Example: I enjoyed the occasion because it was great to see my sister so happy on her big day
   • Theme: The concert was spectacular
   • Example: Suddenly the venue lit up, and the crowd sheered as the musicians came onto the stage
7. A few more tips
   • search on the Internet for ideas about the particular events that you would choose
   • use my theme vocabulary, but also add your own themes and vocabulary ideas
   • describe what happened step by step, from the beginning to the end of the event

Lesson 7 IELTS speaking part 2 5/6 Describe an activity

Describe an activity

1. what, where, who, why?
2. • a hobby
   • a sport
   • a game
   • something healthy that you do
   • something new that you have done recently
3. a healthy sports (swimming)
   • keep fit, stay in good condition
   • get in better shape
   • feel refreshed
   • rejuvenated, invigorated
   • gives me an energy boost
   • a good cardiovascular workout
   • build strength and endurance
   • a low-impact sport
   • helps to relieve stress
   • relaxing, helps to clear my mind
4. an enjoyable game (chess)
   • board game, a chess set
   • pieces e.g. king, queen, bishop
   • taking the opponent’s pieces
   • checkmate
   • hone my skulls
   • thinking ahead
   • out-think / orbit the opponent
   • concentration, mental workout
   • problem solving, strategy, learn from mistakes / losses
5. Final step in preparation: Think of example or stories to demonstrate each theme
   • Theme: Swimming is relaxing
   • Example: Yesterday I had a lot on my mind, but as soon as I hit the water, all of my troubles disappeared
   • Theme: I learned from my losses
   • Example: I had one friend who always beat me, but I copied his strategies when playing other people
6. Tips
   • search on the Internet for ideas about the hobbies or activities that you would choose
   • use my theme vocabulary, but also add your own themes and ideas

Lesson 8 IELTS speaking part 2 6/6 Describe your favourites

Describe your favourite…

1. • film or TV programme
   • song / piece of music
   • book
     -website
   • advertisement
   • tips: prepare vocabulary; use ideas from other topics
2. what, when, where, who, how, why?
   • what?
     • film / TV / book: the story
     • song: artist, style, instruments
     • website: features
     • advertisement: product, ‘story’
   • why?
     • film / TV / book: your feelings
     • song: feelings, emotions
     • website: how you use it
     • advertisement: opinions / effect

prepare vocabulary - use ideas from other topics

1. advertisement: use ideas from the ‘watch’ description (lesson 5)
   • smartwatch e.g. Apple Watch
   • synchronise with phone / computer
   • contacts, photos, emails
   • store music
   • receive notifications
   • search the web
   • it responds to voice commands
   • track exercise goals
   • fashion accessory - it looks stunning
2. song: use ideas from the ‘concert’ description (lesson 6)
   • film soundtrack (e.g. James Bond)
   • theme music
   • orchestra
   • instruments
   • popular, well-known
   • immediately recognisable
   • creates expectation
   • adventure, mystery, suspense
   • exciting, dramatic, powerful
3. film: James Bond
   • the film is / was released
   • the plot (story)
   • the genre e.g. action, drama
   • the cast: actors, roles, characters
   • scenes, locations, special effects
   • I thoroughly enjoyed it
   • spectacular, entertaining
   • great performances
   • I was on the edge of my seat
   • I was enthralled
4. website: Facebook
   • social networking website
   • keep in contact with friends
   • find people you’ve lost touch with
   • post messages
   • write status updates
   • upload photos and videos
   • post links to other websites
   • check your news feed
   • find people with shared interests
   • connect with like-minded people
5. book: novel or non-fiction
   • novel
     • storyline, plot, genre
     • the author, the characters
     • entertaining, enthralling
     • I couldn’t put it down
   • non-fiction / textbook
     • topic, field, subject
     • informative, fascinating, inspiring
     • I learnt about / I found out about
     • it opened my mind to…

Tip: Search on the Internet for ideas about your favourites

Lesson 9 IELTS speaking part 2 Questions that don’t fit into these 6 main topic areas

Examples

1. Describe an important choice that you had to make
2. Describe an idea you had for improving something at work or college
3. Describe a competition that you took part in
4. Describe a meeting that you went to at work, college or school
5. Describe a time when you were asked for your opinion in a survey
6. Describe a journey that you remember well
7. Describe an open-air or street market that you enjoyed visiting
8. Describe a shop near where you live that you sometimes use
9. Describe a conflict that you had, or a time when you became angry
10. Describe a beautiful sky that you enjoyed looking at
11. Describe an interesting story that someone told you
12. Describe a law in your country that you think is good
13. Describe a local news story that people in your area found interesting
14. Describe a time when you were stuck in traffic or delayed when traveling
15. Describe a time when you helped someone

Advice - 3 things that you can do

1. Adapt your ideas from a main topic
   • competition - sport (activity topic)
   • journey - place you visited
   • shop - object or favourite
   • beautiful sky - place
   • story - event or person
   • local news story - place, concert
   • in traffic or delayed - place
   • when you helped - place, object
2. Talk about your job or studies
   • important choice
   • idea at work or college
   • competition
   • meeting
   • survey
   • conflict, a time you became angry
   • in traffic or delayed
   • when you helped someone
3. Look through the lessons on ielts-simon blog
   • open-air or street market
   • law in your country
   • an environment problem
   • a business
   • a prize that you’d like to win
   • etc…

Tip: Prepare some good ideas and vocabulary about your job or studies
Tip: If none of this advice works… do your best, tell the truth

Lesson 10 ELTS Speaking Part 3

1. IELTS Speaking Part 3
   • Between 3 and 6 questions
   • Give long, detailed answers
   • This is your final chance to impress the examiner!
2. We need a method: follow 3 steps (or sometimes 4)
   • Force yourself to follow these steps
   • Otherwise your answers won’t have ‘direction’
3. Steps
   1. Answer the question directly
   2. Explain your answer (reasons)
   3. Give an example
   4. Explain the opposite / alternative (what would happen if …)
4. Example
   • (Question) Do you think it’s better to have clear aims for the future, or is it best to take each day as it comes?
   • (Answer) I think it’s best to have a good idea of what you want to do with your life, especially in terms of studies and career. (Why) Having aims allows you to plan what you need to do today and tomorrow in order to achieve longer-term objectives. (Example) For example, if you want to become a doctor, you need to choose the right subjects at school, get the right exam results, and work hard at university. (Opposite) Without a clear aim, it would be impossible to take the necessary steps towards a career in medicine, or any other profession.
5. Note
   • My aim focus is on my answer structure (following the steps), not on grammar or vocabulary.
6. Why
   • Because my priority is to give a long, detailed answer. We don’t have time to think of good words or grammar.

Summary of advice for all 3 parts of the speaking test

• Part 1 - Focus on fluency: try not to hesitate, answer quickly, short and simple
• Part 2 - Focus on good vocabulary ideas: prepare for 6 main topic area
• Part 3 - Focus on structure: answer, explain, example, (alternative)

IELTS Writing

IELTS Writing task 2

Lesson 1 The tasks

Training steps

1. Understand the task
2. Break the task into parts
3. Methods, techniques
4. Lots of practice
5. Feedback, measure progress

Step 1 - Understand the task - Write an essay

• Minimum 250 words (there is no maximum)
• 40 minutes
• Universal topics (family, health, education, work…)
• 4 question types

Four scoring criteria (focus on the first 3)

1. Task response (have you answer the question?)
2. Coherence and cohesion (is your essay well organised, logically written and easy to follow?)
3. Vocabulary (‘lexical resource’)
4. Grammar (‘grammatical range and accuracy)

Step 2 - Break the task into parts

• 250 words
• 4 paragraphs
• about 13 sentences
  • Introduction: 2 sentences
  • Two main paragraphs: 5 sentences each
  • Conclusion: 1 sentence
• Timing (40 minutes)
  • Planning: 10 minutes
  • Introduction: 5 minutes
  • Main body: 20 minutes
  • Conclusion: 5 minute

Lesson 2 Introduction

Method (2 sentences)

• introduce the topic (paraphrase what the question is saying)
• give a general answer

Four types of question

1. Discussion
2. Opinion
3. Problem and solution
4. Two-part question

Type 1 - Discussion
Question: Some people think that it is more effective for students to study in groups, while others believe that it is better for them to study alone. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Plan: Topic - study in groups or alone; Answer - sometimes better alone, usually better in a group
Answer: People have different views about the effectiveness of group study as opposed to working alone. While there are some benefits to studying independently, I believe that group work is usually more productive.

Type 2 - Opinion
Question: Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes. To what extents do you agree or disagree?
Plan: Topic - community service for all teenagers; Answer - 3 choices: agree, disagree, or balanced opinion (when possible)
Answer: It is sometimes argued that high school students should be made to do some work in their local communities. (Agree) I completely agree that this kind of scheme would be a good idea. (Disagree) In my opinion, it would be wrong to force teenagers to do any kind of unsalaried work. (Balanced opinion)(not fitting here, but to mention both sides) While I disagree with the idea of making such programmes compulsory, I do believe that voluntary community service could benefit young people.

Type 3 - Problem and solution
Question: Many criminals reoffend after they have been punished. Why do some people continue to commit crimes after they have been punished, and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem?
Plan: Topic - crimes reoffend; Answer - several reasons, a variety of measures (governments, communities)
Answer: It is true that punishments do not always deter criminals from committing more crimes. There are various reasons why offenders repeatedly break the law, but governments could certainly take steps to address this issue.

Type 4 - Two-part question
Question: As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual well-being. What factors contribute to job satisfaction? How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?
Plan: Topic - job satisfaction; Answer - several factors, unrealistic / impossible
Answer: Work plays a central role in our lives, and we would all like to feel fulfilled professionally. While a variety of factors may lead to job satisfaction, it would be unrealistic to expect everyone to be happy at work.

Summary

• A short introduction is better
• 2 sentences in 5 minutes (topic + answer)

Lesson 3 Main body paragraphs

4 paragraph essay

• 2 main body paragraphs
• 5 sentences in each
• 90 to 100 words each

2 methods (ideas, vocabulary, planning)
How to write a main paragraph - 2 types

• Firstly, Secondly, Finally: advantages, disadvantages, problems, solutions
• Idea, Explain, Example: one idea, a reason, an opinion

Type 1 - Firstly, Secondly, Finally
Question: Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes. To what extents do you agree or disagree?
3-minute plan: (0) disagree for several reasons; (1) school timetable is full, no time for community service; (2) students work in other subjects would be affected; (3) teenagers might not want to do it (reluctant, no motivation)
Answer: There are several reasons why I would argue against having compulsory community service for secondary school students. Firstly, the school curriculum is already full with important academic subjects, such as maths, science and languages. For example, I remember having an extremely busy timetable when I was at high school, and it would not have been possible to add to it. Secondly, students’ performance in other subjects would be affected if valuable study time were taken by charity work nor neighbourhood improvement schemes. Finally, I believe that teenage students would be reluctant to take part in any programme of obligatory work, and this could lead to poor motivation and even bad behaviour.

Summary - Try to write 5 sentences

• sentence 1 - Topic sentence
• sentence 2 - Firstly (sentence 5 - explain more, or add example)
• sentence 3 - Secondly
• sentence 4 - Finally

Remember

• Linking words do not help your ‘vocabulary’ score (Firstly, Secondly, Finally, For example)
• Examiners want to see ‘topic vocabulary’ (compulsory community service, school curriculum, academic subjects, extremely busy timetable, students’ performance, valuable study time, charity work or neighbourhood improvement schemes, reluctant, obligatory work, poor motivation)

Type 2 - Idea, Explain, Example
Question: Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes. To what extents do you agree or disagree?
3-minute plan: (0) voluntary (not compulsory) community service is positive; (1) students more motivated if they can choose; (2) gain work experience, self confidence, skills; (3) good for CVs, career, university admissions, employers
Answer: On the other hand, the opportunity to do voluntary community service could be extremely positive for high school students. By making these programmes optional, schools would ensure that only motivated students took part. These young people would gain valuable experience in an adult working environment, which could help to build their self confidence and enhance their skills. Having such experience and skills on their CVs could greatly improve school leavers’ career prospects. For example, a period of voluntary work experience might impress a university admissions officer or a future employer.

Summary - Try to write 5 sentences

• sentence 1 - Idea
• sentence 2 - Explain (2 or 3 sentences, + sentence 4, 5)
• sentence 3 - Example

Remember

• Linking words do not help your ‘vocabulary’ score (On the other hand, these programmes, These young people, their, such experience and skills, For example)
• Examiners want to see ‘topic vocabulary’ (opportunity, voluntary community service, programmes optional, ensure that only motivated students took part, gain valuable experience, adult working environment, build their self confidence, enhance their skills, school leavers’ career prospects, impress a university admissions officer or a future employer)

Lesson 4 Conclusions

2 easy ‘rules’

• never write anything new (simply repeat or summarise what you’ve already said)
• one sentence is enough (repeat, summarise)

Conclusion technique

• Paraphrase the answer that you gave in your introduction

Examples of how to deal with the 4 types of IELTS writing task 2 question
(1) Discussion (+ opinion)
Question: In many cities the use of video cameras in public places is being increased in order to reduce crime, but some people believe that these measures restrict our individual freedom. Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks?
Introduction: It is true that video surveillance has become commonplace in many cities in recent years. While I understand that critics may see this as an invasion of privacy, I believe that there are more benefits than drawbacks.
Conclusion: In conclusion, I would argue that the advantages of using video security systems in public places do outweigh the disadvantages.
(2) Opinion
Question: Families who send their children to private schools should not be required to pay taxes that support the state education system. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Introduction: Some people believe that parents of children who attend private schools should not need to contribute to state schools through taxes. Personally, I completely disagree with this view.
Conclusion: In conclusion, I do not believe that any financial concessions should be made for people who choose private education.
(3) Problem and solution
Question: In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of aging populations.
Introduction: It is true that people in industrialised nations can expect to live longer than ever before. Although there will undoubtedly be some negative consequences of this trend, societies can take steps to mitigate these potential problems.
Conclusion: In conclusion, various measures can be taken to tackle the problems that are certain to arise as the populations of countries grow older.
(4) 2-part question
Question: There are many different types of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays?
Introduction: It is true that a rich variety of musical styles can be found around the world. Music is a vital part of all human cultures for a range of reasons, and I would argue that traditional music is more important than modern, international music.
Conclusion: In conclusion, music is a necessary part of human existence, and I believe that traditional music should be given more importance than international music.

Conclusion sentences

• one sentence
• no new information
• paraphrasing to show variety

Lesson 5 Planning

Spend 10 minutes planning your essay (3 step essay plan)

Question: Some people think that it is more effective for students to study in groups, while others believe that it is better for them to study alone. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Step 1 - Read and understand the question

• highlight / underline keyparts (more effective, to study in groups, study alone, Discuss both views, give your own opinion)

Step 2 - Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)

1. Introduction: topic + answer (study in groups or alone; sometimes better alone, usually better in a group)
2. Main body 1 (Benefits of studying alone)
3. Main body 2 (Benefits of group study (my view))
4. Conclusion: repeat answer (both have benefits, but I prefer group)

Step 3 - Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)

• brainstorm, note down any ideas you have
• develop ideas in detail (keep asking yourself ‘why’?)
• think of examples to support your ideas
• finally, try to group related ideas (number them)

[1]Benefits of studying alone

• [2]concentrate better, no distractions, focus on the task, [3]read books or articles, [5]study at own pace, [3]e.g. when revising for an exam, [4]memories information

[1]Benefits of group study

• [2]more ideas, share knowledge, gather more information e.g. [3]research project, [2]learn from each other, [4]more motivating, responsibility to the group, sense of competition

10-minute essay plan, 3 steps

1. Read and understand the question
2. Plan your essay structure
3. Plan ideas for the 2 main paragraphs

Lesson 6 Opinion essay

Tips

• It’s about YOUR opinion, not other people
• Your opinion should be clear from the beginning in the Introduction throughout the essay and repeated again in the Conclusion
• You can use “I” or “my” (NOT “it is agreed that… BUT “I agree that…)

Question: The money spent by government on space programmes would be better spent on vital public services such as schools and hospitals. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Step 1 - Read and understand the question

• highlight / underline keyparts (money spent by governments, space programmes, public services, you agree or disagree)

Step 2 - Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)

1. Introduction: Topic - government spending; Answer - agree, public services instead of space projects
2. Main body 1: explain why ‘space’ spending should be stopped
3. Main body 2: explain why public service spending is better

4. Conclusion: spend on services that benefit us all

   Step 3 Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)
   (1) [1]Why space spending should be stopped
   [4]waste of money when projects fail, [2]expensive (scientists, facilities, equipment), [3]no benefit to normal people, politicians showing power, [4]risk of accidents, deaths e.g. [5]Challenger space shuttle
   (2) [1]Why public service spending is better
   [2]cheaper e.g. doctors, teachers police instead of astronauts, [3]public services impact on everyone, [5]reduce poverty, better quality of life, [4]we all use schools, hospitals, police, roads etc.

Paragraph 1 - Introduction - Topic = government spending; Answer = agree, public services instead of space projects
Governments in some countries spend large amounts of money on space exploration programmes. I completely agree with the idea that these are a waste of money, and that the funds should be allocated to public services.

Paragraph 2 - Main body 1 - Why space spending should be stopped
There are several reasons why space programmes should be abandoned. Firstly, it is extremely expensive to train scientists and other staff involved with space missions, and facilities and equipment also come at. a huge cost to the government. Secondly, these programmes do not benefit normal people in our daily lives; they are simply vanity projects for politicians. Finally, many missions to space fail completely, and the smallest technological error can cost astronauts their lives. The Challenger space shuttle disaster showed us that space travel is extremely dangerous, and in my opinion it is not worth the risk.

Paragraph 3 - Main body 2 - Why public service spending is better
I believe that the money from space programmes should go to vital public services instead. It is much cheaper to train doctors, teachers, police and other public service workers than it is to train astronauts or the scientists and engineers who work on space exploration projects. Further more, public servants do jobs that have a positive impact on every member of society. For example, we all use schools, hospitals and roads, and we all need the security that the police provide. If governments reallocated the money spent on space travel and research, many thousands of people could be lifted out of poverty or given a better quality of life.

Paragraph 4 - Conclusion - spend on services that benefit us all
In conclusion, my view is that governments should spend money on services that benefit all members of society, and it is wrong to waste resources on projects that do not improve our everyday lives.

Band 7-9 vocabulary / Topic vocabulary

• space programmes, exploration, missions
• projects, travel, research
• funds should be allocated
• should be abandoned
• facilities and equipment come at a huge cost
• vanity projects for politicians
• can cost astronauts their lives
• space shuttle disaster
• public servants
• a positive impact on every member of society
• if governments reallocated
• could be lifted out of poverty
• given a better quality of life

Lesson 7 Discussion essay

Question: Some people think a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Step 1 - Read and understand the question

• highlight / underline keyparts (competition, co-operate, both views, give your own opinion)

Step 2 - Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)

1. Introduction: Topic - competition or co-operation?; Answer - benefit of both, co-operation more important
2. Main body 1: why encourage competition
3. Main body 2: why teach co-operation (my view)

4. Conclusion: accept both views, co-operation better

   Step 3 Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)
   (1) Why encourage competition
   [1]motivation to [2]work harder, be better than other children, [3]self confidence, independent work, faster progress, [4]competitive situations when leave school e.g. job interviews, [5]prepared for adult life
   (2) Why teach co-operation (my view)
   [1]co-operation even more important, [2]e.g. at work (teams, follow boss’s instructions, help junior staff), [3]collaboration more useful than winning, [4]better attitude for young people, [5] working together

Paragraph 1 - Introduction
People have different views about whether children should be taught to be competitive or co-operative. While a spirit of competition can sometimes be useful in life, I believe that the ability to co-operate is more important.

Paragraph 2 - Main body 1 - Why encourage competition? (motivation)
On the one hand, competition can be of great source of motivation for children. When teachers use games or prizes to introduce an element of competitiveness into lessons, it can encourage children to work harder to outdo the other pupils in the class. This kind of healthy rivalry may help to build children’s self confidence, while punishing them to work independently and progress more quickly. When these children leave school, their confidence and determination will help them in competitive situations such as job interviews. It can therefore be argued that competition should be encouraged in order to prepare children for adult life.

Paragraph 3 - Main body 2 - Why teach co-operation
On the other hand, it is perhaps even more important to prepare children for the many aspects of adult life that require co-operation. In the workplace, adults are expected to work in teams, follow instructions given by their superiors, or supervise and support the more junior members of staff. Team collaboration skills are much more useful than a competitive determination to win. This is the attitude that I believe schools should foster in young people. Instead of promoting the idea that people are either winners or losers, teachers could show children that they gain more from working together.

Paragraph 4 - Conclusion - accept both views, co-operation better
In conclusion, I can understand why people might want to encourage competitiveness in children, but it seems to me that a co-operative attitude is much more desirable in adult life.

Band 7-9 vocabulary

• competition / co-operation, competitive, co-operative, co-operate, competitiveness
• a spirit of competition
• a source of motivation
• introduce an element of competitiveness
• outdo other pupils, healthy rivalry
• build self confidence, determination
• aspects of adult life
• superiors, junior members of staff
• team collaboration skills
• attitude that schools should foster
• promoting the idea
• a co-operative attitude is more desirable

Lesson 8 Problem and solution essay

Question: In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?

Step 1 - Read and understand the question

• highlight / underline keyparts (schools, student behaviour, causes, solutions)

Step 2 - Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)

1. Introduction: Topic - student behaviour in schools; Answer - variety of reasons, steps can be taken to tackle the problem
2. Main body 1: causes of bad student behaviour
3. Main body 2: my suggested solutions

4. Conclusion: summarise the problem and steps

   Step 3 Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)
   (1) [1]Causes of bad student behaviour
   [2]parents not strict (too lenient), [3]children don’t accept teachers’ instructions or school rules, [4]teachers’ fault, no control, bad classroom management, [5]influence of celebrities who are a bad example
   (2) [1]My suggested solutions
   [2]parents set rules for children, [3]use punishments, actions have consequences, [4]schools train teachers and parents, discipline techniques, better communication, [5]famous people act as role models

Paragraph 1 - Introduction
It is true that behaviour of school pupils in some parts of the world has been getting worse in recent years. There are a variety of possible reasons for this, but steps can definitely be taken to tackle the problem.

Paragraph 2 - Main body 1 - Causes of bad student behaviour
In my opinion, three main factors are to blame for the way young people behave at school nowadays. Firstly, modern parents tend to be too lenient or permissive. Many children become accustomed to getting whatever they want, and they find it difficult to accept the demands of teachers or the limits imposed on them by school rules. Secondly, if teachers cannot control their students, there must be an issue with the quality of classroom management training or support within schools. Finally, children are influenced by the behaviour of celebrities, many if whom set the example that success can be achieved without finishing school.

Paragraph 3 - Main body 2 - My suggested solutions
Students behaviour can certainly be improved. I believe that the change must start with parents, who need to be persuaded that it is important to set firm rules for their children. When children misbehave or break the rules, parents should use reasonable punishments to demonstrate that actions have consequences. Also, schools could play an important role in training both teachers and parents to use effective disciplinary techniques, and in improving the communication between both groups. At the same time, famous people, such as musicians and football players, need to understand the responsibility that they have to act as role models to children.

Paragraph 4 - Conclusion - summarise the problem and steps
In conclusion, schools will continue to face discipline problems unless parents, teachers and public figures set clear rules and demonstrate the right behaviour themselves.

Band 7-9 vocabulary

• steps can be taken to tackle the problem
• three main factors are to blame
• parents tend to be too lenient or permissive
• children become accustomed to
• limits imposed on them
• quality of classroom management
• celebrities, famous people, public figures
• set firm rules, reasonable punishments
• play an important role in
• effective disciplinary techniques
• responsibility to act as role models
• face discipline problems

Lesson 9 2-part question

Question: News editors decide what to broadcast on television and want to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used bad news, and would it be better if more good news was reported?

Step 1 - Read and understand the question

• highlight / underline keyparts (News editors decide, What factors, you think, we become, bad news, more good news)

Step 2 - Plan your essay structure (4 paragraphs)

1. Introduction: Topic - decisions about news stories; Answer - variety of factors, yes too much bad news
2. Main body 1: Factors that influence news editors
3. Main body 2: Too much bad news, should report more good

4. Conclusion: difficult news choice, more positive

   Step 3 Plan ideas for the two main paragraphs (6 minutes)
   (1) [1]Factors that influence news editors
   [2]interest or attract viewers / readers, [3]inform the public, important issues and events, in the public interest, [4]pressure from owners, promote political views
   (2) [1]Too much bad news, should report more good
   [1]accustomed to bad news, [2]war, crime, natural disasters, human suffering, [3]desensitises us, cynical about the world, [4]prefer positive news, e.g. medical workers, volunteers, kindness, [5]news to inspire us

Paragraph 1 - Introduction
It is true that editors have to make difficult decisions about which news stories they broadcast or publish, and their choice are no doubt influenced by a variety of factors. In my opinion, we are exposed to too much bad news, and I would welcome a greater emphasis on good news.

Paragraph 2 - Main body 1 - Variety of factors that influence news editors
Editors face a range of considerations when deciding what news stories to focus on. Firstly, I imagine that they have to consider whether viewers or readers will be interested enough to choose their television channel or their newspaper over competing providers. Secondly, news editors have a responsibility to inform the public about important events and issues, and they should therefore priorities stories that are in the public interest. Finally, editors are probably under some pressure from the owners who employ them. For example, a newspaper owner might have particular political views that he or she wants to promote.

Paragraph 3 - Main body 2 - Too much bad news, should report more good
It seems to me that people do become accustomed to negative news. We are exposed on a daily basis to stories about war, crime, natural disasters and tragic human suffering around the world. I believe that such repeated exposure gradually desensitises people, and we become more cynical about the world and more sceptical that we can do anything to change it. I would prefer to see more positive news stories, such as reports of the work of medical staff after a natural disaster, or the kindness of volunteers who help in their communities. This kind of news might inspire us all to lead better lives.

Paragraph 4 - Conclusion - difficult news choice, more positive
In conclusion, it must be extremely difficult for editors to choose which news stories to present, but I would like to see a more positive approach to this vital public service.

Band 7-9 vocabulary (topic vocabulary)

• exposed to bad news
• welcome a greater emphasis on good news
• Editors face a range of considerations
• prioritise stories that are in the public interest
• under some pressure from the owners
• promote particular political views
• become accustomed to negative news
• natural disasters and tragic human suffering
• exposure gradually desensitises people
• cynical and sceptical
• inspire us all to lead better lives
• a more positive approach
• vital public service

Lesson 10 Extra help for “Agree or disagree?” questions

Agree, disagree or partly agree

Question: The money spent by government on space programmes would be better spent on vital public services such as schools and hospitals. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Paragraph 1 - Introduction
Governments in some countries spend large amounts of money on space exploration programmes. I completely agree with the idea that these are a waste of money, and that the funds should be allocated to public services.

Paragraph 2 - Main body 1 - explain why ‘space’ spending should be stopped
There are several reasons why space programmes should be abandoned. Firstly, it is extremely expensive to train scientists and other staff involved with space missions, and facilities and equipment also come at. a huge cost to the government. Secondly, these programmes do not benefit normal people in our daily lives; they are simply vanity projects for politicians. Finally, many missions to space fail completely, and the smallest technological error can cost astronauts their lives. The Challenger space shuttle disaster showed us that space travel is extremely dangerous, and in my opinion it is not worth the risk.

Paragraph 3 - Main body 2 - explain why public service spending is better
I believe that the money from space programmes should go to vital public services instead. It is much cheaper to train doctors, teachers, police and other public service workers than it is to train astronauts or the scientists and engineers who work on space exploration projects. Further more, public servants do jobs that have a positive impact on every member of society. For example, we all use schools, hospitals and roads, and we all need the security that the police provide. If governments reallocated the money spent on space travel and research, many thousands of people could be lifted out of poverty or given a better quality of life.

Paragraph 4 - Conclusion - spend on services that benefit us all
In conclusion, my view is that governments should spend money on services that benefit all members of society, and it is wrong to waste resources on projects that do not improve our everyday lives.

Question: Some people believe that hobbies need to be difficult to be enjoyable. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Paragraph 1 - Introduction
Some hobbies are relatively easy, while others present more of a challenge. Personally, I believe that both types of hobby can be fun, and I therefore disagree with the statement that hobbies need to be difficult in order to be enjoyable.

Paragraph 2 - Main body 1 - explain why easy hobbies can be enjoyable

Paragraph 3 - Main body 2 - explain why difficult hobbies can be fun

Paragraph 4 - Conclusion - disagree that difficult hobbies are better

Question: Many people say that we now live in ‘consumer societies’ where money and possessions are given too much importance. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Paragraph 1 - Introduction
It is true that many people critics modern society because it seems to be too materialistic. I agree with this to some extent, but I do not think it is the case that everyone is a victim of consumer culture.

Paragraph 2 - Main body 1 - I believe many people do focus too much on money

Paragraph 3 - Main body 2 - However, many others are not money oriented

Paragraph 4 - Conclusion - partly agree

Question: In the last century, the first man to walk on the moon said it was “a giant leap for mankind”. However, some people think it has made little difference to our daily lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Paragraph 2 - Main body 1 - no benefit in practical terms (standard of living, health

Paragraph 3 - Main body 2 - but it was an inspiring achievement

Paragraph 4 - Conclusion - partly agree

Lesson 11 Summary

Break the task into parts

• introductions
• main body
• conclusion
• planning

Four types of question

1. Discussion
2. Opinion
3. Problem and solution
4. Two-part question

We need to work on 2 things

1. Exam technique / methods (use this ielts-simon video course)
2. Your general level of English (use ielts-simon blog, books, TV, films, dictionary, newspapers…)

IELTS Writing task 1

Lesson 1

course aims

• methods and techniques
• break the task into parts
• types of question

Remember

• The task is to describe what you see. Write a report. Don’t give opinions.
• No conclusion. Instead write a summary (the overview)

Question types (For type 1, 2,3, 4: numbers - describe, compare, changes / trends)

1. Line graph
2. Bar chart
3. Pie chart
4. Table
5. Diagram - comparing
6. Diagram - process

Essay structure - 4 paragraphs

1. Introduction
2. Overview
3. Details
4. Details

Why 2 paragraphs for Details?

• This makes you organise or ‘group’ the information better

Paragraph 1 - Introduction - One sentence: Paraphrase the question
Paragraph 2 - Overview - 2 sentences: The main, general things
Paragraph 3, 4 - Details

Lesson 2 Line graphs

Line graphs show numbers changing over a period of time
You will not see a graph with only one line.
You will almost definitely see 2, 3, 4 or 5 lines
Your job is to compare the lines, not describe them separately

First, make a very general comparison (summary / overview paragraph)
Second, compare the lines at specific points (‘details’ paragraphs)

• you can’t describe everything. Write at least one thing about each line.

Question: The graph below shows electricity production (in terawatt hours) in France between 1980 and 2012.

Paragraph 1 - Introduction - paraphrase the question
The line graph compares the amount of electricity produced in France using four different sources of power over a period of 32 year.

Paragraph 2 - Overview - 2 sentences, 2 main points
It is clear that nuclear power was by far the most important means of electricity generation over the period shown. Renewables provided the lowest amount of electricity in each year.

Paragraph 3 - Detail 1 - compare the lines
In 1980, the thermal power stations were the main source of electricity in France, generating around 120 terawatt hours of power. Nuclear and hydroelectric power stations produced just under 75 terawatt hours of electricity each, and renewables provided a negligible amount. Just one year later, nuclear power overtook thermal power as the primary source of electricity.

Important tip when describing numbers

• You can’t write
  • Nuclear was 75 terawatt hours of electricity
  • Nuclear produced 75 terawatt hours of electricity
• You must write
  • Nuclear power was used to produce 75 terawatt hours of electricity
  • Nuclear power stations produced 75 terawatt hours of electricity

Paragraph 4 - Detail 2 - compare the lines
Between 1980 and 2005, electricity production from nuclear power rose dramatically to a peak of 430 terawatt hours. By contrast, the figure for thermal power fell to only 50 terawatt hours in 1985, and remained at this level for the rest of the period. Hydroelectric power generation remained relatively stable, at between 50 and 80 terawatt hours, for the whole 32-year period, but renewable electricity production saw only a small rise to approximately 25 terawatt hours by 2012.

Vocabulary: paraphrasing, comparing, describing, changes

• amount of electricity produced
• source of / provided / generating
• means of electricity generation
• over a period of / over the period shown
• by far the most important
• a negligible amount
• nuclear power overtook thermal power
• as the primary source of electricity
• rose dramatically to a peak of
• by contrast
• the figure for
• remained at this level, remained stable
• saw only a small rise

Lesson 3 Bar charts

Bar charts can show numbers changing over a period of time
This type of bar chart is the same as a line graph
However! bar charts don’t always show time… they often only compare numbers
Your job is to compare the bars

First, make a very general comparison (summary / overview paragraph)
Second, compare specific numbers (‘details’ paragraphs)

Question: The chart below shows global sales of the top five mobile phone brands between 2009 and 2013.

Paragraph 1 - Introduction - paraphrase the question
The bar chart compares the number of mobile phones sold worldwide by the five most popular manufactures in the years 2009, 2011 and 2013.

Paragraph 2 - Overview - 2 sentences, 2 main points
It is unclear that Nokia sold the most mobile phones between 2009 and 2011, but Samsung became the best selling brand in 2013. Samsung and Apple saw the biggest rises in sales over the 5-year period.

Paragraph 3 - Detail 1 - comparisons, changes over time
In 2009, Nokia sold close to 450 million mobile phones, which was almost double the numbers of handsets sold by the second most successful manufacturer, Samsung. Over the following four years, however, Nokia’s sales figures fell by approximately 200 million units, whereas Samsung saw sales rise by a similar amount. By 2013, Samsung had become the market leader with sales reaching 450 million units.

Paragraph 4 - Detail 2 - comparisons, changes over time
The other three top selling mobile phone brands between 2009 and 2013 were LG, ZTE and Apple. In 2009, these companies sold around 125 million, 50 million and 25 million mobile handsets respectively, but Apple overtook the other two vendors in 2011. In 2013, purchases of Apple handsets reached 150 million units, while LG saw declining sales and the figures for ZTE rose only slightly.

Vocabulary: paraphrasing, comparing, describing, changes

• sold worldwide
• sales figures, purchases
• most popular, best selling brand, top selling
• second most successful manufacturer
• market leader
• mobile phones, handsets, units
• brands, manufactures, companies, vendors
• saw the biggest rises, saw declining sales
• close to, almost, approximately, around
• double the number
• rise by a similar amount
• respectively
• overtook the other two vendors

Lesson 4 Pie charts

Pie charts can show numbers, but they always show percentages

Remember

• the full pie is always 100%
• Pie charts can show changes over time (e.g. years)
• But pie charts don’t always show changes over time
• Your job is to compare the percentages

First, make a very general comparison (summary / overview paragraph)
Second, compare specific figures (‘details’ paragraphs)

Question: The charts below show household spending patterns in two countries between 1980 and 2008.

Paragraph 1 - Introduction - paraphrase the question
The pie charts compare five categories of household expenditure in the UK and New Zealand in the years 1980 and 2008.

Paragraph 2 - Overview - 2 sentences, 2 main points
It is noticeable that the proportion of spending on food and drink fell in both countries over the 28-year period, while spending on utility bills rose. Also, UK residents spent a significantly larger percentage of their household budgets in leisure than their New Zealand counterparts.

Paragraph 3 - Detail 1
In 1980, 29% of an average New Zealand household budget went on food and drink, while the equivalent figure for a UK home was 23%. By 2008, expenditure on food and drink had fallen by 4% in New Zealand, and by a full 10% in the UK. By contrast, both countries saw an increase in expenditure on utility bills for the average home, from 27% to 31% in New Zealand and from 26% to 28% in the UK.

PS: The same information as the overview, but in more detail

Paragraph 4 - Detail 2
Leisure activities accounted for the highest proportion of UK household spending in both years, but only the third highest proportion in New Zealand. In fact, in 2008, New Zealanders spent only half as much in relative terms on recreation (17%) as UK residents (34%). In both countries, transport costs and other costs took roughly 15% and 10% of household budgets respectively.

Tips

• Don’t describe each country separately
• Don’t describe each year separately
• Compare countries and years together
• Mention all 5 categories into two groups for the two ‘details’ paragraphs
• The category called ‘Other’ is not important
• Don’t write “leisure was 34%”. Write “Households spent 34% of their money on leisure”

Vocabulary: paraphrasing, comparing, describing, changes

• spending, expenditure, spent, costs
• proportion of spending
• percentage of household budget
• the equivalent figure for a UK home
• fell, rose, saw an increase in
• by 2008, expenditure had fallen
• spent a significantly larger percentage than their New Zealand counterparts
• 29% of an average household budget went on
• while, by contrast
• leisure accounted for the highest proportion
• spent half as much in recreative terms
• recreation

Lesson 5 Tables

Tables can show

• any kind of number
• the same information as a line graph, bar chart or pie chart
• comparisons
• changes over time (increase, decrease)
• a lot of information (too much!)

Tip

• A key skill is ‘selecting’ which information to mention
• Your job is to select, describe and compare the key numbers
• First, look for main or general features (summary / overview paragraph)
• Second, describe specific numbers (‘details’ paragraphs)

Question: The table below shows statistics about the top five countries for international tourism in 2012 and 2013

Paragraph 1 - Introduction - paraphrase the question
The table compares the five highest ranking countries in terms of the numbers of visits and the money spent by tourists over a period of two years.

Paragraph 2 - Overview - 2 sentences, 2 main points
It is clear that France was the world’s most popular tourist destination in the years 2012 and 2013. However, the USA earned by far the most revenue from tourism over the same period.

Paragraph 3 - Detail 1
In 2012, 83 million tourists visited France, and the USA was the second most visited country, with 66.7 million tourists. Spain and China each received just under 58 million visitors, while Italy was ranked fifth with 46.4 million tourists. 2013 saw a rise of between 1 and 4 million tourist visits to each country, with the exception of China, which received 2 million fewer visitors than in the previous year.

Paragraph 4 - Detail 2
Spending by tourists visiting USA increased from $126.2 billion in 2012 to $139.6 billion in 2013, and these figures were well over twice as high as those for any other country. Spain received the second highest amounts of tourist revenue, rising from $56.3 billion to $60.4 billion, followed by France, China and Italy. Interestingly, despite falling numbers of tourists, Chinese revenue from tourism rose by $1.7 billion in 2013.

Key skill: selecting information

• Let’s check to see which numbers were mentioned in the report
• You can’t mention every number
• I choose around 10 out of the total 20 numbers in the table

Vocabulary: paraphrasing, comparing, describing, changes

• five highest ranking countries
• the world’s most popular tourist destination
• earned by far the most
• revenue from tourism
• the second most visited country
• received… visitors
• ranked fifth
• 2013 saw a rise of
• fewer visitors than in the previous year
• these figures were well over twice as high as
• amounts of tourist revenue
• despite falling numbers
• saw a rise, increased, rising from, rose by

Lesson 6 2 different charts

2-chart question

• These are questions with 2 different charts, which you can’t compare together
• Your job is to select, describe and compare the key numbers
• But you don’t need to compare the 2 charts together - you can describe them separately
• First, look for one main feature i each chart (summary / overview paragraph)
• Second, describe specific numbers for each chart separately (‘details’ paragraphs)

Question: The bar chart below shows the numbers of men and women attending various evening courses at an adult education centre in the year 2009. The pie chart gives information about the ages of these course participants.

Paragraph 1 - Introduction - paraphrase the question
The bar chart compares the numbers of males and females who took four different evening classes in 2009, and the pie chart shows the age profile of these attendees.

Paragraph 2 - Overview - 2 sentences, 2 main points
It is clear that significantly more women than men attended evening classes at the education centre. We can also see that evening courses were much more popular among older adults

Paragraph 3 - Detail 1
According to the bar chart, drama, painting and language courses all attracted more women than men to the education centre in 2009. Language classes had the highest number of participants overall, with 40 female and 20 male students, while painting was a popular choice among both genders, attracting 30 female and 25 male attendees. The only course with a higher number of males was sculpture, but this course was taken by a mere 15 people in total.

Paragraph 4 - Detail 2
Looking at the age profile pie chart, we can see that the majority of people attending evening lessons were over 40 years of age. To be precise, 42% of them were aged 50 or more, and 26% were aged between 40 and 49. Younger adults were in the majority, with only 11% of students aged 20 to 29, and only 5% aged under 20.

Vocabulary: paraphrasing, comparing, describing changes

• attending courses, who took classes
• participants, attendees, students
• males and females
• courses attracted more women
• a popular choice among both genders
• significantly more, higher, highest
• had the highest number, with (+number)
• was taken by a mere 15 people
• According to the bar chart
• Looking at the age profile pie chart
• the majority of people
• were in the minority
• To be precise

Lesson 7 2process diagram

Process diagrams show steps or stages in a process

• manmade process e.g. how glass is made, how a type of food is produced
• natural cycles e.g. water cycle, life cycle of a butterfly

Describing a process is completely different describing a graph, bar chart, pie chart or table

• Difference
  • no numbers
  • can’t compare anything
  • can’t describe trends (increase, decrease)
• So, what can we describe?
  • how many steps
  • where the process begins and ends
  • where the process begins and ends
  • each step in the process

Language for process descriptions

• ‘step’ language
  • At the first stage in the process
  • The process begins with
  • Secondly, Finally
  • The second step involves
  • Next, then, after that
  • At the following stage
• passive verbs
  • people collect the glass → glass is collected

Question: Glass recycling process
At the first stage in the process, glass is collected.

Active: Next, people sort the glass by hand
Passive: Next, the collected glass is sorted by hand.

Active: The glass passes through a grinding machine
Passive: The glass is passed through a grinding machine. / The glass is ground in a machine.

Note: maps can also show processes

Question: Map showing growth of a city

• e.g. At the second stage of development, from 1891 to 1950, the city grew in a northerly direction.

Question: The diagrams below show how glass containers, such as bottles, are produced and recycled.

Paragraph 1 - Introduction - paraphrase the question
The first flow diagram illustrates the process of glass container production, and the second diagram shows steps in the process of recycling used glass.

Paragraph 2 - Overview - 2 sentences, 2 main points
We can see that glass is made using three main raw materials, and that the manufacturing process consists of four distinct stages. It requires five steps to turn used glass into new glass products.

Paragraph 3 - Detail 1
At the first stage in the production of glass, sand, soda ash, limestone and other chemicals are mixed together. Next, this mixture is heated in a glass furnace at approximately 1500°C to produce molten glass. The molten glass can then be shaped by blowing, to create the end products, namely glass containers.

Paragraph 4 - Detail 2
Glass recycling begins with the collection of used glass products. The collected glass is sorted according to its colour, and then washed in order to remove any impurities. At the fourth stage of recycling, the glass is crushed and melted, and the resulting molten glass can finally be moulded to create new items.

Vocabulary: paraphrasing, steps, passive verbs

• steps / stages in the process of
• consists of four distinct stages
• it requires five steps
• raw materials, end products
• production, manufacturing
• turn used glass into new products
• at the first stage, next, then, begins with
• are mixed, is heated, can be shaped
• is sorted according to
• can be moulded to create
• are mixed → this mixture
• collection → the collected glass
• is melted → the resulting molten glass

Lesson 8 comparison diagram

Comparison diagrams show changes to something e.g.

• an old design compared to a new design - ‘Before and after’ diagrams
  • The diagrams show changes to a school building over a period of 32 years
  • The maps show an island before and after the construction of facilities for tourists
• or two alternative designs - ‘Alternative designs’ diagrams
  • The diagrams show different house designs for warm and cold climates
• or even two alternative locations on a map - ‘Alternative locations’ map
  • The map shows two possible locations for a new supermarket

Your job is to compare the diagrams

• Describe the changes
• Describe things that don’t change
• Describe the differences
• Describe the similarities

Question: The diagram below show the existing ground floor plan of a house and a proposed plan for some building work.

Paragraph 1 - Introduction - paraphrase the question
The two pictures compare the current layout of the ground floor of a house with a plan to redesign the same living space.

Paragraph 2 - Overview - 2 sentences, 2 main points
We can see that the new design proposal involves making a number of changes to the ground floor of the house, mainly in the central hall area. There are no plans to change external walls or entrances.

Paragraph 3 - Detail 1
The most noticeable change from the existing to the proposed floor plan is that there will no longer be a separate hall area when the building work has been down. This will be achieved by removing the internal wall and door between the hall and living room, along with the current staircase and under-stair storage cupboard. With no separate hall area, the proposed living room will also contain the staircase to the first floor.

Paragraph 4 - Detail 2
To replace the current straight staircase, a new set of winding stairs will be installed in the corner of the living room. The internal door between the hall and kitchen will also be replaced with double doors connecting the kitchen with the new living room. Finally, the planned building work will also include the installation of some kitchen furniture.

Vocabulary: paraphrasing, verbs, description of changes

• existing plan → current layout
• proposed plan → plan to redesign
• design proposal, planned building work
• there will no longer be
• this will be achieved by removing
• will also contain, will also include
• will be installed, will be replaced
• the design proposal involves
• when the building work has been done
• living space, central hall area, staircase
• under-stair storage cupboard
• a new set of winding stairs
• the installation of some kitchen furniture

Lesson 9 Summary

We have a method

• introduction
• overview
• details paragraphs

Six types of question

• line graph
• bar chart
• pie chart
• table
• process diagram
• comparison diagram

PS

• Map questions are the same as diagram questions
• Some maps are the same as ‘process’ diagrams

How do I get a band 9 in IELTS Speaking?

Band 5.0 - 6.5

Part 1

• memorized answers
• very long answers
• off-topic
• very formal robotic
• range is limited

Part 2

• rigidly follow the bullet points
• run out of ideas
• use a trick (e.g. just PPF - past, present, future)

Part 3

• very short answers
• might not attempt some answers
• want it to be over

Band 7.0 - 9.0

Part 1

• feels like a normal conversation
• answer questions directly
• naturally
• developing their answers enough, but not going off-topic

Part 2

• focus on the main topic
• speak naturally about the main topic for 2 minutes
• use the bullet points to help them speak naturally

Part 3

• attempt every questions
• lots of developments
• no problem talking about a range of different topics

雅思词句

IELTS Cambridge 4

Test 1 Reading Passage 1

tropical 热带的
readily 容易地
estimate 估计
equivalent 相等的
tuition 讲授
harbour 心怀
multifaceted 多面的
organised 有组织的
conceptual 概念的
erroneous 错误的
refined 精炼的，优雅的，改进的
damp 潮湿的
continent 大陆
Equator 赤道
indigenous 当地的
pupil 小学生
intrinsic 本质的
personalising
logging 伐木
embrace 拥抱，欣然接受
imcompatible 有冲突的，不兼容的
indication 迹象
appreciation 理解
arena 圆形运动场
plight 困境
encounter 遭遇
implication 暗示
misled 误导
sb. be (frequently) confronted with statements about sth.
(illustration) to which sb. might readily relate (is the estimate that…)
at a rate equivalent to (one thousand football fields) every (forty minutes)
sb. harbour(s) misconceptions about sth.
sth. be accessible to modification
little (formal) information is available about sth.
descriptions which are self-evident from the term ‘(rainforest)’
sb. raise(s) the idea of (rainforest) as (animal habitats)
sth. be (generally) consistent with one’s previous studies of
sb./sth. be shown to be (more sympathetic to animals)
place (an intrinsic value) on (animal life)
in some cases (this response) embraces (the misconception that)

IELTS Cambridge 5

Test 1 Listening Section 1

coast 海岸
in particular 尤其
coach 长途汽车
minibus 小型公共汽车
coachload 长途汽车团体旅客
at most 至多
in three weeks’ time 三周后
cruise 乘船游览
bushwalk 丛林漫步
reptile 爬行动物，卑鄙小人
more or less the same
prefer A to B
be free to
sit by the hotel pool
go down the beach
court 球场
accommodation package 住宿套餐
departure 出发
deposit 押金
get back to sb. 回电…
provisional 临时的

Test 1 Listening Section 2

beware 当心
wisely 明智地
cot 幼儿床
in the budget price range
verdict 裁决，结论意见
the only slight problems with sth. are/were that …
brake 刹车
trap 困住
on the minus side
drop down 下降
hazard 危险
the negatives for sth. were quite minor
detached 单独的
discontinue 终止
present
rusted 生锈的
bent 弯折的
curved 弯曲的
rounded 球形的
edging 饰边
sharp 尖的，锋利的

Test 1 Listening Section 3

diploma 毕业文凭
prospectus 简介
financial circumstances 财务状况
administration section 行政科
Personnel Management 人事管理
take a year off 休假一年
keen 热切的
get some more qualifications 获得更多的资格证书
without taking too much time away from work
take unpaid leave 无薪休假
have two other possibilities
modular 模块化的
module 模块
a module takes a term = each module lasts for one term, say, about twelve weeks at a time
the work is very intensive = you can study in a much more intensive way
work on a topic in depth = choose a topic to work in more depth
it would be up to you
seminar 研讨会
discussion workshop 讨论会
tiring 累人的
base sth. on sth. 把某事物建立在某事物上
talk sth. over with sb. 与某人讨论某事

Test 1 Listening Section 4

socialism 社会主义
capitalism 资本主义
unwilling to
essential instruction 基本指令
have pretensions to (doing) sth. 自诩/标榜…
save up 攒钱
people might question a lot of the assumptions contained in those statements
it takes a surprisingly large amount of the household budget
the other main priority for men when saving money is their retirement
disturbing 令人不安的
throughout the world
spouse 配偶
the high divorce rates are creating a poverty cycle for women
for women it takes a crisis to make them think about their future financial situation
this is the very worst time for anyone to make important decisions
in one’s early twenties
deal with financial affairs = deal with economic situation
pension 养老金，退休金，抚恤金
in professional position 处于职业地位
there are sign that
get oneself properly informaed 使某人获得适当的信息
set up initiative 设立立法提案程序
put a high proportion of their savings in low-risk investments
profitable 有利可图的，有益的
take some well-informed risks
increasing proportion of elderly women in the population

Test 1 Reading Passage 1 Jonhson’s Dictionary

scholarly 学术的
contemporary 当代的
draw 抽出，取用
subtlety 精巧，微妙
originality 原创性
pension 退休金，养老金，抚恤金
circumscribe 限制
conquer 征服
lexical 词汇的
heyday 全盛期
intensely practical 非常实用
establishment 机构
single-handed 独自一人的；独自一人地
inn 小旅店
square 广场，正方形，平方
workshop 车间，研讨班
biographer 传记作者
garret 阁楼
counting house 账房
rickety 摇晃的
heroic 英勇的，史诗的，坚决的
synthesis 综合体
predecessor 前任，被替代者
adopt 采纳
precedent 先例
leading 一流的
lexicographer 词典编纂者
perpetual monument 永久纪念碑
eccentricity 古怪，怪癖
masterpiece 杰作，典范，代表作
orthography 拼写体系，拼写学
whilst = while
immense work 艰巨的工作
cornerstone 基石
esteem 尊重
take into account 考虑到
draw on 利用
take on 雇用
help with (doing) sth. 帮助
in installments 分期地
to hand 在手边，在附近
as to 关于
convey an impression of 留下…的印象
the very model 当之无愧的楷模
as adj. in his own times as in ours 在他那个时代和我们这个时代一样…
up until 一直到
settle arguments about 平息关于…的争论
fit up 装潢，配备，构陷
station oneself on a chair / at the window / behond the door 待在某处
a chaos of 杂乱一团的
not seriously rivalled for over a century 超过一个世纪无可匹敌
after many vicissitudes 历经沧桑变迁
display the analogy 陈列类比
regulate the structures 调整结构
ascertain the signification 探明含义
A, together with B, …
prevail upon sb. to do sth. 劝说某人做某事
become the Johnson of folklore 成为民间传说中的Johnson
a time limit = deadline 截止日期
in excess of = over 超过
immediately hailed as = instantly recognised as 很快被誉为
bring stability to = confer stability on 赋予稳定性
A be granted sth. by B = A offer B sth.
growing importance = rise
a desk running down the middle = a central desk
subtleties of meaning = many different shades of meaning
with little assistance of the learned, and without any patronage of the great;
not in the soft obscurities of retirement, or under the shelter of academic bowers,
but amidst inconvenience and distraction, in sickness and in sorrow.

Test 1 Reading Passage 2 Nature or Nurture?

fascinating 迷人的
disturbing 令人不安的
behavioural psychology 行为心理学
from all walks of life 各行各业
subjects feel a personal distaste for sth. 实验对象对某事感到厌恶
be called upon to perform the actions 被要求执行这些动作
pupil 小学生
experimental set-up 实验布置
ranging from … to … in steps of … each 范围从…到…每段间隔为…
administer punishment 执行处罚
increase in 在…方面增长
severity 严重性
successive 连续的
supposed 误以为的
hire 雇用
simulate doing sth.
emit a spectrum of groans 发出一阵呻吟
scream 尖叫
writhe 扭动
together with 连同
an assortment of statements 各种各样的陈述
expletive 咒骂语
denounce sb. to do sth 告发某人做某事
denounce sb. as … / for doing sth. 谴责某人…
call for 要求
as per = according to
unfold 展开，披露
bring on adj. punishments
balk at sth. 回避
carry on with the experiment
be reluctant to 不愿意
proceed 继续
for the sake of 为了
follow through the procedure to the end 按照程序进行到底
in the face of 面对
strong personal and moral revulsion against … 对…的强烈的个人和道德厌恶
carry out the experiment 实施实验
psychiatrist 精神病医生
average percentage of people in an ordinary population who 普通人口中…的人的平均占比
overwhelming consensus 压倒性的共识
virtually 差不多
anticipate 预料
a lunatic fringe of about one in 1,000 千分之一的极端分子
in repetitions of the experiment 重复实验
obedient 顺从的
account for 解释…的原因
vast discrepancy between 巨大差异
rational 理性的
in the comfort of study 在书房的安逸中
pressured 受到压力的
flustered 慌张的
cooperative 配合的，合作的
one’s first inclination might be to 人的第一倾向是
agression instinct = aggressive instinct 攻击本能
genic 基因的
genetic 基因的，遗传的
genetical 基因的，遗传的，起源的
discharge the pent-up primal urge onto sb. by doing sth. 通过做某事在某人身上释放被压抑的原始冲动
hard-core 骨干的，中坚力量的
sociobiology 社会生物学
sociobiologist 社会生物学家
biologist 生物学家
psychologist 心理学家
anthropologist 人类学家
even go as far as to 甚至于
wouldn’t go as far as to 还不至于
advantageous trait 优势性状
in one’s struggle against the hardship of life
plain 平原
cave 洞穴
make-up 组成
remnant 残迹
an alternative to this notion of 对这个概念的可能的选择
see … as a result of …
see … in a larger context
benevolent to 善意的
psychological laboratory 心理实验室
a strong claim to legitimacy 强烈声称合法性
evoke trust and confidence
doing sth, which in isolation appears adj., acquires a completely different meaning when placed in this setting
unique personality 独特的个性
personal and moral code 个人和道德准则
institutional structure 体制结构
individual property 个人特性
loyalty 忠诚
self-sacrifice 自我牺牲
discipline 纪律
surrender … to … 交出
service 行政部门
malevolent systems of authority 邪恶的权威体系
radically different 截然不同的
polar 截然对立的
forgo 放弃
personal responsibility 个人责任
institutional authority figure 机构权威人物
plausible 貌似合理的，有眉有眼的
in essence 本质上
hard-wired 遗传的
dictate to 强加于，向…发号施令
put another way = or put it another way = in other words
elucidate 阐明
persuade sb. to do sth. = convince sb. to do sth. 说服某人做某事
instruct sb. to do sth. 吩咐某人做某事

Test 1 Reading Passage 3 The truth about the Environment

environmentalist 环境保护主义者
develop a hit-list of one’s main fears
be ever growing 一直增长
become extinct in vast numbers 大量灭绝
a quick look at the facts shows a different picture
as has so often been predicted 正如人们经常预测的那样
exaggerate 夸大
transient 短暂的
associated with the early phases of industrialisation = linked to industrialisation
restrict economic growth = slow down economic growth
global warning does appear to be a phenomenon that is going to extend well into our future
pose a devastating problem 造成毁灭性的麻烦
inappropriate response to 对…的不当反应
opinion polls 民意调查
many people nurture the belief that 许多人认为…
disjunction between perception and reality 感觉与现实的脱节
lopsidedness built into scientific research 科学研究中根植的片面性
create an impression that
many more potential problems exist than is the case 存在的潜在问题比实际情况多得多
understandably 可以理解地
overstate one’s arguments 夸大其词
issue a press release 发布新闻稿
be run overwhelmingly by selfless folk 绝大多数由无私的人管理
nevertheless 尽管如此
… share many of the characteristics of … …与…有许多共同的特点
lobby group 游说集团
apply the same degree of scepticism to … as they do to … 对…采取对…同等的怀疑态度
doing sth. be instantly seen as adj. …一目了然
self-interested 自私的
altruistic 无私的
impartial 公正的
do more harm than good 弊大于利
confusion 困惑，混乱，窘迫，不确定
curious about 对…好奇
significant distortions of perception 感知的重大扭曲
one’s encounter with 邂逅，遭遇
climatic phenomenon 气候现象
be accused of 被指控
be blamed on 归罪于
impute blame to 归咎于
attribute a fault to 归咎于
wreck 毁坏
allergy 过敏
ski-slope 滑雪场
bulletin 简报
meteorological society 气象学会
the costs amount to some … = at a total cost of around … 花费总计约(US $5,000 billion)
estimated 估计的
expected 预料的
endless rise in the amount of … …的数量不断增加
stuff everyone throws away = waste
run out of places to dispose of … 没有地方可处理…
take up 占用，耗费
cause the planet to warm
the best estimates are that 最好的估计是
cause considerable problems 造成相当大的问题
intuition 直觉
drastic 极端的
radically 根本地
adaptation to 应对…
postpone = delay 推迟
merely 仅仅
pressing problem = urgent problem 紧迫问题
provide universal access to sanitation 提供公共卫生的普遍机会/通道
crucial = essential to (doing) sth/for sth. 去做某事物/对于某事物至关重要
It may be costly to be overly optimistic - but more costly still to be too pessimistic
optimistic = sanguine 乐观的
pessimistic = dim 悲观的
take a pessimistic/dim view of 对…不赞成/怀疑/没有好感
mass media 大众传媒
oppose 反对
increase in line with … growth 随着…的增加而增加

Test 2 Listening Section 1

fill out some forms 填写一些表格
bank statement 银行对账单
facility 特色服务，特别功能
fine 罚款
booklet 小册子
renew 延长期限，续订
free of charge 免费
for external members like yourself
make a nominal charge 象征性收费
thereafter 之后
advisable 明智的
at a time 每次
photocopying 影印
5p a sheet 5便士一张
counter 柜台
I’ll be along later this week 我这周晚些时候会来

Test 2 Listening Section 2

charity 慈善机构
Ecuador 厄瓜多尔
I want adventure
join a voluntary organisation
carry out land surveys 进行土地调查
the project came to an end after five years
rural area 农村地区
everyone else 其他每个人
I realised doing sth meant…
carpenter 木匠
craftman 手艺人
in three-kilometer radius 方圆三公里
sell sth. for 5% of the normal price 以正常价格的5%出售某物
a full container of 整集装箱
you wouldn’t recognise it as the same place 你不会认出它是同一个地方
run out of money 花光钱了
can’t meet its overheads 不能满足经常性开支
have containers of bikes ready to send
we managed to ensure…but other problems carried on for several months
we invest fifteen of the seventy-five-thousand-pond prize money to help do sth.
raise our profiles 提升我们的形象
strip down 拆卸，剥去
which are expensive to buy
a consignment of bikes 一批自行车
the event was to raise public awareness 这项活动的目的是提高公众意识

Test 2 Listening Section 3

the rest of the group
I hope that you got a lot out of it
tutor 教师，导师，助教，班主任
tutorial 个别指导
feedback session 反馈会议
get to know 认识，审悉
do not usually have much to do with 通常没有太多的关系
maintain the contact 保持联系
from the point of view of 从…的角度来看
follow the instructions 按照说明
that was very good practice for me
speak at natural speed
use a lot of slang 使用大量俚语
I’m glad it helped
Were there any other benefits?
I’ve never done anything with a group before
find ways of doing sth. 找到做某事的方式
cooperate 合作
compromise 妥协
persuade 说服
do it all over again
decide on
should have agreed about that
we were always late with everything
inexperienced 缺乏经验
you’ll have an opportunity to put into practice what you’ve learnt this time

Test 2 Listening Section 4

hostile 不友善的，有敌意的
uninhabited 无人居住的
on a permanent basis 长期地
the ultimate survival contest 终极生存竞赛
a wilderness of great beauty 美丽的荒野
a place of extremes 极端的地方
continent 大陆
over fifty-eight times the size of the UK 面积超过英国的58倍
ice-cap 冰冠
snowfall 降雪（量）
fall unbelievably into the category of “XX” 难以置信地落入“XX”的范畴
iceberg 冰山
break off 中断，隔绝
all-year-round 终年
self-contained 自给自足的
to ensure everyone keeps fit in their spare time
satellite link 卫星链路
ice-shelf 冰架
sledge 雪橇
snow build-up 积雪
cause enormous problems for
crash 使碰撞，使发出嘎吱声，擅自闯入
come up with a remarkable solution
extendable 可伸缩的，可延期的
polar climate 极地气候
polar explorer 极地探险家
undertake heavy physical work 承担繁重的体力劳动
kilocalorie 千卡
carbohydrate 碳水化合物
fat 脂肪
ration for 配给量
fieldwork 实地考察
present a additional problem
compact 小巧紧凑的
freeze-drying 冷冻干燥保存
make a large saving in weight 大大减轻了重量
being at the cutting edge of science 处于科学的前沿
the most crucial field of study 最重要的研究领域
in whatever capacity 以任何身份
fascinating 迷人的
vital 必不可少的，充满生机的
have profound effects on 对…有深邃的影响
ocean current 洋流
ozone layer 臭氧层
ultra-violet radiation 紫外辐射
ice-sheet 冰盖
administrative and technical positions 行政和技术职位
vacancy for 空职

Test1 2 Reading Passage 1 Bakelite - The birth of modern plastics

Belgian 比利时的，比利时人
patent a revolutionary new synthetic material
be of enormous technological importance
effectively launch the modern plastics industry
be derived from natural sources 源于自然资源
semi-synthetic 半合成品
synthetic 合成的；合成品
chemical reaction 化学反应
natural substance 天然物质
synthetic plastics are chemically engineered from the constituents of coal or soil 合成塑料由煤或土的化学成分制成
thermosetting plastics cannot revert to their original viscous state 热固性塑料不能恢复到原来的粘性状态
for ever 永远
have the (dubious/statistical) distinction of 有…的特质
impetus 推动力
immense technological progress in the domain of chemistry 化学领域的巨大技术进步
coupled with = together with
pragmatic 务实的
substitute 替代品
dwindling 逐渐减少/变小的
tortoiseshell 龟甲
ivory 象牙
embark on research into phenolic resins 开始从事酚醛树脂的科学研究
sticky 黏糊糊的
phenol 酚
carbolic acid 石炭酸
aldehyde 醛
formaldehyde 甲醛
acetaldehyde 乙醛
volatile fluid 挥发性液体
alcohol 乙醇，酒精
abandoned the subject 放弃课题
make one’s fortune 发财
amass a fortune 积累财富
photographic paper 相纸
manufacture sth. on an industrial scale 按工业规模生产某物
make possible its preparatoin on a commercial basis 使其商业制备成为可能
one’s major contribution to the field is not so much (doing) sth., but rather (doing) sth.
outline a three-stage process
under vacuum 在真空下
kettle 水壶，锅
resin 树脂
soluble 可溶的
malleable 有延展性的
be allowed to
shallow tray 浅盘
be broken up and ground into powder 被破碎然后磨成粉末
be ground up 被碾碎
filler 填料
woodflour 木屑
asbestos 石棉
cotton 棉花
moisture resistance 防潮性
catalyst 催化剂
compound 化合物
ammonia 氨，氨水
granular powder 粒装粉末
a vast range of
the heated Bakelite was poured into a hollow mould of the required shape and subjected to extreme heat and pressure
hollow mould 凹型模
earring 耳环
television set 电视机
be governed to a large extent by the technical requirements of the moulding process
… not … so that … 不是要…使得…
taper towards 朝…方向上逐渐变窄/小
be moulded in separate pieces 分块模制
flow evenly and completely into the mould 均匀、完整地流入模具
sharp corner 尖角
prove impractical 证实为是不切实句的
give rise to = lead to 造成，引发，导致
streamlined 流线型的
make the most efficient use of 最有效地利用
be treated with disdain = be despised 被鄙视
enjoy an unparalleled popularity 无比流行
lasted throughout … 持续了…
industrial expansion 工业扩张
non-porous 无孔的
heat-resistant 隔热的
kitchen goods 厨房用品
be promoted as germ-free and sterilisable 被推广为无菌和可消毒的产品
seize on its insulating properties 大为关注其绝缘性质
relish = enjoy 享受
dazzling array of shades 耀眼的色彩
wood tones 木头色调
drab browns 单调的棕色
fall from favour 失宠
renaissance 复兴，文艺复兴
renewed 重新开始的 ，重燃的
marketplace 集市
dedicated 献身的，狂热追逐的
appreciate 欣赏
originality 独创性
innovative 革新的
facility 特别装置，设施

Test 2 Reading Passage 2 What’s so funny?

the punchline is silly yet fitting 笑点很蠢但很恰当
tempt 引诱
strike 击打，碰撞，侵袭，引起，使突然想到，给…某种印象，打动，钻探到，达成，摆出，铸造，拆卸，降下，生根，急拉钓线把…勾住
deeply mysterious 神秘莫测的
pointless 无意义的
dub/call A B = A be described as B 把A称为B
reflex 反射动作，本能反应
unique in that it serves no apparent biological purpose 独特之处在于它没有明显的生物学用途
theories about humour have an ancient pedigree 关于幽默的理论由来已久
humour is simply a delighted feeling of superiority over overs 幽默只是一种比别人优越的愉快感觉
joke-telling relies on building up a psychic tension which is safely punctured by the ludicrousness of the punchline 讲笑话依赖于建立一种精神紧张，这种紧张感被笑话的滑稽性安全地戳穿
settle on 选定
some version of 某种形式的
jokes are based on a reaction to or resolution of incongruity 笑话基于对不合时宜的反应或消解
computational linguist 计算语言学家
language understanding and reasoning in machine 机器学习中的语言理解与推理
there is no single format for… …没有单一的格式
nonsense 无意义的话，胡闹
conceptual shift 概念转变
comedian 喜剧演员
unexpected 出乎意料的
interpretation 解释，口译
apt 恰当地，易于的，聪明的
semantic fit 语义适应
buzz 嗡嗡声，叽叽喳喳，谣言，打电话，愉悦
viewed from this angle 从这个角度看
a form of creative insight 一种创造性洞察力
a sudden leap to a new perspective 向新视角的飞跃
appeasement 平息，安抚
ultrasonic 超声波的
squeak 嘎吱声，侥幸逃脱
scuffle 扭打，冲突
nasty 肮脏的，恶意的，危险的，严重的
chimpanzee 黑猩猩
gaping 张开的，裂开的，目瞪口呆的
panting 气喘吁吁的
mutate into 变成
social situation 社会情境
cognitive 认知的
trigger 触发，引起
instinctual 本能的
fairground 露天游乐场
tickle 使发痒，使高兴
flag 悬旗装饰，标示，用标记标明
tap into 利用，开发
expressive machinery in our brains 我们大脑中的表达机制
motor circuit 动力电路
vocalisation 发声，话语表达
functional magnetic resonance imaging 功能性核磁共振成像
magnetic field 磁场
radio wave 无线电波
oxygenated blood 氧合血
reasoning 推理，论证
appreciate 感谢，意识到，欣赏
prefrontal cortex 前额叶皮质
light up 照亮，点燃，使发亮；发光，开始吸烟，面露喜色
temporal lobe 颞叶
consistent with 与…并存（一致）
rouse 唤醒，激起；醒来
spring to life 焕发活力
orbital prefrontal cortex 皮层
patch 补丁，眼罩，饰颜贴片，小片，小片土地，地盘，时期
tuck 把…塞进，为…掖好被子，在…上打褶
arousal 激动，醒来
in the blink of an eye 转眼之间
abrupt change 陡变
orbital cortex 额眶部皮质
sub-cortical arousal apparatus 皮层下觉醒器
centres of metabolic control 代谢控制中心
warm-blooded animals 恒温动物
in arousal 觉醒
snap into place 就位
there is a shudder of pleased recognition 人们不寒而栗地高兴地承认了这一点
pleasurable 愉快的
milk 挤…的奶，抽取，消耗，榨取
disgusting 令人厌恶的
frightening 骇人的
fine 极好的，很好的，（作反语），精美的，优雅的，高尚的，晴朗的，细微的，纤细的，颗粒细小的，细密的，纯的
outlook 观点，前景，景色
evolutionary accident 进化事故
psychologist 心理学家
distorted mirror 扭曲镜
perceptual 感知的
analytical 分析的
lingual 语言的
have a (pretty) good handle on 能够很好地处理
above-average 超过平均水平的

Test 2 Reading Passage 3 The birth of scientific english

be dominated by 受…支配
reach a wide international audience
given… 鉴于…
prominence 显赫，显眼
intellectual 知识分子
The European Renaissance 欧洲文艺复兴
revival 复元，复兴，复苏，重演
emergent nation state 新兴民族国家
developed competitive interest in world exploration and the development of trade 对世界探索和贸易发展产生了竞争性兴趣
magnetism 磁性，吸引力
cartography 制图学
astronomy 天文学
in relation to 与…有关
adopt 采纳
publicise 宣传，推介
with enthusiasm 热情地
the Royal Society 英国皇家学会
promote empirical scientific research 促进实证科学研究
create new national traditions of science 创造新的民族科学传统
in the initial stages of the scientific revolution 在科学革命的最初阶段
encyclopaedia 百科全书
treatise 论文
a treatise on sth. 关于某研究课题的论文
a scholarly treatise = an academic treatise 学术论文
it is simply a matter of… 这仅仅是一个关于…的问题
whereas 然而，鉴于
perversely 任性地
preliminary idea 初步设想
put into the public domain sth. 将某物公之于众
intellectual property rights 知识产权
… was a feature of the period …是这一时期的一个特点
humanist notion 人文主义观念
rational 理性的，合理的，神智清楚的
common practice 风尚，常例，普遍的做法
proof 证据，验证，证明，校样，照相毛片，标准酒精度
in cipher 以暗号/密码
in obscure languages 用晦涩的语言
precisely because 正因为
clung the most keenly to 紧紧抓住
may have been to do with 可能是因为
impersonal 客观的，冷淡的，平常无奇的，无人称的
hypothetical 假设的
entity 实体
possess an interest in 对…感兴趣
become engaged in 从事
proposal 提议，建议，求婚
did a great deal to… 为…做了很多工作
foster 培养，抱有，养育，寄养
publish monographs in English 出版英文专著
curator 馆长
narrative 叙述的
transcript 抄本，成绩单
oral demonstrations 口头说明
inaugurate 为…举行开幕式，使…就职，开创
a new genre of 一种新的体裁
formative period 形成期
momentum 动量，动力
as opposed to 与…相对
specialised 专门的，特化的
professional 职业性的
institute 开始实行
discipline 学科

Test 3 Listening Section 1

I’m thinking of doing sth.
I’d like some advice
I haven’t really made up my mind
litre 升
get a few more details 了解更多细节
gear change 换挡
manual gear 手动档
automatic gear 自动档
give some thought to 考虑一些
or so 左右
the cash price is going to be somewhere in the region of seven and a half thousand
be in a position to 能够
in a moment 一会儿，马上
part exchange 以旧换新
get hold of 找到某人
get back to you 回复你
metallic grey 银灰色
resonable 尚好的

Test 3 Listening Section 2

rural setting 乡村环境
something that will certainly be of interest to you
A is just 35 minutes from B A距离B仅有35分钟路程
have a strong research capacity 有很强的研究能力
we came 7th out of 101 universities in last year’s research assessment 在去年的研究评估中，我们（学校）在101所大学中排名第七
government body 政府机构
there is one further point to make 还有一点需要说明
have unusually close relationships with 与……关系异常密切
sales talk 推销游说
take a sip of coffee 喝一口咖啡
now if 如果现在
occasionally 偶尔
postal 邮政的
hold-up 停顿，抢劫
reference = referee 推荐人
reassure sb. about sth. 消除某人对某事的担忧
reassure sb. that… 向某人保证…
things are moving along 事情进展顺利
put…in contact with… 使…与…联系
phone sb. up 给某人打电话
liaise with sb. 与 某人联系
liaise between A and B 做A和B间的联系人
get an objective opinion of 产生对…客观的看法
academic atmosphere 学业风气
leisure facilities 体闲设施
independent learning is the norm 自主学习是常态
something like 大约，类似
give priority in the allocation of resident places to three categories 优先分配三类学生的宿位
visiting student 访问学生
exchange student 交换生
postgraduate student 研究生
doctoral candidate 博士研究生
demand exceeds supply 供不应求
campus accommodation 校内住宿
live off-campus = live outside the university 校外住宿
accompany 陪同 ，伴随 ，伴奏
snap up 抢购
accommodation officer 宿舍管理员
get in touch with 和…取得联系
on one’s behalf 代表某人
I wish I could speak your language half as well
make little or no allowance for 很少或根本不考虑
invite further question 请进一步提问
with regard to 关于，说起

Test 3 Listening Section 3

it was the day after … 是…的后一天
give comments on the following aspects of 就以下方面提出意见
it seemed dead easy 这似乎容易死了
all of a sudden 突然地
we get a whole load of work, reading to do and essay and things 我们有一堆工作要做…
even 均匀地，平稳的
course delivery 课程实施
I suppose so
I don’t think it was all that wonderful 我不认为这一切都那么美妙
handout 讲义
one problem though with … is … 但是…有一个问题在于…
there weren’t enough copies on reserve 保留地副本不够
if you can’t … how are you supposed to… 如果你不能…那么你怎么能…
Don’t talk about it, I only got mine yesterday, it was a real struggle
I hate to think what mark I’ll get
oral presentation 口头陈述
criteria 标准
written work 书面作业

Test 3 Listening Section 4

make an effort to 努力（做）…
this is a lower figure than in most other European countries
increase dramatically
meet its recycling targets
agreed targets 商定的目标
the production of recycled glass and paper uses much less energy than producing them from virgin materials
landfill site 垃圾填埋点
incineration plant 垃圾焚烧厂
drop-off 下降，投放，衰退
sorting and baling 分拣和打包
all sorts of = all kinds of 各种各样的
toughen 使变坚韧
bottle 瓶
jar 广口瓶，罐子
container 容器，集装箱，货柜
oddly enough 说来奇怪
fibreglass 玻璃纤维
filtration 过滤
crushed glass 碎玻璃
for recycling paper, British comes second in Europe with 40%, behind Germany’s amazing 70%
office stationary 办公文具
the recycled paper costs the same as normal paper and is of equally high quality
it comes at a cost (in terms of…) 这是有(…)代价的
soil conditioner 土壤调节剂
look into the possibility of alternative uses 研究其他用途的可能性
car bumper 车保险杠
scheme 计划，不切实际的念头，阴谋，体系，结构，方案，社会保障性住房
vend 出售，售卖
polystyrene 聚苯乙烯
polycup 聚苯乙烯杯子
to sum up 总而言之
there seems to be plenty of research going on into how to do sth. 关于如何做某事似乎有很多研究正在进行中

Test 3 Reading Passage 1 Early childhood education

unquestionably 毫无疑问地
in ordinary conversation 在平常的谈话中
born with natural curiosity 天生有好奇心
suppress 镇压，封锁，忍住，阻止，抑制
dramatically 戏剧性地，激动人心地，突发惊人地
human personality 人格
It is generally acknowledged that 人们普遍认为
socio-economic 社会与经济的
educational under-achievement 学业不良
a lot of money was poured into it 很多钱都投进去了
be supposed to 应该，被期望
substantial funding 大量资金
there are two explanations for this 对此有两种解释
measurable 可计量的，显著的
disadvantaged home environment 弱势家庭环境
pilot programme 试点计划
the programme was predicated on research 该方案以研究为基础
bypass 越过
the most effective way of doing sth.
get off 下车，下来，出发，下班，免受处罚，入睡，发生关系，放开
represent a cross-section of socio-economic status, age and family configurations 代表社会经济地位、年龄和家庭结构的横截面
single-parent family 单亲家庭
two-parent family 双亲家庭
family in which both parents worked 父母都在工作的家庭
family with either the mother or father at home 母亲或父亲在家的家庭
Information on child development, and guidance on things to look for and expect as the child grows were provided, plus guidance in fostering the child’s intellectual, language, social and motor-skill development
periodic check-up 定期检查
sensory 感觉的
detect possible handicaps 检查出可能的生理缺陷
interfere with growth and development 妨碍生长发育
refer sb. to sb./sth. 让某人求助某人/参考某物
alongside 在…旁边，和…在一起
phenomenal 不寻常的
make great strides in the development of 实现…的跨越式发展
in such things as 在这样的事情上
auditory comprehension 听觉理解
verbal ability 言语能力
language ability 语言能力
bore little or no relationship to 与……关系不大或没有关系
perform equally well regardless of
be virtually eliminated 几乎被消除
be not necessarily bad 不一定坏
perpetuate 使永久
initiative 主动性，主动行为，主动权，立法提案程序
outline 画…的轮廓，概述
now the focus is on doing sth. 现在的重点是…
institutionalised 制度化的
education is undoubtedly vital 教育无疑至关重要
overcome educational inequity 克服教育不平等
administer 管理，执行，施用
follow-up 加强，跟进

Test 3 Reading Passage 2 *Disappearing data*

delta 三角洲
fertile 肥沃的，能生育的，有创造力的，提供发展可能的
natural fertilizer 天然肥料
the Nile delta 尼罗河三角洲
the River Nile 尼罗河
erode 侵蚀，削弱
… along 向前，一起，到某处
along… 沿着
along with 与…一起，与…同时
Egypt 埃及
Mediterranean 地中海
coast 海岸，沿海地区，海边，滑行
coastline 海岸线
at an astounding rate 以惊人的速度
… , in some parts estimated at 100 metres per year
scour 擦净，擦去
sediment 沉淀物，沉积物
this is no longer happening 这种情况不再发生
blame sth. on sb./sth. 把某事归咎于某人/某事物
blame sb./sth. (for sth.) （把某事）归咎于某人/某事物
lay/place/put the blame on sb./sth. 归咎于某人/某事
take/bear the blame (for sth.) （为某事物）承担责任
blame oneself for sth. 因某事自责
dam 水坝，水库，堤堰
the Three Gorges Dam 三峡大坝
hold back 阻止，挡住，固定，抑制，妨碍，向某人隐瞒，扣住；犹豫
virtually 几乎
huge quantities of 大量的
interior 内部，内陆，内政，内景
a region of over 100 square kilometres
fertile silt 肥沃淤泥
nutrient-rich 营养丰富
dispense with 省掉，摒弃
the richest food-growing area 最肥沃的粮食种植区
accumulate 积累；积聚
upstream half of Lake Nasser 纳赛尔湖上游
there turns out to be more to the story
emerge from 来自
river bed 河床
river bank 河岸
on the 800-kilometre trip to 在去往…的800公里旅途中
850 grams of sediment per cubic metre of water 每立方米水850克沉积物
the significance of this didn’t strike me until 直到…我才意识到这件事的重要性
replenish 再装满，补充
divert 使转向
irrigation canal 灌溉渠
lagoon 环礁湖
very little of it
plain 平原
aquaculture 水产养殖
come to rest 停止移动
municipal 市政的
agricultural 农业的
be laden with 装载着
pollutant 污染物
concur 同意，赞同
mercury 汞
lead 铅
copper 铜
zinc 锌
coincide with 与…一致
leaded fuel 含铅燃油
increase dramatically = grow rapidly 急剧增长
poison 毒物，有害物
food chain 食物链
productivity 生产率，丰产
agricultural waste 农业废弃物
stimulate increases in plant growth 促进植物生长
upset the ecology of the area 破坏该地区的生态
begin to pay close attention to 开始密切关注
…, partly because…, but principally because… …部分原因是…，但主要原因是…
in the immediate future 在不久的将来
one solution would be to 一个解决办法是
flush out 冲洗
waterway 航道
desalination 脱盐
devise a way to 设计出一种方法…
is easier said than done 说时容易做事难

Test 3 Reading Passage 3 The return of artificial intelligence

after years in the wilderness, AI seems poised to make a comeback 在多年的沉寂后，AI似乎准备卷土重来
AI was big in the 1980s but vanished in the 1990s
re-enter public consciousness 重新进入公众意识
executive 总经理
marketing people 营销人员
irony 反语，具有讽刺意味的事
inverted commas 引号
hype 不实宣传
admittedly 诚然
the rehabilitation of the term has a long way to go 要给这一术语正名还有很长的路要走
over-ambitious 好高骛远的
under-achieving 未实现的
field of research 研究领域
coin 创造
conference 会议
become leading figures in the field 成为该领域的领军人物
informative 提供有用信息的
encompass 包含，围绕
disparate 迥然不同的
operations research 运筹学
cybernetics 控制论
capture 俘获，吃，刻画
capture the public imagination 抓住公众的想象力
mimic 模仿
attack the problem 解决问题
unify 统一
peak 达到最高峰
a person reared on stories of the sea/science-fiction movies （听海的故事/看科幻电影）长大的人
have high expectations (of sb. / for sth.) 对…寄予厚望
imply 暗示，意味着，表示
a breakthrough is just around the corner 突破就在眼前
be substantially resolved 很大程度上被解决
prototype 原型
diagnosis 诊断，判断
it proved to be a false dawn 事实证明这是个虚幻的黎明
materialise 实现
and a backlash ensued 接着出现了强烈反弹
undue optimism 过分乐观
retrenchment 紧缩开支
opt 选择
opt for sth. 选择某物
opt (not) to do sth. 选择（不）做某事
align with 与…结盟
align oneself with the movement 支持运动
ironically 讽刺的是
in some ways 在某些方面
be a victim of its own success 称为自身成就的受害者
an apparently mundane problem 一个看似平凡的问题
unattended 无人看管的
deem 认为
characterise 描绘，刻画，是…的特征
goal-post 球门柱
blue-sky 不能付诸实行的
commercialisation 商业化
stand for 代表，容忍
yet 然而
all three once fell well within the umbrella of AI research
the tide may now be turning 现在形势可能正在转变
reckon 认为，觉得，估计，计算，希望，看好；计算，估计，认为，
the most powerful and promising approach 最强大和最有希望的方法
cluster 群，串，束，组，星团，数据组
spot 看见，认出，使有斑点，使有污渍，借给
spot camouflaged vehicles on a battlefield 在战场上发现伪装的车辆
live up to 遵守，不辜负
boost the prospects for 促进…的发展前景
in the near future 在不久的将来
differentiate 区分，求…的微分
in particular 尤其
information overload 信息过载
Odyssey 奥德赛
lipread 唇读
encapsulate 概括，包含
there is (still) no sign of
transcribe 转写，转录，改编
the theory of … still remains elusive 关于……的理论仍然难以捉摸
comparison 比较，对比，类似
match up to 与…一致
military 军事的
close to fruition 接近实现
changing perception 转换观念
premature implementation 过早实施
prospect 希望，前景，景色，有望获胜者，潜在客户

Test 4 Listening Section 1

fix sb. up with… = fix up sb. with… 为某人安排/提供…
take a few details 了解一些细节
when would the best time to catch/contact you
I’m planning on doing sth.
get an extension to one’s permit 延长许可证
occupation 居住，占领，职业，消遣
particular requirement 特殊要求
vegetarian 素食者
en suite 与卧室配套的
real garden
you do sth. that way 那样你就能做某事了
be partly dependent on 在一定程度上取决于
I was thinking in terms of (doing) sth. 我刚在想…
go up to 上升到
I don’t think we’d have any problem doing sth. 我认为我们要做某事不会有任何问题
move in 搬进来（去）
go for 袭击，喜欢，选择，争取，适用于，以…的价格出售

Test 4 Listening Section 2

look forward to 期待，预料
take a few minutes to do sth.
some changes to sth.
junior 较年幼的，级别较低的，适合青少年的，小；年少者，职位较低者，大儿子，小学生，大学三年级学生
senior 年长的，较高的，老/大，高年级的，毕业年级的，成人的；年长者，级别较高者，高年级学生，毕业年级学生
clubhouse 俱乐部会所
picnic 野餐
presentation of prizes 颁奖
training session 训练期
committee 委员会
president 总统，会长，总裁
treasurer 司库，财务主管
secretary 秘书，干事，大臣/部长
coach 教练，辅导教师，指导，长途汽车，火车车厢，四轮马车，经济舱
take on the job of 担任…职位
volunteer to be 志愿做
collect fees 收费
supervise 管理，监督，监管
at training sessions and on match days 在训练期和比赛日
have some refreshments 吃点点心

Test 4 Listening Section 3

case study 跟踪研究，个案研究
as a part of your exam assessment
be in the middle of problems at the moment 处于问题的中间
read through 通读，仔细阅读
take on board 接受（主意）；理解（问题）
advertising campaign 广告战，广告宣传活动
falling sales 销售下降
this is something that had many causes
on top of that immediate problem 除了这个眼前的问题
expansion plan 扩张计划
face up to 勇敢面对，正视
get to grips with 认真考虑并着手处理
be stalled by a strike 因罢工而停摆
it was just when 正是…的时候
make a colossal investment in 对…进行巨额投资
machinery 机器，机件，机构
production machinery 生产设备
plant ，大型机器，植物，发电站卧底，栽赃物品
fair 合理的，公正的，尚好的，相当，晴朗的，顺风的，浅色的，美丽的
they’ve hit on the right things 他们找到了正确的方法
it would be easy to say (that)… but in fact…
the signs are good 迹象很好
be set back by high interest rates 受到高利率的影响而耽误
long-term problem 长期问题
market share 市场占有率
be (eventually) credited to （最终）归因于
having done sth. I think that’s right
onto a larger issues then 然后再谈一个更大的问题
have the choice of doing sth. 可以选择做某事
very favourable terms 非常优惠的条件
buy out 买下…全部股份，赎买，购空存货
with a new image 以新的形象
decide on a bolder move 决定采取更大胆的行动
offer some new shares 发行一些新股
cautious 小心谨慎的
back 资助，支持，证实，使倒退，下赌注于，在…背后加固，为…伴奏，位于…后面
capital 资本，资方，好处，大写字母，首都，重要都市
you mustn’t always assume that dramatic problems require dramatic solutions
dramatic 戏剧的，戏剧性的，激动人心的，突发的
dramatically 从戏剧角度，戏剧性地，激动人心地，突发惊人地
to deteriorate dramatically 急剧恶化
fix 解决办法，困境，一剂毒品，受操纵的事
approach 方法，提议，通道，靠近，近似的事物
have more chance of success
alter how they’re running things 改变他们的运作方式
management layer 管理层
management process 管理程序
would have gone by now 此刻可能将已经消失了
telecommunications market 电信市场
session 集会，一段时间，学年/学期，录音时段，畅饮
suggest some ways in which they might overcome their problems and outline the reasons why you think as you do 提出一些他们可能克服问题的方法，并概述你这样思考的原因
keep it intrinsic to…rather than dragging in other examples 保持围绕…本身而不要牵扯其他范例
I’ve got great hopes for it 我对它抱有很大的希望
sb. be innovative with sth. 使某物具有创新性
set new trends 引领新潮流
foregone conclusion 预料之中的必然结局
manage to 设法，达到
boost 促进/激励，增长，宣传
long-lasting 持久的
… but he would say that 他这么说毫不奇怪
outdated 过时的
the stock market is to blame 股市是罪魁祸首
inevitably 不可避免地，不出意料地
it didn’t perform 它没有发挥作用
the market should have had more realistic expectations 市场应该有更现实的预期

Test 4 Listening Section 4

are you all settled? 你们都安顿好了吗?
need some sort of guidance to
guided tour 有导游的游览
we find this rather muddles people 我们发现这更让人感到混乱
run a series talks 举办系列讲座
get the most out of 发挥…的最大功效
be computer literate 精通电脑
bring you up to speed on 让你了解…最新情况
outline 轮廓，提纲
permanently 永久地
readily 乐意地，容易地
print off 大量印刷
you can find lots on there but much of it is useless information
highly debatable 极具争议的
critical 批判性的，关键的，危重的，以异文校勘的，评论家的，有鉴别能力的
specialist reference resources 专业的参考资源
at very little extra cost 只需很少的额外费用
save sb./sth. (from) doing or having to do sth. 使某人/某物不必做某事
accessible 容易到达的，易获得的，易理解的，负担得起的
shelf 架子
the intention is to do sth.
phase out 逐步废除
additional to 附加于
section manager 部门经理
get suck doing sth. 做某事遇到难题
catalogue 目录，图书目录，一系列，课程概览
training supervisor 培训主管
oversee 监视，监督
induction 就职，引起，入门，催产，征兵，电磁感应
specialised training sessions 专门的培训课程
write a dissertation 写一篇论文
be relevant to… 与…有关
undergraduate 本科生
graduate 毕业生
postgraduate 研究生
department 部门，科，系，省
planning stage 计划阶段
tutor 家庭教师，导师，助教，班主任
at the outset 在一开始时
set out 动身，着手安排，摆放，陈述
biography 传记
bibliography 书目
subject area 主体范围
look through 浏览，在…中查找，无视

Test 4 Reading Passage 1 The impact of wilderness tourism

tourist attraction = tourist destination = tourist resort 旅游胜地
… is booming as never before …正空前繁荣
wilderness tourism 荒野旅游
high-spending tourist 高消费旅客
initial investment 初始投资
conference 会议
fragile 易碎的，娇嫩的，脆弱的
vulnerable 脆弱的，地位不稳固的，易受影响的
highly vulnerable to abnormal pressure 极易受到异常压力的影响
ecology 生态（学）
inhabitant 居民，栖息动物
arctic areas/zones 北极地区
marked 明显的
seasonality 季节性
harsh conditions 恶劣条件
prevail 流行，普遍存在，占优势
prevail for many months each year 每年普遍存在几个月
be limited to quite clearly defined parts of the year 仅限于一年中明确界定的部分
be drawn to 被…所吸引
natural landscape 自然景观
indigenous people 土著人
unique cultures 独特文化
new breed of 新一类
…, grateful for … 感谢…
hard currency 硬通货
the prime source of foreign exchange 外汇的主要来源
a key element in …中的关键因素
Monument Valley 纪念碑谷
the effect on … are profound 对…影响深远
hill 小山，山坡
hill-region 丘陵地区
hill-farmers can make more money in a few weeks working as porters for foreign trekkers than they can in a year working in their fields
lead to serious decline in 导致…的严重减少
terrace 梯田
tend to 倾向于
year-round 全年的
culprit 罪犯，问题的根源
the (main) culprit behind (youth) crime 青少年犯罪后的主要原因
wage labour 雇用劳动
government handouts 政府救济
undermine 暗中颠覆/破坏，侵蚀，在…下挖
dilemma 窘境
dry up 干涸，耗尽，擦干餐具，住嘴
erosion 侵蚀，削弱
trail 小径，痕迹，踪迹，路径
deforestation 砍伐森林
water supplies may be limited or vulnerable to degradation through heavy use 由于大量使用，供水可能会受到限制或容易退化
legion 大量的（贬义）
one’s cromes are legion 某人的罪行罄竹难书
inevitably 不可避免地
minimize 减到最低限度
a vehicle for 一个…的工具
reinvigorate 给…注入新的活力
operator 经营者
over the long term 长远来看
result in limits being imposed on their growth 导致他们的成长受到限制
renaissance 复兴
communal 公共的，共同的，公用的；各团体之间的
transient worker 临时工
repatriate 遣返，把…调回本国
home base 基地，大本营
accrue 累积
follow similar strategy 遵循类似的策略
reservation 居留地
high-quality 高级的
handicraft 手工艺（品）
artwork 插图，艺术品
pottery 制陶，陶器，陶器厂/作坊
lost control over 失去了…的控制
penetrate 穿透
cannot be the solution to the imbalance 这不是解决不平衡的办法
aspiration 志向，送气，吸引术
become the norm, rather than the exception 变成常态而不是一个例外

Test 4 Reading Passage 2 Flawed beauty: the problem with toughened glass

a pane of toughened glass 一片钢化玻璃
a sheet of ordinary glass 一片普通玻璃
roof 屋顶
shatter 碎裂；打碎，破坏，使震惊，使精疲力竭
frame 构架，边框，身躯，画面
minute crystals = tiny crystals 微小晶体
nickel sulphide 硫化镍
chairman 主席，会长，董事长
standards committee 标准委员会
trade association 行业协会
very rare phenomenon 非常罕见的现象
on average 平均而言
consultant engineer 顾问工程师
investigation 调查研究
tell of 谈及
know of 知道，听说
the tip of the iceberg 冰山一角
press 报道
bus shelter 公共汽车候车亭
five times the strength of
it shatters into tiny cubes rather than large, razor-sharp shards 它会粉碎成细小的立方体，而不是像剃刀一样锋利的大碎片
architect （建筑）设计师
bolt 用螺栓固定
ceiling 天花板
slightly 略微地，纤细的
jets of cold air 一股股冷空气
this causes the outer layer of the pane to contract and solidify before the interior 这会导致玻璃的外层在内部之前收缩和固化
shrink 缩小，退缩，回避
exert a pull on the outer layer 对外层施加拉力
produce a tensile force inside the glass 在玻璃内部产生张力
cracks propagate best in materials under tension
impurity 杂质
trace amounts of 微量
nickel 镍
sulphur 硫磺
sulphide 硫化物
fragments of nickel alloys 镍合金碎片
furnace 熔炉
can exist in two forms 可以以两种形式存在
toughening process 强韧处理
subsequent 随后的
unstable 不稳定的
coil 蜷缩
spring 弹簧，发条
prime 事先指点/准备
tensile region 拉伸区
unleash 发泄，突然释放
the time that elapses before … 在…之前流逝的时间
sunlight 阳光
speed up 加速（…的速度）
ironically 讽刺地
inclusion 包括，被包括的项目
sulphide inclusion 硫化物夹杂物
scale 等级，刻度，比例，规模，音阶；秤；鳞，水垢，鳞屑
the picture is made more complicated by the fact that 这情形因以下事实而变得更加复杂
into double figures 达到两位数
suffer a rash of failures 屡遭失败
call in 请来，找来
contamination 污染
cradle 摇篮，发源地，托架，听筒架，吊篮
microfiche 微缩胶片
nickel sulphide crystals 硫化镍晶体
alternative 选择，可能的选择
re-clad 重新包覆
would have cost ten times as much 会花十倍的钱
publicity 媒体的关注，宣传，宣传材料
suppress 镇压，封锁，忍住，阻止，抑制
exaggerate 夸大
delayed failure 延迟破坏
dispute 就…争论，对…怀疑，争夺
little doubt was expressed about 对…没有表示怀疑
documented 有文件可证明的
incidence 发生

Test 4 Reading Passage 3 The effects of light on plant and animal species

organism 有机体
cue 暗示，提示
timing 时间选择，实际掌握，点火时间控制，特定时间，时长
rhythm 节奏，韵律，循环往复
breeding 繁殖，饲养，教养
trigger 引发
fluctuate greatly from day to day 每天波动很大
increase steadily by a predictable amount 以可预测的数量稳步增长
physiological responses 生理反应
photoperiodism 光周期现象（性）
induce 诱导
photoperiod 光周期
a certain critical length 某一临界长度
exceed 超过
vegetative growth 营养生长
neutral 中立的，平淡的，相互抵消的，不带电的，中性的
occupy 居住，占用，担任，占领，占据，使忙碌
offspring 幼崽，子女
food reserves 粮食储备
build up 积聚，鼓舞，树立，吹捧，增强
reproduction 繁殖
after fledging 羽翼未丰
temperate-zone 温带
nest 筑巢
assure 确保，弄清
adaptive significance 适应意义
seedling growth 幼苗生长
fertilization 施肥
seed ripening 种子成熟
evolutionary advantage 进化优势
favourable 肯定的，赞同的，有利的，合适的
desert annuals 沙漠一年生植物
germinate 发芽，产生；使…发芽，使…产生
rainfall 降雨量
extraordinary 特别的，非凡的
perennial 持久的，反复出现的，多年生的，长期的
flower 开花
set seed 结籽
fruit 结果
die 枯萎
vegetative cycle 生长（营养）周期
trigger 扳机，触发器，触发因素
flowering cycle 开花周期
simultaneous production 联产法
masses of 大量的
photosynthesis 光合作用
organic material 有机材料
uptake of carbon 碳的吸收
light intensity 光强度
at one-quarter full sunlight 在四分之一充足的阳光下
sugarcane 甘蔗
shade-tolerant 耐荫
forestry 林业
horticulture 园艺
become adapted to (doing) sth. 适应（做）某事
evolve a series of characteristics 形成一系列特征
occupy other habitats 占领其他栖息地
hemlock 毒芹（毒素）
seedling 幼苗
understorey 下层林木
have yet to 尚未;尚有待于;还没有