SUGGESTED 24 HOUR IELTS PLAN FB/09

IELTS SKILLS

INTRO TO IELTS

Overview of IELTS exam Power Point on BB (new)

READING

Get students to do a weekly Reading Log of one article (read and express their opinion in writing) on IELTS themes – Education, Technology, Science, Crime, Arts, etc..

Download Speed Reader from ZU Applications. Remind students that when they are doing the IELTS Reading, they

have no time to read in detail and are basically looking for answers. There is a gap between the level of difficulty of the textbook and

actual IELTS readings. It is suggested that exercises from the textbook are used selectively to build up skills, gradually progressing to more authentic supplementary IELTS materials incl. practice tests from Cambridge 3 & 5 for Core students. Would suggest using these from Wk 4 onwards.

Emphasize the importance of learning vocabulary (synonyms & antonyms)

The importance of reading quickly and accurately (Speed Reader) Using Reading skills such as learning to look at headings, sub

headings, tables, proper nouns, numbers and looking quickly at the questions.

Explain the difference between Yes/No and True/False and Not Given. Yes/No is used to test your understanding of the writer’s

opinion. True/False is used to test your understanding of factual

information.

Media Links http://www.zu.ac.ae/library/ (Click on Newspaper resource) or refer to the sites at the end of this document.

ZU Applications

SUGGESTED 24 HOUR IELTS PLAN FB/09

Not Given means that there isn’t enough information in the passage to decide if the statement is T/F/Y or N

LISTENING

Focus on Spelling Listen to the instructions and use the time given to read and predict,

then check answers. Watch for the ‘tricks’ – keep listening even if you think you heard

the answer as things could be repeated or corrected. Do lots of training with a friend with dictation exercises – surnames,

telephone numbers, addresses, dates, money, weights measures, etc.

Use the correct tenses and articles for gap filling answers.

Could use text to voice free software too when working alone SpellingCity: http://www.spellingcity.com/ http://www.timesspellingbee.co.uk/Training/SpellingBee.aspx

 

WRITING

Task 1 Introduce format and types of diagrams including process, flow

chart and maps. Be strict on word count and time: 150 words or more in 20 minutes Introduction: Paraphrase prompt (task description) and include

overall statement. Body paragraph: Focus on trends and support with data, and

include any exceptions. Language – Compare & Contrast (adverbs, adjectives for table, bar &

pie charts and a slightly different set for line graphs) Show exemplars.

Task 2

Types of Questions Problem-SolutionDiscussAdvantages/DisadvantagesPresent an argument (both sides)

Questions usually include:To what extent do you agree or disagree?DiscussWhat are your opinions?

Questions almost always want students to include:

SUGGESTED 24 HOUR IELTS PLAN FB/09

Reasons for their answer and Relevant ideas from their own knowledge or experience

Time and Marks40 minutes (250 words)Carries more weight of the total marks in the writing module

Format & Requirements Explain essay structure (4 paragraphs – intro., two body paragraphs

& conclusion) Word count – 250 words or more Identify and analyze what the question wants - need to brainstorm

lots of essay questions – identify the topic, and parts of each question

Generate ideas & list them quickly Present a clear position Use linkers

GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY

Introduce them to SpellingCity. Keep a list of words they have practiced.

Encourage students to keep a notebook for new words and phrases. To find out meanings of words used in different context. To list as many synonyms and antonyms

http://www.spellingcity.com/

Focus on IELTS Foundation has grammar exercises in each unit.

SUGGESTED 24 HOUR IELTS PLAN FB/09

WEEK 1 Skill Description/Notes Source/Materials

2 hours Intro to IELTS

Reading: skimming & scanning

Refer to notes on ‘Intro to IELTS’ and ‘Reading’

Introducing reading skills Short text on Reading academic texts: identifying

topic and summary completion

Focus on IELTS Foundation, p.8-10 Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 12-13 Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 30-31

Action Plan for IELTS – addresses the each question type and the strategies that are linked to each reading skill.

HOMEWORK FOR THE DAY

PRACTICE READINGSReligious Dentistry and/orDomestic Pets in Urban Areas and/orAustralian Mining Companies In The Asia-Pacific Region

IELTS Preparation and Practice: Reading & Writing Module, p. 6 - 12

2 hours Skills for Listening

Listening

Refer to notes on ‘Listening’

Letters, Numbers & Names

Practice Listening (Section 1 IELTS)

Practice Listening (Section 2 IELTS)

Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 62

Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 17 – 18 and pg 42 Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 63

Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 43 Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 130 Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 63 (5) Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 106

Weekly homework IELTS Vocabulary Builder Units 1 & 2Academic Word Study 1 and Review 1Reading Practice: Reference & Vocab

Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 15 and 25 Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 26 and 27 Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 36

Note: Weekly homework can be given any day during the week and students have the whole week to complete the work. Teachers can either check the work as a class or students can do it by themselves. Homework for the Day is given immediately after the day’s lesson.

SUGGESTED 24 HOUR IELTS PLAN FB/09

WEEK 2 Skill Description/Notes Source/Materials2 hours Writing Task 1

Table, bar graphs and Pie charts

Line graph

Refer to notes on ‘Reading Task 1’ Introduction: Paraphrase prompt (task

description) and include overall statement. Body paragraph: Focus on trends and support

with data, and include any exceptions. Language – Compare & Contrast (adverbs,

adjectives for table, bar & pie charts and a slightly different set for line graphs)

Show exemplars.

Write one in classusing the exemplars – Introduction only

Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 21-22 Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 40-41 (exercises 1-3);

review essential language on p.21 IELTS Preparation and Practice: Reading & Writing

Module, p. 107 – 114, p. 119, 121 IELTS Preparation and Practice: Reading & Writing

Module, p. 105 (Line Graph) IELTS Preparation and Practice: Reading & Writing

Module, p. 116 -117 (Pie chart) IELTS Preparation and Practice: Reading & Writing

Module, p. 123 – 124 (Table)Note: The sample answers have more than 2 paragraphs. Students can write the report in 2 paragraphs. A conclusion is not necessary if the overall statement is placed in the introduction.

HOMEWORK FOR THE DAY

Body Paragraph (Task 1 of the above diagram given in class)

Further reference: e.g. Carter, S., & Whitby N. (2007). Unit 1 Changes and

consequences. In Improve your IELTS Writing Skills (pp 6-7). Oxford: Macmillan Education

e.g. Black, M., & Sharp, W. (2006). Writing Folder 5. In Objective IELTS Intermediate (pp.70-71). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

IELTS Testbuilder: Test 1, Academic Writing Task 1 p.32-34

Jakeman, V., & McDowell, C. (2006). Action plan for IELTS (pp. 60-61). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

2 hours Listening Section 3 & 4 Completing a table, MCQ’s and Gap-filling Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 65

SUGGESTED 24 HOUR IELTS PLAN FB/09

Writing Task 2

Presentation & Lecture

WritingRefer to notes on ‘Writing Task 2’

Analysis of Writing Task 2 prompts

Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 84

Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 109 Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 131

Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 67 (2) Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 89 Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 107-108 Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 132

A variety of Academic Task 2 Writing prompts, e.g. http://www.ukgate.com/study/index.aspx?t=IELTS-Sample-Questions&e=Writing2

Further Reference:http://www.writefix.com/argument/

HOMEWORK FOR THE DAY

Students can complete the essay on pg 67 or 108. Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 68 (3) or Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 108 (6)

Weekly homework IELTS Vocabulary Builder Units 3 & 4 Academic Word Study 2 and Review 2 Reading practice: paragraph headings, sentence

completion, Y/N/NG Reading practice: MCQs, Y/N/NG, classification,

labeling a diagram

Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 37 and 47 Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 48 and 49 Brook-Hart, G. (2004). Light pollution. In Instant

IELTS (pp. 33-35). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. (photocopiable)

Brook-Hart, G. (2004). Television Addiction. In Instant IELTS (pp. 37-39). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. (photocopiable)

SUGGESTED 24 HOUR IELTS PLAN FB/09

WEEK 3 Skill Description/Notes Source/Materials2 hours Writing Task 1

Listening

Maps Describe changes or developments Describe locations (north, south, etc., prepositions

of place) Tenses (passives and past perfect passives) Vocabulary – comparatives (more houses, fewer

trees, etc.), verbs (brought down, replaced, gave way, etc. and adjectives (dramatic, big, etc.)

Listening Practice Test 3 Section 1 & 2

Cambridge Practice Tests 5, Test 3 Writing A photo/map of Dubai or Abu Dhabi ‘now’ and ‘then’

Suggested reference:Carter, S., & Whitby N. (2007). Unit 5 Youth: Describing changes. In Improve your IELTS Writing Skills (pp 38-44). Oxford: Macmillan Education

Cambridge Practice Tests 5, Test 3 Listening, p. 55-58

2 hours Writing Task 1

Listening

Speaking

Process/Description/ Flow chart (Choose one and practice in class)

Focus on language (sequential) Tenses (often passive)

Listening Practice Test 3 Section 3 & 4

Part 3 Two-way discussion

Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 128-129 (Describe) 202 Useful Exercises for IELTS, p. 30 – 32 (Describe) IELTS Preparation and Practice: Reading & Writing

Module, p. 128-129 (Process) 202 Useful Exercises for IELTS, p. 30 – 32 (Flowchart) IELTS Preparation and Practice: Reading & Writing

Module, p. 130 (Flowchart)

Cambridge Practice Tests 5, Test 3 Listening, p. 59-61

Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 46 Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 64

Further Practice: Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 51, 95, 105, 124, 132

HOMEWORK FOR Academic Writing Task 1 (Describe/Process or Flow chart) Further Practice:

e.g. Black, M., & Sharp, W. (2006). Writing Folder 5. In

SUGGESTED 24 HOUR IELTS PLAN FB/09

THE DAY Objective IELTS Intermediate (pp. 18-19). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 165-166 How a water tower works

Weekly homework IELTS Vocabulary Builder Units 5 & 6 Academic Word Study 3 and Review 3 Reading Practice Test

Academic Writing Task 1 or Task 2

Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 59 and 69 Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 70 and 71 Cambridge Practice Tests 5, Test 3 Reading + Reading

Answer Sheet + answers Cambridge Practice Tests 3, Test 4 Writing + Writing

Sheet

Note: The focus on listening should be on spelling, capital letters, currency, telephone numbers, addresses, dates, times, weights and measures, names of people, countries, streets, the use of articles, prepositions and adjectives in summary completion or gap-filling and common words in Sections 1 & 2. The activities above are to enable students to identify their problem areas and to work on them in the next few weeks.

SUGGESTED 24 HOUR IELTS PLAN FB/09

WEEK 4 Skill Description/Notes Source/Materials

2 hours Listening/Reading*

Writing

Cambridge 3 Exam Practice

Listening(Timed)

Writing Task 1 (Timed 20 minutes)

Cambridge Practice Tests 3, Test 1 Listening; Listening Answer Sheet + answers

Cambridge Practice Tests 3, Test 1 Writing; Writing Answer Sheet

Homework For the Day

Reading(Timed 20 minutes per passage or 1 hour for the full test)Writing Task 2 (Timed 40 minutes)

Cambridge Practice Tests 3, Test 1 Reading; Reading Answer Sheet

Cambridge Practice Tests 3, Test 1 Writing; Writing Answer Sheet

2 hours Listening/Reading*

Writing

Cambridge 3 Exam PracticeListening (Timed)

Writing Task 2 (Timed 40 minutes)

Cambridge Practice Tests 3, Test 3 Listening; Listening answer sheet + answers

Cambridge Practice Tests 3, Test 3 Writing; Writing Answer Sheet

Homework For the Day

Reading(Timed 20 minutes per passage or 1 hour for the full test)Writing Task 1 (Timed 20 minutes)

Cambridge Practice Tests 3, Test 3 Reading; Reading Answer Sheet

Cambridge Practice Tests 3, Test 3 Writing; Writing Answer Sheet

Weekly homework IELTS Vocabulary Builder Units 7 & 8 Academic Word Study 4 and Review 4 Skills Practice (Reading)

Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 81 and 91 Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 92 and 93 Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 52 and 53

*Teachers can opt to do the Reading or Listening in class. Listening practice is necessary in the class as it is not permitted to post recordings on Bb 9 because of copyright regulations. Teachers should get students to transfer answers onto the Answer Key as some students have no idea or experience in doing this. Problems that arise (such as inaccurate transfer or copying wrongly) from this activity can be noted and followed up in class.

WEEK 5 Skill Description/Notes Source/Materials

SUGGESTED 24 HOUR IELTS PLAN FB/09

2 hours Listening/Reading*

Writing

Cambridge 5 Exam Practice

Listening(Timed)*

Writing Task 1 (Timed 20 minutes)

Cambridge Practice Tests 5, Test 2 Listening; Listening answer sheet + answers

Cambridge Practice Tests 5, Test 2 Writing; Writing answer sheet + answers

Homework For the Day

Reading(Timed 20 minutes per passage or 1 hour for the full test)Writing Task 2 (Timed 40 minutes)

Cambridge Practice Tests 5, Test 2 Reading; Reading answer sheet + answers

Cambridge Practice Tests 5, Test 2 Writing; Writing answer sheet + answers

2 hours Listening/Reading*

Writing

Cambridge 5 Exam Practice

Listening(Timed)*

Writing Task 2 (Timed 40 minutes)

Cambridge Practice Tests 5, Test 4 Listening; Listening answer sheet + answers

Cambridge Practice Tests 5, Test 4 Writing; Writing answer sheet + answers

Homework For the Day

Reading(Timed 20 minutes per passage or 1 hour for the full test)Writing Task 1 (Timed 20 minutes)

Cambridge Practice Tests 5, Test 4 Reading; Reading answer sheet + answers

Cambridge Practice Tests 5, Test 4 Writing; Writing answer sheet + answers

Weekly homework IELTS Vocabulary Builder Units 9 & 10 Academic Word Study 5 and Review 5 Skills Practice (Reading)

Focus on IELTS Foundation, p.103 & 113 Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 114 and 115 Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 73 - 76

* Teachers can opt to do the Reading or Listening in class. Listening practice is necessary in the class as it is not permitted to post recordings on Bb 9 because of copyright regulations. Teachers should get students to transfer answers onto the Answer Key as some students have no idea or experience in doing this. Problems that arise (such as inaccurate transfer or copying wrongly) from this activity can be noted and followed up in class .

WEEK 6 Skill Description/Notes Source/Materials

SUGGESTED 24 HOUR IELTS PLAN FB/09

2 hoursSpeaking

Students work on their own and complete the rest of the test at home

Cambridge 3 Exam Practice

Speaking Practice (Part 1, 2 & 3):Interviews with individual students or in pairs (depending on student numbers)

Writing

Cambridge Practice Tests 3, Tests 1, 2, 3 & 4 - Speaking Test or

Use http://www.writefix.com/ieltsspkg/

Cambridge Practice Tests 3, Test 2 Writing; Writing answer sheet + answers

Homework For the Day

IELTS Vocabulary Builder Units 11 & 12 Reading Practice Tests 3, Test 4

Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 125 and 135 Cambridge Practice Tests 3, Test 4 Reading + Reading

Answer Sheet + answers2 hours

Speaking

Students work on their own and complete the rest of the test at home

Cambridge 5 Exam Practice

Speaking Practice (Part 1, 2 & 3):Interviews with individual students or in pairs (depending on student numbers)

Reading

Cambridge Practice Tests 5, Tests 1, 2, 3 & 4 - Speaking Test or

Use http://www.writefix.com/ieltsspkg/

Cambridge Practice Tests 5, Tests 1 Reading; Reading answer sheet + answers

Homework For the Day

Academic Word Study 6 and Review 6 Academic Writing Task 1 or Task 2

Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 136 and 137 Cambridge Practice Tests 5, Test 1 Writing Answer Sheet + answers

SUGGESTED 24 HOUR IELTS PLAN FB/09

Note to teachers: The above 24 hour plan is only a suggested plan. Teachers are free to modify the contents based on the ability of the class and time available. Students can take the initiative to practice skills such as speaking, reading and listening outside the class. However, the writing skills for Task 1 have to be taught initially, then students can practice on their own paying attention to the time allocation for each task. Also, listening practice is necessary in the class as it is difficult to post recordings on Bb 9 because of copyright regulations. Teachers should get students to transfer answers onto the Answer Key as some students have no idea or experience in doing this. Problems that arise (such as inaccurate transfer or copying wrongly) from this activity can be noted and followed up in class.

Note on self-study: Students need to be made aware of the need to be doing additional IELTS work outside the class. There are IELTS practice materials available in the LEC, and students should be directed to these resources from as early as week 1. They will also need reminding throughout the course to do extra IELTS work for homework and on weekends, especially in skills they are weak in. Timed practice as they get closer to the exam is particularly important.

Most students will need to do extra work to build up their vocabulary (for the Reading) and improve their spelling (Listening/Writing). You may want to ask them to bring in a notebook for vocabulary and spelling (vocab in the front, spelling in the back). It is a good idea to do daily spellings in class, e.g. days, months, seasons, numbers and other common words (e.g. the last 5-10 minutes of the day). One idea is to have students create lists of words in pairs related to topics/themes in the IELTS textbook at the beginning of the course. These lists can be used as spelling quizzes which the students administer and mark themselves, providing motivation through ownership.

A useful list of words frequently mis-spelt in IELTS (CUP) is on BB; also a Spelling Rules (CUP) handout.

For vocabulary development, Ss should be doing extra work on the vocabulary from their IELTS readings; also the 2,000 word list and the AWL (BB), and the Academic Word Study section at the end of each unit in the IELTS textbook.

SUGGESTED 24 HOUR IELTS PLAN FB/09

WEBSITES & NOTES FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

SpeakingThis can be done continuously in class. Teachers can give students impromptu topics and get them to speak for 2 minutes, either at the start or end of classes. This can be done on a rotational basis.

Current affairs can be introduced in class. Select students to report on the news every day.

http://www.ielts-exam.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=6&id=28&Itemid=41

Focus on IELTS Foundation, p. 40 & p.58 EXAM PRACTICE, or http://www.writefix.com/ieltsspkg/saywhat2.html

ENGLISH LANGUAGE CENTER (FACULTY ONLY) (ORG_ELC) > LEVEL 8 > IELTS - ADDITIONAL MATERIALS > INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL > IELTS > SPEAKINGIELTS Scores Explained DVD; IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors

Listeninghttp://www.elllo.org/

http://www.abc.net.au/news/ (Australian version of the news/Australian accents)

http://www.ielts-exam.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=335&Itemid=57

Practice Tests from various IELTS Books available in the Library

Listening to podcasts and broadcasting agencies around the world.

SUGGESTED 24 HOUR IELTS PLAN FB/09

Vocabulary & Grammarhttp://www.go4english.com

http://www.flo-joe.co.uk/cae/students/wordbank/index.htm

http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/StudyZone/330/grammar/

Spellinghttp://eslus.com/LESSONS/SPELL/SPELL.HTM

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/vivian.c/TestsFrame.htm

http://www.spelling.hemscott.net/

ReadingENGLISH LANGUAGE CENTER (FACULTY ONLY) (ORG_ELC) > LEVEL 8 > IELTS - ADDITIONAL MATERIALS > INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL > IELTS > READING

http://www.examenglish.com/IELTS/IELTS_reading_2.htm

http://www.examenglish.com/IELTS/cbIELTS_reading.htm

http://www.ielts-exam.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=12&id=25&Itemid=40

Writing

SUGGESTED 24 HOUR IELTS PLAN FB/09

Mock IELTS Academic Writing test: e.g. sample questions on the cambridgeesol.org website http://www.cambridgeesol.org/teach/ielts/academic_writing/data/AC%20W%20Sample%20Task%201A.pdf

or e.g. Cinema Attendance, taken from IELTS Scores Explained DVD http://www.cambridgeesol.org/teach/ielts/academic_writing/data/AC%20W%20Sample%20Task%202A.pdf or e.g. Upbringing, taken from IELTS Scores Explained DVD

http://fds.oup.com/www.oup.com/pdf/elt/catalogue/0-19-431517-7-b.pdf http://fds.oup.com/www.oup.com/pdf/elt/catalogue/0-19-457589-6-a.pdf http://www.admc.hct.ac.ae/hd1/english/graphs/graphsmatch.pdf

All Skillshttp://www.selfaccess.com/zayed/  

http://www.ielts-test.com/

http://www.examenglish.com/IELTS/index.php

Newspaper Links

International National

http://www.guardian.co.uk/ http://www.thenational.ae/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/ http://www.gulfnews.com/home/

http://www.independent.co.uk/ http://khaleejtimes.com/index00.asp

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news

SUGGESTED 24 HOUR IELTS PLAN FB/09

http://english.aljazeera.net/

Useful linksInformation for candidates booklet http://www.ielts.org/pdf/Information_for_Candidates_2007.pdf

IELTS Writing Band Descriptors: Task 1 (Public Version) http://www.cambridgeesol.org/teach/ielts/general_training_writing/data/public_writing_band_descriptors.pdf

IELTS Task 2 Writing band descriptors (public version) http://www.ielts.org/PDF/UOBDs_WritingT2.pdf

IELTS Task 2 Speaking band descriptors (public version) http://www.ielts.org/PDF/UOBDs_SpeakingFinal.pdf

IELTS Reading Answer Sheet http://www.cambridgeesol.org/teach/ielts/general_training_reading/data/Pages%20from%20ielts_specimats_79.pdf

IELTS Listening Answer Sheet http://www.cambridgeesol.org/teach/ielts/listening/data/Pages%20from%20ielts_specimats_78.pdf

IELTS teaching resources http://www.cambridgeesol.org/teach/ielts/

IELTS Scores Explained DVD: Authentic IELTS Speaking Tests; sample questions, e.g. for Writing Tasks; band descriptors etc.

IELTS preparation lessons on the British Council website http://www.britishcouncil.org/professionals-exams-ielts-academic-writing.htm