In this lesson we'll look at the many ways in which we use 'will' and 'would' in English, as well as the difference between 'would' and 'used to' - something that often causes even advanced speakers of English problems! Uses a) We use 'will' and 'would' to make requests. 'Would' is generally more polite: i) Will you help me with this question?ii) Would you … [Read more...] about Will, Would and Used to
Archives for September 2022
Present Tenses to Describe Films & Books
You probably already know the various reasons for using the present simple and continuous tenses: to talk about facts or habits (present simple), to describe temporary situations or what is happening at the time of speaking (present continuous) or to talk about future timetables or schedules (present simple). However, one very important reason for using these tenses is to … [Read more...] about Present Tenses to Describe Films & Books
Present Perfect Versus Past Simple
During the IELTS Speaking exam you'll almost certainly be asked questions that relate to your life experiences. You might be asked to talk about the past or about experiences you have had 'so far' in your life. To do this accurately, you'll need to switch between the past and the present - and in this lesson we'll revise how to do this using the past simple and present … [Read more...] about Present Perfect Versus Past Simple
If, Provided, Unless and As Long As
You probably already know that ‘if’ is a common feature of conditional statements. For example: i) If it rains I’ll get wet.ii) If I won the lottery I’d travel around the world. However, it is also possible to use words like ‘provided’, ‘as long as’ or ‘unless’ in conditional structures, each with their own meaning.(If you need practice in … [Read more...] about If, Provided, Unless and As Long As
Conditionals for Real and Unreal Situations
What do you do at weekends?What will you do if you get the chance to work abroad?Which famous person would you like to meet if you had the chance? It’s likely that the examiner will ask you questions about ‘real’ or ‘imagined’ situations in the IELTS Speaking exam. In this lesson we’ll look at how conditional structures can help you do this. Uses We … [Read more...] about Conditionals for Real and Unreal Situations
Comparing with ‘as … as’
You’ll have lots of opportunities to compare and contrast things in your IELTS Speaking exam: perhaps describing the differences between family members or comparing one place with another. And there are many different ways of making comparisons in English. In this lesson we’ll look at using ‘as … as’. Uses a) We use ‘as … as’ with an adverb or an adjective to make an … [Read more...] about Comparing with ‘as … as’
Can or Able to?
Try this quick quiz. In which of the questions below can you substitute ‘can/could’ with ‘be able to’ and vice versa? And can you explain why? 1) How many languages can you speak?2) Do you think you will be able to understand this grammar point?3) Have you been able to study OK recently?4) Do you think it’s important to be able to speak a foreign language … [Read more...] about Can or Able to?
Advertising Vocabulary
You may be asked questions about advertising in your country. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the ‘Definitions’ section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you don’t understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: Are there any TV channels in your country that don’t … [Read more...] about Advertising Vocabulary
Environment Vocabulary
You may be asked questions about the environment or environmental problems in your country. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the ‘Definitions’ section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you don’t understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: Are there any … [Read more...] about Environment Vocabulary
Shopping Vocabulary
It’s possible the examiner may ask you questions about your shopping habits in the IELTS Speaking exam. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the ‘Definitions’ section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you don’t understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: Do you … [Read more...] about Shopping Vocabulary
Weather Vocabulary
In the IELTS Speaking exam you may be asked questions about the topic of ‘the weather’, perhaps the weather in your country or when you’ve travelled to other countries. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the ‘Definitions’ section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you don’t … [Read more...] about Weather Vocabulary
Music Vocabulary
In the IELTS Speaking exam you may be asked questions about the music you listen to or instruments you play. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the ‘Definitions’ section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you don’t understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: What … [Read more...] about Music Vocabulary
Town and City Vocabulary
In the IELTS Speaking exam you may be called upon to showcase your vocabulary to describe towns and cities. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the ‘Definitions’ section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you don’t understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: What is … [Read more...] about Town and City Vocabulary
Physical Appearance Vocabulary
During the IELTS Speaking exam you may want to talk about what people look like. This might involve describing their physical appearance or the type of clothes they like to wear. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the ‘Definitions’ section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you … [Read more...] about Physical Appearance Vocabulary
Business Vocabulary
During the IELTS Speaking exam you may be asked to talk about the subject of business. This might involve describing a business you know well or talking about your own ambitions. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the ‘Definitions’ section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you … [Read more...] about Business Vocabulary
Personality Vocabulary
During the IELTS Speaking exam you may be asked to talk about someone’s personality or character. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the ‘Definitions’ section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you don’t understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: How would you … [Read more...] about Personality Vocabulary
Clothes & Fashion Vocabulary
The examiner may ask you to talk about the clothes you like to wear or your attitude towards fashion. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the ‘Definitions’ section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you don’t understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: Do you enjoy … [Read more...] about Clothes & Fashion Vocabulary
Accommodation Vocabulary
The examiner may ask you to talk about the place you live or would like to live in the exam. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the ‘Definitions’ section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you don’t understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: Do you live in a house … [Read more...] about Accommodation Vocabulary
Books and Films Vocabulary
It’s quite possible that the examiner will ask you questions about your reading habits or ask you to say something about a book you’ve read or a film you’ve seen. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the ‘Definitions’ section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you don’t … [Read more...] about Books and Films Vocabulary
Health Vocabulary
During the IELTS Speaking exam you may be asked questions to do with health and fitness. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the ‘Definitions’ section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you don’t understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: Have you got a relation … [Read more...] about Health Vocabulary