• STRUCTURE and SAMPLE

     

    STRUCTURE

     

    1. LISTENING – 30 minutes (computer-based)
    - 3 Parts, IELTS format
    - 30 questions
    2. READING – 40 minutes (computer-based)
    - 2 Parts, IELTS GENERAL format
    - 27 Questions
    3. WRITING – 50 minutes (computer-based)
    - IELTS Writing Task 2 format
    - 1 Task
    4. SPEAKING – 10 minutes (in-person)
    - IELTS format
    - 3 Parts

    Scoring: Each skill is scored out of 9. The overall average of the four skills is calculated, then linearly converted to a 100-point scale.

    SAMPLE

    1. LISTENING 
    The recordings are played ONCE only.
    PART 1 Questions 1–10


    Complete the notes below.
    Write ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer

    Buckworth Conservation Group

    Regular activities
    Beach
    - making sure the beach does not have 1 _____________________ on it
    - no 2 _____________________
    Nature reserve
    - maintaining paths
    - nesting boxes for birds installed
    - next task is taking action to attract 3 _____________________ to the place
    - identifying types of 4 _____________________
    - building a new 5 _____________________
    Forthcoming events
    Saturday
    - meet at Dunsmore Beach car park
    - walk across the sands and reach the 6 _____________________
    - take a picnic
    - wear appropriate 7 _____________________
    Woodwork session
    - suitable for 8 _____________________ to participate in
    - making 9 _____________________ out of wood
    - 17th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    - cost of session (no camping): 10 £ _____________________

    PART 2 Questions 11–20

    Questions 11–14
    Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.

    Boat trip round Tasmania

    11. What is the maximum number of people who can stand on each side of the boat?
    A. 9
    B. 15
    C. 18

    12. What color are the tour boats?
    A. dark red
    B. jet black
    C. light green

    13. Which lunchbox is suitable for someone who doesn’t eat meat or fish?
    A. Lunchbox 1
    B. Lunchbox 2
    C. Lunchbox 3

    14. What should people do with their litter?
    A. take it home
    B. hand it to a member of staff
    C. put it in the bins provided on the boat

    Questions 15 and 16
    Choose TWO letters, A–E.

    Which TWO features of the lighthouse does Lou mention?
    A. why it was built
    B. who built it
    C. how long it took to build
    D. who staffed it
    E. what it was built with

    Questions 17 and 18
    Choose TWO letters, A–E.

    Which TWO types of creature might come close to the boat?
    A. sea eagles
    B. fur seals
    C. dolphins
    D. whales
    E. penguins

    Questions 19 and 20
    Choose TWO letters, A–E.

    Which TWO points does Lou make about the caves?
    A. Only large tourist boats can visit them.
    B. The entrances to them are often blocked.
    C. It is too dangerous for individuals to go near them.
    D. Someone will explain what is inside them.
    E. They cannot be reached on foot.

    PART 3 Questions 21–30

    Questions 21–26
    Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.

    Work experience for veterinary science students

    21. What problem did both Diana and Tim have when arranging their work experience?
    A. making initial contact with suitable farms
    B. organizing transport to and from the farm
    C. finding a placement for the required length of time

    22. Tim was pleased to be able to help
    A. a lamb that had a broken leg.
    B. a sheep that was having difficulty giving birth.
    C. a newly born lamb that was having trouble feeding.

    23. Diana says the sheep on her farm
    A. were of various different varieties.
    B. were mainly reared for their meat.
    C. had better quality wool than sheep on the hills.

    24. What did the students learn about adding supplements to chicken feed?
    A. These should only be given if specially needed.
    B. It is worth paying extra for the most effective ones.
    C. The amount given at one time should be limited.

    25. What happened when Diana was working with dairy cows?
    A. She identified some cows incorrectly.
    B. She accidentally threw some milk away.
    C. She made a mistake when storing milk.

    26. What did both farmers mention about vets and farming?
    A. Vets are failing to cope with some aspects of animal health.
    B. There needs to be a fundamental change in the training of vets.
    C. Some jobs could be done by the farmer rather than by a vet.

    Questions 27-30
    What opinion do the students give about each of the following modules on their veterinary science course?

    Choose FOUR answers from the box and write the correct letter, A-F, next to questions 27-30.

    Opinions

    A   Tim found this easier than expected.

    B   Tim thought this was not very clearly organised.

    C   Diana may do some further study on this.

    D   They both found the reading required for this was difficult.

    E   Tim was shocked at something he learned on this module.

    F   They were both surprised how little is known about some aspects of this.

    Modules on Veterinary Science course

    27   Medical terminology              ………………….

    28   Diet and nutrition                  ………………….

    29   Animal disease                       ………………….

    30   Wildlife medication                ………………….

     

    2. READING
    PART 1
    Questions 1-14

    Read the text below and answer Questions 1-7.

    New York Late-Starters String Orchestra

    NYLSO, the New York Late-Starters String Orchestra, is something special. It was founded in early 2007, and grew out of a concept developed by The East London Late Starters Orchestra (ELLSO), an award-winning group in England. NYLSO is an amateur orchestra for adult players of violin, viola, cello, and double bass. If you played a string instrument when you were younger and would like to start again, or if you are learning as an adult and would like the chance to play in a group of similar people, then NYLSO is for you! Our goal is to create a fun, supportive, non-competitive environment for adults 18 to 80+ who wish to participate in collective music-making.

    Participants should have basic music reading skills and a willingness to commit to the group, but are not required to audition. It is recommended that you have studied your instrument for at least one year. If you have ever been paid to play your instrument, recently graduated with a degree in performance, or have been playing continuously since elementary school, you may decide we are not the appropriate group for you.

    How We Work:

    We know that New Yorkers are busy people. It is fine if you miss an entire rehearsal period when an emergency arises. Ultimately, though, too many absences disrupt the function of the group and make it difficult to perform the pieces. Sessions are in six-week rehearsal cycles, with two-hour rehearsals held once a week. We work with the goal of producing one to three very informal ‘friends-and-family’ concerts per year.

    Our professional tutor/facilitator serves as coach and conductor during rehearsals. Substitute conductors also join in to teach different sections, providing groups of players with valuable experience in working with different approaches and styles. Everyone is encouraged to play to their fullest potential, whatever that may be, but please recognize that while we do have a conductor, her role is not to provide one-on-one instruction during rehearsals.


    NYLSO is a self-supporting collective; we do not receive any other funding. The cost is $80 for each six-week cycle. Payments are applied to the costs of rehearsal space, conductor’s fees, and photocopying music.

    Materials You Will Need At Rehearsals:

    You will need an instrument, a portable music stand, and any other relevant accessories. You should bring a folder to keep your music together and a soft-lead pencil with an eraser for writing in changes. Sheet music is provided.


    Questions 1-7

    Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text?

    Select

    TRUE              if the statement agrees with the information

    FALSE             if the statement contradicts the information

    NOT GIVEN   if there is no information on this


    1   The idea behind NYLSO was based on another orchestra.

    2   An ability to read music is essential.

    3   The NYLSO might be unsuitable for very advanced level musicians.

    4   NYLSO concerts are free to members’ families and friends.

    5   Rehearsals always involve the full orchestra playing together.

    6   The conductor provides her services free to NYLSO.

    7   The NYLSO gives advice on what instrument to purchase. 

     

    Read the advertisements below and answer Questions 8-14.

    The 7 best running watches

    Kate Hilpern advises people on the best watches to use when they go running.

    A     Soleus FIT 1.0

    Soleus claims this has everything you need and nothing you don’t. Water- resistant to 30m and with a built-in rechargeable battery, it’s accurate at measuring speed, pace, distance and calories burnt.

    B     Nike+ SportWatch GPS

    You’ll be hard pushed to find a running watch that finds a GPS signal quicker than this. It will keep you updated on current location, distance covered, number of laps and calories burnt.

    C     Garmin Forerunner

    This watch, which is small enough to wear at the office, is touchscreen and is packed with impressive features, although the battery life is limited.

    D     Timex Run Trainer 2.0

    The hi-res screen makes this a great watch for athletes at any level. The easy-to-use, upgraded menu system makes monitoring pace, speed and distance child’s play. Alerts remind you when it’s time to hydrate or top up the nutrition.

    E     Garmin Forerunner 10

    This is a well-priced, entry-level watch that’s light as well as waterproof and available in a range of colours. Don’t expect added extras, but do expect good basic functionality.

    F     Nike Fuelband

    Described by the Huffington Post as ‘the sports watch you never knew you needed,’ this soft-touch and lightweight watch has been lovingly designed to appear more like a piece of futuristic jewellery than a running watch. But it’s hi-tech too and synchronises with your phone to show the results.

    G     Suunto Ambit2 S HR

    This is better suited to off-roaders rather than urban runners and although it’s quite big, it has a functional design and is compatible with the thousands of Suunto apps available.


    Questions 8-14
    For which running watch are the following statements true?

    Write the correct letter, A-G, in boxes 8-14 on your answer sheet.

    NB   You may use any letter more than once.


    8   This would be a suitable and not too expensive first watch for a runner.

    9   Care has been taken to make this watch very attractive to look at.

    10   This watch can be programmed to let the runner know when it is time to get some refreshment.

    11   This watch will need recharging at frequent intervals.

    12   Both experienced and inexperienced runners will find this watch useful.

    13   Runners will find all the features on this watch are useful.

    14   People who do most of their running in cities may find this watch is not appropriate for them.

    PART 2
    Questions 15-27
    Read the text below and answer Questions 15-22.

    Employees’ health and safety responsibilities

    As an employee you have rights and you have responsibilities for your own wellbeing and that of your colleagues. This article explains what these responsibilities are, and how you can meet them.

    Your rights

    Your rights as an employee to work in a safe and healthy environment are set down in law and generally can’t be changed or removed by your employer. The most important of these rights are:

    •  as far as possible, to have any hazards to your health and safety properly controlled

    •  to be given any personal protective and safety equipment without being charged for it

    •  to stop work and leave your work area, without being disciplined, if you have reasonable concerns about your safety

    •  to tell your employer about any health and safety concerns you have

    •  not to be disciplined if you contact the Health and Safety Executive, or your local authority, if your employer won’t listen to you

    •  to have breaks during the time you are at work

    •  to have time off from work during the working week

    •  to have annual paid holiday.

    Your responsibilities

    Your most important responsibilities as an employee are:

    •  to take reasonable care of your own health and safety

    •  to remove jewellery and avoid loose clothing when operating machinery

    •  if you have long hair, or wear a headscarf, make sure it’s tucked out of the way as it could get caught in machinery

    •  to take reasonable care not to expose fellow employees and members of the public to risk by what you do or don’t do in the course of your work

    •  to co-operate with your employer, making sure you complete the training that is provided and that you understand and follow the company’s health and safety policies

    •  not to interfere with or misuse anything that’s been provided for your health, safety or welfare

    •  to report any injuries you suffer as a result of doing your job – your employer may then need to change the way you work.

    If you drive or operate machinery, you have a responsibility to tell your employer if you take medication that makes you feel sleepy. If you do, they should temporarily move you to another job if they have one for you to do.


    Questions 15-22
    Complete the notes below.

    Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.

    Health and Safety at Work

    Employees’ rights

    •  are established by 15….……………. and include the following:

    –  employers should manage any potential dangers to their staff’s health and safety

    – any 16….……………. needed for employees to work safely should be free

    – employees may inform management of any 17….……………. they have

    relating to health and safety

    – employees are entitled to some 18….……………. while they are working

    Employees’ responsibilities

    – to take off jewellery and dress appropriately for their particular work

    – to avoid putting colleagues and others at 19….…………….

    – to do any 20….……………. that the employer offers

    – to inform the employer of any 21….……………. received while working

    – to make sure the employer knows of any 22….……………. you are taking that might affect performance.

    Read the text below and answer Questions 23-27.

    Our company notices

    A     Advance warning

    Refurbishment of offices in the Perkins Building will start on Monday 22 May, and is expected to be completed by the end of June. Staff based in that building will be individually notified of where they’ll work for that time. On the previous Friday, facilities staff will move everything that needs to go to your new office. Before then, please make a list of what should be moved, and another list of what can be stored.

    B     Information about financial systems

    The review of the company’s financial systems is now complete, and modifications will shortly be introduced. Jane Phillips from Finance will explain the changes and how they affect you, and answer any queries about them, between 12 and 1 pm on 15 March in Room 5.

    C     Purchasing Manager

    As you probably know, Sadia Ahmed is leaving the company on 31 March, after ten years as Purchasing Manager. Her replacement, Jeff Bridges, will join us on the previous Monday. Jeff will be in Room 70 between 12 and 2 pm on 3 April: feel free to drop in and say hello to him during your lunch break.

    D     We’re doing well!

    We’ve received a large and urgent order from one of our major customers. As a result, we’ll need to run the production line for an additional three hours each evening throughout the week beginning 13 March. Any production workers willing to do this shift in addition to their normal work should speak to the Production Manager asap.

    E     Quality control

    Because of recent concerns about product quality, we’re setting up a team to consider ways of raising quality and making recommendations for changes. As staff from any department might have useful ideas, anyone is welcome to join the team – ring Rodrigo Perez on 1012. It will involve fortnightly meetings and some research, over a six-month period.

    F     New opportunity

    Dev Patel will cease to be part-time content editor of the company intranet at the end of April, as his new role in Marketing leaves him no time for it. We’re looking for two people to take over. If you’re interested, and can work an extra three or four hours a week (for extra pay, of course!), contact Maggie Campbell on 2146.

    G     And finally…

    We hope to re-start the company tennis championship, which hasn’t taken place for the last three years. If this is something for you, talk to Bill Sinclair on extension 2371. You don’t need to be a star player!


    Questions 23-27
    For which company notice are the following statements true?

    Write the correct letter, A-G, in boxes 23-27 on your answer sheet.


    23   Staff are needed to work on internal communications.

    24   People are needed to help improve an internal system.

    25   Staff are asked if they want to take part in an internal competition.

    26   Volunteers are asked to work overtime for a limited period.

    27   Staff will be told where to work temporarily.

     3. WRITING

    You should spend about 50 minutes on this task.
    Write about the following topic:

    Some children spend hours everyday on their smartphones.
    Why is this the case? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

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

    Write at least 250 words

     

    4. SPEAKING
    PART 1

    The examiner asks you about yourself, your home, work or studies and other familiar topics.

    Example

    Reading
    - Did you have a favorite book when you were a child? [Why/ Why not?]
    - How much reading do you do for your studies? [Why/ Why not?]
    - What kinds of books do you read for pleasure? [Why/ Why not?]
    - Do you prefer to read a newspaper or a magazine online, or to buy a copy? [Why?]

    PART 2

    Describe the neighborhood you lived in when you were a child.
    You should say:

    - where in your town/city the neighborhood was
    - what kind of people lived there
    - what it was like to live in this neighborhood
    and explain whether you would like to live in this neighborhood in the future.

    You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.

    PART 3

    Discussion topics: Neighbors
    - What sort of things can neighbors do to help each other?
    - How well do people generally know their neighbors in your country?
    - How important do you think it is to have good neighbors?