People frequently ask us how to generate ideas for IELTS writing task 2. This is a great question, because getting writer’s block in IELTS is definitely something you want to avoid. The most important thing to … Read More
Where Should I Start with IELTS?
If you are approaching the exam for the first time, you have probably asked yourself: “Where should I start with IELTS?”. You may have asked people online, too, and received conflicting answers. It’s an important question … Read More
IELTS for Arabic Speakers
At Highway IELTS we service an international clientele. One of our priorities is developing training to make IELTS accessible for Arabic speakers. This post is part of a series dealing with language-specific topics and issues. It … Read More
IELTS Reading: True False Not Given
One of the trickiest parts of the IELTS exam is the True/False/Not Given question type in IELTS Reading. We will refer to this as TFNG. This question type requires you to distinguish between true statements, false … Read More
IELTS Speaking: the Long Turn
The long turn in IELTS speaking is the most daunting part of the exam. This is because you will have to speak for two minutes, without any input from the examiner. Understandably, many people get nervous … Read More
IELTS Task 1 Maps
One of our Writing Development students recently wrote in with an excellent question about IELTS task 1 map question. I’d like to address her question and answer it for you here: Okay so when it comes … Read More
Improve your Reading for IELTS
Many people ask us how they can improve their reading for IELTS. This is a very important question, because the IELTS Reading test is challenging. It exists in two forms: General Training and Academic. Each of … Read More
IELTS on a Computer or on Paper: What’s Better?
IELTS is available in both paper-based and computer-delivered form. This means that it is possible to take IELTS on a computer or on paper. Some people talk about the “traditional” (paper-based) form, and the “computer-based” form. … Read More
Can I Buy an IELTS Certificate?
Among the many questions people ask us, one of the strangest is: “Can I buy an IELTS Certificate?” Of course, the question has a simple answer: no. But the fact that it comes up so often … Read More
IELTS under Quarantine
“IELTS under quarantine” is not an article I ever expected to write. Quarantine is not a word that anyone likes. It comes into English from the Italian quaranta giorni (forty days), which was the period that … Read More
Writing an Introduction for IELTS Task 2
One of the most important aspects of your IELTS experience will be your skill at writing an introduction for IELTS task 2. As the saying goes, well begun is half done. If you get the introduction … Read More
IELTS Listening is changing!
It was recently announced that IELTS Listening is changing. To help you navigate these changes, we have summarised them and commented on how they will effect your test experience. The IELTS listening test can be a … Read More
Common Mistakes with Idioms
In this article we will be discussing and correcting some common mistakes with idioms. This topic is directly relevant to the speaking and writing IELTS tests. This is because the concept “idiom” features in the rubrics … Read More
IELTS for Afrikaans Speakers
As a proudly South African company, IELTS for Afrikaans speakers is one of our most important research topics. It’s no secret that South Africans are currently seeking to emigrate in fairly large numbers. A large number … Read More
Can IELTS Examiners Teach IELTS?
People often ask us: can examiners teach IELTS? Unlike most of the questions we handle at Highway IELTS, this one has a very simple answer: no. In this article we will be describing the role of … Read More
You Need Time to Prepare for IELTS
Whether you are a first-timer or an IELTS veteran, you will need time to prepare for IELTS. All too often, people find this out too late. We really wish nobody would fall into this trap. It’s … Read More
Online versus In-Person IELTS Preparation
You’re probably already aware that to succeed in IELTS you need to prepare beforehand, but you might be unsure of the value of online versus in-person IELTS preparation. This decision should take account of many factors, … Read More
IELTS for Teachers
Education is one of the industries for which countries like Australia, New Zealand and Canada offer visas. Teachers with adequate experience will find a range of prospective employers in their target countries. Teachers with additional or … Read More
IELTS Listening: A Road-Map
In this post we will delve into the structure of the IELTS Listening exam. This article will give you a comprehensive road-map of the test so that you know what to expect. This test is no … Read More
From 6.5 to 7 in IELTS Writing
Moving from 6.5 to 7 in IELTS writing is a hot topic. Falling short of a required band score is a common problem for IELTS test takers. This is particularly true for people who go in … Read More
Why Students Need IELTS
At Highway IELTS, people often ask us why students need IELTS. It seems unnecessary, so the argument goes, to make young people who have just graduated from high school sit yet another exam. This is all … Read More
IELTS Speaking: How to Keep Going
The IELTS Speaking exam has a frightening reputation. Thankfully, this is totally undeserved. If you prepare in advance, the IELTS speaking test can be an opportunity to get a high band score on your certificate. For … Read More
IELTS for the Construction Industry
A major part of our work at Highway IELTS is IELTS for the construction industry. It’s no secret that South Africans are emigrating at fairly high rates. Australia and New Zealand remain the most popular destination … Read More
What is Task Achievement in IELTS Writing?
Task Achievement is one of the criteria in the examiner rubric for IELTS writing. It’s very important that you understand what task achievement means, from the point of view of the examiner. In this post we … Read More
IELTS for Nurses
IELTS for nurses is a much-discussed topic. At all Highway IELTS workshop locations, a significant share of prospective test takers are in the medical field. If you are a nurse and you are looking to emigrate … Read More
IELTS for Second Language Speakers
The subject of IELTS for second language speakers is an important one. IELTS can be intimidating for people who speak English as a second (or third) language. Every year, millions of people take the IELTS exam, … Read More
Failing IELTS Costs More than Preparing
Failing to achieve the band score you need will cost more than preparing in advance of taking IELTS. In this post, we will compare the exorbitant costs of having to retake the exam with the moderate … Read More
Should I Take IELTS or PTE?
Many people ask us which English test they should take. Often, they want to know which of the many English tests available is the “easiest” or “best”. To answer a question like this, you have to … Read More
Grammar for IELTS Writing
Grammar is important for IELTS writing exams. If you are able to use a suitable range of grammatical structures to express your ideas you will enhance your score. However, it is equally important that you use … Read More
Why Professional People Fail IELTS
Many highly educated people fail IELTS and have to make additional attempts at the exam. Professional people with university education make up a large proportion of the millions who take the IELTS exam every year. The … Read More
The Apostrophe in the IELTS Writing Exam
Many people ask us: does the apostrophe matter in the IELTS writing exam? The answer, of course, is yes. Putting an apostrophe in the wrong place, or leaving it out, can damage the impression that your … Read More
How to Identify Good IELTS Preparation Sources
You probably know already that the internet is teeming with IELTS preparation sources. A quick internet search will reveal a vast amount of information on IELTS preparation. Of course, free access to near-unlimited information comes with … Read More
Answering the IELTS Listening Test
In this post we will be discussing one of the most common pitfalls in answering the IELTS listening test. Very often, people who achieve a good band score in other areas of the IELTS exam fail … Read More
Does Vocabulary Matter in the IELTS Writing Test?
Does My Vocabulary Matter in the IELTS Writing Test? One of the most common questions people ask about the writing test is: Does my vocabulary matter? The short answer is, of course, yes. The lexical resource … Read More
How to Format Your IELTS Writing Task
How important is format in the IELTS writing test? Coherence and Cohesion, in other words, format, makes up 25% of your total writing score. It is essential that you understand how to format your responses when attempting the IELTS writing test.
Improve Your IELTS Writing Score in 5 Steps
Your IELTS writing score is a key component of your overall IELTS rating. It may surprise you to discover that every year, over three million people take the IELTS exam. Every one of those people has … Read More
The Differences between American English and British English.
American English and British English are two mutually intelligible forms of the same language. English has become one of the most commonly spoken languages on earth. More people speak English as a second language than any … Read More
Passing IELTS in three P’s
For many people, passing IELTS is part of their life plans. The decision to study, work or live in a new country is a big one. Once you have made this decision with your family, the … Read More
5 Reasons Why You Should Practice Before the IELTS Exam
If you’re reading this blog, you are probably aware that you need to practice before the IELTS exam. We are all familiar with the adage “Practice makes perfect.” We’ve heard it from parents, grandparents, teachers and … Read More