My IELTS Classroom Podcast

Shelly Cornick and Nick Lone

Welcome to the podcast where two ex-examiners sit down every week to discuss all thing IELTS. It doesn't matter if you are new to IELTS or have been struggling to achieve your band scores for a long time, Nick and Shelly will help you complete your IELTS journey in the least painful way possible. So, if you are looking for two teachers who offer clear practical advice about how to prepare for the IELTS test, have over 30-years teaching experience, and make IELTS enjoyable, then you are in the right place! Oh, we also believe that lessons should be fun and interactive too, so be prepared to take part in every class so that you can say "This is My IELTS Classroom" too. New episodes every Tuesday. read less
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Episodes

Let's do a Cambridge IELTS 18 Reading Test!
Aug 22 2023
Let's do a Cambridge IELTS 18 Reading Test!
Hey! Today Nick and I tackle a reading from the new Cambridge IELTS 18 book. We choose to passage 3 from Test 2, which is titled "An Ideal City". Why? Well, it's because it  contains a rather unusual summary completion question. Usually summaries are given in a single paragraph, or divided into two shorter paragraphs. This summary, however, is divided into THREE parts and is much longer than the usual summaries that appear. What difference does this make to the way that you should approach this question? Listen to find out!Plus, we discuss exam management techniques such as how to preview passages, and allays the questions.Useful LinksDownload my free ebook "An ex-examiner's guide to the Band IELTS Descriptors": https://blog.myieltsclassroom.com/ielts-examiner-ebook-mark/Watch the free video lessons on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiLz9Dbe4NEIu5OCy0WA1sgRate and review My IELTS ClassroomIf you are on Apple Podcasts, help us to help more people just like you by rating and reviewing our show. Reviews let other students - just like you - find our information-packed episodes and start their IELTS journey in the best possible way. Remember, My IELTS Classroom offers a range of IELTS services:IELTS Video courses: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/writingIELTS Essay Corrections:https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/markingIELTS Speaking lessons: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/speakingFree blog lessons: http://blog.myieltsclassroom.comFree Podcast episodes: https://myieltsclassroom.buzzsprout.comSupport the show by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/myieltsclassroomSupport the show
IELTS Q&A - your questions answered by two ex-examiners!
Jul 18 2023
IELTS Q&A - your questions answered by two ex-examiners!
Every week I get dozens of emails from our My IELTS Classroom students, podcast listeners, YouTube followers and Newsletter subscribers asking questions about the IELST exam. They range from questions are about exam procedures to questions about how the exam is marked or how the student can maximise their preparation.Today, I thought that I would share a range of the emails that I have received in the last couple of weeks. Not only will that give you an insight into the life of an IELTS teacher, but it may also answer some of your own doubts about the exam.You can ask me a question any time by emailing hello@myieltsclassroom,com.Useful LinksDownload my free ebook "An ex-examiner's guide to the Band IELTS Descriptors": https://blog.myieltsclassroom.com/ielts-examiner-ebook-mark/Watch the free video lessons on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiLz9Dbe4NEIu5OCy0WA1sgRate and review My IELTS ClassroomIf you are on Apple Podcasts, help us to help more people just like you by rating and reviewing our show. Reviews let other students - just like you - find our information-packed episodes and start their IELTS journey in the best possible way. Remember, My IELTS Classroom offers a range of IELTS services:IELTS Video courses: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/writingIELTS Essay Corrections:https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/markingIELTS Speaking lessons: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/speakingFree blog lessons: http://blog.myieltsclassroom.comFree Podcast episodes: https://myieltsclassroom.buzzsprout.comSupport the show by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/myieltsclassroomSupport the show
Cambridge IELTS 18 essays analysed!
Jul 11 2023
Cambridge IELTS 18 essays analysed!
Yes! Finally, on our third attempt, Nick and I have managed to successfully record an episode analysing the essays in the new Cambridge IELTS 18 Academic book. We offer our ideas and insights into the new questions, including how we will organise each essay and what our position would be. Plus, we rate the difficulty level of each question.This is an interactive lesson, so make sure you spend at least 5 minutes generating ideas for each essay before you listen. Useful LinksDownload my free ebook "An ex-examiner's guide to the Band IELTS Descriptors": https://blog.myieltsclassroom.com/ielts-examiner-ebook-mark/Watch the free video lessons on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiLz9Dbe4NEIu5OCy0WA1sgRate and review My IELTS ClassroomIf you are on Apple Podcasts, help us to help more people just like you by rating and reviewing our show. Reviews let other students - just like you - find our information-packed episodes and start their IELTS journey in the best possible way. Remember, My IELTS Classroom offers a range of IELTS services:IELTS Video courses: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/writingIELTS Essay Corrections:https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/markingIELTS Speaking lessons: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/speakingFree blog lessons: http://blog.myieltsclassroom.comFree Podcast episodes: https://myieltsclassroom.buzzsprout.comSupport the show by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/myieltsclassroomSupport the show
Why are so many students stuck at a 6.5 for IELTS writing?
Jun 27 2023
Why are so many students stuck at a 6.5 for IELTS writing?
Today, Nick and I discuss one of the most important IELTS questions - why are so many students stuck at a 6.5 for IELTS writing? Is it because there is a conspiracy to trick test-takers, or are there other less sinister reasons? You can find the full episode notes and a transcript of the conversation at http://podcast.myieltsclassroom.com/This is a re-run of an episode from 2020, so don't be surprised if Nick and I sound so youthful!Episode NotesFollowing on from our lesson last week, today we look at the most common IELTS myth -  examiners are changing test-takers writing scores on purpose to prevent them getting a 7.0. Is there really any evidence for this? Well PC Lone and Sargent Cornick will investigate to find out! Then, we will spend the rest of the episode discussing the most common errors in that we saw when we were examiners when marking students' essays. Are you making these mistakes? Well, join the episode to find out!In this episode, we will discuss:if it is possible that Cambridge, the British Council, IDP, examiners, or individual test centres are changing scores of purposively making it hard for students to get a 7.0 in IELTS writing?why students tend to get a lower score in writing than in the other parts of testthe most common errors that we see with Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy that stop students getting a 7.0 for their IELTS essayUseful Links Find out the three most difficult essay questions in the Cambridge IELTS books: http://blog.myieltsclassroom.com/cambridge-ielts-books/Complete my free lesson for subject / verb agreement: http://blog.myieltsclassroom.com/ielts-grammar-subject-verb-agreement/Watch my free video lesson for articles: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/programs/articlesWatch my free video lesson for contrast clauses: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/programs/three-types-of-contrastRate and review My IELTS ClassroomIf you are on Apple Podcasts, help us to help more people just like you by rating and reviewing our show. Reviews let other students - just like you - find our information-packed episodes and start their IELTS journey in the best possible way. Remember, My IELTS Classroom offers a range of IELTS services:IELTS Video courses: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/writingIELTS Essay Corrections:https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/markingIELTS Speaking lessons: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/speakingFree blog lessons: http://blog.myieltsclassroom.comFree Podcast episodes: https://myieltsclassroom.buzzsprout.comSupport the show
New IELTS Band Descriptors for Writing in 2023?
Jun 20 2023
New IELTS Band Descriptors for Writing in 2023?
Hey! A couple of weeks ago, we received an email from one of our listeners (thanks Adam!) asking if all the fuss happening on YouTube about the "NEW IELTS Band Descriptors" was true. My immediate reaction was "probably not", but when I did a deep dive, it turned out that it was! Yes, IELTS have finally released the examiner version of the band descriptors for writing. Let me be clear, this will NOT change the way that your writing is marked in any way. However, it does give students a better idea of the "ceiling scores" that can prevent you getting a high score. Find out what those ceiling scores are and how you can avoid them in today's episode.Useful LinksDownload my free ebook "An ex-examiner's guide to the Band IELTS Descriptors": https://blog.myieltsclassroom.com/ielts-examiner-ebook-mark/Watch the free video lessons on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiLz9Dbe4NEIu5OCy0WA1sgRate and review My IELTS ClassroomIf you are on Apple Podcasts, help us to help more people just like you by rating and reviewing our show. Reviews let other students - just like you - find our information-packed episodes and start their IELTS journey in the best possible way.Remember, My IELTS Classroom offers a range of IELTS services:IELTS Video courses: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/writingIELTS Essay Corrections:https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/markingIELTS Speaking lessons: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/speakingFree blog lessons: http://blog.myieltsclassroom.comFree Podcast episodes: https://myieltsclassroom.buzzsprout.comSupport the show
Opposites - the listening trick that IELTS loves not the least!
Jun 6 2023
Opposites - the listening trick that IELTS loves not the least!
Hey! Nick and I have recorded many episodes about IELTS listening. Usually, we focus on one particular type of question and break down which listening skills it is testing, and how you should approach it best. Plus, for everyone type of question, there are two or three "tricks" that IELTS uses to try to force you to choose the wrong answer (although these are not really "tricks" but good testing methods that check that you really understand the recording!) Today, we are doing something different. Today, we really are looking at a trick that IELTS uses in a range of questions. That' s using "opposites". Join Nick and I as we explain how the "opposite" trick works, and then show it to you in action using four questions from the Cambridge IELTS books.This is an interactive episode so please have a pen and piece of paper ready so that you can join in the activities. Useful Links Join our intensive listening course: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/listeningWatch the first three lessons in my IELTS essay video course: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/programs/writing-task-2-academic-general-trainingRate and review My IELTS ClassroomIf you are on Apple Podcasts, help us to help more people just like you by rating and reviewing our show. Reviews let other students - just like you - find our information-packed episodes and start their IELTS journey in the best possible way. Remember, My IELTS Classroom offers a range of IELTS services:IELTS Video courses: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/writingIELTS Essay Corrections:https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/markingIELTS Speaking lessons: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/speakingFree blog lessons: http://blog.myieltsclassroom.comFree Podcast episodes: https://myieltsclassroom.buzzsprout.comSupport the show
Should you use idioms in your IELTS speaking test?
May 23 2023
Should you use idioms in your IELTS speaking test?
Hey! One of the criteria to score a 7.0 or higher in the IELTS speaking test is being able to show good use of "idiomatic language". But, what is idiomatic language, and when should you introduce it into your vocabulary. Join Nick and I today to discuss the path that most English language learners take when they are learning lexiswhen idioms should be introducedthe problems second-language learners face when using idiomswhich idioms we fee could be useful for IELTS test-takersAnd finally, we introduce you to another type of idiomatic language that could be more useful in your exam than pure idioms.Useful Links Join our next intensive speaking course: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/speakingIntroduction to IELTS Speaking http://blog.myieltsclassroom.com/introduction-to-ielts-speaking/Rate  and review My IELTS ClassroomIf you are on Apple Podcasts, help us to help more people just like you by rating and reviewing our show. Reviews let other students - just like you - find our information-packed episodes and start their IELTS journey in the best possible way. Remember, My IELTS Classroom offers a range of IELTS services:IELTS Video courses: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/writingIELTS Essay Corrections:https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/markingIELTS Speaking lessons: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/speakingFree blog lessons: http://blog.myieltsclassroom.comFree Podcast episodes: https://myieltsclassroom.buzzsprout.comSupport the show
Let's get motivated for IELTS in 2023!
May 16 2023
Let's get motivated for IELTS in 2023!
Hey! It is the first podcast episode in May, which can only mean one thing - it is time to get motivated! Spring can be a great time of year to start new patterns of living and affect change in our lives. So, why not join Nick and I today as we go back and look at some of the motivational techniques that we have recommended in previous years to see if we still feel they work. Plus we will offer a brand new technique (The "Do Something" principle), and Shelly will share a personal story that she hopes may motivate you even further!Useful LinksDownload my free ebook "An ex-examiner's guide to the Band IELTS Descriptors": https://blog.myieltsclassroom.com/ielts-examiner-ebook-mark/Watch the free video lessons on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiLz9Dbe4NEIu5OCy0WA1sgRate and review My IELTS ClassroomIf you are on Apple Podcasts, help us to help more people just like you by rating and reviewing our show. Reviews let other students - just like you - find our information-packed episodes and start their IELTS journey in the best possible way.Remember, My IELTS Classroom offers a range of IELTS services:IELTS Video courses: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/writingIELTS Essay Corrections:https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/markingIELTS Speaking lessons: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/speakingFree blog lessons: http://blog.myieltsclassroom.comFree Podcast episodes: https://myieltsclassroom.buzzsprout.comSupport the show
The Ultimate Guide to IELTS Bar Charts
Apr 25 2023
The Ultimate Guide to IELTS Bar Charts
We have spoken in depth on the podcast about IELTS maps, and IELTS line graphs before, but today it is the turn of IELTS bar charts. I would say of all the possible charts that you could be given on your exam day, IELTS bar charts are the most versatile. Why? Well, not only can they be used to represent change or to show comparisons individually, but they can also be used to show changes without time! Intrigued? You should be!In this episode, Nick and I will clearly explainhow you should look for the key features in both change and compare IELTS bar chartshow you can organise the items on IELTS bar bar charts into logical specific details paragraphshow you should approach writing the specific details paragraphs i.e. what language you should use and which information you should present firsthow you should tackle IELTS bar charts that ask you to compare different age groupsPlus, we will look at charts that do not follow the usual pattern so that you can be prepared for all IELTS bar charts on your exam day. Useful LinksDownload my free ebook "An ex-examiner's guide to the Band IELTS Descriptors": https://blog.myieltsclassroom.com/ielts-examiner-ebook-mark/Watch the free video lessons on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiLz9Dbe4NEIu5OCy0WA1sgRate and review My IELTS ClassroomIf you are on Apple Podcasts, help us to help more people just like you by rating and reviewing our show. Reviews let other students - just like you - find our information-packed episodes and start their IELTS journey in the best possible way.Remember, My IELTS Classroom offers a range of IELTS services:IELTS Video courses: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/writingIELTS Essay Corrections:https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/markingIELTS Speaking lessons: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/speakingFree blog lessons: http://blog.myieltsclassroom.comFree Podcast episodes: https://myieltsclassroom.buzzsprout.comSupport the show
A technique for really difficult IELTS listening matching questions!
Apr 18 2023
A technique for really difficult IELTS listening matching questions!
Hey! Way back in 2020, Nick and I discussed the basic techniques for completing IELTS listening matching questions. However, these are some of the most difficult question in the exam, especially in Part 3, and we have noticed that many students still struggle answering them even when they know the basic principles.That's why today, we want to share a more advanced technique that can help you deal with tricky questions in the exam. Plus, we will attempt one of the most difficult questions that we have ever seen in the new Cambridge 17 book - and you will come along with us for the ride.You can listen to the original IELTS  listening matching episode here: https://blog.myieltsclassroom.com/ielts-listening-matching-questions/This is an interactive episode so please have a pen and piece of paper ready so that you can join in the activities. Useful Links Join our intensive listening course: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/listeningWatch the first three lessons in my IELTS essay video course: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/programs/writing-task-2-academic-general-trainingRate and review My IELTS ClassroomIf you are on Apple Podcasts, help us to help more people just like you by rating and reviewing our show. Reviews let other students - just like you - find our information-packed episodes and start their IELTS journey in the best possible way. Remember, My IELTS Classroom offers a range of IELTS services:IELTS Video courses: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/writingIELTS Essay Corrections:https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/markingIELTS Speaking lessons: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/speakingFree blog lessons: http://blog.myieltsclassroom.comFree Podcast episodes: https://myieltsclassroom.buzzsprout.comSupport the show
Six real IELTS essay questions from 2023 analysed!
Apr 4 2023
Six real IELTS essay questions from 2023 analysed!
Join Nick and I today as we look at six essay questions that have recently appeared in the IELTS Academic and General Training exams. We will discuss our ideas for each topic, explain what our positions would be, and give each question a difficulty rating.You will get far more from this episode if you spend 2 or 3 minutes looking at each question and planning your IELTS essay nowSome people think that water is the most important natural resource. Others believe that other resources (such as oil and gold) are more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.Too much emphasis is placed on education. More government money should be spent on providing free-time activities. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Celebrities and famous people require constant attention from the media (newspapers, Internet). Do you agree or disagree?Many students find it harder to study at university or college than when they were at school. What are the reasons for this? What can be done to solve the issue?Many places of natural beauty like mountains, lakes, and beaches are spoiled by the rubbish that people leave there. Why do people do this? What can be done about this problem? In many cities and towns today, few people know their neighbours. What are the effects of this trend? What can be done to resolve the issue? Useful LinksDownload my free ebook "An ex-examiner's guide to the Band IELTS Descriptors": https://blog.myieltsclassroom.com/ielts-examiner-ebook-mark/Watch the free video lessons on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiLz9Dbe4NEIu5OCy0WA1sgRate and review My IELTS ClassroomIf you are on Apple Podcasts, help us to help more people just like you by rating and reviewing our show. Reviews let other students - just like you - find our information-packed episodes and start their IELTS journey in the best possible way.Remember, My IELTS Classroom offers a range of IELTS services:IELTS Video courses: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/writingIELTS Essay Corrections:https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/markingIELTS Speaking lessons: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/speakingFree blog lessons: http://blog.myieltsclassroom.comFree Podcast episodes: https://myieltsclassroom.buzzsprout.comSupport the show
2 ex-examiners give IELTS Speaking Part 3 feedback!
Mar 21 2023
2 ex-examiners give IELTS Speaking Part 3 feedback!
Hey! 2 weeks ago Nick and I set you to the challenge of recording your answers to 5 very difficult Speaking Part 3 questions. Today, Nick and I listen to the recordings sent by our our listeners to give feedback. We will considerthe quality of the students' ideas (and how they could be improved)the appropriacy of the vocabulary used in the responsesthe impact of L1 on pronunciationthe affect of small grammar errors on a test-takers's scoreThank you to everybody who sent us a recording - we will email everybody who did not appear on the show with feedback this week.Useful Links Join our next intensive speaking course: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/speakingIntroduction to IELTS Speaking http://blog.myieltsclassroom.com/introduction-to-ielts-speaking/Rate  and review My IELTS ClassroomIf you are on Apple Podcasts, help us to help more people just like you by rating and reviewing our show. Reviews let other students - just like you - find our information-packed episodes and start their IELTS journey in the best possible way. Remember, My IELTS Classroom offers a range of IELTS services:IELTS Video courses: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/writingIELTS Essay Corrections:https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/markingIELTS Speaking lessons: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/speakingFree blog lessons: http://blog.myieltsclassroom.comFree Podcast episodes: https://myieltsclassroom.buzzsprout.comSupport the show
IELTS Speaking Part 3 (Rerun)
Mar 14 2023
IELTS Speaking Part 3 (Rerun)
Hey! We have a technical difficulty here at My IELTS Classroom - the wind is blowing a gale and it has knocked out Shelly's Wifi, so Nick and I couldn't record an episode this week. Therefore, we are re-running our original episode on Speaking Part 3. That way, you can listen to this episode and last week's episode and then take part in our free Speaking Part 3 feedback. If you want to take part in next week's episode, you can record your answers to the IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions at the start of this blog post:  https://blog.myieltsclassroom.com/unlock-ielts-speaking-part-3-questions/Episode NotesIn IELTS Speaking  Part 3, the focus moves away from you to the world around you. This means that you must be able to  speak about abstract topics, which is not easy even for high-level test takers. In this episode, Nick and I explain how to approach Part 3 well by looking at the types of question you will be asked, the common topics covered, and the right and wrong way to answer the questions in this part of the test. We will discuss The basic facts about Speaking Part 3What type of language you will need to address the questionsWhat good responses to the questions in this part of the test look likeCommon topics in IELTS Speaking Part 3What to do if you have no ideas for a questionUseful Links Join our next intensive speaking course: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/speakingIntroduction to IELTS Speaking http://blog.myieltsclassroom.com/introduction-to-ielts-speaking/Rate  and review My IELTS ClassroomIf you are on Apple Podcasts, help us to help more people just like you by rating and reviewing our show. Reviews let other students - just like you - find our information-packed episodes and start their IELTS journey in the best possible way. Remember, My IELTS Classroom offers a range of IELTS services:IELTS Video courses: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/writingIELTS Essay Corrections:https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/markingIELTS Speaking lessons: https://www.myieltsclassroom.com/pages/speakingFree blog lessons: http://blog.myieltsclassroom.comFree Podcast episodes: https://myieltsclassroom.buzzsprout.comSupport the show