8 Tips for Understanding and Interpreting Data in IELTS Writing

Good day everyone. We're now going to start sharing tips with regard to IELTS writing.

Today, you'll be receiving some pointers whenever you encounter a task 1 question that would require you to understand and interpret data. Read on:

1. When you see graphs, make it a point to understand what the axes are evaluating or computing.

2. When you see bar and pie charts, always find and understand the key which provides you with info about the bars or areas.

3. When you see tables, remember to identify their key features. You do this by carefully browsing through the data supplied in the rows and the columns.

4. An outline would help you organize your thoughts.

5. Please note that you shouldn't spend more than 20 minutes on Task 1.

6. Always cite relevant supporting data.

7. Write at least 150 words.

8. It is recommended that you give yourself a few minutes to check your work.

Next week, some pointers for organizing and selecting data would be posted here.

Cheers. :)

Other IELTS writing tips:

• 8 Tips for Understanding and Interpreting Data in the IELTS Writing Module
• 6 Tips for Organizing and Selecting Data in the IELTS Writing Module
• 6 Tips for Comparing Data in the IELTS Writing Module
• 7 Tips for Describing a Process or Object in the IELTS Writing Module
• 6 Tips for Presenting and Justifying an Opinion in the IELTS Writing Module
• 3 Tips for Comparing and Contrasting Opinions, Evidence, and Implications in the IELTS Writing Module
• 3 Tips for Providing Solutions to a Problem in the IELTS Writing Module
• 5 Tips for Evaluating and Challenging Ideas in the IELTS Writing Module

Phrasal verb: show off

"show off"

Meaning: act extra special for people watching (usually boastfully)

Example: Jim always shows off his new magic tricks.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
figure (something) out
get away with (something)
hang in

Idiom: a snap

"a snap"

Meaning: something that's very easy to do

Example: I didn't have a hard time answering the exam. In fact, I felt that it was actually a snap.


Last week's idioms:
every other
fender-bender
get on (one's) nerves
hassle (verb)
in the black

Phrasal verb: run out

"run out"

Meaning: have none left

Example: We ran out of microfiber detergent so I had to wash the remaining towels with dishwashing liquid.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
figure (something) out
get away with (something)
hang in

Idiom: rub (someone) the wrong way

"rub (someone) the wrong way"

Meaning: irritate someone; bother or annoy someone

Example: Our neighbor plays loud music every morning. The noise sometimes rubs me the wrong way.


Last week's idioms:
every other
fender-bender
get on (one's) nerves
hassle (verb)
in the black

Phrasal verb: pay (someone) back

"pay (someone) back"

Meaning: return owed money

Example: Thanks for loaning us the money. We'll pay you back on the 31st of this month.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
figure (something) out
get away with (something)
hang in

Idiom: pretty

pretty (adv.)

Meaning: rather; somewhat

Example: That exam was pretty hard. I hope we make it.


Last week's idioms:
every other
fender-bender
get on (one's) nerves
hassle (verb)
in the black

Phrasal verb: look for (someone/something)

"look for (someone/something)"

Meaning: try to find

Example: He's looking for a new wireless keyboard for his PC.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
figure (something) out
get away with (something)
hang in

Idiom: live from hand to mouth

"live from hand to mouth"

Meaning: survive on very little money; have only enough money to pay for basic needs

Example: For many years, Rick's family was living from hand to mouth before they achieved financial success.


Last week's idioms:
every other
fender-bender
get on (one's) nerves
hassle (verb)
in the black

Idiom: keep/stay in touch (with someone)

"keep/stay in touch (with someone)"

Meaning: remain informed (about someone) / in contact (with someone) by writing, calling, sending e-mail, etc. on a regular basis

Example: Liz is now living in Canada, but we keep (stay) in touch through Facebook.


Last week's idioms:
every other
fender-bender
get on (one's) nerves
hassle (verb)
in the black

5 Tips for Classification/Matching Type Questions in IELTS Reading

Today, you'll be seeing some tips and strategies for answering matching and classification types of questions in IELTS reading. Here they are:

1. Always skim the reading passage to get its general idea.

2. With regard to matching, you would be given statements to match with people, or vice versa. Here, your goal would be to find the information about the people/statements in the passage.

3. On the other hand, when it comes to classification, your goal would be to find the relevant part of the passage.

4. Search carefully for key words and phrases in the statements, then look for the same/similar names or ideas in the passage.

5. Finally, for classification types of questions, discover the most suitable category. Do remember though that a particular category could be used more than once, while some categories might not be used at all.

Next week, we'll be starting to share sets of techniques that you could use in IELTS writing.

Cheers. :)

Other IELTS reading tips:

• 5 Tips for Sentence Completion Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 4 Tips for Multiple Choice Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 6 Tips for Choosing Headings in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Multiple Choice (Multiple Answer) Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Notes/Summary Completion Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Identifying Information and the Writer's Views in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Diagram/Flow Chart Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Classification and Matching Type Questions in the IELTS Reading Module

Watch these 3 annoying online punctuation lapses

-The ellipsis (...)
-The m-dash (--)
-The period (.)

These are some punctuation marks that many people erroneously use while chatting or communicating online. Andrea Bartz and Brenna Ehrlich (sarcastically and hilariously) talks about them in their article "Watch these 3 annoying online punctuation lapses - CNN.com."

As you may have known, your examiners check for grammatical range and accuracy when they look at your essays in IELTS writing, so it would help browsing through these tips to take advantage of them in your essays.

Go to Watch these 3 annoying online punctuation lapses - CNN.com.

Cheers!

Idiom: in the black

"in the black"

Meaning: profitable; not showing a financial loss

Example: Even though the business has been in the black for several months now, we should continuously study our business expenses to ensure that we're always on top of the situation.


Last week's idioms:
yucky
as easy as pie
be fed up (with someone or something)
change (one's) mind
down in the dumps

Phrasal verb: hang in

"hang in"

Meaning: stay positive

Example: One day you'll meet your special someone. Just hang in there.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
break down
call on (someone)
dress up

Idiom: hassle (verb)

"hassle" (verb)

Meaning: annoy; bother; interrupt one's normal routine

Example: I could get this done on time if you'd stop hassling me.


Last week's idioms:
yucky
as easy as pie
be fed up (with someone or something)
change (one's) mind
down in the dumps

Phrasal verb: get away with (something)

"get away with (something)"

Meaning: do without being noticed or punished

Example: Study hard. Quit cutting class because you'll never get away it.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
break down
call on (someone)
dress up

Idiom: get on (one's) nerves

"get on (one's) nerves"

Meaning: irritate someone; make someone upset

Example: Well, the muffler looks great, but the loud sound it makes is starting to get on my nerves.


Last week's idioms:
yucky
as easy as pie
be fed up (with someone or something)
change (one's) mind
down in the dumps

Phrasal verb: figure (something) out

"figure (something) out

Meaning: understand, find the answer

Example: We need to figure out how to remove the waterspots on the paint of Dave's car.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
break down
call on (someone)
dress up

Idiom: fender-bender

"fender-bender"

Meaning: car/automobile accident

Example: A fender-bender near the 35th exit was the cause of the heavy traffic along the eastbound lane this morning.


Last week's idioms:
yucky
as easy as pie
be fed up (with someone or something)
change (one's) mind
down in the dumps

Idiom: every other _____

"every other _____ "

Meaning: alternately; omitting the second one in each group of two

Example: You'll be receiving updates from the team every other day.


Last week's idioms:
yucky
as easy as pie
be fed up (with someone or something)
change (one's) mind
down in the dumps

5 Tips for Diagram/Flow Chart Questions in IELTS Reading

Today, we're going to share the tips to remember when handling Diagram or Flow Charts in the IELTS reading module. Read on:

1. Skim the passage to get its general idea.

2. With flow charts, pay attention to the order in which events happen. With regard to diagrams, on the other hand, understand how the various elements or parts of the picture relate to what is described in the passage.

3. For every stage in the flow chart, or for each element of the diagram, locate that part of the passage which presents the same ideas as those mentioned in the flow chart/diagram.

4. You don't need to write the articles ("a," "an," or "the").

5. Never exceed the word limit, and don't modify the words from the passage.

Next week, things to keep in mind when you see classification or matching-type of questions in the IELTS Reading Module will be posted.

Cheers. :)

Other IELTS reading tips:

• 5 Tips for Sentence Completion Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 4 Tips for Multiple Choice Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 6 Tips for Choosing Headings in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Multiple Choice (Multiple Answer) Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Notes/Summary Completion Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Identifying Information and the Writer's Views in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Diagram/Flow Chart Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Classification and Matching Type Questions in the IELTS Reading Module

What it means when you say "literally"

One criteria we have to keep in mind when it comes to the IELTS is Lexical Resource. The IELTS candidate should not only be familiar with new words and their meanings, but should also be knowledgeable with regard to their proper use.

Here's an informative - and hilarious - comic from The Oatmeal where he discusses something about the word "literally".

He states...




Now that you know what "literally" means, continue reading the rest of The Oatmeal's funny comic so you'd learn how to use it. Go to The Oatmeal - What it means when you say "literally".

Cheers!

Other comics relating to grammar and punctuation from The Oatmeal:
What it means when you say "literally"
When to use "i.e." in a sentence
How to Use an Apostrophe
Ten Words You Need to Stop Misspelling

Phrasal verb: dress up

"dress up"

Meaning: wear nice clothing

Example: We're going to attend a wedding, that's why we have to dress up.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
shop around
take off
wear off

Idiom: down in the dumps

"down in the dumps"

Meaning: depressed; "blue"

Example: I feel kind of down in the dumps. My cat has been missing for days.


Last week's idioms:
sleep on it
tough
update
What for?

Phrasal verb: call on (someone)

"call on (someone)

Meaning: visit someone

Example: Our friends called on you on the eve of your birthday but you weren't home.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
shop around
take off
wear off

Idiom: change (one's) mind

"change (one's) mind"

Meaning: decide to do something different from what had been decided earlier

Example: Riza chose to go to Eastwood City, but changed her mind a few minutes later. She said she'd be going instead to the Bonifacio Global City.


Last week's idioms:
sleep on it
tough
update
What for?

Phrasal verb: break down

"break down"

Meaning: stop functioning (vehicle, machine)

Example: The washing machine broke down. We've got to find someone to fix it.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
shop around
take off
wear off

Idiom: be fed up (with someone or something)

"be fed up with (with someone or something)"

Meaning: be out of patience (with someone or something); be very tired of someone or something.

Example: Jenny is late again for work. The boss is really fed up with her excuses.


Last week's idioms:
sleep on it
tough
update
What for?

Idiom: as easy as pie

"as easy as pie"

Meaning: very easy

Example: Waxing a car is not difficult. In fact, it's as easy as pie. You just have to regularly do it.


Last week's idioms:
sleep on it
tough
update
What for?

Idiom: yucky

"yucky"

Meaning: terrible; distasteful; very unpleasant

Example: Avoid ordering the rice cake at that canteen. It's yucky.


Last week's idioms:
sleep on it
tough
update
What for?

5 Tips for Identifying Information/Writer's Views in IELTS Reading

When you see questions in IELTS reading that require you to determine certain information and the writer's views, keep the following in mind:

1. Skim the reading passage so you would be able to get the general idea of the content.

2. Try to match the statements/questions with the ones contained in the passage. Be careful because the ideas in the statements/questions most probably won't be using the same words in the passage. Your skill of looking for synonyms would be handy here.

3. If the passage doesn't mention the idea expressed in the statements/questions, then choose 'NOT GIVEN'.

4. If the passage happens to mention the exact idea in the statements/questions, then the answer can be a 'YES' or 'TRUE'. It however helps to analyze the meaning of the whole statement/question carefully. These statements/questions could merely be distractors, so pay attention.

5. If the passage either states an idea which is the opposite of the statement/question or gives data which is in conflict with the statement/question, then choose 'NO' or 'FALSE'.

Next week, you'll be seeing some tips for Diagram/Flow Chart Questions in the IELTS Reading Module.

Cheers. :)

Other IELTS reading tips:

• 5 Tips for Sentence Completion Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 4 Tips for Multiple Choice Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 6 Tips for Choosing Headings in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Multiple Choice (Multiple Answer) Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Notes/Summary Completion Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Identifying Information and the Writer's Views in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Diagram/Flow Chart Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Classification and Matching Type Questions in the IELTS Reading Module

Social Media Grammar: The "Checkin" Conundrum

Hello!

Have you ever wondered which of the words - "Check in," "Checkin," "Checked-in," or "Check-ed in" - are correct?

On the other hand, when do you correctly use the words "in to" or "into"?

These would be familiar words to Foursquare users. Sharing the article here in our IELTS blog is however relevant because the said article provides us with useful tips about vocabulary and grammar - 2 of the many things you need for your IELTS review or preparation.

Learn more by reading the article: Social Media Grammar: The "Checkin" Conundrum

Cheers!


N.B. HighPoint IELTS Preparation Services, Inc. is in Foursquare. Check in! :)

Phrasal verb: wear off

"wear off"

Meaning: fade away

Example: The shine on that car's paint wore off because of owner's neglect.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
mix (something) up
pass (something) up
run away

Idiom: What for?

"What for?"

Meaning: Why?

Anne: "May I borrow twenty pesos?"
Kurt: "What for?"


Last week's idioms:
now and then
(on the) cutting edge
pop quiz
read (someone's) mind

Idiom: update

"update"

Meaning: make current; add information to show what has happened recently

Example: May I know the next schedule of this case? I need to update my calendar.


Last week's idioms:
now and then
(on the) cutting edge
pop quiz
read (someone's) mind

Phrasal verb: take off

"take off"

Meaning: start to fly

Example: The F117 Stealth Fighter will take off in five minutes for the air show.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
mix (something) up
pass (something) up
run away

Idiom: tough

"tough"

Meaning: difficult

Example: This year's board exams was really tough. I hope we make it.


Last week's idioms:
now and then
(on the) cutting edge
pop quiz
read (someone's) mind

Phrasal verb: shop around

"shop around"

Meaning: compare prices

Example: I'd like to shop around the electronics store before I decide on a new LCD tv.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
mix (something) up
pass (something) up
run away

Idiom: sleep on it

"sleep on it"

Meaning: take at least a day to think about something before making a decision

Example: The proposal you submitted looks good, but the owners would like to sleep on it before we give you our decision.


Last week's idioms:
now and then
(on the) cutting edge
pop quiz
read (someone's) mind

5 Tips for Notes/Summary Completion in IELTS Reading

Hello. Here are some things for you to remember when it comes to notes or summary completion in the IELTS reading module.

1. Skim so that you'll get a general idea of the passage.

2. When you examine the notes or summary, scan the parts that contain missing information and try to determine what part of speech or kind of information the gaps or blanks need.

3. Scan or look for that part of the passage which is related or relevant to each gap or blank.

4. From the passage, identify the words you need.

5. When you answer, use the correct part of speech, write the needed words as you see them in the passage, and take note of the required number of words.

Next week, we'll share with you some tips questions that require you to identify information and the views of the writer in the IELTS Reading Module.

Cheers. :)

Other IELTS reading tips:

• 5 Tips for Sentence Completion Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 4 Tips for Multiple Choice Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 6 Tips for Choosing Headings in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Multiple Choice (Multiple Answer) Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Notes/Summary Completion Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Identifying Information and the Writer's Views in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Diagram/Flow Chart Questions in the IELTS Reading Module
• 5 Tips for Classification and Matching Type Questions in the IELTS Reading Module

Phrasal verb: run away

"run away"

Meaning: leave unexpectedly, escape

Example: My mom's cat ran away from home. We haven't found her even though we searched around the neighborhood.


Last week's phrasal verbs:
hand (something) over
keep (something) up
look down on (someone)

Idiom: read (someone's) mind

"read (someone's mind)

Meaning: know what someone is thinking

Example: Can you read my mind? Do you know what it is you do to me ? (Superman Theme)


Last week's idioms:
hard-headed
in stock
junk mail
keep (one's) nose to the grindstone
Let sleeping dogs lie.