What do a Kyrgyz tapestry, a washing machine, and a portable speaker have in common? They all became powerful tools for IELTS prep in this week’s Academic English Help live classes. From mastering speaking part 2 to sharpening your reading strategies, here are the biggest takeaways to help you improve your IELTS score.

1. Speaking Tip: Avoid the Common Trap in Part 2

When asked to describe “a piece of technology you use every day,” many students default to their phones. But as Adrian explains, examiners hear this far too often. Instead, stand out by choosing unique, relatable tech—like a washing machine, a portable Bluetooth speaker, or even a rice cooker.

Why this matters: It helps you be more memorable and gives you a chance to use more descriptive, topic-specific vocabulary.

Try this: Next time you practice, describe your microwave or smartwatch instead of your phone. Include size, color, how often you use it, and what would happen if you didn’t have it.

2. Strategy Shift: Start Slow, Then Go Fast in Reading

Many students try to skim the IELTS reading passage too quickly, then get stuck on each question. Adrian’s advice? Read the passage thoroughly first and summarize each paragraph in your own words. Then, when you answer the questions, you’ll recall key information much faster.

Pro tip: When you see fill-in-the-blank questions, don’t commit to an answer right away. Instead, read the text carefully to confirm your choice.

3. Grammar Insight: Control the Passion

In the speaking section, students like Olive gave thoughtful and passionate answers about family planning. However, too much passion can sometimes lead to rambling and unclear structure. Adrian’s tip:

Speak for your listener, not yourself.

Use the strategy:

• Answer the question directly
• Explain with logic
• Support with an example
• Stop and wait

This helps with coherence and fluency—key band descriptors!

4. Vocabulary Building: Everyday Expressions That Boost Your Score

Expressions like “take the world by storm,” “piece of mind,” or “framing the future” aren’t just poetic—they’re exam gold. Use natural idioms (sparingly and appropriately) to showcase your fluency.

Practice example: “Artificial intelligence has taken the world by storm. I use it daily to summarize research articles, which saves me at least an hour each day.”

5. Cultural Context Counts

This week’s reading passage, “Tapestry of Lives,” covered the Kyrgyz tradition of the Tushkiz. While reading, Adrian encouraged students to visualize the object, understand its symbolism, and reflect on how cultural traditions intersect with daily life—a great way to enhance critical thinking for Task 2 writing and Speaking Part 3.

Key takeaway: Don’t just read for answers. Read to learn something.

6. Premium User Reminders:

• Premium users get two extra Zoom classes each week.
• Next Zoom session: Speaking class on Thursday (No class on Friday for Easter).
• Make sure to check your email for links and whitelist aehelp@ieltsvideos.com.

7. Final Words of Encouragement:

Whether you’re practicing describing your hometown, analyzing a Tushkiz, or just trying to avoid saying “you” in your IELTS response, every moment of practice matters. Trust the process, use specific examples, and always speak with your listener in mind.

If you haven’t already, join our full course at AEHelp.com. It’s a one-time payment for lifetime access, and comes with Zoom classes, practice exams, and feedback on writing and speaking tasks.

Email us your speaking recordings to: speaking@aehelp.com
Submit your writing tasks to: writing@aehelp.com

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