Term 1 Speaking Exam

Best viewed in Firefox.
Download the video

Instructions for recording the exam.

IELTS Writing - Task 2 Master Course

Do you want to learn the secrets of the task 2 essay? Do you want to write an amazing essay that will help you achieve the highest mark possible? Through this IELTS Writing Task 2 Master Course, you can.


Lesson 1 - Writing the Introduction

Lesson 2 - Writing the body paragraph.

Lesson 3 - Practicing body paragraphs.

Lesson 4 - Guided practice for a full essay.

Lesson 5 - Editing and rewriting.

Lesson 6 - Adding style to your writing.

Lesson 7 - Practicing style in writing.

IELTS Writing - Finding a Meaning of a Chart or Graph

In groups of three, please download this activity, (Chart and Graph 1) then define the groups, and develop an overview for the graph. You will be expected to present your answer to the class. Please submit individual copies, but be sure to write the names of your group members on your submission.

As individuals, please open this online activity,  (Chart and Graph 2) and define the groups and develop an overview for two sets of charts and graphs.

System-Wide Quiz Preparation

The system wide quizzes are coming up, and to help you prepare, I am going to post a bunch of resources here over the next day or so. I'll have videos, and links to a ton of stuff.

First, let's start practicing True, False, and Not Given questions.

When you're done that, watch the video below, then here are some more TFNG activities.

Download the video

IELTS Reading - TFNG - Self-Study 01
IELTS Reading - TFNG - Self-Study 02
IELTS Reading - TFNG - Self-Study 03
IELTS Reading - TFNG - Self-Study 04
IELTS Reading - TFNG - Self-Study 05

Focus on IELTS - Chapter 2 Activities

First up is Listening!

Listening 1

Listening 2

Please download these files, listen to the audio tracks, and complete the activities.

Next up is... Writing!

Writing 1

Task 1 Vocabulary 01

Task 1 Vocabulary 02

Task 1 Vocabulary 03

Task 1 Challenge

Now for some Speaking!

Speaking 03

Speaking 04

And finally...

It's time to challenge you at reading, as well as build up your Academic Vocabulary

Building Academic Vocabulary 01 (When you are finished, check your answers here)

Choosing Headings Pre-Quiz

How good are you at choosing headings?

Well, in preparation for the quiz this week, take this choosing headings pre-quiz!

When you are finished, ask the teacher to show you the results. 


Download the video

Multiple Choice Question Pre-Quiz

How good are you at multiple choice questions?

Well, in preparation for the quiz this week, take this multiple choice question pre-quiz!

When you are finished, as the teacher to show you the results.

Download the video

Short-Answer Question Pre-Quiz

How good are you at short answer questions?

Well, in preparation for the quiz this week, take this short answer question pre-quiz!

When you are finished, as the teacher to show you the results.

Download the video

Focus on IELTS - Chapter 1 Activities

While our new e-textbooks are wonderful, it can be kind of difficult to answer any of the questions, because we can only view them in the browser, and cannot write, modify, or download them. So what we've done is created activity sheets connected to the activities in your textbook.

These files are .pdfs. If you open them with Preview, you can write your answers right on to the .pdfs, after which you can save them and submit them.

Here are all the activities for chapter 1.

Speaking 01

Watch the explanation video.

Download the video

Watch an excellent example by students!

Download the video

Speaking 02

Watch the explanation video.

Download the video

Watch an excellent example by students!

Download the video

Reading 01

Reading 02

Vocabulary 01

Getting Started with Our New Text Book

Hello grade 12! Our new textbook this year is called "Focus on IELTS" by Sue O'Connell.

This book is published by Pearson, and we can access it online at Pearson eText.

Today you need to log in to this website, and show your English teacher that you can access the text.

Once that is done, it is time for a small warm-up activity!



Classwork 1
Question Sheet
Answer Sheet

Homework 1
Reading 1

Let's get started!

Welcome back, grade 12!

As you know, the date for the IELTS exam approaches quickly, and you're going to have to do a lot to prepare.

Let's start by getting back into the swing of things, and do some practice activities.

Here are two practice tests. One is for listening, and one is for reading. Download them, do them, then self mark them and determine your band.

Listening Practice Test

Reading Practice Test

IELTS Reading - Pre-Quiz Quiz!

It is time to prepare for the system wide quiz for Term 3. Here is a practice quiz that will help us see your level!

IELTS Reading - Term 3 SWQ1 Pre-Quiz (YNNG, Short Answers)

IELTS Reading - Yes No Not Given

Figuring out opinions and the positions of writers can be tricky. On the IELTS Exam, on of the hardest question types to answer is "Task Type 8". Type eight has two forms - True/False/Not Given, and Yes/No/Not Given. It is the Yes/No/Not Given questions that focus on opinion based writing, and consequently, are some of the trickiest questions to answer.

Let's Practice!

Environment 01 (PDF)
Environment 02 (PDF)

Project - Applying to a University

It will soon be time to go to university, so you have a big job ahead of you. Four our project this term, you will go through the process of Choosing a University, and then writing a University Admissions Essay.

The project will be split up into two parts, each worth 15 marks.

Part 1
Open Applying to a University - Part 1 and submit it by May 13th.

Part 2
Open Applying to a University - Part 2 and submit it by May 30th.

Term 3 Classwork - Tech Help!

Because the Term 3 assignment has so many parts, with different software, it is understandable if you might need a little tech help! Below, you will find a video show you how to create your survey using Google Forms, a link to a package of iMovie tutorials, and a link to a package of Keynote tutorials.

iMovie is what you will use to edit your creative video. If iMovie is new to you, don't worry. Just download this package of tutorials and get started!

Keynote is an extremely useful, versatile, and flexible program. It will be the main program you will use to create your presentations. If Keynote is new to you, just download this set of tutorials and get started!.

Google Forms is what you will use to create your survey! Just watch the video below to learn how.

Best viewed using Firefox.
Download the video

Term 3 Classwork

Listening - Al Gores New Thinking on the Climate Crisis

Listen as Al Gore explains what has changed in climate science. (27:53)
Best viewed using Firefox.
Download the video

Respond to the video here.

Listening - Al Gore Warns on Latest Climate Trends

Listen to Al Gore talk about the latest concerns in climate science. (7:49)

Best viewed using Firefox.
Download the video

Respond to the video here.

Listening - Al Gore on Averting Climate Change

Listen as Al Gore explains how we can avoid climate change. (16:15)

Best viewed using Firefox.
Download the video

Respond to the video here.

IELTS Mock Exam - April 15th

Best viewed in Firefox.
Download the video

IELTS Listening - Exam Practice

The hardest part of the IELTS exam is often the listening portion. In order to help you get in shape for this exam, we have some practice exams for you to attempt.

The files include the audio tracks, and the answer keys, so you can check your own scores.

Practice Exam 01

Practice Exam 02

Practice Exam 03

IELTS Speaking - Examples of Part 3

Loading from LongTail.tv...

Download the video

IELTS Speaking - Examples of Part 2

Loading from LongTail.tv...

Download the video

IELTS Speaking - Examples of Part 1

Loading from LongTail.tv...

Download the video

Levels of Agreement and Disagreement

Okay, so you are writing your agree/disagree essay, but the question is, by how much do you agree or disagree? Basic agreement or disagreement is easy, but it shows real style and understanding to show by how much you agree or disagree.

This is called "adding nuance" to your writing. This is a good thing.

Today we are going to learn about agreeing or disagree strongly, mildly, and also with concessions.

IELTS Writing - Levels of Agreement and Disagreement

Adding Style to Your Writing

What is is that separates the band 6 to 7 essay from the band 8 to 9?

In a word - STYLE.

Style is a hard concept to grasp. What is style? Is it any one thing? Can you point to it? Repeat it? Duplicate it?

Style in fashion is always changing, but style in writing is not. Style in writing can be learned, and today we are going to practice that.

IELTS Writing - From Structure to Style 01

IELTS Writing - From Structure to Style 02

Writing a Better Introduction

When you take the IELTS exam, even though you may have spent 40 minutes slaving over your essay, the examiner may only spend a minute or two reading it before deciding the band.

When time is so tight, first impressions count! So in order to help ensure you get the highest mark you can, you need to make the best impression possible, right from the beginning. And in order to do this, you need to write an excellent introduction.

Today that is what we are going to practice.

IELTS Writing - Putting Together an Introduction

Planning An Essay Answer

The hardest thing to do when writing is to just GET GOING. What do you write? How do you answer the question?

Today we are going to practice planning an answer for an essay.

IELTS Writing - Planning an Answer

2011-2012 Term 2 Project

There are 4 parts to the project. 


1) Vocabulary (5 marks)
2) Grammar (5 marks)
3) Reading (10 marks)
4) Writing (10 marks)

IELTS Reading - Sentence Completion

Hey all! Now it is time for possibly the very hardest question type on the IELTS exam - Sentence Completion.

There are TWO versions of sentence completion, and one of those two can seem impossibly difficult. But don't worry, with practice, you will get the hang of it!

Today we are going to tart of with two "Sentence Completion" style activities.

A) Sentence Completion 01

B) Sentence Completion 02

IELTS Reading - Labeling a Diagram

Labeling a diagram can be pretty tough, so we thought it was high time for a little practice!

Here are some activities where you have to first read a text, then label a diagram, using information from the text!

A) Labeling a Diagram 01

B) Labeling a Diagram 02

C) Labeling a Diagram 03

Listening - Moon Landing

Time for some more Six Minute English!

Today we get to learn a little bit about the Moon Landing.

Download today's activity!

Listening - Mobile Phones

Time for some Six Minute English!

Today you will listen to a talk about Mobile Phones. After listening, complete the activity!

Six Minute English - Mobile Phones

Speaking - Comparing and Contrasting

How do we compare things that are similar? How do we contrast things that are different?

Today we will practice the art of comparing a contrasting, a vital skill required for success in the IELTS Speaking exam.

So, without further adieu, let's get started!

Please download the activity.

Speaking - Talking About Technology

Today you will need to find a partner.

Your task is to do a video recording with your partner, where you each take turns attempting an IELTS Speaking Part 2 task. The subject is technology.

Please download the activity and begin!

Reading - Finding Details

Today were are going to be reading about technology, and looking for specific details from each text. All the questions are IELTS style, but focused on specific information. Here are your assignments!

1) Finding Details 01

2) Finding Details 02

Indispensable (To Me)

What technology would you say you just can't live without?

Today I want you to do the following:

A) Find three pictures, showing specific gadgets or technology you use everyday. These should be important to you.

B) Do a screen recording, where you show the pictures and talk about why each item is so important to you.

Here is an example by another student!

Loading from LongTail.tv...

TECHNOLOGY

Are you a technophile or a technophobe?

Meaning of technophobe:
technophobe [ˈtɛknəʊˌfəʊb]

n

1. (Sociology) someone who fears the effects of technological development on society and the environment

2. someone who is afraid of using technological devices, such as computers....

A segment of the population that tends to be the most technophobe, is completely lost on the masters of the information society. ..."

So, gentlemen being technophile is the solution. Read the text : "In the palm of your hand" given on page 31 of your IELTS Course book and complete the tasks for your homework.

Listening - Cyber Crime

Today we are going to listen to a conversation with an FBI agent who will talk about the subject of "Cyber Crime". Here is what you have to do!

A) Download the activity files.

B) Open to the .mp3 and listen to the conversation.

C) Complete the vocabulary activity.

D) Complete the main activity, which includes IELTS formatted questions.

IELTS Speaking - Making Notes

Hello!

Today we will practice "taking notes" for the IELTS Speaking Exam - Part 2.

Please download this Keynote file, and get started!

IELTS Speaking - Conversation Practice

Conversation practice time!

Today I want you to find a partner, and at least one of you must have a laptop.

Using iMovie or Quicktime, you are going to record you and your partner having a conversation. One of you will ask questions, and one of you will answer. Then you will switch!

Download this activity, and decide who is going to ask what questions. Then begin!

IELTS Speaking - Part 2 Practice

Hello! The IELTS exam is coming ever closer, so now it is time to focus on our core skills. Today we will practice the 2nd part of the IELTS speaking exam.

Here is what you will do:

A) Download this activity, and follow the instructions inside.

B) Make sure you hand it in!

*Today we are using MS Word's "Notebook" layout. This allows us to add "Audio Notes" to our assignments. This might be new for some of you, so don;t be afraid to ask for help.

New Year's Recollections

Good morning Grade 12! I hope you had a great holiday and a Happy New Year.

Let's start things off with something fun.

You assignment is to do a screen recording, where you:

A) Go to this website

B) Watch the slideshow and comment on the pictures. You need to read the caption, and tell me a few things about what is happening in the picture, or where it is taking place.

C) Remember to "Save As" iPod format before handing it in!