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FULL IELTS Academic Exam: Student Sample & Our Feedback

First, we display their band score, followed by detailed feedback to help improve their writing.

READING Section

Academic Reading - Section 1 Practice Test

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1–13, which are based on Reading Passage 1 below.

The Hidden Sense: Electroreception

A – When you open your eyes in the ocean, it’s challenging to see beyond a blurry green haze. Similarly, sounds are muddled and hard to interpret. Humans would be unable to navigate these underwater environments without specialized tools. Yet, fish appear to move effortlessly in such surroundings. This is largely due to a natural ability called electroreception – a sensory mechanism that allows them to detect and respond to electrical signals. This phenomenon is exclusive to aquatic and amphibious species because water conducts electricity effectively.

B – Electroreception comes in two forms. While all animals, including humans, produce electrical signals due to nervous system activity, some creatures possess a skill known as passive electroreception. This ability lets them sense and interpret electrical signals from other animals, helping them determine the location of these signals' sources.

C – Some animals take this a step further. Those with active electroreception have specific organs that generate electric signals as needed. These signals can serve purposes like communication during mating, marking territory, or finding objects in the water. Active electroreceptors can distinguish between different resistances encountered by their electrical currents, enabling them to identify whether a nearby creature is prey, a threat, or something to ignore. The effective range of active electroreception is usually around the length of the animal's body, providing just enough time to decide whether to escape or attack.

D – A remarkable example of active electroreception is a behavior called the Jamming Avoidance Response, observed in weakly electric fish. When two such fish encounter each other using the same signal frequency, they adjust their frequencies so that each emits a distinct one. This adjustment prevents interference between their electroreceptive abilities. Long before humans faced overlapping frequencies in radio communication, these fish had already developed a peaceful and efficient way to resolve such conflicts.

E – Electroreception also plays a vital role in self-defense for some species. For instance, ray embryos develop inside protective egg cases attached to the ocean floor. To breathe, they continuously move their tails, pumping water through the case. However, if their electroreceptors detect a predator nearby, the embryo stops moving, halting its electrical signals to avoid detection. Over time, these embryos have evolved to react specifically to the signals produced by predators like sharks, ignoring less threatening marine life.

F – Many people are hesitant to swim in the ocean because of sharks, and their concerns are somewhat valid. Humans lack effective electroreceptive defenses, whereas sharks have an exceptional ability to hunt using this sense. Sharks initially locate prey through their powerful sense of smell, which takes up a significant portion of their brainpower. As they close in, they rely on electrical signals to ensure precise attacks. This ability is so advanced that sharks can even hunt while blind, retracting their eyes to protect them during a strike.

G – When humans are bitten by sharks, it’s often a case of mistaken identity. Sharks cannot use electroreception to determine if their prey is suitable, so they rely on a "test bite" strategy, taking a bite or two to assess whether the catch is worth eating. Since human muscle is less appealing than the fatty flesh of seals, sharks often lose interest. However, if a human starts bleeding, the increased electrical activity from salt in the blood can trigger further attacks, potentially leading to a feeding frenzy. In areas prone to shark attacks, scientists are investigating artificial electroreceptors to confuse and repel sharks, enhancing swimmer safety.

H – Despite significant discoveries, much about electroreception remains unknown. While researchers have observed how this ability influences hunting, defense, and communication, the neurological processes behind these behaviors are not yet fully understood. Additionally, scientists are examining how electroreception may aid navigation. One theory suggests that salt water and the Earth's magnetic fields create electrical currents that some species, like sharks, might use to guide their long migrations.

Questions

  1. Which paragraph (A-H) contains the following information: How might electroreception assist fish in reproduction?
  2. Which paragraph (A-H) contains the following information: A potential way electroreception could be used to aid humans?
  3. Which paragraph (A-H) contains the following information: The name for the ability to detect but not generate electrical signals?
  4. Which paragraph (A-H) contains the following information: Why do only aquatic or amphibious animals possess electroreceptive abilities?
  5. Which paragraph (A-H) contains the following information: How might electroreception help animals navigate across vast distances?
  6. Which paragraph (A-H) contains the following information: An explanation of how certain fish avoid interfering with each other’s electric signals?

True/False/Not Given

Respond with T for True, F for False, or N for Not Given:

Sentence Completion

Complete the sentence below using one word only:

Sharks rely on electroreception for a precise strike when they are close to their ________.

Scientists are researching whether electroreception might play a role in animal ________.

Student's Answers

C, G, B, A, D, H

T, F, F, N, T

mouth, life

Band Score Feedback

Your Band Score: 3

Supplementary Feedback via Our Tool

Here’s an analysis of the student’s IELTS Academic Reading performance, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and providing actionable feedback for improvement:

Performance Summary

Strengths

Areas for Improvement & Recommendations

1. Paragraph Matching Errors (Questions 5 & 6)
2. True/False/Not Given Mistakes (Questions 7, 8, & 10)
3. Sentence Completion Mistakes (Questions 12 & 13)

Final Recommendations for Improvement

Final Thoughts

The student has a solid foundational understanding of the passage but struggles with question interpretation and precision in answer selection. By practicing keyword matching, refining their approach to True/False/Not Given questions, and improving sentence completion strategies, they can significantly boost their IELTS Reading score.

LISTENING Section

EXAM QUESTIONS:

Write ONE WORD ONLY for the answer:

______ provided for ALL staff:

Write ONE WORD ONLY for the answer:

A ______ is offered during weekdays at all Milo's Restaurants:

Write ONE WORD ONLY for the answer:

______ provided after midnight:

Write ONE WORD ONLY for the answer:

Employees must care about maintaining a high standard of ______ in all aspects of their work:

Write ONE WORD ONLY for the answer:

Candidates must have a qualification in ______ to be eligible for the position:

Write ONE WORD ONLY for the answer:

The role is located at ______ Street:

Write ONE WORD ONLY for the answer:

The position of Breakfast Supervisor involves checking portions and other responsibilities, with a starting salary of ______:

What are the main reasons this land was selected for the housing project?

Which aspect of the proposed housing project has received positive feedback?

What is the primary factor in choosing this location for the housing project?

What is one of the challenges faced with the site of the housing development?

Where will the supermarket be located within the development?

What feature of the development will be located next to the row of houses for residents aged 65 and over?

Why do the students consider the Laki eruption of 1783 to be so significant?

What surprised Adam about the observations made at the time of the eruption?

According to Michelle, what did the contemporary sources mention about the Laki haze?

Adam corrects Michelle when she claims that Benjamin Franklin:

Which aspect of the Laki eruption’s aftermath surprised the students?

What was one of the severe consequences of the Laki eruption in Iceland?

What unusual weather event was reported in the USA following the eruption?

STUDENT ANSWERS:

Training, Meals, Uniforms, Organization, English, Wivenhoe, £9.25, A, B, C, B, D, C, D, A, A, D, D, C, A, B

Band Score Feedback

Your Band Score: 2.5

Supplementary Feedback via Our Tool

Here’s an analysis of the student's IELTS Listening exam performance, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

Strengths:

Weaknesses and Areas for Improvement:

  1. Difficulty with Specific Details (Names, Addresses, and Spelling): Mishearing or missing out on spelled-out words (e.g., W-I-V-E-N-H-O-E). Struggled with precise location details, which are essential for map-based and multiple-choice questions.
  2. Struggles with Synonyms and Paraphrasing: In Part 2, the student might have struggled when the speaker used different wording than expected (e.g., "steep slope" instead of "challenging terrain"). IELTS listening often paraphrases the questions, so missing out on synonymous phrases can lead to incorrect answers.
  3. Trouble with Fast-Paced Information (Numbers and Dates): In Part 1, the student had some difficulty with monetary values and time-related details (e.g., "9 pounds and 75 pence increasing to 11 pounds and 25 pence"). Dates like 1783 in Part 3 might have required repetition for full understanding.
  4. Difficulty with Map/Diagram Labelling (Part 2): Misinterpreting directional phrases such as "bordered to the south by the main road" and "adjacent to these houses" could have caused errors.
  5. Issues with Long Explanations (Listening for Key Information in Part 3): Part 3 included a discussion about scientific causes and effects. The student might have lost track of long sentences, affecting answer accuracy.

Improvement Tips:

Final Advice:

By addressing these areas, the student can significantly improve their IELTS Listening score.

WRITING SECTION

Question: Some people believe that schools should teach students financial management, while others think this is unnecessary.Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people say that financial management should be in school subject because it is very important for life. They believe that learning about money from young age helps students to manage their spending and saving in future. Also, it can help them understand how to use bank accounts, credit cards, and even how to invest money.

However, others think that financial management is not necessary in school. They believe that students already have too many subjects to study, and this will make school harder for them. Parents can also teach children about money at home, and they will learn more when they grow up and start working.

In my opinion, it is good to teach financial management in school because many young people do not know how to handle money. If schools teach this subject, students can learn to make better decisions about their money and not waste it.

(Word count: 150)

Band Score Feedback

Your Band Score: 5

Why this is Band 5:

Supplementary Feedback via Our Tool

Analysis of the Band 5 Answer and Suggestions for Improvement

The student’s response demonstrates an attempt to address the topic but falls short in several key areas. Below is an analysis of the weaknesses and suggestions for improvement.

1. Task Response (Band 5.0) – Limited Development of Ideas

The essay touches on both sides of the argument but lacks depth. The reasoning is too general and does not include specific examples or explanations.

The student states that financial management is important but does not explain why it is crucial or provide real-world examples.

🔹 How to Improve:

Instead of saying: "Learning about money from a young age helps students to manage their spending and saving in the future."

Try: "If students learn about financial management early, they can develop good habits such as budgeting their monthly allowance, which will help them avoid debt in adulthood."

2. Coherence & Cohesion (Band 5.0) – Weak Logical Flow

The essay has some structure, but the ideas are not well-connected. Transitions between sentences are basic and sometimes unclear.

The conclusion is abrupt and does not effectively summarize the main points.

🔹 How to Improve:

Use better linking words to improve flow. Instead of: "However, others think that financial management is not necessary in school."

Try: "On the other hand, some argue that financial management should not be part of the school curriculum because students already have a heavy workload."

Also, a better conclusion would restate the main idea more clearly:

"In conclusion, financial management should be taught in schools to help students develop good money habits. While parents can teach this at home, a structured school program ensures that all students gain this essential skill."

3. Lexical Resource (Band 5.0) – Simple and Repetitive Vocabulary

The student uses basic vocabulary, repeating words like money, financial management, school, students frequently.

There is little variety in word choice, which makes the essay sound monotonous.

🔹 How to Improve:

Try using synonyms and more precise terms. For example:

Instead of “learning about money”, say “developing financial literacy.”

Instead of “handle money”, say “manage personal finances.”

4. Grammar & Sentence Structure (Band 5.0) – Frequent Errors and Simple Sentences

The student relies on short, simple sentences, which limit the complexity of the ideas expressed.

There are grammatical mistakes, such as:

❌ "They believe that learning about money from young age helps students to manage their spending and saving in future."

✅ "They believe that learning about money from a young age helps students manage their spending and savings in the future."

🔹 How to Improve:

Use more complex sentence structures:

Instead of: "Many young people do not know how to handle money. If schools teach this subject, students can learn to make better decisions."

Try: "Since many young people lack financial literacy, incorporating financial management into the curriculum would enable them to make informed decisions about spending and saving."

🔹 Final Recommendations for Improvement

Expand Ideas: Provide specific examples and deeper explanations.

Improve Logical Flow: Use better linking words and transitions.

Enhance Vocabulary: Avoid repetition by using synonyms and advanced terms.

Strengthen Grammar: Use more complex sentences and avoid common grammatical mistakes.

Band 9 Sample Answer

In today’s world, financial literacy is becoming increasingly important, leading to a debate on whether schools should include financial management as part of their curriculum. While some argue that this is an essential life skill that should be taught at an early age, others believe that financial education should be the responsibility of parents or learned through personal experience.

On one hand, incorporating financial management into the school curriculum can equip students with crucial skills for adulthood. Many young people graduate without a clear understanding of budgeting, saving, or investing, which can lead to financial difficulties later in life. Teaching students how to manage their income, avoid debt, and make informed financial decisions can help them develop responsible money habits from an early age. Moreover, in a world where consumerism and digital transactions are prevalent, financial education can prevent reckless spending and poor financial choices.

On the other hand, some argue that schools already have an overloaded curriculum, and adding financial management would place an unnecessary burden on students. They believe that subjects like mathematics and economics already provide the necessary foundation for financial literacy. Furthermore, parents play a key role in teaching their children financial responsibility through practical experiences such as managing allowances or discussing household expenses. Additionally, many life skills, including financial management, are best learned through real-world experience rather than theoretical lessons in a classroom.

In my opinion, financial management should be introduced in schools as a fundamental life skill. While parents can provide guidance, a structured approach to financial education ensures that all students, regardless of their background, have equal access to this knowledge. By integrating financial literacy into the curriculum, we can better prepare young people for the complexities of adult life and foster a financially responsible society.

(Word count: 270)

Why This is a Band 9 Answer:

SPEAKING Section

A Part of the Conversation:

Question 1:

What is your favorite time of the day, and why?
Think about your daily routine and describe what makes this time special or enjoyable for you.

Ans: Hmm.. My favorite time of the day is the mornings.. because I like mornings.. I like coffee.. I like drinking coffee and sunshine.. so mornings.. yes.

Question 2:

Describe a book or movie that left a lasting impression on you.
You should say:

  • What it is about
  • Why it impressed you
  • How it influenced your thinking or behavior

Ans: I love the movie Skyfall.. because it is hmm.. aa.. an action movie.. I like action movies.. there are so many good players... no hmm actors. So, I really like that film.. it is about a man trying to beat bad people.. it impressed me because he wins.. yes. That is.

Question 3:

What are some challenges people face when moving to a new city or country?
Include examples and discuss how these challenges might be overcome.

Ans 3: When people go to another city, there are cultural differences that are hard to learn.. hmmm.. roads.. you don’t know the place, the roads.. the map.. so you fail.. aa hmm language, yes language can be a problem too.. so you don’t know how to speak or communicate, so you feel lonely.. lonely, sorry yes.

Question 4:

Some people believe that technology has made our lives easier, while others think it has made life more complicated. What is your opinion?
Discuss both perspectives and provide reasons for your answer.

Ans 4: I really believe that technology has made our lives easier. Why? Because I use technology, people use technology every day in hospitals, we use phones, and communicate with our family. Others may not think it’s that useful because of radiation.. yes, thanks.

End of the speaking exam...

Band Score Feedback

Your Band Score: 3

Supplementary Feedback via Our Tool

Here's a detailed analysis of the student's speaking skills along with specific feedback for improvement:

Strengths:

  • Basic Communication Ability – The student can express their thoughts and ideas, even though the structure and clarity need improvement.
  • Attempting to Answer Questions – The student tries to answer each question rather than staying silent, which is good for confidence-building.

Areas for Improvement and Suggestions:

1. Grammar & Sentence Structure Issues

The student's sentences are grammatically incorrect and lack proper structure.

Example: "My favorite time of the day is the mornings.. because I like mornings.. I like coffee.. I like drink coffee and sunshine.. so mornings.. yes."

Corrected Version: "My favorite time of the day is the morning because I enjoy drinking coffee and feeling the sunshine. Mornings make me feel refreshed."

Tip: Use complete sentences and avoid repetition.

Example: "I love movie Skyfall.. because it is hmm..aa.. an action movie.. I am liking action movies.. there is so many good players. No hmm actors."

Corrected Version: "I love the movie Skyfall because it is an action movie. I really enjoy action movies, and this one has many great actors."

Tip: Learn the correct verb tenses ("I like" instead of "I am liking"). Also, improve vocabulary ("actors" instead of "players").

2. Fluency & Hesitations

The student pauses too much ("hmm.. aa.. hmm.. yes.."), making their speech sound unnatural.

Suggestion:

  • Practice speaking aloud in full sentences without stopping.
  • Record yourself speaking and listen for hesitations.
  • Try speaking slowly but smoothly.

3. Vocabulary & Word Choice

The student uses very simple words and sometimes incorrect words.

Example: "It impress me because he winss.. yes. that is."

Corrected Version: "It impressed me because the main character wins against the bad guys. It was exciting to watch."

Tip: Expand your vocabulary by reading and listening to English content (movies, books, podcasts).

4. Pronunciation & Clarity

Some words are unclear due to mispronunciation ("coffe" instead of "coffee", "fell lone" instead of "feel lonely").

Tip:

  • Practice pronouncing difficult words.
  • Use an English dictionary or Google Translate to listen to the correct pronunciation.
  • Speak slowly and clearly.

5. Coherence & Organization

The student’s ideas jump from one point to another without logical connections.

Example: "When people goes to another city it is cultural difference so hard to learn.. hmmm.. roads.. you don’t know the place, the roads.. the map.. so you fail.. aa hmm language yes language it can be problem too.. so you don’t know how to speak communicate so you fell lone.. lonely sorry yes."

Corrected Version: "When people move to a new city, they face many challenges. First, cultural differences can be difficult to adapt to. Second, they may not know the roads or places, which can be confusing. Finally, language can be a big problem. If you cannot communicate well, you may feel lonely."

Tip: Organize your thoughts before speaking. Use words like "First, second, finally" to structure your answer.

Final Recommendations

  • ✅ Practice full sentences. Avoid short, incomplete answers.
  • ✅ Reduce hesitation. Think about your answer before speaking.
  • ✅ Expand vocabulary. Learn new words and use them in sentences.
  • ✅ Improve pronunciation. Listen to native speakers and repeat after them.
  • ✅ Organize answers. Use a simple structure (Introduction → Explanation → Example → Conclusion).

With practice, the student will improve their fluency, grammar, and confidence in speaking! 🎯

Start improving now! Our IELTS Academic Exam Preparation and IELTS General Exam Preparation includes full exam simulations, band score calculation, and expert feedback to enhance your IELTS skills. Access free practice for the Reading and Listening sections, and take the Writing and Speaking exams with additional feedback for each section, powered by our tool, for just $5. Experience full, real exam-style practice with personalized insights for only $5!

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