FULL IELTS General-Training Exam: Student Sample & Our Feedback

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

READING Section

General-Training Reading - Section 1 Practice Test

This is the first section of the IELTS General Training Reading test, consisting of two texts. Questions 1–8 are based on the first text, while Questions 9–14 relate to the second text.

TEXT I

Emergency Procedures - Updated July 2011

These guidelines are applicable to all individuals within the school grounds:

Evacuation Protocol

TEXT II

Community Education Short Courses: Business

Questions

  1. Choose no more than three words from the text: In case of an emergency, a teacher will either call the office or ___________.
  2. Choose no more than three words from the text: The signal for an evacuation will typically be a series of ___________.
  3. Choose no more than three words from the text: If possible, students should exit the building through the ___________.
  4. Choose no more than three words from the text: They will then proceed promptly to the ___________.
  5. Choose no more than three words from the text: ___________ will be present with the teachers and students in the quad.
  6. Choose no more than three words from the text: Each teacher will count their students and confirm ___________.
  7. Choose no more than three words from the text: After the ___________, everyone can return to their classrooms.
  8. Choose no more than three words from the text: In the event of an emergency during lunchtime, students should assemble in the quad in ___________ and wait for their instructor.
  9. For the following True/False/Not Given questions, please respond with T for True, F for False, or N for Not Given: Business Basics is suitable for novices.
  10. For the following True/False/Not Given questions, please respond with T for True, F for False, or N for Not Given: Bookkeeping does not involve hands-on experience.
  11. For the following True/False/Not Given questions, please respond with T for True, F for False, or N for Not Given: Bookkeeping is meant specifically for experienced students only.
  12. For the following True/False/Not Given questions, please respond with T for True, F for False, or N for Not Given: The New Business Module can assist in improving your business’s profitability.
  13. For the following True/False/Not Given questions, please respond with T for True, F for False, or N for Not Given: Social Media focuses on a particular platform to aid business success.
  14. For the following True/False/Not Given questions, please respond with T for True, F for False, or N for Not Given: The Communication course involves speaking in front of a crowd.

STUDENTS ANSWERS:

send a message
bell rings
closest bags
paved area next
Marshalling Supervisor
attendance
All Clear
business groups
f
t
t
f
f
t

Band Score Feedback

Your Band Score: 4

Supplementary Feedback via Our Tool

Correct Responses:

Incorrect Responses:

General Feedback and Suggestions:

By focusing on these areas, you can improve your ability to identify important details, avoid assumptions, and enhance your overall reading comprehension skills.

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! 🎯

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