IELTS Essay - Compare & Contrast - Using Transition Words

This is an IELTS activity to help students master the use of transition words. Transition words are extremely important in scoring well on the IELTS. They can be the difference between a 6 and 7, for example. I spend at least a couple of classes per term teaching them.

If you follow my blog (and I hope you do!), you 'll notice that this is the same essay that I used for an IELTS activity a couple of weeks back.  This is intentional and not for lack of material! : ) I sometimes like to use an essay a couple of times to help students understand its structure. We look at one essay from different angles. Once students get over their grumbling, they reluctantly admit that writing an essay is much more than just throwing words down on paper. If you have really enthusiastic complainers (which I sometimes do, especially for my upper-level classes), you can assign a repeat essay activity for homework.

If you're interested in improving your IELTS Reading score in the next few weeks, visit my blog this Tuesday (September 30, 2014)  to register for a free online course! Space is limited to 20 students.

DIRECTIONS: FILL IN THE BLANKS WITH THE APPROPRIATE TRANSITION/SIGNAL WORD.

Question: Some people believe that it is better to spend your free time on useful activities, while others feel that free time is best used for relaxation. What are your opinions on this?

Free time is limited, and 1 _____ precious, to most people. 2_____ _____ _____, many people carefully consider how to spend it. Some people feel that it is better to spend your spare time being busy and developing yourself through useful activities, 3_____ others prefer to spend this time relaxing.

Those who prefer to use their leisure time to develop themselves and remain busy enjoy several benefits. 4_____, because such people are busy gaining knowledge and experience, they will be more likely to get ahead, both at work and in life. This getting ahead and increased ability and performance could very well result in promotions and a higher salary at work. This would, 5_____ _____, lead to other benefits 6_____ _____ longer vacations and more money. 7_____ _____, a person who has developed himself will feel better about himself, his knowledge and abilities, and will have more self-confidence. This psychological benefit could be reason enough to some people to remain productive during their free time.

8_____ _____ _____ _____, those who prefer to use their leisure time to relax have several arguments in their favor. 9_____ _____ they probably enjoy less stress and therefore better health. 10_____ _____ _____ _____, stress levels and physical health are strongly linked. 11_____ _____, those who take time out to relax enjoy better relationships with their friends and family simply because they have more time to spend with them. Psychologists say that, 12_____ _____ _____ _____ spending time with family, quantity is as important as quality. 13_____ _____ _____ _____ having better relationships with those most important to us contributes to our overall quality of life. 14_____, those who enjoy their spare time and use this time to rejuvenate and refresh themselves will ultimately perform better at work, 15_____ their minds and bodies will be rested. 16_____ _____ _____, they will be ready to give everything they have at work. Who knows? 17_____ they will get further ahead than those who spend all their time working!

18_____ _____ _____, while those who prefer to work during their spare time have relevant arguments, 19_____ _____ _____ those who prefer to relax during this time will enjoy more benefits, both in their personal lives and at work. 20_____, I think it is much more advantageous to use one's spare time to relax.

ANSWER KEY

Free time is limited, and 1therefore precious, to most people. 2As a result, many people carefully consider how to spend it. Some people feel that it is better to spend your spare time being busy and developing yourself through useful activities, 3while others prefer to spend this time relaxing.

Those who prefer to use their leisure time to develop themselves and remain busy enjoy several benefits. 4First, because such people are busy gaining knowledge and experience, they will be more likely to get ahead, both at work and in life. This getting ahead and increased ability and performance could very well result in promotions and a higher salary at work. This would, 5in turn, lead to other benefits 6such as longer vacations and more money. 7As well, a person who has developed himself will feel better about himself, his knowledge and abilities, and will have more self-confidence. This psychological benefit could be reason enough to some people to remain productive during their free time.

8On the other hand, those who prefer to use their leisure time to relax have several arguments in their favor. 9For example, they probably enjoy less stress and therefore better health. 10As we all know, stress levels and physical health are strongly linked. 11In addition, those who take time out to relax enjoy better relationships with their friends and family simply because they have more time to spend with them. Psychologists say that, 12when it comes to spending time with family, quantity is as important as quality. 13I strongly believe that having better relationships with those most important to us contributes to our overall quality of life. 14Lastly, those who enjoy their spare time and use this time to rejuvenate and refresh themselves will ultimately perform better at work, 15since their minds and bodies will be rested. 16As a result, they will be ready to give everything they have at work. Who knows? 17Maybe they will get further ahead than those who spend all their time working!

18To sum up, while those who prefer to work during their spare time have relevant arguments, 19I believe that those who prefer to relax during this time will enjoy more benefits, both in their personal lives and at work. 20Therefore, I think it is much more advantageous to use one's spare time to relax.

 Thank you for visiting!

Faiza Raintree

To download the worksheet for this activity, click below.

Using Bar Graphs - Cancer Rates in the US

Good Morning & Happy Monday!

Today's activity uses bar graphs to help students build vocabulary and writing skills. Bar graphs are common in newspapers and magazines. They also feature on the IELTS Writing Task 1 more often than not.

Below is a double bar graph depicting cancer rates in the United States from 1999 to 2008, by demographic group, courtesy of the National Cancer Institute. Students answer questions about the graph and then construct their own with a partner.

If you're interested in improving your IELTS Reading score in the next few weeks, visit my blog this Tuesday (September 30, 2014)  to register for a free online course! Space is limited to 20 students.

Breast cancer has been in the news lately, perhaps due to Angelina Jolie's recent decision to get a double mastectomy. I wish her well and agree that a woman's femininity is in no way diminished by such a decision.  Discussing Angelina's story would probably raise students' interest in the topic before they start the activity.

Thank you for visiting and have a great week!
Faiza Raintree

QUESTIONS

1.      What is the title of this graph?

2.      What time period is covered in the graph?

3.      What do the numbers mean, on the left side of the graph?

4.      How many deaths per 100,000 were there, of Hispanic women in 2004-2008?

5.      How many white men per 100,000 died of cancer in 1999-2003?

6.      Which group had the greatest number of deaths per 100,000, in this graph?

7.      Which group had the least number of deaths?

8.      About how many Asian/Pacific Islander people died of cancer during 1999-2003?

9.      Which groups went down in this period? Which group went up? Which stayed the same?

10.   Design and draw your own bar graph below. Do this alone, or with a partner. Explain your bar graph to a partner.

 Download the worksheet for this activity below.

IELTS Essay - Compare & Contrast - The Best Way to Use Your Spare Time

Just a brief note: If you're interested in improving your IELTS Reading score in the next few weeks, visit my blog this Tuesday (September 30, 2014)  to register for a free online course! Space is limited to 20 students.

This is an essay prompt similar to what students may encounter on the IELTS. It can be used for IELTS Task 2 practice or simply for essay practice. Students learn how to write a compare/contrast essay and practice using academic vocabulary.

I like to give students the prompt on Day 1 and then provide a model answer the next day. They seem to pay more attention to the essay if they've already had a shot at writing one themselves.

DIRECTIONS: READ THE ESSAY BELOW. FILL IN THE BLANKS WITH THE APPROPRIATE VOCABULARY WORD.

Question: Some people believe that it is better to spend your free time on useful activities, while others feel that free time is best used for relaxation. What are your opinions on this?

Free time is limited, and therefore 1_____, to most people. As a result, many people carefully consider how to spend it. Some people feel that it is better to spend your spare time being busy and 2_____ yourself through useful activities, while others prefer to spend this time relaxing.

Those who prefer to use their 3_____ time to develop themselves and remain busy enjoy several 4_____. First, because such people are busy gaining knowledge and experience, they will be more likely to get ahead, both at work and in life. This getting ahead and increased ability and 5_____ could very well result in promotions and a higher salary at work. This would, in turn, lead to other benefits such as longer 6_____ and more money. As well, a person who has developed himself will feel better about himself, his knowledge and abilities, and will have more 7_____. This psychological benefit could be reason enough to some people to remain productive during their free time.

On the other hand, those who 8_____ to use their leisure time to relax have several arguments in their favor. For example, they probably enjoy less 9_____ and therefore better health. As we all know, stress levels and physical health are strongly linked. In addition, those who take time out to relax enjoy better 10_____ with their friends and family simply because they have more time to spend with them. Psychologists say that, when it comes to spending time with family, 11_____ is as important as quality. I strongly believe that having better relationships with those most important to us contributes to our overall quality of life. Lastly those who enjoy their spare time and use this time to rejuvenate and 12_____ themselves will ultimately perform better at work, since their minds and bodies will be rested. As a result, they will be ready to give everything they have at work. Who knows? Maybe they will get further 13_____ than those who spend all their time working!

To sum up, while those who prefer to work during their spare time have relevant 14_____, I believe that those who prefer to relax during this time will enjoy more benefits, both in their 15_____ lives and at work. Therefore, I think it is much more advantageous to use one's spare time to relax.

Thank you for visiting!

Faiza Raintree

Click below to download worksheet & answer key.

American Diners - Monday Morning Worksheet

Welcome and Happy Monday!

It's good to be starting a fresh, new week. This has been a difficult week for many Americans, and being bombarded by media images and articles hasn't helped in the least. I've tried to maintain my sanity by re-reading my Ngaio Marsh mysteries, turning off my computer, and spending more time with my kids. Meanwhile, at work, I'm still responsible for making sure we're moving ahead. Teaching is one of those jobs where we do have to keep ourselves together, while making sure our students learn something. 

I wanted to something a little lighter this week, to set a happier and more positive tone than last week. I've done a very short reading on American Diners, what they're about and when they started. I've included some questions on diners, a menu with activities and an essay question. There are enough activities to last up to two class periods, but teachers can easily choose to do enough for only one class. 

Vocabulary Cheat Sheet

I've added a vocabulary cheat sheet for the teacher and a printable one for students (6 copies on a page.). I do not like to overuse our photocopier (it's slow, anyway), so I try to do activities that don't require too much copying. 

You can do any of the following with the vocabulary words.

1.) explain the vocabulary words orally; 

2.) copy the definitions on the board; or 

3.) give out the cheat sheet for students. I make my students get glue sticks and, when necessary, have students glue this sheet to the back. This saves having to copy an extra sheet for each student. 

I do hope  you enjoy this Monday Morning Lesson! I would love to hear your comments about how it went or what you did with it. The posted lesson is similar to the worksheet, which can be downloaded below. 

I hope you enjoy your Monday. Have a great week!

American Diners

A diner is a special kind of American restaurant. Diners are casual restaurants that serve American food. They are popular, and are often open very late. Diners are often visited by travelers, truck drivers, employees and people who enjoy typical American food. 

Most diners have a stainless-steel exterior. The insides have booths and stools with counters. When diners were first started in 1872, they were small. They would first be made and then shipped to the owners. 

Today, there are many kinds of diners. Some are small; others are very large. A few are quite famous. Some diners do not even look like diners anymore. However, you can still tell a diner by its menu.

Questions

1.  What is a diner?

2.  When did diners first start? How were they made?

3.  How can you tell that a restaurant is a diner?

4.  What does the inside of a diner look like?

5.  In your opinion, what are some reasons for diners becoming popular?

Activities

The menu below is a typical menu for a diner. 

1. Scan the menu quickly. What foods have you tried from this menu?

2. What are some items that you would have for breakfast? Lunch? Dinner? Dessert?

3. Imagine that you opened a new restaurant. Make up your own menu with prices. Include headings for each part of your menu.

4. Writing Topic: Some restaurants do very well. Others do not succeed and must be closed down. What makes a good restaurant? What makes a restaurant successful or not?

To download the worksheet for this post, click below.

The Boston Marathon Bombing - ESL Reading Lesson

Staying home to take care of my two youngest children, I didn't hear about the Boston Marathon bombing until much after the fact. It's a terrible tragedy, and one can only imagine what kind of person would want to harm so many innocent people, including children. The picture of little Martin Richard smiling so brightly brought tears to my eyes; my heart goes out to the parents of this little boy. I have a nine-year old daughter myself, and I would not want to imagine my life without her.

Using News Events

A marathon is a rich topic for any teacher, including ESL teachers. Like it or not, the bombing makes the Boston Marathon a topic of further interest for students. I do want to discuss the event with my students, but not in a way that will inflame or depress them. Rather, I want to teach them something about marathons and give them an opportunity to talk about what's happened. 

Teaching Sensitive Topics to ESL Students
At the same time, as an ESL teacher, I need to keep in mind that many foreign students are sensitive to comments related to such tragedies. Some find themselves targets of offensive comments and may feel defensive. This may also be a good time to briefly discuss how such students feel. I hope this ESL lesson on the Boston Marathon teaches students about the day in a positive and constructive manner. 

For anyone who also teaches younger students, I tried to design this lesson so that it can be used for sixth and seventh graders who want to learn more about the Boston Marathon and the tragic bombing. 

I hope you and your students benefit from this lesson, and come away with something at the end of it.  

The Boston Marathon Bombing

Have you ever run in a race? The Boston Marathon is one of the world's most famous races. It has been in the news many times, for example, when Kenyan runner Geoffrey Mutai set a world running record in 2011. This year, the Boston Marathon has been in the news more than ever.

The Boston Marathon is an annual marathon. It takes place every year in the Boston area. It is always held on the 3rd Monday in April. The Boston Marathon was first started in 1897 by the Boston Athletic Association. This same organization still runs the event. To complete the race, one must run a distance of 26 miles and 385 yards.  

The Boston Marathon has grown each year, so that it is now one of Boston's biggest events. Starting with only 18 people in 1897, the event now brings more than half a million fans each year to the race. More than twenty thousand people also run in the marathon each year.

Anyone who qualifies can run in the Boston Marathon. In fact, runners from all over the world come to Boston each year to compete. A runner must be over the age of 18 and have completed a marathon before. Many different kinds of people compete in this race. For example, people who use wheelchairs or have other disabilities participate and can also win prizes.

It is not easy to run a marathon. Yet the Boston Marathon is one of the hardest. There are many hills to run through. Also, Boston can be cold and rainy in April. Runners must complete the 26-mile race, no matter the terrain and weather.

The Boston Marathon has always been a joyous event celebrating health, fitness, and sportsmanship. Families come to support runners. People of all ages enjoy being a part of this famous race, and celebrating with the winners. The winners are awarded large prizes. The first man and woman to complete the race receive $100,000. There are also prizes for 2nd and 3rd place, and for winners with disabilities.

This year, the Boston Marathon started out as a happy event as usual. However, it tragically turned into a terrible event. Towards the end of the race, this year, two bombs exploded near a crowd of spectators. The bombs were placed in pressure cookers hidden in backpacks. Two Americans and a Chinese man died in the explosions. Among those killed was an eight-year old boy named Martin Richard. More than 150 people were also injured. Several people who were hurt had to have arms or legs amputated. People are not sure how or why this happened. Everyone is looking for answers as to who could have committed such a terrible crime.

Americans are believed to be unusually optimistic and good at "bouncing back". They will always remember this tragedy. Yet, one can expect Bostonians and Americans to remain committed to maintaining the tradition of this famous marathon. And who knows? It may be that next year will bring more runners than ever before.

Questions

1. What is a marathon?

2. Why is the Boston Marathon so popular?

3. For how many years has the Boston Marathon been held?

4. How was this year's marathon different from marathons in past years?

5. What is meant by "bouncing back"?

6. After what happened this year in Boston, would you run next year if you could? Why or why not?

7. How will the Boston Marathon be different next year than this year, in negative and positive ways?

8. Draw a line under every simple past verb and a double line under every present perfect verb.

To download & print the PDF worksheet for this lesson, click below.