IELTS KITE

01/10/2026

Do you know the right vocabulary for IELTS task 1 map descriptions?

IELTS writing examiners are looking for certain things when you describe a map

1️⃣ Locations

You need to describe precisely where things are in the map. For example

For places:

✅ in the north/south/east/west
✅ to the north/south/east/west of
✅along the coast

For floor plans:

✅on the left/right
✅ in the corner
✅ along the back wall

✅next to, between, opposite

2️⃣ Features

You need to describe what is in the map or plan

✅fields, forests, woods, swamp, river
✅farmhouse, barn, skyscrapers, factories,
✅roads, streets, roundabout, junction
✅ cupboards, shelves, doors,

3️⃣ Changes

You then need to describe the changes in the map or plan. You need words like

✅demolished/knocked down
✅build/constructed
✅cleared/cut down
✅extended/expanded
✅moved/relocated
✅rearranged/reorganised

If you learn the right vocabulary, you can get a good score in IELTS writing map tasks

If you found this useful, follow us for more mosts about IELTS map tasks

30/09/2026

If you are a teacher, come and watch both Kris and Kate talk at an online conference on Saturday.

All the money goes to support Ukraine.

Your students know the vocabulary. They completed the grammar task. Then you ask them to discuss a question and the room goes quiet.

Silence does not always mean they have nothing to say. Teenagers and young adults may be worried about mistakes, peer reactions, or simply not know how to enter the conversation.

At TTD 2026, Kate Lloyd will unpack the reasons learners hold back and share practical ways to increase participation without forcing performance.

Kate is an English teacher and trainer with 19 years of experience, including seven years as an academic manager in Ukraine. She specialises in IELTS and holds the Trinity DipTESOL and Cambridge Train the Trainer certificate.

If “work in pairs” is not enough to get them talking, this session is for you.

Ready to transform your teaching?
👉Registration: https://forms.gle/2kDQ1cNgksoNPd7c9 (690 UAH )
🔗Learn more and register: https://events.ihkyiv.com/en

💵100% of proceeds go to the "Come Back Alive" foundation.

15/09/2026

These are things most IELTS tutors don't tell you about IELTS speaking part 3

We have taught many students who have often taken IELTS several times already, and they rarely understand speaking part 3

1️⃣ Your IELTS speaking examiner chooses the questions they asked you based on your performance in parts 1 and 2.

✅The examiners have different sets of questions to choose from, depending on the level of the candidate.

If you are band 7.5 or 8.0, the questions will be harder than if you are band 5.5 or 6.0.

✅The examiner then asks you follow up questions, based on your answers. They create these follow up questions themselves. This makes it more of a discussion. They may ask one follow up questions, or several.

2️⃣ You can ask the IELTS examiner for help

If you do not understand the question the examiner asks, you can ask them to repeat it, clarify it or paraphrase it.

Use phrases like:

"When you say....do you mean....?"
"What exactly do you mean by.....?"
"I don't think I understand the question. Could you paraphrase it for me?"

This is natural communication.

3️⃣ The examiner might argue with you

If you give your opinion on a topic, the examiner might disagree with you, to see if you can justify your ideas, or if you can explain the opposite point of view.

This is a way for you to show your language ability.

The more you understand the IELTS speaking test, the better your performance will be.

If you learned something today, make sure you follow us, so you understand IELTS better.

13/09/2026

We have seen many reels and videos telling you that you should stop talking after 1 minute 30 seconds in IELTS speaking part 2.

🗣️They say you should "leave them wanting more"

🗣️They tell you that the instructions are "...you have 1-2 minutes for this...." so you should aim for the middle.

As former IELTS speaking examiners, we can tell you this is....

❌ NOT TRUE ❌

✅ You need to show the examiner that you can talk fluently and coherently for two minutes with little preparation

✅ You also need to show the examiner that you have a good range of vocabulary and grammar, so they can give you a good score

For IELTS speaking part 2, keep talking until the speaking examiner says 'Thank you'.

Don't worry if your answer is not 'finished'. Just keep talking.

If you believed the myth about stopping at 1m 20 seconds, you are following the wrong people on social media. Make sure you follow us so you get the right information