IELTS General Training flashcards
IELTS General Training · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Listening Part 1
- A conversation between two speakers in a social context, often about a transaction or arrangement; answers are usually names, numbers, dates, or simple details.
- Listening Part 2
- A monologue in a social context, such as a talk about a local facility or event; common tasks include multiple choice and map labelling.
- Listening Part 3
- A conversation of up to four speakers in an academic context, often a discussion between students and a tutor about an assignment or project.
- Listening Part 4
- An academic monologue, such as a lecture, with no break; note completion is common and answers follow the order of the recording.
- Distractor
- A detail mentioned in the recording that seems to answer the question but is later corrected or contradicted; the real answer often follows a signpost word like 'actually'.
- Transfer time
- The 10 minutes at the end of the paper-based Listening test to copy answers onto the answer sheet; on computer, you have 2 minutes to check.
- Map labelling
- A Listening task where you follow directions to identify locations on a map or plan; orient yourself using the compass or stated entrance before listening.
- Form completion
- A Listening or Reading task where you fill gaps in a form, table, or set of notes using words from the recording or passage within the stated word limit.
- Reading Section 1
- Two or three short factual texts such as notices, advertisements, or timetables; questions test locating specific information and understanding simple details.
- Reading Section 2
- Two short work-related texts, such as job descriptions or staff guidelines; questions focus on practical information and main ideas.
- Reading Section 3
- One longer discursive text on a general interest topic; questions test detailed comprehension, inference, and recognition of the writer's views.
- True/False/Not Given
- A Reading task where True means the statement agrees with the text, False means it contradicts the text, and Not Given means the information is neither confirmed nor contradicted.
- Matching headings
- A Reading task where you choose a heading that summarises the main idea of each paragraph; headings that repeat text words are often traps.
- Skimming
- Reading quickly for the general idea or gist of a passage, often used to preview a text or match headings before detailed reading.
- Scanning
- Reading quickly to locate specific information such as names, numbers, or keywords without reading every word in detail.
- Word limit
- The maximum number of words allowed in a completion answer; answers over the limit are marked wrong, and hyphenated words may count as one.
- Task 1 letter
- A 150-word letter in Writing Task 1, written in a formal, semi-formal, or informal tone depending on the recipient, and addressing all bullet points.
- Task 2 essay
- A 250-word essay in Writing Task 2 responding to a prompt such as an opinion, discussion, problem-solution, or two-part question.
- Task achievement
- A Writing Task 1 criterion measuring how fully and appropriately the letter addresses the prompt, including purpose, tone, and all bullet points.
- Task response
- A Writing Task 2 criterion measuring how well the essay addresses all parts of the question and develops a clear, supported position.
- Coherence and cohesion
- A Writing criterion assessing logical organisation, paragraphing, and the appropriate use of linking devices to connect ideas smoothly.
- Lexical resource
- A Writing and Speaking criterion assessing the range, accuracy, and appropriateness of vocabulary, including collocation and less common words.
- Grammatical range and accuracy
- A Writing and Speaking criterion assessing the variety of sentence structures and the frequency of grammatical errors that affect communication.
- Formal letter opening
- A Writing Task 1 letter to someone you do not know, beginning 'Dear Sir or Madam' and ending 'Yours faithfully'; tone is polite and impersonal.
- Informal letter opening
- A Writing Task 1 letter to a friend, beginning 'Dear [first name]' and ending 'Best wishes' or 'Love'; tone is relaxed and personal.
- Speaking Part 1
- An introduction and interview of 4–5 minutes covering familiar topics such as home, work, study, and hobbies; answers should be 2–3 sentences.
- Speaking Part 2
- A long turn of 1–2 minutes on a topic card after 1 minute of preparation; you should cover all prompts and may get follow-up questions.
- Speaking Part 3
- A discussion of 4–5 minutes on abstract issues related to the Part 2 topic; answers should be extended with reasons, examples, and comparisons.
- Fluency and coherence
- A Speaking criterion assessing the ability to speak at length, at a natural rate, with logical organisation and without excessive hesitation or repetition.
- Pronunciation
- A Speaking criterion assessing clarity of individual sounds, word and sentence stress, and intonation; accent is not penalised if understanding is not affected.
- Topic card
- The cue card given in Speaking Part 2 with a topic and bullet-point prompts; you have 1 minute to prepare notes before speaking for 1–2 minutes.
- Paraphrasing
- Expressing the same idea in different words; a key skill in Speaking and Writing to show lexical resource and avoid repeating the prompt.