Do you find IELTS Writing Task 2 difficult? You’re not alone. Many IELTS students – especially those from exam-focused education systems like China and Turkey – struggle with critical thinking, idea generation, and writing balanced arguments.

In this episode of Kev’s English Podcast, I share:

Why students often misread IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts

The problem with one-sided essays and memorised templates

How cultural and educational backgrounds affect IELTS performance

The importance of critical thinking for achieving Band 7 or higher

Practical strategies to develop stronger ideas and examples in your essays

I also talk about my ongoing research project with IELTS students in China and Turkey, and how it can help learners like you write more natural, effective essays.

🎧 Listen now and take a big step toward your IELTS Writing goals!

👉 For transcripts, tips, and IELTS coaching, visit theenglishnative.com
And see me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEnglishNative

Kev's English Podcast

KEP 37: Why Many IELTS Students Struggle with Task 2 (Critical Thinking & Common Mistakes)

「はいといいえ」の練習をしましょう
 Today's Drills are "Yes / No questions". 
 Let's practice easy exchanges in Japanese.  Repeat and practice both A and B parts. Have fun!

A：あれはさくらですか。
　B：はい。さくらです。
　　   いいえ。さくらじゃありません。うめです。

あれはうめですか。
　はい。うめです。
　いいえ。うめじゃありません。さくらです。

あそこはお寺ですか。
　はい。お寺です
　いいえ。お寺じゃありません。神社です。

ここは渋谷ですか
　はい。渋谷です。
　いいえ。渋谷じゃありません。新宿です。

ここは新宿ですか。
　はい。新宿です。
　いいえ。新宿じゃありません。渋谷です。

成田空港行きですか。
　はい。成田空港行きです。
　いいえ。成田空港行きじゃありません。羽田行きです。

アヤさんのコートですか
　はい。わたしのコートです。
　いいえ。わたしのコートじゃありません

アヤさんのかばんですか。
　はい。わたしのです。
　いいえ。わたしのじゃありません。ともだちのです。

失礼ですが、 鈴木さんですか
　はい。そうです。
　いいえ。佐藤です

失礼ですが、佐藤さんですか。
　はい。佐藤です。
　いいえ。鈴木です。

失礼ですが、日本の方ですか。
　はい。日本人です。
　いいえ。中国人です。

失礼ですが、中国の方ですか。
　はい。中国人です。
　いいえ。日本人です。

これで終わりですか。
　はい。終わりです。
　いいえ。終わりじゃありません

これで終わりですか。
　はい。終わりです。

桜（さくら）cherry blossom / tree
梅（うめ）   Japanese apricot blossom / tree
〜行き（いき）bound for  (train, bus etc.)
成田空港（なりたくうこう）
羽田空港（はねだくうこう）
日本の方（にほんのかた） Here "kata" is used as polite way to refer a person

 BGM & SE special thanks：MusMus


アヤさんとフミさんの日本語ドリル (Aya and Fumi’s Japanese Drills)

2. はいと いいえの 質問  / Yes - No questions

🔊 Послушайте: в этом подкасте мы просто и с юмором рассказываем, как учить иврит и не сойти с ума — даже если вначале всё кажется хаосом без гласных, с пугающими корнями и одинаковыми буквами! 🎧

🌍 Узнаете, почему иврит — это не страшный монстр, а скорее кубик Рубика: сначала всё непонятно, потом начинает складываться, а дальше — настоящее удовольствие!

💬 Получите практичные советы без паники: как не перегружать себя биньянами и временами, с чего начать, что слушать и как не бояться говорить с ошибками.

🔑 Важное напоминание: маленькие шаги — тоже прогресс. Фразы вроде «Привет, меня зовут...» или «Где автобус?» — это уже язык, и это уже работает.

🗣 Узнаете, почему ошибки — это друзья, а не враги, и как можно учить грамматику без занудства — на простых, живых примерах.

💡 Это подкаст-вдохновение о том, что иврит — это живой, тёплый язык, который стоит не только учить, но и полюбить. Без спешки, с улыбкой и интересом!

Лёгкий иврит

 Как учить иврит и не сойти с ума?

Devi avere un obiettivo linguistico specifico da raggiungere in un periodo determinato, ma l'obiettivo deve essere specifico e realizzabile.

In 6 mesi puoi cominciare a comunicare in una lingua, anche abbastanza bene, questo sì è possibile. 

Ma avere come obiettivo imparare una lingua in 6 mesi è pericoloso per la tua autostima, molto probabilmente non riuscirai a farlo e al sesto mese penserai di avere un problema, penserai di essere stupido/a.


Imparare una lingua è un po' come avere una corretta alimentazione e fare sport. 

Il consiglio di un mio amico personal trainer è valido anche per l'apprendimento linguistico: vuoi migliorare la tua situazione psico fisica per sempre e per tutta la vita? Devi fare sport per tutta la vita... 
La stessa cosa si può dire per l'apprendimento linguistico!


pochi minuti al giorno (ascolti interessanti di livello intermedio)

Imparare una lingua lentamente

Language lovers, this episode is for you!

Do you love the idea of learning a new language?

To succeed, you'll need a plan and dedication. But it’s not all hard work. There are many ways to learn a language and have fun! 

In this episode, you will learn how to learn another language. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, this episode is filled with ideas so you can create your own language learning plan with activities that you enjoy.

You’ll learn the benefits of learning another language, which can serve as powerful motivators when you need a pick-me-up during your learning. You’ll also hear about my recent language learning experience in Brazil. Finally, you’ll get many tips that will help you learn a new language while having fun. 

Read the transcript at https://www.express-to-impress.com/learn-a-new-language/

Theme music by Lucas Knutter

Infographics at https://www.pinterest.com/ExpresstoImpress/_created/

Episode originally published on November 6, 2020.

Express to Impress

How to Learn A New Language

Vocabulary:
hijack: to take over a vehicle
regain: to get something back that you lost
confidential: something that is kept secret
luxury: refers to something expensive and materialistic
dating: going on regular dates


Learn English with Stories

Movie Series: Extraordinary Attorney Woo, episodes 9-11

It's not the language barrier! Job Interview Prep | IELTS Speaking prep.

You are looking at the effect, not the cause!

Does it sound familiar? - 

"I am unable to communicate with others"

"I feel shy&nervous starting a conversation"

"I have a language barrier"

If it seems familiar then the goal is to determine what part of you that feels/thinks this way?

You 'native' part doesn't feel shy talking to people or finding words, your 'language-learner' part does.

How was it formed and how it affects you and as the result how it affects your speaking ways will be talked about in the podcast which you don't want to miss :)

Let me know how was the recording, what you got out from it?

and in our 1-1, private mindset coaching + language coaching immersion method I use to teach people to communicate classes we'll dive deeper into  your unique case and help you succeed!

PS. The books name is "The New Psycho-Cybernetics: Maxwell Maltz".

The Habits of Women Growing Into Strong, Confident English Communicators

It's not the language barrier! Job Interview Prep | IELTS Speaking prep.

In this episode I talk about the important places that you must see when you come to Damascus.

If you'd like to download the free pdf file of the episode (it includes the full transcription with English translation), visit my website:
Is.gd/syrianarabic

Real Syrian Arabic

Real Syrian Arabic Podcast Episode 5- Places you must see when you come to Damascus أماكن لازم تشوفوها لما تجوا ع دمشق

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EkIcPw_S8NVlolrry2Kz0kS85vI1a5z3/view?usp=drivesdk