English for Exams Karen Kovacs

a
Education 
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Rule c: Words that end in -sion and -tion have the stress on the penultimate (next to last) 
syllable.
4 Which word from Exercise 14 follows this rule? Try to think of three others.
16 
The words in italics in sentences 1-7 follow rule b in Exercise 15 above. Decide if the 
words are nouns, adjectives or verbs and underline the stressed syllable. Then practise 
pronouncing them correctly in the sentences.
1
He presented me with my degree
4
This can lead to an increase in
certificate.
motivation.
2
I object to being treated like that. I'm
5
They can progress steadily ...
going to resign.
6
Has the transfer taken place?
3
I suspect you mainly focus on your
7
My family have an export business.
impending retirement.
17 
Check that you know the meanings of the words below. Then put them in the correct 
column, 1-4 below, according to their stress pattern.
prestigious
frustrating
fundamental
security
interesting
experience
redundant
difficult
responsible
seminar
lecturer
consider
motivate
foreigner
entertaining
workaholic
1
2
3
i __________________
O o o
o O o
o O o o
o o O o
Listen and check your answers. Use a dictionary if you are s till not sure which syllables 
are stressed.
Now practise saying the words. Test yourself by writing the words on cards and trying to 
remember the correct pronunciation.
Listen to your recorded answer to the Part 3 questions in Exercise 13.
Did you use any of the words from Exercise 16 or 17? If so, did you pronounce them 
correctly?
Write down ten words you used in your answer that you want to check the pronunciation of. 
Where is the main stress in these words? Practise saying them in isolation.
Answer the Part 3 questions again, this time paying attention to the pronunciation of 
these words.
20
CD1
3 0
Speaking for IELTS

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Exam technique: Giving answers that are the right length
Unit 3
Below are some possible answers to the Part 1 questions you heard in Exercise 13.
For each question, decide which you think is the best. Give reasons why the other answers 
are less satisfactory.
Note: the English is correct in a ll the answers.
1 
Do you work or are you a student?
a I work.
b 
I’m currently studying history at Moscow State University. I'm in my second year.
c I work as a dentist in Budapest. It's a very rewarding job and I earn good money. We 
get vast numbers of foreigners coming to get dental treatment in Hungary because 
it's far cheaper here than in many other countries. As well as being cheap, we offer 
high quality dental care and our patients are always happy with our work. I had to 
study for many years to be a dentist but it was worth it. People generally respect 
you for being a dentist as it's considered to be a good job, although perhaps it isn't 
as prestigious as being a doctor. I could have chosen to be a doctor and in fact, this 
is what my father wanted me to do. However, I have some friends who are doctors 
and they say they work very long hours and can't spend enough time with their 
families. I think I made the right career choice.
2 Why did you choose that course or job?
a I didn't choose it.
b 
I chose it because French was always my best subject at school and I enjoy meeting 
new people. I thought interpreting would suit me, therefore, as you have to be a 
good communicator and of course skilled in foreign languages.
3 What is the most difficult thing about your studies or job?
a I’m not sure. Er ... I would say the most difficult thing is that we have tight deadlines, 
so I'll be given a project and then told it's to be completed in one week, which is 
nowhere near enough time. That's difficult but it doesn't stop me enjoying my work.
b 
I don't enjoy attending meetings. It's often very boring and the meetings last too 
long.
Play the Part 1 questions and sample answers on Track 16 again. Then answer the 
questions yourself but this time, try to make sure your answers are relevant and of an 
appropriate length.
Education 
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