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B2 · Unit 8
Exam strategies · IELTS/TOEFL
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Exam Strategies (IELTS / TOEFL)

In this unit, students build test skills for IELTS and TOEFL: timing, understanding task types, using scoring criteria, and completing a short practice set. The aim is strategic performance under time pressure.

Objectives Task Types Timing Scoring Strategies Practice Set Review Materials

SWBAT (Objectives)

  • Recognize common IELTS/TOEFL task types and choose an effective approach for each.
  • Manage time confidently using a simple plan (scan → answer → check).
  • Apply scoring criteria to self-assess writing and speaking (clear structure, development, accuracy).
  • Use strategies for listening/reading (keywords, prediction, paraphrase matching).
  • Complete a mini practice set and identify 2 priority improvement areas.

Task Types (Quick Map)

Reading
  • Multiple choice
  • Matching headings / information
  • True/False/Not Given (IELTS)
  • Vocabulary in context
Listening
  • Form/table completion
  • Multiple choice
  • Sentence completion
  • Lecture summary / main ideas
Writing
  • Opinion / discussion essays
  • Problem-solution
  • Advantages-disadvantages
  • Integrated writing (TOEFL-style)
Speaking
  • Short answers + follow-up questions
  • Compare/contrast prompts
  • Expressing and defending an opinion
  • Summarizing information (TOEFL-style)
Task Types Map (PDF) Common Question Stems (PDF)

Timing (Simple Plans that Work)

Reading strategy

1) Preview questions (60–90s)
2) Skim passage for structure (headings/topic sentences)
3) Scan for keywords + paraphrases
4) Answer easy → hard, then check

Listening strategy

1) Read questions + predict (before audio)
2) Note keywords + numbers/names
3) Don’t panic if you miss one—move on
4) Use the final seconds to review spelling

Writing strategy

Plan (5 min) → Write (20–25) → Check (3–5)
Keep structure: intro → 2 body paragraphs → conclusion

Speaking strategy

Answer → support → example → wrap-up.
Use signposting: “Firstly… In addition… However… Therefore…”

Timing Plans (PDF)

Scoring (What Examiners Look For)

Writing (high-level focus)
  • Task response (answer the question)
  • Coherence & cohesion (clear organization)
  • Lexical resource (range + accuracy)
  • Grammar range & accuracy
Speaking (high-level focus)
  • Fluency & coherence
  • Pronunciation (clarity + stress/intonation)
  • Grammar range & accuracy
  • Vocabulary range & appropriacy
Self-check habits

Check subject–verb agreement, articles, verb tense, and word form. Replace repeated words with synonyms only if accurate.

Writing Checklist (PDF) Speaking Checklist (PDF) One-page Rubric (PDF)

High-Impact Strategies (B2)

Reading: paraphrase matching

The question rarely repeats the exact words. Match meaning: increase ≈ rise/grow, reduce ≈ cut/lower.

Listening: track the “turn”

Listen for correction words: actually, but, however. The answer often comes after the speaker changes direction.

Writing: clear paragraph “spine”

Each body paragraph = point → explanation → example → mini conclusion. Use discourse markers, but don’t overuse them.

Speaking: extend answers

Avoid one-sentence answers. Add a reason + example: “I prefer X because… For instance…”

Strategy Cards (PDF)

Practice Set (Mini Mock)

Part A: Reading (10 min)
  • Skim → answer 8 questions
  • Focus: paraphrase matching
  • Leave 60 seconds to check
Mini Reading (PDF)
Part B: Listening (8 min)
  • 1 short lecture / talk
  • Answer 6 questions
  • Check spelling and numbers
Mini Listening (PDF)
Part C: Writing (20–25 min)

Write 180–220 words:
“Some people believe exams should be replaced by projects. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

Writing Task Sheet (PDF)
Part D: Speaking (6–8 min)
  • Warm-up questions (2 min)
  • Opinion prompt (2 min)
  • Follow-ups (2 min)
Speaking Prompts (PDF)
Optional: Full lesson flow

1) Strategy warm-up (5 min) → 2) Mini reading (10) → 3) Mini listening (8) → 4) Writing plan + write (25) → 5) Speaking prompts (8) → 6) Review (7).

Complete Practice Set (PDF)

Review (Reflect + Improve)

Quick reflection
  • Which section felt hardest: R / L / W / S?
  • What timing mistake did you make (if any)?
  • What 1 strategy helped you most?
Two-week improvement plan

Choose 2 weak areas and schedule 20 minutes/day:
Day 1–3: reading speed + paraphrase
Day 4–6: listening keywords + numbers
Day 7–10: writing paragraph control
Day 11–14: speaking fluency + extensions

Exit ticket (5 minutes)
  1. Write your best timing plan for writing (plan/write/check).
  2. Write 2 signal words that show contrast.
  3. Write 1 sentence to extend a speaking answer.
Exit Ticket (PDF)
Reflection Sheet (PDF) Two-week Plan (PDF)

Materials & Downloads

  • Unit 8 Slides — PPTX
  • Task Types Map — PDF · Common Question Stems — PDF
  • Timing Plans — PDF
  • Writing Checklist — PDF · Speaking Checklist — PDF · One-page Rubric — PDF
  • Strategy Cards — PDF
  • Complete Practice Set — PDF
  • Mini Reading — PDF · Mini Listening — PDF
  • Writing Task Sheet — PDF · Speaking Prompts — PDF
  • Reflection Sheet — PDF · Two-week Plan — PDF · Exit Ticket — PDF

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