IELTS MASTER CHEAT SHEET – 28 FEB 2026 (AC / GT

 IELTS MASTER CHEAT SHEET – 28 FEB 2026 (AC / GT)

LISTENING — HOW TO SCORE 8+ CONSISTENTLY

GENERAL LISTENING RULES (NON-NEGOTIABLE)

Answers always come in order

You hear the answer once only

IELTS tests listening discipline, not vocabulary

GOLDEN METHOD (Use in all parts)

1. Read question

2. Predict answer type (number / noun / adjective)

3. Listen for paraphrase, not same words

4. Write answer as you hear

5. Don’t think about previous mistakes

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PART 1 – FORM / TABLE COMPLETION (FREE MARKS)

What IELTS is testing

Names, numbers, dates, spellings

Your ability to listen calmly

EXACT STRATEGY

Write in CAPITAL letters

Numbers:

Fifteen ≠ Fifty

13 ≠ 30

Addresses: street / road / avenue

Emails: stop listening after “dot com”

MOST COMMON TRAPS

Plurals (gym / gyms)

Phone numbers spoken fast

Distractors before correction:

> “It used to be… but now it’s…”

EXAM RULE

> If you miss Part 1 marks, Band 8 is already difficult.

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PART 2 – MULTIPLE CHOICE (MAP / SITUATION TALK)

What IELTS is testing

Your ability to follow one speaker + structure

EXECUTION METHOD

Read ALL options before audio starts

Underline difference words only

Ignore examples, listen for:

Reason

Preference

Final decision

BIG TRAP

The first answer is usually wrong

IELTS often changes opinion mid-talk

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PART 3 – MATCHING + MCQ (CONFUSION ZONE)

What IELTS is testing

Ability to follow multiple speakers

Academic discussion skills

HOW TO HANDLE

Focus on:

Who agrees

Who disagrees

Who gives reason

MENTAL RULE

> If you stop listening for 5 seconds, you lose the question.

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PART 4 – SUMMARY COMPLETION (VOCAB CONTROL)

What IELTS is testing

Exact word recognition

Grammar awareness

DO THIS

Predict grammar:

Verb? → probably ends in -ing

Noun? → countable or uncountable

Write ONLY what you hear

DO NOT

Paraphrase

Change tense

Add extra words

ACADEMIC + GENERAL TRAINING

(Exam-ready, zero fluff)

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GLOBAL READING RULES (NON-NEGOTIABLE)

Never read full passage first

Always read questions first

Underline keywords in questions

Answers come in order (90% of time)

No spelling tolerance

✘ Don’t rely on memory

✘ Don’t panic if first passage feels slow

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ACADEMIC READING

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PASSAGE 1 – EASY / SCORING PASSAGE

COMMON QUESTION TYPES

True / False / Not Given

Matching Information

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HOW TO ATTEMPT (STEP-BY-STEP)

1. Read first 2–3 questions

2. Underline names, dates, facts

3. Scan paragraph by paragraph

4. Answer immediately — don’t skip

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TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN – CHEAT LOGIC

TRUE → exactly same meaning

FALSE → opposite meaning

NOT GIVEN → topic mentioned, detail missing

❗If you “think” → NOT GIVEN

❗If partly true → NOT GIVEN

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MATCHING INFORMATION

Match idea, not word

Paragraph can be used more than once

Look for:

cause

example

definition

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PASSAGE 2 – MODERATE / TIME TRAP

COMMON QUESTION TYPES

Matching Headings

Sentence Completion

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MATCHING HEADINGS – SURVIVAL METHOD

1. Read only first & last line of paragraph

2. Ignore examples

3. Choose heading for main idea only

✘ Don’t match keywords

✘ Don’t read full paragraph

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SENTENCE COMPLETION RULES

Answer = exact words from passage

Check:

grammar

plural / singular

Word limit is strict

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PASSAGE 3 – DIFFICULT / BAND DECIDER

COMMON QUESTION TYPES

Multiple Choice

Summary Completion

Matching

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MULTIPLE CHOICE – WINNING STRATEGY

Read question stem first

Predict answer in your head

Eliminate 2 wrong options

Choose best match, not perfect match

✘ Don’t choose option with extreme words

(always, never, completely)

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SUMMARY COMPLETION

Read summary first

Identify which paragraph it belongs to

Use exact words from passage

Grammar must fit sentence

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ACADEMIC TIME CONTROL

Passage Max Time

Passage 1 15 mins

Passage 2 20 mins

Passage 3 25 mins

If Passage 1 takes 25 mins → band drops automatically

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GENERAL TRAINING READING

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SECTION 1 – VERY EASY (DON’T LOSE MARKS)

COMMON CONTENT

Advertisements

Notices

Timetables

Service information

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STRATEGY

Read everything (short text)

Answers are visible

No tricks

✘ Overthinking = silly mistakes

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SECTION 2 – MODERATE / CONFUSING

COMMON CONTENT

Workplace policies

Training guidelines

Staff responsibilities

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STRATEGY

Identify who / what / when

Questions follow order

Focus on instructions & conditions

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SECTION 3 – HARD / ACADEMIC STYLE

COMMON CONTENT

Career development

Employment trends

Work–life balance

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STRATEGY

Treat like Academic Passage 3

Use elimination

Focus on writer’s opinion

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GT YES / NO / NOT GIVEN – QUICK LOGIC

YES → writer agrees

NO → writer disagrees

NOT GIVEN → no clear opinion

❗ Don’t confuse with T/F/NG

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READING LAST-MINUTE DON’TS

✘ Don’t change answers at end

✘ Don’t leave blanks

✘ Don’t copy extra words

✘ Don’t assume logic outside passage

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MENTAL CHECK BEFORE SUBMIT

Spelling checked?

Word limit respected?

All answers filled?

WRITING 

WRITING TASK 1 – ACADEMIC (ONE-LOOK CHEAT)

STRUCTURE (DO NOT CHANGE)

1. Intro – 1 sentence

2. Overview – 1 sentence (MANDATORY)

3. Body 1 – major trend

4. Body 2 – no / minor trend

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INTRO FORMULA

> The given chart illustrates + WHAT + WHERE + TIME.

✔ Use illustrates / compares / presents

✘ Never write “This chart shows”

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OVERVIEW FORMULA (MOST IMPORTANT)

> Overall, it is clear that + MAIN TREND, while + SECOND TREND.

✔ Use overall / it is clear

✘ No numbers

✘ No details

If no overview → Band 5 max

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BODY RULES

Group data (never line-by-line)

Compare highest vs lowest

Use:

increased / declined / remained stable

slightly / steadily / sharply

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ABSOLUTE DON’TS

✘ No opinion

✘ No reasons

✘ No  prediction

✘ No conclusion

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WRITING TASK 1 – GT LETTER (READY FORMAT)

OPENING

Complaint → I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with…

Request → I am writing to request information regarding…

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BODY

Paragraph 1 → What happened

Paragraph 2 → What you want

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CLOSING

> I look forward to your prompt response.

✘ No “Thanks in advance” in complaint

✘ No informal words unless informal letter

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WRITING TASK 2 – ESSAY (BAND 7–8 SAFE)

INTRO (FIXED)

> Nowadays, … is widely discussed. While some believe…, I believe…

✔ Clear opinion in intro

✘ Never neutral

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BODY PARAGRAPH FORMULA

1. Topic sentence (main idea)

2. Explanation (why)

3. Example (simple, real)

4. Result

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CONCLUSION

> In conclusion, although…, I firmly believe…

✘ No new ideas

✘ No questions

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TASK 2 DON’TS (VERY IMPORTANT)

✘ Don’t memorise templates

✘ Don’t write both sides equally

✘ Don’t overuse “Moreover / Furthermore”

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SPEAKING PART 1 – CHEAT ANSWER STYLE

FORMAT

> Opinion → Reason → Small example

Example

> Honestly, I enjoy working from home because it saves time. It also helps me focus better.

✘ No yes/no

✘ No long stories

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SPEAKING PART 2 – 2-MINUTE SURVIVAL PLAN

STRUCTURE

1. What it is

2. When / where

3. What happens

4. Why it matters to me

✔ Simple story

✔ One emotion

✘ Don’t try to sound smart

✘ Don’t stop early

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SPEAKING PART 3 – EXAMINER-FRIENDLY FORMAT

ANSWER STYLE

> In general… However… For example…

✔ Compare past vs present

✔ Give balanced view

✘ No personal stories

✘ No short answers

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LAST 24-HOUR RULES

Don’t learn new words

Don’t change structure

Sleep > practice

Trust patterns

IELTS Essay To what extent agree or disagree type 2026 template and samples

IELTS Essay To what extent agree or disagree type 2026 template and samples:

Template:

INTRODUCTION

Few think that __________ __________. I majorly grant/ gainsay with the notion of......... and this essay will justify my stance with examples.

BODY PARAGRAPH 1 (Major belief)

One of the main crux for my stance is __________. As __________, __________.

For example, __________, which __________. In addition,......... If.....,......

BODY PARAGRAPH 2 (Minor side)

On minor note __________

When __________, __________. Due to it,.......,......

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, although __________, I largely agree/ disagree to __________ because __________.

Sample:

Essay Prompt (AI – NEW)

Artificial intelligence should be allowed to make important decisions without human involvement because machines are less biased than people.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Synonyms Bank (Strict Control)

artificial intelligence → automated systems / algorithmic technology / advanced computing

important decisions → critical judgements / high-stakes choices

human involvement → human oversight / manual intervention

machines → automated tools / digital systems

biased → prejudiced / emotionally influenced / subjective

people → individuals / decision-makers / society

Sample Answer (≈270 words)

Few think that automated systems ought to be permitted to handle critical judgements independently. I majorly grant with the notion of relying on algorithmic technology for such responsibilities, and this essay will justify my stance with examples.

One of the main crux for my stance is minimising subjective interference in high-stakes choices.

As advanced computing relies on data-driven patterns rather than emotions or personal preference, outcomes tend to be more consistent and impartial.

For example, automated assessment software used in banking institutions evaluates loan eligibility based on financial records alone, which reduces discrimination linked to social background or personal appearance. In addition, enhancing procedural fairness becomes possible when digital systems apply uniform criteria. If manual intervention dominates such processes, unconscious preferences may influence outcomes and distort justice. Another fundamental reason supporting this view is improving efficiency and accuracy in complex evaluations. As algorithm-based frameworks can process vast information instantly, they outperform individual decision-makers in scenarios involving speed and scale.

On minor note, recognising ethical accountability challenges limits full autonomy. When automated tools operate without supervision, moral responsibility becomes unclear in cases of failure. Due to it, assigning blame or correcting flawed outcomes may become difficult, particularly in legal or security-related contexts.

In conclusion, although accountability concerns remain valid, I largely agree to delegating critical judgements to automated systems because data-driven reasoning, operational consistency, and reduced emotional influence produce fairer and more reliable outcomes overall.

Essay Prompt (Agriculture – NEW)

Modern farming methods that rely heavily on technology are harming rural communities more than they are helping food production. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Synonyms Bank (Strict Control)

modern farming methods → industrial cultivation practices / advanced agricultural systems

rely heavily on technology → depend extensively on mechanisation / intensive technological dependence

harming → damaging / undermining / weakening

rural communities → farming populations / countryside settlements

helping → supporting / strengthening

food production → crop output / agricultural yield

Sample

Few think that industrial cultivation practices which depend extensively on mechanisation are undermining farming populations rather than strengthening crop output. I majorly grant with the notion of this concern, and this essay will justify my stance with examples.

One of the main crux for my stance is weakening local employment structures within countryside settlements. As advanced agricultural systems increasingly replace manual labour with automated machinery, traditional farming roles decline sharply.

For example, large-scale mechanised harvesting across parts of rural India has reduced seasonal employment for field workers, which has pushed many households toward financial instability. 

Another key justification lies in eroding social sustainability rather than strengthening agricultural yield. As intensive technological dependence prioritises efficiency over community welfare, long-established farming traditions lose relevance.

For instance, contract-based cultivation models often favour corporations over local growers, which weakens cooperative farming networks. If profit-driven output becomes the sole objective, long-term social cohesion within farming populations deteriorates.

On minor note, acknowledging productivity advantages challenges a fully negative stance.

When mechanisation is applied responsibly, harvest consistency improves and food shortages decline. Due to it, certain regions experience improved supply stability despite social drawbacks.

In conclusion, although industrial systems enhance agricultural yield in specific contexts, I largely agree to the view that excessive technological dependence damages farming populations because employment erosion and social imbalance outweigh short-term efficiency gains.

Essay Prompt (Environment)

Individual lifestyle changes are less effective in protecting the environment than government-led environmental policies. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Synonyms Bank (Strict Control)

individual lifestyle changes → personal habits / daily practices

protecting the environment → environmental preservation / ecological protection

government-led policies → state regulations / public-sector measures

effective → impactful / influential

Sample 

Few think that personal habits contribute more to environmental preservation than public-sector measures. I largely agree with the view that state regulations are more influential, and this essay will justify my stance with examples.

Starting with the main idea, enforcing large-scale regulations plays a decisive role in ecological protection. Owing to the legal authority governments possess, industries and transport systems can be controlled in a way individuals cannot achieve alone.

For instance, national emission limits imposed on factories have reduced air pollution levels across major cities in China over the past decade.

In addition, investing in sustainable infrastructure strengthens environmental outcomes. Because public funding supports renewable energy, waste management, and public transport, environmental benefits reach the entire population rather than a limited group. Another supporting point lies in ensuring compliance through legislation.Owing to penalties and monitoring systems, harmful practices such as illegal dumping and deforestation decline more rapidly. Because adherence to environmental laws is mandatory, ecological protection becomes consistent instead of optional.

On the contrary, recognising the contribution of personal responsibility presents a minor limitation.

If individuals reduce waste, conserve electricity, and adopt eco-friendly habits, environmental pressure gradually decreases.

In conclusion, although personal habits assist environmental preservation to some extent, I largely agree that government-led measures are more effective because large-scale enforcement and national planning deliver broader and faster ecological protection.