Full Test 1

I attempted the full IELTS test. This is one of 4 tests offered by the consultancy.

Listening Test

It didn't go well. Got 32 questions correct. Band score 7.5.
1. I am faltering in Direction related questions. Need to improve.
2. I need to be careful with the grammar and fit the answer in a proper way.
3. Sometimes answers won't be readily available in the recording. I need to learn to write down words as narrated in the recording and give answers according to the question.
4. Special attention must be given to the last 2 sections as it gets progressively tougher.

Reading Test

This was online test. So, I couldn't put my strategy of underlining text into practice. There were 6 wrong answers and another 3 which were deemed wrong but I didn't agree with the test makers :). Y/N/NG is giving a challenge since I am not getting it even after seeing the answers. Band score 7.

Writing Test

Strangely, this has started to become my strong point. Since its online test, I could make many corrections easily. It is kind of cheating but still I am beginning to feel confident about writing section.

Speaking Test

It wasn't a proper test since I misunderstood the interface for good part of section 1. I am not in my final stretch yet but it is starting to look good.

Takeaways

1. Practice listening tests.
2. Get better on Y/N/NG questions.
3. Able to sit through the entire duration without discomfort. (didn't even take water)

Task1

You have received a letter from bank stating that 240 dollars are overdrawn and there will be charges of 80 dollars which will be deducted from your account. Write a letter to your bank manager mentioning that the information is incorrect.
Dear Sir/Madam,

    I am writing in regard to the impending penalty that would be imposed for overdrawing money from my account. The information about my withdrawal is incorrect.

First of all, I have been your bank's loyal customer for the past 15 years and I am disappointed that the bank has decided to penalise me, even if the allegation is true. Recently, my account status has been upgraded from gold to platinum as a reward for my continuing association with the bank. Surely, a penalty is an inappropriate way of treating a platinum customer.

Second, it is incorrect to state that I had overdrawn a sum of 240 dollars. My account balance has been consistently hovering above 70,000 dollars for almost 5 years now and the bank's withdrawal limit is 10,000 dollar per month. Given these details, I wonder how can I get into a position to overdraw 240 dollars. This conclusion of overdrawing is clearly a mistake from the bank's side.

I would urge you to withdraw the fines imposed and it would not hurt to hear an apology as well.

Yours faithfully,
Ram Sunder

Task2

Children are engaged in different kind of paid work. Many of people consider it inappropriate and many think it as a learning experience for taking responsibility? Give your opinions.

Recently, there is an increase in number of companies that offer part-time jobs to children. The society is divided in its opinion on the subject. In my opinion, there is merit in exposing children to work at early stage but there are more disadvantages than advantages in doing so.

Part-time job for children is a great opportunity to experience what it is like to work in a job, earn because of it, and take responsibility. Usually, a child gets this opportunity late in it's life. An early exposure would give a chance to experiment and learn the various aspects of workplace. However, such advantages are not enough to really convince the usefulness of this idea.

First, children need their free time to themselves. It is essential that children play, socialize and have fun. The famous academician, John Wright, has wrote in his book "The budding minds" about the necessity of leisure time for kids. He claims that the period of leisure is equally, if not more, important to a child's growth as studies.

Second, child labour is known for its misuse by employers. In a recent study, it was reported that the age group of 15 to 18 is the most susceptible group for employment injustice, namely lesser pay, more work hours, and worse work conditions. It is easy to understand why this is so. A younger workforce is most likely to not know about any of the labour rights and would, invariably, be afraid to speak out.

In summary, children are better off studying, learning and enjoying their student's life. Although, part-time jobs offer some lessons to children, it is certainly not worth pursuing this path.