Transform Your Writing for IELTS

Rob MacLachlan
This is a preview of my upcoming book. If you would like to pre-order the e-book version, you can do that now with a 20% discount until the end of June 2013. Visit www.IELTS-ransformation.com/website/store

Introduction
This book is a short story designed to help students and teachers of English language to become more aware of the types of sentences needed to improve generally and to get higher scores in tests such as IELTS, The Cambridge suite of tests, TOEFL and TOEIC etc. A higher level of English requires more complex sentences and more complex language. There is one story that has been written at 3 levels of English using the levels described in the Lexical Resource and Grammar Range and Accuracy section of the IELTS writing band descriptors public version: The first level is a strong IELTS 6, then a strong IELTS 7 and then a strong IELTS 8/9. You should read the lower level first and then when you understand the story, look at and notice how the sentences transform. The story is written to elicit a personal response from the readers, as this is a role of literature. It is not the kind of quasi-academic style as used in an IELTS test, for example. This is because English proficiency test takers need to read for pleasure outside the kind of topics used in academic essays. Also, there is an emphasis in the message on how and why to think critically, which is a helpful skill when thinking about essay questions. This story is written in a personal style to enable the reader to think about voice. Voice is when you can hear what the writers opinion is. This is important for writers in tests like IELTS because they may need to give their opinion and also those of others. If you want to improve your sentences, it is important to learn how to recognise and form complex sentences. This book helps you to do that by highlighting the 3 different types of dependent clauses in different colours and italicising the subordinating conjunctions as demonstrated in some examples below: Noun clause = green [What I need to do] is read more. I think [that you can achieve your goals]. Adverb Clause = blue [When I read more for pleasure], all my English skills will improve. [If I put in the effort], I will reap the rewards. I want to improve my language skills [because it will help me in the test]. Adjective (Relative) Clause = red Paul, [who encouraged me to write this], has also written a book. I love doing lots of exercise, [which keeps me fit].

Rob MacLachlan 2013 , www.IELTS-transformation.com

How to use this book:

1) Read the first level in black and white and try to understand the story. Try to find and notice the complex sentences. Look at the first level coloured sentences and check if you were right and if you noticed what kind of sentences are used. 2) Then repeat step 1 and move to the second level and compare the grammar and vocabulary that is used. Notice how the complex sentences have changed. Notice how the vocabulary and collocation is better. 3) Do the same again. Look at the third level and notice how the complex sentences have been reduced and how much more voice there is in this native level writing. 4) Think carefully about the sentences you make. Notice the type of sentences that you hear and read other people make. Be curious. Practice. Take risks in your daily language use.

Lives Transformed
Rob MacLachlan 2013 , www.IELTS-transformation.com

Level - IELTS 6 A mix of simple and complex sentences in black and white Ch1 Colin loved visiting his grandfather, who was called Hamish, and he loved listening to his stories. He used to sit on him and he used to play with his hair. Grandpa Hamish lived near with Grandma Lou. Colin used to visit them after school and he used to stay there until his parents picked him up after work. He always felt good before he got there because Grandma Lou was usually cooking something tasty in the kitchen at the back of the house. She loved to give Colin healthy food and warm hugs. After this welcome, he used to go to his grandfather, who was usually in his 3d virtual world computer room and who was usually playing a game. But Colin liked grandfathers stories about the past. Most kids had a 3d virtual computer room, so Colin liked the real stories about Grandpas childhood in England and life in Australasia after Europe collapsed. Today was the same and Colin entered Grandpas room quietly to try and surprise him, but Grandpa knew that he was there. Grandpa pretended not to see him until he was close. He turned around suddenly with a big smile and a loud noise like an old bear. They both laughed. Aha I thought that there was a naughty boy approaching me said Hamish with a smile. How are you darling boy? he continued. Well Grandpa, we are studying the collapse of Europe and the USA in the middle of the twenty tens. I know that you have images and stories from when you escaped to Australasia. I have to do a 3d visual presentation for homework and I would like your help please, asked Colin. Hamish stopped and looked sad. Then his usual smile returned and he replied, Of course dear boy, when do you need to finish? In two weeks said Colin. Okay. Well, we should begin. Lets get a cup of Grandmas fresh peppermint tea and go into the garden and Ill tell you the story of my journey to this paradise, Australasia.

Lives Transformed
Rob MacLachlan 2013 , www.IELTS-transformation.com

Level - IELTS 6 A mix of simple and complex sentences in colour

Remember: Noun Clauses in green, Adverb Clauses in blue & Relative clauses in red

Ch1 Colin loved visiting his grandfather, [who was called Hamish], and he loved listening to his stories. He used to sit on him and he used to play with his hair. Grandpa Hamish lived near with Grandma Lou. Colin used to visit them after school and he used to stay there [until his parents picked him up after work]. He always felt good [before he got there] [because Grandma Lou was usually cooking something tasty in the kitchen at the back of the house]. She loved to give Colin healthy food and warm hugs. [After she welcomed him], he used to go to his grandfather, [who was usually in his 3d virtual world computer room] and [who was usually playing a game]. But Colin liked grandfathers stories about the past. Most kids had a 3d virtual computer room, so Colin liked the real stories about Grandpas childhood in England and life in Australasia [after Europe collapsed]. Today was the same and Colin entered Grandpas room quietly to try and surprise him, but Grandpa knew [that he was there]. Grandpa pretended not to see him [until he was close]. He turned around suddenly with a big smile and a loud noise like an old bear. They both laughed. Aha I thought [that there was a naughty boy approaching me] said Hamish with a smile. How are you darling boy? he continued. Well Grandpa, we are studying the collapse of Europe and the USA in the middle of the twenty tens. I know [that you have images and stories from] [when you escaped to Australasia]. I have to do a 3d visual presentation for homework and I would like your help please, asked Colin. Hamish stopped and looked sad. Then his usual smile returned and he replied, Of course dear boy, when do you need to finish? In two weeks said Colin. Okay. Well, we should begin. Lets get a cup of Grandmas fresh peppermint tea and go into the garden and Ill tell you the story of my journey to this paradise, Australasia.

Rob MacLachlan 2013 , www.IELTS-transformation.com

Lives transformed
Level IELTS 7 A variety of complex sentences in black and white Ch1 Colin loved visiting his grandfather, called Hamish, and listening to his stories. He used to sit on him and play with his hair. Grandpa Hamish lived nearby with Grandma Lou. Colin used to visit them after he had finished school and stay there until his parents picked him up after work. He always felt good before he got there because Grandma Lou was usually cooking some tasty food in the kitchen at the back of the house. She loved to spoil Colin with healthy food and warm hugs. After he had received this welcome, he used to go to his grandfather, who was usually in his 3d virtual world computer room and playing a game. But it was grandfathers stories about the past that Colin liked. Most kids had a 3d virtual computer room, so Colin liked the real stories about Grandpas childhood in England and his escape to Australasia after Europe collapsed. Today was the same and Colin entered Grandpas room quietly to surprise him, but Grandpa knew he was there. Grandpa pretended not to see him until he was close when he turned around suddenly with a big smile and a loud noise like an old bear. They both laughed. Aha I thought I could sense a naughty boy approaching me said Hamish while he laughed. What is your news darling boy? he continued. Well Grandpa, we are studying the collapse of Europe and the USA in the middle of the twenty tens and I know you have images and stories from when you escaped to Australasia. I have to do a 3d visual presentation for homework and I wanted your help please, asked Colin. Hamish paused and looked sad. Then his usual smile returned and he replied, Of course dear boy, when do you need to finish? In two weeks said Colin. I see. Well, we should begin. Lets get a cup of Grandmas fresh peppermint tea and go into the garden and Ill tell you the story of my journey to this paradise that you call Australasia.

Rob MacLachlan 2013 , www.IELTS-transformation.com

Lives transformed
Level IELTS 7 A variety of complex sentences in colour
Remember: Noun Clauses in green, Adverb Clauses in blue & Relative clauses in red

Ch1 Colin loved visiting his grandfather, called Hamish, and listening to his stories. He used to sit on him and play with his hair. Grandpa Hamish lived nearby with Grandma Lou. Colin used to visit them [after he had finished school and stay there] [until his parents picked him up after work]. He always felt good [before he got there] [because Grandma Lou was usually cooking some tasty food in the kitchen at the back of the house]. She loved to spoil Colin with healthy food and warm hugs. [After he had received this welcome], he used to go to his grandfather, [who was usually in his 3d virtual world computer room and playing a game]. But it was grandfathers stories about the past that Colin liked. Most kids had a 3d virtual computer room, so Colin liked the real stories about Grandpas childhood in England and his escape to Australasia [after Europe collapsed]. Today was the same and Colin entered Grandpas room quietly to surprise him, but Grandpa knew [that he was there]. Grandpa pretended not to see him [until he was close] [when he turned around suddenly with a big smile and a loud noise like an old bear]. They both laughed. Aha I thought [that I could sense a naughty boy approaching me] said Hamish [while he laughed]. What is your news darling boy? he continued. Well Grandpa, we are studying the collapse of Europe and the USA in the middle of the twenty tens and I know [that you have images and stories from] [when you escaped to Australasia]. I have to do a 3d visual presentation for homework and I wanted your help please, asked Colin. Hamish paused and looked sad. Then his usual smile returned and he replied, Of course dear boy, when do you need to finish? In two weeks said Colin. I see. Well, we should begin. Lets get a cup of Grandmas fresh peppermint tea and go into the garden and Ill tell you the story of my journey to this paradise that you call Australasia.

Rob MacLachlan 2013 , www.IELTS-transformation.com

Lives transformed
Level IELTS 8+ A wide range of complex structures in black and white
Remember: Noun Clauses in green, Adverb Clauses in blue & Relative clauses in red

Ch1 Colin loved visiting his grandfather, Hamish, and listening to his stories. He would sit on his lap and play with his hair. Grandpa Hamish lived just up the road with Grandma Lou. Colin would often visit them after school until his parents came to pick him up when they had finished work. He felt good before he even entered the house as Grandma Lou was usually baking some tasty treats in the kitchen at the back of the house. She loved to spoil Colin with healthy food and big soft hugs. After he had received his warm welcome, he would go to his grandfather, who was usually in his 3d virtual world computer room playing some game or other. But it was grandfathers stories about the olden days that Colin liked. Every kid had a 3d virtual world computer room, so Colin liked the real stories that Grandpa told, especially about his childhood growing up in England and his escape to Australasia after Europe collapsed. Today was no different and Colin entered Grandpas room quietly to try and surprise him with a Boo! Grandpa seemed to sense his presence though, and he pretended not to see him until he was close by when he turned suddenly with a big grin and a roar like an old bear. They both laughed. Aha I thought I could sense a little rascal approaching chuckled Hamish What news darling boy? he continued. Well Grandpa, we are studying the collapse of Europe and the U.S. in the mid twenty tens and I know you have images and stories from when you escaped to Australasia. I have to do a 3d visual presentation for homework and I wanted your help please, piped Colin. Hamish paused, his face saddened before his customary smile returned and he replied Of course darling boy, how long do we have? Two weeks said Colin. I see. Well, wed better begin. Lets get a cup of Grandmas lovely fresh peppermint tea and go into the garden and Ill tell you the story of my journey to this paradise you call Australasia.

Rob MacLachlan 2013 , www.IELTS-transformation.com

Lives Transformed
Level IELTS 8+ A wide range of complex structures in black and white Ch1 Colin loved visiting his grandfather, Hamish, and listening to his stories. He would sit on his lap and play with his hair. Grandpa Hamish lived just up the road with Grandma Lou. Colin would often visit them after school [until his parents came to pick him up][when they had finished work]. He felt good [before he even entered the house] [as Grandma Lou was usually baking some tasty treats in the kitchen at the back of the house]. She loved to spoil Colin with healthy food and big soft hugs. [After he had received his warm welcome], he would go to his grandfather, [who was usually in his 3d virtual world computer room playing some game or other]. But it was grandfathers stories about the olden days [that Colin liked]. Every kid had a 3d virtual world computer room, so Colin liked the real stories [that Grandpa told], especially about his childhood growing up in England and his escape to Australasia [after Europe collapsed]. Today was no different and Colin entered Grandpas room quietly to try and surprise him with a Boo! Grandpa seemed to sense his presence though, and he pretended not to see him [until he was close by] [when he turned suddenly with a big grin and a roar like an old bear]. They both laughed. Aha I thought [that I could sense a little rascal approaching] chuckled Hamish What news darling boy? he continued. Well Grandpa, we are studying the collapse of Europe and the U.S. in the mid twenty tens and I know [that you have images and stories from] [when you escaped to Australasia]. I have to do a 3d visual presentation for homework and I wanted your help please, piped Colin. Hamish paused, his face saddened before his customary smile returned and he replied Of course darling boy, how long do we have? Two weeks said Colin. I see. Well, wed better begin. Lets get a cup of Grandmas lovely fresh peppermint tea and go into the garden and Ill tell you the story of my journey to this paradise [that you call Australasia].

This is a preview of my upcoming book. If you would like to pre-order the e-book version, you can do that now with a 20% discount until the end of June 2013. Visit www.IELTS-ransformation.com/website/store

Rob MacLachlan 2013 , www.IELTS-transformation.com