Original BandLadder material
It teaches a 4-step method: tag, track, hold and decide. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a one-page visual summary, word cards with meanings and examples (used to be, in the end and actually), a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.
With a free BandLadder account you can read the first three cards online in our study reader, on the web and in the app. The other 7 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.
The first 2 of 10 cards
the trap in every matching set
A speaker can mention an option and then reject it. The words you hear are not always the letter you write.
"Is the pool free for students?" "It used to be, but not any more."rejected
Wait for the end of the answer.
shrink each one to a single word
| Option | Tag | Might hear |
|---|---|---|
| A Far from the station | far | a long way out |
| B Needs booking | book | reserve a slot |
| C Free for students | free | no entry fee |
| D Weekdays only | days | Mon to Fri |
You match items from the recording to lettered options. Match on meaning, not shared words.
Card 3 of 10 onwards
Card 3 is free too
Create a free account for card 3; the other 7 come with any plan.
Create a free account →10 cards
Start Matching: heard is not matched free
Create a free account to read the first 3 cards. The full lesson and its PDF come with any plan.
Create a free account →Free practice
Keep reading
Questions
The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.
The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.
The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.
Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.
IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.
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