Original BandLadder material
It teaches a 4-step method: skeleton, signpost, gap and rejoin. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, a one-page visual summary, word cards with meanings and examples (turning to, Before I move on and After that), 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 Section 4 trap
One missed gap is small. Staying stuck on it is not: the lecturer moves on, and the next answers go past you.
You are still hunting for gap 11stuck when the lecturer says: "Now, turning to drainage." Gap 12 is already starting.
The signpost tells you where you are.
what the format tells you
| Feature | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Speaker | One person, an academic subject |
| Order | Questions follow the recording |
| Playback | Heard once only |
| Notes | May summarise points and links |
| Flow chart | May show stages, with arrows |
| Gaps | Follow the word limit |
The question order is your map. Signposts show where you are.
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 Section 4: follow the signposts 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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