Original BandLadder material
It teaches a 4-step method: frame, catch, shorten and rebuild. 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 model answer with its key moves highlighted, a one-page visual summary, 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 8 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.
The first 2 of 11 cards
why slow notes cost you the talk
While you finish one sentence, the speaker delivers the next point. Your notes only need the skeleton.
You hear: "bike lanes cut accidents by a third". Slow note: The bike lanes led to a third fewer accidents.too slow Quick note: lanes → acc ↓ 1/3same idea
Skeleton now. Sentences later.
seven symbols, then make your own
| Write | Means | Try it |
|---|---|---|
| ↑ · ↓ | rises, grows · falls, cuts | sales ↑ |
| → | causes, leads to, so | fog → late |
| ≠ | but, unlike, differs | rail ≠ road |
| + | and, also, plus | fee + tax |
| ✓ · ✗ | agrees · rejects | S2 ✗ plan |
| ? | problem or doubt | cost ? |
| S1 | which speaker | S1: cheaper |
Shorten long words to a few letters. Use each symbol the same way every time.
Card 3 of 11 onwards
Card 3 is free too
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Start Note-taking: keep the skeleton free
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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.
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