Online Tutors: Financial English

David C.

Complete Financial English Course.

Speaking- Tasks & marking criteria

 Task 1: Introduction & interview

Task 2: Long Turn 

Task 3: Discussion

marking criteria

• Fluency & Coherence (FC) = how clear and structured is your speech
• connect your sentences by linking words.
• extend your answers, add all the relevant details 
• speak smoothly and continuously
• use pausing correctly

• Pronunciation(P) = how naturally you sound 
• pronounce words as clearly as possible
• stress words and sentences correctly
• use correct intonations
• try to be easily understood by the examiner

• Lexical Resource (LR) = how good is your vocabulary
• use a wide range of vocabulary
• discuss different topics freely, using appropriate words
• speak formally or semi-formally
• choose words accurately
• use idiomatic language

• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA) = how good is your grammar
• avoid grammatical mistakes
• try to use more advanced grammatical structures (passive voice, direct speech, different tenses and conditional sentences etc.

reference:  

abbreviations: https://ielts56789.blogspot.com/p/abbreviations.html

Have a nice sleep improving your listening skill?

Listening — One‑Page Checklist (Bilingual)

Systematic, simple. Use in preview, during audio, and review.

系統化、好上手：預覽 → 作答 → 檢查 的快速指引

Quick facts / 重點概述

· Length: ~30 min audio; paper test has +10 min to transfer; computer test has ~2 min review. · 4 parts × 10 = 40 questions; audio plays once; difficulty increases from Part 1 → 4. · Mixed accents (UK, AU, NZ, US, etc.); topics move from everyday to academic. · Scoring: 40 raw → Band 1–9 (roughly 39–40=9, 35–38=8, 30–34=7, 23–29=6).

· 時長：約 30 分鐘音檔；紙本另有 10 分鐘轉抄；電腦考約 2 分鐘檢視。 · 4 個部分 × 每部分 10 題，共 40 題；音檔只播放一次；難度由 Part 1 漸進到 Part 4。 · 口音多元（英、澳、紐、美…）；主題由生活過渡到學術。 · 計分：40 題換算為 Band 1–9（約略 39–40=9、35–38=8、30–34=7、23–29=6）。

Preview (30–60 s before each part) / 開始前預覽（每部分前 30–60 秒）

· Skim all questions; mark keywords and word limits (“NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS”). · Predict word type (name/number/noun/verb) and likely synonyms. · Check plural/singular and spelling of names/streets. · For maps/plans: find North, entrances, and landmarks in advance. · For matching/speakers: note labels (A/B/C…) and each speaker’s role.

· 快速瀏覽題目；畫出關鍵字與字數限制（如「NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS」）。 · 預測答案詞性（姓名／數字／名詞／動詞）與可能同義字。 · 檢查單複數與專有名詞的拼字（人名、街名）。 · 地圖／平面題：先找北方、入口與地標位置。 · 配對／多位說話者：先記下標籤（A/B/C…）與角色。

During each Part — focus points / 作答時要點

· Part 1: Numbers, names, addresses; catch spelling and self‑corrections. · Part 2: Structure and signposting (e.g., “first… next… however…”); maps/directions. · Part 3: Opinions/attitudes; track who says what; paraphrase and hedging. · Part 4: Lecture flow; headings → examples; concise note‑taking (keywords only).

· Part 1：數字、人名、地址；注意拼字與更正（自我修正）。 · Part 2：結構與語篇指引（如 first/next/however）；地圖與路線。 · Part 3：意見與態度；追蹤「誰說了什麼」；同義改寫與保留語氣。 · Part 4：講座脈絡；由標題到例子；只記關鍵字的精簡筆記。

Question 6 types — mini‑tips / 題型速記與技巧

· Fill‑in (forms/notes/summary): obey word limits; ensure grammar fits the gap. · Sentence completion: anticipate grammar and synonyms (not exact wording). · MCQ: ignore keyword echo; choose meaning; eliminate confidently. · Matching (speakers → views): mark speaker changes quickly; listen for stance. · Map/plan: left/right/opposite/along; confirm via landmarks; don’t lock too early. · Short answers: watch singular/plural; units and numbers must be exact.

· 填空（表格／筆記／摘要）：嚴守字數；讓文法與句型吻合空格。 · 句子完成：預測文法與同義改寫（不要等原字）。 · 選擇題：忽略關鍵字回聲；看意思選項；果斷刪錯。 · 配對（說話者→觀點）：迅速標記說話者變換；聽立場語（I think…）。 · 地圖／平面：left/right/opposite/along 等方位字；用地標交叉確認；別太早定點。 · 簡答題：注意單複數；單位與數字必須精確。

Common traps — avoid these / 常見陷阱避免法

· Self‑correction in audio (“£15—sorry, £50”): take the final value. · Distractors repeat question words; correct answers use paraphrase. · Order shifts inside options/routes; don’t rely on position alone. · Spelling, hyphens, capitals for proper nouns; obey word limits strictly.

· 錄音自我更正（如「£15—更正 £50」）：以最後數值為準。 · 干擾選項常重複題目用字；正確答案多用同義改寫。 · 選項／路線內部可能調換順序；不要只靠位置判斷。 · 拼字、連字號、專有名詞大寫要正確；嚴格遵守字數限制。

Transfer / typing / 轉抄與輸入檢查

· Paper: transfer in ALL CAPS; check Q1–Q40; leave no blanks. · Computer: use the review screen; verify spellings one by one.

· 紙本：轉抄用全大寫；逐一檢查 Q1–Q40；避免空白。 · 電腦：使用回顧清單；逐一確認拼字與輸入。

Time management & mindset / 時間分配與心態

· If you miss one, skip instantly and re‑anchor on the next question. · Use question order (it follows the audio). · Breathe between parts; reset focus during the 30‑second preview.

· 漏聽立即跳過，立刻在下一題重新對位。 · 善用題目順序（與音檔順序一致）。 · 各部分間先深呼吸；在 30 秒預覽時重置專注。

Rough scoring guide / 分數換算（概略）

· Rough guide: 39–40 → Band 9; 35–38 → Band 8; 30–34 → Band 7; 23–29 → Band 6 (forms vary slightly).

· 粗略換算：39–40 → 9 分；35–38 → 8 分；30–34 → 7 分；23–29 → 6 分（不同考卷略有差異）。

Personal reminders / 個人提醒（可自填）

· Practice with mixed accents • Sleep well • Daily 10–15 min drills • Pencil & eraser (paper test).

· 混合口音練習 • 睡眠充足 • 每日 10–15 分鐘短練 • 紙本準備鉛筆與橡皮擦。

 

building block & patterns 英文中的成分比例

building block & Patterns (EN/ZH-TW)

A one-page reference to describe percentages with clear building blocks, safe ranges, and model sentences.
以清楚的「語塊＋數值」結構、建議區間與範例句，快速描述百分比。

1) The Two Parts / 兩個組成

Every phrase = [Approximator] + [Reference amount]
所有片語＝【近似詞】＋【基準數（分數／百分比／比例）】

A. Approximators (how close?) / 近似詞（接近程度）

• exactly = the precise figure ｜ 正好、正確（精確數字）

• about / around / roughly ≈ ±5% ｜ 大約／大概（±5%）

• close to ≈ ±2–3% ｜ 接近（可高可低，±2–3%）

• nearly / almost ≈ 1–3% under ｜ 將近／幾乎（略低 1–3%）

• just under ≈ 1–2% under ｜ 略低一點（1–2%）

• just over ≈ 1–2% over ｜ 略高一點（1–2%）

✗ Do not stack approximators (e.g., “about nearly 50%”).｜ 近似詞勿重疊使用。

B. Reference amounts (what number?) / 基準數（指向誰）

• half / one half = 50% ｜ 一半＝50%

• (a) third ≈ 33⅓% (≈33%) ｜ 三分之一≈33%

• (a) quarter = 25% ｜ 四分之一＝25%（拼法：a quarter）

• three quarters = 75% ｜ 四分之三＝75%

• ratios 比例：one in three ≈33%、three out of four＝75%、two in five＝40%

• percent 百分比：用於精確數字（如 48 percent / 48%）

2) Safe Patterns / 安全句型

• Nearly half of the students chose online courses.｜ 將近一半的學生選擇線上課程。

• 48% of households owned a car.｜ 48%的家庭擁有汽車。

• Nearly half of respondents (48%) preferred Option A.｜ 將近一半（48%）偏好 A。

Grammar & Style / 文法與風格

• Use “of”: nearly half of the respondents.｜ 用 of：nearly half of the respondents。

• With “percent of + plural noun”, use a plural verb: 48% of students are…｜ percent of + 複數名詞 → 動詞用複數。

• Be consistent: percent (US) / per cent (UK).｜ 美式/英式要一致。

• Add the exact % once in parentheses.｜ 必要時在括號標一次精確數字。

3) Parsed Examples / 你的例子拆解

Around 50% ｜ 約 50%

• close to one half → ≈ 47–53%

• just under one half → ≈ 48–49%

• almost / nearly half → ≈ 47–49% (below 50)

• 48 percent → exact

Around 33% ｜ 約 33%

• one third / a third → ≈33%

• 33 percent → exact

• one in three → ≈33% (good with people/items)

Around 25–26% ｜ 約 25–26%

• just over a quarter → ≈26–27%

• 26 percent → exact

• about one in four → ≈25% (± up to ~5)

Around 75% ｜ 約 75%

• three quarters → 75%

• 75 percent → exact

• three out of four → 75%

4) Quick Chooser / 快速選詞

Exact	Safe paraphrases (EN)	對應說法（中文提示）
48%	nearly half; just under one half	將近一半；略低於一半
33%	a third; one in three; about 33%	三分之一；每三人之一；約33%
26%	just over a quarter; 26%	略高於四分之一；26%
75%	three quarters; three out of four	四分之三；每四個中有三個

5) Model Sentences / 範例句

• Nearly half of respondents (48%) preferred online learning.｜ 受訪者中將近一半（48%）偏好線上學習。

• Just under one half of sales (≈49%) came from Asia.｜ 銷售額中略低於一半（約49%）來自亞洲。

• About a third of users (33%) selected Plan B.｜ 約三分之一的使用者（33%）選擇方案 B。

• Just over a quarter (26%) traveled abroad last year.｜ 略高於四分之一（26%）的人去年出國。

• Three out of four households (75%) owned a smartphone.｜ 每四個家庭有三個（75%）擁有智慧型手機。

IELTS Reading — Traps & Fixes (Bilingual)

IELTS Reading — Traps & Fixes (Bilingual)

常見陷阱與破解 — 雙語版

A. Quick facts & global strategy traps / A. 重點概述與整體策略陷阱

· 60 minutes, 3 sections, ~40 questions; NO extra transfer time — answers go directly on the sheet/computer.

· 60 分鐘，3 篇文章、約 40 題；沒有額外轉抄時間——直接填寫答案。

· Academic vs General: same skills; GT has simpler texts but similar traps; scoring tables differ slightly.

· 學術組與一般訓練組：技能相同；一般訓練的文本較生活化但陷阱相似；換算分數略有差異。

· Trap: reading everything slowly. Fix: preview headings, first/last sentences, and map each paragraph’s function first.

· 陷阱：逐字慢讀。解法：先預覽標題與各段首尾句，建立段落功能地圖。

· Trap: hunting exact keywords only. Fix: track paraphrases (cause→reason, benefit→advantage, high→elevated).

· 陷阱：只找原字。解法：追蹤同義改寫（如 cause→reason、benefit→advantage、high→elevated）。

· Trap: equal time for all questions. Fix: split roughly 18–20–22 mins (Sections 1→3) and move on when stuck.

· 陷阱：每題花費時間相同。解法：時間配比約 18–20–22 分鐘（第 1→3 篇），卡題立即先跳過。

B. TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN vs YES/NO/NOT GIVEN / B. 是/非/未提 與 同意/不同意/未提 的陷阱

· TFNG asks about FACTS in the passage; Y/NNG asks about the WRITER’S VIEWS/CLAIMS.

· TFNG 檢驗文章中的『事實』；Y/NNG 檢驗『作者觀點／主張』。

· Trap: treating NOT GIVEN as FALSE. Fix: NOT GIVEN = the passage does not say enough to decide.

· 陷阱：把 NOT GIVEN 當成 FALSE。解法：NOT GIVEN＝文本沒有足夠資訊判斷。

· Trap: partial match. Fix: all parts of the statement must match; one mismatched detail → FALSE/NO.

· 陷阱：只對到部分內容。解法：敘述需全然吻合；有一處相反或不符 → FALSE/NO。

· Trap: outside knowledge. Fix: judge ONLY by the passage, not what you know.

· 陷阱：用外部知識作答。解法：只依文本，不靠既有常識。

Example 例：Statement: 'All species migrate annually.' Passage: 'Some species migrate in certain years.' → FALSE/NO. / 敘述：「所有物種每年遷徙。」 文章：「部分物種在某些年份才遷徙。」→ FALSE/NO。

C. Matching Headings (paragraphs → headings) / C. 段落標題配對

· Trap: matching to a detail. Fix: choose heading for the paragraph’s MAIN IDEA (often 1–2 sentences).

· 陷阱：用細節來配對。解法：標題要對應段落『主旨』（通常 1–2 句即可概括）。

· Trap: ignoring contrast/shift words (however, although, meanwhile). Fix: these often signal the real focus.

· 陷阱：忽略轉折詞（however, although, meanwhile）。解法：轉折常提示真正焦點。

· Method: read first/last sentence + scan middle for repeated key nouns/verbs; then eliminate close distractors.

· 方法：讀首尾句＋掃中段重複的關鍵名詞/動詞，最後刪去相近干擾選項。

D. Multiple Choice & Matching Information/Features / D. 選擇題與訊息／特色配對

· Trap: keyword echo. Fix: pick meaning, not word repetition; correct option paraphrases the text.

· 陷阱：關鍵字回聲。解法：選『意思』而非原字；正確選項多為同義改寫。

· Trap: two half-true options. Fix: only one fully matches scope and logic; check quantifiers (some/most/all).

· 陷阱：兩個半對選項。解法：只有一個完全吻合範圍與邏輯；留意數量詞（some/most/all）。

· Trap: mis-tagging which paragraph/speaker. Fix: underline names/paragraph letters and tick when used.

· 陷阱：段落或人物配錯。解法：畫線標示段落代號或人名，用到就打勾避免重複。

E. Completion tasks (summary/table/flowchart/note/sentence) / E. 填空題（摘要／表格／流程／筆記／句子）

· Trap: breaking word limits. Fix: watch 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS/AND/OR A NUMBER'; hyphenated counts as one.

· 陷阱：超出字數限制。解法：注意『不超過兩字／且或含數字』；含連字號的詞通常算一字。

· Trap: grammar mismatch. Fix: predict the part of speech (noun/adj/verb) so the sentence reads correctly.

· 陷阱：文法不合。解法：預判詞性（名／形／動），確保句子通順。

· Trap: copying from wrong sentence around the gap. Fix: read 1–2 lines before/after to confirm meaning.

· 陷阱：只看空格附近一句。解法：至少前後各讀 1–2 行以確認語義。

F. Locating information (Which paragraph contains…) / F. 定位資訊（哪一段包含…）

· Trap: scanning in order. Fix: the target paragraph may be anywhere; scan for unique names/dates/technical terms.

· 陷阱：順序掃描。解法：答案可能在任何段；先找罕見字如人名、年份、術語。

· Trap: mixing similar paragraphs. Fix: build a quick 'paragraph map' with 2–3 keywords per paragraph.

· 陷阱：相似段落混淆。解法：先做『段落地圖』：每段寫 2–3 個關鍵詞。

G. Diagram labeling & classification / G. 圖示標註與分類

· Trap: assuming prior knowledge. Fix: rely on the passage’s own definitions and labels.

· 陷阱：靠先備知識。解法：依文章內的定義與標籤作答。

· Trap: label variants (British/US spelling, singular/plural). Fix: copy EXACTLY what the passage uses.

· 陷阱：標示變體（英美拼字、單複數）。解法：完全照文中用字填寫。

H. Time management, guessing, and review / H. 時間分配、猜題與檢查

· Trap: spending 10+ mins on one killer question. Fix: mark and move; return at the end if time remains.

· 陷阱：在難題卡 10 分鐘。解法：標記後先跳過；最後若有時間再回來。

· Guessing: no penalty. Fix: always attempt every question; use elimination and logic.

· 猜題：無倒扣。解法：所有題目都要作答；用刪去與邏輯推理。

· Final 3–5 mins: check word limits, spelling, plural/singular, and that answers align to the correct numbers.

· 最後 3–5 分鐘：核對字數限制、拼字、單複數，以及題號對位是否正確。

I. If you see X, do Y / I. 見招拆招：看到這些，立刻這樣做

· NOT/EXCEPT/least likely: underline and invert your search target

· NOT/EXCEPT/least likely：畫線並改為尋找『不符合/例外』

· according to the writer: look for stance verbs/adverbs (argues, suggests, is skeptical)

· according to the writer：尋找立場動詞/副詞（argues/suggests/質疑）

· most/primarily/mainly: expect summary statements rather than examples

· most/primarily/mainly：優先找總結語句，而非例子

· dates/numbers/names: scan first; then read the sentence fully for meaning

· dates/numbers/names：先掃描定位，再完整讀句子

· compared with/whereas/however: contrast or exception often holds the answer

· compared with/whereas/however：對比或例外處常藏答案