Recommended Reading
The New Scientist is a current affairs magazine aimed at readers interested in cutting edge science and technology. This compact magazine has a wealth of information for those studying Academic IELTS. The articles are written assuming no specialised knowledge by the reader, but academic language is used.
The texts vary in length from 1 paragraph to 3 pages long. A variety of non verbal media are provided, especially in the form of pie charts, line graphs, bar graphs and tables which can be used as Task 1 report writing activities. This would make interesting extra homework for the student, in order to help reinforce any skills gained in class.
The controversal or cutting edge articles provide so much material for setting the Task 2 essays, where the student is asked to give two sides of a debate and then choose which he agrees with. Subjects include nuclear power, cloning, alternative realities, space exploration.
Please take some time to read the New Scientist website http://www.newscientist.com/
