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1. Describe a long car journey you went on

Where you went
What you did at this place
Who you went there with
Explain why you went on that journey by car
Sample answer
I have not been on many long journeys by car
Whenever be have to go on a long journey we generally go by bus or train
or by air.
Here I am going to talk about a long journey, which I had by car.
Last year my cousin came from Canada and he wanted to see Rajasthan.
My maternal aunt and uncle live in Jaipur
So we decided to visit Jaipur in Rajasthan.
It was too late for train reservation, as my cousin had come for two weeks
only.
My uncle has a Toyota Innova, which is a seven-seater car and so my father
borrowed it from him for a week.
We were six members my father my mother my brother my cousin my uncle
and I
We started at 6 AM
During our journey we halted at many places
We first stopped at Murthal, where there is a famous Motel, Jhilmil Dhaba,
where we had our lunch
Then we stopped at Delhi for tea.
We had minor halts at one or two more places
Finally we reached my aunts house by 7 PM
She had prepared sumptuous dinner for us
The next morning we went for sightseeing
We saw many places such as the Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amer fort,
Maharani Palace and so on
The next day we went to Chokhi Dhani
This place has been the mirror of Rajasthani culture since 1989
We learned a lot about Rajasthani culture over there
Live dances and music performances go on throughout the evening
Dinner is included in the entry ticket, and so we had dinner over there only
The next day we did some shopping
We enjoyed the hospitality of my aunt and uncle.
We returned home after one week
This road trip to Rajasthan will always hold pleasant memories for me.

Follow ups
1. Why do people like to have private cars?
People like to have private cars because of the convenience they offer. Cars take
us from destination to destination. Moreover, no time is wasted waiting for the
public transport. Cars are also useful when there are elderly or disabled people at
home. People also like to have cars because they are a status symbol.
2. What are the differences between bicycles and private cars?
Bicycles are eco-friendly vehicles. These are cheaper and also good for our health.
But cars are better when we have to travel long distances. Cars are also better
when weather conditions are harsh outside, such as rain or storm. Cars are safer
than bicycles. Bicycles are safe only if there are separate lanes for bicycles.
3. Is it a good thing that everyone has his/her own cars?
It is definitely not good if everyone has his/her own car. Already there is too much
congestion on the roads. If every person will have own car then there will be
parking problems and traffic jams and too much pollution.
4. How to buy private cars in India?
It is easy to buy a car in India. You have to go to a showroom and pay the money
and buy a car of your choice. Easy monthly installments are also available. Some
people also go for bank loans to buy a car.
5. Whats the difference between mens and womens preference on cars?
There are no gender differences nowadays. It is an individual preference. Some
people like bigger cars and some like smaller cars. Some people like sports cars
and some like luxury cars.
6. What will cars be like in the future?
What the future holds in store for us, nobody can tell, but as far as I can see, there
would be flying cars and cars running on water and on solar power.
7. Do many families own private cars in India?
Yes, many families own private cars in India. Now, the car has become very
affordable. There is a car to suit every pocket. For example, Tata Nano is called
the poor mans car.

2. Describe a foreign country you want to visit but havent been to

Where this place is
What it is like
What you can do in this country
Explain why you want to visit this country
Sample answer
I love travelling and I have a dream to visit many foreign countries like
Canada, Australia, America and England
Here, I would like to talk about one country, which I really want to visit
soon and that is Canada.
It is a beautiful country.
Many of my distant relatives stay there.
But my main reason to visit Canada is my friend, Suman, who went there
for her higher education last year.
We are in regular contact with each other through phone and e-mail.
She tells me a lot about Canada.
There is a lot to see and do in Canada.
I would like to visit the CN tower and the Niagara Falls.
I would like to go there in the month of September, because Suman told
me that the trees change colours in Fall, and look very beautiful.
There are red, yellow, purple and white trees.
They look just awesome.
Suman sent me a few photographs through Whatsapp.
She also told me that the temperature falls to minus 20 degrees in winter.
But all the homes have central heating, so it is very comfortable inside.
I would also like to study there for a year or two.
Suman told me that education there is very nice.
They focus more on the practical concepts and give little importance to
rote learning.
She also told me that students can work 20 hours a week and earn for their
overhead expenses.
As she is already there, she would support me initially.
This would be a big help for me.
Actually, Suman motivated me to take the IELTS and join her over there.
Because of her, my parents have agreed to send me there.

Follow-ups
1. Why do Indian people like to travel abroad?
Indian people travel abroad for various reasons. Earlier, travel abroad was only for
pleasure tourism. Today, we have education tourism, business tourism, sports
tourism, medical tourism, religious tourism, political tourism and adventure
tourism.
2. What can people benefit from international travel?
People can benefit a lot from international travel. They get a chance of culture
exchange. They also come to know about new cultures and languages, which
broadens their horizons. It also helps people expand their business globally.
International travel gives students better exposure and access to better
educational facilities.
3. What effects will tourism have on our environment?
Tourism can have some adverse effects on our environment. Travelling through
modes of transport like airplanes, cars and trains lead to air and noise pollution. If
tourists litter the tourist spots, it leads to land pollution.
4. Why do people like to travel abroad?
People like to travel abroad because of several reasons. Some like to travel for
pleasure, to see new places and experience new cultures. Some travel for
education and some to expand their business. Some people travel for religious
reasons. Some travel for medical purposes.
5. Would you travel around the world in the future?
Yes, definitely. I love travelling and want to see the whole world. Travelling gives
us more exposure and broadens our horizons. I think its the best way to learn
about history, culture, geography, wildlife, language, science, and many other
things. It also helps us with decision-making skills, increases our confidence and
also helps us face challenges better.
6. Whats the difference between traveling abroad and studying abroad?
There are many differences between traveling abroad and studying abroad. When
we travel abroad, we prefer to stay in hotels, however, when studying abroad,
accommodation arrangements are different. Students stay in hostels or in shared
rooms or apartments. If we travel abroad for pleasure, we cant work, however,
most of the countries allow students to work for a few hours per week, to cover
their overhead expenses. When students study abroad, they stay for long periods
of time, they learn more about the culture and the language there.

3. Describe a useful thing that you once borrowed

What you borrowed
Who lent this thing to you
What kinds of features this thing has48

Explain why you think it is useful

Sample answer (girls)
In our life we all need to borrow and lend things from time to time.
I have also borrowed many things in my life.
Here I would like to talk about a traditional suit, which I borrowed from my
friend.
It so happened that last month, it was my cousins wedding.
I wanted to buy a new suit.
I went to many shops for buying a new suit, but whatever I liked was very
expensive.
I knew I would not be wearing that suit for many times, so spending a lot
on that seemed wastage of money to me.
My friend Suman was with me. She suggested me to try her suit, which she
had got stitched for her sisters wedding.
I immediately, went with her to her home.
I tried her suit and it fitted me as if I had got it stitched for myself.
It was a bottle green suit with magenta and golden embroidery
It also had a multi-coloured stole to go with it which had a golden lace on
all sides
It was studded with golden beads
It had a very traditional ethnic touch to it
It was a very beautiful suit
The stole was in crinkled silk
She gave me matching accessories also
She gave me a golden beaded purse to go with it.
I wore my traditional Punjabi shoes, which matched perfectly with the suit.
When I wore that suit everyone complimented me
I feel very good when I received those compliments.
I got the suit dry-cleaned after the function and thanked Suman for saving
my money.

(Sample answer boys)

In our life we all need to borrow and lend things from time to time.
I have also borrowed many things in my life.
Here I would like to talk about a traditional sherwani, which I borrowed
from my friend.
It so happened that last month, it was my cousins wedding.
I wanted to buy a new dress.
I went to many shops for buying something unique, but whatever I liked
was very expensive.
I knew I would not be wearing that dress for many times, so spending a lot
on that seemed wastage of money to me.
My friend Rohan was with me. He suggested me to try his sherwani, which
he had bought for his sisters wedding.
I immediately, went with him to his home.
I tried his sherwani and it fitted me as if I had got it stitched for myself.
It was a black sherwani with golden buttons and maroon embroidery
It also had a silken stole to go with it
It was studded with golden beads
It had a very traditional ethnic touch to it
It was a very beautiful dress, which I wore with a black pajama.
The stole was in crinkled silk
It had a golden lining
I bought traditional Punjabi shoes to go with it
Everyone complimented me
They said that I looked very handsome
I feel very good when I received those compliments.
I got the sherwani dry-cleaned after the function and thanked Rohan for
saving my money.

Follow ups
1. What do Indian people usually borrow?
Indian people usually borrow many things depending on their need. Some people
borrow money and some borrow gadgets. Students borrow notes. They borrow
things they dont have and need only for a short time.
2. Does borrowing things make people uncomfortable?
It depends on the person. Borrowing makes people uncomfortable only if they are
borrowing from a person they dont know well. When I borrowed the dress from
my friend, I did not feel uncomfortable, because I knew her well. But, if you
borrow something and spoil the thing before returning, then certainly it is very
embarrassing situation.
3. What to do if you dont want to lend something to others?
If I dont want to lend something, I just say sorry to the person and tell her/him
why I dont want to lend that thing. Sometimes, the thing is very precious to you
and you dont want to share it, it is OK not to lend that thing.
4. Why do people dislike lending valuable items?
People dislike lending valuable items because they fear that the thing may be lost
or damaged by the borrower.
5. What would you do if your friends didnt give back what they borrowed
from you?
I would ask the thing back from them, if they dont return the thing. Sometimes
the person may have just forgotten to return for no reason. I dont think it is
wrong or embarrassing to ask for your own thing to be returned.

4. Describe something you would like to do if you were given a day off
What would you like to do
Who would you like to be with
Where would you like to do it
Explain how you would feel at the end of the day
Sample answer
Everyone looks forward to holidays or days off.
Life is very hectic nowadays.
We all want to do so many things, but time seems to fly.
If I were given a day off, I would like to visit Chandigarh, especially the
Rock Garden, with my friends.
I have heard a lot about the tourist attractions of Chandigarh and want to
visit it once.
Rock Garden is very different from the conventional gardens as there are
no trees and plants in it like other parks.
I would like to go with my friends Ravi, Rohan and Rajinder.
Ravi will take his car and we will share the expenses of diesel.
We will see many places like the Rose Garden, Sukhna Lake, Mini zoo and
the Rock Garden.
The Rock Garden by Nek Chand is very interesting because it is made
entirely of trash.
About 5000 people visit the rock garden daily.
It has around 5000 sculptures.
It is a unique garden that consists of various art objects.
But the best part about the rock garden is that all artwork has been made
by using waste material.
The Rock Garden has become immensely popular.
Rock garden has been established in the form of an open-air exhibition hall.
The garden has sculptures made by using a variety of different discarded
waste materials like frames, mudguards, forks, handle bars, metal wires,
play marbles, porcelain, auto parts, broken bangles etc.
The garden highlights the value of materials many people consider trash.
People come from different parts of the world to see this amazing garden.
It is located in Sector 1 near the Sukhna Lake.
Nek Chand received the Padam Shri in 1983 for his efforts.
Unfortunately, Nek Chand is no more now.
A sculpture also appeared on an Indian postage stamp.
The Chandigarh Rock Garden is now acknowledged as one of the modern
wonders of the world.
I will spend the whole day with my friends and come back by evening.

Follow ups
1. Are people busy in recent years?
Yes, people are very busy in recent years. Life has become very hectic.
Competition is very stiff. People are working harder and harder to fulfill their
desires. Most people have enough, but they want even more.
2. What do people in your country like to do if they are not busy?
If people are not busy, they like to spend time with family and friends. They go
out for watching movies and doing window-shopping. Some just like to relax at
home. Some people like to spend time on their hobbies, like gardening, knitting,
painting etcetera.
3. Do you like short holidays or long holidays?
I like short holidays, because it gives me rest and relaxation at frequent intervals. I
like to burn myself in my studies/work for five days, and enjoy two days at the
end of the week.
OR
I like long holidays, because in long holidays, I can go to distant places with my
family and friends and enjoy with them.
4. Do you think modern lifestyles give people enough time for leisure?
Modern lifestyle is all about choices. Modern gadgets give us more time because,
they do our work in minutes, which we earlier used to do in hours. Unfortunately,
we choose to work even more in that time, instead of relaxing. So, it looks as if
modern lifestyle is very hectic and busy and there is no time for leisure.
5. Do you think people today have more time to relax than in the past?
People today have more time to relax than in the past. Modern gadgets give us
more time because, they do our work in minutes, which we earlier used to do in
hours. Unfortunately, we choose to work even more in that time, instead of
relaxing. So, it looks as if people today do not have enough time to relax.
6. Do you think its important for people to have leisure time or time to relax?
It is very important for people to have leisure time or time to relax, because in
free time, people can recharge their batteries. They can come back to work with
added energy and added zeal. Their work efficiency also improves.
7. Do old people and young people spend their leisure time or relax in the
same way?
No, they do not. Old people like to relax at home, spend time in religious places,
watch TV or do leisurely walk in parks. Whereas, young people like to hang out
with friends, go to discos, watch movies and so on.

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5. Describe an important conversation that influenced you

When this happened
Who you were talking to
What you talked about
How this conversation influenced you
Sample answer
Man is a social animal and conversations are a part of life.
Ive had many conversations in my life, but here I would like to talk about a
conversation, which influenced me a lot.
This conversation was with my cousin, Suman, who had come from Canada.
She went to Humber College, Canada two years ago for her higher
education.
She came to our house to pay a visit.
We chatted with each other for a long time.
She told me all about her life in Canada.
I asked her many questions about the education there and about any
problems she faced there.
She told me that the education there is very good.
They focus on the practical side and teach in a more interesting way.
She also told me that she worked part time for 20 hours a week during her
studies. She managed to earn for her overhead expenses by this.
She told me that initially she faced many food problems.
Actually, vegetarian food outlets are not easy to find over there.
Now she cooks for herself, as everything is available in the Indian stores
over there.
She told me that her education is almost over, and now she is looking for a
full time job.
After that she will be able to apply for PR over there.
She motivated me to pursue my higher education in Canada.
She even talked to my parents about it.
Today, I am in front of you, taking my IELTS, just because of the influence
of that conversation.

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Follow ups
1. How do friends communicate with each other?
Friends communicate with each other in many ways. They communicate face to face,
through phone and also through the Internet.
2. Whats the difference between having a conversation with a man and having a
conversation with a woman?
There are no gender differences nowadays. Both, men and women, can talk equally
well on any topic they are interested in, be it sports, or politics, or fashion.
3. Do you think women like to chat more than men?
I dont think so. Gender has nothing to do with the preference of chatting. It is a
matter of individual choice.
4. When men chat with other men do they usually talk about the same things that
women do when they chat with other women?
The topic of conversation among men or women is a matter of individual taste. Mostly
men talk about sports, business and politics. Whereas women talk about fashion and
family matters. But then individual variations are always there.
5. What is the difference between chatting and gossiping?
Chatting is general talk on various topics, whereas gossiping is talking about other
people behind their back. Chatting has a positive connotation, whereas gossiping has
a negative connotation.
6. Who do you prefer chatting with - your parents or your friends?
I prefer both equally. I talk to my parents about my day to days happenings, whereas
I discuss studies, sports and movies etc. with friends.
7. Do most people have just a small number of friends, or many friends?
It is very difficult to generalize. Some people have few friends and some like to have a
lot of friends. Mostly, face to face friendship is limited to a few close friends, but
people have a huge network of online friends these days on Facebook or Whatsapp.
8. How do most people make new friends in your country?
Most people make new friends in schools and colleges, while attending family
functions or other social functions or while travelling in public transport.
9. Do you think peoples abilities or intelligence is a factor when people become
friends?
Yes, definitely, when people make new friends, they look for the persons abilities.
Small children, however, have innocent friendships. They do not look into any such
qualities.
10. What qualities do you think a good friend should have?
A good friend should be reliable. You should be able to open your hearts innermost
secrets with him without having the tension that he will disclose them to anyone.
Secondly, a good friend should be intelligent. He should be able to guide you from
time to time. He should have a good sense of humour. He should be able to turn any
tense situation into a happy one.
11. Do you think its possible to determine how sincere a person is the first time you
meet him?
No, it is not possible to do so. Appearances can be very deceptive. So, we should
think twice before trusting a complete stranger.

12

6. Describe an art or craft activity that you did at school

When this happened
What you didnt activity
Who you did it with
Explain how you felt about this activity

Art and crafts play an essential role in our life because they relate us to our
traditions and cultures.
They provide a way to stay connected with the roots of our traditions.
Here, I would like to talk about an art activity, which I did at school.
I remember, I was in 10th standard when I did this activity.
I participated in an International Art Competition.
It was at district level and was held in my school.
I participated with my friend Jatin in this competition and we were
representing our school.
We decided to make a painting which would give a message on social issue.
The main message of our painting was SAY NO TO DRUGS.
In this painting I painted a cigarette crushing a person, which showed that
humanity is in danger due to drugs.
The size of cigarette in this painting was very large as compare to the
person to highlight the dramatic impacts of drugs on people.
On the right side of the painting my friend drew a large injection, which
was killing a person, which showed that excessive use of drugs can lead to
death.
After that we drew a heading in bold letters on the top of the painting.
The heading was SAY NO TO DRUGS which highlighted our main idea.
After completing the painting we both were pleased to see it because it
was looking very attractive.
The painting was eye catching and our message was clear and loud.
When the result was declared we were happy as we got second prize in the
competitions.
It was a joyful moment for us, we celebrated our happiness by dancing on
stage and everyone was clapping for us.
I was feeling very happy as I gave a clear message to everyone to avoid
drugs.
It was a very good experience for me.

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Follow-ups
1. What kinds off traditional handicrafts are there in your country?
Many kinds of traditional handicrafts are there in my country. The phulkari of
Punjab, the hand knotted carpets of Kashmir, ceramic pottery of Jaipur, terracotta
pottery of South India, puppets of Rajasthan are all very popular handicrafts.
2. Should children learn more about art?
Yes, definitely. Art brings about childrens creativity. It develops their
imagination. It also brings a respite from the tough academic curriculum. It adds
some spice to their life.
3. Why do some people think it is difficult to understand art?
Some people say so because art is interpreted differently by different people.
Secondly, everyone has his or her own interests. Some may like classical music,
whereas others may enjoy folk music. Two painters may paint the sunset in
different colours. Whatever the differences are, one thing is sure that art is
important in our lives. Appreciation of art is the only thing, which makes us the
superior most of all animal species.
4. What can we do to make young people pay more attention to traditional
art?
We can organise youth festivals on traditional art. When young people will
compete in these, their interest will be aroused. Teachers can also stimulate their
interest by showing them such art through audio-visual aids. Media can show
programs enriched with traditional art. Parents should see to it that all family
functions and all festivals are celebrated interestingly in the traditional way.
5. Do you think its important to cultivate an appreciation of art in children?
Yes, it is very important to do so. Children learn in a fun way from art. They
develop their imagination and become more creative.
6. Do you think I should be included in school curriculums? Why?
Yes, definitely. Art should be there in the school curricula. Art brings about
childrens creativity. It develops their imagination. It also brings a respite from the
tough academic curriculum. It adds some spice to childrens life.
7. How do you imagine that art will be taught in the future?
What the future holds in store for us, no one can tell. But, as far as I can see, art
will be taught through audio visual aids. Very few good teachers will be there, but
they will be able to teach to a wider network of students through smart
classrooms.
8. Have you attended any lessons about art?
Yes, there was a drawing period in my school. We learnt drawing and painting in
that period. We also had bhangra and giddha classes before our annual functions.
9. What have you learned from these lessons?
I learnt a lot. I learnt about different shapes and how we could make many things
from them creatively. I also learnt how new colours could be made by mixing
colours. Yellow and blue makes green, red and blue makes purple, red and white
makes pink and so on.

14

7. Describe a time someone or something made noise

When this happened
Who this person was / what this thing was
What kind of noise this was
Explain what you did when you heard the noise

Noise pollution has become an inevitable part of our life.

Whether we like it or not, we have to tolerate it. We cant escape it.
Here, Im going to talk about a situation when there was too much noise.
A religious function, which we call jagrata or jagran, was held last Sunday in
my neighborhood.
In such functions people sing hymns and chants in praise of Gods and
Goddesses the whole night long.
The function started at 8 PM and went up to 5 AM.
There is a law against using loudspeakers after 10 PM but people dont
abide by the law in the name of religion.
They do not realize that some people might be suffering from excessive
noise.
I was not able to sleep the whole night.
I closed all windows of my house to reduce that sound, but it did not make
any difference.
Then I put earplugs in my ears but that too did not work.
There might have been many other people who suffered like I did that
night.
I am not against any religious event, but Im definitely against using loud
speakers after 10 PM.
Such laws should be implemented more strictly, and I believe that the use
of pressure horns also must be restricted.
Noise pollution has a negative effect on our mental health as well as
physical health.
It can lead to hearing impairment, Fatigue, Heart problems, Insomnia,
Anxiety, Depression and so on.
It can also reduce the work efficiency.
One of my uncles has come from Canada and he tells me that in Canada
people are not using horns unnecessarily and still the traffic runs very
smoothly.
I hope we all realize the menace of noise pollution and do our bit to reduce
it from our lives

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Follow ups
1. Is noise pollution serious in India?
Yes, it is. We have noise all around us, most of which can be avoided. There is
unnecessary honking of pressure horns from vehicles. Industries are making noise.
People use loudspeakers for personal functions, and neighbours are forced to bear
the noise.
2. Do you like to live in a noisy place?
No, definitely not. But, unfortunately it is difficult to find places in cities, which are
noise free.
3. Do you like to go to noisy places?
Once in a while, I like to attend parties and functions where DJ is playing loud
music and I can dance and enjoy with my friends and relatives.
4. Where can you hear a loud noise?
We can hear loud noise all around us. There is unnecessary honking of pressure
horns from vehicles. Industries are making noise. People use loudspeakers for
personal functions, and neighbours are forced to bear the noise.
5. Do you think that there is more noise in peoples lives today than in the
past?
Yes, I think so. The number of vehicles is growing day by day. All these are making
noise. Industries are also growing in numbers. These are also making too much
noise. As these sources of noise are increasing, so definitely we are suffering from
more and more noise these days.
6. Do you think that cities will become noisier in the future?
Yes, I suppose so. Whether we like it or not, the noise producing things are
increasing and so it is quite probable that cities will become noisier in the future.
7. Do you like to go to places where there are many people?
I am very social by nature. I definitely like going out and meeting people. I love to
interact with new people and make friends.
OR
I am very shy
by nature. I avoid places with lots of people. I feel uncomfortable and feel easy
with fewer people around me.
8. What would you do if your neighbors were noisy all the time?
Firstly, I would ask them politely to lower the noise. I am sure they would
understand and co-operate. If they dont, then I would report to the authorities,
as there are laws against using loudspeakers after 10 pm.

16

8. Describe a situation you waited for something OR Describe a situation when

you decided to wait for something
When this happened
Who you were with
Explain why do you have to wait for it?
Sample answer
There are many situations in life when you have to wait for things.
Sometimes it is in your hands and sometimes we wait for things because it
is not in our hands.
Here, I would like to talk about a situation when I decided to wait for
buying a cellphone of my choice.
I could have bought a cheaper model, but I wanted an IPhone.
So I waited till I had saved enough money for it
On my 18th birthday, my father gave me Rs. 10,000 to buy a phone.
I saw many models in the market, but I did not like any of them.
My cousin had an IPhone and I had seen its features and working. So, I
wanted something like that.
I decided to wait and save money before making my purchase.
I get Rs.2000 per month as pocket money.
I stopped spending on candies, chocolates and ice-creams, so that I could
save all my pocket money.
I got some money from my brother and cousins on Rakhi.
I six months I had saved Rs. 20,000.
I went to a local Apple store and bought a second hand IPhone 5s, in a
fairly good condition.
I am very happy with my IPhone.
It is a rectangular phone in golden color.
It has 16GB memory and a 14-megapixel camera.
Waiting for this phone required a lot of patience, but I am happy that I
decided to wait for this purchase.

17

Follow-ups
1. Do you think patience is important?
Yes, patience is very important. Everything takes time. Nothing can be achieved
instantly. Patience helps to wait for things. If we are not patient, we tend to finish
things hurriedly, which spoils things.
2. Why is it difficult for children to be patient?
There are many reasons behind this. Children are not that mature. They dont
understand many things. So they find it hard to have patience.
3. How to teach children patience?
They can be taught in many ways. Parents can become good role models for them
and tell them nicely that everything takes time. They can also be taught through
stories such as the hare and the tortoise. The hare runs fast and is not patient,
whereas the tortoise patiently and slowly completes the race without resting and
wins ultimately. Children can be taught that even if someone is better than them
at something, they can still beat that person by their perseverance and patience.
4. Would you easily feel angry when you wait for a long time?
I am myself very punctual and dont like to keep anyone waiting for me. So, I
would definitely feel angry if I have to wait for long. But then, I would also
understand, if the other person is late for some genuine reason.
5. Have you ever been late for meeting someone?
Normally, I am very punctual and dont like to keep anyone waiting for me. But, I
remember, once I had to meet my friend in Jalandhar, and I got stuck in a traffic
jam. I was late for no fault of mine and so I called my friend and told her about my
predicament (difficulty or problem). She understood and was very patient.

18

9. Describe a law about the environment you would like to see in the future
What this law would be about
How this law will take effects
Why is it important to have this law
What changes would happen because of this law

Rules and laws are for our safety and convenience

We all know that our environment is seriously being damaged by us.
We need to have strict laws to save our environment
Here I would like to talk about a law, which I would like to see in the future
I would like to see one car per family law
Nowadays, we can see that in many families there are two, three, or even four
cars.
This is causing a lot of congestion on the roads.
Traffic jams are very common.
Air pollution and noise pollution are also unbearable
People do not have space within their homes to park all those cars, so the streets
are also full off cars
Most of the people buy so many cars just for showing off their status.
If this law would be implemented, people would be encouraged to use the public
transport.
People would also do carpooling, if this law is there.
For example, if five people of an area have to work in one place, they can take
one car per day.
Caring for the environment has to be done on a war footing.
Initially people may find it difficult but ultimately everyone would start accepting
it.
Such a law could help in saving the environment to a large extent.
I hope the government implements this law in the future.

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Follow ups
1. Why do schools make rules?
Schools make rules to maintain discipline. They are the centres of learning, where
children are moulded into responsible adults. We all have to follow rules, imposed
by the government, as adults. So, schools start that process of obeying rules in
childhood only.
2. Whats the importance of obeying law?
Without law, we would be living in utter chaos. There would be crime everywhere
and life would be difficult for the common man. For example, if we dont obey
traffic rules, we would have many accidents. If there were no property rules,
people would make their houses anywhere and the whole city would be
unplanned.
3. What can parents and teachers do to help children follow rules?
Parents and teachers can be good role models for children. Children are copycats.
If they see their elders following rules, they will do it automatically. Just telling
them to do something will not have that much effect.
4. Is it a good thing to break rules sometimes?
It is definitely not good to break rules, but sometimes in case of emergencies, for
example, if we have to make way for an ambulance to pass, we may need to break
rules. Sometimes, it is a matter of life and death.
5. Why do some people say that rules are made to be broken?
Some people say so because they have a very callous attitude to life. They do not
understand the importance of rules. They are lazy and do not care about things.
6. Do you think children should follow all kinds of rules?
Yes, children should follow all kinds of rules. They should be made to understand
that rules are for their own betterment. Willingness to follow rules should be
instilled in them.
7. Do you think it is necessary for children to wear school uniforms?
Yes, it is important for school children to wear uniforms. Uniform instills a sense of
discipline in children. It provides an identity to the school. Uniform is also a social
leveler. All rich and poor students came at the same level. Uniform also provides
security. If any miscreants come in the school, they can be recognized from afar.

20

10. Describe a long walk you ever had

When this happened
Where you walked
Who you were with
Explain how you felt about the walk
Sample answer
I go for a walk every morning, but that is only for about 30-40 minutes.
Here, I would like to talk about a long walk that I did in December.
It was a trek of 14 kms, which started from Dharamkot (near Macleodganj)
in Himachal and ended at Triund.
Dharamkot to Triund is 7 kms, so the total trek is 14 kms.
My cousin had told me about this trek and so I also wanted to do it.
I went there with four of my friends.
We drove in our car and stayed at a hotel in Mcleodganj.
We woke up early the next morning and got ready.
We wore comfortable clothes and walking shoes for the trek.
After having breakfast, we drove in our car till Dharamkot.
From there we started our trek at around 9:00am.
It was a clear and sunny day.
We were all very excited and the first 3 kms were covered quickly.
However, when we reached the halfway point, most of us were very tired.
We stopped for some refreshments and a break, at a tea stall.
The view from that tea-stall was mesmerizing and breath-taking.
Then we resumed our trek and finally, after 4 hours of walking, we reached
Triund.
The view there was spectacular.
The beauty of the Himalayas awed us.
There were also some snow-covered areas and we enjoyed playing with the
snow.
We took a lot of pictures there.
We had delicious lunch there, which was freshly cooked and started the
journey back to Dharamkot.
The trek back didnt take us as long and we were back in Mcleodganj by
6.30pm.
It was an exhilarating (amazing) experience and we all felt rejuvenated and
recharged.
Whenever we meet, we still reminisce (talk) about that trip and how
amazing the experience was.

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10. Describe a long walk you ever had

When this happened
Where you walked
Who you were with
Explain how you felt about the walk
(Another idea)
I go for a walk every morning, but that is only for about 30-40 minutes.
Here, I would like to talk about a long walk that I had.
It so happened that my friend came to see me last year in December.
Two years ago she went for her higher studies in Toronto, Canada.
She had come home for her winter vacation and so she paid me a visit.
There were some guests in my house, so we went to a park in my
neighbourhood, where we could chat without any disturbance.
It has a track for walking, so we started walking and also chatted with each
other
We had so much to tell each other.
I wanted to know all about her life in Canada.
She told me all about her studies and about her stay there.
She told me that initially she faced a lot of problems, but she sorted them
out and now she was very happy there.
She is a pure vegetarian, and in the beginning she could not find any
affordable veg food outlets over there.
Then she found an Indian store and started cooking for herself.
She told me that she worked 20 hours a week along with her studies and
could manage to earn her overhead expenses.
She told me about the beautiful places to visit in Toronto.
She painted a very rosy picture of Canada in my eyes.
The conversation was so interesting that we both did not realise that we
had been walking for two hours.
She has an I-phone, which has a health app, which tells the miles walked.
We had walked 5 miles, which is about 8 kms.
Surprisingly, we did not feel any tiredness.
We came home and she talked to my parents about sending me also for
higher education to Canada.
Because of her, my parents have agreed to send me to Canada for higher
studies.
I can never forget this long walk and this conversation, which brought a
turning point in my life.
Before that I had never thought about going abroad for study purpose.

22

Follow-ups
1. What are the most popular outdoor sports in India?
There are many popular outdoor sports in India, like Cricket, Football, Kabaddi, Hockey, etc.
2. Why do some people dislike walking?
Some people dislike walking because they are lazy and dont want to do any physical
activity. Some people suffer from problems, like knee joint problems, which makes walking
uncomfortable for them and they dislike it because of the discomfort caused. Some people
think of walking as a waste of time, as they think using a means of transport saves time.
3. Who is more suitable for walking- younger or older people?
I think that everyone should walk, as it is beneficial for both the young and the old people
alike. It has many health benefits for all age groups. It is the easiest form of exercise and
doesnt need any special equipment. We only need comfortable clothes and good walking
shoes.
4. Do Indian people like to play indoor sports or outdoor sports?
Indian people like to play both, indoor and outdoor sports. It depends on their individual
preference and interest. Some popular indoor sports are Badminton, Swimming, and Table
Tennis. There are also many outdoor sports, like cricket, hockey, football, etc. which are
liked by many people.
5. What are the benefits for children to play outdoor games?
There are many benefits of playing outdoor sports for children. It keeps them physically
and mentally fit. They learn many skills, like leadership skills, co-operation, team-work.
They learn sportsmanship spirit, which is winning with modesty and losing with grace.
They get to know people from different background and cultures, which broadens their
horizons, by giving them more exposure.
6. Would you say your hometown is a suitable place for walking?
Yes, my hometown is a suitable place for walking, as there are many well-maintained parks
and gardens in every area. However, walking on the roads is a little difficult, because there
is too much traffic on the roads these days.
7. Did you like walking when you were a child?
Yes, I loved to walk when I was a child. My mother used to take me to a park near our
home and I used to play and walk there. Since then I have developed a habit of walking
everyday.
No, I did not like walking when I was a child. I used to ask my parents to pick me up, after
I had walked a short distance. I used to enjoy playing outdoors, but not walking.
8. In the future do you think youll continue to enjoy walking or would you prefer some
form of transportation?
In the future Ill definitely continue to enjoy walking. I think its the easiest way to stay fit.
It has several health benefits. It is also a good way to socialize with friends and
neighbours.
OR
In the future, I think I would prefer some form of
transportation, as walking is very time consuming. For exercise, I would join a gym or
some classes for yoga or aerobics, rather than walking.
9. What do you think are the benefits of walking?
There are many benefits of walking. It is the easiest form of exercise and doesnt require
any special equipment. It helps regulate our blood circulation. It is also a good way to
socialize with our friends and neighbours. Also, I think it is an effective step that can be
taken at an individual level, to help solve the increasing problems caused by pollution and
traffic.

23

11. Describe a house or apartment you want to live in

Where this place is

What it is like
When you want to live in there
Why do you want to live in such a place

Sample answer (For those who live in villages)

Presently, I live in a village.
My house is very big and has many rooms and open space in the front and back.
But, for every small requirement, we have to rush to the village.
I would like to have a house in the suburbs of my home town.
There I would get the best of both worlds.
I would be near the facilities of the city as well as be able to enjoy the calm and
peaceful atmosphere of the village
I would not like to live in a big house.
Big houses are difficult to maintain.
My house would have three bedrooms, a lobby, a kitchen a small lawn in the
front and a kitchen garden in the backyard.
I am very fond of gardening.
I would grow coriander, mint, aubergine, okra, tomatoes, green chilly and some
other seasonal vegetables.
I would use only organic fertilisers, such as home made compost from the
kitchen waste.
I would not use any insecticides and pesticides.
All the rooms of my house would be well lit and airy.
The bathrooms and kitchen would have the latest fittings.
I would have solar panels set up on the terrace to harness solar energy.
I would like to welcome and entertain friends and relatives in my house.
I would keep it spic and span.
I hope to live in such a house one day.
Sample answer (For those who live in cities)
Presently, I live in a city.
My house is not very big but has three bedrooms and some open space in the
front and back.
But, it is a very noisy and congested area..
I would like to have a house in the suburbs of my home town.
There I would get the best of both worlds.
I would be near the facilities of the city as well as be able to enjoy the calm and
peaceful atmosphere of the village
I would not like to live in a big house.
Big houses are difficult to maintain.
My house would have three bedrooms, a lobby, a kitchen a small lawn in the
front and a kitchen garden in the backyard.
I am very fond of gardening.
I would grow coriander, mint, aubergine, okra, tomatoes, green chilly and some
other seasonal vegetables.

24

I would use only organic fertilisers, such as home made compost from the
kitchen waste.
I would not use any insecticides and pesticides.
All the rooms of my house would be well lit and airy.
The bathrooms and kitchen would have the latest fittings.
I would have solar panels set up on the terrace to harness solar energy.
I would like to welcome and entertain friends and relatives in my house.
I would keep it spic and span.
I hope to live in such a house one day.
Follow ups
1. Do most Indian people live in an apartment or house?
I think it depends on the region they are living in. In most of the big cities, like the
metropolitan cities, people live in apartments, as there is a scarcity of land in such
places and to accommodate the ever-increasing population, there are more and more
apartment buildings being built. However, in the small cities, towns and the
countryside, we can find people mostly living in houses, rather than apartments.
2. Do young people in your country like to live with their parents or by themselves?
In my country, young people like to live with their parents, unless they have to move
to another city or country, for higher education or for better career prospects. Its a
part of the Indian culture for children to live with their parents.
3. Do Indian people like to rent a place to live?
No, Indian people do not like to rent a place to live. I think its the dream of almost
every Indian to own his/her own house.
4. Would you live in a foreign country in the future?
Yes, definitely. I would like to live in a foreign country in the future. I plan to pursue
my education abroad. I think there are better education facilities and better job
opportunities in developed countries.
5. How is modern home design in your country different to that of the past?
The modern home design is very different to that of the past, in my country. The
material being used now in the construction of houses if much advanced, like weather
proof paints, insulated walls, soundproof windows, etc. The design of the modern
houses is according to the space available. There is better utilization of space in the
modern home designs. The homes in the past used to be more spacious and not
equipped to handle the latest electronic gadgets and equipment, like washing
machine, microwave, dishwashers & so on.
6. In your country what type of home do most people live in?
India is a vast and diverse country. People live in different types of houses, depending
on the region and the climate in that region. For example, in the eastern parts of
India, houses made from bamboo are very common. In regions where there is
snowfall, sloped houses are common. In plain areas, people design their houses, as per
the area and space available.
7. Do people prefer to live in Modern Homes or the older style homes (for example
from 50 years ago)
People prefer to live in modern homes rather than older style homes because modern
homes are better equipped to handle the latest electronic gadgets and technology.

25

Also, the material used to build modern homes is better, for instance, weather proof
paints, earthquake proof design, etc. The modern homes are planned better to utilize
the space properly.
8. How are modern homes different to older homes?
Modern homes are quite different from the older homes, in terms of the design,
material used and the structure of the building. Older homes were more spacious,
with proper ventilation. Modern homes are designed to properly utilize the space, due
to the shortage of land these days. These days, people employ interior designers and
architects to plan and decorate their homes. Older homes may not be equipped to
handle the latest electronic gadgets and appliances.
9. What do you imagine peoples houses to be like in the future?
Future is uncertain and we can never be sure what it might bring. I imagine the houses
in the future to be smart houses, with everything mechanized and electronic. There
would be sensors for lights and appliances to start working themselves. The locking
and unlocking of houses would be remote controlled. All the controls maybe on
peoples cellphones.
10. Why do people sometimes move to live in a different home?
People move to live in a different home sometimes, due to various reasons.
Sometimes it is for better facilities, like healthcare, transport and educational facilities.
Sometimes people have to relocate because of better job opportunities or because of
transferrable jobs. People sometimes move to a different area or locality because of
crime related issues.
11. Do you think moving to a new home can ever create or cause problems for
people?
Yes, I think moving to a new home can definitely create problems for people. Moving
their belongings to a new home is a huge task. They have to pack and unpack the
things. There could be problems with the facilities they may face, when they move to
new homes. For e.g., problems with electricity supply, water supply, bad roads,
transport facilities & so on.
12. What are the differences between living in a city and living in a village or town (in
the countryside)
There are many differences between living in a city and life in a village. There are
better facilities available in cities. The public transport system, healthcare and
educational facilities are better in cities than in villages. In cities, there are better and
more job opportunities available. There is more pollution and traffic in the cities than
in the villages. Villages are cleaner, greener and more peaceful than cities. The people
in villages are well connected to each other; however, people living in cities may not
even know their neighbours.
13. Do people in your country prefer to live in cities or in rural environments?
I think people in my country prefer to live in the cities than in the rural environments. I
think that it is quite clear from the ever-increasing population in the cities. People
from rural areas move to urban areas for better living standards, better job
opportunities and better facilities and services.
14. What are the differences between living in the countryside compared to living in
the city?
Same as answer#12.

26

12. Describe a person who likes to travel by plane

Who this person is

How do you know this person
Where this person travels to
Explain why this person likes to travel by plane
Sample answer
Today, aeroplanes are gaining popularity and many people like to travel by
planes.

Here, I would like to talk about a person I know, who loves to travel by air.

He is none other than my uncle, Mr. Joginder Singh.

He is tall and handsome.

He is in his early 40s.

He is the head of the admissions cell in Lovely Professional University.

His job is to promote the university, for which he has to travel to several
cities in India and all over the world.

He recently went to Kerala, in south India. Sometimes he travels to other

countries too.

He always shares his experiences, which he has during his flights.

He told me that he never gets bored, when he travels by planes.

He likes the comforts and different facilities, which are provided in the
planes.

He is an extrovert and has made many friends on his journeys, who belong
to different regions and cultures.

This has added to his experiences.

He told me that many delicious dishes, from different cuisines are served in
the plane and the comforts provided in planes have made him addicted to
air travel.

Though my uncle has experience of many hours of flight, even then he is

always ready to travel by plane.

I know many things about planes now, like I know where the button is to
call for service and how the seats can be adjusted.

The way he describes the merits of travelling by planes, has encouraged me

to have the flight experience soon.

I am eagerly waiting for an opportunity to travel by a plane. So much so

that it has become my dream to travel by air.

27

Follow ups
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling by plane?
There are many advantages of travelling by planes. It is a very fast means of transport
and saves a lot of time. There are many comforts available in planes, which are not
there in other means of travel, like good entertainment systems, foods from various
cuisines, catering to different dietary needs, all sorts of beverages are also available,
temperature control and so on. We can travel to any part of the world by planes.
As for the disadvantages, the main one is that it is more expensive than other modes
of travel. Not everyone can afford to travel by air. It is also a cause of air pollution and
noise pollution.
2. Is it good to live nearby an airport?
No, I dont think it is good to live near an airport, because there is a lot of traffic in
areas near the airport. That leads to both air and noise pollution, leading to many
health related problems and disturbance throughout the day and night.
3. Do Indian people like to travel by plane?
Yes, Indian people like to travel by plane. It has become a very common means of
domestic and international travel among the people of India. They travel by air for
several reasons, like for business, education, for pleasure, for religious reasons, etc.
4. What kinds of transportation do people choose when they go on a long journey?
People usually choose air travel for long journeys. However, for domestic long
distance journeys, trains are also a very popular means of transport. For international
travel, people prefer to travel by air.
5. Would you like to travel by your own car in the future?
Yes, I would like to travel by my own car in the future. I love travelling long distances
by road, as we can see more places and experience more cultures and foods on the
way. I think road trips are the best way to see more places and meet more people,
from different backgrounds.
6. What kinds of people travel by plane in India?
All types of people travel by plane in India. Anyone who can afford airfares prefers
travelling by planes. Many Indians travel by air for their work and businesses, to save
time. Many students travel domestically and internationally for better education
facilities. Many people travel to popular tourist destinations.
7. Are you happy with the service on the plane in India?
Yes, I am happy with the service on planes in India. The quality of service is very good,
which includes the food, beverages and entertainment. The staff of all the airlines are
well-trained and very polite and helpful.
OR
I havent experienced travelling by planes as yet. However, my friends and relatives
who have travelled domestically by air have shared their experiences with me and
they have told me that the service on planes in India is very good. The food available
is delicious, there are many choices for the beverages and also, the entertainment
system is very good.
8. Why do some people just dislike air travel?
Some people dislike air travel due to the fear of heights and flying. They may feel
travelling sickness. Some people may have had a bad flying experience, which makes
them dislike air travel. Some people dislike it due to health-related problems.

28

13. Describe a street that you like to visit

Where is it
How often you go there
What you like to do there
Explain why you like it
Sample answer ( Page 88 of my book A Wealth of Ideas for IELTS Speaking and
Writing)
There are many streets in my home town
Here I would like to talk about a street which I visit very often.
It is in the city centre
It is called Bansan Wala Bazaar Street
It is a very busy street
This is basically a commercial street.
Mostly I go there for window shopping.
Sometimes, during sales, I buy some clothes and accessories for myself.
There are huge showrooms on both sides of the street.
Because of this street my hometown is known as a shoppers paradise
This street is very popular with NRIs
There are many readymade garment stores such as Frontier cloth house and
Kultham garments
Kultham shoes is also very popular store of my home town
In these stores you can get all the branded clothes and shoes
I like this street because I love to see the latest fashion displays which these
stores show through their mannequins
Most of these stores are very costly but I get ideas about the latest trends
from these stores
I generally do window shopping there but when my relatives come from
Canada, they buy a lot of things from there.
There is also a cosmetic shop by the name of Ozzie, which has all the popular
cosmetic brands like Lakme, Revlon, Loreal and so on.
There is a fast food restaurant on this street called Mohan Fast Foods, which is
very popular among the people.
I go to that fast food restaurant once or twice with my friends.
We enjoy a lot there.
At the end of the street there is a Gurudwara, or Sikh temple where I go very
often to pay obeisance to the almighty
This street is always brimming with people and full of hustle and bustle.
The only drawback of the street is that there is not enough parking space over
there.

29

Follow ups
1. What kinds of street are popular in India?
Many kinds of streets are popular in India, like those famous for shopping for
clothes, shoes, cosmetics, accessories, etc. There are some popular food streets
also, which are famous for different types of foods. Some streets popular for
shopping are Chandni Chowk in Delhi, Bansa wala Bazaar in Phagwara, Linking
road in Mumbai. Chandni Chowk is also popular for food and some other food
streets are Khao Gali, Chatori Gali, and many more.
2. Is traffic jam a big problem in India?
Yes traffic jam has become a big problem in India. With the ever-increasing traffic
on the roads, there are more and more traffic jams. Every household has at least
two cars. Another reason for these jams is that not everyone follows the traffic
rules, leading to chaos and confusion.
3. Why should people follow traffic rules?
People should follow traffic rules for their own safety and to avoid confusion and
chaos. If traffic rules are followed properly, the incidence of accidents would
decrease and also, there would less congestion and traffic jams on the roads.
4. Are there any famous streets in India?
There are many famous streets in India. Some that are popular for shopping are:
Chandni Chowk in Delhi, Dilli Haat in Delhi, Bansa Wala Bazaar in Phagwara,
Linking Road and Shopping street in Mumbai and may more. Chandni Chowk,
Khao Gali, Chatori Gali, Nizamuddin are some of the famous food streets.
5. Do you like big cities?
Yes, I like big cities. The standard of living is better in bigger cities, than in smaller
ones or in the countryside. The facilities available in big cities are good, like
education facilities, transport, health care and entertainment facilities. The big
cities are also well connected to other parts of the country and the world.
6. Many people prefer to live in the city rather than in a town or in the
countryside. What do you think are the advantages of living in the city?
There are many advantages of living in a city, over a town or in the countryside.
Better facilities are available in cities, for education, health care, transport,
entertainment and shopping. There are also better and more job opportunities
available in bigger cities. The standard and quality of living is much better in
bigger cities than in smaller towns.
7. Do you think cities are more suitable for young people, or old people? Or are
they equally suitable for both?
I think cities are equally suitable for both the young and the old. The amenities
available in cities are beneficial for both the age groups. The older people benefit
from the better medical, transport and entertainment options. The younger
benefit from the education, healthcare, transport and entertainment facilities.
8. For old people, what do you think of the good points and bad points of living
in the city?
For old people, there are many advantages of living in a city. Good medical and

30

other health care facilities are available. The transport system also has provisions
for older people. There are many special benefits and discounts provided to senior
citizens at several places in the cities. There are many options for their
entertainment and leisure in the cities, like book clubs, parks, etc.
There also some disadvantages for the older people living in the cities. They may
feel isolated and lonely, with all the family members busy in their routines. There
is a lot air pollution, which leads to many ailments in the older people. There is
lack of peace and quiet for the older people due to the noise pollution.
9. In some western countries, some people move out of the city to retire in the
countryside. Why do you think they choose to do that?
In some western countries, people choose to retire in the countryside, as there is
less pollution in the countryside. It is cleaner and also peaceful. After living a
hectic life, working in the cities and earning their living, people need peace and
quiet and so, they choose to live in small towns or in the countryside.
10.Do you think most people, if they had a choice, would prefer to live in a house
or flat?
I think, if given a choice, most people would prefer to live in a house, because
there are more benefits of living in a house, than in a flat. In a flat, there are
constraints to how much renovation can be done, however, in a house there are
fewer constraints and can be expanded or changed, as per the needs of the
residents. There is more independence and privacy in a house, than in a flat.
11.Do you think its important for students to live in the city? (to attend university
or college)
Yes, I think it is important for students to live in the city, to attend university or
college, because there are better facilities available in the city, in terms of
transportation, health and education. They meet other students, from different
parts of the country and also from other countries, which broadens their horizons
and gives them better exposure.

31

14. Describe a success in your life

When and where this happened
Who you were with
What you did
How you felt about the success
Success has a different meaning for different people.
For some, having a fat bank balance means success.
For others, leading a meaningful life and being able to help others means
success.
Here, I would like to talk about a success, which I achieved in my life.
Once I took part in a competition and won the first prize.
For me, overcoming my glossophobia was a very difficult thing.
I used to be very stage shy and could never speak in front of an audience.
It so happened that once I participated in an environment fair held in my
hometown.
We were a team of four students Mohit, Rohan, Ravi and I.
We had to make a model on pollution.
It was very difficult to collect ideas for the model, but our teacher, Mrs
Promilla helped us.
We collected all data from different sources like the internet, library,
magazines and so on
We presented all three types of pollution air, water and noise pollution - on
thermocol
In this project we showed the causes, effects and ways to control pollution
We had to speak turn wise on our model.
I remember, I was very afraid to speak.
But my other friends gave me the confidence. I felt very good that I was part
of that team.
I spoke very well that time.
Getting over my glossophobia was an accomplishment for me.
I felt very good after that.
We won the first prize in this competition.
The judges specially mentioned that the first prize was mainly because of the
verbal explanation of the model.
This fair was covered by the local cable TV and so many people of the
neighbourhood congratulated me the next day.
Our photograph was also there in the local newspaper Jag Baani.
Our school principal also appreciated us
I cannot forget that day.
All four of us were on cloud nine on that day.
So, this was a success I achieved in my life.

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Follow ups
1. How to measure a persons success?
It is very difficult to measure success. Success is a very subjective term. Different
people give different meaning to success. For some earning a lot of money means
success. For others, leading a life in which they can help others, means success.
For a student, passing the exams with flying colours, means success. So measuring
success is not easy.
2. Do you think the way people gain success has changed?
Yes, definitely, the way people gain success has changed. Earlier, people did a lot
of hard work and success was limited to a small area. Only politicians and film
stars and sportsmen who were in the news or national TV were successful over a
wider area. But, nowadays, because of the reality shows, any person with some
talent can become successful overnight. People can get worldwide success
through the Internet, through YouTube and other such networks. Today, people
know of Indian successful businessmen, all over the world, because the world has
shrunk.
3. How do you define success?
It is very difficult to define success. Success is a very subjective term. Different
people give different meaning to success. For some earning a lot of money means
success. For others, leading a life in which they can help others, means success.
For a student, passing the exams with flying colours, means success. So defining
success is not easy.
4. How to reward successful people?
We can reward successful people by acknowledging their work. Some awards can
be given. Some monetary benefits can be given. Sometimes giving promotions is a
good way to reward successful people.
5. Whats the most difficult thing you have ever done?
I am very stage shy. I remember, in the annual science fair of my school, I had to
speak on a model, which I had prepared. The model was on different types of
pollution. I found it very difficult, but somehow I managed it. That was the most
difficult thing I did.
6. What qualities does a person need to have, to be successful?
The person should be hard working. He should have good communication skills.
He should have the courage to take calculated risks. He should have a helping and
caring nature.
7. Do you feel terrible when you fail to do something?
I feel terrible, but only for a short period of time. Then, I try to learn from my
failure and work even harder to succeed the next time.
8. Is failure a necessary thing in peoples life?
Yes, it is. Without knowing failure, we can never enjoy success. Without knowing
about the night, we can never enjoy the day. Without unhappiness, we can never
enjoy happiness. The freedom we are enjoying today is also because we have
been under the British rule for a long time.

33

15. Describe a person whose job is important to the society

Who this person is

What job does he or she have

How you know this person

Explain why his or her job is important to the society

Sample answer (Adapted from page 100 of my book A Wealth of Ideas for IELTS
Speaking and Writing)

All jobs are important to the society in one-way or the other, such as the job of a
teacher, a doctor, a nurse, a scientist, a politician and so many more.
Here I would like to talk about a person whose job is very important to the society.
This person is my maternal aunt and she is a teacher.
She is about 50 years old and looks very beautiful.
Her hair has started graying, but she doesnt colour her hair.
She believes in the 3 Gs - going grey gracefully.
She teaches science in Cambridge International School.
She did her Bachelors of Education after completing her Masters in Chemistry.
Teachers are known as nation builders.
Everyone passes through the hands of teachers in school and college years.
All other professions such as doctors and nurses also pass through the hands of a
teacher.
That is why I believe that teaching is the most important job.
A teacher is like a candle that burns itself and shows light to others.
Since age-old times, teaching has been considered a noble profession.
In ancient India, there was the gurukul system.
Even the kings children stayed in the home of the guru or the teacher.
They used to do the household chores of the guru and in return the guru imparted
knowledge.
Teachers improve the literacy rate of a country.
When literacy rate is high, crime and violence go down.
A teacher requires good communication skills and depth of knowledge of his subject.
A good teacher should treat all students equally.
Nowadays, teachers are being paid handsomely be the government.
This is to lure bright students to join this profession.

Follow ups

1. What jobs are well paid in India?

There are many jobs that are well paid India. The jobs in the medical field are well paid,
like doctors, nurses, etc. The jobs in the IT sector and MNCs are also well paid. Creative
fields jobs, like fashion designers, interior designers, advertising etc. are also well paid.
Teaching is also a well-paid profession.
2. What jobs are poorly paid in your country?
There are certain jobs that are poorly paid in India. Those working at clerical levels are not
very well paid. The daily wage workers, like labourers, electricians, plumbers and janitors
are also not very well paid. Even though some of these jobs require specialized skills, they

34

are usually poorly paid in India.

3. Do people who have different levels of income feel happy about how much they earn?
I think happiness doesnt depend on the income level; however, a person with a higher
income level would be able to lead a more comfortable life, than a person with lower
income levels. So, to an extent the income level may make a person more or less happier,
depending on their needs being met or not, within their income.
4. Do you think students who just graduated should have the same income as old
people?
No, definitely not. Students who just graduated may have better know-how of the latest
technology needed in the jobs; however, they lack the work experience, which older
employees gain through several years at work. The older employees know the ins and outs
of the work and are able to solve work-related problems easily. The younger employees,
lack that experience and most of the times, companies have to spend resources on training
the young employees. So, the younger employees shouldnt be paid more than the older
employees.
5. What should schools do to help students survive in society well?
Schools should do certain things that help students survive well in society, besides
imparting education to them. Schools play a major role in teaching children life skills, like
social, communication and interpersonal skills. They can help children hone their talents
and choose their career path. Children are taught leadership skills, teamwork, co-operation
at schools, through sports and various other activities. Discipline and the importance of
following rules and regulations are also taught at schools.
6. Why do people sometimes become bored with their job?
People sometimes become bored of their jobs because of the monotony of their work.
They may have to do the same work everyday, with no new learning and no change.
Sometimes people become bored of their jobs because they are not doing work in their
field of interest.
7. What do you think employers are supervisors can do to help motivate their employees
to perform better at work, besides giving them a pay raise?
Besides giving their employees a pay raise, employers can do many things to motivate
them. They can have a rewards and recognition session, in which they give out certificates
or gifts to the best performers at work. There can be healthy competitions organized, like
employee of the week, team of the month, etc. They can also provide certain benefits like
insurance for the employees family or paying for completion of certain courses or
education. There can also be fun activities during work hours, which acts as a break and
work becomes more enjoyable.
8. If someone is bored from their job, is it easy for them to change to a different job?
I think that it is easy to change to a different job these days, if someone is bored of his or
her work. There are many avenues and opportunities in every field. People can explore
these avenues as per their interests. There are also many MNCs that have opened up in
the developing countries and it has led to more job opportunities, in all fields.
9. Do you think its good to change jobs frequently?
No, I dont think it is good to change jobs frequently. It leaves a bad impression on the
employers, as it reflects the loyalty of the candidate. Too many and frequent job changes
mean that the employee wont stay for long with any organization. Also, the person
changing jobs may not learn much by changing jobs and will have to start at the same level
each time.

35

16. Described an article that you read from a magazine or from the Internet about
healthy life
What the article was
When and where you read it
What you learned from the article
Explain why you think it is a good or bad article
Sample answer

I have read many articles in my life.

Today I will talk about an article about healthy lifestyle that I read last year.
I read this article from the website fitness.com.
I was browsing through a website, when I saw the link to this article.
The name of the article was very eye-catching.
It was Look Younger, Live Longer.
I clicked on the link and it opened this article.
Nowadays, we all are living a sedentary lifestyle and facing many health
related problems.
This article opened my eyes that to become healthier, it was all about
making small lifestyle changes.
I came to know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
We should have a healthy and wholesome breakfast and never skip it.
This helps boost our immunity and also helps us go through the day with
full energy.
I have never skipped breakfast since Ive read this article and I can
concentrate on my work and studies better.
I also read that we should have at least one seasonal fruit everyday.
It also said that walking for an hour a day is as good as one hour of gym.
Since then, morning walk has become a part of my routine.
I used to dislike broccoli before I read this article.
However, after reading that Broccoli is a very good source of proteins and
is full of nutrients, I started having it regularly.
I feel very fit and healthy and have rarely fallen sick since I made these
small changes.
I have bookmarked this article and read it often.
I have also shared it with many of my friends and relatives.

36

Follow-ups
1. Why do different people like to read different magazine?
Different people like to read different magazines because their interests are
different. Magazines cater to specific fields. Those who love sports read sports
magazines, such as Sports Today; those who like fashion, read fashion magazines,
such as Vogue; those interested in film celebrities, read magazines like Stardust
and Film Fare.
2. What kind of magazines do teenagers like to read?
Teenagers like to read sports and fashion magazines.
3. Whats the difference between news on TV and news in magazines?
The major difference is that news in magazines is the detailed news of the past
week or the past fortnight or the past month depending on whether the magazine
is weekly or fortnightly or monthly.
4. Do people like to read news from the Internet?
Young people like to read news from the Internet. They are tech savvy. They can
read any newspaper from any corner of the world. E-paper is also environmentally
friendly.
5. Do people still buy magazines in your country?
Yes, they do. Magazines cater to special fields. Those interested in sports buy
sports magazines, those interested in home-making buy magazines like Womens
Era and Sarita.

37

17. Describe a song that means something special to you

What this song is about
When did you listen to this song for the first time
How often do you listen to the song
Explain why you think it special to you

I love music and I love listening to Hindi and Punjabi songs.

Here I would like to talk about a Punjabi song by a famous Punjabi singer
Gurdas Maan
This song means something special to me because its lyrics have taught me the
value of work.
The name of the song is Boot Polishan.
It is from his album Boot Polishan
It was released in 2008.
The song gives the message that work is worship.
Instead of begging for money a person should work and earn.
It does not matter if the work is small such as polishing shoes of people.
If a person works and earns he can always hold his head high.
I heard this song about two years ago and since then it has become my
favourite song.
Actually Gurdas Mann is my favourite singer.
He is a multifaceted personality.
He is a singer, actor, director and a lyricist as well.
He writes the lyrics of his songs himself.
He has also acted in many Punjabi movies.
All my family members also love his songs.
When we go out anywhere together we play his songs in the car.
All his songs have messages.
He even performs in stage shows.
He always has his tambourine in his hands when he performs.
There is a village near my home town where he comes every year and
performs for charity.
I went there last year.
It was an electrifying experience.

38

Follow ups
1. When do people in India sing songs together?
People in India sing songs together to celebrate special occasions, like at
weddings, at parties, to celebrate a win and so on. People also sing together
when singing hymns.
2. Is there a special occasion that people would sing songs together?
Yes, there are many special occasions when people sing songs together,
like on weddings, during religious ceremonies, on birthday parties, etc.
3. What types of songs do young children like to listen to?
Young children like to listen to songs with fast beats and rhythms they can
dance to. They may not understand the lyrics of the songs, but they enjoy dancing
to music.
4. Why are some singers so popular in the world?
Some singers are very popular because they are very talented. They can
sing songs of different genres. Some singers are popular because the quality of
their voice is different and unique. These days a lot of talent shoes have made
many singers famous.
5. Do people in India listen to songs from other countries?
Yes, people in India listen to songs from other countries. International
music is very popular in India, especially among the youth.
6. Where do Indian people go singing?
Indian people sing at special occasions, festivals, religious ceremonies,
talent shows, etc.
7. Is music an important subject in school?
Yes, music is an important subject in India. It is not taught so as to pass
exams, but it acts as a break in the students routine. Also, those students who
have a singing talent can hone their talent through music lessons and some may
also pursue it as a profession.
8. Why do some people say that music can help people relax?
It has been scientifically proven that music can help people relax. Research
has shown that during stressful times, when people listen to music, they
immediately feel a sense of calm and feel relaxed.

39

18. Describe a person in the news that you want to meet

Who he or she is
What did this person show up on TV for
How do you know what this person
Why you want to meet him
Sample answer
In our day to day life we see film stars, sportsmen and politicians in the
news.
Sometimes, we are so impressed by them that we want to meet them
personally.
Here, I would like to talk about a person whom I would like to meet
personally and get his autograph.
He is my favourite Punjabi singer, Gurdas Maan
Recently, he was in the PTC Punjabi Channel news because he is coming to
perform in a neighbouring village for awakening people about the menace
of drug addiction
He is coming next month to raise some money for the rehabilitation of the
youth of Punjab villages who have become drug addicts.
I would like to meet him and get his autograph and thank him for the
commendable work he is doing for the people.
Actually Gurdas Mann is my favourite singer.
He is a multifaceted personality.
He is a singer, actor, director and a lyricist as well.
He writes the lyrics of his songs himself.
He has also acted in many Punjabi movies.
All my family members also love his songs.
When we go out anywhere together we play his songs in the car.
All his songs have messages.
He even performs in stage shows.
He always has his tambourine in his hands when he performs.
I love all his songs, which he has sung so far.
It would be a dream come true for me if I get to meet him.

40

Follow ups
1. What type of people can be seen on TV?
Many celebrities like actors, singers, sportspersons etc. can be seen on TV. Politicians,
subject matter experts, bureaucrats, etc. are also seen on TV.
2. Do you think there is too much news about celebrities?
Yes, I think that there is too much news about the celebrities these days. News channels
mostly focus on unnecessary news about famous people, to increase their TRP.
3. Do you think negative information in the news can have negative influence?
Yes, definitely. The negative news on news channels and in newspapers has a negative
influence, as people start feeling that nothing good is happening around them. It may
develop a sense of insecurity and fear among people, leading to chaos and confusion too,
sometimes. Also, people are not aware of the news about development, progress and
positive events around them, as too little attention is given to such news.
4. Why do people like negative news?
People like negative news because they want to be aware about the wrong happenings
around them. They want to be aware of such news, which helps them take precautions for
their safety and security. Also, it is common to find people more interested in news about
disasters, crime, terrorism, scandals, corruption, rather than in news about positive
developments. I think some people like negative news more than positive news because of
their pessimistic attitude.
5. What is usually in the news in India?
In India, news is usually about the politicians, celebrities, sports and crime. There are also
discussions about social and political issues, where an experts panel debates. There is also
news about news developments and discoveries in India and in other countries.
6. Is that information always true?
I would say that the information given on news is mostly true, as sometimes news channels
may exaggerate and sensationalize any news piece, for better TRP. People have access to
many sources of information these days because of the Internet, so news channels cannot
afford to telecast fake and false news.
7. Whats the difference between broadcasting news in the past and in the present?
There are many differences between news broadcast in the past and at present. These
differences are mainly because of technological advancements. These days the news is
broadcast real-time. In the past, the technology was not that advanced and there used to
be a delay before we got news from other parts of the country or the world. There are a
number of news channels these days from all over the world. In the past, there used to be
fewer news channels, mostly dealing with the domestic news rather than international
news.
8. Do you believe everything said in the news?
Yes, I mostly believe everything said in the news. I usually follow more than one news
channel, so the news I hear on one channel can be corroborated on other channels. These
days the level of awareness of people has increased, so the news channels cannot afford
to telecast fake or false news.
9. What kinds of news are popular in India?
Many kinds of news are popular in India, like political news, news about social issues, news
about crime, news about celebrities, sports and other national and international famous
people.

41

19. Talk about an important thing that you had forgotten about until recently.
What is it?
Why did you forget about it?
What was your reaction when you remembered?
(Sample Answer)
Although, I am not a very forgetful person and I try to remember all the
important events, still there are times when I forget certain events, which
make me repent later on.

One such thing, which had totally slipped my mind, was my mothers
birthday.

My mothers birthday is on the 16th of September.

Usually I buy a small inexpensive gift for her every year.

But, last year on her birthday, I had decided in my mind that I would save
all my pocket money and buy her a fully automatic washing machine.

Actually I see her every day doing all the household chores.

She doesnt say anything, but I can see that she gets tired by all this
washing and cleaning and cooking.

But, I totally forgot about it and did not do any savings and kept spending
all my pocket money.

A few days ago, it was my friends mothers birthday.

She bought a beautiful suit for her mother and showed it to me.

At that moment I remembered that I too had to buy a washing machine for
my mother.

I felt very guilty.

Now I have started saving all my pocket money. I dont eat any candies and
chocolates, which are my favourite.

I still have six months with me before her birthday.

I have enquired from the market.

The very basic fully automatic machine is for Rs. 15,000.

I get 2000 Rupees every month as pocket money.

I heaved a sigh of relief that I have remembered well in time.

Now I can save 12,000 and the rest I will borrow from my brother.

Thankfully, now I know that I will be able to make my mother happy.

I am sure she will love her gift.

42

Follow-ups
1. What do people do to remember things?
People do many things to remember things. Some people use technology, like
they set up reminders on their cellphones and computers, to remember important
events or meetings. Some people make To-Do lists, for things they need to do in
a day or a week. Some people make timetables. Some people make use of sticky
notes and put on refrigerators and other places, where they can come across
them.
2. Why do old people forget about things easily?
Old people suffer from memory related problems, like dementia, Alzheimers, so
they forget about things easily. Forgetfulness comes with old age, because of the
physiological changes in the body, leading to some organs, like the brain, not
functioning like it does at a young age.
3. What types of tips do you use to keep things in mind?
To keep things in mind, I usually make lists and set up reminders. I have a planner,
which I have pasted on the wall of my room and I note down important things and
events on it.
4. What kinds of things people can do to prevent bad memory?
People do many things to prevent bad memory. Some people play games, like
brainteasers, puzzles, Sudoku, etc. which stimulate the brain activity and keeps
their mind active. These days there are many such games available on the Internet
and on cell-phones, like memory games, puzzles, etc. It has been scientifically
proven that memory related problems can be caused by stress and lack of sleep.
So, managing stress, getting regular exercise and getting sufficient sleep can also
help reduce bad memory.
5. Do you think memory is important for language learning?
Yes, definitely. Memory is essential for language learning. For any language, there
are rules and grammar, which need to be memorized in order to understand and
learn that language well. So, a good memory is needed to learn a language.
6. What kinds of jobs required good memory?
I think all jobs require a good memory. There are certain things that need to be
remembered for any kind of job, like rules, regulations, procedures, where certain
things are kept and stored, etc.
7. How can technology help humans improve our memory?
Technology can help humans improve memory through games and activities, like
brainteasers, puzzles, memory games, etc. There are also online quizzes and tests
available online these days, which people can use to improve their memory.

43

20. Describe a recent happy event that you had

When this happened
What the event was
Who was with you
Explain why you felt happy about it
(Sample answer from page 157 of my book A Wealth of ideas for IELTS speaking
and writing)
Happy and sad events are a part and parcel of our life.

The happy event I am going to talk about here is the wedding of my cousin.

I attended this wedding on 15th January.

My cousins name is Deepa.

She is my maternal aunts daughter.

All our relatives and friends were invited.

Actually the whole week before 15th was busy in the pre wedding celebrations
like tilak, sangeet, mehandi and haldi.

On the day of the wedding, the marriage palace was decorated like a bride.
My cousin also looked beautiful in her sequin spangled lehanga.

The baraat came at 5 p.m.

High tea was served in which there were lots of cakes and snacks.

Then there was the jai mala in which the bride and groom exchanged fresh
flower garlands.

Then we all danced and enjoyed to the beat of music.

After the sumptuous dinner all the guests departed and only the close family
was left.

Then the priest set up a small fire and the remaining ceremony took place
around the fire.

The doli took place early morning.

It was a very tearful moment for all of us but we were all happy from deep
inside as my cousin was beginning her new life.

Such celebrations are very common in my country.

Since then I have not attended any such ceremony but there is another
wedding in the family next month.

So, this is the happy event, which I had recently.

44

Follow ups
1. How would you define happiness?
Happiness is a state of mind. Different people have different concepts about
happiness. For a nursery student, being able to write A properly can give happiness.
A poor person may get happiness if he wins a lottery. A person suffering from cancer
can get happiness if a cure is found for his illness. Parents feel happy if their children
do well in school.
2. What kinds of things make Indian people feel happy?
Happiness means different things to different people. It can be described as a feeling
of pleasure or enjoyment. People enjoy spending time with family and friends
Hobbies, sports and games can be a source of fun and enjoyment
Some people see money as a source of happiness. Other people define happiness as
something deeper. In order to be truly happy it is necessary to live a good life
We need to feel that we are doing something useful with our lives. Some people get a
sense of achievement from their work. Others find happiness in bringing up their
children. Religion or a sense of purpose can also be a source of happiness.
3. Do you think people would be happy when they become richer?
Not necessarily. Money brings short-lived happiness. Then it is human nature to want
even more. There is no upper limit to peoples needs. However, to some extent, yes,
money can bring happiness. A person who does not have the basic amenities like
food, clothing and shelter can get happiness if he gets the money for these things. But
after a certain extent, other things become more important. Good health and good
relations with friends and family are more important which cannot be bought with money.
4. Why do some people say happiness never lasts long?
Happiness is short lived. It is human nature to want even more. There is no upper limit
to peoples needs.
5. What do you do when you feel unhappy?
I go to my room and try to analyze things. I like to be with myself for some time and
then listen to some light music. It makes me feel better.
6. Do you think money can make people happy?
To some extent, yes, money can buy happiness. A person who does not have the basic
amenities like food, clothing and shelter can get happiness if he gets the money for
these things. But after a certain extent, other things become more important. Good
health and good relations with friends and family are more important which cannot be
bought with money.
7. Do you think rich people are always happy?
Not necessarily. Good health and good relations with friends and family are more
important which cannot be bought with money.
8.Are Indian people happier then they were 30 years ago?
I believe that earlier, people were happier than todays people because people today
have a lot of burden on their shoulders. They have the burden of choosing a career.
They have the burden of adopting the culture. They are forced by their parents to
adopt the traditional culture but they want to adopt the global culture. They are
exposed to a consumerist society in which there are a lot of things, which they want
to own, but they dont have the money for these things, which makes them unhappy.

45

21. Describe a place near water (such as a river, lake or the ocean) that you
enjoyed visiting:
Where was this place?
What did you do at this place?
Who went there with you?
Explain why you liked this place.
(Sample answer)
There are a number of places in India with lots of water.
There are lakes and rivers and sea-shores.
Here I am going to talk about the Sukhna Lake.
It is in Chandigarh.
I went there with my school trip when I was in 10th.
I remember we were 30 students and four teachers.
We went by bus.
We did a lot of activities there.
We did boating.
We also did some shopping from a souvenir shop over there.
There were many food stalls over there.
We enjoyed spicy water balls over there.
I liked the boating part the best.
I disliked that many people were littering the place with wrappers of food
items and empty water bottles
Sukhna lake is the greatest gift from Le Corbusier to the people of Chandigarh.
The lake is fringed by a golf course to the south and Nek Chands famous Rock
Garden to its west.
It is a man-made lake.
It was made in 1958.
The people of Chandigarh love Sukhna.
It is a venue for many festive celebrations.
The most famous is mango festival which is held during monsoon where
varieties of mangoes are on display.
This is also a spot for bird watchers.
The children enjoy a number of joy rides and a mini train.
In the evenings Sukhna comes alive with tourists.
I like it because of its picturesque beauty.
In the background are the hills of Kasauli.
As night descends, the lights from the hills of Kasauli present a bewitching
sight.

46

Follow ups:
1. Why do so many people like going to places near water, such as lakes, rivers or oceans?
Many people like going to places near water, such as lakes, rivers or oceans, because
these are natural places, where people can enjoy the beauty of nature and relax. It acts as
a break and a stress buster. It also gives people an opportunity to spend time with family
and friends. Some people enjoy activities like fishing, swimming and other water sports,
for which they like visiting places near water.
2. What kind of leisure activities do people like to do, in places like the ocean, at the
beach, river, lake etc.
People like to do many leisure activities in places near water, like water sports, fishing and
swimming. Some people like to relax on the beach and they like to read or just sun bathe.
Some people like making sand art on the beach or pay beach volleyball and other such
beach sports.
3. As a place to spend leisure time, do you think a beach or seaside is more suitable for
children or old people?
I think it is equally suitable for both the young and the old. The activities may differ for
both the age groups, but as a place for spending leisure time, it suits everyone. The young
may want to do more of water sports and the old people usually just like to relax, sun
bather or read at the beach.
4. Do you think children and old people do the same type of things when they go to a
beach?
It depends on their choice; however, mostly the youngsters like to do more adventurous
and physical activities, like water sports, playing volleyball and so on. The older people
like to do more relaxed activities, like sun bathing, reading, sand art, and so on.
5. What kind of activities would you do, if you were spending leisure time at a beach or
near the ocean?
If I were spending leisure time at a beach or near the ocean, I would try the water sports
like, water skiing, surfing, deep sea diving or scuba diving.
OR
If I were spending leisure time at a beach or near the ocean, I would like to enjoy the
beauty of the nature. I would like to relax on the beach and read a book. I would also like
to collect shells on the beach.
6. Why do some people like water sports?
Some people like water sports because water gives a sense of thrill and it makes them feel
refreshed. Water can give us a sense of adventure as well as relaxation. It is also a very
good form of physical exercise, which is good for our overall fitness.
7. Do you think government should invest money in developing facilities for water sports?
Yes, I think government should invest in developing facilities for water sports, as it is a
good form of physical exercise for people. Also, those who have an interest in water
sports can make use of these facilities and pursue it as a career, bringing name and fame
to the country. Also, if there are good facilities built for such sports, it may become a

47

source of income for the government, as international water sports events can be held at
such venues. Of course, all this should be done after the government has taken care of
more important issues, like poverty, illiteracy and unemployment.
8. Do you think that human activity is posing a threat to the oceans of the world?
Yes, human activity is causing global warming. Because of global warming, ocean water is
also getting heated up and this is affecting marine life. Moreover, people and big
industries are dumping their effluents in the oceans and this is a cause for alarm.
I think it is very important to save the oceans. We are directly or indirectly influenced by
the oceans. Ocean waters serve as a source of food and valuable minerals such as salt
which we use daily in our food. Oceans also are used for commerce. For example, pearls
taken from oysters are used in jewelry, and shells and coral are used as building materials.
They also provide a place for recreation. Each year more people are attracted to the
sports of swimming, fishing, scuba diving, boating, and waterskiing.
9.

How important is water in peoples everyday lives?

Water is as necessary natural resource. Humans need access to clean, safe drinking water
in order to live. Poor water quality is a major cause of disease and death in some
countries. Water usually needs to be treated before we can drink it. Developing countries
often lack the means to treat and supply water to citizens. Developed countries tend to
have much better sanitation. Citizens should have access to clean tap water. Drinking
water should not be contaminated by sewage or waste water. The supply of clean water
would improve public health in many developing countries
10.What do you think are the advantages or disadvantages of traveling on the ocean?
There are many advantages of traveling on the oceans. We get to enjoy the beauty of
nature and get knowledge about marine life. It is a good way to spend quality time with
friends and family. It acts as a break from our routine, by providing a unique traveling
experience.
There are also many disadvantages of traveling on the oceans. It leads to water pollution,
thus affecting the marine life. If there are accidents or mishaps, it may lead to oil spills,
which adversely affects the aquatic animals and plants. The time taken when travelling by
oceans is also much more than other means of transport. There may be extreme weather
conditions on the oceans, leading to accidents and in such circumstances the rescue work
also becomes very difficult.

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22. Describe a special trip you would like to go in the future.

Where this place is?
Who would you like to go with?
What would you do there?
Explain why this would be a special trip?
(Sample answer)
I belong to India

It has many places, which attract tourists.

Here I am going to talk about a place, which I would like to visit in future.

The name of this place is Jaipur, in Rajasthan.

I would like to go with my parents.

I would see all the tourist attractions there.

I know it would be a special trip because my cousin has been there and told me
a lot about it.

My cousin went there with his college trip last year.

He told me a lot about that place.

There are many things to see over there.

He told me that he saw many places in the city of Jaipur like the Hawa mahal,
Amer Fort, Jantar Mantar, City Palace, Maharani Palace and so on.

He also visited a village Chokhi Dhani, which is 25 minutes away from Jaipur.

He told me that Chokhi Dhani Village has been the mirror of Rajasthani culture
since 1989.

It started as a restaurant but has evolved as a tasteful symbol of ethnic village

life of the most colourful state of the country, Rajasthan.

Today, the name of Chokhi Dhani is synonymous with Rajasthani culture

throughout the country.

He learned a lot about Rajasthani culture over there.

Live dances and music performances go on throughout the evening.

The local folk artists get a chance to display their arts and crafts which were
being forgotten in the fast modern world.

He told me that he joined the artists and danced with them.

He enjoyed the jhoomar dance and the Kalbeliya or the snake-charmers dance
the most.

He really enjoyed learning about this culture because it is very different from
the culture of Punjab and is very fascinating.

He bought some handicrafts like some puppets and key chains and souvenirs
for my family and friends.

I would also see all these places and especially the chhokhi Dhaani.

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Follow ups:
1. Are there any special places for visiting in India?
Yes, there are many special places to visit in India. Some are special because of
their historical importance, like Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Qutab Minar, Red
Fort, Humayuns Tomb in New Delhi and so on. Some are special because they are
naturally beautiful, like Kashmir, the hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, beaches of
Goa and the backwaters of Kerala. Some have a religious importance, like
Haridwar, Varanasi, Allahabad, Tirupati, Golden Temple, Nizamuddins mausoleum,
and many others.
2. Do Indian people like to travel abroad?
Yes, Indian people like to travel abroad. They travel for various purposes, like for
business, for education, for pleasure, for religious reasons and some travel to
other countries for better living standards and better job opportunities.
3. How can people benefit from travelling?
People can benefit a lot from traveling. We can learn about new cultures,
languages and different kinds of cuisines when we travel. We get to meet new
people and make new friends. It leads to more exposure, which broadens our
horizons. Businessmen can expand their business globally. Students travel for
better education facilities and some people benefit by getting better job
opportunities. Travelling also makes people better decision makers and we also
learn how to handle challenges and difficult situations.
4. Do you like to travel on you own or with your family?
I like travelling with my family, as it gives us an opportunity to spend quality time
with them. Also, there is a sense of security that we feel, when travelling with
family. If there is a problem when travelling, there is someone we can rely on or
fall back on.
5. Do you like to visit popular places or less-known places?
I like to visit popular places, as I want to know the reasons of their popularity.
Also, at a popular tourist place, the transport and accommodation facilities are
always good and there is problem we face in terms of communication and food,
when visiting such places.
OR
I like to visit lesser-known places because the culture at such places is not diluted;
it is pure, in terms of their way of living, language and food. So, to experience the
purity in culture, lesser-known places are always better. Also, there is less
pollution and fewer tourists at such places, which gives us an opportunity to
interact more with the local people and get more knowledge about them and their
culture.

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23. Describe a place you visited that has been affected by pollution
Where is it
When you visited this place
What kind of pollution you saw there
And explain how this place was affected
(Sample answer)
Well maam pollution is a big problem these days.
There is hardly a place, which is absolutely pollution free.
Here I am going to talk about a city Ludhiana which is very polluted
It has all sorts of pollution air pollution, water pollution and noise
pollution
I went there last week
In fact I go there quite often as my relatives live there
Ludhiana is the industrial hub of Punjab
Industries dump their effluents in the surrounding area and this causes
water pollution
The population of Ludhiana is far more for its size and this has given rise to
slum areas in the outskirts
The people in these slum areas are mainly labourers who have migrated
from other states to work in the factories.
They too litter the place.
There are many vehicles also which cause air pollution.
Ludhiana is the richest city of Punjab.
Most families have more than one car.
Earlier, when I used to go to visit my relatives, I had no problem in finding
a parking space for my car.
But, now finding a parking place near their home is a big problem.
Because of air pollution, people also suffer many respiratory problems.
My uncle is also suffering from chronic cough, which is because of the air
pollution.
A lot of noise also comes from the industries.
Whenever I come back from Ludhiana, I heave a sigh of relief.
Phagwara is relatively pollution free
There is so much air pollution in Ludhiana that my eyes start watering
whenever I go there.

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Follow ups:
1. What kinds of pollution are serious in your country?
All kinds of pollution are serious in my country, like air pollution, water,
noise and soil pollution. The major causes of air pollution are exhaust from the
vehicles and the factories. Factories are also a major cause of water pollution as
they release the effluents into water bodies. The vehicles on the roads and also
various other reasons cause noise pollution, like from loud speakers used at
celebrations.
2. What can individuals do to protect our environment?
Individuals can contribute a lot towards environment protection/ There are
a lot of measures, which can be taken at an individual level. People can keep their
surroundings clean by not littering and greener by planting more plants and trees.
The use of non-renewable sources can be reduces. Practices like reusing and
recycling can help immensely towards protecting our environment. For short
distances, people should use an eco-friendly mode of transport, like a bicycle or
they can walk, rather than using a vehicle. The use of plastic can be reduced
greatly at an individual level and we should not buy things which have too much of
packaging material.
3. Do you think individuals should be responsible for pollution?
Yes, individuals have a responsibility towards the pollution caused. The
major pollution caused is due to individuals, through vehicles. So, it is an individual
responsibility to cause less pollution, by reducing the use of private vehicles and
using the eco-friendly modes of transport or public transport more. Also, to
mitigate the effects of pollution individuals should plant more trees and shouldnt
litter their surroundings.
4. Why is there a need to involve government in environmental protection?
The government plays an essential role in environmental protection. To
ensure that the individuals and factories/industries do not harm the environment,
there have to rules and laws implemented by the government. For example,
recently in Delhi, the state government implemented the odd/even car rule, which
every citizen followed and it has helped reduce the pollution in Delhi.

52

24. Describe a piece of clothing that was given by someone

- When you received the clothes
- What was the piece of clothes like
- Who gave it to you
- Explain how you feel about it
(Sample answer)
In our life we all give and receive gifts from time to time.
I have also received many gifts in my life, some of which were items of
clothing.
Here I would like to talk about a traditional suit, which my maternal gave
me as a gift on my birthday.
It is a bottle green suit with magenta and golden embroidery
It also has a multi-coloured stole to go with it which had a golden lace on all
sides
It is studded with golden beads
It has a very traditional ethnic touch to it
It is a very beautiful suit
The stole is in crinkled silk
She gave me matching accessories also
She gave me a golden beaded purse to go with it.
Whenever I wear the suit, I wear my traditional Punjabi shoes, which match
perfectly with the suit.
When I wear that suit everyone compliments me
I feel very good when I receive those compliments.
Actually, my aunt runs her hobby classes of cooking in Chandigarh.
I stayed with her during my vacations and helped her.
She could accommodate more number of students because of my help.
She offered me money, but I refused because I had not helped her for
money.
So she bought this expensive suit for me on my birthday.
I really like the suit and have worn it on many occasions.

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Follow ups: piece of clothing

1. What kinds of clothes do people wear after work?
People wear comfortable and casual clothes after work, because usually at
work, people have to wear uniforms or formal clothes. Once people come back
home, they like to relax and want to be more comfortable.
2. What kind of clothes should people wear at work?
At work people should wear proper and formal clothes. At some
workplaces, uniforms are needed, which gives them an identity and develops a
sense of discipline. It also depends on the type of work people do. If someone is
working as a gym instructor, he or she cannot wear formal clothes to work. They
have to wear sports wear.
3. Do you think students need to wear school uniforms?
Yes, I think students need to wear school uniforms, as they act as a social
leveler/equalizer. Uniforms give an identity to the students and also inculcate a
sense of discipline among students. Uniforms are also good for the schools
security, as if any miscreants enter the school, they can be easily spotted.
4. Where do Indian people buy clothes?
Indian people buy clothes from shops and stores in the local markets and in
shopping malls. There are many small-scale stores and boutiques that are run from
home, from where people shop for clothes. Also, online shopping is very popular
in India. There are many popular shopping websites, like Amazon, Flipkart,
Snapdeal and so on, from where people buy clothes.

54

25. Describe a piece of local news that was interesting to you

- What the news was about
- Where you saw or heard the news
- When you saw or heard the news
- Explain why it was interesting
(Sample answer)
I watch news channels such as Aaj Tak and Zee News for the latest news,
but here I would like to talk about a piece of local news that was very
interesting for me.
The news was that Gurdas Maan, a famous Punjabi singer is coming to my
home Town to perform for charity.
He is coming on the 16th of next month.
He will be performing in the Grand Cabana, a five star hotel in my home
town.
I heard this news last Sunday, on PTC Punjabi news channel.
I found this news very interesting because Gurdas Maan is my favourite
singer.
Actually Gurdas Mann is my favourite singer.
He is a multifaceted personality.
He is a singer, actor, director and a lyricist as well.
He writes the lyrics of his songs himself.
He has also acted in many Punjabi movies.
All my family members also love his songs.
When we go out anywhere together we play his songs in the car.
All his songs have messages.
He even performs in stage shows.
He always has his tambourine in his hands when he performs.
There is a village near my hometown where he comes every year and
performs for charity.
I went there last year.
It was an electrifying experience.
This time he will be coming to my home town.
He is coming next month to raise some money for the rehabilitation of the
youth of Punjab villages who have become drug addicts.
I would like to meet him and get his autograph and thank him for the
commendable work he is doing for the people.
So, this is the piece of local news that I found interesting

55

Follow ups
1. Why do local people like to read local news?
Local people like to read local news, because they become aware of the
happenings around them. These happenings affect them directly. For example, a
new school or a hospital that has opened up in their town will benefit the people
directly. If there is an increase in the crime in their locality or city/town, they
become more careful and tighten the security.
2. Why do people like local news more than international news?
People like local news more than international news because the local
news has a direct impact on their day-to-day life. For example, new roads,
infrastructure being built/developed in their city, will benefit and affect them
directly. An increase in crime in their local area will have a direct impact on them.
The international news may or may not have a direct impact on them. It does
increase their awareness about international events and happenings.
3. How often do Indian people buy newspaper?
Indian people buy newspapers very often, in fact daily. Most of the
households have one or more newspapers subscribed. It is the most convenient
and cheapest source of news for Indian people.
4. Is it convenient to get deals on the Internet in your country?
Yes, it is very convenience to get deals on the Internet in my country. In
fact, online shopping has become increasingly popular because of better discounts
and offers available online, than in stores.

56

26. Describe the first time that you used a foreign language to communicate
Where it happened
When it happened
Who you talked to
How you felt about the conversation
(Sample answer)
I know three languages Punjabi, Hindi and English
Actually, English is a foreign language for us, but as it is taught in our
schools right from class 1, it does not seem foreign any more.
Here, I would like to talk about a time when I used a foreign language to
communicate.
It so happened that my cousin has settled in Italy and has been there for
the last 10 years.
He comes home once a year and last time, he brought his Italian Friend
Martin with him.
Martin did not know any other language except Italian.
So, my brother had to act as an interpreter every time when Martin had to
communicate with us.
He stayed with us for a week and I learnt many words of Italian from
Martin.
Every time Martin would do something for me I would say Grazie Tante,
which means thank you very much.
If I did something for him, he would say Grazie Tante, and I would say
Prego, which means you are welcome or my pleasure.
It was great fun. I felt very happy when I could understand what Martin
wanted to say and Martin would be very happy, when we used any Italian
words with him.
I also taught him some Punjabi words.
I learnt many other words but unfortunately I dont remember them now.
My cousin has invited me many times to visit him in Italy, so I have planned
to join some Italian classes for being able to communicate there if I go.
Fortunately, there is a Language academy called Aroma Institute, where I
can learn Italian.
I will join that institute very soon.

Follow ups:
1. What do you think of children learning a foreign language?
I think children should learn a foreign language. It is very easy for children to learn a
foreign language as they are very receptive and they are not hesitant about making
mistakes. They also have a benefit of not knowing any other language too well, to make
comparisons and assumptions about the difficulty of language learning. In this era of

57

globalization, knowledge of a foreign language is very beneficial for a better career and a
brighter future. It opens more avenues for the students for higher education and good
jobs.
2. Why are some language classes boring?
Some language classes are boring because of the teaching methods used. If there no
interactive and fun activities involved in teaching a language and only textbook teaching
methods are followed, students become bored easily. Incorporating technology in
classrooms, keeps the students interested in learning and they learn it easily. For example,
there should be audio-visual means used.
3. Some students hate to learn foreign languages, what can teachers do to develop their interest?
Some students hate to learn a foreign language mainly due to lack of interest and
uninteresting teaching methods used. Teachers play an important in developing students
interest. Interactive and fun activities should be included to keep the children involved and
interested in learning. If students are taught only from text books and there is a pressure
of examination, it leads to students becoming bored or disliking language classes.
Teachers should also use contexts and examples to which the students can relate in their
day-to-day life. If they understand how the language can help and benefit them, students
would be motivated to learn that language.
4. Some people travel for learning a foreign language, what do you think?
I think that traveling is a very good way to learn a foreign language. It is true that the
more we use a language, the better we get at it. So, if travel to a county/region where
that language is used, we will interact more with the local people in that language and
learn its nuances better. Also, language is related to the culture. If we travel, we learn
more about the culture and can learn the language better.
5. Whats the best way to learn a foreign language?
I think the best way to learn a foreign language in a classroom environment, from a
teacher who has in-depth knowledge of that language. The teacher should preferably be a
native speaker of that language or should have a high proficiency level in that language. It
is very important to incorporate technology and audio-visual methods to teach that
language. Also, travelling to that country/region where the language is spoken is also a
good way to learn it. These days learning a language through videos and online classes has
become very popular, as the students get a chance to interact with the teachers and also
with native speakers of that language, through the internet. There are many apps also
available, which can be downloaded on smartphones, which help learning a foreign
language in a fun and interactive way. For example, the Duolingo app.
6. Why can some people learn languages fast white others learn slowly?
Some people learn language faster than some others because of the teaching methods
used to teach them. Interacting more with the native speakers also helps with learning a
language better and faster. Also, there may be a motivating factor, like a job that requires
them to learn that language, which makes people learn a language faster than others, who
dont have any motivation behind learning a language.
7. Does ones age affect their language learning?
Yes, I think age affects language learning. I thing the learning curve goes down
with increasing age. Also, at an older age, people try and compare the new language they
are learning with the language they already know. That may cause a hindrance in the
learning of a language. People also become more hesitant about making mistakes and feel
more embarrassed, at a later age, as compared to young learners.

58

27. Describe an interesting story from a TV program

What it was
When you watched it
Who you watched it with
Explain why it was interesting
(Sample answer)
I watch TV for the news, some reality shows and some soaps.
Here, I would like to speak about a story from a TV program, which I found
very interesting.
This is the story of we, human beings and our environment.
Last month, as I was watching the National Geographic Channel, a
Documentary on the climate change was going on.
They were showing the melting of the glaciers and the rising sea levels.
It was being presented in such a nice way that I could not change the
channel, and kept watching it.
They told that global warming is a perfectly natural phenomenon.
However, the rate at which it is happening is unnatural.
We humans are the cause of it.
We are using luxuries; we are cutting trees; we are opening more and more
industries and we are buying more and more automobiles.
There are billions of people in the world, and global warming is the result
of billions of decisions.
We blame the governments for not doing anything, but we ourselves are
not playing our part.
If billions of people decided to plant a tree each, we can easily slow down
the process.
The documentary also showed how the polar regions are also being
affected by global warming.
The marine life is also being disturbed.
This short video was actually meant to aware the people.
I felt very enlightened after watching this short movie.
( You can speak about any story of any serial or any episode of any program also)

59

Follow ups
1. Why do some people dislike watching TV?
Some people dislike watching TV because programs on TV are very repetitive.
Moreover, nowadays they have apps on their smartphones on which they can
watch TV on the go, through Hotstar or Youtube.
2. Do you think advertisements on TV should be banned?
No, I dont think so. Because of these ads on TV we get to see so many channels
for so less money. The TV channels thrive on the ads and so we dont have to pay
heavy sums for watching so much.
3. What kinds of TV programs are popular in India?
Many kinds of TV programs are popular, such as reality shows, soaps, talk shows,
news etc.
4. Whats the most interesting TV program that you have ever watched?
The most interesting TV program that I have ever watched is the Sitcom Comedy
Nights with Kapil. I still watch it. Every episode is very interesting and it makes
me laugh till I get cramps in my stomach.
5. Do you think children can learn something from TV programs?
TV programs are very educative. Children can learn a lot from Discovery Channel
programs, National Geographic and other channels like History TV and Animal
Planet. Even the daily soaps we see on TV teach some social values to children.
They learn a lot from Cartoon channels also.

60

28. Describe a movie you want to watch in the cinema or at home

When you want to watch this movie
Who would you want to watch it with
What the movie is about
Why do you want to watch this movie
(Sample answer)
I watch a lot of Hindi movies.
Few months ago a movie PK was released.
Unfortunately I could not see the movie then, as my exams were going on.
I would like to see this movie at home on TV.
I am just waiting for any Hindi movie channel, such as Z cinema or movies
plus to take the initiative and show this movie
I would like to watch it with my family, as it is a family movie.
Amir Khan has played the lead role in this movie
My cousin has seen the movie and has told me its story in brief, but they
really want to see the movie as Amir Khan is my favorite actor
In this movie an alien comes from outer space in a UFO but unfortunately
loses his remote control off his UFO
The whole movies revolves around, his search for that remote control
In doing so, this alien questions the blind faith of people in these man-made
gods, and takes people away from superstitions.
This alien meets a girl and falls in love with her.
This love is one-sided
The girl loves somebody else
But it is with her efforts that the remote control is ultimately found
Anushka Sharma plays the role of the girl
Amir Khan does not act in many movies, but whatever work he does, he
puts his heart and soul into it
That is why even though I know the story I would like to watch this film at
home with my parents.

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Follow-ups
1. Whats the difference between watching a movie at home and watching it
in the cinema?
There are many differences between watching a movie at home and in the cinema
hall. When you watch a movie at home, it saves your money and time. You can do
some multitasking and also you can change channels if you dont like a movie.
In the cinema hall, you enjoy a movie on the big screen, which makes all the
difference especially in action movies. You enjoy the company of your friends and
family and you also enjoy the refreshments in the interval.
2. Do young Indians like to watch foreign movies?
Yes, they do. Foreign movies have much better technology and much better
effects. They get to learn the language and the storyline is also different from
which they learn about the foreign culture.
3. How would you define a good movie?
A good movie should have a good script, good cast, good direction, good special
effects and should have a message.
4. Is it important to have famous actors in the movie if the movie wants to be
successful?
Not necessarily. A movie can be successful, without famous actors. Sometimes,
the movie makes the debut actor or actress famous.
5. Do you prefer to watch a movie at home or in the cinema?
I prefer to watch a movie at home than in the cinema. It saves me time and money.
I can change channels if I dont like the movie. I can do some multitasking side by
side. I can enjoy the movie in the cozy comfort of my bed.
6. Do you think that cinemas will disappear in the future?
What the future holds in store for us, no one can tell, but as far as I can see,
cinemas will never disappear. People love to go out and enjoy with friends and
family. In the past few years there has been a mushroom growth of multiplexes,
which shows that people love to watch movies in cinema halls.

62

29. Describe an article that you read from a magazine or newspaper

- What the article was
- When and where you read it
- What you learned from the article
- Explain why you think it is a good or bad article
(Same as number 16 cue card in this file)
Follow ups
1. Why do different people like to read different magazine?
Different people like to read different magazines because their interests are
different. Magazines cater to specific fields. Those who love sports read sports
magazines, such as Sports Today; those who like fashion, read fashion magazines,
such as Vogue; those interested in film celebrities, read magazines like Stardust
and Film Fare.
2. What kind of magazines do teenagers like to read?
Teenagers like to read sports and fashion magazines.
3. Whats the difference between news on TV and news in magazines?
The major difference is that news in magazines is the detailed news of the past
week or the past fortnight or the past month depending on whether the magazine
is weekly or fortnightly or monthly.
4. Do people like to read news from the Internet?
Young people like to read news from the Internet. They are tech savvy. They can
read any newspaper from any corner of the world. E-paper is also environmentally
friendly.
5. Do people still buy magazines in your country?
Yes, they do. Magazines cater to special fields. Those interested in sports buy
sports magazines, those interested in home-making buy magazines like Womens
Era and Sarita.

63

30. Describe a short vacation that you were impressed

- Where you went
- Who you went with
- What you did
- Explain why this was an impressive vacation
(Sample answer)
Vacations bring a relief from the hectic day-to-day life.
Here I would like to talk about a short vacation, which really impressed me.
After my senior secondary exam, I spent a few days with my cousin at
Chandigarh.
My cousin is of my age and we are good friends.
We enjoyed a lot.
We visited many places in Chandigarh such as Rose Garden, Rock garden,
Sukhna Lake, Mini zoo and so on.
I was really impressed by the Rock Garden.
It was made by Nek Chand, who unfortunately is no more.
Rock Garden is made of trash. It is a very big tourist attraction now in
Chandigarh.
17 Sector is a shoppers paradise.
We did a lot of shopping from there.
I was really awed by the city. No wonder, it is called the city beautiful.
Chandigarh is a union territory and also the capital of two states Haryana and
Punjab
It has been named after an ancient temple Chandi Mandir.
It was designed by a French architect, Le Corbusier.
The residential areas are away from the commercial hubs.
This city is active culturally, academically and commercially.
The traffic moves very smoothly.
The roads and public places are well maintained.
Local bus service is also very good.
It is a city full of life at all hours of the day and night.
My cousin took me to many eat-out places, such as Sams Caf and many more.
I stayed there for four days. It was a very memorable experience for me.
I would like to settle in a city like Chandigarh one day.

64
Another Idea

Vacations bring a relief from the hectic day-to-day life.

Here I would like to talk about a short vacation, which really impressed me.
After my senior secondary exam, I spent a few days with my cousin at Jaipur.
It has many places, which attract tourists.
My cousin took me to many tourist attractions there, like the Hawa mahal, Amer
Fort, Jantar Mantar, City Palace, Maharani Palace and so on.
We also visited a village Chokhi Dhani, which is 25 minutes away from Jaipur.
He told me that Chokhi Dhani Village has been the mirror of Rajasthani culture
since 1989.
It started as a restaurant but has evolved as a tasteful symbol of ethnic village
life of the most colourful state of the country, Rajasthan.
Today, the name of Chokhi Dhani is synonymous with Rajasthani culture
throughout the country.
We learned a lot about Rajasthani culture over there.
Live dances and music performances go on throughout the evening.
The local folk artists get a chance to display their arts and crafts, which were
being forgotten in the fast modern world.
We joined the artists and danced with them.
We enjoyed the Jhoomar dance and the Kalbeliya or the snake-charmers dance
the most.
I really enjoyed learning about Rajasthani culture because it is very different
from the culture of Punjab and is very fascinating.
I also bought some handicrafts like some puppets and key chains and souvenirs
for my family and friends.
I stayed with him for five days, which were very exciting for me
I can never forget that short vacation.

65

Follow-ups
1. Are there any special places for visiting in India?
India is full of places to visit. We have historical places such as the Taj Mahal, the
Golden Temple and the Red Fort. We have places of natural beauty like the hill
stations and beaches. We also have man made places like museums, gardens and
fun parks.
2. Do Indian people like to travel abroad?
Yes, Indian people like to travel abroad. They like to visit countries like the USA,
the UK, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia etc.
3. How can people benefit from travelling?
People can benefit a lot by travelling. Travel broadens the mind. People learn
about other cultures and languages. They accept the good points of other cultures
and so travel gives the opportunity of culture exchange. They can also spread
their business worldwide.
4. Do you like to travel on your own or with your family?
I like to travel with my family because I enjoy with them and I get to spend quality
time with them.
5. Do you like to visit popular places or less known places?
I like to visit popular places, because I have not seen many of them yet. Firstly, I
would like to see all those places, which people come to see from all over the
world, like the Taj Mahal. Only after I have seen these popular places, I would go
for these lesser-known places.
6. Do people prefer short trips or long trips?
It depends on the financial condition and the type of work people do. Some
people do not get long vacations and some people cannot afford long vacations.
7. What kind of problems would people have when they go on a long trip?
People may face financial problems; they may have health problems or they may
face language problems.

66

31. Describe a person you know who has made a contribution to the society
Who this person is
How you know this person
What kind of contribution this person has made
How you feel about what the person has done
(Sample answer)
Everyone contributes to the society in one way or the other
Doctors, teachers, film stars, mechanics, shopkeepers and so on, everyone
is doing something or the other for the society.
Here I would like to talk about my aunt who is a teacher
I know her because shes my paternal aunt, my fathers sister
She is about 50 years old and looks very beautiful.
Her hair has started graying, but she doesnt colour her hair.
She believes in the 3 Gs - going grey gracefully.
She teaches science in Cambridge International School.
She did her Bachelors of Education after completing her Masters in
Chemistry.
Teachers are known as nation builders.
Everyone passes through the hands of teachers in school and college years.
All other professions such as doctors and nurses also pass through the
hands of a teacher.
That is why I believe that teaching is the most important job.
A teacher is like a candle that burns itself and shows light to others.
Since age-old times, teaching has been considered a noble profession.
In ancient India, there was the gurukul system.
Even the kings children stayed in the home of the guru or the teacher.
They used to do the household chores of the guru and in return the guru
imparted knowledge.
Teachers improve the literacy rate of a country.
When literacy rate is high, crime and violence go down.
A teacher requires good communication skills and depth of knowledge of
his subject.
A good teacher should treat all students equally.
Nowadays, teachers are being paid handsomely be the government.
This is to lure bright students to join this profession.

67

Follow-ups
1. How to be a good member in the society?
We can be good members of the society by abiding be the law and not doing anti
social activities. We should help the needy and take care of our environment. We
should not throw litter here and there.
2. What kinds of jobs are well paid in your country?
Government jobs are well paid. Professionals, such as doctors, teachers and
lawyers also earn well.
3. How do university students make their career plans in your country?
They do so by attending career fests in their universities, by taking advice of their
teachers and by searching on the Internet. They also take help of their family and
friends.
4. What kinds of jobs deserve higher salaries in the future?
Jobs in the defense sector, such as Army, Navy and the Air-Force deserve higher
salaries. Also jobs relating to security of the country and jobs which involve risk to
life, such as jobs in the fire-brigade require higher salaries. Scientists, who are
searching for treatments of cancers and AIDS also require higher salaries.
5. Does university education help students to find a good job in your country?
Usually it does. University graduates are seldom unemployed. But, nowadays,
because of too much competition, even university graduates have to work for
much lesser pay than they deserve. University graduates are being exploited
because of too many of them.
6. Do people like to talk about their salaries with their friends in your
country?
No, they dont. This maybe because they feel they are being underpaid and they
dont want to belittle themselves by talking about their salary, which they feel is
very less. If they are getting very high salary, they dont want to show-off.

68

32. Describe one of your best friends

Who this person is
How you became friends with this person
What kinds of things you like to do with this person
Explain why he or she is your best friend
(Sample answer)
I am normally a very shy person and it takes me time to open-up and
become friendly with another person.
But here I am going to talk about my friend Rajat whom I liked
instantaneously and we became intimate friends at the first meeting.
I vividly remember, I was in 6th standard in Jain Model School when Rajats
father got transferred to my home town.
His father is a Manager in Punjab National Bank.
Rajat got admission in my school and joined my section.
The very first day he sat next to me and started chatting with me.
I was impressed by his extrovert nature and immediately developed a liking
for him.
He is 19 years old.
He is not very tall but looks very good. He is very lean and thin and has
curly black hair.
When he smiles he has dimples on both cheeks which look very cute.
He is everything that I am not.
I am very shy but he is a real chatterbox.
When he starts talking it is difficult to make him stop.
He has a great sense of humour.
He can lighten up any tense situation by cracking jokes.
He is also good at studies.
Many a times he has helped me in my assignments.
He is also very down-to-earth.
He comes from a rich family but he is not at all proud of his riches.
He is also very respectful towards elders.
He has impressed my parents also.
He lives in my neighbourhood and we meet almost daily.
We play badminton in the evenings.
He is also planning to go abroad for his higher studies.
We both plan to go in September intake.
So Rajat is my best friend.

69

Follow ups
1. How do people in your country make friends these days?
People in my country make friends at schools, colleges, work places, at
parties, when they travel etc. These days making friends online has be come very
popular because of the social networking websites.
2. Do you trust friends that you meet on the Internet?
No, I do not trust friends that I meet on the internet and have never
personally met. These days the Internet frauds have become very common and a
lot of people make fake accounts and hack peoples computers and accounts. So it
is very difficult to trust anyone we meet online.
3. How do you get along with people you dont like?
I am polite and courteous with people I dont like, if I meet them. I am not
impolite or disrespectful towards anyone, even if I dont like that person. I keep
my distance and do not stay in contact with that person.
4. Why is it hard to maintain friendships for some people?
It is hard to maintain friendships for some people mainly because of their
busy and hectic routines. Life has become very fast-paced and everyone is busy in
his or her lives, studying or working. So it becomes hard to stay in regular contact
with friends. Another reason could be misunderstandings between friends.
5. Would you only make friends with people who are similar to you?
No, I make friends with people who may or may not be similar to me.
There are many qualities that I look for in a friend, like a good sense of humour,
trustworthiness, honesty and so on. Their interests may be dissimilar or they may
be from different cultures and background.
6. Do you like to have many friends?
No, I have a small group of good friends. I think there cannot be too many
true friends. True friends are very few whom we can trust completely and who are
like family.

70

33. Describe a product you bought and felt happy

- What it was
- Where you bought it
- What it was for
- Explain why it made you happy
(Sample answer)
Normally, I depend on my parents for all my needs.

Here I would like to talk about a product that I bought after saving my
pocket money for one whole year, and I felt very happy after buying.

It is an apple I phone

I bought the latest 6S version of this phone

Actually, my friend bought the 5S version last year.

I was fascinated by the looks and features of the phone.

My mouth started watering but when I heard the price I realized that the
grapes were sour.

So, I started saving money for the phone.

It was difficult to stay away from chocolates and fast foods but I did it.

By the time I had enough money, the new version 6S was there in the
market.

So, I bought the latest version in white colour.

This phone is not just a phone.

It is a mini computer that fits into your pocket.

One can do wonders with this phone.

It is a rectangular phone which has a 4.5 inch screen

It has a multi-touch facility, which means that you can do multiple functions
at the same time.

It has a very long battery life

It has a capacity of 16 GB which can be extended to 64 GB.

Its weight is around 140 gms

It also has two cameras.

It allows face-time video chats

I felt very good after buying the phone.

Now, I feel incomplete without this phone.

I have put it in a cover and I am very possessive about it.

71

Follow-ups
1. How often do people in your country go shopping?
People of my country go shopping quite often. Whenever they need anything they
go to the small shops or the big malls. Nowadays people and also do shopping
online.
2. What kinds of places are popular for shopping in India?
Big shopping malls have become very popular nowadays. We get everything
under one roof. Things are very nicely displayed and no bargaining has to be
done.
3. Do you think online shopping will replace shopping in stores?
I do not think so. Shopping in stores has its own charm. You can feel the thing
before buying. You dont need to wait for the delivery time. You can try on
clothes before buying. Online shopping has its own set of advantages. You can
shop at anytime of the day or night. Sometimes you can grab very good deals
online.
4. Did you ever have bad shopping experience?
Yes, once I ordered three T-shirts online, but the sizes I received were very
different from the sizes I had ordered. The refund and replacement took a lot of
time. That day I decided that I would never shop for clothes online
5. What would you do if you bought something disappointing from the
Internet?
I would talk to the customer support of the site and ask him for a refund or
replacement of my product.
6. Why is online shopping so popular these days?
Online shopping is very popular nowadays because people can do shopping at
anytime of the day or night. They can shop from any corner of the world. They can
compare prices from different sites.

72

34. Describe a difficult decision that you once made

What the decision was
How you made your decision
What the results of the decision were
Explain why it was difficult to make
(Sample answer)
We all have to make from time to time.
Some decisions are very small such as what clothes to wear and what
food to eat.
But some decisions have far reaching effects such as choosing a career
and choosing a life partner.
Here I am going to talk about a decision, which was very difficult for me.
It was choosing my subjects for Senior Secondary.
After my 10th, I was in a dilemma, whether to go for medical, non-medical,
commerce or humanities (Arts) stream.
Most of my friends were going for non-medical, but I knew I was not so
good at physics.
I consulted my parents, but they told me to decide on my own.
Then I went to my teacher, Mrs Promilla.
She was my favourite teacher in school and fortunately lives in my
neighbourhood.
She told me to go for commerce or arts, as she knew I was not so good at
the sciences.
My friends were forcing me to join non-medical, but I took my teachers
advice and chose Arts.
This decision was very difficult as the whole future depends on this
decision.
The career is based on subjects of senior secondary.
Now I am very happy.
I am doing well in studies and also have time to pursue my hobbies.
I am interested in music and dance, so in the evening I have joined dance
and music classes.

73

Follow-ups
1. What skills are necessary when making decisions?
One needs to be able to see the far-reaching consequences of those decisions.
Unfortunately, at a young age most people are not mature enough to see that far. So,
one should talk to other people who are older and more experienced and take their
suggestions.
2. How can people improve their decision-making skills?
People can improve these skills by going out and talking to people and looking at
things from their perspective. That way one can come to know different viewpoints
and then can make decisions with ease.
3. How do you think computers will change the way people make decisions?
Through computers and internet, people have a wider network of friends. And so,
sitting at home, one can know reviews of people on different things and then one can
make decisions. For example, once I had to buy a laptop within a specific budget.
Reviews on the net helped me to decide which one would be best for me. Finally, I
went for Dell laptop.
4. Do parents in India allow their children to make important decisions about the
future?
In India, parents have a say in important decisions about the future. Arranged
marriages are still very common in which parents decide the life partner for their
children.
5. Do you think that parents should make important decisions for the children?
Parents know the temperament of their children very nicely. So, they can decide. But,
I feel that it should be in consultation with their children, and if children want
something different, then parents can sit with children and patiently reason out the
pros and cons of every decision. They can then reach a consensus and decide
accordingly.
6. How can older people help young people make their own decisions wisely?
Older people have more experience to see the far-reaching effects of things. They can
tell their perspective to the younger people and help them in taking decisions.
7. What do you think of the qualities of a good leader or a good decision-maker?
A good leader or good decision maker should have good communication skills to
reason out the advantages and disadvantages of every decision. He should know how
to get work done. He should be able to lead by example. Means, he should be a good
role model.
8. Do you think it is important for parents to encourage the development of
leadership abilities in their children?
Yes, it is important for parents to do so because ultimately children have to be on
their own and such qualities help them to work in groups.
9. In what ways can parents encourage their children develop leadership abilities?
They can do so by giving tasks which their children have to do together. When they
work in groups, they automatically learn to distribute duties and learn leadership and
team work.

74

35. Describe a situation or a time when you helped someone

What the situation was
Who the person was
How you helped them
Explain how your felt after helping them
(Sample answer)
Man is a social animal.
We all have to give and receive help from others many times.
Here I am going to talk about a situation when I helped an accident victim.
It so happened that I was going to Ludhiana last month to attend a wedding.
On the way there is a petrol pump.
We saw that a lady was lying on the side and there was a lot of blood from her
head.
This accident had just happened 2 minutes before.
She and her husband were on a scooter and as they were coming out of the
petrol pump a speeding car hit them and sped away.
We parked our car on the side and came out to see if we could help.
Her husband had minor injuries but she was in a bad shape.
We immediately called 108 for help.
It is the number of the free ambulance run by the government.
Within fifteen minutes the ambulance was there.
We did not move the lady because it could aggravate her injury.
She was breathing properly but had a lot of pain.
There was a first aid team headed by a doctor in the ambulance.
The ambulance people picked her very carefully on a stretcher and
immediately rushed her to Phillaur Civil Hospital.
We took the number of other relatives of the patient from her husband and
called them.
Actually he was also very shocked because of his wifes condition.
We took him to the Phillaur hospital in our car.
Only after they were settled, we moved on.
We were late for the wedding but we were happy that we could help some
needy people.

75

Follow-ups
1. Do you like helping others?
Yes, I like helping others. I feel very happy when I can be of any help to anyone. Whenever
any person comes to me for help, I do my best to help that person
2. In your view should children be taught to help others?
Yes, children student should be taught to help others. They should be made to realize that if
today they will help others, then tomorrow they will get help if they need help.
3. How can we encourage children to help others?
We can encourage children to help others by setting an example. If they see their elders
helping others they will automatically learn to help others.
4. Do you think people are less willing to help others these days compared to the past?
Yes, I think so. Todays life is very fast. People have become workaholics. They have become
self centered. They have no time to help others.
5. Do people trust others as much as they used to in the past?
No, I do not think so. My parents and grandparents tell me that life was simpler and slower in
the past. People trusted each other. Today, it is very difficult to find people whom you can
trust.
6. How do people in your community help one another?
People in my community help each other in whatever way they can. Some people help by
giving money and some people help by giving their time.
7. How do students such as high school students help each other?
Students help each other by sharing notes. Some help each other by sharing their conveyance.
8. How can charitable organizations help people?
Charitable organizations help people in many ways. They help by giving money or by teaching
people some skills which can help them to earn a livelihood. For example, they open free
sewing schools and free computer education centres.
9. What are some examples of such organizations in your country?
Being humane is one organization run by Salman Khan. Then there are the Jaycees, The Lions
and the Rotary club.
10. What do you think are the benefits of having unpaid volunteer workers?
There are many benefits of having unpaid volunteer workers. Even with very little amount of
funding a lot of people can be helped.
11. How do you think the volunteers themselves benefit?
Volunteers themselves benefit in many ways. If today they help for free, then tomorrow they
can get a paid job from the same network. They also will get an opportunity to sharpen
their practical skills.
12. Should professionals be hired rather than using volunteer workers?
It depends on the work. For example, if free eye surgeries have to be done then it is better to
hire professionals. Otherwise voluntary workers can serve the purpose.
13. Do you think international aid, for example from my national government to another is
important?
Yes, I think it is very important. It develops good relations between countries. But I think
instead of giving direct financial aid, the wealthy countries should aim to provide jobs and
other facilities to the poor countries.
14. Can you give examples of international aid?
Pulse Polio is an example of international aid by the Rotary international club to eradicate
polio from all over the world.

76

36. Describe your dream you have had

When you had this dream
What you saw in the dream
What do said or did in the dream
Explain why you had a dream like that
Sample answer

Dreams are part of life.

An average person has 5-7 dreams per night.
We generally forget our dreams when we get up.
Sometimes when we are awakened while having a dream, we remember
some parts of our dream.
I remember one such dream I had.
It was before my +2 final exam of English.
I dreamt that I was late for my exam.
I got up late and then I hurriedly got ready.
I reached the examination hall very late
I was not allowed to enter the hall.
I was on the verge of tears.
Then someone told me to rush to the office to get special permission.
I ran and got the permission.
Then I was allowed to sit for my exam.
I dreamt that I was not able to write anything.
My hands were shaking.
My whole answer sheet was blank.
Then suddenly the bell rang.
The time was over.
The exam supervisor was shaking me to hand over my answer sheet.
She was shouting, get up it is time.
Suddenly, I got up.
It was my bed from which I got up.
And it was my mother shaking me to get up.
The bell was of my alarm
I heaved a sigh of relief.
I was not late.
It was just a dream
I thanked my mother for waking me in time.
I hugged and kissed her.

77

Follow-ups
1. Whats the difference between dream and goal?
Dreams are what we see during our sleep, whereas goals are targets, which we
set for ourselves. These are the dreams of our conscious mind. We work hard to
convert these conscious dreams, which means goals, into reality.
2. Would you separate dream from reality?
It depends. If it is a good dream, we can make our dream turn into a reality by our
hard work. If it is a bad dream, then I would prefer to ignore it and focus on the
reality.
3. How do you achieve your goal?
We achieve our goal by working hard and by meticulous planning. We should not
procrastinate and keep doing our best to achieve that goal.
4. What kinds of goals do young people usually have?
Young people usually have goals such as, getting a good job, going abroad and
settling in a developed country, of achieving name and fame, of earning a lot of
money and so on.
5. What will be the most popular jobs in the future?
What the future holds in store for us, nobody can tell, but as far as I can see, IT
jobs will gain popularity, telecommuting will become more popular, government
jobs, which offer security, will become more popular.

78

37. Describe a perfect job you would like to have in the future
What is it
How you can get this job
What kind of effort you would do for this job
Why do you want to have it
(Sample answer)
It is very difficult to define a perfect job.
What may be perfect for one person, may not be liked by the other person.
For some people a job with a good pay-package is a perfect job, whereas for
others a job having good satisfaction is a perfect job.
For me, a teaching job would be a perfect job.
Firstly, I would complete my graduation and then go for a bachelors in
Education or B.Ed. degree.
I would like to be a teacher because it is a very lucrative profession nowadays,
and also I will be in the company of children, which would keep me young at
heart always.
Everyone passes through the hands of teachers in school and college years.
Teachers are known as nation builders.
All other professions such as doctors and nurses also pass through the hands
of a teacher.
That is why I believe that teachers can make the world a better place.
A teacher is like a candle that burns itself and shows light to others.
Since age-old times, teaching has been considered a noble profession.
In ancient India, there was the gurukul system.
Even the kings children stayed in the home of the guru or the teacher.
They used to do the household chores of the guru and in return the guru
imparted knowledge.
Teachers improve the literacy rate of a country.
When literacy rate is high, crime and violence go down.
A teacher requires good communication skills and depth of knowledge of his
subject.
A good teacher should treat all students equally.
Nowadays, teachers are being paid handsomely be the government.
This is to lure bright students to join this profession.

79

Follow-ups
1. What kinds of jobs are unpopular in India?
Jobs which have a risk to life are not very popular. Jobs which are less paid are
not very popular. Jobs in the private sector are not very popular.
2. Why do many young adults keep changing their jobs?
Many young adults keep changing the jobs for better pay prospects. Sometimes
theyre not satisfied with their job and so they change the job. Sometimes they
change jobs to learn new skills. So there are many reasons why young adults keep
changing that job.
3. How to find a perfect job?
It is very difficult to define a perfect job and to find a perfect job. Some jobs may
have security but may not have a high pay package. Some jobs may be highly paid
but may not give you the job satisfaction. Some jobs maybe far away from your
place of residence. So most people have to compromise with one thing or the
other.
4. Would you ask your parents for advice about work?
Yes, definitely. I would seek their advice, because I know that they have my best
interest in their mind.
5. Would you like to apply for challenging jobs or common jobs?
I would like to apply for challenging jobs, because I think such jobs give you more
opportunity to show your skills and also teach you many interesting things.
6. Would you like to work abroad?
Yes, definitely I would like to work abroad, because I would be able to earn much
more money than I would earn in my own country.

80

38. Describe a special festival in your culture/country

When this festival is
Who you celebrate it with
What people do during this event
Why this festival is special
(Sample answer)
India is a land of festivals
The festival I am going to talk about here is Diwali or Deepawali
Deepawali literally means rows of diyas
It generally falls in the month of October or November
It falls exactly 20 days after Dussehra
I celebrate it with my family and friends
People decorate their houses with lights and fire crackers on that day
People exchange gifts and sweets with each other.
This festival is special because it has a religious significance for the Hindus
and the Sikhs.
On this day Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
On this day, the sixth guru of Sikhs guru Hargobind Ji was set free from
Gwalior jail along with 52 kings.
The arrogant tyrant Bali was also killed by Lord Vishnu on this day.
People worship Goddess Lakshmi on this day.
They also worship Lord Ganesh on this day.
Some people drink and gamble on this day, which is not a good practice.
Diwali is celebrated all over India and also all over the world, where Indians
have settled.
People start preparations for Diwali much before the actual day
They clean their homes and get them whitewashed.
They also buy new clothes to wear on this special day.
So this is a special festival of my country India.

81

Follow ups
1. Do you have traditional dress in your country?
Yes, sari is the traditional dress for women and kurta pajama for men
2. Do you think these traditions would be lost in the future?
No, I do not think these traditions would be lost completely. They would be
diluted by the effect of the western culture but would not be lost totally.
3. Do you think its important to maintain traditional festivals?
Yes, it is very important to maintain traditional festivals because otherwise our
coming generations would be totally cut off from their roots
4. What is the value of traditions?
Traditions bind us to our rich culture. They keep us attached to our roots and
make us proud of what we are.
5. Which do young people prefer traditional ways or doing things in new
ways?
Young people prefer the new ways of doing things. They belong to the global
culture and have incorporated the new ways in their lifestyle.
6. Should young people celebrate traditional festivals?
Yes, young people should celebrate traditional festivals. If they dont do so they
would be totally cut away from their roots.
7. Why do more and more young people prefer to celebrate festivals with
their friends rather than with the families?
Young people prefer to celebrate festivals with their friends, because they can
celebrate them with modern ways, whereas when they do so with their families,
they find it very boring.

82

39. Describe one time when the weather changed your plan
When this happened
Where you were
What kind of whether it was
Explain why you couldnt finish the thing
What you did at the end
(Sample answer)
It has not happened very often when the weather changed my plan
But yes, I remember a time when my friends and I had planned to go to a
museum, Pushpa Gujral Science City, near my hometown, where we could
not go because of heavy rainfall.
Last year, in our summer vacation, we planned to visit this museum.
This museum is at a distance of one hour from my hometown.
As I live near the bus stand, my friends had to assemble at my house and
then we had to go to the bus stand and catch a bus for the museum.
It was cloudy, and we could anticipate that it would rain, but we never
thought it could be that bad.
Just has we were about to leave it started raining heavily.
We thought we would wait for sometime for the rain to slow down and
then we would go
But it started raining cats and dogs, and the rain went on for five hours at a
stretch.
We could not go anywhere
My friends were also stuck at my house
But we made it a day to remember
My mother made a nice lunch and many snacks for us and we played carom
board
Although we could not go to the museum, we had a fun time together
Even after the rain stopped, there was a lot of water logging on the roads
and my friends could not go home till late evening.
So that was a day when the weather changed our plans

83

Follow-ups
1. Where can people get weather reports?
People can get weather reports through Radio, TV, through Internet and
nowadays even two apps on their smartphones
2. How do weather reports affect peoples life?
People change their plans according to the weather reports, especially in the
temporary climates, where the weather reports tend to be more accurate. In the
tropical climates however, the weather reports Im not so accurate and so people
do not give much importance to them.
3. What do people do on rainy days and sunny days?
On rainy days people like to be indoors and enjoy special dishes such as fritters
and tea.
4. Has climate change affected your country?
Climate change has affected each and every part of the globe, and my country is
no exception. Summers have become very long and winters have shrunk. We also
have hotter summers and cooler winters.
5. Does weather affect your mood?
When it is too hot I feel very uncomfortable and when it is too cold, I feel
lethargic.

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40. Describe a toy that you received when you were a child
What the toy was
Who gave it to you
How you used it
Explain how you felt when you got this toy
(Sample answer Page 107)
I had many toys in my childhood but here I am going to talk about my
electric toy car.
My father gifted it to me on my 11th birthday.
I used to spend hours playing with it.
I was greatly fascinated by it
It was red in colour
It worked with four pen torch batteries fixed in a box under the car
When I switched it on, it would move in all directions
If there was an obstacle on the way then the car could change directions
Along with that it had lights which flickered at times.
I was so fascinated by this car that I used to finish its batteries very soon.
I used to show it to my friends with pride.
None of my other friends had such a beautiful toy car.
I just loved it when I saw the jealous look in their eyes.
I remember, once I took it to school in my bag.
When I came home I got a big spanking from my mother.
I was very possessive about my car and never used to let anyone touch it.
Even though I dont play with the car any more I still have it in my room
Its colour has faded now but it has emotional value for me.
That is why I have never thought of giving it away to my younger cousins.
It brings back nostalgic memories of my childhood
Follow ups
1. Do Indian people often give gifts?
Yes, Indian people like to give gifts. They give gifts on special occasions such as marriages,
birthdays and anniversaries etc.
2. Whats the value of giving presents?
Gifts are gestures of love. They give happiness to the giver as well as the receiver.
3. Describe some of the gifts that Indian people give each other on different occasions.
People give all sorts of gifts to each other. They give sweets, chocolates, clothes, electronic
items or gift cards to their friends and relatives.
4. What kinds of gifts are suitable for friends to give each other?
Friends know each other well, so they can give any gift, which can be useful to the other
person. The gift need not be expensive. It should be taken as a gesture of love and not for
economic value.
5. What factors do people consider when buying a gift for friends?
People consider a lot of things when buying a gift for friends. They consider the friends
requirement and they consider their own pocket.
6. Why do people give presents?

85
People give presents as gestures of love. Presents give happiness to the recipient as well as
the person who is giving the present.
7. Do children prefer receiving gifts or spending happy time with their parents?
Children are very innocent. They love receiving gifts. They take the happy time with their
parents as granted. So, they dont give it much value.
8. Compare the kinds of gifts that boys like with those that girls like?
Gender differences are disappearing nowadays. But generally boys like electronic gadgets
and girls like barbie dolls and stuffed toys.
9. Compare the kinds of gifts that well educated people like with those that less educated
people like?
I do not think that the literacy level of the person has anything to do with the choice of gifts.
Every person has his or her own taste. A very educated person may not appreciate a book as
a gift, which may be very much liked and appreciated by a less educated person
10. Are expensive gifts always better than cheap gifts?
I definitely do not think so. A simple inexpensive flower may give more happiness to the
person than a very costly gift.
11. Do men and women have the same attitudes towards gift giving?
There are no gender differences nowadays. Both like to give and receive gifts and even the
choice of the gifts is almost similar nowadays.
12. How are gifts that people give each other today different to gifts when you were a child?
Today we belong to an era of globalization. The market today is flooded with choices. You
can buy any gift, and there are gifts to suit every pocket. Earlier, the choices were restricted.
Today we have a lot of electronic items also.
13. How are toys today different to toys of the past?
Today we have electronic toys, whereas earlier we had wooden toys and plastic toys.
14. How do you think toys will change in the future?
What the future holds in store for us no one can tell, but as far as I can see, there will be
more and more electronic gadgets in the future, which the children will play with as toys.
15. If you were going to give a present to a child, what would you give him?
I would give a child, a book as a gift. He may not like it at first, but it will shortly develop the
habit of reading one day. I believe that books are the best gifts. They remain with that
person forever.
16. When you buy toys for very young children and babies, what should you pay special
attention to?
When I buy toys for very young children, I pay special attention to the age rating on the toy. I
would also not like to buy anything in low quality plastic, because that can be harmful for the child.

17. What kinds of gifts do parents give to their young children?

Pendants give all sorts of gifts to their children. They know the requirement of their children
and give gifts accordingly. Mostly parents give educational gifts, from which the child can
learn something in a fun way.
18. Is it good to give children too many presents such as too many toys?
No it is definitely not good to give a child too many presents. Children do not appreciate the
value of toys when they are given too many toys. It also decreases their imagination and
creativity. They also do not learn sharing with other children.
19. What could be the result of that? (same as above)
20. Some parents dont spend much time with their child but instead give the child gifts as a
way to show their love. Do you think this is good enough?
No I do not think this is good enough. The time been didnt spend with the children is more
important then the gifts they give them.

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41. Describe a goal you want to achieve in the future

What the goal is
What would you do to achieve it
When will you achieve
Explain why you want to achieve it
(Sample answer)
Setting goals is very important in life.
Goals give a direction to life
If we dont have a goal, we dont have anything to work for.
I set up short time goals for myself such as doing well in exams and
working hard to achieve those goals.
But, my ultimate long-term goal is to give a comfortable life to my family.
I have seen my family struggle for finances (money) at times, and so I want
them to lead an easy life
I have just completed my senior secondary / graduation here, and I plan to
go abroad for my higher education.
So, I understand that I have a long way to go before I can achieve my goal.
First, I will complete my higher education in Canada, and then, hopefully,
get a good job and start earning well.
I have seen my relatives, who are in Canada, lead a very lavish lifestyle.
My parents now look upon me to give them such a life.
They have saved some money to send me to Canada.
I know that I will have to work part time to cover my overhead expenses.
I dont want to put any more burden on my parents.
I hope I am able to achieve my goal one day.
I also want to be a productive member of society.
I believe that if God has given us more than others, we should share
something with the poor.
I would be very happy, if I am able to achieve all that.

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Follow-ups
1. Should parents set goals for children?
Parents are the best people go set goals for the children. They can help their
children in setting goals. They know the temperament of their child and so it is all
right if they set goals for them, but at the same time they should keep in mind the
aptitude of the child I set realistic goals for him.
2. When do young children start to set goals for themselves?
Children start to set goals for themselves after completing senior secondary, when
they have to decide which college to join. But these goals are mainly in
consultation with their parents. Once they start earning they start setting goals
independently.
3. What kinds of goals are not realistic?
Every person has his own abilities. One should set goals according to ones
capabilities. If a person will set unrealistic goals, then there are chances of going
into depression. For example, if the person is suffering from asthma he should not
set the goal of going to Mount Everest.
4. Why do people set goals?
People set goals because goals give them a motivation to work hard. They give a
direction to life. It is not essential to have very high goals, but without goals there
is nothing to work for.
5. What would you feel if you couldnt achieve your goals?
Naturally I would feel dejected, but then I would start working hard again to
achieve my goal. I know that perseverance is needed to achieve anything in life.
So I would keep working hard till I achieve my goal.

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42. Describe a family not your own that you like

Whose family this is
Where they live
Who are the family members
Explain why you like this family
(Sample answer page 83 of my book A Wealth of ideas for IELTS writing and
speaking)
A family is a basic building block of society
I know a lot of families and I am well connected to the families of my
aunts and uncles as I belong to an extended family.
The family I am going to describe here is of my aunt Jyoti.
She is my fathers sister.
My Uncles name is Jagtar and they have two children Deepa and
Roop.
They live in Phagwara in Hargobind Nagar.
I like their family a lot because even though my uncle and aunt are
very well off, as they are both doctors, they are very down-to-earth.
Even their children are very well mannered and polite.
They are liked by all people in my family.
Both aunty and uncle are very magnanimous and always willing to help
others with their time and money.
I remember, once my father suffered a heavy loss in business and then
they helped him come out of that financial crisis.
None of the other relatives came forward to help.
Deepa is doing here masters in biotechnology and Roop is doing
mechanical engineering.
Aunt and uncle are known for their hospitality.
At least once a week their invite us all over for lunch or dinner.
We also invite them over quite often.
Whenever somebody in the family is not well you can depend on aunt
for help
Their home has warmth in it, which cannot be described in words.
All the time aunt and uncle seem to have minor quarrels with each but
they take it in the lighter vein and in fact are very amusing.
In fact you enjoy being with them.
The way aunt and uncle run their family and their nursing home and
still have time for all of us is amazing.
They are indeed an ideal family.

89

Follow-ups
1. In a typical Indian family who plays the leading role?
In a typical Indian family the senior most male member plays the leading role.
2. In India what kinds of family members usually live together?
In India parents, children and grandparents usually live together
3. Do young and middle-aged people live with old people?
In India yes, young and middle-aged people live with old people.
4. Do grandparents educate their grandchildren in your country?
The educated grandparents do educate their grandchildren, but mostly it is the
responsibility of the parents.

90

43. Describe a sport you would like to try for the first time
- What is it
- How you would learn it
- What equipment would you need to play the sport
- Explain why you want to learn this sport
(Sample answer)
There are many sports, which I havent done yet such as bungee jumping,
paragliding, mountain trekking and so on.

All these are adventure sports and one cannot do them everywhere.

Here I would like to talk about an outdoor sport, which I would really like to
do in the near future.

This sport is bungee jumping.

It is an adventure sport.

My cousin went to Rishikesh 6 months ago and he tried this activity over
there.

He showed me his video.

I am really fascinated by this activity.

My cousin told me that a company of New Zealand by the name of Jumping

Heights has set up a bungee jumping centre in Rishikesh.

They charge Rs. 2500/- and make you do this activity.

They have a very good set up.

It is done from a height of 83 metres.

No special skills or equipments are needed.

You just need a medical certificate that you are not suffering from any heart
ailment or asthma.

All other equipment is provided by them.

He told me that there is a huge queue of people who go in for this activity.

Mostly youngsters try this activity.

He told me that he was a bit nervous but they guide you very well and all
the people over there boost your morale.

He told me that it was a stupendous feeling and he enjoyed it very much.

He would go there again with me and do it once more.

We have to register one month in advance.

They take all the safety procedures and so no accidents have been reported
so far.

I would like to do this activity in April or May because it is very cold

nowadays.

I am really excited for the day to come.

91

Follow ups
1. Do you play any sports at night?
No, I do not play any sports at night.
2. What are the benefits of playing sports?
There are many benefits of playing sports. Sports keeps us fit and fine. By sports
we learn competition and cooperation. We also learn sportsman spirit, which
means winning with dignity and losing with grace.
3. What is the difference between playing sports on your own and playing
sports in the group?
Solo sports teaches us competition. Where does team sports teaches us
competition and cooperation both. Through team sports we learn working in a
group and we also learn sportsman spirit, which is very important nowadays.
4. Do children need to exercise?
Yes, children need to exercise. As it is childhood obesity is a big problem
nowadays. We are all leading sedentary lives. So exercise is very important
especially for children.
5. Why do people need to play sports?
People need to play sports because we all need exercise in our lives, Im sports is
a fun way to get that exercise. Secondly, we learn important virtues of life
through sports. We learn competition and cooperation.

92

44. Describe a person who has apologized to you

- Who this person is
- When this happened
- What this person said for apologizing
- Explain how you felt about the apology

Knowingly or unknowingly we all do some wrong things in life for which we

feel sorry within ourselves.
Sometimes we hurt another person or someone else hurts our feelings.
Whenever I realize my mistake, I dont hesitate to feel sorry immediately.
Here, I would like to talk about my friend, Rohan, who apologized to me
for spilling ink on my assignment.
Rohan is my best friend.
He is 20 years old and he is not tall, but looks very handsome.
He has dark curly hair and a dimple on his cheek, which looks very nice
when he smiles.
It so happened, that two days before our pre-board exams of +2, we had
to submit our physics assignment.
We both had prepared our assignments with great effort and were very
happy with the end result.
Rohan had bought a new ink-pen, and was trying to write his name on the
cover page of the assignment.
But, there was some problem with the pen.
In an effort to start writing with the pen, he shook it hard and the whole
ink fell on my assignment, which was also lying there.
I was on the verge of tears.
All my hard work was wasted.
He also felt bad and said sorry to me.
I could see from his face expressions that he was really sorry.
But, my heart was sinking.
I knew it was not his fault, so I forgave him.
But I also knew that I would have to write my assignment all over again.
Rohan stayed up with me the whole night and helped me in preparing my
assignment all over again.
It would not have been possible without his help.
The next day we both submitted our assignments and got very good
grades from our teacher.
Saying sorry cannot undo the harm, but it can definitely make you feel less
bad about things.
My friend tried to cover up for his mistake by first saying sorry and then
helping me.
Even today we are the best of friends.

93

Follow ups
1. Is it important to say sorry?
Yes, it is important to say sorry, because it makes you feel less guilty and
you can tell the other person that you realize your mistake and would not
do such a thing in the future.
2. In what situations do people say sorry?
People say sorry when they do something wrong knowingly or
unknowingly, and when they realize their mistake. They also say sorry when
they want to clear any misunderstanding with their friend or family
member.
3. Why do some people hate to say sorry?
Some people hate to say sorry because they have an ego and they think
that they would be belittled if they say sorry. Sometimes they dont realize
their mistake. Sometimes they think that the other person is at fault and he
should say sorry.
4. In what situations should we apologize immediately?
We should apologize immediately when we realize our mistake, or when we
dont want any misunderstanding to happen, or when we dont want our
friendship to be broken, or when we want our relationship with the other
person to be even stronger. For example, in a crowded place, when we
unintentionally bang into someone or when I forget to switch off my phone
and it rings and disturbs the whole class, I dont waste any time in saying
sorry.
5. When do people say thank you?
People say thank you when someone does something for them or gives
them a gift or wishes them on festivals and special occasions. People thank
other people for their help or service, for example, a waiter in a restaurant,
to the attendants at the fuel pumps, etc.
6. When was the last time you found it hard to accept an apology?
The last time I found it hard to accept an apology was when my 10 year-old
cousin, damaged my laptop and I lost all my important documents. I was
very dejected, but could not do anything about it. My cousin said sorry to
me so many times, but I remember I did not talk to him properly for two
weeks and I have never let him touch my things again.

94

45. When was the first time when you admired the sky
What were you doing
Who was with you
What you saw

I like to look at the sky at night and enjoy the twinkling stars.
I have been doing that since my childhood.
However, I dont vividly remember the first time I admired the sky.
So, here I would like to talk about a time, I remember well, when I admired
the sky.
Last year, it was my cousins wedding in September.
We had so many guests, that my cousins and I had to sleep on the terrace.
It was quite pleasant outside and we were happy with the arrangements of
sleeping outside.
After dinner, we all carried our beddings upstairs and laid our beds.
It was a clear moonlit night and we could see the stars twinkling brightly.
We started giving shapes to the star patterns.
It was great fun.
My cousin, Rubina is 13 years old and had come from America. She told us
that her geography teacher had told her a lot about constellations and the
sun and the planets.
She told us in a very interesting way what the stars can teach us.
We were very impressed by the way things were taught in her school in
America.
All I remember was mugging up chapters from my geography book to pass
the exams.
We gazed at the stars and enjoyed the twinkling and tried to figure out
some constellations.
She also told me the names of a few constellations, but unfortunately, I
dont remember them now, as it is more than one year when she told me
about them.
There are many mythological stories related to stars.
Once, my friend in school told me that when a person dies, he becomes a
star.
Many people who have lost their near and dear ones look at the stars to
find them.
So this was the time when I admired the sky for the first time, that I
remember.

95

Follow ups
1. Why do people like to study the sky?
People like to study the sky to notice the changes in weather; some see it
as an inspiration for arts like painting, photography, etc. It is also important
to study about sky and space to understand that we are a part of a very
large universe, which ignites our curiosity about whats beyond the sky.
Some people study it, as they believe that planetary movements affect a
persons fate.
2. Do you know any story related to planets?
I dont remember any one story, but I used to read the comics series
Chacha Chaudhary, in which there is a giant named Sabu who visits Earth
from Jupiter and decides to stay back with Chacha Chaudhary, after he
tastes the food on Earth. There are also many movies made about
superheroes from other planets, like PK, Spiderman.
3. Do you think children should be told planet stories to improve their
imagination?
Yes, definitely. It is very important that children be told stories about other
planets. It most certainly helps improve their creativity and imagination,
because of the curiosity it ignites/creates in their minds. Some children also
end up taking it up as a career path, e.g. astronauts, space research
scientists, rocket engineers, etc.
4. Would children be benefited from watching stars?
Yes, children would be benefitted from watching stars. They become
curious about the universe and outer space, which help increase their
creativity and also, might help them chose it as a career path in the future.
5. Would you like to watch movies on planets?
Yes, I like to watch movies about other planets and outer space. In fact, I
recently watched one such movie, PK, where an alien comes from another
planet to Earth. It is a very good and inspirational movie, where this alien
character has been used very nicely to portray all the blind superstitions we
follow. This movie was a blockbuster/super-hit.
6. Did you like to watch the sky when you were young?
Yes, I liked to watch the sky when I was young. I remember that during
summer vacations, we used to visit our farmhouse and we used to sleep
outside, in the open. At that time I did not know anything about
constellations, but we used to find the night sky with the twinkling stars
very fascinating and beautiful.

96

46. Describe an interesting animal

What it looks like
When you saw it
Where you saw it
Explain why it is interesting
(Sample answer)
India has a diverse animal life.
We have wild animals, domestic animals and pet animals.
Here, I am going to talk about an animal, which I find very interesting.
This animal lives in water but is not a fish
It is a mammal - it is the dolphin.
I came to know first time about this animal from the National Geographic
channel.
In fact, this river dolphin is the national aquatic animal of India.
It gives birth to its young one and suckles to feed it
It cannot breathe under water so it has to come to the surface to breathe
Even the little baby has to be pushed to the surface to breathe.
Dolphins feed on most kinds of fish such as the snapper and the tuna.
Dolphins are fast swimmers.
They search their way through the sounds they produce, which is called
echo-location.
The dolphins' sound waves hit an object and the echo bounces back.
Most dolphins are peaceful and rather shy.
So far humans have proven to be of greater danger to dolphins than the
other way round.
There are marine dolphins found in oceans and river dolphins found in
rivers.
Just like the tiger is our national animal and the peacock is our national
bird, the Gangetic river dolphin is our national aquatic animal.
The Indian river dolphin is blind.
It is found in the river Ganges.
The female is about 9 feet long and the male about 7 feet long.
Unfortunately our river dolphin is on the verge of extinction.
But now the government has started taking steps to save it under the
Project Dolphin
Dolphins are important for maintaining the ecosystem.
Recently I saw a Hindi movie Ajooba in which Amitabh Bachan is rescued by
a dolphin and he considers the dolphin as his mother.
I came to know from that movie that dolphins are very intelligent and can
be trained.
So this is the aquatic animal, which I find very interesting.

97

Follow-ups
1. Why do people like to keep pets?
Indian people like to keep pets because pets are wonderful companions. Pets,
such as dogs give you unconditional love. They also provide security. Some people
keep pets in their homes to teach responsibility to their children. People who
suffer from depression are advised by their doctors to keep pets.
2. What should we do to protect endangered animals?
We should help the governments and NGOs by contributing some funds, however
small they may be. We should not do hunting and poaching of animals. We should
aware those who are not aware about the importance of animals and the effects
their extinction can have on us.
3. Do you support doing experiments on animals?
I, do not support experimenting on animals, because nowadays, we can do
computer simulated experiments to see the effects of drugs. We should realize
that animals are not humans and so any effect on them may not be there on
humans. Moreover, animals are sentient beings and should not be disturbed for
our selfish motives.
4. Why do some people refuse to eat animals?
Some people refuse to eat animals on religious grounds. Some people just dont
like unnecessary killing of animals. They feel that plant sources can also provide
them enough nutrients.
5. What would happen when some species disappear on earth?
It would disturb the ecological chain and would affect us directly or indirectly. We
would also lose out on the diversity of nature.

98

47. Describe a story or a novel that was particularly interesting to you

What story or the novel was
Where you came to know about it
When you read it
Explain how you felt about it
(Sample answer)
There are m any stories and novels, w hich I found interesting.
Here I am going to talk about Pinjar which is based on a novel
written by Am rita Pritam .
In fact, a m ovie has been m ade on this novel.
Am rita Pritam w as a fam ous Punjabi writer
M y friend lent m e this novel, when I was in senior secondary.
Her m other reads a lot of Punjabi novels by Am rita Pritam and
Nanak Singh.
The novel is based on the plight of w om en during the partition
of India
It also reveals the religious tensions during that period.
Pinjar literally m eans a skeleton
It is the story of a young Hindu girl Puro, who lives w ith her
fam ily happily
She is engaged to Ram chand
One day Puro is kidnapped by Rashid.
He kidnaps her as a revenge.
Actually Puros uncle had earlier kidnapped Rashids aunt.
Rashid is not basically a bad m an.
After kidnapping Puro, Rashid falls in love w ith her
One day Puro som ehow escapes and com es back hom e but her
fam ily does not accept her because they think she is not chaste
any m ore
She returns to Rashid and gets m arried to him
Puro is very unhappy w ith her life and becom es a Pinjar,
Skeleton
Then partition is announced
Rashid gives her the option to go to her fam ily in India but she
refuses, because she has fallen in love w ith Rashid.
The novel ends on a happy note
The film is also very good.
The lead roles are played by Urm illa M atondkar and M anoj
Bajpai.

99

Follow ups
1. What kinds of stories do children like to learn?
Children like to read fairy tales, stories of kings and queens, stories with animal
characters and stories with pictures.
2. How often do people in your country read novels?
India is a diverse country and people have varied interests. Those who like reading
novels read them very often, in fact every day. Others read novels occasionally.
Some do not like to read novels at all.
3. What kinds of novels old people like to read?
People like to read fiction, biographies, autobiographies and so on.
4. What are the benefits of listening to stories or reading novels?
Such activities improve imagination and creativity. They develop language and
communication skills.
5. Are you a good storyteller?
I think I am. I tell stories to my younger cousins when they visit us. They are glued
to me when I tell them stories. So, I suppose I am good at story telling.

100

48. Describe an important festival in your country

- What is it celebrated for
- When is it
- What kinds of things do people do
- Why is it important
( Sample answer same as page 80)
Follow ups
1. Whats the difference between Indian traditional festivals and Western
festivals?
Festivals celebrate life and precious moments. The celebrations of festivals are
done in nearly the same way in the east as well as in the west. However, the
festivals of the East and the West are different. India is a pluralistic society, where
people of different religions, cultures live together and embrace each others
ways of celebrations and celebrate all these festivals together. For example,
Diwali is celebrated by all, even if they are non Hindus. Id and Christmas and
Gurpurab are also celebrated together. Our festivals are related to our age-old
customs and traditions and celebrated like that. Western festivals are celebrated
in their traditional ways.
2. How do Indian people celebrate some private holidays like honeymoon?
The newly weds go to distant places and stay in each others company and come
to know each other. Talking about honeymoons in particular, the couple may go
sight seeing, shopping, hiking and tracking, do some adventure sports like bungee
jumping or river rafting and may even do camping in the countryside. Of course, in
all these activities, theyd be with each other. Getting to know and explore each
other.
3. Is it important to celebrate traditional festivals?
Yes, it is very important to celebrate traditional festivals, whether they are
religious or non-religious ones. One big reason for that is to keep our culture alive.
If we dont do it, who else would? Another reason being that all the traditional
festivals have a significance attached to them. For example, Basant is celebrated
to mark the onset of spring and Visakhi is celebrated to mark the season of wheat
harvest. So it is very important for each one of us to keep our connections with
our roots alive.
4. Do young people in your country like to celebrate foreign festivals?
Not many of the foreign festivals are celebrated in my country but there are some
that are celebrated. Celebrated by the young people in particular is Valentines
Day on February 14. In fact, the whole Valentines week is celebrated by the young
girls and boys. Some other festivals that are celebrated here are Christmas,
Halloween, Mothers day, Fathers Day etc.

101

49. Describe a photo of your self you have taken

- When you took it
- Where you took it
- How you took it
- Explain how you felt about the photo
(Sample answer)
I have an I-phone 5s, which has a dual camera.
I click many photographs with it whenever I find anything worth capturing.
However, I am not very fond of clicking selfies of myself alone.
Here, I would like to talk about a group selfie, which I clicked with my
relatives in a family function.
Last month, there was the ring ceremony of my cousin Rohan.
All our family members had assembled at our house.
From there we had to go to Rohans fiances house, which is near our
house.
We were all dressed to our best.
We were standing outside, when my cousin suggested we should click a
selfie together and keep it as a memory of that day.
He had a selfie stick, include many people in that pic.
There are ten of us in that pic. Including me.
We all are smiling and looking very happy.
This photograph has come out so nice that I have displayed it as my
desktop background.
Whenever I open my laptop the memories of that day come alive in my
mind.
All my other relatives, who are in this photograph have a copy of this in
their cell phones.
It has rightly been said that a good photograph keeps a moment from
running away.
Whenever, I am free I open my web albums and old photographs bring
back nostalgic memories of the past.
This photograph, brings a smile on my face every time I see it.

102

Follow ups
1. Do Indian people like to take photos of themselves?
Yes, Indian people do like to take photos of themselves. Selfies have become very
common nowadays. Smart phones have become very economical. So most young
people have a smart phone in their hands, and these smart phones have cameras
in the front and in the back. So, taking selfies has become a routine with the
young people.
2. What kinds of devices to people like to use for taking photos these days?
People use cameras and cell phones for taking photos these days.
3. Why do some people like to delete photos?
Sometimes the photographs may not be good, and sometimes the memory card
may be full. So people have to delete photographs.
4. Why do some people like to keep photos?
Some people like to keep photos because photographs are mirrors of the past and
they want to preserve those memories for ever.
5. Has the way people are take photos changed?
Yes, the way people take photos has changed a lot. Now digital cameras have
become popular. People do not have to worry about wasting precious film. They
can take as many photographs as they like. They do not even need to get them
printed. They can save those photographs in their web albums. Even a three-year
old child can click photographs.

103
50. Describe a family member that you are mostly close to
- who this person is
- What this person looks like
- What do you like to do with him/her
- Explain why you are very close to this person

(Sample answer)
There are many people in my family whom I am close to, such as my father,
my grandfather and my maternal uncle and aunt
But, here I would like to talk about my mother.
She is the best mother in the world. She is the one I am most close to.
Her name is .
She is years old.
She is not very tall but very beautiful.
Her hair has started graying but she doesnt colour or dye her hair.
She believes in the three Gs go grey gracefully
She generally wears traditional Punjabi suits.
We all, my parents, my sibling and I live in Hargobind Nagar.
She has done a lot for me.
I remember how she sat beside me for the whole night when I had fever.
She does everything she can to make our life comfortable.
She has excellent culinary skills.
I have also learnt a lot of kitchen work from her.
I am impressed by her because she is not just my mother she is my friend
also.
We go for shopping together, watch TV together and go for walks together.
I can share all my secrets with her.
She is very friendly with my friends also.
That is why my friends also love her.
She knows very well when to be strict and when to give us some room.
That is why I admire her a lot.
She has always kept an eye on us even when she appears to be busy.
All our relatives and neighbours respect and adore her.
She looks after my grandparents also very nicely.
She is very soft-spoken and I have never heard her speak harsh words to
anyone.
She has a good sense of humour.
She can lighten up any tense situation by cracking some jokes.
Normally she makes me do some household chores but whenever I have
exams she never disturbs me.
So, my mother is the person I am the most close to.

104

Follow ups
1. These days, people from different generations live together. Do you think
this is a problem?
I do not think this is a problem. Finally, people have started realizing the
importance of joint families. In a joint family, children are well looked after. They
learn culture and traditions, and also learn sharing and caring. The elderly people
also do not face social isolation and enjoy seeing their children and grandchildren.
Young parents who are career conscious do not have to worry if they are late
from work, and do not have to lock their homes every now and then.
2. Why do some children get spoiled at home?
Some children get spoiled at home because both parents are working and there is
nobody to look after them and watch what they are doing. Nobody is there to
check what they are watching on TV, and nobody is there to observe their friend
circle. So they get spoiled at home.
3. How do you get along with your parents?
I get along really well with my parents. I have a very good rapport with them.
Sometimes there are differences of opinion, but we stick together as friends and
sort them out.
4. Do young people in your country like to communicate with old people?
Yes, Young people in my country like to communicate with old people. They
respect their elderly, and seek their blessings every now and then.
5. What kinds of family activities are popular in India?
Many kinds of family activities are popular in India. People go for outings
together, they have family get-togethers, they watch movies together, they cook
together and eat together.

105

51. Describe someone who is older than you that you admire
- Who this person is
- How are you know this person
- What kinds of things you like to do together
- How you feel about this person
(Sample answer)
There are many people older than me whom I admire, such as my father, my
grandfather and my maternal uncle and aunt
But, here I would like to talk about my mother.
She is the best mother in the world.
Her name is .
She is years old.
She is not very tall but very beautiful.
Her hair has started graying but she doesnt colour or dye her hair.
She believes in the three Gs go grey gracefully
She generally wears traditional Punjabi suits.
We all, my parents, my sibling and I live in Hargobind Nagar.
She has done a lot for me.
I remember how she sat beside me for the whole night when I had fever.
She does everything she can to make our life comfortable.
She has excellent culinary skills.
I have also learnt a lot of kitchen work from her.
I am impressed by her because she is not just my mother she is my friend
also.
We go for shopping together, watch TV together and go for walks together.
I can share all my secrets with her.
She is very friendly with my friends also.
That is why my friends also love her.
She knows very well when to be strict and when to give us some room.
That is why I admire her a lot.
She has always kept an eye on us even when she appears to be busy.
All our relatives and neighbours respect and adore her.
She looks after my grandparents also very nicely.
She is very soft-spoken and I have never heard her speak harsh words to
anyone.
She has a good sense of humour.
She can lighten up any tense situation by cracking some jokes.
Normally she makes me do some household chores but whenever I have
exams she never disturbs me.
So, my mother is the person I admire the most.

106

Follow ups
1. What kinds of activities do old people like to do these days?
Old people like to watch TV. They watch news channels and daily soaps. They like
going to the parks. They like to attend religious get-togethers. They like to spend
time with the grandchildren. They like learning about new technology.
2. Why do some old people only remember happy things?
Some old people only remember happy things because their experience tells them
that sad things are best forgotten. Remembering sad things lead to nothing and
so they member only happy things.
3. Why do young people like to ask about the past of old people?
Young people like to ask about the past of old people because theyre curious to
know how life was without all this modern technology. They want to know about
the struggles of their parents and grandparents and learn from them.
4. What kinds of things can young people learn from old people?
Young people can know about their customs and traditions, and also about moral
values from old people.
5. Do you think old people enjoy their life more these days compared to the
past?
Most old people enjoy their life more these days compared to the past. They have
better health facilities and better awareness of health than in the past. They are
enjoying longer and healthier lives than in the past.
On the other hand, there are many old people miss the slow and simple life of the
past. They miss their culture and traditions. They miss the face-to-face
communication. They miss the family meals and family time. They feel out of place
in this fast modern world.

107

52. Describe a family member that you have spent the most time with
Who this person is
What do you like to do together
When do you usually spend time together
Why do you spend so much time together
(Sample answer)
There are .. members in my family-----my father, my mother, my.. and I.
I have spent almost equal time with all of them.
Here I would like to talk about my mother.
She is the best mother in the world.
Her name is .
She is years old.
She is not very tall but very beautiful.
Her hair has started graying but she doesnt colour or dye her hair.
She believes in the three Gs go grey gracefully
She generally wears traditional Punjabi suits.
We all, my parents, my sibling and I live in Hargobind Nagar.
She has done a lot for me.
I remember how she sat beside me for the whole night when I had fever.
She does everything she can to make our life comfortable.
She has excellent culinary skills.
I have also learnt a lot of kitchen work from her.
I am impressed by her because she is not just my mother she is my friend
also.
We go for shopping together, watch TV together and go for walks together.
I can share all my secrets with her.
She is very friendly with my friends also.
That is why my friends also love her.
She knows very well when to be strict and when to give us some room.
That is why I can say that she is a good parent.
She has always kept an eye on us even when she appears to be busy.
All our relatives and neighbours respect and adore her.
She looks after my grandparents also very nicely.
She is very soft-spoken and I have never heard her speak harsh words to
anyone.
She has a good sense of humour.
She can lighten up any tense situation by cracking some jokes.
Normally she makes me do some household chores but whenever I have
exams she never disturbs me.
So, my mother is the person I have spent the most time with.

108

Follow ups
1. Who are more important to you, friends or family?
Both my friends and family are very important for me. But I value my family more than anything else
in life. Friends may turn out to be fair weather friends but family is with you all the time. That is why
a Chinese proverb says in times of best family is best.
2. Have you ever traveled with your family?
Yes I have travelled with my family many times. We have very often travelled to Amritsar to visit the
Golden temple Amritsar for paying obeisance to the almighty. We have been to Chandigarh a couple
of times and once to Delhi.
3. What kinds of family activities are popular in India?
Many kinds of family activities are popular in India. People go for outings together. They enjoy on
family functions. Family meals are also very important in India. In India families are usually very well
knit.
4. How to get to along well with family members?
It is very important to have a harmonious relationship with family members. There should be deep
understanding and trust within family members.
5. What do you usually do with your family during national holidays and festivals?
We usually go for eating out. We decorate our house together. We invite relatives for get-togethers
and sometimes we visit relatives.
6. In India today, what is the structure of the typical family?
In India today, we have an extended family. Families live as nuclear units but are well connected to
each other
7. What do you think are some of the advantages and disadvantages of big families as
opposed to smaller families?
The advantages of big families are that you are never alone. You always have someone or the other
to share your joys and sorrows. There is more security in big families as there are more members. In
big families the overhead expenses are also shared and so sometimes it is more economical to stay in
big families. In smaller families you have more privacy. The parents can give more time to children,
as therere no elderly members in the family to be looked after.
However, in smaller families children do not learn sharing and caring. If both parents are working,
children are also left unattended, and at times may fall into bad company.
8. What are some of the pros and cons of three generations living together?
If three generations are living together then grandparents can teach moral values to grandchildren.
The elderly people also act as security of the house. There is always someone to keep an eye on the
children. Young parents also do not have to worry about locking the house whenever they have to
go anywhere. Elderly people also do not feel social isolation as their grandchildren keep them
company. So in a way there is a symbiotic relationship between the grandparents and the
grandchildren.
9. Whose responsibility do you think it should be to look after old people the governments
responsibility or the familys?
I think it should be a shared responsibility. The government should provide pensions for the elderly
and the family should look after them at that time because they need their loving care the most.
10. How much do you think people should be responsible for the welfare of their own parents?
People should be totally responsible for the welfare of their own parents, because their parents
have given their all to bring them up and now it becomes their moral responsibility to care for them
and provide for them.
11. Do you think family relationships are important?
Family relationships are very important. Man is after all a social animal. He cannot live alone. If family
relationships are strained then a person can never live happily. So a harmonious relationship with the
family is very important.

109

53. Describe a happy family event from your childhood that you remember well
What the event was
When and where it happened
What you saw or did
Why do you remember the even so well
( Sample answer)

There have been many happy events in my childhood, which I remember

vividly, but the one I am going to talk about here is of my 12th birthday.
I received my very own personal desktop computer that day.
I can never forget the happiness I felt that day.
I had always wanted my own PC, and had expressed my desire many times
to my mother, but she never gave any reaction to my request.
On my 12th birthday, when I came home from school, my mother told me
that a surprise was there for me in my room.
I ran to my room and saw this huge box in a gift wrap tied with a pink
ribbon.
I opened it immediately and saw this beautiful CPU and monitor and a
keypad and mouse.
It was all in black colour and of Samsung company.
My parents were watching me as I opened the box.
This surprise was a dream come true for me.
I hugged both my parents very tightly.
It was my way of saying thank you to them.
My father helped me set the PC on my study table.
I could not wait to tell my friends.
I ran out and invited a few friends from my neighbourhood.
I showed them my birthday gift with pride.
I enjoyed seeing the look of envy in their eyes.
My mother had also baked a cake for me.
She has excellent culinary skills.
I enjoyed the cake and snacks with my friends.
I can never forget that birthday.
I still have that PC.
I have got it updated many times to bring it to the latest configuration.
It works pretty well.
I have kept it with great care.
I made all my assignments on this PC.
So this birthday was a happy event of my childhood, which I can never
forget.

110

Follow ups
1. Describe a typical family in your country?
India is a diverse country. A typical family in India is an extended family. People
are living in nuclear units but our web connected to each other. Young people
prefer to live with their parents and look after them. This stay away only if their
jobs demand that.
2. What is the role of mother and father in your family?
My mother is a homemaker and my father is a businessman. So in my family my
father looks after the earning part and my mother looks after the household
affairs.
3. At what age young people in India are considered adults?
In India the official age adulthood is 18. A person gets voting rights at the age of
18. He can open his own bank account at the age of 18. He can get a drivers
license at the age of 18. So in India, at 18 the young people are considered adults.
4. How to help children become mature?
We can help children become mature by giving them small responsibilities when
they are very small. When they grow older, they can be given tasks, which make
them feel important. They also become mature when they are allowed to sit
during family discussions and they also become mature by just observing their
parents way of doing things.
5. Is it good to have only one child?
It is an individual decision. If the family is stable financially then they can think of
having two children. What is more important is to be able to raise the child well
and to provide all the facilities, which are needed in todays time.
6. Do you think teenagers should start working to make money for their
families?
I do not think so personally. I believe that teenage is the time to devote to career
making and studying. Teenage is a very stressful period of life. Teenagers should
not have to worry about making money for their families. They may be allowed to
do some community work voluntarily or to do some part-time work to earn some
pocket money for themselves.

111

Describe a time when you felt surprised to meet someone

- When did this happen
-

Who this person was

What did you do together on that day

Explain why you thought it was a surprise to meet this person

We all get surprises from time to time.

Life is full of surprises.

Some are pleasant surprises and some not so pleasant.

But surprises add spice to life

Here I would like to talk about a surprise which I got two months ago.

It so happened, I had gone to Chandigarh with my friends for a one day

tour.

We went to Sukhna lake.

There as we were walking, I saw a very familiar face.

I could not immediately make out who he was.

He also kept staring at me.

Very soon we recognised each other.

He was my old school friend Ravi.

He and his family immigrated to Canada five years ago

Since then we had lost all contact.

It was a very pleasant surprise to see him in front of my eyes.

I had not even in my wildest dream ever thought of meeting him again.

He had come to India after five years

He was there at the Sukhna lake with his cousin.

They both joined our group.

We had so much fun that day.

We went to Rock Garden, Rose garden, 17 sector shopping complex and

also to Chhattbir zoo.

I remember we had been good friends till sixth and so it was really good to
see him again.

We revived our nostalgic memories of school days.

I invited him to my home.

When I go to Canada for my higher education, I would be seeing him again.