Документ Microsoft Office Word

An adventurous person
Describe an adventurous person who you know.

You should say:
O who the person is
O how you know this person
O what this person does that is adventurous
and explain why you think this person likes to take risks.
lesson with sample answer and helpIul vocabulary
A childhood friend
Describe a Iriend you had when you were a child
You should say:
O how you Iirst met
O how long you were Iriends
O what you used to do together
and explain why you liked this person.

An old person
Describe an old person you admire.
You should say:
O who this person is
O how long you have known him/her
O what qualities he/she has
and say why you admire him/her

A good cook
Describe someone you know who is good at cooking.
You should say:
O who this person is
O how you know him or her
O what kinds oI Iood they cook
and explain why this person is good at cooking
!laces
A house or apartment
Talk about a house or an apartment you would like to live in.
You should say
O what it would look like
O how big it would be
O where it would be located
And explain why you would like to live there
see lesson Ior sample answer and helpIul vocabulary

%ravel
Describe a place that you would like to travel to.
You should say:
O where you would like to go
O how you would go there
O who you would go with
and explain why you would like to go to this place.
A restaurant
Describe a restaurant you know.
You should say:
O where this restaurant is
O what type oI Iood the restaurant serves
O how oIten you go to this restaurant
and explain why you would recommend this restaurant.
A hotel
Describe a hotel you have stayed in.
You should say:
O where it is
O what Iacilities it has
O when you stayed there
and say whether you would recommend it to a Iriend

A garden
Describe a garden you remember visiting.
You should say:
O where it is
O what it looks like
O what people do there
and explain why you remember it.

-ects
A magazine
Describe a magazine you think is interesting
You should say:
O how you know about this magazine
O where you can buy it
O what it contains
and explain why you think this magazine is interesting.

A photograph
Describe a photograph that you remember.
You should say:
O when it was taken
O who took it
O what is in the photograph
and explain why you remember this photograph

A letter
Describe an important letter that you received.
You should say:
O who wrote it
O what the letter was about
O how you Ielt about the letter
and explain why it was important.
lothes
Describe your Iavourite item oI clothing.
You should say:
O what it is
O when you bought it
O why you bought it
and say why you like it so much.

a-its and likes/the present
Leisure time
Describe what you usually do in your leisure time.
You should say:
O who you do this with
O where you do it
O how you do it
and explain why you like to spend your Iree time this way.
A skill
Describe a practical skill you have.
You should say:
O what the skill is
O how oIten you use it
O who taught it to you
and explain why the skill is so practical
A television programme
Describe a television programme you watched and did not enjoy.
You should say:
O what this programme was
O where and when you watched it
O what it was about
and explain why you did not enjoy it
Lesson with sample talk to listen to and help with vocabulary
A -ook
Describe a book you are reading
You should say
O what the book is about
O when you read it
O how long you read it Ior
and explain what you like about the book

!lans/the future
A country
Describe a country you plan to visit.
You should say:
O what the country is
O when you plan to go there
O who you would like to travel with
and explain why you would like to go there.
$hopping
Describe something special you want to buy in the Iuture.
You should say:
O what it is
O what it is like
O when you intend to buy it
and explain why you want to buy it.

periences/%he past
A wedding
Describe a wedding you attended
You should say
O when it was
O who got married
O what happened at the wedding
And explain whether it was a typical wedding ceremony
sample answer with advice on how to extend your answer

A decision
Describe an important decision that you made
You should say:
O what the decision was
O how you made your decision
O what the results oI the decision were
A musical event
Describe a musical event in your country
You should say
O hat the event it is
O here it takes place
O hat kind oI music is played
And you should explain why you enjoy it
Listen to a sample answer and get help with vocabulary
Try this exercise on spoken music vocabulary
A news story
Describe some interesting news that you have recently read about or heard about
You should say:
O what the story was
O who was involved in the story
O where you read or heard about this story
and explain why this news story was interesting to you.
A sample version and help with vocabaulary
A decision
Describe an important decision that you made
You should say:
O what the decision was
O how you made your decision
O what the results oI the decision were

Read more: Cue card topics Ior part 2 IELTS speaking http://www.dcielts.com/speaking/ielts-
speaking-topics-part-2/#ixzz1dEsaSxUg
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives

$peaking test #2
Interview
1. hat is your Iull name?
2. How can I call you?
3. Can I see your identiIication?
4. hat do people usually do on weekends in your country?
5. hat do you do on weekends?
6. Did you think art is important in liIe, like painting and sculptures?
7. Did you draw anything when you were at school?
8. Are there any art galleries and museums in your home town?
ue card
Describe an animal you saw, which you Iind very interesting. You should say:
here you saw it?
How you Ielt about it?
hy do you think it was interesting?
Follow up questions
1. hat kind oI animals people have in their home?
2. An animal you saw which is very rare to see in your home town?
3. hy people have pets in their home?
4. Do you think people do not give respect animals in these days. hat about 50 years ago?
5. Earlier people used animals Ior their work. Now, what people use to do their work?
6. Researchers are conducted on animals, is this a good idea?
7. So many animals are extinct in these days. hat do you think? why it is happening?
$peaking test #3
Interview
1. Recent changes oI home town.
2. Meaning oI your name?
3. hy your were given this name?
4. How may I address you?
ue card
Describe a recent happiest event you had.
Follow up questions
1. hat moments make other people happy?
2. hat moments are happy Ior elderly?
3. Are rich people happy?
$peaking test #4
Interview
1. hat is your Iull name?
2. How may I address you?
3. here are you living?
4. How long have you been living there?
5. hat are the advantages oI your home town?
6. Is there any swimming pool?
7. Have you visited any swimming pool any where?
ue card
Describe a Iamous person in your country.
Follow up questions
1. hy do people want to get Iame?
2. How can a person be Iamous?
3. hich person get inspiration by Iamous people?
4. hich type oI people get inspiration Irom celebrities?
5. hat sort oI people were Iamous in past, say 50 years ago?

IL%$ $peaking !art 2: descri-e a ho--y
"Describe a hobby" seems like an easy topic. However, students oIten have diIIiculty speaking
Ior 2 minutes when the topic is easy.
Here are 3 pieces oI advice to help you to speak Ior 2 minutes:
1. 1hink about question words: What, when, where, why, who with:
One oI my hobbies is photography. I`ve got two digital cameras: one small pocket-sized camera
that I carry around with me, and one bigger, more expensive camera that I use on special
occasions. I take photos so that I have a record oI the things I`ve seen or done. Most oI my
photos are oI Iriends and Iamily, but I also take pictures oI interesting things that I see.
2. Describe opinions and feelings:
I like photography because it`s a creative hobby and it makes you notice the world around you. I
love capturing special moments or unusual or beautiIul images, and it`s a great Ieeling to be able
to look back through my pictures and relive diIIerent experiences.
3. 1ell a story related to the topic:
The last time I took photos on a special occasion was at my Iriend`s wedding a Iew weeks ago. I
got some great pictures oI the bride and groom and their guests celebrating. AIter the wedding I
made an album oI all the best pictures and sent it to my Iriend as a present.
Aote:
You don't need to tell the truth (I exaggerated my interest in photography) but it's usually easier
to tell a story iI it's real.
Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking , Permalink , Comments (9)
Friday, Uctober 8,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: something that made you angry
Describe a situation that made you angry. You should say
- when it happened
- what happened
- how you felt
Here are some ideas. Notice that I answer by telling a story, and that my ideas are not 'academic'
or 'Iormal' because it isn't an academic topic. Study my answer careIully - it's Iull oI good words
and phrases.
Band 9 answer:
A recent situation that made me angry was getting stuck in a traIIic jam on the way to meet some
Iriends. It was last Sunday lunchtime, and I didn`t expect there to be much traIIic; people don`t
work on Sundays, so the roads aren`t usually very busy.
Everything was going well until suddenly I saw a queue oI cars on the road in Iront oI me. I had
no choice but to join the queue and wait to get past whatever was causing the delay. It turned out
that it was caused by some roadworks, and it took me an extra 30 minutes to get past them.
Getting stuck in traIIic congestion doesn`t usually make me angry, but this time it did, mainly
because I wasn`t expecting it and I knew that my Iriends were waiting to meet me Ior lunch. I
Ielt Irustrated and powerless because there was nothing I could do to change the situation, and I
had no idea how long I would be sitting there waiting. hen I Iinally saw the reason Ior the
congestion, I was relieved that I was close to getting past the roadworks, but I still Ielt a bit
stressed knowing that I was halI an hour late.
Friday, Uctober ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 1: laughing
The Iollowing questions are taken Irom Cambridge IELTS 7, page 55. The aim in part 1 is to
give short, simple answers. Don't worry about using 'diIIicult' grammar.
1. What kinds of thing make you laugh?
I laugh most when I'm with Iriends talking about Iunny things that have happened to us. I also
like watching comedians and comedy Iilms.
2. Do you like making other people laugh?
Yes, it's a nice Ieeling when you can make someone laugh because you can see that you've made
them happy. It's great to share a Iunny moment with someone.
3. Do you think it's important for people to laugh?
Yes, oI course. It's important to see the Iunny side oI things; humour helps us not to take liIe too
seriously. I think that laughter is good Ior our health.
4. Is laughing the same as feeling happy?
It's not exactly the same because you can be happy without laughing, and sometimes we laugh
when something bad has happened; a sense oI humour can help us to cope with diIIicult
situations.
Friday, Uctober ,
IL%$ $peaking: advice a-out grammar and voca-ulary
It's diIIicult to think about grammar when you're trying to speak. I think it's much easier to
improve your vocabulary score than your grammar score.
Remem-er:
O Crammar ls only 23 of your speaklng score
O lf you are Lhlnklng Loo much abouL grammar you wlll lose fluency
O lf you Lry Lo use memorlsed grammaLlcal sLrucLures your speech wlll noL sound naLural
O ?ou wlll noL avold small grammar mlsLakes unless you have llved ln an Lngllsh speaklng counLry
for many years
I've taught many students who have achieved a score oI 7 or higher, and they all made small
grammar mistakes. They got their high scores because we Iocused on ;ocabulary, ideas,
opinions and fluency.
Have a look through my speaking lessons, and you'll notice that the Iocus is usually on
vocabulary.
Friday, Uctober ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 3: 'parties' topic
In part 2 oI the speaking test you might be asked to describe a party. Here are some part 3
questions that could Iollow that topic:
1. What types of party do people have, and why are parties important?
People have parties to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, weddings, or the beginning oI a
new year. I think it's important to celebrate these things because they are landmarks in our lives.
Parties are a good way to bring people together, and they're an opportunity to let oII some steam.
2. Why do you think some people like parties but others hate them?
Most people like parties because they have a good time at them - eating a nice meal, chatting to
Iriends, or having a dance. People who don't like them might Iind social situations diIIicult
because they are shy, or maybe they don't enjoy having to make small talk with people they don't
know.
3. Do you think parties will become more popular in the future?
No, I don't think anything will change. People have always had parties, and I'm sure they always
will in the Iuture. Humans need to socialise and enjoy themselves, and parties are one oI the best
ways to do that.
PS. I've underlined the band 7-9 phrases.
Friday, September ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 3: opinions
Having opinions is really important Ior IELTS Speaking Part 3. Even iI your grammar is
excellent, you will not get a high score iI you don't know what to say.
or example, do you have an opinion about whether governments should protect old
buildings?
Here are some possible opinions:
O PlsLorlc bulldlngs are parL of a counLry's herlLage
O Cld bulldlngs are ofLen consldered Lo be works of arL
O 1hey glve characLer Lo clLles and aLLracL LourlsLs
O We ldenLlfy counLrles by archlLecLural symbols llke Lhe pyramlds ln LgypL
O CovernmenLs should spend money on looklng afLer hlsLorlc bulldlngs
O 1hey need regular repalrs and malnLenance
These opinions come Irom my 'Ideas Ior IELTS Topics' ebook. The sentences above are what a
native speaker might say (i.e. band 7-9).
Friday, September ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 1: travel ha-its
Remember that Part 1 questions are supposed to be easy. Just give a simple answer and a reason.
1. What form of transport do you prefer to use? Why?
I preIer to travel by car because it means that I have my own space. Also, the buses and trains in
my city are usually overcrowded; my car is much more comIortable.
2. How much time do you spend travelling on a normal day?
I probably spend about an hour and a halI travelling to and Irom work. I travel during the rush
hours, so there is quite a lot oI traIIic.
3. What do you do while you are travelling?
I usually listen to the radio or a CD. In the morning I like to listen to the news to Iind out what is
happening in the world.
4. Do you ever have problems with transport?
Yes, as I said, I get stuck in traIIic on my way to and Irom work. I used to get annoyed by traIIic
jams, but now I'm used to them.
A few important points:
O ln Lhe answer Lo quesLlon 4 can you see Lhe dlfference beLween l used Lo and lm used Lo?
O noLlce Lhe good vocabulary have my own space overcrowded Lo and from work rush
hour flnd ouL whaL ls happenlng ln Lhe world geL sLuck ln Lrafflc
O lf Lhe examlner asks a quesLlon LhaL you have already answered [usL say as l sald and repeaL
your answer
Friday, September ,
IL%$ $peaking: pronunciation
In the IELTS speaking test, 25 oI your score is Ior pronunciation. Many students conIuse
'pronunciation' with 'accent'. These are not the same thing!
Nobody expects you to speak with a perIect British English accent. In Iact, the examiner will not
judge your accent at all.
Your pronunciation score is based on these things:
O clarlLy (speaklng clearly)
O speed (noL Loo fasL noL Loo slow)
O word sLress
O senLence sLress
O lnLonaLlon (Lhe rlse and fall of your volce)
It's not easy to improve these things quickly or through deliberate practice. Good pronunciation
is usually the result oI lots oI listening and copying. My tip is: stop worrying about your accent,
and Iocus on speaking clearly.
Friday, September 9,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: forget a-out eye contact
Many students worry that they need to maintain eye contact with the examiner. This is a good
idea in part 1 and part 3, but not necessarily in part 2.
In part 2 oI the speaking test, you don't need to worry about eye contact. It's more important to
look at the question and the notes you made.
O use Lhe quesLlon Lo organlse whaL you are saylng Answer Lhe quesLlon polnL by polnL and
make sure you cover all parLs of Lhe Lask
O ?ou should also look aL your noLes Popefully you wroLe down some good ldeas durlng Lhe
preparaLlon Llme
Remember: the examiner will not reduce your score Ior lack oI eye contact, but he/she will
reduce your score iI you don't answer the question well.
Friday, September ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 3: 'wildlife' topic
Here are some Part 3 questions and band 9 answers Ior this topic. I've underlined the 'band 7-9'
vocabulary.
What effects do you think humans have on wild animals?
Humans have a huge impact on wild animals. e have destroyed a lot oI natural habitats, and
many animals are in danger oI extinction. Tigers and rhinos, Ior example, are endangered species
because oI humans. The pollution and waste that we produce also have an eIIect on animals. In
some places there are no Iish in the rivers.
What measures could we take to protect wildlife?
I think we need stricter rules to protect natural areas and the wild animals that live there. For
example, we should stop cutting down trees in the rain Iorest. National parks are a good idea
because they attract tourists while protecting wildliIe.
Is it the responsibility of schools to teach children about protecting wildlife?
Yes, schools can play a big part in educating children about this issue. Children should learn how
to look aIter the natural environment. I think schools already teach children about endangered
species and the destruction oI rain Iorests, so hopeIully Iuture generations will do a better job oI
protecting wildliIe.
Sunday, August 8,
IL%$ $peaking Advice: get to the point
Yesterday I wrote that you should avoid using long phrases to begin your answers. Short phrases
seem more natural. Native speakers say things like:
- I think...
- I guess...
- ell,...
(and noises like 'er' 'um')
These words/phrases might seem less impressive, but you have to remember that examiners are
not impressed by the long phrases either! The important thing is to get to the point oI your
answer.
Posted by Simon in IELTS Speaking, Questions/Advice , Permalink , Comments (10)
Saturday, August ,
IL%$ $peaking Advice: -e more direct
In the speaking test, examiners don't like it when students use phrases like:
- That's a very interesting question...
- It is my personal opinion that...
- Personally, I would have to say that...
- I am oI the opinion that it depends on...
- To be honest, I personally believe that...
These phrases sound unnatural, and it is obvious to the examiner that the student has memorised
them.
So what should you do instead? My advice: just answer the question directly. Stop using
memorised phrases, and just get straight to the point.
Friday, August ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 3: sports
In the example answers below, I've underlined some oI the phrases that examiners would like.
They might seem easy to understand, but they are the kind oI natural phrases that native speakers
use. My answers are at band 9 level.
1. Why do you think sport is important?
I think sport is important Ior diIIerent reasons. For me, doing a sport is about having Iun. hen I
play Iootball, Ior example, I Iorget about everything else and just enjoy myselI. Also, doing a
sport helps you to keep Iit and healthy, and it's a good way to socialise and make Iriends.
2. Do you think famous sportspeople are good role models for children?
I think that sportspeople should be good role models. Children look up to their Iavourite Iootball
players, like David Beckham Ior example, so I think that these people have an enormous
responsibility. They should try to be a good inIluence, and behave in the right way.
3. Do you agree that sports stars earn too much money?
In my opinion, it's Iair that the best sportspeople earn a lot oI money. Being a top sportsperson
requires hours oI practice, and there are millions oI sports Ians who are willing to pay to see
them play. II we don't want sportspeople to earn so much money, we shouldn't go to watch them.
Friday, August 9,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: environment pro-lem
Describe a problem that affects the environment in the area where you live.
You should say
- what the problem is
- what causes it
- and explain what you think could be done to solve it
Remember, the question asks you to talk about a problem in your local area, so don't choose
'global warming'. These topics would be better:
O Alr polluLlon caused by Lrafflc and facLorles
O 8ulldlng new roads houses facLorles eLc desLroys naLural areas
O lncreaslng amounLs of llLLer and household wasLe
Try searching Ior these topics on the Internet. I did a quick search Ior "litter on streets" and
Iound this article.
Friday, August ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 3: "it depends"
Many students answer questions in IELTS speaking part 3 by saying "it depends".
"It depends" is not a Iull answer. hat does it depend on, and why?
ample question:
Do you think it's important to Iind a job that you love, or is it more important to earn a good
salary?
Don't say:
"It depends. Some people preIer to Iind a job they love, but other people want to earn a good
salary." (This answer just repeats the question)
Do say:
"Personally, I'd preIer to do a job that I really enjoy; as long as I earn enough to live
comIortably, the salary is less important. However, I can see the beneIits oI doing a job that you
don't like iI it pays well. ith a good salary, you can probably do more enjoyable things in your
Iree time."
Friday, August ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 1: 'communication' topic
Here are some more examples Ior IELTS speaking part 1. Remember to give short, easy, direct
answers.
1. How do you usually keep in touch with members of your family?
I mostly keep in touch with my Iamily by phone, and I've started using the Internet to make
video calls. I also try to visit members oI my Iamily in person as oIten as I can.
2. Do you prefer to speak to people by phone or by writing emails?
It depends on the situation. I use email and text messages to communicate with Iriends, but my
parents preIer it iI I phone them.
3. Do you ever write letters by hand? (Why / Why not?)
No, I don't write letters by hand because it's so much easier to send an email that will arrive
immediately.
4. Is there anything you dislike about mobile phones?
ell, I don't like listening to other people's conversations in public places, and I don't like it
when someone's phone rings in the cinema or during a lesson.
Friday, )uly 9,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: artist or entertainer
The Iollowing question is a variation on the "describe a person" topic.
Describe an artist or entertainer you admire
You should say
O who they ore ond whot they do
O how they become successfu/
O how you found out obout them
O ond why you odmire them
I've tried to write a general example description that might help you with some ideas. In your
description you must give the name oI the person.
O l'm golng Lo Lalk abouL a muslclan LhaL l admlre called Pe's a slnger who also plays Lhe gulLar
and wrlLes hls own songs l Lhlnk he recorded hls flrsL album abouL 10 years ago and he's
released several oLher Cus slnce Lhen
O Pe became successful afLer many years of wrlLlng songs and performlng llve ln small venues all
over Lhe counLry Cradually he bullL a followlng of people who llked hls muslc l Lhlnk Lhe key Lo
hls success was one of hls songs LhaL was used on a 1v adverLlsemenL 1hls meanL LhaL more
people became aware of hls muslc
O l found ouL abouL because one of my frlends goL LlckeLs Lo see hlm ln concerL l hadn'L heard
any of hls muslc before buL l wenL along Lo Lhe glg and really en[oyed lL AfLer LhaL l boughL Lhe
flrsL Cu and now l've goL all of Lhem
O 1he reason l admlre ls LhaL he has worked hard for hls success lL Lakes years of pracLlce Lo
become a good slnger and gulLarlsL and he spenL several years playlng Lo very small audlences
before he became successful l also llke Lhe facL LhaL he wrlLes hls own muslc l admlre people
who have worked hard Lo geL where Lhey are
Aote: I've underlined the best vocabulary. 'Gig' is an inIormal word Ior concert or perIormance,
but it's Iine to use it in this context.
Friday, )uly ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 1: clothes
In part 1 oI the IELTS speaking test, you will have to answer some easy questions on 2 diIIerent
topics. You should give short, simple answers. Here are some example questions and answers Ior
the topic oI 'clothes'.
1. Are clothes and clothing fashions important to you? (Why/Why not?)
No, clothes and Iashions are not really important to me. I tend to wear clothes that are
comIortable and practical rather than Iashionable.
2. What different clothes do you wear for different situations?
ell, I have to dress quite Iormally Ior work, so I wear a shirt and trousers. At home I preIer to
wear jeans and a T-shirt, and on special occasions I might wear a suit.
3. Do you wear different styles of clothes now compared to 1 years ago?
No, not really, because I don't Iollow Iashion. I think I have dressed in a similar way Ior the last
10 years.
4. Do you think the clothes we wear say something about who we are?
Yes, they probably do. Some people are really careIul about what they wear because they want
to be seen as stylish. Other people wear clothes that show wealth or status, such as clothes by
Iamous designers.
Saturday, )uly ,
IL%$ Advice: descri-e your favourite...
More advice about describing your Iavourite book, Iilm or piece oI music:
1 ?ou can Lalk abouL any Lype of book (LexLbook blography eLc) ?ou only need Lo descrlbe a
sLory lf Lhe quesLlon asks you Lo descrlbe a novel
2 Many books are also fllms lL would be a good ldea Lo prepare one descrlpLlon LhaL you can use
for boLh
3 Amazoncom ls greaL for revlews of books fllms and muslc !usL search for a LlLle Lhen go down
Lhe page Lo flnd Lhe revlews
4 SLeal Lhe besL vocabulary from Lhe revlews LhaL you flnd
3 use Coogle l searched for my favourlLe fllm ls on Coogle and found Lhls My lavourlLe lllms
webslLe lLs full of good ldeas
6 1ry Lhls Coogle search my favourlLe plece of muslc ls
7 ?ou can descrlbe a book fllm or plece of muslc from your counLry
8 ?ou can lnvenL a sLory lf necessary buL lLs easler Lo Lell Lhe LruLh
9 lf you donL llke books preLend LhaL your favourlLe fllm ls a book (and vlce versa)
10 8emember Lo lnclude ad[ecLlves Lo descrlbe your feellngs/oplnlons 1ell Lhe sLory of when you
flrsL read Lhe book saw Lhe fllm or llsLened Lo Lhe song who recommended lL why you llke lL
eLc
NB. 'Piece oI music' just means a song.
Friday, )uly ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: descri-e a film
A student asked me this question:
"II the question asks me to describe a Iilm, can I ask Ior a diIIerent question because I don't like
Iilms and I never watch them?"
ere's my answer:
II the part 2 question is about something you don't like, you should try your best. The examiner
is not allowed to change the task card.
You probably have Iamily, children or Iriends who watch Iilms. You could say: "I don't really
like watching Iilms, but my children love watching ....." Then describe the Iilm that your
children like, say why they like it, and explain why you think it's a nice Iilm Ior children.
Choose a Iilm now so that you are ready Ior this question. Search Ior a review oI the Iilm on
Amazon. rite down the ideas you Iind, and practise with a Iriend.
Friday, )uly 8,
IL%$ $peaking !art 3: adding details
These are the 3 techniques I use to create longer, more detailed answers:
1 Lxplaln why
2 Clve an example
3 Lxplaln Lhe alLernaLlves
"uestion:
hy do you think Iriendship is important?
Answer:
I think Iriendship is important Ior all sorts oI reasons. why?) e need Iriends to share
experiences with, to talk to, and Ior support. eample?) In my case, I like to meet up with
Iriends at the weekend to do something enjoyable, like see a Iilm or go out Ior dinner. I like
chatting with my Iriends about what we've been doing during the week, or about what's
happening in the world. alternatives?) ithout Iriends to talk to, liIe would be dull and boring;
we would only have our Iamilies to talk to.
For another example oI this technique, click here.
Friday, )uly ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 3: 'lessons' topic
The Iollowing answers are at 'band 9' level. hich words and phrases help my answers to get
such a high score?
1. What do you think makes a good lesson?
I think a good lesson is one that is interesting and engaging. By 'engaging' I mean that the
students should Ieel involved in the lesson; they should Ieel that they are learning something new
that is relevant to them. In my opinion, a lot depends on how the teacher delivers the content oI
the lesson in a way that students like. My Iavourite teacher at university used to involve the
students by making us teach some oI the lessons ourselves.
2. Do you think it's better to have a teacher or to teach yourself?
ell, there's no substitute Ior a good teacher. I think you can teach yourselI, but you can learn a
lot more quickly with the guidance oI a teacher. For example, when learning a language, you
really need someone to correct your mistakes; you can get the grammar and vocabulary Irom
books, but books can't tell you where you're going wrong.
3. Do you think the traditional classroom will disappear in the future?
I don't think it will disappear, but it might become less common. I think more people will study
independently, using diIIerent technologies rather than sitting in a classroom. Maybe students
will attend a lesson just once a week, and spend the rest oI their time Iollowing online courses or
watching video lessons.
Friday, )une ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: descri-e a lesson
Speak Ior 2 minutes about the Iollowing topic.
Describe an interesting lesson that you attended.
You should say
O where you ottended this /esson
O whot it wos obout
O ond why you found it interestinq
Here are some ideas Ior a description oI a science lesson:
1 lm golng Lo Lalk abouL an lnLeresLlng sclence lesson LhaL l aLLended aL secondary school when l
was 14 or 13 years old
2 lL was qulLe a long Llme ago so l canL remember every deLall buL Lhe lesson was abouL
resplraLlon We learnL abouL how Lhe lungs work how we breaLhe and how oxygen passes lnLo
Lhe blood 1he sclence Leacher also Lalked Lo us abouL Lhe effecLs of smoklng on Lhe lungs
3 l found Lhls lesson lnLeresLlng because my sclence Leacher ur SmlLh always lnLroduced new
Loplcs by showlng us a vldeo We waLched a shorL fllm abouL how resplraLlon works and l found
Lhls much easler Lo undersLand Lhan a sclence LexLbook 1he fllm showed dlagrams of Lhe lungs
Lo explaln Lhe breaLhlng process LaLer ln Lhe lesson we saw real phoLos of healLhy lungs and
lungs LhaL had been damaged as a resulL of smoklng Lhey had Lurned black l Lhlnk Lhe lmage of
a smokers lungs ls Lhe reason why l remember Lhls lesson
I could also give more inIormation about the teacher, his personality and why I liked him. The
key is to tell a story and add details until the time runs out.
Friday, )une ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 1: 'num-ers' topic
One oI my students had these questions in her exam last week. I've put an example answer below
each one.
1) Do you have a favourite number or a number that is special to you?
Yes, my Iavourite number is... because it's the day I was born on, and it's my lucky number.
2) Do any numbers have special importance in your country?
Yes, certain ages are special. For example, your 18th birthday is important because it's when you
are considered to become an adult.
3) Are you good at remembering numbers? Why / why not?
No, I'm not very good at remembering numbers. I don't think it's necessary to learn them by
heart; I just save them on my phone.
4) What numbers do people often have to memorise?
The most important number to remember on a daily basis is the pin number Ior your bank card.
ithout this you can't pay Ior anything or get cash out.
Friday, )une ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: choosing a 'strong topic'
Most people are good at talking about their studies, work, hobbies, health etc. I call these strong
topics.
For the question below you can choose any topic you want, so choose something that you Iind
easy to talk about.
Describe something that was recently reported in the news.
You should say:
O whot hoppened
O who wos invo/ved
O ond why you found this news interestinq
Example topic choices Ior the question above:
1 My sLrong Loplc could be educaLlon so ld say LhaL l read a news arLlcle abouL unlverslLles
uslng Lhe lnLerneL Cllck here Lo see a recenL arLlcle abouL Lhls Loplc
2 lf you llke fooLball you could Lalk abouL Lhe news LhaL 8arcelona won Lhe Champlons League
3 lf you have sLudled Lhe healLh Loplc for lLL1S wrlLlng you could Lalk abouL schools bannlng
[unk food l dld a qulck search and found Lhls arLlcle abouL schools ln uubal
Saturday, )une ,
IL%$ $peaking: '-and 9' eample
Here's my 'band 9' example Ior yesterday's IELTS speaking question:
click here to listen

These are some oI the best words and phrases that I used. Look them up in a dictionary iI you're
not sure what they mean:
O deslrable locaLlon
O lL sLands ouL
O a famous landmark
O lLs dlsLlncLlve
O specLacular vlews
O Lhe besL vanLage polnL
Friday, )une ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: descri-e a -uilding
Describe a modern building. You should say:
O where it is
O whot it is used for
O ond why you /ike/dis/ike it
Here's my example description oI a building in Manchester:
1 lm golng Lo descrlbe a modern bulldlng ln ManchesLer lLs called Lhe 8eeLham 1ower and lLs
Lhe LallesL bulldlng ln Lhe clLy wlLh abouL 30 floors
2 AlLhough lLs called Lhe 8eeLham 1ower mosL people know Lhls bulldlng as Lhe PllLon PoLel ln
facL Lhe boLLom half of Lhe Lower ls Lhe hoLel and Lhe Lop half ls aparLmenLs 1he aparLmenLs
are expenslve because Lhe locaLlon and vlews make Lhem very deslrable
3 lm noL sure lf l llke Lhe deslgn of Lhe bulldlng lLs [usL a huge glass Lower buL lL deflnlLely sLands
ouL lL has become a famous landmark ln Lhe clLy ?ou can see lL as you approach ManchesLer
and lLs an easy place Lo meeL people because lLs so dlsLlncLlve and easy Lo flnd 1he mosL
lnLeresLlng Lhlng abouL Lhe 8eeLham 1ower ls LhaL Lhere ls a bar/resLauranL on Lhe 23rd floor
whlch has specLacular vlews of Lhe clLy lLs deflnlLely Lhe besL vanLage polnL ln ManchesLer
because Lhere are no walls only huge wlndows so you can look ouL over Lhe clLy ln any
dlrecLlon ld recommend anyone who vlslLs ManchesLer Lo go Lhere and experlence Lhe vlew
Friday, May ,
IL%$ $peaking: know the eam
It's important to know exactly what to expect in each part oI the exam.
The Iollowing questions come Irom part 1, part 2 and part 3 oI the speaking test.
Can you tell which part each question is Irom?
1 Pow ofLen do you waLch Lelevlslon?
2 Pow have Lelevlslon programmes changed slnce you were a chlld?
3 uescrlbe a Lelevlslon programme LhaL you en[oyed
4 Whlch 1v channel or channels do you prefer Lo waLch? Why?
3 uo you Lhlnk governmenLs should conLrol whaL 1v programmes show?
Friday, May ,
IL%$ $peaking: 'questionnaires' topic
IELTS speaking part 2:
Describe a time when you were asked to give your opinion in a questionnaire.
Advice: Say that your were given a questionnaire at the end oI one oI your school or university
courses. Say that the questions asked Ior your opinions about the teaching, materials, Iacilities,
level oI diIIicult, how much you enjoyed the course etc.
IELTS speaking part 3:
What kinds of organisation regularly conduct questionnaires?
All kinds oI organisations and companies use questionnaires to Iind out what people think about
them. For example, university lecturers oIten ask their students to answer questions about their
courses. Someone Irom a Starbucks caIe stopped me in the street yesterday to ask me about my
coIIee drinking habits.
Do you think schools should ask children for their opinions about lessons?
On the one hand, it might be useIul Ior teachers to get Ieedback Irom children about how much
they learnt and how enjoyable they Iound the lessons. However, children don't necessarily know
what's best Ior them, and it might do more harm than good to allow them to give opinions about
their teachers.
Friday, May ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 1: 'neigh-ours' topic
I've recently bought Cambridge IELTS book 8. Below are some questions and example answers
Irom the Iirst speaking test in the book. Remember that part 1 is supposed to be easy, so you
should give short, direct answers.
1. How well do you know your next-door neighbours?
I know my neighbours quite well. They're really nice people, and I always stop to talk whenever
I see them. I think it's important to get on well with the people who live next door.
2. How often do you see them?
I see my neighbours at least a Iew times a week. e usually see each other when we're leaving
Ior work in the morning or coming home in the evening.
3. What problems do people sometimes have with their neighbours?
I think the most common problem is probably noise. It's diIIicult to live next to people who have
a dog that barks at night, or who play loud music or have too many parties.
Friday, May ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: descri-e a law
Students tend to worry about 'diIIicult questions', but questions are oIten much easier than they
seem. For example:
Describe a law in your country.
Many students think they don't know anything about laws. However, there are some easy
examples that they could choose:
1 ln many counLrles lL ls now lllegal Lo use a moblle phone whlle drlvlng ?ou could sLarL by Lalklng
abouL Lhe popularlLy and beneflLs of moblle phones and explaln LhaL people wanL Lo be able Lo
answer calls wherever Lhey are 1hen you could explaln Lhe dangers of belng dlsLracLed whlle
drlvlng Lhls law could reduce Lhe number of road accldenLs and Lherefore save llves
2 lf you feel confldenL Lalklng abouL Lhe educaLlon Loplc you could choose Lhe compulsory
educaLlon law 1hls ls Lhe legal requlremenL LhaL chlldren up Lo a cerLaln age musL aLLend
school ln Lhe uk for example chlldren are requlred by law Lo go Lo school unLll Lhey are 16
years old 1hls ls a good Loplc because you can Lalk abouL Lhe beneflLs of educaLlon
OI course, you could choose a more obvious law (it is illegal to steal, carry a gun etc.) but you
might have more ideas and good vocabulary iI you choose a typical IELTS topic like number 2
above.
nexL

IL%$ $peaking: an important conversation
IL%$ $peaking !art 2:
Describe an important conversation you had.
IL%$ $peaking !art 3:
hat are the diIIerences between men's and women's conversations?
hat do you think are the characteristics oI a good speaker?
For the part 2 question:
My advice is to speak about a conversation you had with your Iather or mother about your
education or career. II you are studying in a diIIerent country, describe a conversation about the
decision to study abroad. Then you can use ideas Irom the 'study abroad' topic and the 'higher
education' topic (you can Iind these topics in my riting Task 2 lessons).
For the first question in part 3, my advice is to use 'stereotypes':
"I think it depends on the people who are having the conversation, and it depends on the
situation, but most people would say that men talk more about sport or cars, whereas women talk
about their Iriends, Iamily and relationships. omen are supposed to be better at expressing their
Ieelings, while men preIer not to talk about themselves."
For the second question in part 3, use adectives and eamples:
"I think good speakers are conIident and passionate about the subject oI their speech. They need
to be interesting and engaging. I think a speaker's body language is also really important. A
Iamous example oI a great speaker is Barack Obama; he seems to be a naturally inspiring
speaker, but I'm sure that practice and preparation are more important than natural talent."
Friday, April ,
IL%$ $peaking: use what you know
In parts 2 and 3 oI the IELTS speaking test, you need to make quick decisions about what to talk
about. Always try to talk about a topic you have prepared or something you know about. Here
are some examples:
Part 2: Describe a law in your country.
Advice: Choose a typical IELTS topic like "guns". Explain why people in your country can/can't
own a gun, and talk about the pros and cons oI this law. There is a chapter on this topic in my
ebook.
Part 3: What new law would you introduce to improve life in your country?
Advice: Choose an easy topic like "environment". Explain that the government could introduce
new laws to reduce pollution Irom Iactories, cars etc. Explain how this would improve people's
lives.
Friday, April ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: something naughty you did
This has been a recent question in part 2 oI IELTS speaking:
Describe something naughty you did when you were a child. Say
- what you did
- when you did it
- why you did it
- and explain how your parents felt about it.
This is a diIIicult topic Ior most people, so it's a good idea to prepare Ior it beIore your test. II
you can remember a real situation, use that. II you can't remember being naughty, invent an easy
story like my example below.
Example ideas:
1 l cheaLed ln a LesL aL prlmary school by looklng aL Lhe answers ln my book under Lhe Lable
2 l was abouL years old lL was a lesson Clve some more background abouL Lhe lesson Lhe
LesL Lhe Leacher eLc
3 l hadnL sLudled for Lhe LesL l dldnL wanL Lo fall and have Lo reLake Lhe LesL aL lunchLlme Clve
reasons why you dldnL have Llme Lo sLudy
4 1he Leacher caughL me and Lold my parenLs Lxplaln Lhelr feellngs dlsappolnLed angry
embarrassed Lxplaln Lhe punlshmenL eg Lhey grounded me for a week (lnformal expresslon
meanlng Lhey dldnL allow me Lo go ouL or see frlends)
Friday, April 8,
IL%$ $peaking: work or study
These are common questions at the start oI the speaking test:
1 uo you work or are you a sLudenL?
2 uo you llke your [ob / course? Why / why noL?
Example answers:
1 8efore l came Lo Lngland l was worklng as an accounLanL buL aL Lhe momenL lm sLudylng
Lngllsh because l hope Lo do a MasLers here
2 ?es l really llke my [ob because lLs lnLeresLlng and l work wlLh a greaL Leam of people Ok ?es l
en[oy sLudylng Lngllsh buL my real alm ls Lo do a MasLers and Lhen flnd a [ob ln an lnLernaLlonal
company
Aote:
Don't ask the examiner: "Do you mean in my country or here in England?" - it doesn't matter.
Don't worry iI you have a job and study at the same time - you can mention both.
Friday, April ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: descri-e a skill
Describe a practical skill that you have learnt (e.g. cooking, driving).
You should say
O whaL Lhe sklll ls
O how you learnL lL
O why you learnL lL
O and how Lhls sklll has helped you
Advice:
You need to make a quick decision, so I'd choose one oI the given examples (cooking or
driving). Then try to expand on each point.
1 lm golng Lo Lalk abouL drlvlng whlch ls a pracLlcal sklll LhaL l use almosL every day
2 l learnL Lo drlve a car by Laklng lessons when l was 17 My parenLs pald for me Lo have lessons
wlLh a professlonal drlvlng lnsLrucLor l learnL by pracLlslng flrsL l had Lo geL used Lo sLeerlng
changlng gears and uslng Lhe mlrrors Lhen we pracLlsed Lhlngs llke reverslng and parklng l also
had Lo learn Lhe hlghway code
3 As a 17yearold l wanLed Lo have Lhe experlence of drlvlng a car and l was fed up wlLh havlng
Lo walk or Lake Lhe bus or Lraln whenever l wanLed Lo go somewhere l also knew LhaL drlvlng
would be an exLremely useful sklll
4 8elng able Lo drlve has helped me ln so many ways 1he publlc LransporL where l llve lsnL very
good so l Lravel Lo work by car mosL days Pavlng a car makes my llfe much easler when lL
comes Lo Lhlngs llke shopplng or vlslLlng famlly and frlends (LasL week for example)
Aote:
II you need to keep speaking, give examples Ior point 4.
Friday, Marcb ,
IL%$ $peaking: if you don't know the answer
How do you answer a question when you don't know anything about the topic?
There are 2 things you can do:
1 8e honesL and explaln why you donL know
2 Cuess and Lell Lhe examlner LhaL you are guesslng
ample question:
How has technology aIIected the kinds oI music that are popular with young people?
My answer, using -oth tips a-ove:
1) To be honest I don't really know the answer to that because I'm completely out oI touch with
what young people are listening to, and I'm not a Ian oI pop music.
2) However, I suppose that technology must have aIIected music. Maybe young people are
listening to music that has been made using computer soItware instead oI real musical
instruments like the piano or guitar.
Aote:
Can you see any "band 7 vocabulary" in my answer?
Friday, Marcb 8,
IL%$ $peaking !art 3: present, past, future
In part 3 oI the speaking test, it's common to get questions about the past and Iuture, as well as
questions about 'now'. Here are some examples:
What types of transport are there in your town?
In Manchester I think you can Iind every Iorm oI transport apart Irom an underground system.
You can drive around the city by car or get on a bus; there are even Iree buses that take people
between the train stations. Manchester also has a tram system, and oI course there are taxis too.
How has transport changed since your grandparents were young?
ell, they had cars, trains and planes back then, and London already had the underground
system, but I suppose the diIIerence is that technology has moved on. Having said that, the
transport system is not necessarily better nowadays; people travel a lot more, and I'm sure we
spend more time stuck in traIIic.
What types of transport do you think we will use in the future?
I'm not sure, but hopeIully we'll have cars that drive themselves and never crash. I think we'll
probably Ily more, and it might become normal to have your own plane. On the other hand,
many cities are building more bicycle lanes, so maybe we will use cars less Ior getting around
towns and cities.
Friday, Marcb ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: 1-minute preparation
This week I've been thinking about diIIerent ways to use the 1-minute preparation time. Here's
what I've learnt:
1 Cne mlnuLe ls a very shorL amounL of Llme! l found lL [usL as dlfflculL as my sLudenLs dld
2 A slmple llsL ls probably fasLer and easler Lhan a dlagram or mlnd map
3 ?ou need Lo declde on your Loplc as qulckly as posslble 1hen spend mosL of your Llme maklng
noLes
4 1ry Lo wrlLe aL leasL one key ldea for each parL of Lhe quesLlon
3 uonL wrlLe senLences and donL wasLe Llme eraslng mlsLakes
6 1ry Lo use a Loplc you have already prepared
7 lorgeL abouL grammar locus on answerlng Lhe quesLlon
8 llnally fasL preparaLlon ls a sklll LhaL you can pracLlse Why noL Lraln yourself by maklng noLes
for a few dlfferenL quesLlons every day?
The Iollowing photo shows a part 2 question with my notes below. As you can see, I couldn't
write much in 1 minute, but I Iollowed the advice above.
Sunday, Marcb ,
IL%$ $peaking: using the 1-minute preparation time
Martin asked a great question: "hat's the best way to use the 1-minute preparation time in part
2 oI the speaking test?"
I must admit, I don't have a good answer to this question (yet). I'm going to try some diIIerent
approaches with my students this week - hopeIully I'll Iind some answers.
II anyone has any suggestions, Ieel Iree to share them in the "comments" area. I'll share my ideas
on Friday.
Friday, Marcb ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 3: longer answers
Here are 3 techniques to help you give longer, more detailed answers:
1 keep asklng yourself why?
2 Lxplaln Lhe alLernaLlves
3 Clve an example
"uestion:
Do you think that school children should be encouraged to have their own ideas, or is it more
important Ior them to learn what their teachers give them?
Answer:
I think that we should deIinitely allow children to be creative and have their own ideas. why?)
Children need to develop the ability to think Ior themselves and solve problems why?) because
as adults they will not always have somebody to guide them or tell them what to do.
alternatives?) II we don't allow children to have their own ideas, they will be less successIul in
the adult world; they will be too reliant on others. eample?) A doctor, Ior example, might
encounter a situation that he or she hasn't been trained Ior, but will still be expected to make a
decision that could save someone's liIe.
Friday, February ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: 'difficult' questions
Last week I wrote about 'using what you know'. Here are some more quick examples oI how you
can make a 'diIIicult' question much easier:
1) Describe something that you collect.
Most students panic because they don't collect anything. But this question is easier than you
think. II your hobby is listening to music or reading books, just tell the examiner that you collect
CDs or novels. You could talk about your "collection" oI clothes or shoes. Everyone has a
collection oI something, even iI you don't call yourselI a collector.
2) Describe an important decision that you made.
Easy. Just talk about the subject you chose to study or the career you decided to pursue. II you
moved to live/study in a diIIerent country, you could talk about that.
3) Describe an important letter you received.
Use the answer you gave Ior number 2 (with a Iew small changes). Talk about the letter you
received conIirming your place on a university course, or conIirming a successIul job
application.
Friday, February 8,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: use what you know
Don't worry iI you get a question that you haven't prepared Ior. You can usually use ideas that
you prepared Ior a diIIerent topic. For example:
Describe a piece of advice that you gave (or that someone gave you)
hy not say that you advised your Iriend to visit London? Then you could use all the good
vocabulary Irom this lesson.
Or, you could use this lesson to talk about advice that your Iather gave you. For example, say
that your Iather told you to work hard. Then you could use great vocabulary such as 'major
inIluence', 'hard-working', 'role model', 'set a good example', 'positive outlook on liIe'.
Think quickly during the one-minute preparation time: hat can I use that I've already prepared?
Friday, February ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: descri-e a foreign person
Jay sent me this interesting IELTS question:
Describe a foreign person that you like. You should say:
- where you met him/her
- why you like him/her
- and explain what you learnt from him/her
Some advice:
1 1he easy cholce would be Lo descrlbe an Lngllsh Leacher ?ou could Lhen Lalk abouL your lessons
and easlly explaln whaL you learnL
2 l Lhlnk lL would be accepLable Lo descrlbe someone you have never meL !usL say lve never meL
Lhe person lm golng Lo descrlbe buL l hope Lo meeL hlm/her one day
3 lf you do number 2 above choose your hero lLs besL Lo choose someone you know a loL abouL
Clve as much real lnformaLlon as posslble uo some Coogle research Lo geL ldeas
Finally, remember that this is a "describe a person" question. HopeIully you can use some oI the
ideas Irom this lesson.
Friday, February ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 1: 'dancing' topic
How do you answer questions about a topic that you are not interested in? For example, many
people have no interest in dancing, so what should they say?
My advice: just tell the truth. It's Iine to say you don't like something. Read my examples below:
1. Do you like dancing?
No, I don't like dancing. I'm not a big music Ian, and dancing just makes me Ieel uncomIortable
and selI-conscious.
2. Has anyone ever taught you to dance?
No, I've never been interested in learning to dance, so I've never taken any lessons or asked
anyone to show me how to do it.
3. Do you think that traditional dancing will be popular in the future?
I'm aIraid I have no idea because I don't Iollow what's happening in the dancing world! I suppose
it will always be popular with some people.
ote.
The above answers are all at band 9 level.
Saturday, )anuary 9,
IL%$ $peaking: recorded eample
Describe an interesting place you have visited.
You should say:
O where lL ls
O whaL you can do Lhere
O and why you Lhlnk lLs an lnLeresLlng place
Here's an example description oI a place I've visited. I've used the vocabulary Irom yesterday's
lesson to describe London.
Listen to the recording while Iollowing the vocabulary (see yesterday's lesson). Then you could
practise your own description oI London using the same vocabulary. Keep practising until you're
happy.
click here to listen

Friday, )anuary 8,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: descri-e a place
In part 2 oI the speaking test, you might have to describe a place. There are several possible
questions about places. For example:
1 uescrlbe a place you have vlslLed
2 uescrlbe a hlsLorlc place
3 uescrlbe a hollday
4 uescrlbe a place you would llke Lo vlslL
3 uescrlbe somewhere you have llved or would llke Lo llve
My advice is to prepare a description oI one place that you could use to answer all oI these
questions. Then search the Internet Ior some good vocabulary.
For example, here are some ideas I Iound to describe London:
O Ad[ect|ves lLs exclLlng busy hecLlc cosmopollLan mulLlculLural unlque lLs hlsLorlc buL
modern aL Lhe same Llme lLs a Lhrlvlng prosperous clLy lLs fashlonable llvely fun
O Act|v|t|es London ls famous for lLs hlsLory culLure arL museums 1ourlsLs go Lhere Lo see 8lg
8en 1he 1ower of London 8ucklngham alace 1rafalgar Square eLc ?ou can geL a fanLasLlc
vlew of Lhe clLy from Lhe London Lye lLs also famous for lLs LheaLres and shows ln Lhe WesL
Lnd lLs shops resLauranLs and nlghLllfe 1here are endless Lhlngs Lo see and do
O -egat|ves London ls expenslve crowded sLressful polluLed 1he underground sysLem ls dlrLy
Lravel ls overprlced and unpleasanL 1he cosL of llvlng ls hlgh (shopplng house prlces eLc) Lhe
locals are always ln a hurry and can be unfrlendly Lhere are soclal problems (llke you can flnd ln
mosL blg clLles)
Friday, )anuary ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 1: work
Here are some example questions with good answers (band 9).
1. Do you work or are you a student?
I`m a qualiIied doctor, but at the moment I`m studying English so that I can work in this country.
2. Do you enjoy your job?
Yes, I really enjoy my job. Ever since I was a child I have always wanted to be a doctor; I`ve
always wanted to be able to help people.
3. What's the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is that I can make a diIIerence in people`s lives. It`s a great Ieeling
to see someone recover aIter an illness because my colleagues and I were able to help.
4. Do you prefer working alone or with others? Why?
In a hospital you have to work as part oI a team. I`ve got used to working with others, and I think
you can achieve a lot more as a team than you would alone.
Friday, )anuary ,
IL%$ $peaking: add detail
Many students worry too much about grammar. For speaking parts 2 and 3, it's more important
to worry about the quality oI your answers. The best way to improve the quality oI your answers
is by adding detail.
ample:
Describe your best Iriend. Say when you met him/her.
$hort answer a-out when we met:
I met my best Iriend at school when I was 11 years old.
Detailed answer a-out when we met:
I met my best Iriend at school when I was 11 years old, so we've known each other Ior ... years. I
remember we sat next to each other in my Iirst science lesson at secondary school, and we had to
work together to do an experiment. e got on straight away, and we've been Iriends ever since.
Notice that by adding more inIormation I've also used more/better vocabulary and grammar.
Saturday, )anuary 8,
IL%$ $peaking: informal epressions
Yesterday I wrote about 'an event' Ior IELTS Speaking Part 2. Some oI the expressions I used
were inIormal:
O we chaLLed (Lalked)
O Lo geL LogeLher wlLh (meeL)
O Lo caLch up wlLh (Lalk Lo someone you havenL seen for a whlle)
O whaL my frlends had been up Lo (had been dolng)
O Lo wlnd down (relax afLer someLhlng Llrlng)
The examiner would consider these phrases to be "less common vocabulary". In other words, a
Iew phrasal verbs or inIormal expressions can help you to get a high score in IELTS Speaking.
Friday, )anuary ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: descri-e an event
Descri-e a recent event that made you happy.
You should say:
O en and ere |t as
O as |nvved
O at appened
O and expa|n |t made app
The Iollowing description contains the kind oI phrases that native speakers (like me) really use.
I've underlined the best vocabulary.
1 Jen and ere my frlends blrLhday parLy lasL SaLurday evenlng we wenL for a meal ln an
lLallan resLauranL
2 J Lhere were abouL 10 of us he lnvlLed some close frlends and work colleagues mosL of
Lhem were people lve known slnce unlverslLy
3 Jat appened we meL aL Lhe resLauranL l gave my frlend a presenL and a blrLhday card we
ordered some food whlle we aLe dlnner everyone chaLLed afLer Lhe maln course Lhe walLer
broughL ouL a cake and we sang Pappy 8lrLhday everyone wenL home qulLe laLe
4 J |t made me app lL was greaL Lo geL LogeLher wlLh old frlends l had some lnLeresLlng
conversaLlons lL was a good opporLunlLy Lo caLch up wlLh whaL my frlends had been up Lo lL
was a nlce way Lo wlnd down afLer a hard week aL work Lhe food was dellclous l wenL home
feellng full afLer a fanLasLlc meal
Saturday, December ,
!reparing IL%$ speaking topics
Yesterday I suggested preparing six main topic areas Ior IELTS Speaking Part 2. But how should
you prepare these topics? here can you Iind good vocabulary ideas?
First, have a look through the speaking lessons on this site. I've already covered some oI the
topics, and I'll gradually add more this year.
Second, use the Internet to do some research. For example, iI you want a good description oI a
Iamous person, look him/her up on ikipedia and note down the best vocabulary ideas.
Friday, December ,
IL%$ $peaking: presentation topics
For part 2 oI IELTS speaking, I encourage my students in Manchester to prepare ideas Ior 6
main topic areas:
1 uescrlbe an ob[ecL (a glfL someLhlng you use eLc)
2 uescrlbe a person (someone you admlre a famlly member eLc)
3 uescrlbe an evenL (a fesLlval celebraLlon eLc)
4 uescrlbe an acLlvlLy (eg a hobby)
3 uescrlbe a place (somewhere you vlslLed a hollday eLc)
6 uescrlbe your favourlLe (book/fllm/adverLlsemenL/webslLe)
Example: Describe a river, lake or sea which you like seems like a diIIicult question, but it's
not. It's number 5 - describe a place.
You could describe a holiday by choosing "a sea". You could even describe a city by choosing "a
river" (e.g. the river Thames in London).
Friday, December ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 3: make it personal
In part 3 oI IELTS speaking, it really helps iI you give personal examples:
1. Do you think it's important for people to have ho--ies? Why?
Yes, I think people need to have hobbies because we all need to do things we enjoy in our spare
time. In my case, I Iind that playing Iootball once a week with some Iriends helps me to relax,
keep Iit and Iorget about work. I think it's the same Ior everyone.
2. an ho--ies have any negative effects?
Yes, iI you spend too much time on your hobby, it can aIIect other parts oI your liIe. I remember
that one oI my Iriends spent most oI his time at university playing computer games instead oI
studying. In the end, he Iailed most oI his exams.
Friday, December ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 1: strange questions
In part 1 oI the speaking test, the examiner will ask around 10 easy questions. However, students
have reported some strange questions, such as:
1 uo you llke parks?
2 uo you Lhlnk dlfferenL colours can change our moods?
3 When do people glve flowers ln your counLry?
Don't be shocked by these questions. Just give a simple answer with a reason. Don't worry about
using Iantastic grammar or vocabulary; just try to answer without hesitating. For example:
1 ?es l llke parks because Lhey are greaL places Lo relax l Lhlnk all clLles need green areas
2 ?es l Lhlnk brlghL colours llke red can make you feel energeLlc Some greens and blues can be
more relaxlng
3 eople glve flowers on speclal occaslons llke blrLhdays or on valenLlnes uay ln my counLry
glvlng flowers ls seen as romanLlc
Saturday, December ,
IL%$ $peaking: more advice!
Here's my advice Ior IELTS speaking part 2 (the short speech):
1. Use the 1 minute preparation time well
Think about how you would answer the question in your own language, then write down as
many ideas as possible in English.
2. %ell the truth
Say what you really think, talk about you real liIe, and give real examples. Examples are really
important; whenever you don't know what to say, give an example Irom your own experience.
3. Don't worry a-out grammar
You haven't got time to think about passives or conditionals. Focus on answering the question -
ideas and vocabulary.
Friday, December ,
IL%$ $peaking: advice
Here are a Iew simple tips that could make a diIIerence to your score:
1. Be conIident
Although you might be nervous, try to speak clearly and conIidently. Smile, be Iriendly, and
make eye contact with the examiner. As you go into the exam, tell yourselI that you have
prepared well and that you're going to enjoy the challenge.
2. Know that you are prepared
You will Ieel much more conIident iI you know that you have prepared and practised Ior the test.
You should know exactly what to expect. For example, have you prepared some common topics
(e.g. describe a place, a person, a hobby) Ior the short presentation? Are you ready Ior a past and
a Iuture question in part 3?
3. Imagine the examiner is your Iriend
Try to enjoy a normal conversation with the examiner. Instead oI worrying about your grammar,
listen careIully to the questions and try to give natural answers. Most oI the questions are about
you, your liIe and your opinions, so it's best to be open. I used to be an examiner, and I always
Iound the job more interesting when students spoke openly about their opinions and experiences.
Friday, November ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 3: technology at work
1 WhaL Lechnology or equlpmenL ls used ln mosL workplaces nowadays?
2 uoes Lechnology help workers or does lL make Lhelr llves more dlfflculL?
3 WhaL effecL does new Lechnology have on employmenL?
1. Advice: give a list of different technologies, then talk a-out one in detail:
In most workplaces people use equipment such as computers, phones, printers, Iax machines and
photocopiers. I think the computer is probably the most essential piece oI equipment because we
rely on it Ior almost everything: communicating by email, writing reports, organising data, and
Iinding inIormation on the Internet.
2. Advice: talk a-out the positives AND the negatives:
Technology deIinitely helps workers because it makes many tasks so much easier. For example,
email is such a useIul tool Ior communication between employees in diIIerent oIIices, or even in
diIIerent countries. On the other hand, technology can make liIe more diIIicult, especially when
it goes wrong. It causes a lot oI stress when the Internet is down or a computer crashes.
3. Advice: give the good effects AND the -ad effects:
I think technology is oIten responsible Ior people losing their jobs. Machines have replaced
people in areas like manuIacturing and agriculture, and whenever a new technology is
introduced, there are redundancies. At the same time, jobs might be created thanks to a new
technology; there would be no computer programmers iI the computer hadn't been invented.
Friday, November 9,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: descri-e a person
Describe a person you admire.
You should say:
O who the person is
O whot he or she is /ike
O ond why you odmire him or her
Here are some ideas. I've underlined the best vocabulary.
O lm golng Lo Lalk abouL my faLher because he has been a ma[or lnfluence ln my llfe
O My faLher was always a good role model for me as l was growlng up Pes hardworklng paLlenL
and undersLandlng hes also goL a good sense of humour and seems Lo geL on well wlLh
everybody Popefully lve lnherlLed some of Lhese LralLs
O l admlre my faLher because l Lhlnk he broughL me and my broLhers/slsLers up well he was qulLe
sLrlcL buL always falr and he has always been someone l can Lurn Lo for advlce l Lhlnk my faLher
seL a good example by worklng hard and havlng a poslLlve ouLlook on llfe l remember LhaL he
used Lo leave for work early and come home qulLe laLe buL he always made Llme for me and my
broLhers/slsLers
Friday, November ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: descri-e a festival
A common topic Ior the short presentation (IELTS Speaking Part 2) is "describe an important
Iestival in your country".
My advice is to look Ior a description oI your Iestival on ikipedia. Copy the best parts oI the
description and make small changes iI necessary. As an example, I've copied a short description
oI Christmas Irom ikipedia.
Descri-e a festival: hristmas
Christmas is an annual holiday that, in Christianity, commemorates the birth oI Jesus Christ.
Popular customs oI the holiday include giIt-giving, music, an exchange oI greeting cards, church
celebrations, a special meal, and the display oI various decorations; including Christmas trees,
lights, nativity scenes, and holly. In addition, Father Christmas (known as Santa Claus in some
areas) is a popular Iigure in many countries, associated with the bringing oI giIts Ior children.
Over the Christmas period, people decorate their homes and exchange giIts. In some countries,
children perIorm plays re-telling the events oI the Nativity, or sing carols that reIerence the
event. Christmas, along with Easter, is the period oI highest annual church attendance.
A special Christmas Iamily meal is an important part oI the celebration Ior many, and what is
served varies greatly Irom country to country. In England and countries inIluenced by its
traditions, a standard Christmas meal includes turkey, potatoes, vegetables, sausages and gravy,
Iollowed by Christmas pudding, mince pies and Iruit cake.
Friday, November ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 3: common question types
Here are 3 common question types that the examiner could ask you:
1 Compare and conLrasL
2 Clve an oplnlon
3 lmaglne
II the topic is 'cities', the examiner could ask:
1 Pow ls llfe dlfferenL ln clLles compared Lo rural areas?
2 Pow do you Lhlnk llfe ln blg clLles could be made easler?
3 WhaL do you Lhlnk clLles wlll be llke ln 30 years Llme?
Here are some answers using ideas Irom this week's lessons:
1 llrsLly Lhe cosL of llvlng ln clLles ls much hlgher Pouslng ls much more expenslve ln clLles
compared Lo rural areas everyLhlng cosLs more l Lhlnk llfe ln clLles ls more dlfflculL 1here are
more people so Lheres more compeLlLlon for [obs Llfe ls a loL slower ln rural areas everyone
knows each oLher and Lheres a sense of communlLy l donL Lhlnk rural areas experlence Lhe
soclal problems LhaL you flnd ln clLles llke crlme and homelessness
2 ln my oplnlon clLles need Lo be wellplanned Cood publlc LransporL can deflnlLely make llfe
easler because Lhere are so many people and lL can be really sLressful [usL Lo move around
ubllc areas llke parks are also lmporLanL because people need space Lo relax and l Lhlnk clLles
should be made lnLo healLhler places Lo llve and work
3 l lmaglne clLles wlll be less polluLed because well have elecLrlc cars and beLLer publlc LransporL
More people mlghL work from home so maybe clLles wonL be so busy 8uL l Lhlnk Lhere wlll
probably sLlll be problems because more and more people are mlgraLlng Lo clLles So lm noL so
opLlmlsLlc abouL lssues llke crlme homelessness and unemploymenL

IL%$ $peaking !art 1: a good eample
Have a look at this video, taken Irom YouTube. I think it's a good example oI how to do IELTS
Speaking Part 1.
Remember, Part 1 is supposed to be easy. You should give short, simple answers. I think the
student in the video does this well: she speaks clearly, answers the questions directly, and doesn't
hesitate beIore answering. Her answers sound natural and she makes almost no mistakes.
Here are the Iirst 4 questions and answers:
Do you work or are you a student?
I work and I'm studying English as well.
And what's your job?
I work in hairdressing and I do manicure, I do nails. I work part-time.
How long have you done this job?
I've been doing this job Ior almost one year.
Do you like it?
Actually, I don't like it very much. The part that I like is that I can communicate with people.
Friday, Uctober ,
IL%$ $peaking: -and 7 voca-ulary
atch this quick video I made Ior IELTS speaking part 2.
Friday, Uctober 8,
IL%$ $peaking !art 3: ow will the Internet affect our lives?
The "perspectives technique" Ior generating ideas (see 6th October) can also be useIul in the
IELTS speaking test. Here's an example:
How do you think the Internet will affect our lives in the future?
!ersonal perspective:
I think the Internet will have a huge impact on our lives. More and more people are using social
websites to keep in touch with Iriends. I think the Internet will probably replace TV because
most channels are already available online.
conomic perspective:
Also, I think we'll do more online shopping. eb-based companies like Amazon are already
really successIul. In the Iuture, there will probably be more companies that only sell via the
Internet, and I expect we'll spend more money online than in traditional shops.
ducational perspective:
Schools and universities might also use the Internet to provide courses, so online learning will
probably become a normal part oI liIe.
Friday, Uctober ,
IL%$ $peaking: eamples, real eamples!
To improve your IELTS speaking score, use good examples to extend your answers. Real
examples or stories about yourselI are the best.
Use examples in part 2 when you need to make your presentation longer. Use them in part 3 to
support your opinions.
ere's an eample that helps me to etend my part 2 presentation a-out my mo-ile phone:
"For example, yesterday I used my phone to call some Iriends to arrange a get-together this
weekend. Some oI them didn't answer, so I either leIt a message in their voicemail or I sent them
a text. I also replied to a Iew emails while I was waiting in a queue at the bank."
Friday, September ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: descri-e an advertisement
Describe an interesting advertisement that you have seen. You should say:
O where you sow it
O whot it wos obout
O why you think it wos on interestinq odvertisement
Choose something simple. Here's an example with the "band 7" vocabulary underlined:
1 lm golng Lo Lalk abouL an adverLlsemenL for CocaCola whlch
ls one of Lhe blggesL brands ln Lhe world lve seen Coke adverLlsed everywhere on posLers and
1v commerclals
2 1he adverL shows a plcLure of SanLa Claus smlllng and holdlng a boLLle of Coke l Lhlnk Lhe alm ls
Lo LargeL chlldren and assoclaLe (llnk/connecL) Lhe brand wlLh ChrlsLmas Llme
3 1he adverL ls lnLeresLlng because Lhe company ls dellberaLely Lrylng Lo lnfluence and aLLracL
chlldren 1he markeLers are Lrylng Lo capLure young cusLomers 1hey are presenLlng Lhe drlnk as
someLhlng speclal a glfL for ChrlsLmas Powever CocaCola ls noL necessarlly a healLhy drlnk for
chlldren lL conLalns a loL of sugar Maybe Lhls klnd of adverLlslng manlpulaLes chlldren and
encourages Lhem Lo pesLer Lhelr parenLs
Friday, September ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 1: friends
In part 1 oI the IELTS speaking test, remember to keep your answers short and simple. Here are
some example questions and short answers:
1. Are your friends mostly your age or different ages?
Most oI my Iriends are about the same age as me because we met at school or university. I've got
one or two Iriends who are older or younger that I met through work.
2. Do you usually see your friends during the week or at weekends?
I tend to meet up with my Iriends at weekends because everyone's too busy during the week.
3. 1he last time you saw your friends, what did you do together?
It was one oI my Iriends' birthday last weekend. Six oI us went out Ior a meal to celebrate.
4. In what ways are your friends important to you?
I think it's important to have Iriends that you can talk to and share experiences with. My Iriends
make me laugh, but I know I can also rely on them whenever I need help or support.
Friday, September ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 3: ver- tenses
In IELTS speaking part 3 the examiner oIten asks a question about the past and a question about
the Iuture. Be careIul: the examiner is listening to your grammar! You need to show that you can
use past, present and Iuture tenses correctly. Here are some example questions:
1 uld people have more free Llme when your grandparenLs were young?
2 uo you Lhlnk Lhe hobbles people have wlll be dlfferenL ln Lhe fuLure?
In the Iirst answer, the examiner wants to hear some past tense verbs. In the second answer, you
will need to use a Iuture tense. Here are some example answers:
1 When my grandparenLs were young l Lhlnk Lhey had less lelsure Llme 1hey dldnL have Lhe
gadgeLs we use nowadays so Lhey probably spenL more Llme dolng slmple Lhlngs lor example
nowadays we can cook meals ln a mlcrowave ln less Lhan 3 mlnuLes whereas ln Lhe pasL people
had Lo cook everyLhlng Lhemselves
2 no l donL Lhlnk hobbles wlll change much ln Lhe fuLure lm sure people wlll sLlll play games and
sporLs Cn Lhe oLher hand maybe Lhe lnLerneL ls changlng Lhe way we spend our free Llme ln
Lhe fuLure more and more people mlghL have onllne hobbles
Friday, September ,
IL%$ $peaking: descri-e a we-site -and 7-9)
In Part 2 oI IELTS Speaking, you might be asked to describe a website that you use:
Describe a website that you often use. You should say:
O whot type of website it is
O how you found out obout it
O whot it o//ows you to do ond why you find it usefu/
Here are some ideas, with some oI the band 7-9 vocabulary underlined:
1 lacebook ls a soclal neLworklng webslLe lLs a free webslLe LhaL allows you Lo keep ln conLacL
wlLh frlends or flnd people youve losL Louch wlLh lLs one of Lhe mosL popular webslLes ln Lhe
world wlLh mllllons of users ln dlfferenL counLrles
2 All of my frlends use lacebook Cne of my frlends senL me an emall lnvlLlng me Lo [oln l slgned
up and lve been uslng lL ever slnce
3 lacebook allows you Lo keep up Lo daLe wlLh whaL frlends are dolng ?ou have a proflle page
wlLh lnformaLlon and sLaLus updaLes so LhaL you can Lell everyone whaL youre dolng ?ou can
posL messages Lo oLher peoples pages ?ou can upload phoLos and vldeos l flnd lacebook mosL
useful for organlslng my llfe keeplng ln Louch wlLh frlends and sLorlng phoLos l Lhlnk soclal
neLworklng webslLes have become parL of everyday llfe
Friday, August ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 1: musical instruments
For IELTS speaking part 1, remember to give short, simple answers. Answer the question with a
Iull sentence and give a reason Ior your answer. Here are some example questions and answers
about musical instruments (Irom Cambridge IELTS book 6):
1. Which musical instrument do you like listening to most? (Why?)
My Iavourite musical instrument to listen to is the guitar. I like the Iact that there are diIIerent
types oI guitar, like classical, acoustic and electric; I love the variety oI sounds a guitar can
make.
2. Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument?
I took some guitar lessons when I was younger and still have a guitar at home. I don't play it
much nowadays; I wish I had more time to practise.
3. Do you think children should learn to play an instrument at school?
Yes, I think it's a great skill and it's really enjoyable to be able to play a musical instrument. All
children should be given this opportunity.
4. How easy would it be to learn to play an instrument without a teacher?
It would probably be more diIIicult without a teacher. You need someone to show you what to
do and correct your mistakes; you need a lot oI discipline to teach yourselI.
Friday, August ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 3: status sym-ols
In part 3 oI the IELTS speaking test you should try to give longer answers with opinions,
reasons, comparisons and examples. Here are some example questions and answers related to
last week's part 2 topic:
In your country, what possessions show a higher status or position in society?
In my country, people who are wealthy tend to buy big houses and cars. Certain makes oI car
such as Mercedes or Ferrari are status symbols. They let other people know that you are
important or powerIul. People who want to give this impression oIten wear expensive designer
clothes, or watches by brands like Rolex.
Do you think we place too much importance on possessions?
Probably, yes. Some people are obsessed with showing oII their new mobile phone or wearing
the latest Iashions. I think it's a problem Ior teenagers because there's a lot oI peer pressure to
Iollow Iashion or buy the latest gadget that their Iriends have got.
Do you think things were different 5 years ago?
Yes, maybe people were less materialistic. I think they bought things that lasted longer; my
grandparents talk about how they repaired things rather than throwing them away. Maybe brands
and advertising weren't as powerIul as they are now.
Friday, August ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: descri-e an o-ect
In IELTS speaking part 2, you might be asked to describe an object. For example:
O uescrlbe someLhlng you boughL recenLly
O uescrlbe a glfL you gave or recelved
O uescrlbe someLhlng you own whlch ls lmporLanL Lo you
hoose something easy, like a mobile phone:
I'm going to describe my mobile phone. I bought it online / in a mobile phone shop / it was a
present Irom...
I use the phone to keep in touch with Iriends and Iamily, Ior communication by voice, text and
email. It has various Ieatures like video, MP3 player, wireless Internet, digital camera and
games. It's easy to share photos and music. I use it Ior almost everything, it even has a calendar
that reminds me about appointments.
My phone is an essential part oI my liIe. It holds my contacts, my photos, my music collection.
I've got instant access to my Iavourite websites. It's like having my whole liIe in my pocket. I
couldn't live without it.
Aote:
I've underlined the best phrases Ior IELTS band 7 or higher.
Friday, August ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 1: short, simple answers
The Iirst part oI the IELTS Speaking Test lasts around 4 to 5 minutes. The examiner asks about
10 questions related to you, your daily liIe and your interests. Common topics are hobbies,
Iamily, Iriends, Iood, music etc.
Part 1 questions are supposed to be easy, and the examiner must get through all oI the questions
in 5 minutes or less. That's only about 30 seconds per question. II you try to give long answers,
the examiner will interrupt you. My advice is to keep Part 1 answers very simple:
Do you prefer home-cooked food or food from restaurants?
I prefer home-cooked food -ecause I think it's healthier and you know eactly what you're
eating. I also enoy cooking for family and friends.
You don't need to say any more than this. Just answer the question with a Iull sentence, give a
reason, and maybe add one extra piece oI inIormation. Then stop speaking. $top with confidence
and look at the examiner, ready for the next question.
uesday, August ,
IL%$ Listening/$peaking: descri-e a city
I've used the Iollowing video with some oI my classes. Try the gap-Iill exercise Ior IELTS
listening practice.
The topic oI the video, a description oI a city, is useIul Ior IELTS speaking. Try using words or
phrases Irom the video to describe a place you have visited.
isten and fill the gaps:
1. Copenhagen is stylish, and Irequently cloudy or rainy.
2. Its location is . It`s the bridge between Europe and Scandinavia.
3. The locals to be bike-riding, taciturn and very good-looking.
4. My best piece oI Ior travellers is to wear comIortable shoes.
5. II you can get a point, the views over the city are .
6. Learning the language is an exercise in .
7. It`s oI people who are helpIul and practical.
8. Travellers should take a oI humour and a mind.
If you can't see the video, listen to the recording below:
Click here to listen

Posted by Simon in IELTS Listening, IELTS Speaking , Permalink , Comments (22)
Friday, )uly ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 3: children's toys
Here are some questions related to last week's part 2 topic:
1. Do you think it's important for boys to play with boys' toys and for girls to only play with
girls' toys?
I think boys naturally seem to preIer playing with "boys' toys" and girls with "girls' toys". hen
I was young I had toy cars, trucks, guns and things like that, whereas my sister always wanted to
play with dolls. I don't suppose it really matters iI a boy plays with a doll or a girl plays with a
toy car, but children learn quickly what toys are supposed to be Ior boys and Ior girls.
2. Do you think it's good if parents only buy educational toys for their children?
No, I don't agree with only giving children educational toys. In my opinion, children learn by
playing with whatever interests them. Children invent their own games, even iI they don't have
any toys at all. It's important Ior children just to have Iun; there will be plenty oI time Ior parents
to worry about education when their children get older.
Saturday, )uly ,
IL%$ $peaking: descri-e a toy
Below, you can read an example description oI a toy (Ior IELTS speaking part 2). See
yesterday's lesson Ior the Iull question.
ego ar Description:
One special toy that I remember getting was a Lego car. It was a birthday present Irom my
parents. I can't remember exactly how old I was, but I was probably about 10 or 11.
The special thing about this car was that I had to build it myselI out oI hundreds oI pieces oI
Lego. The pieces came in a box with a picture oI the Iinished car on the Iront, and I had to Iollow
step-by-step instructions to put all the pieces together in the correct way. This
wasn't an easy task because the car even had an engine, movable seats and gears. It took me a
day or two to make, and required a lot oI concentration.
hen the car was Iinished it looked great, and I Ielt a sense oI accomplishment. I seem to
remember that I didn't play with the car very much; the Iun part had been the process oI building
it.
Don't just read this description once. Spend some time analysing it:
O ls Lhe descrlpLlon wellorganlsed and easy Lo follow?
O Can you flnd any good band 7 words or phrases?
O Could you wrlLe a slmllar descrlpLlon for a dlfferenL Loy?
Friday, )uly ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: descri-e a toy
Aida sent me this diIIicult speaking question:
Describe a toy that was special to you when you were a child.
You should say:
- when you got it
- what it looked like
- who gave it to you
- and how you used it or played with it.
II you can't remember a real toy that you had, choose something simple like a toy car (typical
boy's toy) or a doll (typical girl's toy). Both oI these toys are easy to describe.
I'll write some example ideas about this topic tomorrow. II you have any suggestions, please
share them in the "comments" area below.
Friday, )uly ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 1: sport
Some students worry about the 'sport' topic because they don't do any sports. Today's example
answers are Ior those students. Remember to give short, direct answers.
1. What sports or physical activities do you regularly do?
UnIortunately, I don't have time to do any sports or physical activities because oI my work
commitments. I'd like to Iind more time Ior regular exercise.
2. Which sport or game would you like to be good at?
I'd like to be good at tennis. It must be great to be able to hit the ball as hard as you can and
watch it land exactly where you wanted it to.
3. Do you prefer watching or playing sports?
I don't watch much sport on TV and I'm not a big sports Ian, so I think I would probably enjoy
doing sports more than watching them.
4. Do you think children should be encouraged to do more sport?
Yes, I think that sport is really important Ior children. Sports and games teach children to play
together and try their best.
Friday, )uly 9,
IL%$ $peaking !art 3: ver- tenses
In part 3 oI the IELTS speaking test, you will probably get some questions about the past and the
Iuture. The examiner will be listening careIully to make sure you use the correct tense.
II the examiner mentions '50 years ago, 'when your parents were young or 'when you were a
child, you should answer using the past simple.
II the question asks you to predict, or iI it mentions 'in 50 years or 'in the Iuture, use a Iuture
tense (will inIinitive).
Do you think people had easier lives 5 years ago?
Yes, maybe liIe was simpler and less stressIul 50 years ago. The mobile phone didn`t exist, so I
suppose it was easier to Iorget about work at the end oI the day because people couldn't contact
you so easily.
Do you think life will be more stressful in 5 years time?
Yes, it probably will be more stressIul. As the world gets smaller, employees will probably have
to travel to diIIerent countries more oIten and stay in touch with colleagues and clients all over
the world. There will also be more competition Ior jobs and the cost oI living will keep going up.
Friday, )uly ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: food
In IELTS speaking part 2, you might be asked to describe some special Iood or a special meal
you ate recently.
Choose a type oI Iood that is special in your country. Describe the Iood and explain why it is
popular. Then invent a story about the last time you ate this Iood.
For example, I'd describe the "Full English BreakIast". It's easy to describe what this meal
consists oI (bacon, eggs, sausages etc.). I'd explain that it is a Iamous traditional breakIast in the
UK, although most people don't eat it every morning nowadays. I'd say that I recently had a Iull
cooked breakIast in a hotel, which I was staying in aIter a Iriend's wedding party.
So, choose your Iood or meal. Think about how you would describe it, and think oI a story about
when you last ate it.
Friday, )une ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 1: some advice
Part 1 oI the IELTS Speaking test is supposed to be easy. You don't need to give 'diIIicult'
answers, and you should try to avoid making mistakes.
ere are some simple rules for $peaking !art 1:
1 keep your answers shorL Lhen sLop wlLh confldence
2 Answer Lhe quesLlons uslng full senLences
3 use words from Lhe examlners quesLlon ln your answer
4 lf posslble glve a reason for your answer
3 uonL forgeL Lo say yes or no when necessary
ere's an eample to illustrate these points:
Do you like parks?
Yes, I like parks because they are great places to relax. II you live in a city, a park is oIten the
only place where you can escape Irom the noise and the traIIic.
Friday, )une 8,
IL%$ $peaking !art 3: competitions
The Iollowing questions come Irom Cambridge IELTS 7, page 80. I've given an example answer
Ior each.
1. Why do you think some school teachers use competitions as class activities?
I think teachers use competitions to motivate the children in their classes. I'm sure that teachers
try all kinds oI activities to engage their pupils, and competitions might be one oI the best ways
to keep children interested or get them excited. Children love winning things.
2. Do you think it is a good thing to give prizes to children who do well at school? Why?
It might be a good idea to encourage children to do well in games or sports, but I don't think we
should give children prizes Ior their academic work. Children need to learn that the reason Ior
studying is to learn useIul things that will help them in their lives. I don't like the idea oI children
thinking that they will only work hard iI there is a prize.
3. Would you say that schools for young children have become more or less competitive since
you were that age? Why?
I'd say that they have become more competitive since I was young. Children now have to take
exams Irom a much younger age, so I think there is more oI a Iocus on doing well in tests.
Parents also seem to be getting more competitive; I think that many parents push their children to
do extra homework rather than letting them play with Iriends.
Friday, )une ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: favourite film/movie
In part 2 oI the IELTS Speaking test, you might have to describe your Iavourite Iilm ('movie' is
American English). My advice is to look Ior your Iilm on amazon.com. You will Iind reviews oI
almost any Iilm, Irom The GodIather to Titanic.
The only problem is that the reviews are oIten quite diIIicult or too detailed. I recommend
stealing a Iew ideas or a Iew bits oI good vocabulary.
For example, here is some good vocabulary Irom a review oI %he Godfather:
- one oI the greatest Iilms ever made
- a masterpiece
- a brilliant story
- the actors' perIormances are outstanding
- it's compelling to watch
Make sure you can summarise the Iilm's plot (the story). Try to remember where and when you
Iirst saw the Iilm. Explain how it made you Ieel and why you like it.
Friday, April ,
IL%$ $peaking !art 2: descri-e an animal
Several students have asked me about this question:
Describe a wild animal from your country.
You should say
O whot the onimo/ is ond whot it /ooks /ike
O where it /ives
O ond exp/oin how peop/e in your country {or you) fee/ obout this onimo/
You might not be able to copy my example because I've described an animal that is common in
the UK. However, hopeIully my description will give you some ideas.
1 lm golng Lo descrlbe Lhe robln whlch ls a wlld blrd LhaL ls common ln Lhe uk 1he robln ls a
small blrd wlLh brown and whlLe feaLhers and an area of brlghL red colour on lLs face and on Lhe
fronL of lLs body 1he area of red colour makes roblns very easy Lo dlsLlngulsh from oLher blrds

2 8oblns are common garden blrds Many houses ln Lhe uk have a garden and you can ofLen see
Lhls blrd slLLlng ln a Lree 1hey make Lhelr nesLs ln Lrees and go looklng for food ?ou mlghL also
see a robln lf you go for a walk ln Lhe counLryslde or ln a park
3 8oblns have a speclal place ln 8rlLlsh culLure 1hey are consldered Lo be chrlsLmas blrds and are
ofLen used on chrlsLmas cards Many people leave food ln Lhelr gardens for roblns and oLher
small blrds Lo eaL
Friday, September , 9
IL%$ $peaking: Basic Information
The IELTS Speaking Test is the Iinal part oI the exam. Your test will be at some time between
1.30pm and 5.00pm. You can take only your ID document into the exam room.
The test lasts between 11 and 14 minutes. You will be interviewed by an examiner who will
record your conversation. Timing is strictly controlled by the examiner, so don't be surprised iI
he or she interrupts you during an answer.
There are 3 parts to the Speaking Test:
1 lnLroducLlon/ lnLervlew around 10 quesLlons ln 4 Lo 3 mlnuLes
2 ShorL presenLaLlon Lalk for 2 mlnuLes wlLh 1 mlnuLe Lo prepare
3 ulscusslon around 3 quesLlons ln 4 Lo 3 mlnuLes
Preparation is the key to a good score in IELTS Speaking. DiIIerent skills are tested in each part,
so you need to know exactly what to do.
e can predict the kinds oI questions that the examiner will ask. e'll prepare ideas, possible
answers and good vocabulary Ior each part oI the test.
Posted by Simon in About the exam, IELTS Speaking , Permalink , Comments (15)
revlous

Possible IELTS speaking topics that will help you prepare Ior the IELTS Exam.
It is very important that students preparing Ior the IELTS practice a lot oI IELTS speaking topics
beIore taking the exam. In this way, students can be conIident and can Iace the exam much more
easily. The speaking module oI the IELTS is a test oI the student's communication skills. The
interviewer observes iI the student can interact and communicate eIIectively. Students need to
speak in clear, concise sentences and Iocus on the topic. To help students learn more about
IELTS speaking topics, a Iew examples oI the possible topics are listed below:
1. A brieI introduction oI the student. Introduce yourselI but keep it short and try to build rapport
with the examiner.
2. Describe your native place and what do you like about it?
3. Contrast the Ieatures oI your home town with any other place. Only use a Iew key points that
you are most Iamiliar with and can talk about comIortably.
4. Speak about the current education system in your country? hat are the pros and cons? keep
to the main points only and ensure you points are clear.
5. How will you change the education system? Give points and reasons Ior your points.
6. Describe your work place? hat is your position and how do you contribute to the overall
perIormance oI the company?
7. Describe the employment process in your country.
8. Discuss about the roles oI men and women in your country.
9. hat is your opinion about brain-drain? How do you think it will aIIect the overall economy
oI a country?
10. hich is the one country you desire to visit and what makes it special? Try and come up
with some interesting answers as so oIten the answers are so common that they be boring.
To Find out more: IELTS Course online
ilhelm Zueger is a Ireelance author and consultant to Educational Institutions and small
business. He also advises international students on gaining higher education opportunities
abroad.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expertilhelmZueger

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3505739

Following are the IELTS Speaking topics appeared in subsequent IELTS Exam. Practice these
topics Ior better result in IELTS Speaking module. BeIore giving you a topic to speak out the
examiner will ask you to introduce your selI. Don`t precise your introduction. Introduce your selI
with Iull name, living place, what is special about it and compare your hometown with another
town.

1. Describe a traditional instrument in your country?
2. Describe an important Iestival in Iran / Home country. hen is it? hat do people do then?
3. Describe a traditional garment in your country?
4. Describe a historical place in your country. here is it? hat is special about it?
5. Talk about mass media. Newspapers and their attractions Ior you.
6. hy do people play games?
7. hat don`t you know about your Iuture?
8. Describe an invention beIore or aIter computer. Should the governments support inventors?
hy do inventors invent?
9. Name a book, Iilm, or a piece oI music that you like most and say why.
10. hy always women cook and men do not in your country? hich is a better cook, a man
or a woman?
11. hat is Iashion? Do you Iollow Iashion? hy do people Iollow Iashion? How do people in
your country Iollow Iashion?
12. Describe the traditional Architecture oI your country. Is there something special about it?
13. Discuss the Iactors aIIecting people to have more or less children in your country.
14. hat is Brain drain? hat are the causes and eIIects oI it?
15. Compare the role oI men and women in your country.
16. Give reasons why the divorce rate has or has not increased in your country.
17. Describe a traditional dish in your country. hat are the ingredients?
18. Discuss why you would like to visit a particular country. hen are you going to visit it and
why?
19. Compare traditional houses with modern houses in your country.
20. Discuss why you like a special kind oI book, music, sports, or Iilm.

Topic No: 1 Describe your country`s education system. hat is your attitude toward this
system?

Topic No: 2 Compare the role oI Men and omen in your Country?

Topic No: 3 hat is brain drain? hat are the causes and eIIects oI it?

Topic No: 4 Discuss why you would like to visit a particular country. hen you going to visit
it and why?

Topic No: 5 Discuss the Iactor aIIecting people to have more or less children in your country.

Topic No: 6 Describe the traditional dish in your country. hat are the ingredients?

Topic No: 7 Discuss why you like special kind oI book, music, sports or Iilm.

Topic No: 8 Describe the ethnic mix in your country

Topic No: 9 Describe a traditional garment in your country.

Topic No: 10 Describe an important Iestival in your country. hen is it? hat do people do
then?

Topic No: 11 hat is Iashion? Do you Iollow Iashion? hy do people Iollow Iashion? How
do people in your country Iollow Iashion?

Topic No: 12 Describe your best holiday, party, event in your liIe. hen was it, where and
why?

Topic No: 13 In what occasions do people give presents in your country?

Topic No: 14 hat do people in 4 seasons in your country?

Topic No: 15 hat is capital punishment?

Topic No: 16 Compare your time with your parents`. hat is the same and what has changed
since than?

Topic No: 17 Talk about most populated area in your country. here is it? hat is its
population? hy is it so populated?

Topic No: 18 hat do you know about Global arming? hat is Green House EIIect?

Topic No: 19 Describe the Iirst toy you got. ho gave it Ior you? hen? How did you like it?

Topic No: 20 hat is the role oI Public Artwork?
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he $peaking Module always has the same format:

The test is 11-14 minutes long and involves you speaking to a native English speaker who is
trained to assess your spoken English against IELTS criteria. The test is also recorded. There are
three stages to the test:

!hase One
Phase One oI the speaking test lasts around 4-5 minutes and very much Iollows the Iormat any
conversation might take when two people meet Ior the Iirst time - you will be asked to talk about
your personal situation (Iamily, job, university study, etc.) and other Iamiliar topics.
!hase 1wo
Phase Two oI the speaking test requires you to do a presentation on a general topic. The
examiner interviewing you will give you a card with a topic on it and you must talk Ior between
one and two minutes. Again, the topics are very general and related to your personal experience.
A topic might involve you talking about a teacher who inIluenced you as a child, or talking about
the reading habits oI people in your country. Again, you do not need specialist knowledge to talk
about the topics you are given.

The examiner will give you a pencil and a piece oI paper and allow you one minute to write
notes in preparation Ior your presentation.

!hase 1hree
Part Three oI the speaking test requires you to take part in a discussion with your examiner. The
topics you discuss will be more sophisticated than in the previous parts oI the test and you will
need to give opinions, speculate on possible events, consider trends as well as possibly suggest
how to solve a problem.

Part Three oI the speaking test is the most important part because it is in this part oI the test the
examiner establishes your Iinal speaking score.

Assessment

The examiner interviewing you during the IELTS Test is trained to assess your spoken English
against IELTS criteria. You do not need to be an absolutely Iluent speaker oI English to get a
reasonable IELTS speaking score. The examiner will be looking Ior your ability to use a range oI
vocabulary and grammar in a way that is clear and understandable.
You might also like:

The Iollowing IELTS Speaking questions were shared by M, who remembered them Irom her
recent exam in the UK.
$peaking test
Interview
- hat is your name?
- Tell me about your home town.
- hat were your Iavorite books when you were a child?
- hat do you know about the history and civilization oI your country?
- hat did you learn in high school about the history oI your country?
- hat is your country Iamous Ior now in the world?
ue ard
Talk about something that you have bought as a giIt to someone. Please say
- hat is it?
- hy have you decided to buy it?
- ho was the person you purchased it Ior?
- hen did you buy it?
Discussion
- Is it common in your country to buy and send a giIt to your Iriends using the Internet?
- hy?
- Is it easy to buy a present Ior somebody?
- hy?
- hat is better as a present, to give money or to buy something?
- hy?

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
rite about the Iollowing topic:
Using a computer every day can have more negative than positive eIIects on your
children.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons Ior your answer and include any relevant examples Irom your own knowledge
or experience.
rite at least 250 words
model answer:
I tend to agree that young children can be negatively aIIected by too much time spent on the
computer every day. This is partly because sitting in Iront oI a screen Ior too long can be
damaging to both the eyes and the physical posture oI a young child, regardless oI what they
are using the computer Ior.
However, the main concern is about the type oI computer activities that attract children. These
are oIten electronic games that tend to be very intense and rather violent. The player is
usually the hero` oI the game and too much exposure can encourage children to be selI-
centred and insensitive to others.
Even when children use a computer Ior other purposes, such as getting inIormation or
emailing Iriends, it is no substitute Ior human interaction. Spending time with other children
and sharing nonvirtual experiences is an important part oI a child's development that cannot
be provided by a computer.
In spite oI this, the obvious beneIits oI computer skills Ior young children cannot be denied.
Their adult world will be changing constantly in terms oI technology and the Internet is the key
to all the knowledge and inIormation available in the world today. ThereIore it is important that
children learn at an early age to use the equipment enthusiastically and with conIidence as
they will need these skills throughout their studies and working lives.
I think the main point is to make sure that young children do not overuse computers. Parents
must ensure that their children learn to enjoy other kinds oI activity and not simply sit at home,
learning to live in a virtual world.
(273 words)
A company has announced that it wishes to build a large Iactory near your community.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages oI this new inIluence on your community.
Do you support or oppose the Iactory? Explain your position.
or experience.
rite at least 250 words
model answer:
New Iactories oIten bring many good things to a community, such as jobs and increased prosperity. However, in my opinion, the
beneIits oI having a Iactory are outweighed by the risks. That is why I oppose the plan to build a Iactory near my community.
I believe that this city would be harmed by a large Iactory. In particular, a Iactory would
destroy the quality oI the air and water in town. Factories bring smog and pollution. In the long
run, the environment will be hurt and people`s health will be aIIected. Having a Iactory is not
worth that rise.
OI course, more jobs will be created by the Iactory. Our population will grow. To accommodate
more workers, more homes and stores will be needed. Do we really want this much growth,
so Iast? II our town is going in growth, I would preIer slow growth with good planning. I don`t
want to see rows oI cheaply constructed townhouses. Our quality oI liIe must be considered.

I believe that this growth will change our city too much. I love my hometown because it is a saIe, small town. It is also easy to
travel here. II we must expand to hold new citizens, the small-town Ieel will be gone. I mould miss that greatly.
A Iactory would be helpIul in some ways. However, I Ieel that the dangers are greater than the
beneIits. I cannot support a plan to build a Iactory here, and hope that others Ieel the same
way.
(251 words)
Do you agree or disagree with the Iollowing statement? Parents are the best teachers.
Use speciIic reasons and examples to support your answer.
or experience.
rite at least 250 words.
model answer:
Throughout my liIe, I have been lucky enough to have a very good relationship with my
parents. They have supported me, given me necessary criticism, and taught me a great deal
about how to live my liIe. Parents can be very important teachers in our lives; however, they
are not always the best teachers.
Parents may be too close to their children emotionally. Sometimes they can only see their

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An adventurous person

Describe an adventurous person who you know.

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