Lesson 190: Fashion and the environment🥻

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How do you think the fashion industry influences people’s clothing choices?
Designers and brands often set the tone for what is considered stylish. I think this filters down to everyday consumers through advertisements, social media and celebrity endorsements. Additionally, retailers make trendy clothing affordable and accessible, which further drives consumer demand and shapes the way people dress themselves.

What are the main differences between formal and casual clothing?
Formal clothing is typically characterised by its structured and elegant design. It is often made from high-quality fabrics like wool or silk, and it is usually worn for special occasions. In contrast, casual clothing prioritises comfort. It is often made from more relaxed materials such as cotton or denim.

Do people prefer formal or casual clothing in your country?
In my country, casual clothing is generally more popular. It aligns with the relaxed lifestyle and climate. For example, people often wear jeans, t-shirts and sneakers to do daily activities. Formal clothing is still highly valued for special events, but it’s not what’s most often preferred in day-to-day life.

How does the fashion industry impact the environment?
Fashion designed for quick turnover contributes to pollution through the excessive use of water, chemicals and energy during production. It is expected that a sizeable portion of what’s produced will never be purchased or used, so tons of garments end up in landfills every year. The fashion industry’s impact on the environment is thus quite negative and needs to be improved.

What steps can the fashion industry take to reduce its environmental impact?
One key step is investing in sustainable materials, such as organic cotton or recycled fabrics. Companies can also improve manufacturing processes to reduce water and energy consumption and cut down on chemical usage.

Lesson 189: Reading📚

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Do you study or work?
Currently, I am a student. I am studying agricultural sciences at a local university.

What do you like about your university?
One of the things I appreciate most about my university is its emphasis on practical learning. For example, in addition to science-heavy courses, we also do horticultural work outdoors. The campus also has a large greenhouse that allows us to continue this hands-on training right through the dead of winter.

Is there anything you dislike about your university?
I suppose I feel that some administrative processes could be streamlined. For instance, registering for courses or accessing certain student services can sometimes be unnecessarily time-consuming.

Let’s talk about reading. How often do you read books or other materials?
I try to read every day, whether it’s an academic article, a novel, or just news updates online. I see reading as an essential way to stay informed and expand my knowledge.

Do you find it easier to read on a computer or a physical book?
I find reading on a computer or tablet more convenient because it allows me to access a wide range of resources quickly. However, when it comes to enjoying a novel or something purely for leisure, I still prefer physical books. There’s something comforting about the feel of a book in your hands.

Do you prefer reading for pleasure or for educational purposes?
I enjoy both, but my preference depends on my mood. Reading for educational purposes is often rewarding because it helps me gain skills related to my studies. That said, reading for pleasure allows me to unwind and immerse myself in different worlds.

Do you think reading will be important for your future career?
Absolutely. Staying updated on the latest agricultural research is crucial for my industry. Reading will play a significant role in helping me refine my skills, understand emerging technologies and remain competitive in the field. Being well-read also enhances critical thinking and communication skills, which are invaluable in any profession.

Lesson 188: The best outfit you have ever worn🧥

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Describe the best outfit you have ever worn. You should say
– what it looked like
– when you wore it
– how you felt wearing it
and explain why you consider it the best outfit you have ever worn.

One of the best outfits I have ever worn featured a classic denim jacket. It was a blue jacket with a slightly faded look and minimal detailing, which gave it a smart-looking appeal. I paired it with a simple white T-shirt, black slim-fit jeans and white sneakers. The overall look was casual yet stylish, perfect for a relaxed outing.

I wore this outfit on a weekend trip with friends last spring. We stayed with one friend who lived on a ranch. The people working on the ranch wear denim because of its durability, so this outfit helped me feel like I fit in. It was also warm, which helped because the mornings on the ranch could sometimes be chilly.

I consider this the best outfit I’ve ever worn because of how useful and…I guess ‘timeless’ the denim jacket is. I say this because denim jackets have been popular ever decade over the last fifty years or so. Wearing this jacket also reminds me of that great weekend away with my friends, which is a nice memory.

Lesson 187: A person who helped you achieve a goal🎯

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Describe a person who helped you achieve a goal. You should say:
– what the goal was
– who this person is
– how he or she motivated you
and explain the effect of this motivation on achieving your goal.

One significant goal I set for myself a few years ago was to improve my public speaking skills. The person who played a pivotal role in helping me achieve this goal was my university professor, Dr. Sullivan. He was not only an exceptional teacher but also a mentor who genuinely cared about his students’ growth.

Dr. Sullivan motivated me in multiple ways. He encouraged me to participate in a university debating club, which he supervised. His approach was always supportive and constructive. For example, rather than focusing on what I did wrong, he highlighted my strengths and helped me build upon them. He also shared personal stories of how he overcame his own fears of public speaking, which made me feel that my goal was achievable.

The effect of his motivation was profound. With his guidance, I started practicing regularly. Over time, I grew more confident. I even competed in a regional debate competition and won second place, an accomplishment I never imagined possible. Beyond the tangible results, his support helped me learn to tackle challenges head-on.

Dr. Sullivan’s mentorship helped me achieve my goal of improving my public speaking skills. He also instilled a sense of confidence that continues to benefit me to this day.

Lesson 186: A room in your home🛋️

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Describe a room in your home. You should say:

-what room this is
-what the room looks like
-who uses this room the most

and explain what you like or dislike about this room

I’d like to talk about the living room in my house. It’s the heart of our household, where my family and I gather to relax, entertain guests and spend quality time together.

The living room is spacious and well-lit, thanks to a large window that allows plenty of natural light. The walls are painted a calming pastel colour, and there’s a stitched rug that adds a touch of coziness. In terms of furniture, the room has a comfortable L-shaped sofa and a wooden media unit that houses the TV. There’s also a small bookshelf in the corner, which has books and a few family photos.

While everyone in my family uses the living room, I’d say it’s my parents who spend the most time there. My dad enjoys sitting on the sofa with a cup of tea, reading the newspaper in the morning, while my mum often watches her favourite TV shows in the evenings.

What I love most about this room is its versatility. It’s perfect for unwinding after a long day, yet it’s also a welcoming space for socialising. The natural light during the day and the warm glow of the lamps in the evening make it feel cozy and inviting at any hour. The only thing I dislike is the positioning of the furniture. I think a more open layout would enhance the room’s functionality.

Overall, the living room holds a lot of cherished memories, which makes it very special to me.

Lesson 185: An expensive place you visited💸

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Talk about a place you visited where everything was expensive. You should say

– what the place was
– when you went there
– why you think everything there was expensive

and explain whether or not you would visit this place again.

A place I visited that I found to be exceptionally expensive is Dubai, UAE. I visited the city about two years ago during my winter holidays.

I stayed in a luxurious area near the iconic Burj Khalifa, and I was immediately struck by the opulence everywhere. The hotels, restaurants, and even everyday activities seemed tailored to a high-end clientele. For instance, I recall dining at a restaurant with a view of the Dubai Fountain, and while the meal was amazing, the bill left me speechless.

There are a few reasons why everything there is so expensive. For one, Dubai is a global hub for luxury tourism, catering to wealthy visitors from around the world. The city invests heavily in creating world-class entertainment, and the costs are naturally passed on to consumers. Also, many of the goods and services are imported, and this of course adds to their price.

Despite the high costs, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there because the city offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and stunning architecture. I would happily visit again!

Lesson 184: Online videos and online work🌐

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Non-stop shadowing lessons!

This week we’re looking at Part 3 questions that extend upon last week’s cue card on the topic of online videos

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)

Part 3 questions

What kinds of videos are popular in your country?
Why do you think videos are becoming increasingly popular nowadays?
What types of videos do you personally like to watch?
How has the rise of online work impacted people’s lives?
In your opinion, are people collaborating more online or offline these days?
Do you think people worldwide should conduct meetings or collaborations online only?

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

In Vietnam, comedy sketches, especially those portraying everyday life, tend to go viral on social media. Educational content, like language tutorials or cooking videos, also garners significant attention.

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Transcript

What kinds of videos are popular in your country?
In Vietnam, comedy sketches, especially those portraying everyday life, tend to go viral on social media. Educational content, like language tutorials or cooking videos, also garners significant attention.

Why do you think videos are becoming increasingly popular nowadays?
Videos have become a dominant form of content because they are engaging and accessible. With widespread smartphone usage and affordable internet, people can easily watch videos anytime and anywhere. Videos also combine visuals, sound and storytelling, which I feel makes them entertaining.

What types of videos do you personally like to watch?
I enjoy watching a mix of educational and entertaining videos. Since I’m studying English, I often watch tutorials on grammar topics and pronunciation. For leisure, I gravitate toward travel vlogs, particularly those showcasing western Europe, which is a region I would like to visit.

How has the rise of online work impacted people’s lives?
The shift to online work has created more job opportunities for individuals in rural areas. It has also allowed people to work more flexibly and reduce their commute. However, it has also reduced face-to-face interaction and has increasingly isolated people.

In your opinion, are people collaborating more online or offline these days?
I think online collaboration has become more common in recent years, especially with advancements in technology and the impact of the pandemic. However, in my country, offline collaboration remains significant, especially in manufacturing industries. I think this is because these industries produce a physical product and thus require people to be physically present at the workplace.

Thank you. That is the end of the speaking exam.

Lesson 183: An online video you learned something from▶️

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👇Driving?🚗Jogging? 🏃Click the button for hands-free training!👇

Non-stop shadowing lessons!

This week we’re looking at a Part 2 cue card on the topic of ‘an online video you learned something from’.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)

This week’s cue card:

Describe a video you watched online that you learned something from. You should say

– when you watched it
– what the video was about
– what you learned from it
and explain how you felt after watching the video.

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

About a year ago, I had a flat tyre while driving on a quiet road, and I realised I didn’t know how to change it. Luckily, I had my phone with me, so I searched for a tutorial online. I found a clear, step-by-step guide explaining how to change a tyre.

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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Describe a video you watched online that you learned something from. You should say

– when you watched it
– what the video was about
– what you learned from it
and explain how you felt after watching the video.

About a year ago, I had a flat tyre while driving on a quiet road, and I realised I didn’t know how to change it. Luckily, I had my phone with me, so I searched for a tutorial online. I found a clear, step-by-step guide explaining how to change a tyre.

The video was hosted by a mechanic, and he started the video with an explanation of what tools were needed, such as the spare tyre, a jack and a lug wrench. He then demonstrated how to safely position the jack under the car, loosen the lug nuts, and remove the damaged tyre. The presenter also emphasised safety tips, like ensuring the car was on a flat surface and using hazard lights to alert other drivers.

From this video, I learned how to change a tyre from start to finish. I discovered the importance of loosening the lug nuts before lifting the car and how to tighten them in a crisscross pattern to ensure the new tyre was securely attached.

This video was incredibly practical, and it gave me a sense of confidence and preparedness for future situations. It’s a very basic skill that I’m glad I learned, and I now make sure to check my car’s tools regularly to be ready for any emergencies.

Lesson 182: Exercise🏋️‍♂️ (Recent Part 1 questions!)

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Non-stop shadowing lessons!

This week we’re looking at Part 1 questions on the topic of ‘exercise’.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)

This week’s Part 1 questions:

Where do you live?
Can you describe your hometown?
What is your favourite place to visit in your hometown?
How easy is it to walk around your hometown?
Let’s talk about exercise. Do you like to exercise?
What kind of exercise do you most regularly do?
Is this kind of exercise popular in your country?

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

Muscat is a city that blends traditional and modern elements. For example, you’ll find ancient forts like Al Mirani, which dates back centuries, standing alongside contemporary landmarks such as the Royal Opera House. The people are very internationally minded. It’s a great place to live.

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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Where do you live?
I live in Muscat. It is the capital city of Oman.

Can you describe your hometown?
Muscat is a city that blends traditional and modern elements. For example, you’ll find ancient forts like Al Mirani, which dates back centuries, standing alongside contemporary landmarks such as the Royal Opera House. The people are very internationally minded. It’s a great place to live.

What is your favourite place to visit in your hometown?
My favourite spot is Mutrah Souq, an enchanting traditional market near the coast. There you can find stalls selling everything from spices and textiles to jewellery and antiques.

How easy is it to walk around your hometown?
Walking around Muscat can be enjoyable in specific areas, such as the walkway along the coast or within parks like Qurum Natural Park. However, the city is spread out, and the weather can be quite hot, especially in the summer, so walking isn’t always practical.

Let’s talk about exercise. Do you like to exercise?
Yes, I enjoy exercising, as it helps me stay fit and reduces stress.

What kind of exercise do you most regularly do?
I regularly go for evening walks. There is a beautiful walkway along the coast in my city. The sea breeze and the stunning views of the harbour make it a refreshing and enjoyable activity.

Is this kind of exercise popular in your country?
Yes, walking is quite popular in Oman, especially during the cooler months. The country’s diverse landscapes, from mountains to beaches, provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Many people see these as great ways to enjoy Oman’s natural beauty while staying active.

Lesson 181: Museums (Recent IELTS Speaking Part 3 question)

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👇Driving?🚗Jogging? 🏃Click the button for hands-free training!👇

Non-stop shadowing lessons!

This week we’re looking at Part 3 questions on the topic of ‘museums’. This was a topic seen on a very recent IELTS Speaking exam!

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)

This week’s Part 3 questions:

Should museums charge admission fees, or should they be free for citizens?
Do you think making museums free could increase tourism within a country?
How can the cost of visiting cultural sites affect tourism?
What kinds of museums do you most enjoy visiting?
Would you ever like to work in a museum?
Do museums play an important role in society?

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“In my opinion, museums should ideally be free for citizens, as this promotes greater access to cultural and historical knowledge. This is essential for fostering a well-informed and culturally aware society.”

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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Should museums charge admission fees, or should they be free for citizens?

In my opinion, museums should ideally be free for citizens, as this promotes greater access to cultural and historical knowledge. This is essential for fostering a well-informed and culturally aware society.

Do you think making museums free could increase tourism within a country?

Yes, I do believe that making museums free could be a draw for tourists. Many travellers look for ways to immerse themselves in a country’s heritage, and free museum access could be a strong incentive.

How can the cost of visiting cultural sites affect tourism?

I think high entry fees may discourage some visitors, leading them to seek more affordable activities. When cultural sites are priced modestly, it makes it possible for tourists of all backgrounds to enjoy and learn about a place’s history, art and culture.

What kinds of museums do you most enjoy visiting?

I am most drawn to art museums and history museums. Art museums captivate me with their diverse collections that span centuries and continents, offering insight into various cultures and artistic movements. History museums, on the other hand, fascinate me with their focus on the evolution of life and ancient civilizations.

Would you ever like to work in a museum?

Yes, working in a museum is something I would definitely consider. Museums are treasure troves of knowledge, and the idea of contributing to the preservation of history and culture is very appealing. I also think I would enjoy helping visitors connect with the past in meaningful ways.

Do museums play an important role in society?

Absolutely. Museums play a vital role in society by preserving history and educating the public. They safeguard artifacts that might otherwise be lost to time. Museums also provide a shared space for learning and reflection.