Author Archives: Ryan

Lesson 83: A lesson you rememberšŸ‘Øā€šŸŽ“

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This week’s lesson looks at the topic of ‘education’ and specifically ‘a lesson your remember well’. This is a Part 2 lesson that uses the following cue card:

Talk about a lesson that you remember well. You should say
-when and where it was
-who taught you the lesson
-what you learned
-and explain why you remember the lesson well

Step 1: Listen to the full band 9 speech sample.

Step 2: Work through the sample exercise in this week’s IELTSCast episode.

Step 3: Complete the full shadowing exercise.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note all of the new language you came across this week.

Step 5: Complete your speech exercises with your Whatsapp instructor.

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Transcript

Talk about a lesson that you remember well. You should say
-when and where it was
-who taught you the lesson
-what you learned
-and explain why you remember the lesson well

As far as school is concerned, I canā€™t in all honesty say I remember many lessons. However, I do remember a lesson I had with my English tutor. The lesson I remember very well was one that I had fairly recently in order to prepare for my IELTS exam.

I was at my tutorā€™s home around four months ago and she began explaining writing Task 1 to me. I was extremely nervous about Task 1 because all my friends who had taken IELTS told me how tricky it was. Fortunately, my tutor explained it to me very methodically and demystified it for me. She showed me how to organise my ideas and what kind of language to use. She taught me how to group information appropriately, what to edit out and what to include, and how to communicate these areas in an appropriate tone. It initially felt like a great deal of information to synthesise but with some practice, it became a piece of cake.

I took the writing portion of the test earlier today and feel like I utilised every bit of information my tutor provided, so I believe this is a lesson that is not only memorable but will be a crucial component to my success in the exams.

Lesson 82: Leisure time and booksšŸ“š

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This week’s exercise looks at a Part 1 response.

Step 1: Listen to this week’s sample response.

Step 2: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode.

Step 3: Work through the full exercise.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note the new language you came across this week.

Step 5: Engage this week’s speech exercises with your Whatsapp instructor.

Chat on WhatsApp

Transcript

Do you live in a house or an apartment?

I live in a semi-detached house.

What makes your home special?

I think the garden is what makes it so inviting. It is lush and green, with beautiful flowers planted.

Do you keep things from your childhood?

I have more mementos than I should! I have stuffed animals, certain pieces of artwork and even some sports jerseys. I simply canā€™t bear to part with them! Letā€™s talk about lifestyle.

Do you think people should spend their free time at home or outside?

Given the amount of time most of us spend indoors for work I believe we should spend leisure time outside. Of course, someone who works outside would probably better appreciate time inside, perhaps reading, cooking or relaxing. It really depends on what a personā€™s lifestyle is but in our free time we should do what we miss at work.

Has technology changed the way people spend their leisure time?

Most certainly it has. You no longer need to leave your home to spend time with friends; you just do a video call with them. Even the way we meet people has changed. Most of my current circle of friends are people that I met online. Letā€™s talk about books.

What type of books do you read?

Well, I make every effort to read books written in English. I tend to prefer historical fiction books. I used to try to read classics but I find that language has changed so much in the past two hundred years or so that when I read something from that era, itā€™s like reading a different language! So, now I prefer more contemporary fiction.

Do you think you read more when you were younger compared to now?

I was a total bookworm when I was younger. My parents had to scold me to put the books away to go to bed. I think after my university studies, when the purpose of reading was necessity and not pleasure, I reduced the amount I read for leisure.

Have you ever watched a movie and then read the book it is based on?

Not that I am aware of. I usually do the opposite. I like a book, the movie is released and then I compare my take on the story to the directorā€™s. I usually prefer mine!

Lesson 81: Meeting people and social mediašŸ“±

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This week, you will train to speak about meeting people and social media.

Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

Step 2: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode.

Step 3: Engage the full exercise.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note the new language you encountered this week.

Step 5: Post your speaking samples to your Whatsapp group and wait for feedback.

Chat on WhatsApp

Transcript

Do people become friends because they have a similar personality?

While this can be true, I donā€™t believe this is always the case. I think there need to be some similarities like common interests or a similar sense of humour, but looking at my friends I would say that our personalities are actually quite different. There are other things that bond us: mutual understanding, shared experiences and the things I previously mentioned. However, on the whole I would not say our personalities are the same. 

How do people in your country behave to a new person when they meet for the first time?

Well, in my country, we generally try to make the new person feel at ease. We definitely try to make them feel welcomed and so we show an interest in him or her. If the meeting is at our home, then we go to great lengths to make the newcomer feel honoured. So, we repeatedly offer food and drinks and make sure the guest knows that we value their presence. 

How can we make people feel comfortable the first time we meet them?

In my experience, humour is the best way. People who use self-deprecating humour always seem to make others around them feel comfortable because it shows the other person they can relax and are free to be casual. When you show you can laugh at yourself you exhibit self-confidence while also breaking the ice with the people around you. 

How do people maintain social contact with coworkers or colleagues?

I think social media goes a long way toward fostering personal relationships. Many of us donā€™t know our colleaguesā€™ birthdays but apps like Facebook offer reminders so you can send someone wishes or even plan a mini celebration at work. Social media also lets you see who your co-workers are outside of work so you can see if you have similar interests or hobbies. This can be a starting point for a friendly relationship that extends beyond a simple acquaintance. 

Do you think it is a good idea for companies to give breaks to their employees?

I think that even if companies donā€™t give them employees will find a way to take them! Few people can work without interruption or break for eight hours or more. The mind needs to unwind, the body needs to move ā€“ or not move ā€“ but no work activity can or should be sustained for many hours without a short break. This leads to burnout and exhaustion, which leads to lowered productivityā€¦so short-sighted thinking can potentially have long-lasting results. That is why I think it is a tragic mistake to not allow employee breaks.

Lesson 80: A story someone told youšŸ¦‹

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This week, you will practise responding to the following Part 2 cue card:

Talk about a story someone told you that you remember well. Please say:
-what the story is about
-who told you the story
-when he/she told you the story
-and explain why you remember it so well

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version below) to become familiar with the speech sample. This episode will also push you to practise saying a few sentences from the model.

Step 2: If at any time you’d like to hear the original sample without pauses, you can listen to it here.

Step 3: Work through this week’s full exercise.

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.

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!šŸ“²

“This story was told to me several years ago. It is nothing short of incredible, and Iā€™d have a hard time believing it had actually happened if it werenā€™t my brother who told me.”
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Transcript

Talk about a story someone told you that you remember well. Please say:
-what the story is about
-who told you the story
-when he/she told you the story
-and explain why you remember it so well

“This story was told to me several years ago. It is nothing short of incredible, and Iā€™d have a hard time believing it had actually happened if it werenā€™t my brother who told me.

My brother had planned to propose to his girlfriend of several years, and he put the engagement ring in his pocket hoping to surprise her when they met later that day. His girlfriend worked at the public transit depot in our city, so my brotherā€™s plan was to take the bus to her office and walk with her to a park nearby where they could picnic and he could ask her to marry him.

Unfortunately, when he went to put his coins into the busā€™s fare repository, he accidentally dropped the engagement ring in too! He realised it a minute later and told the driver who radioed to have someone ready at the terminal station to open the repository and retrieve the ring.

When the bus pulled into the transit depot, my brotherā€™s girlfriend was standing there. The ring was quickly retrieved and my brother proposed to her right there on the spot!

My brother and his wife remain happily married to this day, so as you can imagine this story is a cherished family memory that gets told a lot.”

Lesson 79: Your workplace layout, your routine and dreamsšŸ“…

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This week examines several common Part 1 topics, including your workplace and your routine. The discussion evolves to also include the topic of ‘dreams’.

Step 1: Listen to this week’s lesson.

Part 1 Questions
Do you work or study?
How would you describe the layout of your workplace?
What do you do every day after you get up?
Do you normally go to bed early?
Is your daily routine going to change in the future?
Do you usually remember your dreams after you get up?
šŸ§‘ā€šŸŽ“Target language:

double (verb)
Something that is used in or play another thing.
“The CEO works alone from the room that doubles as our companyā€™s main meeting room.”

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.

Step 4: Below is Mondayā€™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.

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!šŸ—£ļøšŸ“²
“My workplace is made up of several large office rooms with three or four workers in each room. Everyone has a desk and each office usually has a small table with an electric kettle for coffee and tea.”
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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.šŸ“

Transcript

Do you work or study?

I work in software development at a large organisation in this city.

How would you describe the layout of your workplace?

My workplace is made up of several large office rooms with three or four workers in each room. Everyone has a desk and each office usually has a small table with an electric kettle for coffee and tea. Weā€™re a small organisation, so the CEO works alone from the room that doubles as our companyā€™s main meeting room. It has a large table and a whiteboard.

What do you do every day after you get up?

The first thing I do is make a thermos of coffee while checking news headlines on my phone. Then I shower and get ready for work. I donā€™t usually eat breakfast at home because there is a small and inexpensive cafe next to our building.

Do you normally go to bed early?

Yes, Iā€™m almost always in bed by shortly after 9. I have a bad habit of watching media on my phone before bed, which Iā€™ve read can disturb sleep patterns, but Iā€™m nevertheless completely dead to the world by about 10 oā€™clock.

Is your daily routine going to change in the future?

No, barring some unforeseen change to my employment, I donā€™t think it will.

Do you usually remember your dreams after you get up?

No I donā€™t, and I donā€™t particularly want to remember them. I find switching from one reality to another disorienting. In fact, I canā€™t remember the last time I had a dream I could recall!

Lesson 78: The value of things šŸ’Ž

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This week, you will train to speak about ‘the value of something’ and ‘a person’s values’.

Step 1: Watch this week’s lesson.

Part 3 Questions
Would you recommend this item or service to others?
Do people value free things less than items that are purchased?
Is there anything more valuable than money?
Do you think money can change a personā€™s values?
šŸ§‘ā€šŸŽ“Target language:

flipsideĀ (noun)
Another version of something

ā€œOn the flipside, when you have money you will spend it to save time.ā€

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

Step 3:Ā Engage this weekā€™s full speech shadowing lesson.

Step 4:Ā Below is Mondayā€™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.

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!šŸ—£ļøšŸ“²

ā€œThey did a fine job on the car, so yes, I would recommend it. Those of us who live in the city donā€™t typically have the space to wash our cars ourselves, so we must get this done professionally.”
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Step 5:Ā Itā€™s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this weekā€™s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.šŸ“

Transcript

(Note: In Part 2 of this exam, the candidate speaks about a free car wash they received.)

Would you recommend this item or service to others?

They did a fine job on the car, so yes, I would recommend it. Those of us who live in the city donā€™t typically have the space to wash our cars ourselves, so we must get this done professionally.

Do people value free things less than items that are purchased?

Typically yes. Usually free items are something of a gimmick, a way to pull you in to earn your loyalty and convince you to buy more. They are very rarely of high value ā€“ if they were you would have to pay for them! People know that it is part of a ploy and donā€™t always appreciate the free item.

Is there anything more valuable than money?

Absolutely. Obviously things like health, family and loved ones are more valuable but I would also say time is more valuable. This is particularly true for people who happen to have a lot of money. They are happy to spend more for something if it means it will save them time.

Do you think money can change a personā€™s values?

I think the example I just shared is a good illustration of how money can change a personā€™s values. When you donā€™t have money, you will spend time to save money. On the flipside, when you have money you will spend it to save time. Having money ā€“ or not ā€“ will change what you place a premium on.

Lesson 77: A free item or servicešŸ‘

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This week, you will train to talk about a free item or service you received.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below):

Part 2 Cue Card

Talk about a free item or service you received. Please say
-what item or service it was
-why it was free
-what you did to receive it
-and explain how you felt about receiving this item or service
šŸ§‘ā€šŸŽ“Target language:

strapped (adjective)
Short of money

“I was strapped for cash.”

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.

Step 4: Below is Mondayā€™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.

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!šŸ—£ļøšŸ“²

“Some time ago, I was driving my car and had to stop for gas. I remember being very anxious as it was in the middle of my exam period, so I was studying and on top of that I had just paid for some expensive repairs on my car, so I was strapped for cash.”
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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.šŸ“

Transcript

Talk about a free item or service you received. Please say
-what item or service it was
-why it was free
-what you did to receive it
-and explain how you felt about receiving this item or service

Some time ago, I was driving my car and had to stop for gas. I remember being very anxious as it was in the middle of my exam period, so I was studying and on top of that I had just paid for some expensive repairs on my car, so I was strapped for cash. Although the tank was nearly empty, I asked the attendant to put 10 pounds worth of fuel in my car. He started the pump and walked away.

A minute or two later, I looked at the pump and saw that it read 40 pounds and was still going! I flagged down the attendant and reminded him that I had only asked for 10 pounds of fuel and now I had to pay nearly 50! He apologised profusely but said since I had been given the petrol I had to pay for it.

Well, I take it the attendant could see from my face that I was in a tight position and pretty upset about the whole ordeal. He offered to pay for the difference out of his salary but I couldnā€™t in good conscience ask him to do that. Thatā€™s when he offered me three free car washes and a waxing instead. It wasnā€™t an ideal situation as I still had to pay for the fuel and essentially I was getting something I didnā€™t truly need but I accepted the offer. 

It all worked out in the end because my car received some much needed care. I, of course, used the petrol and the attendant was satisfied that he didnā€™t have to pay for the fuel himself. 

Lesson 76: PhotosšŸ–¼ļø

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This week’s lesson examines a Part 1 response that asks the candidate about their studies and the topic of ‘photos’.

Step 1: Tune in to this weekā€™s podcast episode (audio and video version available below):

Part 1 Questions
Do you work or study?
Do you enjoy studying this?
How will your studies help you in the future?
Letā€™s talk about photos. Do you enjoy taking photos?
Do you like to take photos of yourself?
Would you consider getting a professional photo taken of yourself?
Do you have a special family photo?
šŸ§‘ā€šŸŽ“Target language:

At the risk of sounding (adjective), …
-awareness that saying something may cause a certain perception

ā€œAt the risk of sounding narcissistic, yes, I do enjoy taking my own photo.ā€

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

Step 3: Engage this week’s full ‘repeat after me’ exercise.

Step 4:Ā Below is Mondayā€™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.

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!šŸ—£ļøšŸ“²

“Yes, it has been my dream since childhood to study psychology. The different theories that attempt to explain human behaviour never cease to amaze me.”
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Step 5:Ā Itā€™s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this weekā€™s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.šŸ“

Transcript

Do you work or study?

I study psychology at the university here.

Do you enjoy studying this?

Yes, it has been my dream since childhood to study psychology. The different theories that attempt to explain human behaviour never cease to amaze me.

How will your studies help you in the future?

I hope to attend a graduate programme to get a specialisation in family and child psychology, so my undergraduate degree is a necessary first step.

Letā€™s talk about photos. Do you enjoy taking photos?

Photography is one of my hobbies, so yes, I can often be found with my camera taking pictures of beautiful scenery.

Do you like to take photos of yourself?

At the risk of sounding narcissistic, yes, I do enjoy taking my own photo. Essentially though, itā€™s because I am never happy with the photos others take of me. So, if I donā€™t take a decent photo of myself once in a while, none would exist.

Would you consider getting a professional photo taken of yourself?

I was somewhat forced to do this last year. My brother and his wife arranged for a series of family portraits for my parentsā€™ wedding anniversary. It was a lovely, albeit awkward, experience.

Do you have a special family photo?

Interestingly, even though a professional took our photos, I donā€™t consider these ā€œspecial.ā€ For me, I consider a photograph from my brotherā€™s graduation special. The whole family is there, even my grandmother who is no longer with us. We are happy and just beaming with pride.

Thank you.

Lesson 75: Spontaneity and unexpected situationsšŸ§©

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This week’s lesson examines Part 3 questions that ask the candidate to talk about spontaneous situations.

Part 1: Tune in to this weekā€™s podcast episode (audio and video version available below):

Do you like surprises?
Do you think doing things spontaneously is a good idea?
How do unexpected situations make people feel?
Why do some people feel stressed when things donā€™t go as planned?
šŸ§‘ā€šŸŽ“Target language:

on a whimĀ (phrase)
-Something done without careful planning

ā€œA house or car purchased on a whim can spell financial disaster.ā€

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

Step 3:Ā Engage this weekā€™s full speech shadowing lesson.

Step 4:Ā Below is Mondayā€™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.

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!šŸ—£ļøšŸ“²

“If they are pleasant surprises, yes, of course I enjoy a good surprise.”
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Step 5:Ā Itā€™s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this weekā€™s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.šŸ“

Transcript

Do you like surprises?

If they are pleasant surprises, yes, of course I enjoy a good surprise. 

Do you think doing things spontaneously is a good idea?

It depends on what the things are. A trip taken spontaneously can be wonderfully adventurous and rejuvenating. However, a house or car purchased on a whim can spell financial disaster. So spontaneity can be a great way to bring some excitement to a personā€™s life but it has to be done in moderation.  

How do unexpected situations make people feel?

Generally, I think people are uncomfortable with the unknown. We say that we like excitement and novelty, but in reality we are creatures of habit and are uncomfortable in unfamiliar circumstances. People get anxious and if this feeling is prolonged or happens repeatedly, their well-being suffers. 

Why do some people feel stressed when things donā€™t go as planned?

People like a sense of control. Or rather, I should say they like theĀ illusionĀ of control. They like to feel like they are masters of their own destiny ā€“ although if you ask me, this is ridiculous. I think people get stressed because they are insecure about their ability to handle something unexpected, and itā€™s a little childish quite frankly.

Thank you.

Lesson 74: Something that surprised youšŸ˜²

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This week you will train to speak about a situation that surprised you.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below):

Describe something that surprised you. You should say
-what it was
-how you found out about it
-what you did
-and explain how it made you feel
šŸ§‘ā€šŸŽ“Target language:

vast (adjective)
-of great extent

“My tutor had seen vast improvement in my listening”

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.

Step 4: Below is Mondayā€™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.

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!šŸ—£ļøšŸ“²

“Well, unfortunately, I am about to describe an event that surprised me in a negative way and it is a little embarrassing but here goes. What surprised me recently was the result of my last IELTS exam when I got 6.5 in listening!”
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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.šŸ“

Transcript

Describe something that surprised you. You should say
-what it was
-how you found out about it
-what you did
-and explain how it made you feel

Well, unfortunately, I am about to describe an event that surprised me in a negative way and it is a little embarrassing but here goes. What surprised me recently was the result of my last IELTS exam when I got 6.5 in listening!

I had been preparing for IELTS for several months with a tutor and had completed at least 10 listening tests, so I felt very well prepared. My tutor had seen vast improvement in my listening and gave me glowing words of praise so my confidence was soaring. Even after I left the exam, I was certain I had achieved my required score.

Several days later, the notification that my results were available arrived. When I logged on to see the score, I was aghast. I told no one ā€“ I simply left the office and went for a walk. I donā€™t even remember where I went! I called my tutor and let her know what had happened. I believe she tried to console me but to no avail.

Shortly afterwards, when I had calmed down, I realised where I had gone wrong in my exam and now I am certain I wonā€™t repeat the same mistake again.

Thank you.