Author Archives: Ryan

Lesson 163: Neighbours🏘️

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This week, you will train to answer Part 1 questions about the topic of ‘neighbours’. As always, this sample response was scripted by an active IELTS examiner.

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

Part 1 questions

Where are you from?
Do you live in a big city or a small town?
Do you live in a quiet or busy area?
Let’s talk about neighbours. Do you have any neighbours?
Do you know your neighbours well?
How long have you been neighbours with these people?
Do you consider yourself a good neighbour?
🧑‍🎓Target language:

metropolis
-a very large and densely populated city

“It’s a bustling metropolis known for its advanced technology, rich culture and vibrant lifestyle.”

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!🗣️📲

“I live in a relatively busy area of Tokyo. It’s a commercial district with a lot of shops, restaurants and offices, which means there’s always a lot of activity and movement throughout the day.”
Chat on WhatsApp

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 are you from?

I am originally from Tokyo, Japan. It’s a bustling metropolis known for its advanced technology, rich culture and vibrant lifestyle.

Do you live in a big city or a small town?

I currently live in a big city. Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of over 13 million people.

Do you live in a quiet or busy area?

I live in a relatively busy area of Tokyo. It’s a commercial district with a lot of shops, restaurants and offices, which means there’s always a lot of activity and movement throughout the day.

Let’s talk about neighbours. Do you have any neighbours?

Yes, I do have neighbours. Living in an apartment building means that I’m surrounded by several other residents on the same floor and throughout the building.

Do you know your neighbours well?

I wouldn’t say I know them very well, but we are on friendly terms. We exchange greetings regularly and occasionally have brief conversations when we meet in the common areas or elevator.

How long have you been neighbours with these people?

I’ve been living in my current apartment for about three years now, so I’ve been neighbours with most of these people for the same duration.

Do you consider yourself a good neighbour?

Yes, I believe I am a good neighbour. I make sure to be considerate of others by keeping noise levels down, maintaining a tidy living space, and being polite and respectful in my interactions. I think these small actions contribute to a positive living environment for everyone.

Thank you.

Lesson 162: Healthy routines🧘

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This week, you will train to speak about one of the most common topics in IELTS Speaking: routines! This sample was scripted by a practicing examiner and it uses real questions that were reportedly seen this year (2024) on a real IELTS exam.

Part 3 questions

How can a good morning routine influence the rest of the day?
What are some common components of a healthy morning routine?
How can a healthy routine contribute to better mental health?
How have electronic devices impacted people’s mental health?
Why is it difficult for some people to establish healthy routines?
🧑‍🎓Target language:

mixed bag
-something that is both positive and negative

“I would say the impact of electronic devices is a mixed bag.”

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

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!🗣️📲

“I think a good morning routine sets a positive tone for the day. When an individual begins the day with healthy activities, it enhances productivity, reduces stress and improves a person’s overall mood. For example, engaging in activities such as exercise and meditation, and being sure to also eat a nutritious breakfast, can boost energy levels and mental clarity. When you feel great and are thinking clearly, the rest of your day is much more likely to be successful.”
Chat on WhatsApp

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

We’ve been talking about routines and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. How can a good morning routine influence the rest of the day?

I think a good morning routine sets a positive tone for the day. When an individual begins the day with healthy activities, it enhances productivity, reduces stress and improves a person’s overall mood. For example, engaging in activities such as exercise and meditation, and being sure to also eat a nutritious breakfast, can boost energy levels and mental clarity. When you feel great and are thinking clearly, the rest of your day is much more likely to be successful.

What are some common components of a healthy morning routine?

Well, I already mentioned exercise, meditation and eating a healthy breakfast, but I feel the need to highlight these three items again as they are so critical to starting the day in a healthy way. Other components of a healthy morning routine might include planning the day’s tasks, reading or journaling. Doing these things can stimulate the mind and set clear goals for the day. I feel hydration and personal hygiene are also essential to kickstart the day on a positive note.

How can a healthy routine contribute to better mental health?

I believe it contributes to better mental health by providing a sense of structure. When you know exactly what you are going to do after you wake up, you have a sense of control and I think this reduces anxiousness and helps stabilise emotions. Also, regular physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Consistent sleep patterns are crucial for cognitive function and emotional regulation, too. I’d say these are the main ways a healthy routine contributes to better mental health.

How have electronic devices impacted people’s mental health?

Electronic devices have had a profound impact on people’s mental health, both positively and negatively. On the positive side, devices provide access to information, social connections, and mental health resources, which can be supportive. However, excessive use of electronic devices, particularly social media, has been linked to increased feelings of anxiety, depression and loneliness. This often leads to stress and disrupted sleep patterns. So I guess I would say the impact of electronic devices is a mixed bag.

Why is it difficult for some people to establish healthy routines?

One primary obstacle is the lack of motivation or willpower. It’s hard to establish a healthy routine if you don’t really want one. Additionally, busy lifestyles and demanding schedules can make it difficult to allocate time for new habits. Existing unhealthy habits, such as poor sleep patterns or a sedentary lifestyle, can also be hard to break.

Thank you. This marks the end of the IELTS Speaking exam.

Lesson 161: A time when you woke up early👀

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This week, we will examine a band 9 response to this Part 2 cue card:

Describe a time when you had to wake up early. You should say
-what time you woke up
-why you woke up at this time
-what you did after waking up
and explain how you felt about getting up at this time

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

🧑‍🎓Target language:

grogginess (noun)
-feeling confused due to tiredness

“However, my anticipation of the interview quickly overshadowed any grogginess I felt.”

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!🗣️📲

“I’m going to talk about a time when I had to wake up early for an important job interview I had last year. I set my alarm for 5:00 AM, which is significantly earlier than my usual wake-up time.”
Chat on WhatsApp

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 time when you had to wake up early. You should say
-what time you woke up
-why you woke up at this time
-what you did after waking up
and explain how you felt about getting up at this time

I’m going to talk about a time when I had to wake up early for an important job interview I had last year. I set my alarm for 5:00 AM, which is significantly earlier than my usual wake-up time.

The reason I had to wake up so early was that the interview was scheduled for 8:30 AM in a different city. It was about a two-hour drive from my home. I wanted to make sure I had ample time to get ready, review my notes, and account for any potential traffic delays.

After getting out of bed, I immediately started my morning routine. I took a quick shower to help wake myself up fully and then prepared a light breakfast. As I ate, I started to review my resume and the company’s profile one last time to ensure I was well-prepared for any questions they might throw my way. Around 6:00 AM, I left my house and began the drive to the interview location.

Regarding how I felt about waking up at this unusually early hour, I would say it was a mix of excitement and a bit of nervousness. Initially, the early wake-up call was a bit of a shock to my system, as I am not typically a morning person. However, my anticipation of the interview quickly overshadowed any grogginess I felt. By the time I was on the road, the crisp morning air and the peaceful drive helped me to feel more awake and focused. I arrived to the interview with time to spare, and this gave me a sense of accomplishment for having managed my time so effectively.

Although waking up at 5:00 AM was challenging, it was necessary for the important occasion and led to a successful interview.

Thank you.

Lesson 160: Chocolate and staying up late🍫

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In this lesson, you will practise speaking about the topics of (1) chocolate and (2) staying up late. This lesson uses a sample band 9 demonstration for Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking exam.

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

Part 1 Questions

Where are you from?
Do you work or study?
Let’s talk about chocolate. Do you like eating chocolate?
When do you eat chocolate?
Let’s talk about routines. Do you stay up late at night?
Why do you stay up late?
How do you feel in the morning after staying up late?
Has staying up late affected your productivity?
🧑‍🎓Target language:

kickstart(verb)
-get something started

“I often need a strong cup of coffee to kickstart my day.”

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!🗣️📲

“I’m from the city of Mumbai. It’s located on the western coast of India and is known as a major financial hub in Asia.”
Chat on WhatsApp

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 are you from?

I’m from the city of Mumbai. It’s located on the western coast of India and is known as a major financial hub in Asia.

Do you work or study?

I currently work as a software engineer. I mostly do front end development to help enhance the user experience.

Let’s talk about chocolate. Do you like eating chocolate?

Yes, I absolutely love chocolate. It’s one of my favourite treats.

When do you eat chocolate?

I wouldn’t say I eat it a lot, but when I do have it it’s usually in the evening as a dessert. Sometimes, I might have a small piece in the afternoon as a quick energy boost, too.

Let’s talk about routines. Do you stay up late at night?

Yes, I often stay up late at night, especially on weekdays.

Why do you stay up late?

My work sometimes requires me to collaborate with international teams in different time zones, so this is almost always why I need to stay up late. When we have important deadlines to hit, I might not get to bed until as late as 3 am!

How do you feel in the morning after staying up late?

In the morning, I usually feel quite tired and sluggish if I’ve stayed up late. It takes me a bit longer to get started and feel fully alert. I often need a strong cup of coffee to kickstart my day.

Has staying up late affected your productivity?

Yes, staying up late has definitely affected my productivity. While I can accomplish a lot at night, it often leads to a lack of sleep, which in turn affects my concentration and efficiency the next day. Because of the international nature of my job, I unfortunately don’t really have the option for better work-life balance at the moment.

Lesson 159: How is success defined in your culture?🏆

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In this lesson, you will practise speaking about success and how it is defined in your culture. This lesson uses a sample band 9 demonstration for Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking exam.

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

Part 3 Questions

On what occasions do people congratulate someone in your culture?
How do people offer congratulations in your culture?
Is success important in your culture?
How do people achieve success in their lives?
What factors contribute to a person’s success?
Do people need motivation to succeed in their work?
🧑‍🎓Target language:

perseverance (adjective)
-persistence in doing something despite difficulty

“People achieve success through education and perseverance.”

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 culture, people offer congratulations for anything that’s a significant life milestone. So for example, academic events like graduation, professional achievements such as a promotion, and personal events such as a wedding would all be causes for celebration.”
Chat on WhatsApp

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

On what occasions do people congratulate someone in your culture?
In my culture, people offer congratulations for anything that’s a significant life milestone. So for example, academic events like graduation, professional achievements such as a promotion, and personal events such as a wedding would all be causes for celebration.

How do people offer congratulations in your culture?
People offer congratulations verbally, through written messages like cards, and by giving flowers. Public acknowledgments during gatherings or on social media are also common. The method often depends on the occasion and the relationship between individuals.

Is success important in your culture?
Yes, success is highly valued as it reflects hard work and dedication. It brings honour to individuals and their families, motivating others to strive for excellence. Achievements in education, career, and personal life are particularly celebrated in my culture.

How do people achieve success in their lives?
People achieve success through education and perseverance. Continuous learning is particularly important, along with building strong relationships. I think adaptability when facing challenges is also crucial.

What factors contribute to a person’s success?
I would say education and determination are key factors. Opportunities for growth and access to resources significantly influence success, too. There’s a saying in my culture that goes “you can only be as successful as your environment will allow,” which I think is very true.

Do people need motivation to succeed in their work?
Yes, motivation is essential for achieving success because it drives individuals to work towards a goal. One of the most motivating workplaces I ever worked was at a company that provided a very positive work environment and an achievable performance bonus. In such a motivating environment, workers always successfully completed their tasks.

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

Lesson 158: A situation when people congratulated you🥳

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This week, you will train to speak about a situation when you were congratulated by others. This lesson uses a Part 2 cue card that was recently seen in a real IELTS Speaking exam.

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

Describe a situation when people congratulated you. You should say:
-what you did
-when it was
-how they congratulated you
and explain how you felt about it
🧑‍🎓Target language:

comprehensive (adjective)
-includes all components

“The project involved developing a comprehensive marketing strategy.”

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!🗣️📲

“I’d like to talk about a situation when people congratulated me. This occurred last year when I successfully completed a challenging project at work.

The project involved developing a comprehensive marketing strategy for a new product our company was launching. It was a significant undertaking as it required not only a deep understanding of the market but also innovative thinking to differentiate our product from the competition.”
Chat on WhatsApp

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 situation when people congratulated you. You should say:
-what you did
-when it was
-how they congratulated you
and explain how you felt about it

I’d like to talk about a situation when people congratulated me. This occurred last year when I successfully completed a challenging project at work.

The project involved developing a comprehensive marketing strategy for a new product our company was launching. It was a significant undertaking as it required not only a deep understanding of the market but also innovative thinking to differentiate our product from the competition. I worked tirelessly for three months. I conducted extensive market research and coordinated with various departments. The end result was a marketing campaign that was highly profitable for the company.

The moment of recognition came during our annual company meeting last December. The CEO, in front of the entire company, highlighted the success of the project and praised my efforts specifically. He then invited me to the stage to receive a certificate of excellence.

The congratulatory gestures didn’t stop there. My colleagues gave me a standing ovation, and many came up to me personally after the meeting to shake my hand and offer their heartfelt congratulations.

It felt great to be recognised, and I also felt an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. The experience not only boosted my confidence but also motivated me to continue striving for excellence in my work. Having my peers congratulate me in this way reinforced my belief in the importance of dedication and hard work.

Thank you.

Lesson 157: Talking about computers🖥️

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Let’s start this week by congratulating Dinh Dung! They achieved band 8 in IELTS Speaking using the resources on this website!

On a recent IELTS Speaking exam, the candidate was asked in Part 1 about computers, namely how and when they use them. This week, you will practise speaking about this topic.

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

Part 1 Questions

Where are you from?
What do you do?
Did you have to do any special courses to get this job?
Did you aim for this job?
Do you use a computer in your daily work?
How did you learn to use a computer?
How often do you use a computer outside of work?
What kind of tasks do you perform on the computer?
🧑‍🎓Target language:

indispensable (adjective)
-something critically important

“Computers are an indispensable tool for data analysis and creating reports.”

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!🗣️📲

“I work as a data analyst for a multinational corporation. My job primarily involves collecting, processing and analysing large sets of data to help the company make informed business decisions. I also create comprehensive reports and visualisations to present my findings to various stakeholders.”
Chat on WhatsApp

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 are you from?
I am originally from Melbourne. It’s a city located in the southeastern part of Australia.

What do you do?
I work as a data analyst for a multinational corporation. My job primarily involves collecting, processing and analysing large sets of data to help the company make informed business decisions. I also create comprehensive reports and visualisations to present my findings to various stakeholders.

Did you have to do any special courses to get this job?
Yes, I did. I pursued a bachelor’s degree in computer science and then after that I did a master’s degree in data science. Additionally, I have completed several professional certifications in data analysis tools that are critical to my job, such as Tableau and Power BI.

Did you aim for this job?
Yes. From a young age, I was fascinated by technology and data. During my university years, I realised the potential of data science in solving real-world problems and decided to pursue it as a career. My education and internships further solidified my interest and helped me target this specific job.

Do you use a computer in your daily work?
Yes. Computers are an indispensable tool for data analysis and creating reports. My entire workflow, from data collection to visualisation, relies heavily on various software applications, all of which I run through my computer.

How did you learn to use a computer?
I started learning to use a computer during my early school years. Over time, I gained more advanced skills through formal education, self-study and hands-on practice. University courses and online tutorials played a significant role in enhancing my proficiency too, particularly in specialised software use.

How often do you use a computer outside of work?
I use a computer quite frequently outside of work as well. It serves multiple purposes, such as staying connected with friends and family and furthering my personal learning through online courses.

What kind of tasks do you perform on the computer?
Outside of work, I perform a variety of tasks on the computer. These include browsing the internet and engaging in hobbies such as digital photography and gaming. I also consume a lot of international news through my computer.

Thank you.

Lesson 156: Appliances and people⏲

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This week’s lesson continues the conversation that began with last week’s cue card. The topic of this Part 3 sample is ‘appliances and people’. Note how the candidate’s responses are longer and more developed in this section of the exam.

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

Part 3 Questions

Can you name another home appliance that people commonly use?
Do you think people nowadays accumulate unnecessary appliances in their homes?
Do most people in your country prefer to shop for household appliances in markets or shopping malls?
Are higher priced appliances always better quality than lower priced ones?
How do you judge the quality of a household appliance?
How long do you expect an appliance to last after you buy it?
🧑‍🎓Target language:

staple(noun)
-a central part of something

“Another home appliance that people commonly use is the microwave oven. It has become a staple in most kitchens due to its convenience and its ability to save a person time.”

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!🗣️📲

“Another home appliance that people commonly use is the microwave oven. It has become a staple in most kitchens due to its convenience and its ability to save a person time. For example, it can quickly heat up food, defrost frozen items, and even cook simple meals.”
Chat on WhatsApp

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

We’ve been talking about home appliances, and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. Can you name another home appliance that people commonly use?

Another home appliance that people commonly use is the microwave oven. It has become a staple in most kitchens due to its convenience and its ability to save a person time. For example, it can quickly heat up food, defrost frozen items, and even cook simple meals.

Do you think people nowadays accumulate unnecessary appliances in their homes?

Yes, and I think this trend is primarily driven by aggressive marketing tactics that make people believe buying the latest technology will simplify their life. It also doesn’t help that it is so easy to buy things online nowadays. However, in reality, many of these gadgets end up being used infrequently, if at all, and this results in cluttered living spaces and wasted resources.

Do most people in your country prefer to shop for household appliances in markets or shopping malls?

In my country, the preference for shopping locations varies, but a significant number of people tend to favour shopping malls over traditional markets when buying household appliances. Shopping malls offer a wider selection of products and the convenience of modern facilities. Malls also offer the assurance of purchasing from reputable retailers. Plus they typically offer after-sales services. This level of assurance isn’t commonly found in traditional markets.

Are higher priced appliances always better quality than lower priced ones?

Not necessarily. While higher priced appliances often come with advanced features, they do not always deliver superior quality or performance. For example, several years ago I purchased my microwave from Carrefour, which is a budget superstore in my area. This microwave was not expensive, yet it remains highly reliable and functions just as well as pricier options. To my mind, it’s essential to look at online user reviews before you purchase. Doing this will help you judge whether a more expensive option is really worth it.

How do you judge the quality of a household appliance?

Judging the quality of a household appliance involves several factors. Firstly, as I mentioned, I want to know what others think, so I base a lot of my opinion on online reviews. Customer feedback can provide valuable insights into the durability and performance of the appliance. Secondly, I check whether the appliance’s specifications and features meet my specific needs. Lastly, I look at the warranty and the availability of after-sales service, as I want to have options should the appliance break after I buy it.

How long do you expect an appliance to last after you buy it?

The expected lifespan of an appliance can vary greatly. Generally, I would expect a well-made household appliance to last at least five years. Major appliances like refrigerators and washing machines should ideally last closer to a decade, if not longer. On the other hand, smaller or more technologically complex appliances might have a shorter lifespan. I wouldn’t expect to get more than about five years out of a blender, for example.

Thank you.

Lesson 155: An appliance you use daily🔌

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This week, you will train to speak about an appliance that you use every day in your home. This could be a washing machine, microwave, food processor or some other electric machine you use to carry out a household task. In the model, the candidate chooses to speak about a coffee maker.

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

Part 2 Cue Card

Talk about an appliance that is used daily in your home. You should say
-when you bought it
-who in your home uses this appliance the most
-how this appliance is useful to you
and give some advice about this type of appliance
🧑‍🎓Target language:

frequenting (verb)
-visiting often

“Its convenience saves us considerable time and money compared to frequenting coffee shops.”

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!🗣️📲

“I’m going to talk about an appliance my family and I use every day in our home, and that’s our trusty coffee maker. We got it approximately two years ago when we moved into our current residence.”
Chat on WhatsApp

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

Talk about an appliance that is used daily in your home. You should say
-when you bought it
-who in your home uses this appliance the most
-how this appliance is useful to you
and give some advice about this type of appliance

I’m going to talk about an appliance my family and I use every day in our home, and that’s our trusty coffee maker. We got it approximately two years ago when we moved into our current residence.

I live with my parents and out of all of us, I would say that I’m the primary user of this appliance. As an avid coffee drinker, I rely on it to kickstart my mornings and keep me energised throughout the day. My mother and father do use it from time to time, but they definitely don’t use it as much as I do.

Our coffee maker is useful because it greatly simplifies the process of making coffee. Before we got this appliance, I would have to manually boil the water and strain the coffee into a cup. With the coffee maker, all I have to do is add water, a paper filter and some coffee grinds and the coffee maker does the rest in about 10 minutes. Its convenience saves us considerable time and money compared to frequenting coffee shops.

For those considering purchasing a coffee maker, I would offer a few pieces of advice. Firstly, invest in a model that aligns with your preferences and lifestyle, whether it’s a basic drip machine or a more sophisticated espresso maker. Secondly, prioritise quality over price. Buying a durable coffee maker will save you from having to replace a cheap one every few years. And lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance.

I have to say that our coffee maker is no longer just a household appliance. It’s a valuable tool that has enhanced our daily lives in more ways than one.

Lesson 154: Transportation🚇

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This week’s lesson examines the topic of ‘transportation’. These questions were taken from a recent IELTS exam and –as always– the suggested responses were written by a former IELTS Speaking exam at the band 9 level.

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

Part 1 Questions

Do you work or study?
Where are you from?
What type of job do you have?
Is it easy to find a job in your hometown?
Let’s talk about transportation. What type of transportation did you use to get to your test centre today?
Do you usually use this form of transportation?
Are there any forms of transportation you prefer not to use?
🧑‍🎓Target language:

on the spot
-without any delay

“They gave me the job on the spot!”

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!🗣️📲

“I actually do both at the moment. I study business administration and am currently working at a small cafe near my apartment.”
Chat on WhatsApp

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

Do you work or study?

I actually do both at the moment. I study business administration and am currently working at a small cafe near my apartment.

Where are you from?

I’m from this city, London. I’m very much a proud Londoner, and to me London is a place that will always feel like home.

What type of job do you have?

My job is not very exciting. I wash dishes in the cafe I was mentioning. It’s really just a job to help fund my schooling.

Is it easy to find a job in your hometown?

I think it depends on what you’re looking for. Securing employment in London can be competitive in specialised fields, but other industries are desperately in need of workers. For example, I got my job at the cafe just by asking whether they were hiring. They gave me the job on the spot! So I think the time and effort required to find a job really is relevant to the type of work a person is pursuing.

Let’s talk about transportation. What type of transportation did you use to get to your test centre today?

Today, I used the subway to reach this test center. In London, we lovingly call it ‘The Tube’ and its known for its punctuality, cleanliness and extensive coverage of the city.

Do you usually use this form of transportation?

Yes, I frequently rely on the Tube for my daily commute. Its reliability and efficiency make it my preferred mode of transportation for navigating the city’s busy streets and reaching my destination in a timely manner.

Are there any forms of transportation you prefer not to use?

While I appreciate the convenience of most transportation options available in London, there are certain forms I tend to avoid, such as buses. During peak hours, the buses in London are way too crowded for comfort. I’m also not a fan of taxis. I just find them overpriced and not much faster than other transportation types. Those would be the two I’d most prefer not to use.

Thank you.