Author Archives: Ryan

Lesson 176: How to talk about your childhood🧒

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Non-stop shadowing lessons!

This week, we’re looking at a new exam. In this exam, the examiner asks you to talk about your childhood.

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

This week’s Part 1 questions:
Where are you from?
Do you work or study?
Do you enjoy studying this?
Let’s talk about childhood. Did you have a happy childhood?
What kind of things did you enjoy doing as a child?
Did you have any childhood dreams about your future career?
Did you help your parents with any kind of work when you were a child?
Are there any skills you learned as a child that are helpful to you today?

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!🗣️📲
Where are you from?
I’m from Romania, a country known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes.
Do you work or study?
At the moment, I’m studying data science. It’s a field that combines statistics, programming and analytical thinking to solve complex problems.
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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 are you from?

I’m from Romania, a country known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes.

Do you work or study?

At the moment, I’m studying data science. It’s a field that combines statistics, programming and analytical thinking to solve complex problems.

Do you enjoy studying this?

Yes, I really enjoy studying data science. It allows me to work on real-world problems by analysing data patterns. I use these patterns to support decision making, and I find this really rewarding.

Let’s talk about childhood. Did you have a happy childhood?

Yes, I had a very happy childhood. I was fortunate to grow up in a supportive family. I have many fond memories of exploring forests and hills with my friends and family.

What kind of things did you enjoy doing as a child?

As a child, I loved exploring the outdoors. I also enjoyed reading, playing board games and working on little projects or hobbies with my friends.

Did you have any childhood dreams about your future career?

Yes, I did. At one point, I wanted to be an engineer because I enjoyed building things and solving problems. Later on, I became fascinated by computers and technology, which naturally led me to the field of data science.

Did you help your parents with any kind of work when you were a child?

I often helped around the house with chores. Because I was only a child, I did simple jobs like cleaning and helping my parents with tasks in the garden. We also had a pet dog that I was responsible for feeding and walking.

Are there any skills you learned as a child that are helpful to you today?

Definitely. Problem-solving was something that I started practising as a child through activities like puzzles and strategy games, and it’s a skill that is invaluable in data science. Also, the discipline I gained from helping my parents with chores has been crucial in managing my time and staying organised while studying. These basic skills are absolutely critical to me today.

Lesson 175: Animals and society🐡

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Non-stop shadowing lessons!

This week, we’re finishing up the exam we’ve been analysing for the past few weeks. The topic once again involves animals.

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

This week’s Part 3 questions:
In what ways can animals be helpful to humans in daily life?
Do you think schools should teach children about interacting with animals? Why or why not?
How has the role of animals in society changed over the years in your country?
What are your views on keeping wild animals in captivity for entertainment purposes?
How important is it to protect endangered animal species?

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!🗣️📲

“Animals play a pivotal role in various aspects of human life. For example, domesticated animals like dogs and cats provide emotional support and companionship, which can significantly improve mental health. In rural areas, animals such as horses and donkeys are used for farming, making daily tasks more manageable. Additionally, animals contribute to human well-being through service roles. Guide dogs, for instance, allow visually impaired people to navigate their environment.”
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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

In what ways can animals be helpful to humans in daily life?

Animals play a pivotal role in various aspects of human life. For example, domesticated animals like dogs and cats provide emotional support and companionship, which can significantly improve mental health. In rural areas, animals such as horses and donkeys are used for farming, making daily tasks more manageable. Additionally, animals contribute to human well-being through service roles. Guide dogs, for instance, allow visually impaired people to navigate their environment.

Do you think schools should teach children about interacting with animals?

Yes, I do. Teaching children how to interact with animals can foster a sense of empathy and responsibility. By learning about animals’ needs and the proper way to care for them, children develop an appreciation for other living beings. I think this helps children develop into kind, compassionate adults.

How has the role of animals in society changed over the years in your country?

In the past, animals were largely seen as working partners, especially in rural communities where they were essential for farming and transportation. However, with modernisation, machines have largely taken over these roles, and now people more see animals as companions. Today, many laws have been enacted to protect animals, so the shift in opinion in my country has been pretty dramatic.

What are your views on keeping wild animals in captivity for entertainment purposes?

I believe keeping wild animals in captivity purely for entertainment purposes is ethically questionable. Many animals in zoos and circuses endure environments that are drastically different from their natural habitats. I think we should shift our focus towards more humane and educational alternatives, such as wildlife documentaries and virtual reality experiences. This would allow people to learn about wild animals without causing harm.

How important is it to protect endangered animal species?

Protecting endangered species is of paramount importance. Each species plays a unique role in maintaining ecological balance. For instance, the extinction of a predator can lead to overpopulation of prey, which can in turn lead to habitat destruction. I believe there is also an ethical responsibility to preserve the incredible variety of life on Earth for future generations to appreciate.

Lesson 174: Describe a time when you interacted with an animal🐻

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Non-stop shadowing lessons!

This week we’re looking at a Part 2 cue card that asks you to speak about a time when you interacted with an animal.

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

Part 2 cue card
Describe a time when you interacted with an animal. You should say:
What kind of animal it was
Where you were and what you did with the animal
How the experience made you feel
And explain whether you would like to spend more time with this kind of animal in the future

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 memorable experience I had with a sea turtle. This took place during a holiday in Spain. I visited a local wildlife sanctuary that had a special section dedicated to marine life, and this area included sea turtles.”
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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

Part 2 cue card
Describe a time when you interacted with an animal. You should say:
What kind of animal it was
Where you were and what you did with the animal
How the experience made you feel
And explain whether you would like to spend more time with this kind of animal in the future

I’d like to talk about a memorable experience I had with a sea turtle. This took place during a holiday in Spain. I visited a local wildlife sanctuary that had a special section dedicated to marine life, and this area included sea turtles.

At the sanctuary, I was given the opportunity to assist the staff in feeding the turtles as part of a conservation programme. I helped prepare a mixture of vegetables and fish, which was the turtles’ preferred food. Once the food was ready, I gently placed it in the water. A few moments later, one of the turtles swam up and slowly started to eat it!

This experience made me feel deeply connected to nature. It was a humbling reminder of the vast diversity of life on our planet and how much we can learn from creatures that live so differently from us. I also felt a sense of responsibility toward protecting endangered species like this one, as they are so vulnerable to human activity.

As for whether I’d like to spend more time with this kind of animal: absolutely. Turtles are peaceful, ancient creatures, and being around them has a calming effect. I’d love to be involved in more conservation efforts. It would give me more chances to learn about turtle behaviour and contribute to their preservation.

Lesson 173: Talking about pets🦜

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Non-stop shadowing lessons!

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

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

Part 1 questions
Where are you from?
Do you work or study?
Let’s talk about pets. Do you have any pets?
What kind of pet would you like to have in the future?
Did you grow up with pets in your home?
How do you think having a pet can affect someone’s life?
Why do you think some people prefer not to have pets?

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’.)

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Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!👇🗣️📲

“At the moment, I don’t have any pets. My job keeps me fairly busy, and with the amount of time I spend travelling, I feel it would be difficult to properly care for a pet. That said, I do enjoy being around animals whenever I can.”

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 a small town in Ireland.

Do you work or study?
I work as an assistant in a local shop. It’s a great job where I get to interact with different people every day.

Let’s talk about pets. Do you have any pets?
At the moment, I don’t have any pets. My job keeps me fairly busy, and with the amount of time I spend travelling, I feel it would be difficult to properly care for a pet. That said, I do enjoy being around animals whenever I can.

What kind of pet would you like to have in the future?
In the future, I’d love to have a dog. I would like one that enjoys outdoor activities like hiking. Since I’m quite active and love spending time in nature, having a dog to accompany me on walks would be really enjoyable.

Did you grow up with pets in your home?
Yes, we had a cat when I was growing up. She was a bit of a character —independent but affectionate when she wanted to be. Having her around taught me responsibility and compassion, and I have fond memories of spending time with her.

How do you think having a pet can affect someone’s life?
I think having a pet can significantly improve someone’s life. Pets provide companionship, which can help reduce feelings of loneliness. Dogs, in particular, encourage people to be more active, as they require regular exercise. Additionally, pets offer emotional support and unconditional love, and this can boost a person’s overall well-being.

Why do you think some people prefer not to have pets?
Some people may choose not to have pets because of the time, effort and expense involved. Pets require daily attention and it can get expensive for things like food and veterinary visits, so owning a pet might not be feasible for everyone. Others may have allergies or live in housing that doesn’t allow pets.

Lesson 172: Talking in depth about your hometown🏠

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Non-stop shadowing lessons!

This week we’re looking at Part 3 questions that expand on the topic of ‘your hometown’.

Step 1: (No podcast episode published this week. Please proceed to Step 2.)

Part 3 questions
What is your hometown most well known for?
Is it easy for a person to become integrated in your hometown?
Do many tourists visit your hometown?
What are some of the challenges your hometown faces today?
Would you say your hometown is a good place for young people to live?

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!🗣️📲

“My hometown is a small town in Ontario. I would say it is most well known for its rich agricultural roots. It hosts the oldest agricultural fair in Canada: The Carp Fair. It also has a Cold War-era underground bunker that has been transformed into Canada’s Cold War Museum. I would say these two things would be our biggest attractions.”
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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

What is your hometown most well known for?

My hometown is a small town in Ontario. I would say it is most well known for its rich agricultural roots. It hosts the oldest agricultural fair in Canada: The Carp Fair. It also has a Cold War-era underground bunker that has been transformed into Canada’s Cold War Museum. I would say these two things would be our biggest attractions.

Is it easy for a person to become integrated in your hometown?

Yes. My hometown doesn’t really have a definitive identity, so I think newcomers find it easy to blend in. Also, because of its smaller size, it’s easy to get to know your neighbours.

Do many tourists visit your hometown?

While my hometown doesn’t attract the volume of tourists that larger cities do, it does see a steady stream of visitors. The Cold War Museum I was mentioning is a unique historical site that draws both history enthusiasts and school groups. Also, tourists who enjoy rural getaways often visit Carp for its serene landscapes and farmer’s markets in the summer and fall.

What are some of the challenges your hometown faces today?

I would say my hometown’s major challenge is balancing growth while maintaining its rural character. As neighbouring Ottawa expands, there is the risk that my hometown will become amalgamated. Some people see this as a threat to the small-town lifestyle and local businesses that residents cherish.

Would you say your hometown is a good place for young people to live?

Carp offers a peaceful and safe environment, which can be ideal for young families or those who prefer a slower pace of life. It has a strong sense of community, and its proximity to Ottawa means young people have access to urban job opportunities and higher education. Overall, it’s a good place for those who appreciate a balance between rural and urban living.

Lesson 171: A special place in your hometown 🌇

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Non-stop shadowing lessons!

This week we’re looking at a Part 2 cue card on the topic of ‘a special place in your hometown’.

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

Describe a place in your hometown that is special to you. You should say:
-what this place is
-where it is located
-how often you visit it
and explain why this place is special to you.

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!🗣️📲

“A place that is particularly special to me is a small hill located just outside my old high school. This hill, though modest in size, offers an incredible view of the surrounding area. It’s located on the outskirts of the town where I grew up, and it’s a spot that holds a lot of memories for me.”
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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 place in your hometown that is special to you. You should say:
-what this place is
-where it is located
-how often you visit it
and explain why this place is special to you.

A place that is particularly special to me is a small hill located just outside my old high school. This hill, though modest in size, offers an incredible view of the surrounding area. It’s located on the outskirts of the town where I grew up, and it’s a spot that holds a lot of memories for me.

I used to visit this hill frequently after my classes or on weekends. Even now, I make it a point to stop by when I’m back in town. I’d say I visit a few times a year, and each time, it feels like visiting an old friend.

What makes this hill so special to me is the sense of peace and reflection it offers. During my high school years, it was my go-to place whenever I needed to clear my head or take a break from studying. I would sit at the top. There’s an amazing view that stretches out over the town and allows you to catch the sunset. The colours of the sunset from that vantage point are breathtaking! It’s a sight that never fails to calm my mind and lift my spirits.

Beyond its beauty, the hill has a deep personal significance. It was a place where I would often go with friends after school. We would sit and talk about our dreams, our fears and our plans for the future. Those conversations, which often occured against the backdrop of the setting sun, are some of my most cherished memories.

Even now, this simple hill is a reminder of a simpler time and of the friendships and dreams I had when I was younger.

Lesson 170: Being courteous🙂

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Non-stop shadowing lessons!

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

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

Part 1 questions
Where are you from?
Do you work or are you a student?
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?
Do any of your hobbies involve interacting with other people?
Let’s talk about etiquette. How important is it to be courteous in everyday interactions?
Is having good manners helpful to people?
What is considered courteous behaviour in your culture?
🧑‍🎓Target language:

if given the choice (phrase)
-used to express a preference

“We exchange tips on the best routes and sometimes hike together although if given the choice I prefer to hike alone.”

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 originally from Hella, a small and charming town in southern Iceland. It’s known for its close proximity to beautiful waterfalls and volcanic landscapes.”
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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 are you from?

I’m originally from Hella, a small and charming town in southern Iceland. It’s known for its close proximity to beautiful waterfalls and volcanic landscapes.

Do you work or are you a student?

I work as a librarian in a local library. I enjoy helping people find the information they need and organising events that promote literacy and learning within the community.

What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?

In my free time, I like to hike. The area around my town offers some fantastic hiking along scenic river trails. Hiking allows me to unwind and stay active.

Do any of your hobbies involve interacting with other people?

Yes, hiking often involves social interaction, especially when I join group hikes or meet other hikers on the trails. We exchange tips on the best routes and sometimes hike together although if given the choice I prefer to hike alone.

Let’s talk about etiquette. How important is it to be courteous in everyday interactions?

In my opinion, it is extremely important. Courtesy fosters respect and harmony, and this can make everyday interactions more pleasant and productive.

Is having good manners helpful to people?

Definitely. Good manners are key to creating a respectful environment and can help to avoid misunderstandings. When we practice good manners, we show that we value others’ time and their perspectives, which in turn encourages others to treat us with the same respect.

What is considered courteous behavior in your culture?

In Icelandic culture, courteous behaviour includes practices such as greeting others warmly, being punctual, and respecting others’ personal space. For example, when entering a room or meeting someone, it’s customary to greet them with a handshake and a smile. Icelanders also value straightforwardness and honesty, so being direct but polite is considered courteous. Additionally, saying “takk”, which is “thank you” in Icelandic, for any kind of help is a common way to show appreciation.

Lesson 169: Responding to questions about working in a team🧏

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Non-stop shadowing lessons!

This week’s IELTS Part 3 questions extend upon last week’s cue card. In both cases, the topic revolves around working as part of a team.

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

Part 3 Questions
What are the advantages and disadvantages of working in a team?
How do you think technology has impacted teamwork in recent years?
What are some common challenges people face when working in a team?
How can conflicts within a team be effectively resolved?
Have you ever learned something valuable about yourself through working with others?
🧑‍🎓Target language:

seamlessly(adv.)
-with no spaces between one part and the next

“With the advent of digital collaboration tools like video conferencing, teams can now work together seamlessly regardless of geographical location.”

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!🗣️📲

“One of the most significant advantages is the diversity of perspectives that different team members bring. Additionally, teamwork allows for the distribution of tasks, which can lead to greater productivity.”
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

What are the advantages and disadvantages of working in a team?

One of the most significant advantages is the diversity of perspectives that different team members bring. Additionally, teamwork allows for the distribution of tasks, which can lead to greater productivity.

However, there are also disadvantages to teamwork such as the potential for conflict. Another disadvantage is that some individuals may contribute less and rely on others to carry the workload.

How do you think technology has impacted teamwork in recent years?

Technology has had a profound impact on teamwork, particularly in the last decade. With the advent of digital collaboration tools like video conferencing, teams can now work together seamlessly regardless of geographical location. This has enabled the rise of remote teams and allowed organisations to tap into talent pools from around the world.

What are some common challenges people face when working in a team?

One of the most common challenges in teamwork is communication. Miscommunication or lack of communication can lead to confusion, mistakes and a lack of cohesion among the team members. Another challenge is the potential for personality clashes. In any team, there are likely to be individuals with differing temperaments or working styles, which can create tension.

How can conflicts within a team be effectively resolved?

Effective conflict resolution within a team often starts with open communication. This can be facilitated by having regular team meetings where everyone has the opportunity to voice their thoughts.

Another key strategy is to focus on the issue rather than the individuals involved. In some cases, involving a neutral third party, such as a team leader or mediator, can help to facilitate the resolution process. This can help team members feel heard and valued and encourage them to work together harmoniously.

Have you ever learned something valuable about yourself through working with others?

Absolutely. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned through working with others is the importance of adaptability. In a team setting, circumstances can change rapidly. I’ve come to realise that being flexible and open to change is crucial not only for the success of the project but also for personal growth.

Lesson 168: A time when you worked with others✍️(A common job interview question!)

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This week’s IELTS Part 2 cue card is also a common question in job interviews. (Click here to engage another prompt that is also commonly asked in interviews.)

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

Describe a time when you worked with others. You should say:
-what you were doing
-when this occurred
-who you were working with
and explain how you felt about working with these people
🧑‍🎓Target language:

particularly(adv.)
-at a higher degree than is normal

“One member was particularly skilled in data analysis, another in graphic design, while the others focused on traditional marketing methods.”

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!🗣️📲

“One memorable time when I worked with others was during a group project at university. We were tasked with developing a marketing strategy for a local startup as part of our final-year business course.”
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 worked with others. You should say:
-what you were doing
-when this occurred
-who you were working with
and explain how you felt about working with these people

One memorable time when I worked with others was during a group project at university. We were tasked with developing a marketing strategy for a local startup as part of our final-year business course.

The project took place during my final semester, about a year ago. It involved conducting market research, analysing competitors and ultimately proposing a comprehensive marketing plan. My role within the group was to focus on the digital marketing aspects, including social media strategies and online advertising campaigns.

I worked closely with four other classmates, each of whom had a different area of expertise. One member was particularly skilled in data analysis, another in graphic design, while the others focused on traditional marketing methods. We all brought our unique strengths to the table, which made the collaboration very dynamic.

I felt very positive about working with this group of people. We had a great balance of skills and personalities, which allowed us to tackle the project from multiple angles. In the end, our hard work paid off, as we received top marks for our project. This experience not only strengthened my teamwork skills but also gave me confidence in my ability to work in groups.

Lesson 167: A party you attended🕺

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This week, you will train to speak about a party you attended. This is a band 9 response scripted in response to a real IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card.

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

Talk about a party you attended at some point in the past. You should say:
-what the party was for
-why you attended this party
-what happened at the party
and explain how you felt about the party
🧑‍🎓Target language:

profoundly (adv.)
-in a significant or important way

“He was a mentor and a guide who profoundly influenced my academic and personal growth.”

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!🗣️📲

“An important party I attended in the past was a surprise retirement celebration for my favourite university professor, Dr Ken Williams. The party honoured Dr Williams’ remarkable career and contributions to the field of literature over the past 40 years.”
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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

Talk about a party you attended at some point in the past. You should say:
-what the party was for
-why you attended this party
-what happened at the party
and explain how you felt about the party

An important party I attended in the past was a surprise retirement celebration for my favourite university professor, Dr Ken Williams. The party honoured Dr Williams’ remarkable career and contributions to the field of literature over the past 40 years. This event took place about a year ago in the lobby of my professor’s university department and was organised by his colleagues and former students.

I attended this party because Dr Williams was more than just a professor to me. He was a mentor and a guide who profoundly influenced my academic and personal growth. Being part of this celebration was my way of showing appreciation for everything he had done for us.

The party itself was an unforgettable experience. The evening began with a heartfelt speech by the dean, followed by a series of tributes from former students and colleagues. There was a slideshow highlighting his career achievements and memorable moments from his teaching years.

Reflecting on this experience, I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to have been a part of such a special occasion. The party was a beautiful tribute to a remarkable individual who had made a lasting impact on so many lives. It was not only a great celebration but also a reminder of the importance of appreciating those who inspire us.