Describe a performance you enjoyed watching. You should say: – what the performance was – when and where you saw it – who performed and explain why you enjoyed the performance.
One performance I truly enjoyed watching was a live jazz concert by a Canadian jazz group called The Heavyweights Brass Band. I saw them perform last summer at the Ottawa Jazz Festival, which takes place every year in Confederation Park, right in the heart of downtown Ottawa.
The band consists of incredibly talented musicians who play a mix of traditional New Orleans-style jazz, funk and modern jazz fusion. What really stood out was their energy and stage presence. From the first note, they had the crowd completely engaged. The lead trumpet player in particular was phenomenal—his improvisation was so creative and expressive that it felt like he was telling a story through his instrument.
What made the performance so enjoyable for me was the atmosphere. Jazz, by nature, is very spontaneous and interactive, and this group really leaned into that. They would riff off each other and even involve the audience by encouraging call-and-response moments. It felt more like a conversation than a performance!
Another reason I loved it was because it reminded me of how powerful live music can be. You can listen to jazz recordings at home, of course, but nothing compares to hearing it live. I left the concert feeling uplifted, and it deepened my appreciation for the genre.
Overall, it was a truly unforgettable evening, and it sparked a newfound love for jazz that I’ve continued to explore ever since.
Describe an event that made you happy. You should say
what the event was
when it happened
where it happened and explain why it made you happy
One of the happiest moments in my life was when my spouse and I had our offer accepted on our first home.
This happened quite recently, in early 2025 actually. For months, we had been searching for the perfect place. We went to open houses and made offers, but we were outbid multiple times. The process was quite stressful, and we were starting to feel discouraged. However, one day, we found a house in our hometown that ticked all the boxes—it was in a great location, had enough space for our growing family, and was within our budget. We put in an offer and anxiously waited for the seller’s response.
The moment we got the call confirming that our offer had been accepted, we were over the moon. We were at home at the time when the good news came through. We both felt an overwhelming sense of relief and joy. It was a life-changing event because it marked a new chapter for us—a place to truly call our own!
What made this moment even more special was that we had achieved a dream we had worked so hard for. Having a permanent home gave us a profound sense of stability, and I would say this is why the event brought me so much happiness.
How do people in your country usually spend their leisure time? In my country, people engage in a variety of leisure activities. Many enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling and team sports, especially on weekends. Others prefer socialising with friends and family. Digital entertainment, such as watching Netflix or scrolling through social media, has also become increasingly popular.
Do you think people have more or less free time now compared to the past? I believe people generally have less free time today compared to previous generations. Modern life has become significantly more fast-paced. Moreover, technology, while offering convenience, has blurred the boundaries between work and personal life.
What are the benefits of having hobbies and leisure activities? There are numerous mental and physical benefits. Hobbies serve as a stress reliever, allowing people to unwind and disconnect from their daily responsibilities. Also, hobbies such as reading or playing a musical instrument can enhance creativity, while physical activities promote overall health. Having enjoyable pastimes contributes to a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Do you think leisure activities should always be productive? Not necessarily. While some leisure activities can be productive, such as learning a new skill, the primary purpose of free time should be relaxation and enjoyment. Constantly striving for productivity can lead to burnout. Activities like watching movies and listening to music can be just as valuable, as they allow the mind and body to recharge.
Do you study or work? Currently, I am a student. I am studying agricultural sciences at a local university.
What do you like about your university? One of the things I appreciate most about my university is its emphasis on practical learning. For example, in addition to science-heavy courses, we also do horticultural work outdoors. The campus also has a large greenhouse that allows us to continue this hands-on training right through the dead of winter.
Is there anything you dislike about your university? I suppose I feel that some administrative processes could be streamlined. For instance, registering for courses or accessing certain student services can sometimes be unnecessarily time-consuming.
Let’s talk about reading. How often do you read books or other materials? I try to read every day, whether it’s an academic article, a novel, or just news updates online. I see reading as an essential way to stay informed and expand my knowledge.
Do you find it easier to read on a computer or a physical book? I find reading on a computer or tablet more convenient because it allows me to access a wide range of resources quickly. However, when it comes to enjoying a novel or something purely for leisure, I still prefer physical books. There’s something comforting about the feel of a book in your hands.
Do you prefer reading for pleasure or for educational purposes? I enjoy both, but my preference depends on my mood. Reading for educational purposes is often rewarding because it helps me gain skills related to my studies. That said, reading for pleasure allows me to unwind and immerse myself in different worlds.
Do you think reading will be important for your future career? Absolutely. Staying updated on the latest agricultural research is crucial for my industry. Reading will play a significant role in helping me refine my skills, understand emerging technologies and remain competitive in the field. Being well-read also enhances critical thinking and communication skills, which are invaluable in any profession.
Describe the best outfit you have ever worn. You should say – what it looked like – when you wore it – how you felt wearing it and explain why you consider it the best outfit you have ever worn.
One of the best outfits I have ever worn featured a classic denim jacket. It was a blue jacket with a slightly faded look and minimal detailing, which gave it a smart-looking appeal. I paired it with a simple white T-shirt, black slim-fit jeans and white sneakers. The overall look was casual yet stylish, perfect for a relaxed outing.
I wore this outfit on a weekend trip with friends last spring. We stayed with one friend who lived on a ranch. The people working on the ranch wear denim because of its durability, so this outfit helped me feel like I fit in. It was also warm, which helped because the mornings on the ranch could sometimes be chilly.
I consider this the best outfit I’ve ever worn because of how useful and…I guess ‘timeless’ the denim jacket is. I say this because denim jackets have been popular ever decade over the last fifty years or so. Wearing this jacket also reminds me of that great weekend away with my friends, which is a nice memory.
This week we look at questions from Part 1 of a new exam. The topic is ‘breakfast’.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)
This week’s Part 1 questions:
Do you work or study? What do you like about your job? Would you like to change your job in the future? Let’s talk about breakfast. Do you think breakfast is important? What do people typically eat for breakfast in your country? Do you ever skip eating breakfast? When do you usually eat breakfast?
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
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 do both, actually. I currently work as a cashier in a fast food restaurant, and I’m also studying business management.
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 do both, actually. I currently work as a cashier in a fast food restaurant, and I’m also studying business management.
What do you like about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is learning about the business’s processes and how these processes can be improved. It’s interesting to see what’s required to keep our operations running smoothly while ensuring customers leave happy.
Would you like to change your job in the future?
Yes, definitely. I’m studying business management with the goal of transitioning into a more senior role where I can apply those skills. I have enjoyed working as a cashier, but it is not what I want to do long term.
Let’s talk about breakfast. Do you think breakfast is important?
Absolutely, I believe breakfast is essential. It’s the first meal of the day and really helps kick-start the body and mind. Personally, I notice a big difference in my energy and focus when I’ve had a nutritious breakfast compared to days when I skip it.
What do people typically eat for breakfast in your country?
In Portugal, traditional breakfasts can be quite hearty. A Portuguese breakfast might include eggs, cold cut meats or bacon, toast and possibly grilled tomatoes or baked beans. Of course, for a lighter option, many people enjoy porridge or just toast and coffee or tea, especially on weekdays when mornings are busier.
Do you ever skip eating breakfast?
Occasionally, yes, especially if I’m in a rush. However, I do try to avoid skipping it as I’ve noticed it affects my concentration and energy levels throughout the day. On busier mornings, I might grab something like a banana or yogurt just to keep myself fueled.
When do you usually eat breakfast?
I usually have breakfast around 7:30 in the morning, just before starting my workday or study session. It gives me a good foundation to stay focused and productive. On weekends, I might have it a bit later, but it’s still something I try to make time for every day.
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 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.”
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.
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 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.”
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.
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 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.”
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.
We’ve reached 150 lessons!🎉 This week’s topic is very central to the base theme of this entire website: learning English!
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).
Part 3 Questions Do you think the way people learn English today is the same as in the past? Is it easy for children to learn new languages? Is it easier for children to learn languages than adults? What is the importance of language in a culture? Can people understand a culture without learning its language? Is it important to protect small language groups?
🧑🎓Target language:
in my own case -a phrase used to cue a personal example
“For example, in my own case, I found certain English pronunciation patterns challenging because these sounds do not exist in my language!”
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 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!🗣️📲
“No, the approach to learning English has evolved significantly. With technology and globalisation, access to diverse resources like online courses has enhanced the learning process. Learners are no longer constrained to classrooms. There are now dynamic approaches that allow people to train from anywhere in the world and in a variety of settings.”
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 have been talking about languages and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. Do you think the way people learn English today is the same as in the past?
No, the approach to learning English has evolved significantly. With technology and globalisation, access to diverse resources like online courses has enhanced the learning process. Learners are no longer constrained to classrooms. There are now dynamic approaches that allow people to train from anywhere in the world and in a variety of settings.
Is it easy for children to learn new languages?
Yes, children have a natural aptitude for language acquisition due to their adaptable brains and exposure to language-rich environments. Also, unlike adults, I think children are less inhibited by the fear of making mistakes, and this allows them to experiment with language freely.
Is it easier for children to learn languages than adults?
Generally, yes. As I mentioned, a child’s lack of inhibitions allows for easier experimentation with grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, and this willingness to experiment encourages them to learn. Children have also not developed fluency in any language, so they have no preprogrammed speaking patterns that are working against them. For example, in my own case, I found certain English pronunciation patterns challenging because these sounds do not exist in my language!
What is the importance of language in a culture?
Language is integral to culture. It serves as a means of communication, expression and identity. Language also reflects the evolution of a society, and by this I mean it captures the collective wisdom and values of the people that speak it. Some sayings in one language may be completely nonsensical in another, and I feel this is clear evidence of how central language is to culture.
Can people understand a culture without learning its language?
I don’t think people can gain a deep understanding, no. While some insights can be learned through secondary sources, a deep understanding of a culture requires knowing the language. Language is an expression of the values of a culture, and it shows how the people of that culture solve problems and think about the world. So I guess that is to say that any quote unquote ‘understanding’ someone claims to have about a culture is very surface-level if they don’t know anything about the language.
Is it important to protect small language groups?
Absolutely. Small language groups represent linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. They embody unique ways of perceiving the world. Efforts to protect and revitalise endangered languages are crucial to preserving cultural identity and honouring the contributions of every culture to human civilization.
