Repeat After Me! Improve your IELTS Speaking score through speech shadowing!

Category: Experiences

  • Lesson 166: An educational experience that impacted you professionally 🧑‍🎓

    This week, you will train to speak about your education. This is a great exercise to help with job interviews in English as well. Speaking at length about your education is not uncommon when interviewing with a potential employer.

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

    Talk about an important educational experience you had that impacted you as a person or a professional. You should say:
    -what the experience was
    -when you had this experience
    -how this experience impacted you
    -and how you feel about this experience
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    keen on
    -interested in

    “I am also sincerely keen on pursuing computer science as a career.”

    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 educational experience that impacted me professionally was a first-year university course I took in computer programming. This experience took place during my first semester at university around four years ago.”
    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 important educational experience you had that impacted you as a person or a professional. You should say:
    -what the experience was
    -when you had this experience
    -how this experience impacted you
    -and how you feel about this experience

    An important educational experience that impacted me professionally was a first-year university course I took in computer programming. This experience took place during my first semester at university around four years ago.

    The course was an introduction to the fundamentals of Java programming. It covered essential concepts such as object-oriented programming and a variety of data structures. Initially, I enrolled in the class because I had a general interest in technology, but I had little experience with programming. As the semester progressed, I found myself increasingly fascinated by the logical and creative aspects of coding.

    Academically, it opened my eyes to the world of computer science. This newfound interest led me to pursue further courses in computer science, and I ultimately ended up changing my major to the subject. I now am a very skilled programmer and have built several programs that are quite popular online. I am also sincerely keen on pursuing computer science as a career.

    Reflecting on this experience, I feel immensely grateful and inspired. The course not only expanded my academic and career prospects but also contributed significantly to my personal growth.

  • Lesson 161: A time when you woke up early👀

    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 159: How is success defined in your culture?🏆

    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🥳

    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 144: An event or ceremony most people go through in your culture🪔

    Here is the Part 2 cue card we are working with this week:

    Describe an event or ceremony most people go through in your culture. You should say:
    -what the event or ceremony is
    -when people usually experience it
    -how it affects people
    and explain your opinion about it

    Step 1: Listen to the model response.

    Step 2: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode and practise saying some of the sentences from the response.

    Step 3: Work through the full exercise.

    Step 4: Read through the full transcript (below) and note any of the language items you found challenging this week.

    Step 5: Submit your five speaking samples to your Whatsapp group and wait for your instructor’s feedback.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Describe an event or ceremony most people go through in your culture. You should say:
    -what the event or ceremony is
    -when people usually experience it
    -how it affects people
    and explain your opinion about it

    I’d like to talk about the traditional ceremony of Diwali, which is widely celebrated in my culture.

    Typically, Diwali falls in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. The festival lasts for five days, with the main day being marked by the lighting of oil lamps and candles. We do this to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

    Diwali has a profound impact on people in my culture. It is a time when families come together and adorn their houses with colourful decorations. This fosters a sense of unity and creates a positive and festive atmosphere. We also prepare sweet and savory dishes and exchange gifts to promote goodwill among friends and neighbours.

    On a deeper level, Diwali holds cultural and spiritual significance. The rituals and prayers performed during the festival are believed to bring prosperity and good fortune. The symbolic significance of light dispelling darkness encourages introspection and pushes people to make positive changes in their life.

    In my opinion, Diwali is not just a festival. It is a reflection of our cultural values and traditions. It brings joy and happiness to people’s lives, fostering a sense of belonging and community. The rituals associated with Diwali, such as lighting lamps and offering prayers, instill a sense of spirituality and mindfulness. Moreover, the emphasis on charity during Diwali encourages people to share their prosperity with those less fortunate. I believe that such traditions are essential in preserving the richness of our cultural heritage and promoting values that carry on for multiple generations.

  • Lesson 142: Children and change👦

    This week’s lesson explores the topic of ‘children and change’. This exercise uses an IELTS Speaking Part 3 model.

    Step 1: Listen to this week’s model and familiarise yourself with the target language.

    Step 2: In this week’s episode of IELTSCast, you will practise saying the response to the first two questions.

    Step 3: Now that you have worked through the target language several times, try the full ‘repeat after me’ lesson.

    Step 4: Reread the transcript below and note any and all new or challenging language in your notebook. A key follow-up step over the next few weeks is to attempt to use this language in your own day-to-day speaking.

    Step 5: Complete the speaking exercises in your private Whatsapp group. Listen to the feedback you get from your instructor.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Do you think children generally find it difficult to accept change?

    I guess it depends on the nature of the change and a child’s individual temperament. In my view, the unfamiliarity of new situations can make major changes very difficult to accept for most children.

    In your opinion, is a change of routine good for children?

    Yes, I believe a change of routine can be beneficial for children. It exposes them to different experiences, which fosters adaptability and crucial life skills such as problem-solving. However, the key lies in maintaining a balance because too much change too quickly might overwhelm a child.

    Do you think it takes a long time for children to adjust to a new school?

    The time it takes for children to adjust to a new school can vary significantly. Some children may adapt quickly, forming new friendships and becoming acclimatised within a short period. Others may require more time, especially if they face challenges in establishing connections or adapting to a different academic curriculum.

    What factors might influence their adjustment process?

    Several factors can influence a child’s adjustment to a new school. The support system at home, including the involvement of parents and the overall family environment, plays a crucial role. Additionally, the school’s atmosphere, the friendliness of classmates and the effectiveness of teachers in facilitating integration can significantly impact a child’s ability to adjust.

    Do you believe that children never fully adjust to moving to a new place?

    While it may take time, I believe most children do eventually adjust to moving to a new place. Children are remarkably resilient, and with the right support, they can adapt successfully. The adjustment process might differ for each child, but with time, most children can overcome the challenges associated with relocating.

    Can frequent changes in a child’s life impact their development?

    Yes, frequent changes in a child’s life can indeed have an impact on their development. Consistent instability may lead to feelings of insecurity and anxiety, potentially affecting their emotional well-being. However, it’s essential to note that not all changes are detrimental. Adapting to different situations can also enhance a child’s problem-solving skills and resilience. Striking a balance and providing a stable foundation for children during periods of change is crucial to ensuring positive development outcomes.

    Thank you.

  • Lesson 138: An event that positively impacted your life🌠

    This week, you will practise speaking about an event that had a positive impact upon your life.

    Step 1: Listen to this week’s sample to familiarise yourself with the target language:

    Step 2: Below is this week’s podcast episode, where you can attempt the first few sentences of the exercise. Remember to push yourself to sound as much like the model as possible!

    Step 3: Work your way through the full exercise below. (If you do not yet have access, you can sign up by clicking this link.)

    Step 4: Read through the below transcript and be sure to note any new language you come across in your journal. Actively try to use this language in your own day-to-day speaking.

    Describe an event in your life that changed it in a positive way. You should say:
    -what the event was
    -when it happened
    -how it changed your life
    and explain why this change was positive for you

    Well, I would have to say my decision to learn a new language changed my life in a positive way.

    This significant turning point occurred around three years ago during my summer break. I had always been intrigued by the different cultures of Spanish-speaking people, so deciding to study Spanish was a natural choice for me. The journey began with enrolling in an intensive language course and immersing myself in Spanish literature and media. Doing these two things helped me to improve my understanding and abilities rapidly.

    I’ll now speak about the multifaceted ways in which studying Spanish impacted my life. Firstly, the mental challenge of mastering a new language stimulated my cognitive abilities and significantly improved my memory and problem-solving skills. Moreover, the decision to learn Spanish opened up a world of cultural richness – exciting literature, films and music. I also found myself connecting both in-person and online with a global community of language learners, and this was extremely rewarding.

    The most significant change, however, was the unexpected boost it gave to my career. The ability to speak Spanish fluently became a valuable skill, and it opened up new job opportunities for me in Europe, the Americas and even Asia. Today, my work involves facilitating trade between my country and Spanish speaking countries. It’s an extremely rewarding role that I wouldn’t have been capable of doing otherwise.

    In summary, the decision to learn a new language, Spanish in particular, was a transformative event that positively influenced various aspects of my life.

  • Episode 130: Someone you know who moved into a new accommodation🏢

    This is a lesson that examines a Part 2 cue card that prompts you to speak about a person you know who moved into a new accommodation. Here is a copy of the cue card:

    Talk about someone you know who has moved to a new accommodation. You should say:
    -who this person is
    -when they moved
    -where they moved
    and explain whether or not the move has had a positive impact on them

    Step 1: Listen to the model response.

    Step 2: Here is this week’s podcast episode. This gives you the opportunity to train using a few of the sentences from the model.

    Step 3: Below is the full lesson. This is the paid portion of these training materials, so please click here if you do not yet have access.

    Step 4: If you haven’t already done so, read through the below transcript and remember to note all new language in your personal training journal.

    Step 5: Now that you have finished your independent training, go to your Whatsapp group and submit your speaking sample to your trainer.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Talk about someone you know who has moved to a new accommodation. You should say:
    -who this person is
    -when they moved
    -where they moved
    and explain whether or not the move has had a positive impact on them

    I’d like to talk about a colleague of mine named Emily, who recently made a significant move to a new accommodation. Emily is a person I work with, and we’ve developed a friendship over the past few years.

    She decided to make this move about three months ago – I think it was about August of this year. This decision to move was primarily for career advancement and to be closer to our workplace, which is in the heart of the city. Before, she had been commuting for almost two hours daily!

    Emily’s new accommodation is an apartment in a modern complex. The area is known for its vibrant community, diverse cultural amenities and convenient access to public transportation. The apartment itself is spacious, well-furnished and provides a stunning view of the city skyline.

    From what Emily has shared with me, the move has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on her life. Firstly, the reduction in commute time has allowed her to reclaim several hours each day, which she can now allocate to personal pursuits and relaxation. Moreover, the new neighbourhood has exposed her to a range of social activities and events, providing opportunities to meet new people and expand her social circle.

    So overall I would say Emily’s recent move to a new accommodation has undeniably had a positive impact on her overall quality of life.

  • Lesson 129: Concentration🤔

    This lesson examines questions that appeared in Part 1 of a recent exam.

    Step 1: Listen to the full model here to familiarise yourself with the language.

    Step 2: For those with access to the full lessons, watch the below video to complete this week’s full lesson training. Refer to the below transcript if you need any support.

    Step 3: Read through the below transcript and ensure you understand all parts of the response.

    Step 4: Post this week’s speech samples to your Whatsapp group.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    What is your full name?
    My full name is Richard Thompson.

    Where are you from?
    I am originally from Boston, a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse population.

    Do you work or are you a student?
    I am currently employed in the field of marketing.

    Where do you work?
    I work at XYZ Marketing Agency, a reputable firm specialising in digital marketing solutions.

    How many hours do you work per week?
    I typically work around 40 hours per week. It varies based on project requirements and deadlines.

    Are you able to concentrate at work?
    Yes, I consider myself to be quite focused at work. I believe concentration is essential for productivity, and I make a conscious effort to minimise distractions and stay engaged in my tasks.

    What helps you concentrate at work?
    Several factors contribute to my ability to concentrate. Firstly, I ensure I have a well-organised workspace. Secondly, I prioritise tasks and break them into manageable chunks, which helps me stay on track. Additionally, I find that taking short breaks and practising mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, enhance my focus and overall job performance.

    When you were in school, did you find it easy to concentrate?
    Yes, during my school years, I generally found it easy to concentrate. I believe this was partly due to my interest in the subjects I was studying. Moreover, I developed effective study habits and time management skills, which played a significant role in maintaining my concentration levels.

  • Episode 127: An impactful book you read📕

    This week you are tasked with describing a book that you read that impacted you in some way. This is an IELTS Speaking Part 2 challenge, so you will be training to speak on your own for one to two minutes. Here is the cue card used in this lesson:

    Describe a book that had a significant impact on you. Please say:

    -What the book was about

    -When and where you read it

    -Why it had a significant impact on you

    -And say whether you would you recommend this book to others

    Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

    Step 2: Now listen to this week’s IELTSCast episode, where you’ll have a chance to practise saying some of the language in the sample.

    Step 3: Below is the full video lesson. Practise saying each of the sentences (and portions of the sentences) aloud to develop your intonation and fluency.

    Step 4: Read through the below transcript again. Do whatever is necessary to fully understand the text. (Any questions can be added as a comment reply to this lesson.)

    Step 5: Submit your speech samples to your Whatsapp group.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Describe a book that had a significant impact on you. Please say:

    -What the book was about

    -When and where you read it

    -Why it had a significant impact on you

    -And say whether you would you recommend this book to others

    A book that I found impactful is “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I first encountered this book during my university years while studying literature. It’s not very long, so I was able to read it in one afternoon in my university’s library.

    The book had a significant impact on me due to its themes and the portrayal of the characters’ aspirations and shortcomings, which I found very relatable. It delves into the lives of Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire who is known for his extravagant parties, and Nick Carraway, the narrator who becomes entangled in Gatsby’s world. I really enjoyed how the book uses a story to examine topics such as the elusive nature of happiness and the limits of wealth and opulence. For example, despite his wealth, Jay Gatsby is unable to change the past and rekindle his relationship with a woman named Daisy. This leaves him in a permanent state of sorrow and sets up other events in the story that provide a fascintating exploration of the complexities of human nature.

    I would definitely recommend “The Great Gatsby” to others. The novel’s timeless themes of wealth, aspiration, and the human desire for something more make it a captivating and thought-provoking read. It continues to resonate with readers of all generations, and I feel it invites them to reflect on their own ambitions and the meaning of success in the modern world.