Category Archives: Experiences

Lesson 115: Your work, zoos and animals🦁

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Over the last two years, the topic of ‘animals’ has come up a few times in IELTS Speaking. In the below sample, this topic is narrowed to the subjects of ‘zoos’ and ‘wild animals’.

Step 1: Listen to this week’s sample.

Step 2: Watch the video version of this week’s podcast episode. Work through the sample speech shadowing exercise.

Step 3: Work through the full version of the exercise using the below video. (Click here if you do not yet have access to these full exercises.)

Step 4: Read through the below transcript and make note of any language items that were new or challenging for you this week.

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

Chat on WhatsApp

Transcript

Do you work or study?

I currently work as a retail sales associate for a well-known store in my city.

Where do you work?

I work at a hardware store that is located in the bustling commercial district of my city.

What do you like about your work?

Firstly, I love interacting with different customers daily and assisting them in finding products that suit their needs. It gives me great satisfaction to see customers leave the store happy with their purchases. Additionally, the retail industry allows me to stay updated with the latest trends and products, which aligns perfectly with my interest in home repairs and hobbyist activities. Moreover, the camaraderie among my colleagues creates a pleasant and supportive work environment, making each day enjoyable.

What would make your work more interesting?

While I find my work already fascinating, I believe it would become even more interesting with the implementation of regular training sessions. Learning about new sales techniques, customer service approaches and product knowledge would help me excel in my role and better serve our customers. Furthermore, having opportunities to attend industry events or participate in merchandising decisions would add a creative and dynamic aspect to my work, making it more engaging and fulfilling. Let’s talk about zoos.

Have you ever been to a zoo?

Yes, I have. There isn’t a zoo in my city but I have driven to The Moscow Zoo several times, which is about 90 minutes away. I find zoos to be an enriching experience, offering a wonderful chance to observe and learn about various animal species from around the world.

What wild animals are commonly found in your country?

In Russia, we are fortunate to have diverse wildlife. Commonly found species include brown bears, wolves, reindeer, elk, and various bird species such as swans, hawks, and falcons. Our vast landscapes also host rare and endangered animals like Siberian tigers and snow leopards. I believe I saw all of these animals at the zoo I was mentioning before.

What wild animal from another country would you like to see in the future?

One wild animal from another country that I would love to see in the future is the graceful and elusive cheetah from Africa. Witnessing the fastest land animal in its natural habitat would be an extraordinary experience, and it would offer me a profound appreciation for wildlife preservation efforts across the globe.

Lesson 114: A significant personal achievement you had🎓

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This week, you will once again speak about a personal experience. This is a Part 2 model that uses the following cue card:

Talk about a significant personal achievement you had. You should say:

-what the achievement was
-when and where it happened
-the steps you took to accomplish it
-and say why it is significant to you

Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

Step 2: Watch the video version of this week’s podcast episode. (Please excuse the bright background! I forgot to edit this before rendering the video.)

Step 3: Work through the full version of this week’s speech shadowing exercise.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript. Make special note of areas you found challenging this week.

Step 5: Submit your daily speech samples to your instructor via your Whatsapp group.

Chat on WhatsApp

Trancsript

Talk about a significant personal achievement you had. You should say:

-what the achievement was
-when and where it happened
-the steps you took to accomplish it
-and say why it is significant to you

Well, one of the most significant personal achievements I had was winning the National Science Fair during my final year of high school. It was a remarkable experience that left a lasting impact on my life.

The achievement occurred back in May of 2015 at the state-of-the-art convention center in our city. The National Science Fair is an annual event that attracts top young minds from all over the country to showcase their innovative projects and research.

Accomplishing this achievement required months of rigorous research, experimentation, and countless hours of hard work. My project focused on finding an eco-friendly alternative to plastic packaging materials, aiming to reduce environmental pollution caused by plastic waste.

The first step I took was extensively researching scientific papers and academic journals, and I sought advice from experts in the field. Then came the testing phase, which involved designing a series of experiments, carrying out numerous trial runs, and recording my findings meticulously. I encountered many sleepless nights, but the support of my family, teachers, and peers kept me motivated.

Finally, the day of the National Science Fair arrived. Standing alongside other brilliant young minds, I presented my project to a panel of esteemed judges and visitors. The experience was nerve-wracking, but my passion for my research helped me articulate my findings confidently. When the results were announced, I couldn’t believe it—I had won the first prize!

This achievement is incredibly significant to me because it reinforced my passion for science and the environment, shaping both my academic and career trajectory. It also solidified my decision to pursue a degree in Environmental Science, which I am currently doing in university.

Lesson 113: An unusual meal you had🍖

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This week, you will be talking about food. This lesson uses the following Part 2 cue card:

Talk about an unusual meal you had. You should say
– when you had it
– where you had it
– what kind of meal it was
– and explain why it was unusual.

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

Step 2: Watch this week’s podcast lesson and repeat a few of the sentences from the model.

Step 3: Now try the full exercise using the below member’s-only video.

Step 4: Read through the included transcript of this week’s sample (below).

Step 5: Post your five weekly speech samples to your Whatsapp group and follow the advice of your instructor.

Transcript

Talk about an unusual meal you had. You should say
– when you had it
– where you had it
– what kind of meal it was
– and explain why it was unusual.

I’d like to talk about a rather extraordinary meal I had during my trip to Japan last year. It was an unforgettable experience that took place in a traditional Japanese inn located in the quaint town of Takayama.

The meal itself was a traditional Kaiseki dinner, which is a multi-course dining experience renowned for its artistic presentation and use of seasonal ingredients. The meal began with a series of beautifully arranged appetisers, which included some familiar items like sashimi and tempura. But as the courses progressed, I was introduced to a variety of uncommon dishes. One of the most peculiar delicacies was Hoba Miso, a regional specialty where miso paste, wild mushrooms, and vegetables were cooked over a magnolia leaf. The earthy aroma and rich flavours were unlike anything I had tasted before.

Furthermore, the chef proudly served a platter which I believe was called Seki-saba, a local delicacy of fermented mackerel. While its intense pungent smell might have deterred some, I decided to embrace the experience fully. To my surprise, the taste was surprisingly complex and utterly delightful.

Another dish that added to the uniqueness of the meal was Kuro-udon, which was black udon noodles made with bamboo charcoal. The dramatic colour contrast against the traditional white tableware was visually striking and added an artistic element to the dining experience.

What truly made this meal unusual was the combination of the serene surroundings, the artistic presentation, and the rare ingredients. I unfortunately don’t think I’ll have an experience like this again anytime soon. Trying these unfamiliar and rare dishes opened my eyes to the vast diversity of Japanese cuisine and its strong connection to regional traditions and culture.

Lesson 110: A popular TV show from your country📺

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This week’s lesson uses the following cue card to run you through the speech shadowing method:

Talk about a TV show that is popular in your country. You should say
-what show it is
-what the show is about
-why this show is popular in your country
-how you feel about this TV show

Step 1: Listen to the model and familiarize yourself with the language.

Step 2: Work through this week’s sample ‘repeat after me’ lesson.

Step 3: Now attempt the full exercise below.

Step 4: Read through the transcript included below. Note any of the language that you found challenging today.

Step 5: Complete all five of this week’s speech samples and post them in your Whatsapp group.

Chat on WhatsApp

Transcript

Talk about a TV show that is popular in your country. You should say
-what show it is
-what the show is about
-why this show is popular in your country
-how you feel about this TV show

I would like to talk about a popular TV show in my country, the Philippines, called ‘Brothers’. It is a widely acclaimed action-drama series that has garnered immense popularity among viewers nationwide. The show centers around the life of ‘Cardo’, a courageous police officer, as he fights crime and seeks justice in the bustling city of Manila.

Brothers captivated audiences in the Philippines for several reasons. Firstly, the show offers a compelling narrative that combines elements of action, suspense, and heartfelt drama. Each episode presents a new challenge for Cardo, who fearlessly battles corrupt officials, criminal syndicates, and personal adversities. The series keeps viewers hooked with its fast-paced plotlines, intense action sequences, and emotional character arcs.

Further, I think Brothers resonates with Filipino viewers due to its relatable themes and portrayal of societal issues. The show sheds light on the struggles faced by ordinary citizens, highlighting the complexities of urban life and the day-to-day challenges ordinary citizens face. It also captures the resilience and hard-working nature of the Filipino people, creating a strong emotional connection with local audiences as well as international audiences that are interested in Filipino pop culture. 

The success of Brothers can also be attributed to the exceptional performances of the cast. For example, Coco Martin’s portrayal of Officer Cardo has become iconic, earning him widespread praise for his dedication and versatility as an actor. Such performances as well as the show’s gripping storyline are what kept me on the edge of my seat while I was watching the show, and I am thus hardly surprised that the show gained such legacy in my country.

It is for these reasons that Brothers has secured itself as a significant part of the Filipino television landscape.

Lesson 107: A gift of money💰

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This week, you will use the following cue card to train for Part 2 of IELTS Speaking:

Describe a time when you received money as a gift from a family member. You should say
-when you received the gift
-why you received it
-what you did with the money
-and explain how you felt after receiving the gift

Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

Step 2: Work through the sample exercise in the below podcast episode.

Step 3: (Full lesson temporarily unavailable.)

Step 4: Read through the below transcript.

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

Transcript

Describe a time when you received money as a gift from a family member. You should say
-when you received the gift
-why you received it
-what you did with the money
-and explain how you felt after receiving the gift

On my last birthday, my grandmother surprised me with a generous sum of money as a gift. It was a delightful and unexpected gesture from her, and she explained that she wanted me to use the money in any way I pleased.

After receiving the gift, I carefully considered how to utilise the money in a way that would be both meaningful and memorable. I wanted to make sure it would have a lasting impact on my life. Therefore, I decided to invest a portion of the money in my education. I enrolled myself in an online course that I had been eyeing for a while. This course was directly related to my career aspirations, and I knew it would enhance my skills and open up new opportunities for me in the future.

Additionally, I decided to allocate a portion of the money towards a long-awaited vacation. I had been longing to take a break and explore a new destination. With the financial gift from my grandmother, I was able to book a trip to a picturesque beach resort. It was an incredible experience, allowing me to relax, rejuvenate, and create beautiful memories.

Receiving such a generous gift from my grandmother made me feel an immense sense of gratitude and appreciation. It was not just about the monetary value of the gift but also the thought and love behind it. Knowing that my grandmother cared about my dreams and aspirations, and wanted to contribute to my personal growth, touched me deeply. I will always cherish that memorable day and the impact this gift had on my life.

Lesson 103: T-shirts👕

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This week, you will train to speak about clothing, specifically T-shirts. Use the below shadowing technique to improve your fluency.

Step 1: As always, start this week’s training by familiarising yourself with the model.

Step 2: (The IELTSCast episode for this week is temporarily unavailable.)

Step 3: Now complete your full shadowing practice using the below exercise. (If you do not yet have access to full exercises, click here.)

Step 4: Read through the below transcript and make note of all items you found challenging or new this week.

Step 5: Send your speech samples to your Whatsapp instructor and wait for their feedback.

Chat on WhatsApp

Transcript

Where do you live?

I currently reside in Dhaka. It’s a vibrant city with lots to offer in terms of culture, entertainment, and opportunities.

Do you like wearing T-shirts?

Absolutely! T-shirts are comfortable and versatile, making them a staple in my wardrobe. I find them perfect for casual outings, exercise, or even lounging at home.

How often do you wear T-shirts?

I wear T-shirts almost every day, especially during the warmer months. They’re easy to style and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.

What kind of T-shirts do you wear for different occasions?

For casual outings or running errands, I usually wear plain, solid-coloured T-shirts. For more formal events, I opt for dressier T-shirts with a subtle pattern or design. I also enjoy wearing graphic tees with quirky prints for a funkier look.

Have you ever bought a T-shirt as a souvenir from a place you visited?

Yes, I have. I think buying a T-shirt as a souvenir is a great way to remember a trip or experience. I have a collection of T-shirts from various places that hold special memories for me.

What do you think of T-shirts with slogans or messages on them?

I think T-shirts with slogans or messages on them can be a great way to express oneself or make a statement. However, I do believe that the message should be positive and respectful. I find it inappropriate when T-shirts have offensive or derogatory messages on them.

Lesson 101: A noisy situation😖

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Is speech shadowing effective? Yes! Let this lesson about ‘a noisy situation’ convince you. Here is the Part 2 cue card we are using in today’s exercise:

Describe a situation where you experienced a lot of noise.
You should say:

-Where you were
-What made the noise
-How the noise affected you
-And what you did do to deal with the noise

Part 1: First, listen to the full sample.

Step 2: This week’s IELTSCast episode is temporarily unavailable.

Step 3: Complete the full exercise by watching the below video.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note what you’ve learned today.

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

Chat on WhatsApp

Transcript

Describe a situation where you experienced a lot of noise.
You should say:

-Where you were
-What made the noise
-How the noise affected you
-And what you did do to deal with the noise

I’m going to describe a situation where I experienced a lot of noise. This happened a few months ago when I was visiting a friend who lived near a construction site. The noise was coming from the construction site, where they were building a new apartment complex.

The construction was very loud and it affected me in a number of ways. First of all, it was difficult to carry on a conversation with my friend because we occasionally had to shout to hear each other over the noise. Additionally, the noise was so persistent that it was difficult to focus on anything else. I found myself becoming increasingly irritable and frustrated as the noise continued.

In order to deal with the noise, we decided to leave the apartment and go for a walk in a nearby park. This helped us to get away from the noise and enjoy some peace and quiet for a while. We also wore earplugs when we were inside the apartment, which helped to reduce the noise somewhat.

Overall, the experience was very frustrating, but I learned a lot from it. I realised how much noise can affect my mood and my ability to focus, and I have since become more aware of the noise levels in my environment. If I ever find myself in a similar situation again, I will be sure to take steps to minimise the impact of the noise on my wellbeing.

Thank you.

Lesson 97: A leisure activity you did when you were young🏓

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This week, you will use the speech shadowing process to talk about a leisure activity you did when you were young. Here is the cue card used in today’s training:

Describe a leisure activity that you did when you were young.

You should say:

-what it was

-where you did it

-who you did it with

-and explain how you felt about this activity

Part 1 and 2: These sections are temporarily unavailable.

Part 3: Complete the full exercise below.

Part 4: Refer to the below transcript of this week’s exercise and note any challenging language you came across.

Part 5: Submit your own speech samples to your Whatsapp instructor.

Chat on WhatsApp

Transcript

Describe a leisure activity that you did when you were young.

You should say:

-what it was

-where you did it

-who you did it with

-and explain how you felt about this activity

When I was young, I was an avid reader. I would usually read in my bedroom, which was my favourite spot to escape into a different world. My parents were very supportive of my reading habit and they would often take me to the library or bookstore to pick out new books. I would also borrow books from my friends at school and exchange recommendations with them.

Reading was a solitary activity for me, but it allowed me to explore different perspectives and ideas. It was a way for me to travel to different places and experience different cultures, all from the comfort of my own home. It was also a way for me to learn new things and broaden my horizons.

I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation whenever I started a new book. I would become completely engrossed in the story and would lose track of time. Reading was a way for me to escape from reality and enter a different world, even if it was just for a little while.

Overall, reading was a leisure activity that brought me immense pleasure and satisfaction when I was young. It allowed me to explore new ideas and perspectives, and it helped me to develop my imagination and creativity. Even now, as an adult, I still love to read and I credit my childhood reading habit for fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Lesson 91: Shoes👟

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This week, you will train for IELTS Speaking Part 1. This model talks about a very unique topic: shoes!

Part 1: Listen to the full sample.

Part 2: Tune in to this week’s IELTSCast episode and practist repeating some of the language.

Part 3: Complete the full speech shadowing exercise.

Part 4: Read through the transcript and identify any areas to review.

Part 5: Submit your speaking samples to your Whatsapp instructor.

Chat on WhatsApp

Transcript

Do you study or work?

I am currently pursuing a higher education at a well-renowned university. I am studying a multidisciplinary field which is a balanced combination of my diverse interests.

Where do you study?

My university is located in the bustling city centre, providing a perfect combination of academic rigor and cultural diversity. It’s a supportive learning environment that I find motivates me to achieve my goals.

What type of shoes do you wear?

I am quite meticulous when it comes to footwear, as it plays a crucial role in my daily comfort. I usually wear premium sneakers made from high-quality materials, which offer excellent cushioning and support.

What is your favourite colour for shoes?

My favourite shoe colour is navy blue. I find it to be a timeless and stylish colour that can be easily paired with a wide range of other clothing.

Do you often buy shoes in this colour?

Yes, I often purchase shoes in this particular shade as I find it to be a reliable choice for various occasions. Moreover, because it is a darker colour, any scuffs or other signs of wear and tear are difficult to see.

How often do you buy new shoes?

I believe in the philosophy of investing in quality over quantity, which is why I don’t buy shoes frequently. I usually purchase a new pair of shoes every 8 to 10 months, or when my current pair starts to show clear signs of age.

When did you last buy a pair of shoes?

I actually bought my last pair of shoes just a few weeks ago. They are navy blue sneakers made from premium materials, and I am thoroughly impressed with their comfort and performance. I can confidently say that they are among the best shoes I have ever owned.

Lesson 89: An inexpensive outing🚵

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We’re talking about ‘an inexpensive outing’ this week. Can you remember a time when you did something inexpensively?

Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

Step 2: This week’s IELTSCast episode is unavailable. It will be back up soon.

Step 3: Engage the full exercise.

Step 4: Read through this week’s transcript.

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

Chat on WhatsApp

Transcript

Describe a day out that didn’t cost much. You should say
-where you went
-what you did
-what you spent money on
-and explain whether you enjoyed the day out and why

I recently had a day out that was both enjoyable and affordable. I went to a nearby park with a few of my friends. We all brought our own food and drinks and had a picnic on the grassy lawn. We spent the whole day playing games, like frisbee and soccer, and just enjoying each other’s company. The only money we spent was on parking, which came to about $5.

I really loved this day for a number of reasons. Firstly, it was a beautiful day and being surrounded by nature was really peaceful and calming. Secondly, I got to spend quality time with my friends and we had so much fun playing games and just chatting. It was such a great reminder that sometimes the simplest things in life can bring the most happiness.

Another reason I enjoyed this day out was because it was so affordable. I love going out and trying new things, but often these activities can be quite expensive. This day out showed me that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a great time. All you need is good company and a positive attitude, and you can have an enjoyable day no matter where you are or what you’re doing.

Overall, this day out was a really memorable experience for me, and I would definitely do it again. It was a great reminder that sometimes the best things in life are the ones that don’t cost much.