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

Category: Experiences

  • 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.

  • Lesson 124: A traditional celebration or event in your culture🌠

    This lesson pushes you to train to speak about culture. Work through the exercises and remember that you can always refer to the transcript if you need support. Here is the cue card seen in this exercise:

    Describe a traditional celebration or event in your culture. Please say:

    -what the event is

    -when and where it takes place

    -why it is important

    -and share your personal experiences or memories related to this celebration or event

    Step 1: Listen to this week’s full band 9 model Part 2 response.

    Step 2: Try this week’s podcast episode. The episode includes a few ‘repeat after me’ sentences from the full exercise.

    Step 3: Work your way through this week’s full exercise. The video contains prompts to help support you if you don’t catch everything that is said.

    Step 4: Read the below transcript. Do you understand every word and phrase? If not, be proactive. Post a comment. Check a dictionary. Make sure you note anything you learn in your journal.

    Step 5: When you are fully familiar with the language, complete this week’s speech samples and post them to your Whatsapp group.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Describe a traditional celebration or event in your culture. Please say:

    -what the event is

    -when and where it takes place

    -why it is important

    -and share your personal experiences or memories related to this celebration or event

    I’d like to talk about a traditional celebration in my culture, which is known as Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Indonesia, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

    The exact date of Eid al-Fitr varies each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar, and it’s a nationwide celebration in Indonesia. Families and communities come together to observe this festive occasion.

    The importance of Eid al-Fitr in Indonesian culture is immense. It signifies the spiritual and personal growth achieved during Ramadan. People focus on prayer, self-reflection and acts of charity, and the holiday is considered a time when families and friends come together to celebrate and strengthen their bonds. Additionally, it’s customary to carry out almsgiving to help those in need, ensuring that everyone can join in the celebrations.

    Personally, Eid al-Fitr holds a special place in my heart as well. I have fond memories of the preparations leading up to the festival. My family and I would start by cleaning our house, purchasing new clothes and preparing delicious traditional dishes. On the morning of Eid, we would attend a special prayer at the mosque, after which we would visit relatives and neighbours to exchange warm greetings and small gifts.

    To my mind, this festival exemplifies the rich cultural diversity and religious traditions of Indonesia and remains a vibrant and meaningful celebration in the country.

    Thank you.

  • Lesson 121: A memorable game🎲

    This week’s lesson is for Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking exam. It examines the topic of a game that is memorable for you. Here is the cue card that is used:

    Describe a tabletop game or other game you have played. You should say:
    What the game was
    Who you played it with
    Where and when you played it
    And explain why it was a memorable game for you.

    Part 1: Listen to the model and make special note of any new language you come across. Try to listen without looking at the transcript to check how much of the language you understand or can interpret from context. If you still have some trouble understanding after listening several times, consult the below transcript and identify the challenging areas.

    Part 2: This to this week’s IELTSCast episode and practise saying a few of the lines from the response.

    Part 3: Below is the full exercise for this week. Work through this exercise to refine your speaking. These exercises can be long and challenging, and results may seem to take time, but remember that incremental progress occurs with each repeated phrase. Push yourself to sound as much like the model as you can.

    Part 4: Read through the transcript. If there are still areas that you find challenging (pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary use, etc), leave a comment asking for further explanation or support.

    Part 5: Post this week’s speaking samples to your Whatsapp group. Your instructor will provide you with personalized feedback.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Describe a tabletop game or other game you have played. You should say:
    What the game was
    Who you played it with
    Where and when you played it
    And explain why it was a memorable game for you.

    I’d like to share an experience I had playing a tabletop game called ‘Settlers of Catan.’ It was an incredibly memorable game for me, not only because of the game itself but also because of the people I played it with and the setting in which it took place.

    Settlers of Catan is a strategic board game that revolves around resource management and negotiation. It’s designed for three to four players, and each player assumes the role of a settler on the fictional island of Catan. The objective of the game is to build settlements, roads and cities while trading resources like wood, brick, ore, wheat and sheep with other players.

    I played this game with three close friends of mine – Sarah, Mark and James. We decided to have a game night at my apartment during summer vacation last year. It was a relaxing atmosphere, with dimmed lights and our favourite snacks and drinks within reach. We started the game just as the sun was setting, so the room was warm with the setting sunlight.

    What made this game so memorable for me was the intense competition and the genuine laughter it brought about. As the game progressed, we found ourselves making strategic alliances and clever trades, which sometimes led to unexpected betrayals and shifting alliances.

    Moreover, it was memorable because it allowed us to bond on a deeper level. We shared stories, exchanged banter, and had moments of genuine teamwork and rivalry. As the night turned into morning, we finally declared a winner, but it didn’t really matter who won or lost. What mattered was the quality time we spent together.

  • Lesson 118: An electronic device you used for important work🤳

    This week, we’re looking at a Part 2 cue card that requires you speak about a device you used for important work. Here is the cue card:

    Describe a time when you used an electronic device for some important work. You should say
    – what you did
    – when you did it
    – why you had to use your electronic device
    – and explain how you felt about this experience.

    Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

    Step 2: Listen to this week’s podcast episode and work through the free sample exercise.

    Step 3: Below is this week’s full exercise. Work through the exercise and remember to redo sections if the language is completely new or challenging.

    Step 4: Included below is the full transcript for this lesson. Read through it and note language items that you found challenging. Remember to attempt to include these noted items in your own day-to-day speaking.

    Step 5: You will be given five short speech exercises in your Whatsapp group. Submit your speech samples promptly and wait for feedback from your instructor.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Describe a time when you used an electronic device for some important work. You should say
    – what you did
    – when you did it
    – why you had to use your electronic device
    – and explain how you felt about this experience.

    I’d like to talk about a time when I used my laptop for an important task. About six months ago, I had to prepare a crucial presentation for my workplace. I work as a marketing manager in a multinational company, and this presentation was a key component of a pitch we were making to a potential client.

    I performed this task a day before the scheduled presentation. I remember it was a Sunday, and the presentation was to be held on Monday morning. I had known about the presentation for about a week in advance, but the busy nature of my job made it difficult to find time to work on the task.

    The reason I had to use my laptop was primarily for gathering data and creating visual aids. I relied heavily on my laptop to research the client’s industry trends and their competitors’ strategies, and to glean statistical data that could support our proposal. Additionally, I used presentation software on the device to design slides that would be both informative and visually appealing.

    Reflecting on this experience, I can say I felt a mixture of pressure, determination and gratitude. On one hand, I was aware of the significance of the presentation: it could potentially secure a lucrative deal for our company. On the other hand, the time constraint added an extra layer of stress that was honestly rather unpleasant. However, I embraced the challenge and saw it as an opportunity to showcase my skills and dedication. By the time I completed the presentation late into the night, I was not only proud of the outcome but also amazed at how much my device had helped to accelerate the task. I can’t imagine how long a task like this would take without the support of a laptop!

    Thank you.

  • Lesson 115: Your work, zoos and animals🦁

    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🎓

    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🍖

    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📺

    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.