Category Archives: Experiences

Lesson 88: Your job and advertisementsšŸ“®

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Talking about your job is one of the most common topics in IELTS Speaking. In today’s lesson, you will train to speak about this topic and also the topic of advertisements.

Step 1:Ā Tune in to this weekā€™s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

Part 1 Questions

Do you work or study?
What are your responsibilities at work?
Why did you choose this job?
Is there something you don’t like about your job?
Let’s talk about advertisements. Tell me about an advertisement you saw recently that you enjoyed.
Would you like to be in an advertisement one day?
šŸ§‘ā€šŸŽ“Target language:

primary (adjective)
-central or most important

“My primary responsibilities include monitoring inventory levels along our supply chains and arranging stock replenishment when it is needed.”

Step 2:Ā Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3:Ā Engage this weekā€™s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4:Ā Below is Mondayā€™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!šŸ—£ļøšŸ“²

“My primary responsibilities include monitoring inventory levels along our supply chains and arranging stock replenishment when it is needed. I communicate closely with our sales team and create purchase orders for items based on our forecasted figures.”
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Step 5:Ā Itā€™s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this weekā€™s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.šŸ“

Transcript

Do you work or study?

I am currently working as a purchasing manager with a medium sized construction company.

What are your responsibilities at work?

My primary responsibilities include monitoring inventory levels along our supply chains and arranging stock replenishment when it is needed. I communicate closely with our sales team and create purchase orders for items based on our forecasted figures.

Why did you choose this job?

I actually didnā€™t choose this job. I was working as a warehouse manager when a vacancy as a purchasing manager opened up. The directors at the company thought I would be a great fit for the role and encouraged me to join.

Is there something you don’t like about your job?

I like most things about my job, but if I had to choose something I would say that the role requires dealing with a fair amount of uncertainty, and I donā€™t terribly like this. The construction industry has seasonal fluctuations, and sometimes demand for our product can be difficult to forecast. This can be a source of significant stress for me.

Let’s talk about advertisements. Tell me about an advertisement you saw recently that you enjoyed.

Recently, I saw an advertisement for a new mobile application that promised to help users stay organised and manage their time more effectively. What I liked about the advertisement was that it was very visually appealing and easy to understand. They used simple and clear language to convey the features and benefits of the app and the animation was very engaging.

Would you like to be in an advertisement one day?

I think it could be an interesting experience to be in an advertisement one day. I could use it as a great opportunity to showcase my personality and talents to a wider audience. However, I would only want to be a part of an advertisement campaign that aligns with my values and beliefs.

Lesson 86: A memorable outdoor activityā›°ļø

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This lesson requires you describe an outdoor activity you did that was memorable for you.

Step 1: Listen to the full band 9 model.

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

Step 3: Work through this week’s full exercise.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note the language you learned this week.

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

Chat on WhatsApp

Transcript

Describe a memorable outdoor activity that you have participated in.
What did you do during this activity?
Who did you go with?
Why was it memorable for you?
And say how you felt during and after this activity.

One memorable outdoor activity that I participated in was a multi-day hiking trip through the mountains. I went with a group of friends, and we spent several days hiking through beautiful wilderness areas, camping out under the stars, and exploring the local flora and fauna. Sometimes my friends and I would get lost in deep conversation as we trekked, but there were also long stretches when we walked in silence and I was completely alone with my thoughts.

The reason this trip was so memorable for me was because it was the first time I had ever gone on a long-distance hike. It was physically challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. I felt a sense of accomplishment and freedom as we hiked through the stunning landscapes, and the sense of camaraderie with my friends was unbeatable.

During the hike, I felt a mix of excitement and exhaustion. There were moments when I was really pushing myself to keep going, but then there were also moments of pure joy and wonder as we took in the breathtaking views. And after the hike, I felt a strong sense of accomplishment and pride in what we had achieved.

Overall, this was a truly memorable outdoor activity for me, and one that I will always cherish.

Lesson 84: Teaching styles and learningšŸ‘Øā€šŸ«

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This week, you will speech about different teaching and learning styles.

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

Step 2: Watch this week’s IELTSCast episode.

Step 3: Engage the full speech shadowing exercise.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript. What new language did you learn this week? Make a note so you can review this language at a later date.

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

Chat on WhatsApp

Transcript

Weā€™ve been talking about a lesson that you remember well, and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic.
What makes a lesson memorable?

I think a few things help achieve this. Firstly, the teacher has a lot to do with it. Teachers that can make a subject interesting to the learner will always have memorable lessons. The learning environment can also enhance the experience. I used to study Arabic with a tutor while living in Dubai. We would meet in shopping malls and he would help me practise by watching me speak in Arabic to shop owners. Those were lessons I will never forget!

Why do people hire private tutors?

In many cases, it depends on the studentā€™s learning style. Some people prefer having designated one-on-one time with the teacher so that they can focus on their own weaknesses without having to concern themselves with the needs of other students. I enjoy both classroom instruction and private tuition, but when studying languages I prefer having a private tutor that can give me immediate and ongoing feedback. I feel this accelerates my progress.

How are younger and older teachers different?

They are different in many ways. Often older teachers have a much deeper understanding of the topic they are teaching, and this just comes from experience. However, younger teachers might have better understanding of technology and how the topic might be applied to contemporary times. In the advertising industry, for example, there may be statistical understanding that an older teacher explains better, whereas a younger teacher has a better grasp of the reach and demographics best hit by apps like Instagram.

How have teaching styles changed compared to the past?

Teaching these days makes much greater use of technology. I canā€™t remember the last time I saw a classroom with chalk sticks and a blackboard. Since COVID, it is also common for teaching styles to blend distance with in-person learning. Certain skills are also considered central to the learning experience now. For example, a lot of learning these days demands students research a topic using a variety of media on the internet.

Do you expect people to learn in the same way in the future?

I feel learning styles will forever evolve, but for now I think learning will occur through a blend of virtual and in-person methods. I feel like humanity is still a bit shaky on how to use some of the technology that was introduced during the global lockdown, so I donā€™t anticipate drastic changes in the foreseeable future. I imagine the next few years will involve solidifying our use of current technologies.

Lesson 83: A lesson you rememberšŸ‘Øā€šŸŽ“

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This week’s lesson looks at the topic of ‘education’ and specifically ‘a lesson your remember well’. This is a Part 2 lesson that uses the following cue card:

Talk about a lesson that you remember well. You should say
-when and where it was
-who taught you the lesson
-what you learned
-and explain why you remember the lesson well

Step 1: Listen to the full band 9 speech sample.

Step 2: Work through the sample exercise in this week’s IELTSCast episode.

Step 3: Complete the full shadowing exercise.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note all of the new language you came across this week.

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

Chat on WhatsApp

Transcript

Talk about a lesson that you remember well. You should say
-when and where it was
-who taught you the lesson
-what you learned
-and explain why you remember the lesson well

As far as school is concerned, I canā€™t in all honesty say I remember many lessons. However, I do remember a lesson I had with my English tutor. The lesson I remember very well was one that I had fairly recently in order to prepare for my IELTS exam.

I was at my tutorā€™s home around four months ago and she began explaining writing Task 1 to me. I was extremely nervous about Task 1 because all my friends who had taken IELTS told me how tricky it was. Fortunately, my tutor explained it to me very methodically and demystified it for me. She showed me how to organise my ideas and what kind of language to use. She taught me how to group information appropriately, what to edit out and what to include, and how to communicate these areas in an appropriate tone. It initially felt like a great deal of information to synthesise but with some practice, it became a piece of cake.

I took the writing portion of the test earlier today and feel like I utilised every bit of information my tutor provided, so I believe this is a lesson that is not only memorable but will be a crucial component to my success in the exams.

Lesson 81: Meeting people and social mediašŸ“±

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This week, you will train to speak about meeting people and social media.

Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

Step 2: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode.

Step 3: Engage the full exercise.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note the new language you encountered this week.

Step 5: Post your speaking samples to your Whatsapp group and wait for feedback.

Chat on WhatsApp

Transcript

Do people become friends because they have a similar personality?

While this can be true, I donā€™t believe this is always the case. I think there need to be some similarities like common interests or a similar sense of humour, but looking at my friends I would say that our personalities are actually quite different. There are other things that bond us: mutual understanding, shared experiences and the things I previously mentioned. However, on the whole I would not say our personalities are the same. 

How do people in your country behave to a new person when they meet for the first time?

Well, in my country, we generally try to make the new person feel at ease. We definitely try to make them feel welcomed and so we show an interest in him or her. If the meeting is at our home, then we go to great lengths to make the newcomer feel honoured. So, we repeatedly offer food and drinks and make sure the guest knows that we value their presence. 

How can we make people feel comfortable the first time we meet them?

In my experience, humour is the best way. People who use self-deprecating humour always seem to make others around them feel comfortable because it shows the other person they can relax and are free to be casual. When you show you can laugh at yourself you exhibit self-confidence while also breaking the ice with the people around you. 

How do people maintain social contact with coworkers or colleagues?

I think social media goes a long way toward fostering personal relationships. Many of us donā€™t know our colleaguesā€™ birthdays but apps like Facebook offer reminders so you can send someone wishes or even plan a mini celebration at work. Social media also lets you see who your co-workers are outside of work so you can see if you have similar interests or hobbies. This can be a starting point for a friendly relationship that extends beyond a simple acquaintance. 

Do you think it is a good idea for companies to give breaks to their employees?

I think that even if companies donā€™t give them employees will find a way to take them! Few people can work without interruption or break for eight hours or more. The mind needs to unwind, the body needs to move ā€“ or not move ā€“ but no work activity can or should be sustained for many hours without a short break. This leads to burnout and exhaustion, which leads to lowered productivityā€¦so short-sighted thinking can potentially have long-lasting results. That is why I think it is a tragic mistake to not allow employee breaks.

Lesson 80: A story someone told youšŸ¦‹

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This week, you will practise responding to the following Part 2 cue card:

Talk about a story someone told you that you remember well. Please say:
-what the story is about
-who told you the story
-when he/she told you the story
-and explain why you remember it so well

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version below) to become familiar with the speech sample. This episode will also push you to practise saying a few sentences from the model.

Step 2: If at any time you’d like to hear the original sample without pauses, you can listen to it here.

Step 3: Work through this week’s full exercise.

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!šŸ“²

“This story was told to me several years ago. It is nothing short of incredible, and Iā€™d have a hard time believing it had actually happened if it werenā€™t my brother who told me.”
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Transcript

Talk about a story someone told you that you remember well. Please say:
-what the story is about
-who told you the story
-when he/she told you the story
-and explain why you remember it so well

“This story was told to me several years ago. It is nothing short of incredible, and Iā€™d have a hard time believing it had actually happened if it werenā€™t my brother who told me.

My brother had planned to propose to his girlfriend of several years, and he put the engagement ring in his pocket hoping to surprise her when they met later that day. His girlfriend worked at the public transit depot in our city, so my brotherā€™s plan was to take the bus to her office and walk with her to a park nearby where they could picnic and he could ask her to marry him.

Unfortunately, when he went to put his coins into the busā€™s fare repository, he accidentally dropped the engagement ring in too! He realised it a minute later and told the driver who radioed to have someone ready at the terminal station to open the repository and retrieve the ring.

When the bus pulled into the transit depot, my brotherā€™s girlfriend was standing there. The ring was quickly retrieved and my brother proposed to her right there on the spot!

My brother and his wife remain happily married to this day, so as you can imagine this story is a cherished family memory that gets told a lot.”

Lesson 78: The value of things šŸ’Ž

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This week, you will train to speak about ‘the value of something’ and ‘a person’s values’.

Step 1: Watch this week’s lesson.

Part 3 Questions
Would you recommend this item or service to others?
Do people value free things less than items that are purchased?
Is there anything more valuable than money?
Do you think money can change a personā€™s values?
šŸ§‘ā€šŸŽ“Target language:

flipsideĀ (noun)
Another version of something

ā€œOn the flipside, when you have money you will spend it to save time.ā€

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3:Ā Engage this weekā€™s full speech shadowing lesson.

Step 4:Ā Below is Mondayā€™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!šŸ—£ļøšŸ“²

ā€œThey did a fine job on the car, so yes, I would recommend it. Those of us who live in the city donā€™t typically have the space to wash our cars ourselves, so we must get this done professionally.”
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Step 5:Ā Itā€™s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this weekā€™s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.šŸ“

Transcript

(Note: In Part 2 of this exam, the candidate speaks about a free car wash they received.)

Would you recommend this item or service to others?

They did a fine job on the car, so yes, I would recommend it. Those of us who live in the city donā€™t typically have the space to wash our cars ourselves, so we must get this done professionally.

Do people value free things less than items that are purchased?

Typically yes. Usually free items are something of a gimmick, a way to pull you in to earn your loyalty and convince you to buy more. They are very rarely of high value ā€“ if they were you would have to pay for them! People know that it is part of a ploy and donā€™t always appreciate the free item.

Is there anything more valuable than money?

Absolutely. Obviously things like health, family and loved ones are more valuable but I would also say time is more valuable. This is particularly true for people who happen to have a lot of money. They are happy to spend more for something if it means it will save them time.

Do you think money can change a personā€™s values?

I think the example I just shared is a good illustration of how money can change a personā€™s values. When you donā€™t have money, you will spend time to save money. On the flipside, when you have money you will spend it to save time. Having money ā€“ or not ā€“ will change what you place a premium on.

Lesson 77: A free item or servicešŸ‘

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This week, you will train to talk about a free item or service you received.

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

Part 2 Cue Card

Talk about a free item or service you received. Please say
-what item or service it was
-why it was free
-what you did to receive it
-and explain how you felt about receiving this item or service
šŸ§‘ā€šŸŽ“Target language:

strapped (adjective)
Short of money

“I was strapped for cash.”

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 Mondayā€™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!šŸ—£ļøšŸ“²

“Some time ago, I was driving my car and had to stop for gas. I remember being very anxious as it was in the middle of my exam period, so I was studying and on top of that I had just paid for some expensive repairs on my car, so I was strapped for cash.”
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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.šŸ“

Transcript

Talk about a free item or service you received. Please say
-what item or service it was
-why it was free
-what you did to receive it
-and explain how you felt about receiving this item or service

Some time ago, I was driving my car and had to stop for gas. I remember being very anxious as it was in the middle of my exam period, so I was studying and on top of that I had just paid for some expensive repairs on my car, so I was strapped for cash. Although the tank was nearly empty, I asked the attendant to put 10 pounds worth of fuel in my car. He started the pump and walked away.

A minute or two later, I looked at the pump and saw that it read 40 pounds and was still going! I flagged down the attendant and reminded him that I had only asked for 10 pounds of fuel and now I had to pay nearly 50! He apologised profusely but said since I had been given the petrol I had to pay for it.

Well, I take it the attendant could see from my face that I was in a tight position and pretty upset about the whole ordeal. He offered to pay for the difference out of his salary but I couldnā€™t in good conscience ask him to do that. Thatā€™s when he offered me three free car washes and a waxing instead. It wasnā€™t an ideal situation as I still had to pay for the fuel and essentially I was getting something I didnā€™t truly need but I accepted the offer. 

It all worked out in the end because my car received some much needed care. I, of course, used the petrol and the attendant was satisfied that he didnā€™t have to pay for the fuel himself. 

Lesson 75: Spontaneity and unexpected situationsšŸ§©

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This week’s lesson examines Part 3 questions that ask the candidate to talk about spontaneous situations.

Part 1: Tune in to this weekā€™s podcast episode (audio and video version available below):

Do you like surprises?
Do you think doing things spontaneously is a good idea?
How do unexpected situations make people feel?
Why do some people feel stressed when things donā€™t go as planned?
šŸ§‘ā€šŸŽ“Target language:

on a whimĀ (phrase)
-Something done without careful planning

ā€œA house or car purchased on a whim can spell financial disaster.ā€

Step 2:Ā Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3:Ā Engage this weekā€™s full speech shadowing lesson.

Step 4:Ā Below is Mondayā€™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!šŸ—£ļøšŸ“²

“If they are pleasant surprises, yes, of course I enjoy a good surprise.”
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Step 5:Ā Itā€™s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this weekā€™s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.šŸ“

Transcript

Do you like surprises?

If they are pleasant surprises, yes, of course I enjoy a good surprise. 

Do you think doing things spontaneously is a good idea?

It depends on what the things are. A trip taken spontaneously can be wonderfully adventurous and rejuvenating. However, a house or car purchased on a whim can spell financial disaster. So spontaneity can be a great way to bring some excitement to a personā€™s life but it has to be done in moderation.  

How do unexpected situations make people feel?

Generally, I think people are uncomfortable with the unknown. We say that we like excitement and novelty, but in reality we are creatures of habit and are uncomfortable in unfamiliar circumstances. People get anxious and if this feeling is prolonged or happens repeatedly, their well-being suffers. 

Why do some people feel stressed when things donā€™t go as planned?

People like a sense of control. Or rather, I should say they like theĀ illusionĀ of control. They like to feel like they are masters of their own destiny ā€“ although if you ask me, this is ridiculous. I think people get stressed because they are insecure about their ability to handle something unexpected, and itā€™s a little childish quite frankly.

Thank you.

Lesson 74: Something that surprised youšŸ˜²

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This week you will train to speak about a situation that surprised you.

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

Describe something that surprised you. You should say
-what it was
-how you found out about it
-what you did
-and explain how it made you feel
šŸ§‘ā€šŸŽ“Target language:

vast (adjective)
-of great extent

“My tutor had seen vast improvement in my listening”

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 Mondayā€™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!šŸ—£ļøšŸ“²

“Well, unfortunately, I am about to describe an event that surprised me in a negative way and it is a little embarrassing but here goes. What surprised me recently was the result of my last IELTS exam when I got 6.5 in listening!”
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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.šŸ“

Transcript

Describe something that surprised you. You should say
-what it was
-how you found out about it
-what you did
-and explain how it made you feel

Well, unfortunately, I am about to describe an event that surprised me in a negative way and it is a little embarrassing but here goes. What surprised me recently was the result of my last IELTS exam when I got 6.5 in listening!

I had been preparing for IELTS for several months with a tutor and had completed at least 10 listening tests, so I felt very well prepared. My tutor had seen vast improvement in my listening and gave me glowing words of praise so my confidence was soaring. Even after I left the exam, I was certain I had achieved my required score.

Several days later, the notification that my results were available arrived. When I logged on to see the score, I was aghast. I told no one ā€“ I simply left the office and went for a walk. I donā€™t even remember where I went! I called my tutor and let her know what had happened. I believe she tried to console me but to no avail.

Shortly afterwards, when I had calmed down, I realised where I had gone wrong in my exam and now I am certain I wonā€™t repeat the same mistake again.

Thank you.