-what room this is -what the room looks like -who uses this room the most
and explain what you like or dislike about this room
I’d like to talk about the living room in my house. It’s the heart of our household, where my family and I gather to relax, entertain guests and spend quality time together.
The living room is spacious and well-lit, thanks to a large window that allows plenty of natural light. The walls are painted a calming pastel colour, and there’s a stitched rug that adds a touch of coziness. In terms of furniture, the room has a comfortable L-shaped sofa and a wooden media unit that houses the TV. There’s also a small bookshelf in the corner, which has books and a few family photos.
While everyone in my family uses the living room, I’d say it’s my parents who spend the most time there. My dad enjoys sitting on the sofa with a cup of tea, reading the newspaper in the morning, while my mum often watches her favourite TV shows in the evenings.
What I love most about this room is its versatility. It’s perfect for unwinding after a long day, yet it’s also a welcoming space for socialising. The natural light during the day and the warm glow of the lamps in the evening make it feel cozy and inviting at any hour. The only thing I dislike is the positioning of the furniture. I think a more open layout would enhance the room’s functionality.
Overall, the living room holds a lot of cherished memories, which makes it very special to me.
This week we’re looking at Part 1 questions on the topic of ‘exercise’.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)
This week’s Part 1 questions:
Where do you live? Can you describe your hometown? What is your favourite place to visit in your hometown? How easy is it to walk around your hometown? Let’s talk about exercise. Do you like to exercise? What kind of exercise do you most regularly do? Is this kind of exercise popular in your country?
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)
Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲
Muscat is a city that blends traditional and modern elements. For example, you’ll find ancient forts like Al Mirani, which dates back centuries, standing alongside contemporary landmarks such as the Royal Opera House. The people are very internationally minded. It’s a great place to live.
Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝
Transcript
Where do you live? I live in Muscat. It is the capital city of Oman.
Can you describe your hometown? Muscat is a city that blends traditional and modern elements. For example, you’ll find ancient forts like Al Mirani, which dates back centuries, standing alongside contemporary landmarks such as the Royal Opera House. The people are very internationally minded. It’s a great place to live.
What is your favourite place to visit in your hometown? My favourite spot is Mutrah Souq, an enchanting traditional market near the coast. There you can find stalls selling everything from spices and textiles to jewellery and antiques.
How easy is it to walk around your hometown? Walking around Muscat can be enjoyable in specific areas, such as the walkway along the coast or within parks like Qurum Natural Park. However, the city is spread out, and the weather can be quite hot, especially in the summer, so walking isn’t always practical.
Let’s talk about exercise. Do you like to exercise? Yes, I enjoy exercising, as it helps me stay fit and reduces stress.
What kind of exercise do you most regularly do? I regularly go for evening walks. There is a beautiful walkway along the coast in my city. The sea breeze and the stunning views of the harbour make it a refreshing and enjoyable activity.
Is this kind of exercise popular in your country? Yes, walking is quite popular in Oman, especially during the cooler months. The country’s diverse landscapes, from mountains to beaches, provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Many people see these as great ways to enjoy Oman’s natural beauty while staying active.
This week we’re looking at Part 3 questions on the topic of ‘museums’. This was a topic seen on a very recent IELTS Speaking exam!
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)
This week’s Part 3 questions:
Should museums charge admission fees, or should they be free for citizens? Do you think making museums free could increase tourism within a country? How can the cost of visiting cultural sites affect tourism? What kinds of museums do you most enjoy visiting? Would you ever like to work in a museum? Do museums play an important role in society?
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)
Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲
“In my opinion, museums should ideally be free for citizens, as this promotes greater access to cultural and historical knowledge. This is essential for fostering a well-informed and culturally aware society.”
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
Should museums charge admission fees, or should they be free for citizens?
In my opinion, museums should ideally be free for citizens, as this promotes greater access to cultural and historical knowledge. This is essential for fostering a well-informed and culturally aware society.
Do you think making museums free could increase tourism within a country?
Yes, I do believe that making museums free could be a draw for tourists. Many travellers look for ways to immerse themselves in a country’s heritage, and free museum access could be a strong incentive.
How can the cost of visiting cultural sites affect tourism?
I think high entry fees may discourage some visitors, leading them to seek more affordable activities. When cultural sites are priced modestly, it makes it possible for tourists of all backgrounds to enjoy and learn about a place’s history, art and culture.
What kinds of museums do you most enjoy visiting?
I am most drawn to art museums and history museums. Art museums captivate me with their diverse collections that span centuries and continents, offering insight into various cultures and artistic movements. History museums, on the other hand, fascinate me with their focus on the evolution of life and ancient civilizations.
Would you ever like to work in a museum?
Yes, working in a museum is something I would definitely consider. Museums are treasure troves of knowledge, and the idea of contributing to the preservation of history and culture is very appealing. I also think I would enjoy helping visitors connect with the past in meaningful ways.
Do museums play an important role in society?
Absolutely. Museums play a vital role in society by preserving history and educating the public. They safeguard artifacts that might otherwise be lost to time. Museums also provide a shared space for learning and reflection.
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!🗣️📲 One website that I frequently visit is Coursera.com. It’s an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines. I primarily use Coursera for continuing my education. It offers a rich collection of courses that are both theoretical and practical, covering topics like machine learning, artificial intelligence and statistical analysis.
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 website that you regularly visit. You should say: What the website is What you use it for Why you like it And explain how it benefits you.
One website that I frequently visit is Coursera.com. It’s an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines.
I primarily use Coursera for continuing my education. It offers a rich collection of courses that are both theoretical and practical, covering topics like machine learning, artificial intelligence and statistical analysis. The interactive learning approach, including hands-on projects and quizzes, has been instrumental in enhancing my knowledge.
What I appreciate most about this website is its flexibility. Being able to learn at my own pace is incredibly convenient. Additionally, the platform often provides certificates upon completion, which helps me build a credible portfolio. This is a real advantage in today’s competitive job market.
Coursera has benefited me immensely, and it was key to my career transition into data science. It has broadened my knowledge base, introduced me to real-world applications and improved my confidence in handling complex techniques. Moreover, the global network of learners allows me to collaborate with and learn from others who share similar interests. It’s a website that I would highly recommend.
This week we’re looking at a Part 2 cue card that asks you to speak about a time when you interacted with an animal.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)
Part 2 cue card Describe a time when you interacted with an animal. You should say: What kind of animal it was Where you were and what you did with the animal How the experience made you feel And explain whether you would like to spend more time with this kind of animal in the future
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)
Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲
“I’d like to talk about a memorable experience I had with a sea turtle. This took place during a holiday in Spain. I visited a local wildlife sanctuary that had a special section dedicated to marine life, and this area included sea turtles.”
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
Part 2 cue card Describe a time when you interacted with an animal. You should say: What kind of animal it was Where you were and what you did with the animal How the experience made you feel And explain whether you would like to spend more time with this kind of animal in the future
I’d like to talk about a memorable experience I had with a sea turtle. This took place during a holiday in Spain. I visited a local wildlife sanctuary that had a special section dedicated to marine life, and this area included sea turtles.
At the sanctuary, I was given the opportunity to assist the staff in feeding the turtles as part of a conservation programme. I helped prepare a mixture of vegetables and fish, which was the turtles’ preferred food. Once the food was ready, I gently placed it in the water. A few moments later, one of the turtles swam up and slowly started to eat it!
This experience made me feel deeply connected to nature. It was a humbling reminder of the vast diversity of life on our planet and how much we can learn from creatures that live so differently from us. I also felt a sense of responsibility toward protecting endangered species like this one, as they are so vulnerable to human activity.
As for whether I’d like to spend more time with this kind of animal: absolutely. Turtles are peaceful, ancient creatures, and being around them has a calming effect. I’d love to be involved in more conservation efforts. It would give me more chances to learn about turtle behaviour and contribute to their preservation.
This week we’re looking at Part 1 questions on the topic of ‘pets’.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)
Part 1 questions Where are you from? Do you work or study? Let’s talk about pets. Do you have any pets? What kind of pet would you like to have in the future? Did you grow up with pets in your home? How do you think having a pet can affect someone’s life? Why do you think some people prefer not to have pets?
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)
Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!👇🗣️📲
“At the moment, I don’t have any pets. My job keeps me fairly busy, and with the amount of time I spend travelling, I feel it would be difficult to properly care for a pet. That said, I do enjoy being around animals whenever I can.”
Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝
Transcript
Where are you from? I’m from a small town in Ireland.
Do you work or study? I work as an assistant in a local shop. It’s a great job where I get to interact with different people every day.
Let’s talk about pets. Do you have any pets? At the moment, I don’t have any pets. My job keeps me fairly busy, and with the amount of time I spend travelling, I feel it would be difficult to properly care for a pet. That said, I do enjoy being around animals whenever I can.
What kind of pet would you like to have in the future? In the future, I’d love to have a dog. I would like one that enjoys outdoor activities like hiking. Since I’m quite active and love spending time in nature, having a dog to accompany me on walks would be really enjoyable.
Did you grow up with pets in your home? Yes, we had a cat when I was growing up. She was a bit of a character —independent but affectionate when she wanted to be. Having her around taught me responsibility and compassion, and I have fond memories of spending time with her.
How do you think having a pet can affect someone’s life? I think having a pet can significantly improve someone’s life. Pets provide companionship, which can help reduce feelings of loneliness. Dogs, in particular, encourage people to be more active, as they require regular exercise. Additionally, pets offer emotional support and unconditional love, and this can boost a person’s overall well-being.
Why do you think some people prefer not to have pets? Some people may choose not to have pets because of the time, effort and expense involved. Pets require daily attention and it can get expensive for things like food and veterinary visits, so owning a pet might not be feasible for everyone. Others may have allergies or live in housing that doesn’t allow pets.
This week, you will train to respond to a Part 2 cue card that asks your to speak about an actor or actress you admire. As always, this band 9 sample response was scripted by an active IELTS examiner.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).
Describe an actor or actress you admire. You should say -who he/she is -what he/she looks like -what kind of movies he/she appears in and explain why you admire this actor/actress
🧑🎓Target language:
down to earth -a person who is not pretentious
“Additionally, he has a reputation for being kind and generous to his fans and colleagues, and he comes across as a very down to earth person in interviews.”
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)
Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲
“One actor I greatly admire is Tom Cruise. He is an internationally renowned actor and producer, known for his dedication to his craft and his impressive filmography.”
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 an actor or actress you admire. You should say -who he/she is -what he/she looks like -what kind of movies he/she appears in and explain why you admire this actor/actress
One actor I greatly admire is Tom Cruise. He is an internationally renowned actor and producer, known for his dedication to his craft and his impressive filmography.
What more can I tell you about him? Tom Cruise is an American actor who has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for over three decades. Tom Cruise has a very distinctive appearance, and I think it’s safe to say most people would describe him as ‘handsome’. He is of average height and is known for his confident smile.
As for the movies he appears in, his films tend to span several different genres. I guess these days he is best known for roles in action films such as the Mission: Impossible series. However, he has also starred in dramatic movies like Jerry Maguire, Eyes Wide Shut and Minority Report, so I feel he is quite versatile in his acting.
There are several reasons why I admire Tom Cruise. Firstly, his willingness to push boundaries is truly inspiring. For example, he does a lot of his own stunts. I heard that several of the high-speed chases in the Mission: Impossible movies were carried out by him. Tom Cruise is also known for his professionalism and work ethic on set, which I think is admirable. Additionally, he has a reputation for being kind and generous to his fans and colleagues, and he comes across as a very down to earth person in interviews.
In this lesson, you will practise speaking about the topics of (1) chocolate and (2) staying up late. This lesson uses a sample band 9 demonstration for Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).
Part 1 Questions
Where are you from? Do you work or study? Let’s talk about chocolate. Do you like eating chocolate? When do you eat chocolate? Let’s talk about routines. Do you stay up late at night? Why do you stay up late? How do you feel in the morning after staying up late? Has staying up late affected your productivity?
🧑🎓Target language:
kickstart(verb) -get something started
“I often need a strong cup of coffee to kickstart my day.”
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)
Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲
“I’m from the city of Mumbai. It’s located on the western coast of India and is known as a major financial hub in Asia.”
Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝
Transcript
Where are you from?
I’m from the city of Mumbai. It’s located on the western coast of India and is known as a major financial hub in Asia.
Do you work or study?
I currently work as a software engineer. I mostly do front end development to help enhance the user experience.
Let’s talk about chocolate. Do you like eating chocolate?
Yes, I absolutely love chocolate. It’s one of my favourite treats.
When do you eat chocolate?
I wouldn’t say I eat it a lot, but when I do have it it’s usually in the evening as a dessert. Sometimes, I might have a small piece in the afternoon as a quick energy boost, too.
Let’s talk about routines. Do you stay up late at night?
Yes, I often stay up late at night, especially on weekdays.
Why do you stay up late?
My work sometimes requires me to collaborate with international teams in different time zones, so this is almost always why I need to stay up late. When we have important deadlines to hit, I might not get to bed until as late as 3 am!
How do you feel in the morning after staying up late?
In the morning, I usually feel quite tired and sluggish if I’ve stayed up late. It takes me a bit longer to get started and feel fully alert. I often need a strong cup of coffee to kickstart my day.
Has staying up late affected your productivity?
Yes, staying up late has definitely affected my productivity. While I can accomplish a lot at night, it often leads to a lack of sleep, which in turn affects my concentration and efficiency the next day. Because of the international nature of my job, I unfortunately don’t really have the option for better work-life balance at the moment.
This week’s lesson examines the topic of ‘transportation’. These questions were taken from a recent IELTS exam and –as always– the suggested responses were written by a former IELTS Speaking exam at the band 9 level.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).
Part 1 Questions
Do you work or study? Where are you from? What type of job do you have? Is it easy to find a job in your hometown? Let’s talk about transportation. What type of transportation did you use to get to your test centre today? Do you usually use this form of transportation? Are there any forms of transportation you prefer not to use?
🧑🎓Target language:
on the spot -without any delay
“They gave me the job on the spot!”
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)
Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲
“I actually do both at the moment. I study business administration and am currently working at a small cafe near my apartment.”
Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝
Transcript
Do you work or study?
I actually do both at the moment. I study business administration and am currently working at a small cafe near my apartment.
Where are you from?
I’m from this city, London. I’m very much a proud Londoner, and to me London is a place that will always feel like home.
What type of job do you have?
My job is not very exciting. I wash dishes in the cafe I was mentioning. It’s really just a job to help fund my schooling.
Is it easy to find a job in your hometown?
I think it depends on what you’re looking for. Securing employment in London can be competitive in specialised fields, but other industries are desperately in need of workers. For example, I got my job at the cafe just by asking whether they were hiring. They gave me the job on the spot! So I think the time and effort required to find a job really is relevant to the type of work a person is pursuing.
Let’s talk about transportation. What type of transportation did you use to get to your test centre today?
Today, I used the subway to reach this test center. In London, we lovingly call it ‘The Tube’ and its known for its punctuality, cleanliness and extensive coverage of the city.
Do you usually use this form of transportation?
Yes, I frequently rely on the Tube for my daily commute. Its reliability and efficiency make it my preferred mode of transportation for navigating the city’s busy streets and reaching my destination in a timely manner.
Are there any forms of transportation you prefer not to use?
While I appreciate the convenience of most transportation options available in London, there are certain forms I tend to avoid, such as buses. During peak hours, the buses in London are way too crowded for comfort. I’m also not a fan of taxis. I just find them overpriced and not much faster than other transportation types. Those would be the two I’d most prefer not to use.
This week’s lesson pushes you to train to speak about a common hobby: drawing. As you will hear in the sample, the candidate isn’t super enthusiastic about drawing, and they skillfully use language choices to express this.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).
Part 1 Questions
Do you work or study? Why did you choose this job? Let’s talk about drawing. Do you like drawing? What do you draw? Are there benefits to drawing? Is it important to teach children how to draw? Is it important for adults to be able to draw?
🧑🎓Target language:
doodle -a rough drawing made absentmindedly
“I might doodle an animal one day and a busy city street the next.”
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor.
Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲
“I do draw on occasion, and I would say I like it for the most part. The act of sketching allows me to unwind and unleash my creativity, but I have to admit I’m not particularly talented at it.”
Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝
Transcript
Do you work or study?
I work as a server at a popular dining establishment in the heart of the city. My role involves providing exceptional customer service, taking orders and ensuring a pleasant dining experience for patrons.
Why did you choose this job?
The decision to pursue a career in the restaurant industry was influenced by my passion for hospitality and interpersonal interaction. I thrive in environments where I can engage with people from diverse backgrounds and cater to their needs with warmth and professionalism. Let’s talk about drawing.
Do you like drawing?
I do draw on occasion, and I would say I like it for the most part. The act of sketching allows me to unwind and unleash my creativity, but I have to admit I’m not particularly talented at it.
What do you draw?
I don’t usually plan out my drawings ahead of time, so they tend to encompass a wide array of subjects. I might doodle an animal one day and a busy city street the next. I think the last time I drew something it was a cross section of a house, where you could see the rooms inside and what was going on.
Are there benefits to drawing?
Drawing offers a multitude of benefits beyond its artistic appeal. Engaging in drawing promotes mindfulness and relaxation, and I feel it serves as a therapeutic outlet for stress relief and self-expression. Moreover, it enhances cognitive skills such as observation, spatial reasoning and problem-solving, and this can encourage mental agility and creative thinking.
Is it important to teach children how to draw?
Yes, it certainly is. Nurturing children’s drawing skills is essential for their holistic development and self-discovery. For example, drawing encourages imagination, fine motor skills and visual literacy, and I believe these skills provide a foundation for creative expression and critical thinking.
Is it important for adults to be able to draw?
I wouldn’t say it is critically important, but it can be a useful skill to have in certain personal and professional contexts. Being capable of sketching concepts –such as business ideas or flooring layouts in an office– enhances communication, problem-solving and innovation. As I mentioned before, it could be a source of relaxation for certain people, too.
