How do people in your country usually spend their leisure time? In my country, people engage in a variety of leisure activities. Many enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling and team sports, especially on weekends. Others prefer socialising with friends and family. Digital entertainment, such as watching Netflix or scrolling through social media, has also become increasingly popular.
Do you think people have more or less free time now compared to the past? I believe people generally have less free time today compared to previous generations. Modern life has become significantly more fast-paced. Moreover, technology, while offering convenience, has blurred the boundaries between work and personal life.
What are the benefits of having hobbies and leisure activities? There are numerous mental and physical benefits. Hobbies serve as a stress reliever, allowing people to unwind and disconnect from their daily responsibilities. Also, hobbies such as reading or playing a musical instrument can enhance creativity, while physical activities promote overall health. Having enjoyable pastimes contributes to a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Do you think leisure activities should always be productive? Not necessarily. While some leisure activities can be productive, such as learning a new skill, the primary purpose of free time should be relaxation and enjoyment. Constantly striving for productivity can lead to burnout. Activities like watching movies and listening to music can be just as valuable, as they allow the mind and body to recharge.
Where do you live? I currently live here in Nairobi, Kenya. It’s a large city known for its rich culture and its stunning natural landscapes.
How long have you been living there? I’ve been living here for several years now, and over time, I’ve come to appreciate its energy and vibrancy. Although I’ve visited other cities in Kenya, Nairobi has a unique charm that makes it feel like home.
What do you like most about your home? What I love most about my home is the sense of space and comfort it provides. My neighbourhood is quiet and covered in greenery, so it is a nice change from the busy city. I also appreciate the nice weather in Nairobi, which stays quite pleasant throughout the year.
Is there anything you would like to change about where you live? If I could change one thing, it would probably be to lessen the traffic. Nairobi is a fantastic city, but rush hour traffic can be quite hectic!
Let’s talk about stories. Do you enjoy reading stories? Yes, absolutely! I find stories to be a great way to disconnect. I love how they can transport me to different worlds.
What kind of stories do you like to read? I’m particularly drawn to historical fiction and adventure novels. I love books that can take me on a journey through far off, exotic locations.
Do you prefer reading stories in books or online? I prefer physical books because I love the experience of turning pages and the feeling of holding a book in my hands. I do read online occasionally, but its not my favourite way to consume books.
Have you ever written a story yourself? Yes, I have. When I was younger, I used to write short stories for fun. More recently, I attempted to write a short fiction piece inspired by life in Nairobi. While I wouldn’t call myself a professional writer, I definitely enjoy the creative process.
Describe a pet that you or someone you know has. You should say:
-what type of pet it is -what it looks like -how you or the owner take care of it and explain why you or the owner like this pet.
I’d like to talk about a dog that my cousin owns. His name is Max, and he’s a Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are known for being friendly, and Max is no exception.
Max is medium-sized, with a thick, shiny coat of golden fur that looks almost like silk under the sunlight. He has big brown eyes that make him look very lovable, and he always seems to have a smile on his face.
Taking care of Max involves quite a bit of responsibility. My cousin makes sure to feed him high-quality dog food twice a day and provides fresh water at all times. She also takes him for a walk every morning and evening, as Golden Retrievers are very active and need regular exercise. Max is also groomed weekly to keep his fur in good condition.
What I love most about Max is his cheerful and gentle nature. He has a unique ability to make everyone around him feel at ease. For instance, whenever someone in the family is feeling down, Max instinctively senses it and sits close to them. He is also very playful and loves playing fetch or just being involved in whatever our family is doing.
Overall, Max is a cherished member of the family. It’s easy to see why my cousin, and everyone else in the family, adores him.
Describe the best outfit you have ever worn. You should say – what it looked like – when you wore it – how you felt wearing it and explain why you consider it the best outfit you have ever worn.
One of the best outfits I have ever worn featured a classic denim jacket. It was a blue jacket with a slightly faded look and minimal detailing, which gave it a smart-looking appeal. I paired it with a simple white T-shirt, black slim-fit jeans and white sneakers. The overall look was casual yet stylish, perfect for a relaxed outing.
I wore this outfit on a weekend trip with friends last spring. We stayed with one friend who lived on a ranch. The people working on the ranch wear denim because of its durability, so this outfit helped me feel like I fit in. It was also warm, which helped because the mornings on the ranch could sometimes be chilly.
I consider this the best outfit I’ve ever worn because of how useful and…I guess ‘timeless’ the denim jacket is. I say this because denim jackets have been popular ever decade over the last fifty years or so. Wearing this jacket also reminds me of that great weekend away with my friends, which is a nice memory.
-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.
