Category Archives: Nature/Animals

Lesson 175: Animals and society🐡

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Non-stop shadowing lessons!

This week, we’re finishing up the exam we’ve been analysing for the past few weeks. The topic once again involves animals.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)

This week’s Part 3 questions:
In what ways can animals be helpful to humans in daily life?
Do you think schools should teach children about interacting with animals? Why or why not?
How has the role of animals in society changed over the years in your country?
What are your views on keeping wild animals in captivity for entertainment purposes?
How important is it to protect endangered animal species?

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. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

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!🗣️📲

“Animals play a pivotal role in various aspects of human life. For example, domesticated animals like dogs and cats provide emotional support and companionship, which can significantly improve mental health. In rural areas, animals such as horses and donkeys are used for farming, making daily tasks more manageable. Additionally, animals contribute to human well-being through service roles. Guide dogs, for instance, allow visually impaired people to navigate their environment.”
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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.📝

Transcript

In what ways can animals be helpful to humans in daily life?

Animals play a pivotal role in various aspects of human life. For example, domesticated animals like dogs and cats provide emotional support and companionship, which can significantly improve mental health. In rural areas, animals such as horses and donkeys are used for farming, making daily tasks more manageable. Additionally, animals contribute to human well-being through service roles. Guide dogs, for instance, allow visually impaired people to navigate their environment.

Do you think schools should teach children about interacting with animals?

Yes, I do. Teaching children how to interact with animals can foster a sense of empathy and responsibility. By learning about animals’ needs and the proper way to care for them, children develop an appreciation for other living beings. I think this helps children develop into kind, compassionate adults.

How has the role of animals in society changed over the years in your country?

In the past, animals were largely seen as working partners, especially in rural communities where they were essential for farming and transportation. However, with modernisation, machines have largely taken over these roles, and now people more see animals as companions. Today, many laws have been enacted to protect animals, so the shift in opinion in my country has been pretty dramatic.

What are your views on keeping wild animals in captivity for entertainment purposes?

I believe keeping wild animals in captivity purely for entertainment purposes is ethically questionable. Many animals in zoos and circuses endure environments that are drastically different from their natural habitats. I think we should shift our focus towards more humane and educational alternatives, such as wildlife documentaries and virtual reality experiences. This would allow people to learn about wild animals without causing harm.

How important is it to protect endangered animal species?

Protecting endangered species is of paramount importance. Each species plays a unique role in maintaining ecological balance. For instance, the extinction of a predator can lead to overpopulation of prey, which can in turn lead to habitat destruction. I believe there is also an ethical responsibility to preserve the incredible variety of life on Earth for future generations to appreciate.

Lesson 174: Describe a time when you interacted with an animal🐻

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Non-stop shadowing lessons!

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 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

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.”
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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.📝

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.

Lesson 173: Talking about pets🦜

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Non-stop shadowing lessons!

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 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

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’.)

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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.

Lesson 171: A special place in your hometown 🌇

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Non-stop shadowing lessons!

This week we’re looking at a Part 2 cue card on the topic of ‘a special place in your hometown’.

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

Describe a place in your hometown that is special to you. You should say:
-what this place is
-where it is located
-how often you visit it
and explain why this place is special to you.

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. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

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!🗣️📲

“A place that is particularly special to me is a small hill located just outside my old high school. This hill, though modest in size, offers an incredible view of the surrounding area. It’s located on the outskirts of the town where I grew up, and it’s a spot that holds a lot of memories for me.”
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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.📝

Transcript

Describe a place in your hometown that is special to you. You should say:
-what this place is
-where it is located
-how often you visit it
and explain why this place is special to you.

A place that is particularly special to me is a small hill located just outside my old high school. This hill, though modest in size, offers an incredible view of the surrounding area. It’s located on the outskirts of the town where I grew up, and it’s a spot that holds a lot of memories for me.

I used to visit this hill frequently after my classes or on weekends. Even now, I make it a point to stop by when I’m back in town. I’d say I visit a few times a year, and each time, it feels like visiting an old friend.

What makes this hill so special to me is the sense of peace and reflection it offers. During my high school years, it was my go-to place whenever I needed to clear my head or take a break from studying. I would sit at the top. There’s an amazing view that stretches out over the town and allows you to catch the sunset. The colours of the sunset from that vantage point are breathtaking! It’s a sight that never fails to calm my mind and lift my spirits.

Beyond its beauty, the hill has a deep personal significance. It was a place where I would often go with friends after school. We would sit and talk about our dreams, our fears and our plans for the future. Those conversations, which often occured against the backdrop of the setting sun, are some of my most cherished memories.

Even now, this simple hill is a reminder of a simpler time and of the friendships and dreams I had when I was younger.

Lesson 132: Rain and staying healthy in your country🏃

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This lesson examines a Part 1 series of questions that jump between two topics: ‘rain’ and ‘staying healthy in your country’.

Step 1: Familiarise yourself with the sample by listening to it at least once.

Step 2: This week’s podcast episode gives you a few preview sentences with which to work with. Tune in here:

Step 3: Complete the full speech shadowing exercise. There is a transcript at the bottom of this lesson to support you.

Step 4: Once again read through the below transcript and be sure to note any new language in your journal for later reference. An important part of these exercises is to make efforts to include the new language in your own day-to-day speaking.

Step 5: If you have been added to a Whatsapp group, you will receive this week’s speech prompts and can work through the exercises with your instructor.

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Transcript

Do you work or study?

Currently, I study marketing at a college in this city.

Why did you choose to study this subject?

I chose to study marketing because of its dynamic nature and its direct relevance to my career goals. The field allows me to combine creativity with strategic thinking, providing a perfect fit for my aspirations.

Let’s talk about rain. Does it rain much in your city?

In Rome, we experience moderate rainfall, particularly during the spring and fall seasons. The rain contributes to the city’s greenery and maintains a pleasant climate.

Would you most like to live in a place that is dry or wet?

I prefer a place with a balanced climate. Moderate rainfall adds to the environmental diversity and creates a pleasant atmosphere.

Would you change your plans if it rained outside?

Weather conditions do influence my plans to some extent. Heavy rain might prompt me to reconsider outdoor activities. However, a light drizzle usually doesn’t deter me from my plans.

Let’s talk about health. Is it easy to stay healthy in your country?

Yes, it is generally easy to maintain good health in Italy. Access to healthcare facilities, a variety of fresh and nutritious foods, and a cultural emphasis on physical activity contribute to an environment conducive to overall well-being.

How do you maintain your physical health?

I prioritise physical health through a combination of regular exercise and a balanced diet. Engaging in activities like jogging and incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins into my diet ensures that I stay fit and energetic.

Do you have a favourite exercise?

Indeed, my favourite exercise is yoga. I find it not only physically beneficial but also mentally rejuvenating. The rhythmic nature of yoga allows me to unwind and stay physically active, contributing to a holistic sense of well-being.

Lesson 115: Your work, zoos and animals🦁

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

Step 1: Listen to this week’s sample.

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

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

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

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

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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 102: Noise pollution🎺

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In today’s shadowing session, you will train to speak about noise and how it can negatively impact a person’s life.

Step 1: Listen to the full speaking model multiple times. Try to envision the way you will shadow this dialogue.

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

Step 3: Work through the full exercise below.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript of the dialogue between the candidate and the examiner. What language was new to you this week? What was challenging? Note these items in your journal and review this journal regularly.

Step 5: Complete your speech samples and submit them to your Whatsapp instructor.

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Transcript

Is noise pollution an issue where you live?

Yes, noise pollution is definitely an issue where I live. There are a number of factors contributing to the noise pollution, such as heavy traffic, construction work, and noisy neighbours. I believe that this is a common problem in many urban areas, and it can have a negative impact on people’s quality of life.

What do you think are the main causes of noise pollution in our cities?

In my opinion, the main causes of noise pollution in our cities are transportation and construction. The increasing number of cars, trucks, and motorcycles on the roads can create a lot of noise, especially during rush hour. Additionally, construction sites can generate loud and persistent noise that can be very disruptive to nearby residents.

Can noise pollution affect people’s health?

Yes, noise pollution can certainly affect people’s health. Exposure to excessive noise levels can lead to a range of health problems, such as hearing loss and high blood pressure. It can also cause sleep disturbances, which can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being.

How do you think noise pollution affects wildlife?

Noise pollution can have a significant impact on wildlife. Many animals rely on sound to communicate, navigate, and locate food, and excessive noise can disrupt these activities. For example, loud noises can scare away birds and other animals from their habitats, making it difficult for them to find food or shelter.

Do you think governments should regulate noise levels in public places more strictly?

I strongly believe that governments should regulate noise levels in public places more strictly. Excessive noise can have a negative impact on people’s health, as well as their quality of life. By implementing regulations and enforcing noise limits, governments can help to mitigate the effects of noise pollution and create a more peaceful and livable environment for all.

Thank you. This marks the end of the speaking exam.

Episode 60: Outdoor activities in the past, present and future⛷️

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Recently, a candidate reported being asked about ‘an outdoor activity’ in Part 3 of their exam. (Edit: This topic was actually seen again about six months after this exam. If you’re looking for additional training resources, please click here to visit my second lesson on this topic.)

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

Part 3 Questions

Do you like spending time outdoors?
Are there any benefits to outdoor activities?
What outdoor activities are popular in your country?
What kind of outdoor activities were popular in the past?
What type of outdoor activities will people like to do in the future?
🧑‍🎓Target language:

avails itself
-something that is benefitted by another thing

“Fortunately, in this country, the weather avails itself to all sorts of outdoor activities from physical exercise to socialising with friends.”

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. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

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!🗣️📲

“Yes, I do actually. I love biking, walking and just dining al fresco when the weather is nice. Fortunately, in this country, the weather avails itself to all sorts of outdoor activities from physical exercise to socialising with friends.”

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

We’ve been talking about an outdoor activity, and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. Do you like spending time outdoors?

Yes, I do actually. I love biking, walking and just dining al fresco when the weather is nice. Fortunately, in this country, the weather avails itself to all sorts of outdoor activities from physical exercise to socialising with friends.

Are there any benefits to outdoor activities?

Of course! First of all, if you are engaging in exercise outdoors, this is good for overall health. Second of all, being out in the sun is beneficial because our bodies need vitamin D for good health. This must be done with caution of course, but I recently read that people in this country suffer from a vitamin D deficiency, so it is in our best interest to cautiously spend time outdoors. Lastly, as we often socialise outdoors at cafes, restaurants and even park benches, this is an important practice through which we can reduce stress levels. So, being outside is incredibly beneficial in a variety of ways. 

What outdoor activities are popular in your country?

Well, I have mentioned several of them but of course there are more like sailing, swimming or playing tennis. Those in the country enjoy hiking or horseback riding. Then, it would be remiss of me to neglect to mention our national sport: football, which is enjoyed by all ages. 

What kind of outdoor activities were popular in the past?

I think the only things that have changed are activities that have been brought to this country from abroad, like tennis. However, we have been known for our love of outdoor sports since antiquity. As far as I know, even activities associated today with the indoors, like wrestling, took place outside. Other activities like eating outdoors or sailing have also been a part of this culture for centuries.

What type of outdoor activities will people like to do in the future?

I can’t imagine these activities changing a great deal but if I had to picture some kind of science fiction scenario, I would say that perhaps people will fly for fun. One might say that we already do that but what I mean by that is just as today we might take a boat, train or car ride for leisure, perhaps there will be flying contraptions that allow us to take a short flight over the sea front or over a nearby hill, just to get a bird’s eye view of the area. I think a lot of people would enjoy something like this.

Thank you. That is the end of the speaking exam.