Category Archives: Part 1

Lesson 182: Exercise🏋️‍♂️ (Recent Part 1 questions!)

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Non-stop shadowing lessons!

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 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!🗣️📲

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.

Chat on WhatsApp

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.

Lesson 179: Breakfast🍳

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Non-stop shadowing lessons!

This week we look at questions from Part 1 of a new exam. The topic is ‘breakfast’.

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

This week’s Part 1 questions:

Do you work or study?
What do you like about your job?
Would you like to change your job in the future?
Let’s talk about breakfast. Do you think breakfast is important?
What do people typically eat for breakfast in your country?
Do you ever skip eating breakfast?
When do you usually eat breakfast?

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 do both, actually. I currently work as a cashier in a fast food restaurant, and I’m also studying business management.

Chat on WhatsApp

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 do both, actually. I currently work as a cashier in a fast food restaurant, and I’m also studying business management.

What do you like about your job?

What I enjoy most about my job is learning about the business’s processes and how these processes can be improved. It’s interesting to see what’s required to keep our operations running smoothly while ensuring customers leave happy.

Would you like to change your job in the future?

Yes, definitely. I’m studying business management with the goal of transitioning into a more senior role where I can apply those skills. I have enjoyed working as a cashier, but it is not what I want to do long term.

Let’s talk about breakfast. Do you think breakfast is important?

Absolutely, I believe breakfast is essential. It’s the first meal of the day and really helps kick-start the body and mind. Personally, I notice a big difference in my energy and focus when I’ve had a nutritious breakfast compared to days when I skip it.

What do people typically eat for breakfast in your country?

In Portugal, traditional breakfasts can be quite hearty. A Portuguese breakfast might include eggs, cold cut meats or bacon, toast and possibly grilled tomatoes or baked beans. Of course, for a lighter option, many people enjoy porridge or just toast and coffee or tea, especially on weekdays when mornings are busier.

Do you ever skip eating breakfast?

Occasionally, yes, especially if I’m in a rush. However, I do try to avoid skipping it as I’ve noticed it affects my concentration and energy levels throughout the day. On busier mornings, I might grab something like a banana or yogurt just to keep myself fueled.

When do you usually eat breakfast?

I usually have breakfast around 7:30 in the morning, just before starting my workday or study session. It gives me a good foundation to stay focused and productive. On weekends, I might have it a bit later, but it’s still something I try to make time for every day.

Thank you.

Lesson 176: How to talk about your childhood🧒

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👇Driving?🚗Jogging? 🏃Click the button for hands-free training!👇

Non-stop shadowing lessons!

This week, we’re looking at a new exam. In this exam, the examiner asks you to talk about your childhood.

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

This week’s Part 1 questions:
Where are you from?
Do you work or study?
Do you enjoy studying this?
Let’s talk about childhood. Did you have a happy childhood?
What kind of things did you enjoy doing as a child?
Did you have any childhood dreams about your future career?
Did you help your parents with any kind of work when you were a child?
Are there any skills you learned as a child that are helpful to you today?

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!🗣️📲
Where are you from?
I’m from Romania, a country known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes.
Do you work or study?
At the moment, I’m studying data science. It’s a field that combines statistics, programming and analytical thinking to solve complex problems.
Chat on WhatsApp

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 Romania, a country known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes.

Do you work or study?

At the moment, I’m studying data science. It’s a field that combines statistics, programming and analytical thinking to solve complex problems.

Do you enjoy studying this?

Yes, I really enjoy studying data science. It allows me to work on real-world problems by analysing data patterns. I use these patterns to support decision making, and I find this really rewarding.

Let’s talk about childhood. Did you have a happy childhood?

Yes, I had a very happy childhood. I was fortunate to grow up in a supportive family. I have many fond memories of exploring forests and hills with my friends and family.

What kind of things did you enjoy doing as a child?

As a child, I loved exploring the outdoors. I also enjoyed reading, playing board games and working on little projects or hobbies with my friends.

Did you have any childhood dreams about your future career?

Yes, I did. At one point, I wanted to be an engineer because I enjoyed building things and solving problems. Later on, I became fascinated by computers and technology, which naturally led me to the field of data science.

Did you help your parents with any kind of work when you were a child?

I often helped around the house with chores. Because I was only a child, I did simple jobs like cleaning and helping my parents with tasks in the garden. We also had a pet dog that I was responsible for feeding and walking.

Are there any skills you learned as a child that are helpful to you today?

Definitely. Problem-solving was something that I started practising as a child through activities like puzzles and strategy games, and it’s a skill that is invaluable in data science. Also, the discipline I gained from helping my parents with chores has been crucial in managing my time and staying organised while studying. These basic skills are absolutely critical to me today.

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’.)

Chat on WhatsApp
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 170: Being courteous🙂

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Non-stop shadowing lessons!

This week we’re looking at Part 1 questions on the topic of courtesy.

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

Part 1 questions
Where are you from?
Do you work or are you a student?
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?
Do any of your hobbies involve interacting with other people?
Let’s talk about etiquette. How important is it to be courteous in everyday interactions?
Is having good manners helpful to people?
What is considered courteous behaviour in your culture?
🧑‍🎓Target language:

if given the choice (phrase)
-used to express a preference

“We exchange tips on the best routes and sometimes hike together although if given the choice I prefer to hike alone.”

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’m originally from Hella, a small and charming town in southern Iceland. It’s known for its close proximity to beautiful waterfalls and volcanic landscapes.”
Chat on WhatsApp

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 originally from Hella, a small and charming town in southern Iceland. It’s known for its close proximity to beautiful waterfalls and volcanic landscapes.

Do you work or are you a student?

I work as a librarian in a local library. I enjoy helping people find the information they need and organising events that promote literacy and learning within the community.

What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?

In my free time, I like to hike. The area around my town offers some fantastic hiking along scenic river trails. Hiking allows me to unwind and stay active.

Do any of your hobbies involve interacting with other people?

Yes, hiking often involves social interaction, especially when I join group hikes or meet other hikers on the trails. We exchange tips on the best routes and sometimes hike together although if given the choice I prefer to hike alone.

Let’s talk about etiquette. How important is it to be courteous in everyday interactions?

In my opinion, it is extremely important. Courtesy fosters respect and harmony, and this can make everyday interactions more pleasant and productive.

Is having good manners helpful to people?

Definitely. Good manners are key to creating a respectful environment and can help to avoid misunderstandings. When we practice good manners, we show that we value others’ time and their perspectives, which in turn encourages others to treat us with the same respect.

What is considered courteous behavior in your culture?

In Icelandic culture, courteous behaviour includes practices such as greeting others warmly, being punctual, and respecting others’ personal space. For example, when entering a room or meeting someone, it’s customary to greet them with a handshake and a smile. Icelanders also value straightforwardness and honesty, so being direct but polite is considered courteous. Additionally, saying “takk”, which is “thank you” in Icelandic, for any kind of help is a common way to show appreciation.

Lesson 163: Neighbours🏘️

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This week, you will train to answer Part 1 questions about the topic of ‘neighbours’. As always, this 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).

Part 1 questions

Where are you from?
Do you live in a big city or a small town?
Do you live in a quiet or busy area?
Let’s talk about neighbours. Do you have any neighbours?
Do you know your neighbours well?
How long have you been neighbours with these people?
Do you consider yourself a good neighbour?
🧑‍🎓Target language:

metropolis
-a very large and densely populated city

“It’s a bustling metropolis known for its advanced technology, rich culture and vibrant lifestyle.”

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 live in a relatively busy area of Tokyo. It’s a commercial district with a lot of shops, restaurants and offices, which means there’s always a lot of activity and movement throughout the day.”
Chat on WhatsApp

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 am originally from Tokyo, Japan. It’s a bustling metropolis known for its advanced technology, rich culture and vibrant lifestyle.

Do you live in a big city or a small town?

I currently live in a big city. Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of over 13 million people.

Do you live in a quiet or busy area?

I live in a relatively busy area of Tokyo. It’s a commercial district with a lot of shops, restaurants and offices, which means there’s always a lot of activity and movement throughout the day.

Let’s talk about neighbours. Do you have any neighbours?

Yes, I do have neighbours. Living in an apartment building means that I’m surrounded by several other residents on the same floor and throughout the building.

Do you know your neighbours well?

I wouldn’t say I know them very well, but we are on friendly terms. We exchange greetings regularly and occasionally have brief conversations when we meet in the common areas or elevator.

How long have you been neighbours with these people?

I’ve been living in my current apartment for about three years now, so I’ve been neighbours with most of these people for the same duration.

Do you consider yourself a good neighbour?

Yes, I believe I am a good neighbour. I make sure to be considerate of others by keeping noise levels down, maintaining a tidy living space, and being polite and respectful in my interactions. I think these small actions contribute to a positive living environment for everyone.

Thank you.

Lesson 160: Chocolate and staying up late🍫

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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 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’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.”
Chat on WhatsApp

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.

Lesson 154: Transportation🚇

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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 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 actually do both at the moment. I study business administration and am currently working at a small cafe near my apartment.”
Chat on WhatsApp

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.

Thank you.

Lesson 151: Drawing🎨

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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 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.

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.”
Chat on WhatsApp

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.

Thank you.

Lesson 148: Your village and native language💬

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This week’s ‘repeat after me’ lesson uses questions from Part 1 of a recent IELTS Speaking exam.

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

Part 1 Questions
Do you work or study?
Do you live in a village, town or city?
What do you like about your village?
Is your village a good place to raise children?
What languages are children taught in schools?
Is music used to teach the native language in your country?
Whose duty is it to teach the native language to children?
🧑‍🎓Target language:

deep-rooted (adjective)
Something that is firmly established.

“One aspect that I like about my village is its deep-rooted traditions and strong sense of community.”

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 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!🗣️📲

“One aspect that I like about my village is its deep-rooted traditions and strong sense of community. We have annual festivals for a variety of occasions, and I like how these festivals bring a sense unity and belonging. My village is also just a really beautiful place. It has fields and mountains and cherry blossoms that come out in the spring.”
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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

Do you work or study?

Currently, I am a student. I am pursuing a degree in Agricultural Science at the local university.

Do you live in a village, town, or city?

I live in a charming village in the countryside of Japan.

What do you like about your village?

One aspect that I like about my village is its deep-rooted traditions and strong sense of community. We have annual festivals for a variety of occasions, and I like how these festivals bring a sense unity and belonging. My village is also just a really beautiful place. It has fields and mountains and cherry blossoms that come out in the spring.

Is your village a good place to raise children?

It certainly is. The safety of our village makes it an ideal environment for raising children. There are clean parks, safe streets and close-knit neighbourhoods. Children are safe to explore and play freely. Moreover, the local schools prioritise holistic education, instilling values of respect and cooperation from a young age.

What languages are children taught in schools?

In our schools, children primarily learn Japanese, which is our native language. Additionally, English is introduced as a compulsory subject from elementary school onwards to prepare students for global opportunities.

Is music used to teach the native language in your country?

Yes, music is integrated into language education. Japanese nursery rhymes and traditional songs are often used to teach language fundamentals, enhance pronunciation and deepen cultural understanding. It makes the learning process more engaging and memorable for students of all ages.

Whose duty is it to teach the native language to children?

The responsibility of teaching the native language primarily rests with our educational institutions. They are equipped with innovative teaching methods and resources to impart language skills effectively. However, I believe parents also play a crucial role in nurturing language development at home. They can do a lot to foster a child’s love for our rich cultural heritage and language.