Category Archives: Part 2

Lesson 155: An appliance you use daily🔌

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This week, you will train to speak about an appliance that you use every day in your home. This could be a washing machine, microwave, food processor or some other electric machine you use to carry out a household task. In the model, the candidate chooses to speak about a coffee maker.

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

Part 2 Cue Card

Talk about an appliance that is used daily in your home. You should say
-when you bought it
-who in your home uses this appliance the most
-how this appliance is useful to you
and give some advice about this type of appliance
🧑‍🎓Target language:

frequenting (verb)
-visiting often

“Its convenience saves us considerable time and money compared to frequenting coffee shops.”

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 going to talk about an appliance my family and I use every day in our home, and that’s our trusty coffee maker. We got it approximately two years ago when we moved into our current residence.”
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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

Talk about an appliance that is used daily in your home. You should say
-when you bought it
-who in your home uses this appliance the most
-how this appliance is useful to you
and give some advice about this type of appliance

I’m going to talk about an appliance my family and I use every day in our home, and that’s our trusty coffee maker. We got it approximately two years ago when we moved into our current residence.

I live with my parents and out of all of us, I would say that I’m the primary user of this appliance. As an avid coffee drinker, I rely on it to kickstart my mornings and keep me energised throughout the day. My mother and father do use it from time to time, but they definitely don’t use it as much as I do.

Our coffee maker is useful because it greatly simplifies the process of making coffee. Before we got this appliance, I would have to manually boil the water and strain the coffee into a cup. With the coffee maker, all I have to do is add water, a paper filter and some coffee grinds and the coffee maker does the rest in about 10 minutes. Its convenience saves us considerable time and money compared to frequenting coffee shops.

For those considering purchasing a coffee maker, I would offer a few pieces of advice. Firstly, invest in a model that aligns with your preferences and lifestyle, whether it’s a basic drip machine or a more sophisticated espresso maker. Secondly, prioritise quality over price. Buying a durable coffee maker will save you from having to replace a cheap one every few years. And lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance.

I have to say that our coffee maker is no longer just a household appliance. It’s a valuable tool that has enhanced our daily lives in more ways than one.

Lesson 152: A profession done in or near water🌊

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This week, you will train to speak about a profession that is related to water, such as a fisherman or ship captain.

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

Describe a profession you know that is done near or in water. You should say:
-What the profession is
-Where it is typically done
-Why it is important
and say what skills or qualifications are required to do this job
🧑‍🎓Target language:

firsthand
-from personal experience

“Others spend a considerable amount of time diving underwater to observe marine life firsthand.”

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!🗣️📲

“The profession I want to talk about is that of a marine biologist. Marine biologists are scientists who study life in the oceans and other saltwater environments. They conduct research to understand marine organisms – their behaviours, habitats and ecosystems.”
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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 profession you know that is done near or in water. You should say:
-What the profession is
-Where it is typically done
-Why it is important
and say what skills or qualifications are required to do this job

The profession I want to talk about is that of a marine biologist. Marine biologists are scientists who study life in the oceans and other saltwater environments. They conduct research to understand marine organisms – their behaviours, habitats and ecosystems.

Marine biologists typically work in or near water bodies such as oceans, seas and coral reefs. Some may work in laboratories analysing samples collected from the field, while others spend a considerable amount of time diving underwater to observe marine life firsthand. They may also work on research vessels, coastal facilities, or even aquariums and marine parks.

This profession is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, marine biologists play a vital role in understanding and conserving marine biodiversity. By studying marine ecosystems, they can identify threats to various species, as well as develop strategies for their protection. Additionally, their research contributes to our understanding of climate change, which is a significant issue facing our planet today.

To become a marine biologist, one typically needs a strong educational background in biology. I am not a marine biologist, but I would assume this profession requires obtaining a bachelor’s degree followed by further studies at the graduate level. Practical experience through internships or volunteer work is probably highly valued in this field, too. Other skills key to becoming a marine biologist would include having excellent observation skills, critical thinking and a passion for the life forms that live in salt water.

I feel marine biologists contribute significantly to our understanding of the oceans and they play a crucial role in conserving these precious ecosystems for future generations.

Thank you.

Lesson 149: A person from another country that speaks your language well🎎

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This week’s lesson requires the candidate describe a person that speaks their native language well.

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

Describe a person you know from another country who speaks your language fluently. You should say
-who he/she is
-what country he/she is from
-how he/she learned your language
-and explain how you feel about this person
🧑‍🎓Target language:

set apart
-something special or distinguished

“What truly sets Maria apart is her dedication to learning Japanese.”

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!🗣️📲

“I’m going to talk about a remarkable individual named Maria, who speaks my native language, Japanese, fluently. Maria is from Spain and first encountered Japanese during her university studies in Barcelona, where she developed a profound interest in Japanese culture and language.”
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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 person you know from another country who speaks your language fluently. You should say
-who he/she is
-what country he/she is from
-how he/she learned your language
-and explain how you feel about this person

I’m going to talk about a remarkable individual named Maria, who speaks my native language, Japanese, fluently. Maria is from Spain and first encountered Japanese during her university studies in Barcelona, where she developed a profound interest in Japanese culture and language.

What truly sets Maria apart is her dedication and unconventional approach to learning Japanese. For example, instead of relying solely on textbooks and classroom instruction, she sought out authentic Japanese materials, such as novels, podcasts and films. Additionally, before she moved to Japan, Maria actively engaged with native Japanese speakers through language exchange programmes and online communities. She now lives in Tokyo and seamlessly integrates into Japanese society, displaying a level of cultural fluency that is rarely seen among foreign language learners.

As someone who grew up in Japan, I can say with confidence that Maria is truly fluent in Japanese. Her pronunciation is near-native, and she effortlessly navigates complex grammatical structures with skill. Her proficiency in Japanese fills me with admiration and respect, and I feel truly inspired when I am around her. Her commitment to mastering the language reflects a genuine love for Japanese culture and a willingness to embrace new challenges.

I feel very lucky to know an amazing person like Maria. Just being around her motivates my own language pursuits!

Thank you.

Lesson 146: A relaxing place🥰

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This week’s lesson uses the following Part 2 cue card:

Describe a place you often go to relax. You should say
-where this place is
-why you go there to relax
-when you usually go there
-and explain how you feel when you are there

Step 1: Listen to this week’s sample.

Step 2: Tune in to this week’s IELTSCast episode and practise saying a few sentences from the sample.

Step 3: Work through the full exercise.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note the language that was new or challenging to you this week.

Step 5: Submit your speech samples to your Whatsapp group. Below is the speech sample for Monday:

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Transcript

Describe a place you often go to relax. You should say
-where this place is
-why you go there to relax
-when you usually go there
-and explain how you feel when you are there

Well, one place I frequently visit to unwind is a quiet public garden located on the outskirts of my city. 

This garden is situated about 20 kilometres from my residence, and I believe it’s maintained by a nearby church community. It is never busy and, to my mind, it is relaxing because it is a perfect coupling of natural beauty and tranquility. Whenever I go there, the garden is lush and full of colour and the birds are chirping in and around the nearby trees.

I typically visit this garden during weekends, which allows me to disconnect from the demands of work and immerse myself in nature. If I can make it there in the morning, the sunlight filters through the tree leaves and this creates a really relaxing atmosphere. This coupled with the refreshing scent of flowers is therapeutic and helps me recharge for the coming workweek.

As for how I feel, when I am in this serene environment, a profound sense of tranquility washes over me. The stress and tension accumulated during the week seem to dissipate as I absorb the beauty of my surroundings. It’s a very calming experience, and I guess it is not a stretch to say I feel as though I am one with nature. I feel absolutely amazing when I’m there.

I guess to wrap up, I would say this garden is much more than just a place. It is an escape from ordinary life and I am very happy it has become an integral part of my routine.

Lesson 144: An event or ceremony most people go through in your culture🪔

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Here is the Part 2 cue card we are working with this week:

Describe an event or ceremony most people go through in your culture. You should say:
-what the event or ceremony is
-when people usually experience it
-how it affects people
and explain your opinion about it

Step 1: Listen to the model response.

Step 2: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode and practise saying some of the sentences from the response.

Step 3: Work through the full exercise.

Step 4: Read through the full transcript (below) and note any of the language items you found challenging this week.

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

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Transcript

Describe an event or ceremony most people go through in your culture. You should say:
-what the event or ceremony is
-when people usually experience it
-how it affects people
and explain your opinion about it

I’d like to talk about the traditional ceremony of Diwali, which is widely celebrated in my culture.

Typically, Diwali falls in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. The festival lasts for five days, with the main day being marked by the lighting of oil lamps and candles. We do this to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Diwali has a profound impact on people in my culture. It is a time when families come together and adorn their houses with colourful decorations. This fosters a sense of unity and creates a positive and festive atmosphere. We also prepare sweet and savory dishes and exchange gifts to promote goodwill among friends and neighbours.

On a deeper level, Diwali holds cultural and spiritual significance. The rituals and prayers performed during the festival are believed to bring prosperity and good fortune. The symbolic significance of light dispelling darkness encourages introspection and pushes people to make positive changes in their life.

In my opinion, Diwali is not just a festival. It is a reflection of our cultural values and traditions. It brings joy and happiness to people’s lives, fostering a sense of belonging and community. The rituals associated with Diwali, such as lighting lamps and offering prayers, instill a sense of spirituality and mindfulness. Moreover, the emphasis on charity during Diwali encourages people to share their prosperity with those less fortunate. I believe that such traditions are essential in preserving the richness of our cultural heritage and promoting values that carry on for multiple generations.

Lesson 141: Something you bought that you cannot live without💻

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We once again are examining a band 9 response to Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking exam. Below is the cue card that appears in this lesson:

Describe something that you bought that you now cannot live without. You should say:
-what it is
-why you bought it
-how often you use it
and explain why you cannot live without it.

Step 1: Listen to this week’s sample response. (There is a transcript below for you to refer to should you need it.)

Step 2: Below is this week’s IELTSCast episode. This episode includes a portion of the full ‘repeat after me’ exercise with which you can do some speech training.

Step 3: Now try the full speech shadowing lesson.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript again. Clearly note any new language you come across in your journal and actively try to include this language in your own day-to-day speaking.

Step 5: Post your speech samples to your Whatsapp group. Your instructor will provide you with feedback.

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Transcript

Describe something that you bought that you now cannot live without. You should say:
-what it is
-why you bought it
-how often you use it
and explain why you cannot live without it.

I’d like to talk about my indispensable MacBook Air. I bought it approximately two years ago when I was in dire need of a reliable and portable computer.

I guess I would say the primary motivator for this purchase was my transition into a more digital-centric lifestyle. I mentioned before that I’m a marketing specialist and, in the wake of COVID, it quickly became apparent to me that I would need a lightweight and powerful laptop to work from both my home and my office. Even though it was quite expensive, I decided on the MacBook Air due to its impressive performance and excellent battery life.

On average, I use my MacBook Air for at least six to eight hours every day. It has become an integral part of my daily routine, serving not only as a workstation but also as a hub for all of my professional communication.

The reason I cannot imagine my life without this device is the seamless integration it provides into various aspects of my daily activities. For the projects I work on, it allows me to bring my creative marketing visions to life. I also use it for personal endeavours. For example, I use it to stay in touch with friends and I often use it to order items from Amazon. It is for these reasons the device has become an irreplaceable tool in my life.

My MacBook Air is an investment that not only met but exceeded my expectations. Its role in my daily activities has become so significant that I honestly cannot imagine navigating through life without it.

Lesson 138: An event that positively impacted your life🌠

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This week, you will practise speaking about an event that had a positive impact upon your life.

Step 1: Listen to this week’s sample to familiarise yourself with the target language:

Step 2: Below is this week’s podcast episode, where you can attempt the first few sentences of the exercise. Remember to push yourself to sound as much like the model as possible!

Step 3: Work your way through the full exercise below. (If you do not yet have access, you can sign up by clicking this link.)

Step 4: Read through the below transcript and be sure to note any new language you come across in your journal. Actively try to use this language in your own day-to-day speaking.

Describe an event in your life that changed it in a positive way. You should say:
-what the event was
-when it happened
-how it changed your life
and explain why this change was positive for you

Well, I would have to say my decision to learn a new language changed my life in a positive way.

This significant turning point occurred around three years ago during my summer break. I had always been intrigued by the different cultures of Spanish-speaking people, so deciding to study Spanish was a natural choice for me. The journey began with enrolling in an intensive language course and immersing myself in Spanish literature and media. Doing these two things helped me to improve my understanding and abilities rapidly.

I’ll now speak about the multifaceted ways in which studying Spanish impacted my life. Firstly, the mental challenge of mastering a new language stimulated my cognitive abilities and significantly improved my memory and problem-solving skills. Moreover, the decision to learn Spanish opened up a world of cultural richness – exciting literature, films and music. I also found myself connecting both in-person and online with a global community of language learners, and this was extremely rewarding.

The most significant change, however, was the unexpected boost it gave to my career. The ability to speak Spanish fluently became a valuable skill, and it opened up new job opportunities for me in Europe, the Americas and even Asia. Today, my work involves facilitating trade between my country and Spanish speaking countries. It’s an extremely rewarding role that I wouldn’t have been capable of doing otherwise.

In summary, the decision to learn a new language, Spanish in particular, was a transformative event that positively influenced various aspects of my life.

Episode 136: Someone who loves cooking🍳

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It is not uncommon to see topics like ‘food’ and ‘cooking’ on the IELTS. Today, you will practise to speak about a person that deeply enjoys cooking. This training is for Part 2 of the speaking exam.

Step 1: As with each week, we will start this lesson by listening to the model.

Step 2: This week’s episode of IELTSCast gives you a few sample sentences with which to train your speaking. There is a transcript below you can refer to if needed.

Step 3: Below is this week’s full lesson. If you do not yet have access to these full lessons, please click here.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript. Be sure to note any and all new language you come across.

Step 5: We now have Whatsapp groups! Contact Ryan to be added!

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Transcript

Describe someone who loves cooking. You should say:
-who this person is
-what kinds of dishes they usually cook
-who they usually cook for
And explain why you think this person enjoys cooking so much

I would like to talk about my aunt, Lauren, who is an ardent lover of cooking. She is a middle-aged woman with a passion for culinary arts that is truly inspiring.

Auntie Lauren is an exceptional cook and her culinary skills encompass a wide range of dishes from various cuisines. However, her specialty lies in preparing exquisite Italian dishes, particularly pasta and homemade pizzas. The aroma of her cooking often fills the entire house, creating an inviting atmosphere that captivates everyone’s senses.

Most frequently, she dedicates her culinary expertise to her immediate family – her husband and three children. Sunday dinners at her house have become a cherished tradition, with family members eagerly anticipating anything she prepares.

The reason behind Auntie Lauren’s unwavering love for cooking can be attributed to her belief that food has the power to bring people together. I think for her, cooking is a form of expression, a way to show love and care for those around her. Furthermore, my aunt once told me she views cooking as a therapeutic activity, a creative outlet through which she can experiment with flavours. She takes great pleasure in the entire process – from selecting the freshest ingredients to meticulously crafting each dish with precision and passion.

In conclusion, my aunt is a remarkable individual who loves cooking not only for the sheer joy it brings her but also as a means to connect with others.

Lesson 133: A person who always offers a helping hand to others💛

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Step 1: This week we’re looking at a Part 2 cue card on the topic of ‘a helpful person’. Let’s start by reading what the cue card says:

Describe a person who lives in your area and always offers a helping hand to others. You should say
-who this person is
-how he/she helps others
-why he/she does it
And explain how you feel about this person

Now listen to the full model response:

Step 2: Watch this week’s podcast episode and get familiar with the language used in the exercise.

Step 3: No work your way through the entire ‘repeat after me’ exercise. Remember to mimic every blended or dropped sound. Be sure your pacing is in keeping with the model.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript and make note of all the new language items you learned today. Review your journal entry regularly and push yourself to use this language in your own day-to-day speaking.

Describe a person who lives in your area and always offers a helping hand to others. You should say
-who this person is
-how he/she helps others
-why he/she does it
And explain how you feel about this person

I’d like to talk about a remarkable individual in my community who consistently extends a helping hand to others – Mrs. Smith. She is a retired school teacher in her late 60s and she and I have resided in the same neighbourhood for the past three decades.

Mrs. Smith’s helpfulness is evident in many ways, but her most notable contribution is in tutoring local children after school hours. She voluntarily dedicates a few hours each day to assist students with their homework and provide additional support in subjects they find challenging. Furthermore, she has established a small community library in her home, where she lends books to children who may not have access to such resources otherwise.

The driving force behind Mrs. Smith’s generous actions is her unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. Having spent the majority of her life as an educator, she is passionate about ensuring that every child in our community has the opportunity to succeed academically.

Personally, I am deeply inspired by Mrs. Smith’s dedication and kindness. Witnessing her commitment to the community has instilled a sense of communal responsibility within me. Her selflessness serves as a reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the lives of those around us.

Mrs. Smith is an exemplary figure in our community, and I feel fortunate to know such a compassionate and community-minded person.

Episode 130: Someone you know who moved into a new accommodation🏢

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This is a lesson that examines a Part 2 cue card that prompts you to speak about a person you know who moved into a new accommodation. Here is a copy of the cue card:

Talk about someone you know who has moved to a new accommodation. You should say:
-who this person is
-when they moved
-where they moved
and explain whether or not the move has had a positive impact on them

Step 1: Listen to the model response.

Step 2: Here is this week’s podcast episode. This gives you the opportunity to train using a few of the sentences from the model.

Step 3: Below is the full lesson. This is the paid portion of these training materials, so please click here if you do not yet have access.

Step 4: If you haven’t already done so, read through the below transcript and remember to note all new language in your personal training journal.

Step 5: Now that you have finished your independent training, go to your Whatsapp group and submit your speaking sample to your trainer.

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Transcript

Talk about someone you know who has moved to a new accommodation. You should say:
-who this person is
-when they moved
-where they moved
and explain whether or not the move has had a positive impact on them

I’d like to talk about a colleague of mine named Emily, who recently made a significant move to a new accommodation. Emily is a person I work with, and we’ve developed a friendship over the past few years.

She decided to make this move about three months ago – I think it was about August of this year. This decision to move was primarily for career advancement and to be closer to our workplace, which is in the heart of the city. Before, she had been commuting for almost two hours daily!

Emily’s new accommodation is an apartment in a modern complex. The area is known for its vibrant community, diverse cultural amenities and convenient access to public transportation. The apartment itself is spacious, well-furnished and provides a stunning view of the city skyline.

From what Emily has shared with me, the move has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on her life. Firstly, the reduction in commute time has allowed her to reclaim several hours each day, which she can now allocate to personal pursuits and relaxation. Moreover, the new neighbourhood has exposed her to a range of social activities and events, providing opportunities to meet new people and expand her social circle.

So overall I would say Emily’s recent move to a new accommodation has undeniably had a positive impact on her overall quality of life.