Category Archives: Part 2

Episode 127: An impactful book you read📕

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This week you are tasked with describing a book that you read that impacted you in some way. This is an IELTS Speaking Part 2 challenge, so you will be training to speak on your own for one to two minutes. Here is the cue card used in this lesson:

Describe a book that had a significant impact on you. Please say:

-What the book was about

-When and where you read it

-Why it had a significant impact on you

-And say whether you would you recommend this book to others

Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

Step 2: Now listen to this week’s IELTSCast episode, where you’ll have a chance to practise saying some of the language in the sample.

Step 3: Below is the full video lesson. Practise saying each of the sentences (and portions of the sentences) aloud to develop your intonation and fluency.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript again. Do whatever is necessary to fully understand the text. (Any questions can be added as a comment reply to this lesson.)

Step 5: Submit your speech samples to your Whatsapp group.

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Transcript

Describe a book that had a significant impact on you. Please say:

-What the book was about

-When and where you read it

-Why it had a significant impact on you

-And say whether you would you recommend this book to others

A book that I found impactful is “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I first encountered this book during my university years while studying literature. It’s not very long, so I was able to read it in one afternoon in my university’s library.

The book had a significant impact on me due to its themes and the portrayal of the characters’ aspirations and shortcomings, which I found very relatable. It delves into the lives of Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire who is known for his extravagant parties, and Nick Carraway, the narrator who becomes entangled in Gatsby’s world. I really enjoyed how the book uses a story to examine topics such as the elusive nature of happiness and the limits of wealth and opulence. For example, despite his wealth, Jay Gatsby is unable to change the past and rekindle his relationship with a woman named Daisy. This leaves him in a permanent state of sorrow and sets up other events in the story that provide a fascintating exploration of the complexities of human nature.

I would definitely recommend “The Great Gatsby” to others. The novel’s timeless themes of wealth, aspiration, and the human desire for something more make it a captivating and thought-provoking read. It continues to resonate with readers of all generations, and I feel it invites them to reflect on their own ambitions and the meaning of success in the modern world.

Lesson 124: A traditional celebration or event in your culture🌠

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This lesson pushes you to train to speak about culture. Work through the exercises and remember that you can always refer to the transcript if you need support. Here is the cue card seen in this exercise:

Describe a traditional celebration or event in your culture. Please say:

-what the event is

-when and where it takes place

-why it is important

-and share your personal experiences or memories related to this celebration or event

Step 1: Listen to this week’s full band 9 model Part 2 response.

Step 2: Try this week’s podcast episode. The episode includes a few ‘repeat after me’ sentences from the full exercise.

Step 3: Work your way through this week’s full exercise. The video contains prompts to help support you if you don’t catch everything that is said.

Step 4: Read the below transcript. Do you understand every word and phrase? If not, be proactive. Post a comment. Check a dictionary. Make sure you note anything you learn in your journal.

Step 5: When you are fully familiar with the language, complete this week’s speech samples and post them to your Whatsapp group.

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Transcript

Describe a traditional celebration or event in your culture. Please say:

-what the event is

-when and where it takes place

-why it is important

-and share your personal experiences or memories related to this celebration or event

I’d like to talk about a traditional celebration in my culture, which is known as Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Indonesia, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

The exact date of Eid al-Fitr varies each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar, and it’s a nationwide celebration in Indonesia. Families and communities come together to observe this festive occasion.

The importance of Eid al-Fitr in Indonesian culture is immense. It signifies the spiritual and personal growth achieved during Ramadan. People focus on prayer, self-reflection and acts of charity, and the holiday is considered a time when families and friends come together to celebrate and strengthen their bonds. Additionally, it’s customary to carry out almsgiving to help those in need, ensuring that everyone can join in the celebrations.

Personally, Eid al-Fitr holds a special place in my heart as well. I have fond memories of the preparations leading up to the festival. My family and I would start by cleaning our house, purchasing new clothes and preparing delicious traditional dishes. On the morning of Eid, we would attend a special prayer at the mosque, after which we would visit relatives and neighbours to exchange warm greetings and small gifts.

To my mind, this festival exemplifies the rich cultural diversity and religious traditions of Indonesia and remains a vibrant and meaningful celebration in the country.

Thank you.

Lesson 121: A memorable game🎲

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This week’s lesson is for Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking exam. It examines the topic of a game that is memorable for you. Here is the cue card that is used:

Describe a tabletop game or other game you have played. You should say:
What the game was
Who you played it with
Where and when you played it
And explain why it was a memorable game for you.

Part 1: Listen to the model and make special note of any new language you come across. Try to listen without looking at the transcript to check how much of the language you understand or can interpret from context. If you still have some trouble understanding after listening several times, consult the below transcript and identify the challenging areas.

Part 2: This to this week’s IELTSCast episode and practise saying a few of the lines from the response.

Part 3: Below is the full exercise for this week. Work through this exercise to refine your speaking. These exercises can be long and challenging, and results may seem to take time, but remember that incremental progress occurs with each repeated phrase. Push yourself to sound as much like the model as you can.

Part 4: Read through the transcript. If there are still areas that you find challenging (pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary use, etc), leave a comment asking for further explanation or support.

Part 5: Post this week’s speaking samples to your Whatsapp group. Your instructor will provide you with personalized feedback.

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Transcript

Describe a tabletop game or other game you have played. You should say:
What the game was
Who you played it with
Where and when you played it
And explain why it was a memorable game for you.

I’d like to share an experience I had playing a tabletop game called ‘Settlers of Catan.’ It was an incredibly memorable game for me, not only because of the game itself but also because of the people I played it with and the setting in which it took place.

Settlers of Catan is a strategic board game that revolves around resource management and negotiation. It’s designed for three to four players, and each player assumes the role of a settler on the fictional island of Catan. The objective of the game is to build settlements, roads and cities while trading resources like wood, brick, ore, wheat and sheep with other players.

I played this game with three close friends of mine – Sarah, Mark and James. We decided to have a game night at my apartment during summer vacation last year. It was a relaxing atmosphere, with dimmed lights and our favourite snacks and drinks within reach. We started the game just as the sun was setting, so the room was warm with the setting sunlight.

What made this game so memorable for me was the intense competition and the genuine laughter it brought about. As the game progressed, we found ourselves making strategic alliances and clever trades, which sometimes led to unexpected betrayals and shifting alliances.

Moreover, it was memorable because it allowed us to bond on a deeper level. We shared stories, exchanged banter, and had moments of genuine teamwork and rivalry. As the night turned into morning, we finally declared a winner, but it didn’t really matter who won or lost. What mattered was the quality time we spent together.

Lesson 118: An electronic device you used for important work🤳

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This week, we’re looking at a Part 2 cue card that requires you speak about a device you used for important work. Here is the cue card:

Describe a time when you used an electronic device for some important work. You should say
– what you did
– when you did it
– why you had to use your electronic device
– and explain how you felt about this experience.

Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

Step 2: Listen to this week’s podcast episode and work through the free sample exercise.

Step 3: Below is this week’s full exercise. Work through the exercise and remember to redo sections if the language is completely new or challenging.

Step 4: Included below is the full transcript for this lesson. Read through it and note language items that you found challenging. Remember to attempt to include these noted items in your own day-to-day speaking.

Step 5: You will be given five short speech exercises in your Whatsapp group. Submit your speech samples promptly and wait for feedback from your instructor.

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Transcript

Describe a time when you used an electronic device for some important work. You should say
– what you did
– when you did it
– why you had to use your electronic device
– and explain how you felt about this experience.

I’d like to talk about a time when I used my laptop for an important task. About six months ago, I had to prepare a crucial presentation for my workplace. I work as a marketing manager in a multinational company, and this presentation was a key component of a pitch we were making to a potential client.

I performed this task a day before the scheduled presentation. I remember it was a Sunday, and the presentation was to be held on Monday morning. I had known about the presentation for about a week in advance, but the busy nature of my job made it difficult to find time to work on the task.

The reason I had to use my laptop was primarily for gathering data and creating visual aids. I relied heavily on my laptop to research the client’s industry trends and their competitors’ strategies, and to glean statistical data that could support our proposal. Additionally, I used presentation software on the device to design slides that would be both informative and visually appealing.

Reflecting on this experience, I can say I felt a mixture of pressure, determination and gratitude. On one hand, I was aware of the significance of the presentation: it could potentially secure a lucrative deal for our company. On the other hand, the time constraint added an extra layer of stress that was honestly rather unpleasant. However, I embraced the challenge and saw it as an opportunity to showcase my skills and dedication. By the time I completed the presentation late into the night, I was not only proud of the outcome but also amazed at how much my device had helped to accelerate the task. I can’t imagine how long a task like this would take without the support of a laptop!

Thank you.

Lesson 114: A significant personal achievement you had🎓

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This week, you will once again speak about a personal experience. This is a Part 2 model that uses the following cue card:

Talk about a significant personal achievement you had. You should say:

-what the achievement was
-when and where it happened
-the steps you took to accomplish it
-and say why it is significant to you

Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

Step 2: Watch the video version of this week’s podcast episode. (Please excuse the bright background! I forgot to edit this before rendering the video.)

Step 3: Work through the full version of this week’s speech shadowing exercise.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript. Make special note of areas you found challenging this week.

Step 5: Submit your daily speech samples to your instructor via your Whatsapp group.

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Trancsript

Talk about a significant personal achievement you had. You should say:

-what the achievement was
-when and where it happened
-the steps you took to accomplish it
-and say why it is significant to you

Well, one of the most significant personal achievements I had was winning the National Science Fair during my final year of high school. It was a remarkable experience that left a lasting impact on my life.

The achievement occurred back in May of 2015 at the state-of-the-art convention center in our city. The National Science Fair is an annual event that attracts top young minds from all over the country to showcase their innovative projects and research.

Accomplishing this achievement required months of rigorous research, experimentation, and countless hours of hard work. My project focused on finding an eco-friendly alternative to plastic packaging materials, aiming to reduce environmental pollution caused by plastic waste.

The first step I took was extensively researching scientific papers and academic journals, and I sought advice from experts in the field. Then came the testing phase, which involved designing a series of experiments, carrying out numerous trial runs, and recording my findings meticulously. I encountered many sleepless nights, but the support of my family, teachers, and peers kept me motivated.

Finally, the day of the National Science Fair arrived. Standing alongside other brilliant young minds, I presented my project to a panel of esteemed judges and visitors. The experience was nerve-wracking, but my passion for my research helped me articulate my findings confidently. When the results were announced, I couldn’t believe it—I had won the first prize!

This achievement is incredibly significant to me because it reinforced my passion for science and the environment, shaping both my academic and career trajectory. It also solidified my decision to pursue a degree in Environmental Science, which I am currently doing in university.

Lesson 113: An unusual meal you had🍖

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This week, you will be talking about food. This lesson uses the following Part 2 cue card:

Talk about an unusual meal you had. You should say
– when you had it
– where you had it
– what kind of meal it was
– and explain why it was unusual.

Step 1: Listen to the full sample to familiarise yourself with the language.

Step 2: Watch this week’s podcast lesson and repeat a few of the sentences from the model.

Step 3: Now try the full exercise using the below member’s-only video.

Step 4: Read through the included transcript of this week’s sample (below).

Step 5: Post your five weekly speech samples to your Whatsapp group and follow the advice of your instructor.

Transcript

Talk about an unusual meal you had. You should say
– when you had it
– where you had it
– what kind of meal it was
– and explain why it was unusual.

I’d like to talk about a rather extraordinary meal I had during my trip to Japan last year. It was an unforgettable experience that took place in a traditional Japanese inn located in the quaint town of Takayama.

The meal itself was a traditional Kaiseki dinner, which is a multi-course dining experience renowned for its artistic presentation and use of seasonal ingredients. The meal began with a series of beautifully arranged appetisers, which included some familiar items like sashimi and tempura. But as the courses progressed, I was introduced to a variety of uncommon dishes. One of the most peculiar delicacies was Hoba Miso, a regional specialty where miso paste, wild mushrooms, and vegetables were cooked over a magnolia leaf. The earthy aroma and rich flavours were unlike anything I had tasted before.

Furthermore, the chef proudly served a platter which I believe was called Seki-saba, a local delicacy of fermented mackerel. While its intense pungent smell might have deterred some, I decided to embrace the experience fully. To my surprise, the taste was surprisingly complex and utterly delightful.

Another dish that added to the uniqueness of the meal was Kuro-udon, which was black udon noodles made with bamboo charcoal. The dramatic colour contrast against the traditional white tableware was visually striking and added an artistic element to the dining experience.

What truly made this meal unusual was the combination of the serene surroundings, the artistic presentation, and the rare ingredients. I unfortunately don’t think I’ll have an experience like this again anytime soon. Trying these unfamiliar and rare dishes opened my eyes to the vast diversity of Japanese cuisine and its strong connection to regional traditions and culture.

Lesson 112: A trustworthy person💙

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This week’s cue card asks you to speak about a person:

Talk about a trustworthy person you know. You should say:
-how you met this person
-how long you’ve known this person
-why you feel they are trustworthy
and say what they did to gain your trust

Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

Step 2: Watch this week’s podcast episode and try the sample ‘repeat after me’ sentences.

Step 3: Work through the full video exercise.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript.

Step 5: Post your speech samples to your Whatsapp group.

Transcript

Talk about a trustworthy person you know. You should say:
-how you met this person
-how long you’ve known this person
-why you feel they are trustworthy
and say what they did to gain your trust

Well, I would like to talk about a person whom I consider to be extremely trustworthy. His name is John, and I first met him during my freshman year of college, which was about five years ago.

To provide some background, John and I were assigned as roommates in the college dormitory. From the very beginning, he exhibited qualities that made me feel I could trust him completely. For example, during our first or perhaps second week of living as roommates, I accidentally misplaced my wallet containing important identification documents, credit cards and a considerable amount of cash.

Naturally, I was overwhelmed and stressed, fearing the consequences of losing such crucial items. However, without any hesitation, John assured me that we would search for the wallet together. We retraced my steps meticulously and eventually found my wallet tucked away in a jacket pocket I had forgotten about.

What truly touched me was John’s selfless behavior throughout the process. We did not yet know each other very well, and he could have easily ignored my predicament or even taken advantage of the situation, but instead, he stood by me as a loyal friend. His commitment to helping me, without expecting anything in return, solidified my trust in him.

Moreover, John’s dedication to maintaining confidentiality further strengthens my belief in his trustworthiness. On numerous occasions, I have shared my personal struggles and concerns with him, knowing that he would keep them in utmost confidence. 

In summary, through his consistent honesty, reliability and willingness to go above and beyond, John has proved himself to be an incredibly trustworthy person.

Lesson 110: A popular TV show from your country📺

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This week’s lesson uses the following cue card to run you through the speech shadowing method:

Talk about a TV show that is popular in your country. You should say
-what show it is
-what the show is about
-why this show is popular in your country
-how you feel about this TV show

Step 1: Listen to the model and familiarize yourself with the language.

Step 2: Work through this week’s sample ‘repeat after me’ lesson.

Step 3: Now attempt the full exercise below.

Step 4: Read through the transcript included below. Note any of the language that you found challenging today.

Step 5: Complete all five of this week’s speech samples and post them in your Whatsapp group.

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Transcript

Talk about a TV show that is popular in your country. You should say
-what show it is
-what the show is about
-why this show is popular in your country
-how you feel about this TV show

I would like to talk about a popular TV show in my country, the Philippines, called ‘Brothers’. It is a widely acclaimed action-drama series that has garnered immense popularity among viewers nationwide. The show centers around the life of ‘Cardo’, a courageous police officer, as he fights crime and seeks justice in the bustling city of Manila.

Brothers captivated audiences in the Philippines for several reasons. Firstly, the show offers a compelling narrative that combines elements of action, suspense, and heartfelt drama. Each episode presents a new challenge for Cardo, who fearlessly battles corrupt officials, criminal syndicates, and personal adversities. The series keeps viewers hooked with its fast-paced plotlines, intense action sequences, and emotional character arcs.

Further, I think Brothers resonates with Filipino viewers due to its relatable themes and portrayal of societal issues. The show sheds light on the struggles faced by ordinary citizens, highlighting the complexities of urban life and the day-to-day challenges ordinary citizens face. It also captures the resilience and hard-working nature of the Filipino people, creating a strong emotional connection with local audiences as well as international audiences that are interested in Filipino pop culture. 

The success of Brothers can also be attributed to the exceptional performances of the cast. For example, Coco Martin’s portrayal of Officer Cardo has become iconic, earning him widespread praise for his dedication and versatility as an actor. Such performances as well as the show’s gripping storyline are what kept me on the edge of my seat while I was watching the show, and I am thus hardly surprised that the show gained such legacy in my country.

It is for these reasons that Brothers has secured itself as a significant part of the Filipino television landscape.

Lesson 107: A gift of money💰

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This week, you will use the following cue card to train for Part 2 of IELTS Speaking:

Describe a time when you received money as a gift from a family member. You should say
-when you received the gift
-why you received it
-what you did with the money
-and explain how you felt after receiving the gift

Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

Step 2: Work through the sample exercise in the below podcast episode.

Step 3: (Full lesson temporarily unavailable.)

Step 4: Read through the below transcript.

Step 5: Complete the speech exercises with your Whatsapp instructor.

Transcript

Describe a time when you received money as a gift from a family member. You should say
-when you received the gift
-why you received it
-what you did with the money
-and explain how you felt after receiving the gift

On my last birthday, my grandmother surprised me with a generous sum of money as a gift. It was a delightful and unexpected gesture from her, and she explained that she wanted me to use the money in any way I pleased.

After receiving the gift, I carefully considered how to utilise the money in a way that would be both meaningful and memorable. I wanted to make sure it would have a lasting impact on my life. Therefore, I decided to invest a portion of the money in my education. I enrolled myself in an online course that I had been eyeing for a while. This course was directly related to my career aspirations, and I knew it would enhance my skills and open up new opportunities for me in the future.

Additionally, I decided to allocate a portion of the money towards a long-awaited vacation. I had been longing to take a break and explore a new destination. With the financial gift from my grandmother, I was able to book a trip to a picturesque beach resort. It was an incredible experience, allowing me to relax, rejuvenate, and create beautiful memories.

Receiving such a generous gift from my grandmother made me feel an immense sense of gratitude and appreciation. It was not just about the monetary value of the gift but also the thought and love behind it. Knowing that my grandmother cared about my dreams and aspirations, and wanted to contribute to my personal growth, touched me deeply. I will always cherish that memorable day and the impact this gift had on my life.

Lesson 105: A daily routine🤞

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This week examines an extremely common IELTS Speaking topic! You will train to speak about a daily routine.

Let’s start the lesson by looking at the following IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card:

Describe a daily routine in your life. You should say:
-what you do
-when you started doing it
-why you do this routine
-and explain whether you will change it in the future and why

Now work your way through the below steps. Be sure to note any and all new language you come across in your notebook.

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

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Complete this week’s full exercise.

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 would like to talk about my daily exercise routine, which has become an integral part of my life. Every morning, without fail, I dedicate a significant amount of time to physical exercise, helping me maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
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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 daily routine in your life. You should say:
-what you do
-when you started doing it
-why you do this routine
-and explain whether you will change it in the future and why

I would like to talk about my daily exercise routine, which has become an integral part of my life. Every morning, without fail, I dedicate a significant amount of time to physical exercise, helping me maintain a healthy lifestyle.

I started this routine approximately five years ago when I realised the importance of regular exercise for both physical and mental well-being. Initially, it was a challenge to incorporate exercise into my daily schedule, but with time and perseverance, it has become an essential habit. I usually engage in a combination of cardiovascular exercises, such as jogging or cycling, followed by strength training exercises using weights or resistance bands.

There are several reasons why I adhere to this routine religiously. Firstly, physical exercise helps me stay fit and energetic throughout the day. It boosts my metabolism, improves my stamina, and enhances my overall physical endurance. Further, exercise also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight, which is essential for preventing lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Moreover, regular exercise has been proven to have positive effects on mental health, reducing stress and anxiety while promoting a sense of well-being and happiness.

Considering the immense benefits I have experienced over the years, I have no plans to change this routine in the foreseeable future. The positive impact it has had on my overall health and well-being is too significant to overlook. Because the benefits I have gained from this routine have greatly exceeded my expectations, I firmly believe that daily exercise will remain a vital aspect of my life.