Category Archives: Part 2

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.

Chat on WhatsApp

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.”
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

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.

Lesson 104: A person you would like to work or study with👨‍🏫

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

Talk about a person you want to work or study with. You should say:
-who the person is
-how you know him/her
-what he/she does
-and explain why you want to work or study with this person

Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

Step 2: Work through this week’s sample exercise.

Step 3: Now attempt the full exercise below.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note any and all language you found challenging this week.

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

Chat on WhatsApp

Transcript

Talk about a person you want to work or study with. You should say:
-who the person is
-how you know him/her
-what he/she does
-and explain why you want to work or study with this person

The person I would like to work or study with is my former professor, Dr. Maria Hernandez. I got to know her during my undergraduate years at university, where she was my lecturer for several courses related to my major in psychology.

Dr. Hernandez is an accomplished academic with over 20 years of experience in teaching and research. She has published numerous papers in top-tier academic journals and has received multiple awards and accolades for her contributions to the field. Her research interests in social psychology, particularly on group dynamics and intergroup relations, align with my own research interests and aspirations.

I would love to work or study with Dr. Hernandez for several reasons. First, she is an excellent mentor who is supportive and encouraging. She has always been approachable and responsive to my questions and concerns, and has provided invaluable guidance and feedback on my academic work. Second, her research expertise and experience would be a valuable asset for any project or collaboration. Working with her would not only enhance my own skills and knowledge, but also provide opportunities for networking and collaboration with other scholars in the field. Finally, Dr. Hernandez’s passion for teaching and learning is infectious, and I am confident that working or studying with her would be a stimulating and rewarding experience.

In conclusion, Dr. Maria Hernandez’s expertise, mentorship, and passion for teaching and research would be invaluable in achieving my academic and professional goals, and I would relish the opportunity to collaborate with her on future projects.

Lesson 101: A noisy situation😖

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Is speech shadowing effective? Yes! Let this lesson about ‘a noisy situation’ convince you. Here is the Part 2 cue card we are using in today’s exercise:

Describe a situation where you experienced a lot of noise.
You should say:

-Where you were
-What made the noise
-How the noise affected you
-And what you did do to deal with the noise

Part 1: First, listen to the full sample.

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

Step 3: Complete the full exercise by watching the below video.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note what you’ve learned today.

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

Chat on WhatsApp

Transcript

Describe a situation where you experienced a lot of noise.
You should say:

-Where you were
-What made the noise
-How the noise affected you
-And what you did do to deal with the noise

I’m going to describe a situation where I experienced a lot of noise. This happened a few months ago when I was visiting a friend who lived near a construction site. The noise was coming from the construction site, where they were building a new apartment complex.

The construction was very loud and it affected me in a number of ways. First of all, it was difficult to carry on a conversation with my friend because we occasionally had to shout to hear each other over the noise. Additionally, the noise was so persistent that it was difficult to focus on anything else. I found myself becoming increasingly irritable and frustrated as the noise continued.

In order to deal with the noise, we decided to leave the apartment and go for a walk in a nearby park. This helped us to get away from the noise and enjoy some peace and quiet for a while. We also wore earplugs when we were inside the apartment, which helped to reduce the noise somewhat.

Overall, the experience was very frustrating, but I learned a lot from it. I realised how much noise can affect my mood and my ability to focus, and I have since become more aware of the noise levels in my environment. If I ever find myself in a similar situation again, I will be sure to take steps to minimise the impact of the noise on my wellbeing.

Thank you.

Lesson 98: A recent development in your city🏙️

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This week, you will shadow the below monologue. This is an exercise that helps you prepare for Part 2 of the exam. Here is the cue card that will be used in the exercise:

Describe a recent development in your city.
You should say:
-what it is
-where it is located
-how long it took to complete
-and explain how you feel about it

Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

Step 2: The free IELTSCast episode for this week is temporarily unavailable.

Step 3: Complete the full speech shadowing exercise below.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note areas you need to review in the coming weeks.

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

Chat on WhatsApp

Transcript

Describe a recent development in your city.
You should say:
-what it is
-where it is located
-how long it took to complete
-and explain how you feel about it

One recent development in my city that I would like to discuss is the construction of a new public transportation system known as ‘The Metro’. It is a much needed addition to our city’s infrastructure, providing a safe, fast, and convenient mode of transportation to commuters. The Metro is located in the heart of the city, with stations spread across major areas, and it runs on electricity, making it an environmentally friendly option.

The construction of The Metro was a massive undertaking that took over four years to complete. The government had to acquire land, lay tracks, build stations, and install state-of-the-art equipment while ensuring minimal disruption to the existing infrastructure. Despite the many challenges faced during the construction, the end result has been worth it.

Personally, I feel thrilled about this development. The Metro has made commuting a hassle-free experience for me and many others in the city. It has not only reduced travel time but has also provided a much needed relief from the exhausting and stressful traffic conditions that we had to endure earlier. Additionally, The Metro has reduced air pollution, making our city a healthier place to live in.

In conclusion, the development of The Metro in my city is a positive change that has benefited many. It is a perfect example of how investing in public infrastructure can enhance the quality of life for citizens. I hope that the government will continue to invest in such developments in the future, making our city an even better place to live in.

Lesson 97: A leisure activity you did when you were young🏓

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This week, you will use the speech shadowing process to talk about a leisure activity you did when you were young. Here is the cue card used in today’s training:

Describe a leisure activity that you did when you were young.

You should say:

-what it was

-where you did it

-who you did it with

-and explain how you felt about this activity

Part 1 and 2: These sections are temporarily unavailable.

Part 3: Complete the full exercise below.

Part 4: Refer to the below transcript of this week’s exercise and note any challenging language you came across.

Part 5: Submit your own speech samples to your Whatsapp instructor.

Chat on WhatsApp

Transcript

Describe a leisure activity that you did when you were young.

You should say:

-what it was

-where you did it

-who you did it with

-and explain how you felt about this activity

When I was young, I was an avid reader. I would usually read in my bedroom, which was my favourite spot to escape into a different world. My parents were very supportive of my reading habit and they would often take me to the library or bookstore to pick out new books. I would also borrow books from my friends at school and exchange recommendations with them.

Reading was a solitary activity for me, but it allowed me to explore different perspectives and ideas. It was a way for me to travel to different places and experience different cultures, all from the comfort of my own home. It was also a way for me to learn new things and broaden my horizons.

I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation whenever I started a new book. I would become completely engrossed in the story and would lose track of time. Reading was a way for me to escape from reality and enter a different world, even if it was just for a little while.

Overall, reading was a leisure activity that brought me immense pleasure and satisfaction when I was young. It allowed me to explore new ideas and perspectives, and it helped me to develop my imagination and creativity. Even now, as an adult, I still love to read and I credit my childhood reading habit for fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Lesson 96: A favourite area in your home🏠

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Is speech shadowing important to train fully for IELTS Speaking? Yes! It can help you refine your accent and broaden your vocabulary. Today’s exercise on the topic of ‘a favourite area in your home’ will demonstrate this.

Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

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

Step 3: Complete the full exercise by watching the below video.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note the new language you encountered this week.

Step 5: Submit your speaking samples to your Whatsapp instructor and wait for feedback.

Chat on WhatsApp

Transcript

Describe an area in your home where you feel relaxed. You should say:

-what area or room it is
-when you spend time in it
-why you feel relaxed there
-and explain what you do to relax

The area in my home where I feel most relaxed is my bedroom. As the name suggests, it is a place where I can retire after a long day to unwind and recharge. I guess this is unsurprising, but I spend most of my time in my bedroom during the evening and night-time.

The reason I feel so relaxed in my bedroom is because of the peaceful and cozy environment it provides. The walls are painted in pale shades of blue and green, which I find have a calming effect on my mind. The lighting is also soft and dim. This is actually by design – I bought these lamps because of the warm and inviting atmosphere they create. The furniture, including the bed and the armchair, is comfortable and soft to the touch, making it easy to sink into and relax.

When I want to relax in my bedroom, I usually engage in activities that help me unwind. For example, I like to read a book or listen to some soothing music. Sometimes, I also like to meditate or practise yoga, as it helps me clear my mind and release any tension that may have built up during the day. If I am feeling particularly tired, I may even take a nap or get an early night’s sleep.

Overall, my bedroom is my sanctuary, a place where I can shut out the noise of the world and focus on myself. It is a room where I can find peace and relaxation, and for that reason, it is my favourite area in my home.