Repeat After Me! Improve your IELTS Speaking score through speech shadowing!

Category: Part 2

  • Lesson 86: A memorable outdoor activity⛰️

    This lesson requires you describe an outdoor activity you did that was memorable for you.

    Step 1: Listen to the full band 9 model.

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

    Step 3: Work through this week’s full exercise.

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

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

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Describe a memorable outdoor activity that you have participated in.
    What did you do during this activity?
    Who did you go with?
    Why was it memorable for you?
    And say how you felt during and after this activity.

    One memorable outdoor activity that I participated in was a multi-day hiking trip through the mountains. I went with a group of friends, and we spent several days hiking through beautiful wilderness areas, camping out under the stars, and exploring the local flora and fauna. Sometimes my friends and I would get lost in deep conversation as we trekked, but there were also long stretches when we walked in silence and I was completely alone with my thoughts.

    The reason this trip was so memorable for me was because it was the first time I had ever gone on a long-distance hike. It was physically challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. I felt a sense of accomplishment and freedom as we hiked through the stunning landscapes, and the sense of camaraderie with my friends was unbeatable.

    During the hike, I felt a mix of excitement and exhaustion. There were moments when I was really pushing myself to keep going, but then there were also moments of pure joy and wonder as we took in the breathtaking views. And after the hike, I felt a strong sense of accomplishment and pride in what we had achieved.

    Overall, this was a truly memorable outdoor activity for me, and one that I will always cherish.

  • Lesson 83: A lesson you remember👨‍🎓

    This week’s lesson looks at the topic of ‘education’ and specifically ‘a lesson your remember well’. This is a Part 2 lesson that uses the following cue card:

    Talk about a lesson that you remember well. You should say
    -when and where it was
    -who taught you the lesson
    -what you learned
    -and explain why you remember the lesson well

    Step 1: Listen to the full band 9 speech sample.

    Step 2: Work through the sample exercise in this week’s IELTSCast episode.

    Step 3: Complete the full shadowing exercise.

    Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note all of the new language you came across this week.

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

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Talk about a lesson that you remember well. You should say
    -when and where it was
    -who taught you the lesson
    -what you learned
    -and explain why you remember the lesson well

    As far as school is concerned, I can’t in all honesty say I remember many lessons. However, I do remember a lesson I had with my English tutor. The lesson I remember very well was one that I had fairly recently in order to prepare for my IELTS exam.

    I was at my tutor’s home around four months ago and she began explaining writing Task 1 to me. I was extremely nervous about Task 1 because all my friends who had taken IELTS told me how tricky it was. Fortunately, my tutor explained it to me very methodically and demystified it for me. She showed me how to organise my ideas and what kind of language to use. She taught me how to group information appropriately, what to edit out and what to include, and how to communicate these areas in an appropriate tone. It initially felt like a great deal of information to synthesise but with some practice, it became a piece of cake.

    I took the writing portion of the test earlier today and feel like I utilised every bit of information my tutor provided, so I believe this is a lesson that is not only memorable but will be a crucial component to my success in the exams.

  • Lesson 80: A story someone told you🦋

    This week, you will practise responding to the following Part 2 cue card:

    Talk about a story someone told you that you remember well. Please say:
    -what the story is about
    -who told you the story
    -when he/she told you the story
    -and explain why you remember it so well

    Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version below) to become familiar with the speech sample. This episode will also push you to practise saying a few sentences from the model.

    Step 2: If at any time you’d like to hear the original sample without pauses, you can listen to it here.

    Step 3: Work through 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.

    Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!📲

    “This story was told to me several years ago. It is nothing short of incredible, and I’d have a hard time believing it had actually happened if it weren’t my brother who told me.”
    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Talk about a story someone told you that you remember well. Please say:
    -what the story is about
    -who told you the story
    -when he/she told you the story
    -and explain why you remember it so well

    “This story was told to me several years ago. It is nothing short of incredible, and I’d have a hard time believing it had actually happened if it weren’t my brother who told me.

    My brother had planned to propose to his girlfriend of several years, and he put the engagement ring in his pocket hoping to surprise her when they met later that day. His girlfriend worked at the public transit depot in our city, so my brother’s plan was to take the bus to her office and walk with her to a park nearby where they could picnic and he could ask her to marry him.

    Unfortunately, when he went to put his coins into the bus’s fare repository, he accidentally dropped the engagement ring in too! He realised it a minute later and told the driver who radioed to have someone ready at the terminal station to open the repository and retrieve the ring.

    When the bus pulled into the transit depot, my brother’s girlfriend was standing there. The ring was quickly retrieved and my brother proposed to her right there on the spot!

    My brother and his wife remain happily married to this day, so as you can imagine this story is a cherished family memory that gets told a lot.”

  • Lesson 77: A free item or service👍

    This week, you will train to talk about a free item or service you received.

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

    Part 2 Cue Card

    Talk about a free item or service you received. Please say
    -what item or service it was
    -why it was free
    -what you did to receive it
    -and explain how you felt about receiving this item or service
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    strapped (adjective)
    Short of money

    “I was strapped for cash.”

    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!🗣️📲

    “Some time ago, I was driving my car and had to stop for gas. I remember being very anxious as it was in the middle of my exam period, so I was studying and on top of that I had just paid for some expensive repairs on my car, so I was strapped for cash.”
    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

    Talk about a free item or service you received. Please say
    -what item or service it was
    -why it was free
    -what you did to receive it
    -and explain how you felt about receiving this item or service

    Some time ago, I was driving my car and had to stop for gas. I remember being very anxious as it was in the middle of my exam period, so I was studying and on top of that I had just paid for some expensive repairs on my car, so I was strapped for cash. Although the tank was nearly empty, I asked the attendant to put 10 pounds worth of fuel in my car. He started the pump and walked away.

    A minute or two later, I looked at the pump and saw that it read 40 pounds and was still going! I flagged down the attendant and reminded him that I had only asked for 10 pounds of fuel and now I had to pay nearly 50! He apologised profusely but said since I had been given the petrol I had to pay for it.

    Well, I take it the attendant could see from my face that I was in a tight position and pretty upset about the whole ordeal. He offered to pay for the difference out of his salary but I couldn’t in good conscience ask him to do that. That’s when he offered me three free car washes and a waxing instead. It wasn’t an ideal situation as I still had to pay for the fuel and essentially I was getting something I didn’t truly need but I accepted the offer. 

    It all worked out in the end because my car received some much needed care. I, of course, used the petrol and the attendant was satisfied that he didn’t have to pay for the fuel himself. 

  • Lesson 74: Something that surprised you😲

    This week you will train to speak about a situation that surprised you.

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

    Describe something that surprised you. You should say
    -what it was
    -how you found out about it
    -what you did
    -and explain how it made you feel
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    vast (adjective)
    -of great extent

    “My tutor had seen vast improvement in my listening”

    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!🗣️📲

    “Well, unfortunately, I am about to describe an event that surprised me in a negative way and it is a little embarrassing but here goes. What surprised me recently was the result of my last IELTS exam when I got 6.5 in listening!”
    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 something that surprised you. You should say
    -what it was
    -how you found out about it
    -what you did
    -and explain how it made you feel

    Well, unfortunately, I am about to describe an event that surprised me in a negative way and it is a little embarrassing but here goes. What surprised me recently was the result of my last IELTS exam when I got 6.5 in listening!

    I had been preparing for IELTS for several months with a tutor and had completed at least 10 listening tests, so I felt very well prepared. My tutor had seen vast improvement in my listening and gave me glowing words of praise so my confidence was soaring. Even after I left the exam, I was certain I had achieved my required score.

    Several days later, the notification that my results were available arrived. When I logged on to see the score, I was aghast. I told no one – I simply left the office and went for a walk. I don’t even remember where I went! I called my tutor and let her know what had happened. I believe she tried to console me but to no avail.

    Shortly afterwards, when I had calmed down, I realised where I had gone wrong in my exam and now I am certain I won’t repeat the same mistake again.

    Thank you.

  • Lesson 71: Someone you follow on social media📱

    This week

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

    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    distilled it
    -break something down into its basic parts

    “She has taken the best of our cuisine and distilled it.”
    Talk about someone you follow on social media. Please say
    -who the person is
    -why you follow him/her
    -what content he/she posts on social media
    -and explain why you find him/her interesting

    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 have only recently started following celebrities and other public figures on social media. Up until now I reserved ‘following’ and ‘friending’ only for people I actually knew.”
    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

    Talk about someone you follow on social media. Please say
    -who the person is
    -why you follow him/her
    -what content he/she posts on social media
    -and explain why you find him/her interesting

    I have only recently started following celebrities and other public figures on social media. Up until now I reserved “following” and “friending” only for people I actually knew. However, I learned of an American woman who moved to this country some years ago and I have begun following her. Her name is Mary and she is a chef. I have been told she has a cooking show in the US which features cuisine from this country, Greece. I have never seen the show, but on social media she posts dishes she prepares with fresh, local produce, delicious cheeses, fish and meat. It intrigues me that a woman from across the pond has learned everything she can about our cuisine here and then presents it to her audience thousands of miles away. She generally advocates a healthy diet and lifestyle and through her foods, takes us back to simpler times when people prepared and enjoyed traditional food together. 

    She also features various small, high-quality producers from Greece, which is both informative and helpful to me as a customer but also a great service to the producer since their products get known to a much wider audience. I find her and her social media presence interesting because she has taken the best of our cuisine and distilled it, keeping it pure and genuine while introducing it to the world.

    Thank you.

  • Lesson 67: A new place🌁

    This week, you will train to speak about a new place you visited.

    Note: Some of you were asking for synonyms for ‘very’ last week. At one point in today’s model, the speaker uses ‘rather’ as a synonym for ‘very’. Listen closely to the sample to pinpoint where this is!

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

    Part 2 Cue Card

    Talk about a time when you visited a new place. Please say
    -where you were
    -why you went there
    -what you did
    -and explain how you felt in that place
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    busker
    -a person who performs in the street for monetary donations

    “There were a few buskers performing funny skits.”

    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!🗣️📲

    “About a year ago, my friend and I took a train across our city to visit a public park we had never been to before. We were a bit on the fence about going because the weather forecast called for rain, but the park was hosting a ‘food festival’ on that day only so we decided to chance 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

    Talk about a time when you visited a new place. Please say
    -where you were
    -why you went there
    -what you did
    -and explain how you felt in that place

    About a year ago, my friend and I took a train across our city to visit a public park we had never been to before. We were a bit on the fence about going because the weather forecast called for rain, but the park was hosting a ‘food festival’ on that day only so we decided to chance it. Luckily, not only did the rain stay away but it actually turned out to be a rather pleasant afternoon and we even got some sunshine!

    The festival featured numerous stalls where people from across the country cooked traditional foods from their region. My friend and I are both from Hanoi, so we were already familiar with most dishes, but it was nevertheless enjoyable to find grilled items and sauces that we hadn’t eaten in a long time. I remember having some traditional pastries with spicy dipping sauce and a little later in the day we both enjoyed a selection of barbecued seafood and meats. Some of the flavours brought me right back to my childhood. I think we both found it hard not to feel a little nostalgic!

    The park is really beautiful and has many scenic walkways, and this gave us the opportunity to stroll around leisurely and stop at times to admire the pond or just watch what other people were doing. We didn’t really do much aside from this, but I found the whole experience calming and refreshing. There were a few buskers performing funny skits and I recall some people practising softly on musical instruments, which gave the afternoon an even more relaxing aura.

    Thank you.

  • Lesson 65: Something broken and then repaired🔧

    This week you will train for Part 2 of the exam. The cue card prompts you to speak about something broken that you then had repaired.

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

    Talk about something in your home that was broken and then repaired. Please say
    -what it was
    -when it broke
    -why it broke
    -and explain how it was repaired
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    cram
    -completely fill a place

    “My basement is small, so I have to cram my bicycle in among my other things.”

    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!🗣️📲

    “Earlier this year, at the start of spring, I pulled my bicycle out of my basement. I store it there during the winter. When I went to ride it, I realised the back tyre was completely flat, and I couldn’t seem to reinflate it with my bicycle pump, so I knew it had been punctured either when I was putting it into storage or taking it out.”
    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

    Talk about something in your home that was broken and then repaired. Please say
    -what it was
    -when it broke
    -why it broke
    -and explain how it was repaired

    Earlier this year, at the start of spring, I pulled my bicycle out of my basement. I store it there during the winter. When I went to ride it, I realised the back tyre was completely flat, and I couldn’t seem to reinflate it with my bicycle pump, so I knew it had been punctured either when I was putting it into storage or taking it out. My basement is small, so I have to cram my bicycle in among my other things. There are all sorts of random bits and bobs down there, so I’m pretty sure one of these other items caused the hole in the tyre.

    To fix it, I took it to a bicycle repair shop. The repairperson removed the flat tyre’s rubber inner tube and submerged it in water to locate the hole. By squeezing this part of the tyre while it is underwater, the punctured area emits bubbles and the repairperson can see precisely where the hole is.

    The repairperson fused a rubber patch over the hole using an adhesive and then submerged the tubing again underwater to ensure the leak had been fixed. They then reassembled the tyre, reattached it to my bicycle and I was on my way. Amazingly, the whole process took maybe 15 minutes and was very reasonably priced.

  • Lesson 62: Something that helps you save time⌚

    This week you’re talking about a very common topic: time! Specifically, you will train to speak about something that helps you save time. The candidate in this lesson’s demonstration choose to speak about a calendar.

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

    Talk about something that helps you save time. Please say:
    -what it is
    -when you use it
    -why you use it
    -and explain why you believe it helps you save time
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    populate (verb)
    -to fill something with people or items

    “This calendar is painted on a whiteboard, so every few weeks I erase everything I had previously written and populate it with my schedule for the coming month.“

    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!🗣️📲

    “One item that helps me save time is a calendar that I have hanging up in my kitchen. This calendar is painted on a whiteboard, so every few weeks I erase everything I had previously written and populate it with my schedule for the coming month. Because it is large and in a central part of my home, I essentially use it all the time. It is usually one of the first things I look at in the morning, and because I work from home I refer to the calendar several times 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

    Talk about something that helps you save time. Please say:
    -what it is
    -when you use it
    -why you use it
    -and explain why you believe it helps you save time

    One item that helps me save time is a calendar that I have hanging up in my kitchen. This calendar is painted on a whiteboard, so every few weeks I erase everything I had previously written and populate it with my schedule for the coming month. Because it is large and in a central part of my home, I essentially use it all the time. It is usually one of the first things I look at in the morning, and because I work from home I refer to the calendar several times throughout the day.

    I feel the calendar keeps me organised and ensures I do not schedule overlapping events. This helps me budget my time and clearly designate moments in my day when I can relax. If I know my schedule is comprehensively laid out, I don’t waste time worrying about it. Plus, it is much easier to use than an app on my phone. Changing anything on the calendar only takes a few seconds, so I suppose this saves me additional time.

    In addition to this, it communicates my professional commitments to my other family members. They can clearly see when I am working and when I am free, so this saves time by minimising worktime interruptions.

  • Lesson 59: A walk you enjoyed🚶‍♀️

    This week’s lesson examines a real Part 2 candidate task card on the topic of ‘a walk you enjoyed.’ This cue card was seen on an exam in 2022.

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

    Describe a long walk you enjoyed. Please say
    – where you walked
    – who you walked with
    – when you walked
    – and explain why you enjoyed the walk.
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    aroma (adjective)
    -a pleasing smell

    “The day was fragrant with the aroma of spring flowers and it felt like the earth was renewed after such a dismal winter in lockdown.”

    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!🗣️📲

    “Last year when our country was in lockdown, my best friend and I made a wonderful habit of walking on the weekends. We would set out from our homes and typically walk along the waterfront, which is lovely. However, there were several occasions when we decided to venture even further and it was worth the effort.”
    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 long walk you enjoyed. Please say
    – where you walked
    – who you walked with
    – when you walked
    – and explain why you enjoyed the walk.

    Last year when our country was in lockdown, my best friend and I made a wonderful habit of walking on the weekends. We would set out from our homes and typically walk along the waterfront, which is lovely. However, there were several occasions when we decided to venture even further and it was worth the effort.

    On one particular day last March, we walked all the way to the marina of the nearby suburb. This is about one hour from our homes. My friend, Lina, and I set a good pace from the beginning and admired the beautiful weather, the sea and the onset of spring. All the while, we were talking about our studies, families and our personal lives. We began our walk around 10:00 in the morning, so by the time we reached the marina the sun was fully up and the day was warm.

    When we got to the marina, we admired the various boats, and the warm sea air hinted at summer. The day was fragrant with the aroma of spring flowers and it felt like the earth was renewed after such a dismal winter in lockdown.

    I guess you could say that after a depressing winter this walk filled us with a sense of hope and renewal, like a promise that better days were just on the horizon.