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

Category: Part 3

  • Lesson 87: Leisure time and activities🎳

    This week’s lesson trains you to speak about activities you do when not working or studying.

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

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

    Step 3: Engage the full speech shadowing exercise.

    Step 4: Do some analysis of the below transcript and make special note of the new language items you learned this week.

    Step 5: Engage this week’s speaking exercises with your Whatsapp instructor.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    What do people in your country do when they have a day off?

    In my country, people spend their days off in a variety of ways. Some people prefer to spend their time alone at home, relaxing and unwinding from the stress of work or school. They may choose to read a book, watch a movie, or simply take a nap. Other people, on the other hand, prefer to go out with friends and engage in social activities such as going to a restaurant, seeing a movie, or going shopping.

    Some people like spending time alone at home on a day off, while others prefer going out with friends. Why is this?

    The reason for this difference in preference may have to do with individual personality and lifestyle. Some people may value alone time and find it energising, while others may find that being in groups of people is more enjoyable and fulfilling. Additionally, some people may have more responsibilities or commitments that make it difficult for them to go out, while other people may have more freedom to use their time as they wish.

    Are people spending their free time in different ways now compared to the past?

    Compared to the past, I believe that people are spending their time in different ways now. For example, with the advent of technology, people now have more access to online entertainment and social media, which they can use to stay connected with others even when they are at home. Additionally, many people now have more disposable income and can afford to engage in more leisure activities such as traveling or taking up hobbies.

    Do you think that technology has changed the way people enjoy their leisure time now?

    Technology has certainly changed the way people enjoy their leisure time. With the rise of smartphones and other mobile devices, people are now able to access the internet and various forms of entertainment from anywhere and at any time. This has shifted people away from traditional forms of leisure, such as reading a book or watching TV, to more interactive and social activities, such as online gaming or social media.

    Who do you think has more leisure time, older or younger people? And why?

    In terms of age, I believe that older people may have more leisure time than younger people. This is because older people are more likely to have retired from their jobs, and therefore have more free time to spend on leisure activities. Younger people, on the other hand, are more likely to be in school or starting their career and thus have less free time.

    Do you think it is true that young people enjoy active leisure activities more often than older people?

    In terms of leisure activities, I think it is true that young people tend to enjoy more active leisure activities more often than older people. This is likely due to the fact that young people tend to have more energy and are more physically capable than older people. Additionally, young people may be more inclined to seek out new and exciting experiences, which active leisure activities can provide.

  • Lesson 84: Teaching styles and learning👨‍🏫

    This week, you will speech about different teaching and learning styles.

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

    Step 2: Watch this week’s IELTSCast episode.

    Step 3: Engage the full speech shadowing exercise.

    Step 4: Read through the below transcript. What new language did you learn this week? Make a note so you can review this language at a later date.

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

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    We’ve been talking about a lesson that you remember well, and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic.
    What makes a lesson memorable?

    I think a few things help achieve this. Firstly, the teacher has a lot to do with it. Teachers that can make a subject interesting to the learner will always have memorable lessons. The learning environment can also enhance the experience. I used to study Arabic with a tutor while living in Dubai. We would meet in shopping malls and he would help me practise by watching me speak in Arabic to shop owners. Those were lessons I will never forget!

    Why do people hire private tutors?

    In many cases, it depends on the student’s learning style. Some people prefer having designated one-on-one time with the teacher so that they can focus on their own weaknesses without having to concern themselves with the needs of other students. I enjoy both classroom instruction and private tuition, but when studying languages I prefer having a private tutor that can give me immediate and ongoing feedback. I feel this accelerates my progress.

    How are younger and older teachers different?

    They are different in many ways. Often older teachers have a much deeper understanding of the topic they are teaching, and this just comes from experience. However, younger teachers might have better understanding of technology and how the topic might be applied to contemporary times. In the advertising industry, for example, there may be statistical understanding that an older teacher explains better, whereas a younger teacher has a better grasp of the reach and demographics best hit by apps like Instagram.

    How have teaching styles changed compared to the past?

    Teaching these days makes much greater use of technology. I can’t remember the last time I saw a classroom with chalk sticks and a blackboard. Since COVID, it is also common for teaching styles to blend distance with in-person learning. Certain skills are also considered central to the learning experience now. For example, a lot of learning these days demands students research a topic using a variety of media on the internet.

    Do you expect people to learn in the same way in the future?

    I feel learning styles will forever evolve, but for now I think learning will occur through a blend of virtual and in-person methods. I feel like humanity is still a bit shaky on how to use some of the technology that was introduced during the global lockdown, so I don’t anticipate drastic changes in the foreseeable future. I imagine the next few years will involve solidifying our use of current technologies.

  • Lesson 81: Meeting people and social media📱

    This week, you will train to speak about meeting people and social media.

    Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

    Step 2: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode.

    Step 3: Engage the full exercise.

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

    Step 5: Post your speaking samples to your Whatsapp group and wait for feedback.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Do people become friends because they have a similar personality?

    While this can be true, I don’t believe this is always the case. I think there need to be some similarities like common interests or a similar sense of humour, but looking at my friends I would say that our personalities are actually quite different. There are other things that bond us: mutual understanding, shared experiences and the things I previously mentioned. However, on the whole I would not say our personalities are the same. 

    How do people in your country behave to a new person when they meet for the first time?

    Well, in my country, we generally try to make the new person feel at ease. We definitely try to make them feel welcomed and so we show an interest in him or her. If the meeting is at our home, then we go to great lengths to make the newcomer feel honoured. So, we repeatedly offer food and drinks and make sure the guest knows that we value their presence. 

    How can we make people feel comfortable the first time we meet them?

    In my experience, humour is the best way. People who use self-deprecating humour always seem to make others around them feel comfortable because it shows the other person they can relax and are free to be casual. When you show you can laugh at yourself you exhibit self-confidence while also breaking the ice with the people around you. 

    How do people maintain social contact with coworkers or colleagues?

    I think social media goes a long way toward fostering personal relationships. Many of us don’t know our colleagues’ birthdays but apps like Facebook offer reminders so you can send someone wishes or even plan a mini celebration at work. Social media also lets you see who your co-workers are outside of work so you can see if you have similar interests or hobbies. This can be a starting point for a friendly relationship that extends beyond a simple acquaintance. 

    Do you think it is a good idea for companies to give breaks to their employees?

    I think that even if companies don’t give them employees will find a way to take them! Few people can work without interruption or break for eight hours or more. The mind needs to unwind, the body needs to move – or not move – but no work activity can or should be sustained for many hours without a short break. This leads to burnout and exhaustion, which leads to lowered productivity…so short-sighted thinking can potentially have long-lasting results. That is why I think it is a tragic mistake to not allow employee breaks.

  • Lesson 78: The value of things 💎

    This week, you will train to speak about ‘the value of something’ and ‘a person’s values’.

    Step 1: Watch this week’s lesson.

    Part 3 Questions
    Would you recommend this item or service to others?
    Do people value free things less than items that are purchased?
    Is there anything more valuable than money?
    Do you think money can change a person’s values?
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    flipside (noun)
    Another version of something

    “On the flipside, when you have money you will spend it to save time.”

    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!🗣️📲

    “They did a fine job on the car, so yes, I would recommend it. Those of us who live in the city don’t typically have the space to wash our cars ourselves, so we must get this done professionally.”
    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

    (Note: In Part 2 of this exam, the candidate speaks about a free car wash they received.)

    Would you recommend this item or service to others?

    They did a fine job on the car, so yes, I would recommend it. Those of us who live in the city don’t typically have the space to wash our cars ourselves, so we must get this done professionally.

    Do people value free things less than items that are purchased?

    Typically yes. Usually free items are something of a gimmick, a way to pull you in to earn your loyalty and convince you to buy more. They are very rarely of high value – if they were you would have to pay for them! People know that it is part of a ploy and don’t always appreciate the free item.

    Is there anything more valuable than money?

    Absolutely. Obviously things like health, family and loved ones are more valuable but I would also say time is more valuable. This is particularly true for people who happen to have a lot of money. They are happy to spend more for something if it means it will save them time.

    Do you think money can change a person’s values?

    I think the example I just shared is a good illustration of how money can change a person’s values. When you don’t have money, you will spend time to save money. On the flipside, when you have money you will spend it to save time. Having money – or not – will change what you place a premium on.

  • Lesson 75: Spontaneity and unexpected situations🧩

    This week’s lesson examines Part 3 questions that ask the candidate to talk about spontaneous situations.

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

    Do you like surprises?
    Do you think doing things spontaneously is a good idea?
    How do unexpected situations make people feel?
    Why do some people feel stressed when things don’t go as planned?
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    on a whim (phrase)
    -Something done without careful planning

    “A house or car purchased on a whim can spell financial disaster.”

    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!🗣️📲

    “If they are pleasant surprises, yes, of course I enjoy a good surprise.”
    Chat on WhatsApp

    Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

    Transcript

    Do you like surprises?

    If they are pleasant surprises, yes, of course I enjoy a good surprise. 

    Do you think doing things spontaneously is a good idea?

    It depends on what the things are. A trip taken spontaneously can be wonderfully adventurous and rejuvenating. However, a house or car purchased on a whim can spell financial disaster. So spontaneity can be a great way to bring some excitement to a person’s life but it has to be done in moderation.  

    How do unexpected situations make people feel?

    Generally, I think people are uncomfortable with the unknown. We say that we like excitement and novelty, but in reality we are creatures of habit and are uncomfortable in unfamiliar circumstances. People get anxious and if this feeling is prolonged or happens repeatedly, their well-being suffers. 

    Why do some people feel stressed when things don’t go as planned?

    People like a sense of control. Or rather, I should say they like the illusion of control. They like to feel like they are masters of their own destiny – although if you ask me, this is ridiculous. I think people get stressed because they are insecure about their ability to handle something unexpected, and it’s a little childish quite frankly.

    Thank you.

  • Lesson 72: Sources of information📰

    This week’s IELTS Speaking Part 3 lesson examines information sources. Use this lesson as a form of speech therapy to help correct any deeply engrained speech habits you might have when speaking English.

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

    Part 3 Questions

    Will you continue to follow this person on social media?
    Is social media important?
    Where do people get most of their information from nowadays? 
    Do older people get information from different sources?
    Do you think you will continue to get information from the same sources in the future?
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    You’d be hard pressed to find
    -a phrase used to talk about something very difficult to find

    “You’d be hard pressed to find a young adult reading a newspaper unless it was for the novelty value of it.”

    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!🗣️📲

    “Yes, I think I will continue to follow her as her content is interesting, informative and appealing.”
    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

    Will you continue to follow this person on social media?

    Yes, I think I will continue to follow her as her content is interesting, informative and appealing. 

    Is social media important?

    If you had asked me fifteen years ago I would have said no, that it’s just a way to keep in touch with friends but now social media is unavoidable. It has become something far greater than a means to keep in touch with loved ones and has expanded to become a source of all information. For companies, it is a whole new vehicle for them – to be seen and to communicate with customers and potential customers. So much so, in fact, that companies hire staff that focus just on their social media presence. 

    Where do people get most of their information from nowadays?

    I think many people still use the TV and radio for information but the importance of the internet as a source of news cannot be overstated. Personally speaking, I use the internet exclusively for information because I can learn about events from multiple sources instantaneously. I would say that I am not alone in this and the sheer number of news websites or publications that have a web presence can attest to that. 

    Do older people get information from different sources?

    I think older people feel more comfortable with more traditional sources of information like the TV, radio or newspaper. You’d be hard pressed to find a young adult reading a newspaper unless it was for the novelty value of it. 

    Do you think you will continue to get information from the same sources in the future?

    I hesitate to say yes because I fear that one day soon those of us that get news from the internet will be deemed dinosaurs. I think just like with the TV, something new will eventually come up to replace the internet as a source of information and I wouldn’t be surprised if someone then said to me quote unquote “keep up with the times”.

    Thank you.

  • Lesson 69: New places and travel trends🚆

    This week, you will train to speak about new places and the subject of ‘travel’. Use the shadow technique in the below exercises to practise speaking about these topics.

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

    Part 3 Questions

    What part of the festival did you most enjoy?
    What is another new place you would like to visit?
    Is there anything that would discourage you from visiting a new place?
    Do people travel differently now compared to the past?
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    chum around
    -hang out with; do friendly things with

    “We chum around together regularly, and yet I never grow tired of her company.”

    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 liked the foods and the relaxed atmosphere of the festival, but I think what I enjoyed most of all was being able to experience it with my friend. We chum around together regularly, and yet I never grow tired of her company. At the festival, we shared a few good laughs and talked about the foods that were on offer. We also reminisced about old times.”
    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

    We’ve been talking about visiting a new place, and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. What part of the festival did you most enjoy?

    I liked the foods and the relaxed atmosphere of the festival, but I think what I enjoyed most of all was being able to experience it with my friend. We chum around together regularly, and yet I never grow tired of her company. At the festival, we shared a few good laughs and talked about the foods that were on offer. We also reminisced about old times.

    What is another new place you would like to visit?

    There are many new places I would like to visit. I suppose I would most like to see old historical sites in the UK, such as Hadrian’s Wall or Stonehenge. We have ancient sites like these in Vietnam too, but the past few years I have been especially interested in learning about British history and culture, and I’d really appreciate the opportunity to see such historic places first hand.

    Is there anything that would discourage you from visiting a new place?

    I suppose if I read online reviews that questioned the safety of an area…or its accessibility I might think twice about going. I’m pretty adventurous, but I would never sacrifice my sense of security for a new experience. Some things are just not worth the risk.

    I’m also not interested in visiting places that are known for being excessively pricey. I don’t feel that expensive travel plans necessarily mean you’re going to have a more rewarding trip. In fact, some of my greatest memories are from times when I travelled on a shoestring and had to eat locally, try to interact in a foreign language, and walk instead of taking a taxi.

    Do people travel differently now compared to the past?

    Yes, there are many differences. International travel infrastructure has spread to even the most remote corners of the planet, and this means more people are travelling and they are travelling further than ever before. Airports have grown to phenomenal sizes too, and with this has come ‘duty free’ commercial culture, where people associate international travel with the opportunity to pick up goods that aren’t taxed. These characteristics are a relatively recent phenomenon and not part of travel experiences of the past.

    Thank you.

  • Lesson 66: Product quality⭐

    This week, you will train to speak about product quality. These demonstrated answers are in response to real IELTS Speaking questions asked in Part 3 of a 2022 exam.

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

    Part 3 Questions
    (Note: The candidate spoke about a repaired bicycle tyre in Part 2 of this exam. The examiner asks follow-up questions about this topic here.)
    Does it still work?
    Why do people neglect things and don’t repair them?
    Do you think that in the past product quality was higher?
    Do you think that expensive products last longer?
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    knock on wood
    -said to wish yourself or others good luck

    “Does is still work?”
    “Knock on wood, yes it does!”

    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!🗣️📲

    “Knock on wood, yes it does! Whatever adhesive the repairperson used to seal the patch over the hole really did the trick. I’ve been riding my bicycle for months since the repair and haven’t had any trouble at all. The tyre is as good as new, so I’m certainly glad I didn’t go with my first instinct which was to replace the whole tyre!”
    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

    We’ve been talking about restoring a broken item, and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. Does it still work?

    Knock on wood, yes it does! Whatever adhesive the repairperson used to seal the patch over the hole really did the trick. I’ve been riding my bicycle for months since the repair and haven’t had any trouble at all. The tyre is as good as new, so I’m certainly glad I didn’t go with my first instinct which was to replace the whole tyre!

    Why do people neglect things and don’t repair them?

    I feel people do this for many reasons. In some instances, repairing an item might be costly or involve tracking down specialised parts, such as rare engine parts for a vintage sports car. In other situations, it might actually be cheaper and more desirable to buy a newer version of the broken item. When my brother’s Playstation video game console broke down after several years of use, he didn’t bother repairing it and instead put the money towards upgrading his console to the newer Playstation 2 model!

    Do you think that in the past product quality was higher?

    It definitely was. My grandmother still uses a sewing machine she bought in the 1970s. In fact, I can think of multiple products she has in her home that are several decades old and still work perfectly fine. I think the problem is that modern products are designed to be replaced after only a few years of use. These shorter product lifecycles mean consumers make repeat purchases of the same item, and this translates to more money for the business. I mean, look at mobile phones. People just expect to replace them after two or three years of use! This sort of consumer behaviour was uncommon in the past because people’s expectations of quality and longevity were different.

    Do you think that expensive products last longer?

    I suppose in some cases they do, but it really depends on the product. In my experience, expensive kitchen appliances typically last longer than cheaper alternatives. I bought an inexpensive microwave when I was in university and I barely got two years out of it, but the more expensive microwave I bought after I got married is eight years old and still going strong. Cars, however, are a different story. My wife’s reasonably priced Toyota has had only a fraction of the problems of my more expensive Ford!

    Thank you. That is the end of the speaking exam.

  • Lesson 63: Work-life balance👪

    This week, you will train to speak about ‘work-live balance.’ The model is from Part 3 of a recent IELTS Speaking exam, so you’ll notice the questions are more open-ended and the candidate uses longer responses to better demonstrate their language.

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

    Part 3 Questions
    Why don’t people have enough time nowadays?
    Is it necessary for people to relax during the working day?
    How can people achieve better work-life balance?
    Does current technology cause people to waste time or save time?
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    I think there are several reasons for this.
    -phrase used to cue a longer response

    “I think there are several reasons for this. Firstly, … For example, … Further, …“

    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 think there are several reasons for this. Firstly, I believe instant messaging technology has made it difficult for people to disconnect from their professional lives. For example, it’s hard to ignore a request from a coworker if they can see through an app that you are online.”
    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

    We’ve been talking about time, and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. Why don’t people have enough time nowadays?

    I think there are several reasons for this. Firstly, I believe instant messaging technology has made it difficult for people to disconnect from their professional lives. For example, it’s hard to ignore a request from a coworker if they can see through an app that you are online. Further, in my country, life in general has become more expensive and this has demanded people commit more time to their professions. Often, both partners in a household need to work, which means household chores must be done in their free time.

    Is it necessary for people to relax during the working day?

    I think people should have the option, yes. Among jobs where a worker’s alertness is a safety concern, such as an airline pilot or a surgeon, periods for recuperation are enforced by law. Long stretches of non-stop work, especially strenuous work, can have serious health effects as well. Further, I think people are more productive when they are given short breaks throughout their workday, so it’s not only good for the wellbeing of the worker, but also the wellbeing of their organisation.

    How can people achieve better work-life balance?

    First and foremost, it’s important to allot time in your schedule where you completely disconnect from technology. People should regularly put their devices on silent and avoid interruption, or leave these devices at home when they do short errands or exercise outdoors. I would even go so far as to declare to work colleagues the timings at which you can’t be reached, whether that’s lunchtime, evenings or weekends. People should also prioritise work-life balance by writing clear goals for the important relationships in their lives. For example, parents should actively strive to be mentally present when speaking to their children.

    Does current technology cause people to waste time or save time?

    It does both. It makes it possible to communicate instantly with people, which could be helpful if you want to tell your friend you need to urgently change some plans. However, it’s also a source of a tremendous amount of distraction. I mean, it’s so common nowadays to be talking in person with someone only to receive a mundane mobile notification. I guess I would have to say that technology wastes as much time as it saves!

  • Episode 60: Outdoor activities in the past, present and future⛷️

    Recently, a candidate reported being asked about ‘an outdoor activity’ in Part 3 of their exam. (Edit: This topic was actually seen again about six months after this exam. If you’re looking for additional training resources, please click here to visit my second lesson on this topic.)

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

    Part 3 Questions

    Do you like spending time outdoors?
    Are there any benefits to outdoor activities?
    What outdoor activities are popular in your country?
    What kind of outdoor activities were popular in the past?
    What type of outdoor activities will people like to do in the future?
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    avails itself
    -something that is benefitted by another thing

    “Fortunately, in this country, the weather avails itself to all sorts of outdoor activities from physical exercise to socialising with friends.”

    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!🗣️📲

    “Yes, I do actually. I love biking, walking and just dining al fresco when the weather is nice. Fortunately, in this country, the weather avails itself to all sorts of outdoor activities from physical exercise to socialising with friends.”

    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

    We’ve been talking about an outdoor activity, and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. Do you like spending time outdoors?

    Yes, I do actually. I love biking, walking and just dining al fresco when the weather is nice. Fortunately, in this country, the weather avails itself to all sorts of outdoor activities from physical exercise to socialising with friends.

    Are there any benefits to outdoor activities?

    Of course! First of all, if you are engaging in exercise outdoors, this is good for overall health. Second of all, being out in the sun is beneficial because our bodies need vitamin D for good health. This must be done with caution of course, but I recently read that people in this country suffer from a vitamin D deficiency, so it is in our best interest to cautiously spend time outdoors. Lastly, as we often socialise outdoors at cafes, restaurants and even park benches, this is an important practice through which we can reduce stress levels. So, being outside is incredibly beneficial in a variety of ways. 

    What outdoor activities are popular in your country?

    Well, I have mentioned several of them but of course there are more like sailing, swimming or playing tennis. Those in the country enjoy hiking or horseback riding. Then, it would be remiss of me to neglect to mention our national sport: football, which is enjoyed by all ages. 

    What kind of outdoor activities were popular in the past?

    I think the only things that have changed are activities that have been brought to this country from abroad, like tennis. However, we have been known for our love of outdoor sports since antiquity. As far as I know, even activities associated today with the indoors, like wrestling, took place outside. Other activities like eating outdoors or sailing have also been a part of this culture for centuries.

    What type of outdoor activities will people like to do in the future?

    I can’t imagine these activities changing a great deal but if I had to picture some kind of science fiction scenario, I would say that perhaps people will fly for fun. One might say that we already do that but what I mean by that is just as today we might take a boat, train or car ride for leisure, perhaps there will be flying contraptions that allow us to take a short flight over the sea front or over a nearby hill, just to get a bird’s eye view of the area. I think a lot of people would enjoy something like this.

    Thank you. That is the end of the speaking exam.