Describe a pet that you or someone you know has. You should say:
-what type of pet it is -what it looks like -how you or the owner take care of it and explain why you or the owner like this pet.
I’d like to talk about a dog that my cousin owns. His name is Max, and he’s a Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are known for being friendly, and Max is no exception.
Max is medium-sized, with a thick, shiny coat of golden fur that looks almost like silk under the sunlight. He has big brown eyes that make him look very lovable, and he always seems to have a smile on his face.
Taking care of Max involves quite a bit of responsibility. My cousin makes sure to feed him high-quality dog food twice a day and provides fresh water at all times. She also takes him for a walk every morning and evening, as Golden Retrievers are very active and need regular exercise. Max is also groomed weekly to keep his fur in good condition.
What I love most about Max is his cheerful and gentle nature. He has a unique ability to make everyone around him feel at ease. For instance, whenever someone in the family is feeling down, Max instinctively senses it and sits close to them. He is also very playful and loves playing fetch or just being involved in whatever our family is doing.
Overall, Max is a cherished member of the family. It’s easy to see why my cousin, and everyone else in the family, adores him.
Describe the best outfit you have ever worn. You should say – what it looked like – when you wore it – how you felt wearing it and explain why you consider it the best outfit you have ever worn.
One of the best outfits I have ever worn featured a classic denim jacket. It was a blue jacket with a slightly faded look and minimal detailing, which gave it a smart-looking appeal. I paired it with a simple white T-shirt, black slim-fit jeans and white sneakers. The overall look was casual yet stylish, perfect for a relaxed outing.
I wore this outfit on a weekend trip with friends last spring. We stayed with one friend who lived on a ranch. The people working on the ranch wear denim because of its durability, so this outfit helped me feel like I fit in. It was also warm, which helped because the mornings on the ranch could sometimes be chilly.
I consider this the best outfit I’ve ever worn because of how useful and…I guess ‘timeless’ the denim jacket is. I say this because denim jackets have been popular ever decade over the last fifty years or so. Wearing this jacket also reminds me of that great weekend away with my friends, which is a nice memory.
Describe a person who helped you achieve a goal. You should say: – what the goal was – who this person is – how he or she motivated you and explain the effect of this motivation on achieving your goal.
One significant goal I set for myself a few years ago was to improve my public speaking skills. The person who played a pivotal role in helping me achieve this goal was my university professor, Dr. Sullivan. He was not only an exceptional teacher but also a mentor who genuinely cared about his students’ growth.
Dr. Sullivan motivated me in multiple ways. He encouraged me to participate in a university debating club, which he supervised. His approach was always supportive and constructive. For example, rather than focusing on what I did wrong, he highlighted my strengths and helped me build upon them. He also shared personal stories of how he overcame his own fears of public speaking, which made me feel that my goal was achievable.
The effect of his motivation was profound. With his guidance, I started practicing regularly. Over time, I grew more confident. I even competed in a regional debate competition and won second place, an accomplishment I never imagined possible. Beyond the tangible results, his support helped me learn to tackle challenges head-on.
Dr. Sullivan’s mentorship helped me achieve my goal of improving my public speaking skills. He also instilled a sense of confidence that continues to benefit me to this day.
This week we look at questions from Part 1 of a new exam. The topic is ‘breakfast’.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)
This week’s Part 1 questions:
Do you work or study? What do you like about your job? Would you like to change your job in the future? Let’s talk about breakfast. Do you think breakfast is important? What do people typically eat for breakfast in your country? Do you ever skip eating breakfast? When do you usually eat breakfast?
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
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 do both, actually. I currently work as a cashier in a fast food restaurant, and I’m also studying business management.
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 work or study?
I do both, actually. I currently work as a cashier in a fast food restaurant, and I’m also studying business management.
What do you like about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is learning about the business’s processes and how these processes can be improved. It’s interesting to see what’s required to keep our operations running smoothly while ensuring customers leave happy.
Would you like to change your job in the future?
Yes, definitely. I’m studying business management with the goal of transitioning into a more senior role where I can apply those skills. I have enjoyed working as a cashier, but it is not what I want to do long term.
Let’s talk about breakfast. Do you think breakfast is important?
Absolutely, I believe breakfast is essential. It’s the first meal of the day and really helps kick-start the body and mind. Personally, I notice a big difference in my energy and focus when I’ve had a nutritious breakfast compared to days when I skip it.
What do people typically eat for breakfast in your country?
In Portugal, traditional breakfasts can be quite hearty. A Portuguese breakfast might include eggs, cold cut meats or bacon, toast and possibly grilled tomatoes or baked beans. Of course, for a lighter option, many people enjoy porridge or just toast and coffee or tea, especially on weekdays when mornings are busier.
Do you ever skip eating breakfast?
Occasionally, yes, especially if I’m in a rush. However, I do try to avoid skipping it as I’ve noticed it affects my concentration and energy levels throughout the day. On busier mornings, I might grab something like a banana or yogurt just to keep myself fueled.
When do you usually eat breakfast?
I usually have breakfast around 7:30 in the morning, just before starting my workday or study session. It gives me a good foundation to stay focused and productive. On weekends, I might have it a bit later, but it’s still something I try to make time for every day.
This week we look at questions from Part 3 that follow-up on last week’s cue card. The topic is: the future of the internet.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)
This week’s Part 3 questions:
How has the internet changed the way people access information? Do you think people rely too much on websites for information nowadays? What are the advantages of using websites compared to traditional sources like books or newspapers? Are there any disadvantages to getting information from websites? How do you think websites will evolve in the future? Do you think artificial intelligence will have a big impact on how websites are designed and used?
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
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!🗣️📲 In the past, people had to rely on physical resources such as books and libraries. Nowadays, with just a few clicks, we can access a vast array of data on virtually any topic. Additionally, the internet offers multimedia options—videos, infographics, podcasts—which cater to various learning styles.
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
How has the internet changed the way people access information? In the past, people had to rely on physical resources such as books and libraries. Nowadays, with just a few clicks, we can access a vast array of data on virtually any topic. Additionally, the internet offers multimedia options—videos, infographics, podcasts—which cater to various learning styles.
Do you think people rely too much on websites for information nowadays? Yes, to an extent. While it’s convenient and time-efficient, people often skim articles or rely on unverified sources, which can lead to misinformation. However, it’s also important to acknowledge the positive side: the internet provides a level of accessibility to knowledge that was previously unimaginable.
What are the advantages of using websites compared to traditional sources like books or newspapers? Firstly, websites provide real-time updates, whereas printed books or newspapers might take days or months to be published. Secondly, websites are searchable, making it far easier to locate specific information in seconds. And finallly, websites often provide interactive content that can enrich the learning experience far beyond what traditional media can offer.
Are there any disadvantages to getting information from websites? As I mentioned before, one major disadvantage of obtaining information from websites is the prevalence of misinformation. Another issue is the distraction factor, as websites often contain ads and other stimuli that can interfere with focused reading.
How do you think websites will evolve in the future? I believe websites will become even more personalised and intuitive in the future. As artificial intelligence continues to advance, websites will likely offer highly customised experiences, predicting what information a user needs before they even ask for it.
Do you think artificial intelligence will have a big impact on how websites are designed and used? I feel artificial intelligence is already having a profound impact on web design and usage, and this trend will only intensify. In the future, I think we’ll see AI-driven websites that can autonomously update content, optimise their own design and have increasingly sophisticated interactions with users.
This week, we’re looking at a new exam. In this exam, the examiner asks you to talk about your childhood.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)
This week’s Part 1 questions: Where are you from? Do you work or study? Do you enjoy studying this? Let’s talk about childhood. Did you have a happy childhood? What kind of things did you enjoy doing as a child? Did you have any childhood dreams about your future career? Did you help your parents with any kind of work when you were a child? Are there any skills you learned as a child that are helpful to you today?
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
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!🗣️📲 Where are you from? I’m from Romania, a country known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes. Do you work or study? At the moment, I’m studying data science. It’s a field that combines statistics, programming and analytical thinking to solve complex problems.
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
Where are you from?
I’m from Romania, a country known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes.
Do you work or study?
At the moment, I’m studying data science. It’s a field that combines statistics, programming and analytical thinking to solve complex problems.
Do you enjoy studying this?
Yes, I really enjoy studying data science. It allows me to work on real-world problems by analysing data patterns. I use these patterns to support decision making, and I find this really rewarding.
Let’s talk about childhood. Did you have a happy childhood?
Yes, I had a very happy childhood. I was fortunate to grow up in a supportive family. I have many fond memories of exploring forests and hills with my friends and family.
What kind of things did you enjoy doing as a child?
As a child, I loved exploring the outdoors. I also enjoyed reading, playing board games and working on little projects or hobbies with my friends.
Did you have any childhood dreams about your future career?
Yes, I did. At one point, I wanted to be an engineer because I enjoyed building things and solving problems. Later on, I became fascinated by computers and technology, which naturally led me to the field of data science.
Did you help your parents with any kind of work when you were a child?
I often helped around the house with chores. Because I was only a child, I did simple jobs like cleaning and helping my parents with tasks in the garden. We also had a pet dog that I was responsible for feeding and walking.
Are there any skills you learned as a child that are helpful to you today?
Definitely. Problem-solving was something that I started practising as a child through activities like puzzles and strategy games, and it’s a skill that is invaluable in data science. Also, the discipline I gained from helping my parents with chores has been crucial in managing my time and staying organised while studying. These basic skills are absolutely critical to me today.
This week we’re looking at Part 1 questions on the topic of ‘pets’.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)
Part 1 questions Where are you from? Do you work or study? Let’s talk about pets. Do you have any pets? What kind of pet would you like to have in the future? Did you grow up with pets in your home? How do you think having a pet can affect someone’s life? Why do you think some people prefer not to have pets?
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
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!👇🗣️📲
“At the moment, I don’t have any pets. My job keeps me fairly busy, and with the amount of time I spend travelling, I feel it would be difficult to properly care for a pet. That said, I do enjoy being around animals whenever I can.”
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
Where are you from? I’m from a small town in Ireland.
Do you work or study? I work as an assistant in a local shop. It’s a great job where I get to interact with different people every day.
Let’s talk about pets. Do you have any pets? At the moment, I don’t have any pets. My job keeps me fairly busy, and with the amount of time I spend travelling, I feel it would be difficult to properly care for a pet. That said, I do enjoy being around animals whenever I can.
What kind of pet would you like to have in the future? In the future, I’d love to have a dog. I would like one that enjoys outdoor activities like hiking. Since I’m quite active and love spending time in nature, having a dog to accompany me on walks would be really enjoyable.
Did you grow up with pets in your home? Yes, we had a cat when I was growing up. She was a bit of a character —independent but affectionate when she wanted to be. Having her around taught me responsibility and compassion, and I have fond memories of spending time with her.
How do you think having a pet can affect someone’s life? I think having a pet can significantly improve someone’s life. Pets provide companionship, which can help reduce feelings of loneliness. Dogs, in particular, encourage people to be more active, as they require regular exercise. Additionally, pets offer emotional support and unconditional love, and this can boost a person’s overall well-being.
Why do you think some people prefer not to have pets? Some people may choose not to have pets because of the time, effort and expense involved. Pets require daily attention and it can get expensive for things like food and veterinary visits, so owning a pet might not be feasible for everyone. Others may have allergies or live in housing that doesn’t allow pets.
This week we’re looking at a Part 2 cue card on the topic of ‘a special place in your hometown’.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version below).
Describe a place in your hometown that is special to you. You should say: -what this place is -where it is located -how often you visit it and explain why this place is special to you.
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
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!🗣️📲
“A place that is particularly special to me is a small hill located just outside my old high school. This hill, though modest in size, offers an incredible view of the surrounding area. It’s located on the outskirts of the town where I grew up, and it’s a spot that holds a lot of memories for me.”
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 place in your hometown that is special to you. You should say: -what this place is -where it is located -how often you visit it and explain why this place is special to you.
A place that is particularly special to me is a small hill located just outside my old high school. This hill, though modest in size, offers an incredible view of the surrounding area. It’s located on the outskirts of the town where I grew up, and it’s a spot that holds a lot of memories for me.
I used to visit this hill frequently after my classes or on weekends. Even now, I make it a point to stop by when I’m back in town. I’d say I visit a few times a year, and each time, it feels like visiting an old friend.
What makes this hill so special to me is the sense of peace and reflection it offers. During my high school years, it was my go-to place whenever I needed to clear my head or take a break from studying. I would sit at the top. There’s an amazing view that stretches out over the town and allows you to catch the sunset. The colours of the sunset from that vantage point are breathtaking! It’s a sight that never fails to calm my mind and lift my spirits.
Beyond its beauty, the hill has a deep personal significance. It was a place where I would often go with friends after school. We would sit and talk about our dreams, our fears and our plans for the future. Those conversations, which often occured against the backdrop of the setting sun, are some of my most cherished memories.
Even now, this simple hill is a reminder of a simpler time and of the friendships and dreams I had when I was younger.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version below).
Describe a time when you worked with others. You should say: -what you were doing -when this occurred -who you were working with and explain how you felt about working with these people
🧑🎓Target language:
particularly(adv.) -at a higher degree than is normal
“One member was particularly skilled in data analysis, another in graphic design, while the others focused on traditional marketing methods.”
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
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 memorable time when I worked with others was during a group project at university. We were tasked with developing a marketing strategy for a local startup as part of our final-year business course.”
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 time when you worked with others. You should say: -what you were doing -when this occurred -who you were working with and explain how you felt about working with these people
One memorable time when I worked with others was during a group project at university. We were tasked with developing a marketing strategy for a local startup as part of our final-year business course.
The project took place during my final semester, about a year ago. It involved conducting market research, analysing competitors and ultimately proposing a comprehensive marketing plan. My role within the group was to focus on the digital marketing aspects, including social media strategies and online advertising campaigns.
I worked closely with four other classmates, each of whom had a different area of expertise. One member was particularly skilled in data analysis, another in graphic design, while the others focused on traditional marketing methods. We all brought our unique strengths to the table, which made the collaboration very dynamic.
I felt very positive about working with this group of people. We had a great balance of skills and personalities, which allowed us to tackle the project from multiple angles. In the end, our hard work paid off, as we received top marks for our project. This experience not only strengthened my teamwork skills but also gave me confidence in my ability to work in groups.
This week, you will train to speak about a party you attended. This is a band 9 response scripted in response to a real IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio version below).
Talk about a party you attended at some point in the past. You should say: -what the party was for -why you attended this party -what happened at the party and explain how you felt about the party
🧑🎓Target language:
profoundly(adv.) -in a significant or important way
“He was a mentor and a guide who profoundly influenced my academic and personal growth.”
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
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!🗣️📲
“An important party I attended in the past was a surprise retirement celebration for my favourite university professor, Dr Ken Williams. The party honoured Dr Williams’ remarkable career and contributions to the field of literature over the past 40 years.”
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 party you attended at some point in the past. You should say: -what the party was for -why you attended this party -what happened at the party and explain how you felt about the party
An important party I attended in the past was a surprise retirement celebration for my favourite university professor, Dr Ken Williams. The party honoured Dr Williams’ remarkable career and contributions to the field of literature over the past 40 years. This event took place about a year ago in the lobby of my professor’s university department and was organised by his colleagues and former students.
I attended this party because Dr Williams was more than just a professor to me. He was a mentor and a guide who profoundly influenced my academic and personal growth. Being part of this celebration was my way of showing appreciation for everything he had done for us.
The party itself was an unforgettable experience. The evening began with a heartfelt speech by the dean, followed by a series of tributes from former students and colleagues. There was a slideshow highlighting his career achievements and memorable moments from his teaching years.
Reflecting on this experience, I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to have been a part of such a special occasion. The party was a beautiful tribute to a remarkable individual who had made a lasting impact on so many lives. It was not only a great celebration but also a reminder of the importance of appreciating those who inspire us.
