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

Category: Past, Present, Future

  • Lesson 106: Routines in your country⏰

    This week, you will train for Part 3 of IELTS Speaking. The topic this week requires you use the present simple, as you are speaking about routines.

    Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

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

    Step 3: Complete this week’s full exercise.

    Step 4: Read through this week’s transcript and note the language you found challenging. Review this language in the coming weeks.

    Step 5: Complete this week’s Whatsapp exercises with your instructor. Post your samples to your group and wait for your instructor’s feedback.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Are your daily routines similar to other people from your country?
    Yes, my daily routines are similar to those of others in my country. We generally follow a consistent pattern of activities throughout the day, such as morning routines, work or school commitments, designated break times, recreational activities, and evening preparations for sleep.

    Are routines easy to change?
    Routines can be both easy and challenging to change. It depends on factors like personal motivations, external circumstances, flexibility of commitments, and individual adaptability. Some find it easier to adjust to new routines, while others may struggle. For example, someone with a more structured work schedule may find it harder to modify their routine compared to someone with a more flexible lifestyle. Ultimately, the ability to change routines varies from person to person.

    At what time of the day do you prefer to carry out your routines?
    Personally, I prefer morning routines. Starting the day early allows me to be productive, energised, and focused. After waking up, I engage in my morning hygiene routine and have a nutritious breakfast to fuel my body and mind. This helps me feel energised and ready to tackle the tasks and responsibilities that lie ahead. I find the peaceful atmosphere in the early hours further enhances my concentration and sets a positive tone for the day.

    How do people in your country spend their free time?
    People in my country engage in various activities during their free time. These include pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, personal development through reading or attending workshops, and utilising technology for entertainment or information.

    What did people do in their free time in the past?
    In the past, people engaged in traditional forms of entertainment. Activities such as socialising, playing traditional games, reading books, writing letters, and outdoor pursuits were common. People connected on a personal level and appreciated simpler pleasures.

    How have current leisure activities changed compared to the past?
    Leisure activities have significantly changed due to technology and societal shifts. Digital entertainment, such as streaming movies, playing video games, and social media, has become prevalent. Traditional hobbies and outdoor activities still exist but have taken a backseat. Efforts are being made to promote balance between digital engagement and real life experiences, encouraging physical fitness, social interaction and personal growth.

  • Lesson 105: A daily routine🤞

    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 98: A recent development in your city🏙️

    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🏓

    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 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 82: Leisure time and books📚

    This week’s exercise looks at a Part 1 response.

    Step 1: Listen to this week’s sample response.

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

    Step 3: Work through the full exercise.

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

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

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Do you live in a house or an apartment?

    I live in a semi-detached house.

    What makes your home special?

    I think the garden is what makes it so inviting. It is lush and green, with beautiful flowers planted.

    Do you keep things from your childhood?

    I have more mementos than I should! I have stuffed animals, certain pieces of artwork and even some sports jerseys. I simply can’t bear to part with them! Let’s talk about lifestyle.

    Do you think people should spend their free time at home or outside?

    Given the amount of time most of us spend indoors for work I believe we should spend leisure time outside. Of course, someone who works outside would probably better appreciate time inside, perhaps reading, cooking or relaxing. It really depends on what a person’s lifestyle is but in our free time we should do what we miss at work.

    Has technology changed the way people spend their leisure time?

    Most certainly it has. You no longer need to leave your home to spend time with friends; you just do a video call with them. Even the way we meet people has changed. Most of my current circle of friends are people that I met online. Let’s talk about books.

    What type of books do you read?

    Well, I make every effort to read books written in English. I tend to prefer historical fiction books. I used to try to read classics but I find that language has changed so much in the past two hundred years or so that when I read something from that era, it’s like reading a different language! So, now I prefer more contemporary fiction.

    Do you think you read more when you were younger compared to now?

    I was a total bookworm when I was younger. My parents had to scold me to put the books away to go to bed. I think after my university studies, when the purpose of reading was necessity and not pleasure, I reduced the amount I read for leisure.

    Have you ever watched a movie and then read the book it is based on?

    Not that I am aware of. I usually do the opposite. I like a book, the movie is released and then I compare my take on the story to the director’s. I usually prefer mine!

  • 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.