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

Category: Work

  • Lesson 118: An electronic device you used for important work🤳

    This week, we’re looking at a Part 2 cue card that requires you speak about a device you used for important work. Here is the cue card:

    Describe a time when you used an electronic device for some important work. You should say
    – what you did
    – when you did it
    – why you had to use your electronic device
    – and explain how you felt about this experience.

    Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

    Step 2: Listen to this week’s podcast episode and work through the free sample exercise.

    Step 3: Below is this week’s full exercise. Work through the exercise and remember to redo sections if the language is completely new or challenging.

    Step 4: Included below is the full transcript for this lesson. Read through it and note language items that you found challenging. Remember to attempt to include these noted items in your own day-to-day speaking.

    Step 5: You will be given five short speech exercises in your Whatsapp group. Submit your speech samples promptly and wait for feedback from your instructor.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Describe a time when you used an electronic device for some important work. You should say
    – what you did
    – when you did it
    – why you had to use your electronic device
    – and explain how you felt about this experience.

    I’d like to talk about a time when I used my laptop for an important task. About six months ago, I had to prepare a crucial presentation for my workplace. I work as a marketing manager in a multinational company, and this presentation was a key component of a pitch we were making to a potential client.

    I performed this task a day before the scheduled presentation. I remember it was a Sunday, and the presentation was to be held on Monday morning. I had known about the presentation for about a week in advance, but the busy nature of my job made it difficult to find time to work on the task.

    The reason I had to use my laptop was primarily for gathering data and creating visual aids. I relied heavily on my laptop to research the client’s industry trends and their competitors’ strategies, and to glean statistical data that could support our proposal. Additionally, I used presentation software on the device to design slides that would be both informative and visually appealing.

    Reflecting on this experience, I can say I felt a mixture of pressure, determination and gratitude. On one hand, I was aware of the significance of the presentation: it could potentially secure a lucrative deal for our company. On the other hand, the time constraint added an extra layer of stress that was honestly rather unpleasant. However, I embraced the challenge and saw it as an opportunity to showcase my skills and dedication. By the time I completed the presentation late into the night, I was not only proud of the outcome but also amazed at how much my device had helped to accelerate the task. I can’t imagine how long a task like this would take without the support of a laptop!

    Thank you.

  • Lesson 115: Your work, zoos and animals🦁

    Over the last two years, the topic of ‘animals’ has come up a few times in IELTS Speaking. In the below sample, this topic is narrowed to the subjects of ‘zoos’ and ‘wild animals’.

    Step 1: Listen to this week’s sample.

    Step 2: Watch the video version of this week’s podcast episode. Work through the sample speech shadowing exercise.

    Step 3: Work through the full version of the exercise using the below video. (Click here if you do not yet have access to these full exercises.)

    Step 4: Read through the below transcript and make note of any language items that were new or challenging for you this week.

    Step 5: Post your weekly speaking samples to your Whatsapp group and wait for your instructor’s feedback.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Do you work or study?

    I currently work as a retail sales associate for a well-known store in my city.

    Where do you work?

    I work at a hardware store that is located in the bustling commercial district of my city.

    What do you like about your work?

    Firstly, I love interacting with different customers daily and assisting them in finding products that suit their needs. It gives me great satisfaction to see customers leave the store happy with their purchases. Additionally, the retail industry allows me to stay updated with the latest trends and products, which aligns perfectly with my interest in home repairs and hobbyist activities. Moreover, the camaraderie among my colleagues creates a pleasant and supportive work environment, making each day enjoyable.

    What would make your work more interesting?

    While I find my work already fascinating, I believe it would become even more interesting with the implementation of regular training sessions. Learning about new sales techniques, customer service approaches and product knowledge would help me excel in my role and better serve our customers. Furthermore, having opportunities to attend industry events or participate in merchandising decisions would add a creative and dynamic aspect to my work, making it more engaging and fulfilling. Let’s talk about zoos.

    Have you ever been to a zoo?

    Yes, I have. There isn’t a zoo in my city but I have driven to The Moscow Zoo several times, which is about 90 minutes away. I find zoos to be an enriching experience, offering a wonderful chance to observe and learn about various animal species from around the world.

    What wild animals are commonly found in your country?

    In Russia, we are fortunate to have diverse wildlife. Commonly found species include brown bears, wolves, reindeer, elk, and various bird species such as swans, hawks, and falcons. Our vast landscapes also host rare and endangered animals like Siberian tigers and snow leopards. I believe I saw all of these animals at the zoo I was mentioning before.

    What wild animal from another country would you like to see in the future?

    One wild animal from another country that I would love to see in the future is the graceful and elusive cheetah from Africa. Witnessing the fastest land animal in its natural habitat would be an extraordinary experience, and it would offer me a profound appreciation for wildlife preservation efforts across the globe.

  • Lesson 109: Your job satisfaction😇

    This week, we look at a very common IELTS Speaking topic: your job!

    Step 1: Listen to the sample. You can listen more than once if needed.

    Step 2: Work through this week’s sample lesson below.

    Step 3: Work through the below lesson. This is the full lesson that is made available to paid subscribers.

    Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note any of the new or challenging language you came across this week. Review these areas in the coming weeks.

    Step 5: Your instructor will post a speaking exercise each day this week. Submit your speaking sample to your Whatsapp group and wait for further feedback.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Where are you from?

    I am from a vibrant city called Abuja, which is the capital of Nigeria. It’s a culturally rich place that attracts people and business from all around the world.

    Do you work or study?

    I currently work as a software engineer. After completing my degree in computer science, I joined a respected technology company where I have been working for the past three years.

    Where do you work?

    I work at XY Tech, a leading software development firm based in the heart of the city. It’s a dynamic and innovative workplace with a strong emphasis on cutting-edge technologies. The company has a reputation for delivering high-quality software solutions to clients across various industries.

    Do you like your job?

    Absolutely. I truly enjoy my job as a software engineer. It provides me with the opportunity to work on fascinating projects and collaborate with talented individuals. I find the process of designing and developing software immensely satisfying, and the feeling of creating something that can make a real impact is truly rewarding.

    What are some of the benefits of doing this job?

    One of the major benefits of working as a software engineer is the continuous learning and growth opportunities. This job allows me to enhance my technical skills and expand my knowledge base, which is invaluable in today’s rapidly changing world. Additionally, because software engineers are in high demand, the job offers a competitive salary and benefits package. I also have a very flexible work environment and the option to work remotely, which are perks I find appealing.

    Are there any areas where you would like your company to change?

    While I am quite satisfied with my current company, there are a few areas where I believe some improvements could be made. Firstly, I think it would be beneficial if the company invested more in professional development programmes and licensing opportunities. As I mentioned earlier, continuous learning is crucial in the technology field, and by providing employees with access to the latest courses and workshops, the company can ensure that its workforce remains highly skilled and up to date with emerging technologies.

    I would also appreciate a more structured approach to our meetings. I usually have several meetings a day and because there is no standard company structure for these meetings, we often go overtime or talk about the same topic multiple times. A standard structure would keep meetings more streamlined and productive.

    Aside from those items, I can’t think of anything else I would change.

    Thank you.

  • Lesson 107: Friendship👬

    This week, we’re talking about friendship – a very common topic in IELTS Speaking.

    Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

    Step 2: Work through the sample exercise.

    Step 3: Complete the full speech shadowing exercise.

    Step 4: Read through the below transcript.

    Step 5: Complete this week’s daily speech shadowing exercises with your Whatsapp instructor.

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Where are you from?

    I am originally from New York City.

    Do you work or study?

    Currently, I am pursuing my undergraduate degree in economics at the prestigious New York University. Although my main focus is on my studies, I also engage in part-time work to gain practical experience and support myself financially.

    When do you feel happy at work?

    I find happiness at work when I am fully engaged in meaningful tasks that align with my skills and interests. I also like working in a positive and supportive environment with friendly colleagues and I find this enhances my overall job satisfaction. Collaboration, mutual respect, and a sense of camaraderie foster a pleasant work atmosphere and contribute to my happiness in the workplace.

    Let’s talk about friends. Do you have many friends?

    Although I value quality over quantity when it comes to friendships, I am fortunate to have a close-knit circle of friends who are dependable, understanding and supportive. While the size of my social circle may not be extensive, the depth of the connections I have with my friends is truly meaningful. We share common interests and values, and we actively support each other through life’s ups and downs.

    Is making friends easy for you?

    I consider myself to be a sociable and outgoing individual, which generally makes it easier for me to make new friends. However, I believe that building deep and lasting friendships requires time, effort, and shared experiences. Thus, while I may find it relatively easy to establish initial connections, forming meaningful friendships requires investment and mutual understanding.

    What sort of people do you most easily make friends with?

    I find that I most easily make friends with individuals who share similar interests and values. I also appreciate people who are open-minded, empathetic, and possess a sense of humour. These qualities foster a comfortable and welcoming environment, making it easier for me to connect with them on a deeper level.

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

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

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

    Step 1: Listen to the full sample.

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

    Step 3: Now attempt the full exercise below.

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

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

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

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

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

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

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

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

  • Lesson 94: Your name🧑

    In this lesson, you will shadow talk Part 1 of a model IELTS Speaking exam and a very personal subject: your name!

    Step 1: To start, listen to the full model response.

    Step 2: The IELTSCast episode for this week’s lesson is temporarily unavailable.

    Step 3: Work through the full exercise below.

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

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

    Chat on WhatsApp

    Transcript

    Do you work or study?
    I work in software for a tech company. I graduated from university a few years ago, and since then I’ve been working in the industry.

    What kind of job do you have?
    I’m a software engineer. This means I’m responsible for designing and developing software applications. My job involves coding, testing, and debugging software to ensure that it meets the requirements of the project. This role also requires I be familiar with project management frameworks to ensure the complex nature of our work is kept organised.

    Do you feel pressure when you work?
    Yes, I do feel pressure at times. Deadlines can be tight, and there’s often a lot of work to do. However, I try to manage my workload and prioritise tasks to ensure that I meet deadlines without sacrificing quality.

    Let’s talk about names. Does your name have a meaning?
    Yes, my name is Tom, which is a short form of Thomas. As I understand it, Thomas is a Greek name that means ‘twin’, although I don’t have a twin sibling. It’s a popular name in the UK and has been in use for centuries.

    Do you have any family members with the same name as yours?
    Yes, my grandfather’s name is also Tom. He’s been an important figure in my life, and we share a close bond. It’s an honour to have the same name as him, and it’s something that I’m proud of. I might even consider naming my son ‘Tom’ as well if I’m fortunate enough to have children one day!

    Thank you.

  • Lesson 88: Your job and advertisements📮

    Talking about your job is one of the most common topics in IELTS Speaking. In today’s lesson, you will train to speak about this topic and also the topic of advertisements.

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

    Part 1 Questions

    Do you work or study?
    What are your responsibilities at work?
    Why did you choose this job?
    Is there something you don’t like about your job?
    Let’s talk about advertisements. Tell me about an advertisement you saw recently that you enjoyed.
    Would you like to be in an advertisement one day?
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    primary (adjective)
    -central or most important

    “My primary responsibilities include monitoring inventory levels along our supply chains and arranging stock replenishment when it is needed.”

    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!🗣️📲

    “My primary responsibilities include monitoring inventory levels along our supply chains and arranging stock replenishment when it is needed. I communicate closely with our sales team and create purchase orders for items based on our forecasted figures.”
    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 work or study?

    I am currently working as a purchasing manager with a medium sized construction company.

    What are your responsibilities at work?

    My primary responsibilities include monitoring inventory levels along our supply chains and arranging stock replenishment when it is needed. I communicate closely with our sales team and create purchase orders for items based on our forecasted figures.

    Why did you choose this job?

    I actually didn’t choose this job. I was working as a warehouse manager when a vacancy as a purchasing manager opened up. The directors at the company thought I would be a great fit for the role and encouraged me to join.

    Is there something you don’t like about your job?

    I like most things about my job, but if I had to choose something I would say that the role requires dealing with a fair amount of uncertainty, and I don’t terribly like this. The construction industry has seasonal fluctuations, and sometimes demand for our product can be difficult to forecast. This can be a source of significant stress for me.

    Let’s talk about advertisements. Tell me about an advertisement you saw recently that you enjoyed.

    Recently, I saw an advertisement for a new mobile application that promised to help users stay organised and manage their time more effectively. What I liked about the advertisement was that it was very visually appealing and easy to understand. They used simple and clear language to convey the features and benefits of the app and the animation was very engaging.

    Would you like to be in an advertisement one day?

    I think it could be an interesting experience to be in an advertisement one day. I could use it as a great opportunity to showcase my personality and talents to a wider audience. However, I would only want to be a part of an advertisement campaign that aligns with my values and beliefs.

  • Lesson 79: Your workplace layout, your routine and dreams📅

    This week examines several common Part 1 topics, including your workplace and your routine. The discussion evolves to also include the topic of ‘dreams’.

    Step 1: Listen to this week’s lesson.

    Part 1 Questions
    Do you work or study?
    How would you describe the layout of your workplace?
    What do you do every day after you get up?
    Do you normally go to bed early?
    Is your daily routine going to change in the future?
    Do you usually remember your dreams after you get up?
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    double (verb)
    Something that is used in or play another thing.
    “The CEO works alone from the room that doubles as our company’s main meeting room.”

    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!🗣️📲
    “My workplace is made up of several large office rooms with three or four workers in each room. Everyone has a desk and each office usually has a small table with an electric kettle for coffee and tea.”
    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 work or study?

    I work in software development at a large organisation in this city.

    How would you describe the layout of your workplace?

    My workplace is made up of several large office rooms with three or four workers in each room. Everyone has a desk and each office usually has a small table with an electric kettle for coffee and tea. We’re a small organisation, so the CEO works alone from the room that doubles as our company’s main meeting room. It has a large table and a whiteboard.

    What do you do every day after you get up?

    The first thing I do is make a thermos of coffee while checking news headlines on my phone. Then I shower and get ready for work. I don’t usually eat breakfast at home because there is a small and inexpensive cafe next to our building.

    Do you normally go to bed early?

    Yes, I’m almost always in bed by shortly after 9. I have a bad habit of watching media on my phone before bed, which I’ve read can disturb sleep patterns, but I’m nevertheless completely dead to the world by about 10 o’clock.

    Is your daily routine going to change in the future?

    No, barring some unforeseen change to my employment, I don’t think it will.

    Do you usually remember your dreams after you get up?

    No I don’t, and I don’t particularly want to remember them. I find switching from one reality to another disorienting. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I had a dream I could recall!

  • Lesson 73: Sharing details about your workplace👨‍💼

    This is one of the most common topics in IELTS Speaking Part 1: your workplace! Use this week’s lesson to train for this critical exam topic.

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

    Where are you from?
    Do you work or study?
    How do you feel at work?
    What do you usually do at your workplace?
    Would you change anything about your workplace?
    Do you prefer to call a colleague on the phone or send them an email?
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    when it rains it pours
    -something that happens in small amounts and then unexpectedly in large amounts

    “I would change the pace of the work. For some reason, when it rains it pours.”

    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 am from a lovely seaside town about two hours from here.”
    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

    Where are you from?

    I am from a lovely seaside town about two hours from here.

    Do you work or study?

    I work as a lawyer in a large law firm.

    How do you feel at work?

    Usually, I feel very stressed. It’s a demanding job and when you know that someone’s freedom is at stake it can be very overwhelming.

    What do you usually do at your workplace?

    I spend a considerable amount of time on the computer, writing briefs, researching laws, precedents – anything that is relevant to the case I am representing. I also have meetings with clients and other lawyers. 

    Would you change anything about your workplace?

    I would change the pace of the work. For some reason, when it rains it pours. By that I mean that some periods are very slow and during other periods the workload seems insurmountable. 

    Do you prefer to call a colleague on the phone or send them an email?

    For work-related issues, I do both. I call the colleague to discuss and then I follow up with an email so that there is written documentation of our conversation. It is a bit tedious but absolutely necessary in my line of work.

  • 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!