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

Category: Yourself

  • 30 June 2025 šŸ‘‡Lesson 214: A mistake you madešŸ˜¬

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    Describe a time when you learned something from a mistake.
    You should say:
    what the mistake was
    when it happened
    how you realised it was a mistake
    and explain what you learned from it.

    One mistake that really stuck with me happened during a football match I played in high school. I was the captain of our school team, and we had made it to the regional finals. The pressure was high, and I let it affect the way I approached the match.

    Early in the second half, we were one goal behind. I made a snap decision to push further up the field to try to even out the score. In doing so, I left our defence completely exposed. The opposing team quickly took advantage of the gap and scored another goal. They then held the lead for the rest of the game, and we ended up losing 2-0.

    After the match, I felt devastatedā€”not just because we lost, but because I knew my decision had let the team down. The coach pulled me aside afterwards to remind me of the importance of trusting the game plan rather than trying to fix things on my own.

    That experience taught me a lot about discipline and teamwork. I realised that leadership isnā€™t about trying to do everything yourself. Itā€™s about staying composed, listening to your teammates and coach, and making decisions that benefit the team.

  • 23 June 2025 šŸ‘‡Lesson 213: A time when you were very busyšŸ¤Æ

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    Describe a time you were very busy.
    You should say:
    when it was
    why you were so busy
    what you had to do
    and explain how you felt about being that busy.

    One particularly busy time in my life was about six months ago. I had a major work deadline that coincided with my final exams at university. It was a two-week period in December when everything seemed to pile up at once, and I felt like I barely had time to sleep.

    At work, I was part of a small team developing an urgent feature for a clientā€™s web application. We had to code, test and deploy within a matter of weeks. On top of that, I was in my final semester of a computer science degree, and I had two major project submissions and three final exams looming.

    To manage everything, I created a detailed daily schedule and stuck to it religiously. I would attend lectures in the morning, work remotely as a developer during the afternoon and then study late into the night. I even used breaks in my workday to revise for my exams or debug our projectā€™s code. It was honestly exhausting!

    Although it was challengingā€”both mentally and physicallyā€”I learned a lot about time management and staying focused under pressure. When the client project went live without any issues and I passed all my exams with high marks, I felt incredibly proud!

  • 9 June 2025šŸ‘‡Lesson 211: A photo of yourself that you likešŸ§‘

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    Describe a photo of yourself that you like.
    You should say:
    -when it was taken
    -who took it
    -what you were doing in the photo
    and explain why you like this photo.

    One of my favourite photos of myself was taken about three years ago, during a hiking trip in a mountainous region of my home country. It was taken by a friend of mine from university, who is really into photography.

    In the photo, Iā€™m standing on the edge of a rocky cliff overlooking a stunning blue lake with snow-capped mountains in the distance. Iā€™m wearing a windbreaker and a backpack, and I remember that exact moment because the wind was so strong, it almost knocked me off balance. I was laughing, and my friend managed to capture that natural, candid expression. The lighting was perfect too, as the sun was starting to set and filled the sky with orange and pink hues.

    I love this photo because it reminds me of a moment when I felt truly alive. I felt far from the stress of my daily life. I also feel it captures who I really am: someone who enjoys exploring new places and finding beauty in the outdoors. Every time I look at it, I find a sense of peace and freedom.

    For me, this photo is more than just a picture ā€” itā€™s a snapshot of a memory Iā€™ll always cherish.

  • 4 May 2025 šŸ‘‡Lesson 206: Time travelšŸŒŒ

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    Describe a place and time you would revisit in your life if you could time travel.
    You should say:
    Where you would go
    What time period it is
    What you would do there
    And explain why you chose that particular place and time

    If I had the chance to time travel, I would go back to my first year at university, which was about a decade ago. The university campus was located in a student-friendly city, and for me, that period was a perfect mix of excitement and freedom.

    I would return to that time not to change anything, but to relive it with greater awareness and appreciation. Back then, everything felt so fast-paced ā€” lectures, assignments, new friendships ā€” and I didnā€™t always take the time to enjoy the moment. If I could revisit that time, I would sit in on my old classes and spend more time with the friends Iā€™ve since lost touch with.

    I think I’d also take more photos, journal more and worry less about grades. I’d also spend more time talking to my professors and possibly getting more directly involved in the research they were carrying out at that time.

    I chose this time and place because it marked a turning point in my life. It was when I started becoming independent and shaping the path Iā€™m on now. In many ways, going back wouldnā€™t just be a nostalgic trip ā€” it would be a chance to reconnect with the foundation of who Iā€™ve become.

  • 31 March 2025 šŸ‘‡Lesson 201: Happiness in societyšŸ™ƒ

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    What is the connection between a personā€™s behaviour and their happiness?
    I believe people who engage in positive behaviours, such as expressing gratitude, tend to experience greater emotional well-being. This is because such actions often trigger the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine. On the other hand, negative behaviours, such as pessimism, can lead to dissatisfaction. I think happiness is something your habits can help you experience.

    How can you tell if someone is truly happy? What are the signs?
    Hmm I think truly happy individuals often exhibit both verbal and nonverbal signs. Physically, they tend to smile frequently and have an overall energetic demeanor. Emotionally, they demonstrate optimism and tend to have warm and engaging interactions with others. However, itā€™s important to note that happiness is not always outwardly expressed. Some people may feel joy internally and without any outward signs.

    How do happy events or good news affect people when they are feeling sad or stressed?
    Good news and joyful events can serve as a powerful distraction, providing a temporary escape from negativity. Moreover, positive experiences trigger the brainā€™s reward system. The brain may release chemicals like endorphins that can uplift a personā€™s mood.

    Do you think happiness means the same thing for different generations? Why or why not?
    I think happiness is perceived differently across generations due to changing social values and technological advancements. Older generations may associate happiness with traditional successes, such as having a lifelong career. In contrast, younger generations often find happiness in experiences and personal growth. I also feel older generations tend to find joy in face-to-face interactions, while younger people derive happiness from online communities.

    What role does society play in shaping peopleā€™s happiness?
    Society can play a significant role. A society that promotes work-life balance and mental well-being tends to foster greater happiness among its citizens. For example, communities with strong social support systems generally report higher levels of happiness than those that expect long, gruelling workdays in unsafe conditions.

  • 17 March 2025 šŸ‘‡Lesson 199: HappinessšŸ™‚

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    Describe an event that made you happy. You should say

    • what the event was
    • when it happened
    • where it happened
      and explain why it made you happy

    One of the happiest moments in my life was when my spouse and I had our offer accepted on our first home.

    This happened quite recently, in early 2025 actually. For months, we had been searching for the perfect place. We went to open houses and made offers, but we were outbid multiple times. The process was quite stressful, and we were starting to feel discouraged. However, one day, we found a house in our hometown that ticked all the boxesā€”it was in a great location, had enough space for our growing family, and was within our budget. We put in an offer and anxiously waited for the sellerā€™s response.

    The moment we got the call confirming that our offer had been accepted, we were over the moon. We were at home at the time when the good news came through. We both felt an overwhelming sense of relief and joy. It was a life-changing event because it marked a new chapter for usā€”a place to truly call our own!

    What made this moment even more special was that we had achieved a dream we had worked so hard for. Having a permanent home gave us a profound sense of stability, and I would say this is why the event brought me so much happiness.

  • 10 March 2025 šŸ‘‡Lesson 198: Leisure timešŸ

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    How do people in your country usually spend their leisure time?
    In my country, people engage in a variety of leisure activities. Many enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling and team sports, especially on weekends. Others prefer socialising with friends and family. Digital entertainment, such as watching Netflix or scrolling through social media, has also become increasingly popular.

    Do you think people have more or less free time now compared to the past?
    I believe people generally have less free time today compared to previous generations. Modern life has become significantly more fast-paced. Moreover, technology, while offering convenience, has blurred the boundaries between work and personal life.

    What are the benefits of having hobbies and leisure activities?
    There are numerous mental and physical benefits. Hobbies serve as a stress reliever, allowing people to unwind and disconnect from their daily responsibilities. Also, hobbies such as reading or playing a musical instrument can enhance creativity, while physical activities promote overall health. Having enjoyable pastimes contributes to a more balanced, fulfilling life.

    Do you think leisure activities should always be productive?
    Not necessarily. While some leisure activities can be productive, such as learning a new skill, the primary purpose of free time should be relaxation and enjoyment. Constantly striving for productivity can lead to burnout. Activities like watching movies and listening to music can be just as valuable, as they allow the mind and body to recharge.

    Thank you. That is the end of the exam.

  • 3 March 2025šŸ‘‡Lesson 197: A time when a friend surprised youšŸ˜²

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    Describe a time when a friend surprised you. You should say
    ā€“ when it happened
    ā€“ where it took place
    ā€“ what the surprise was
    and explain what you did afterwards.

    About two years ago, my best friend completely caught me off guard with a surprise birthday celebration. I was buried in work and quite sressed, and I had almost forgotten about my own birthday.

    The surprise took place at a cozy little cafĆ© in the heart of the city. My friend had cleverly tricked me into thinking we were just meeting for a quick cup of coffee to catch up. However, the moment I walked in, I was met with a huge ā€œHappy Birthdayā€ banner, a table full of my closest friends, and a beautifully decorated cake waiting for me. To say I was shocked would be an understatement!

    The most touching part of the surprise was the personalised video montage he had put together. It featured heartfelt messages from friends and family. Watching that video was incredibly emotional, and I couldnā€™t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude.

    After the initial surprise, we spent the evening reminiscing, sharing laughs and enjoying the delicious food. I made sure to personally thank my friend for his thoughtfulness and effort. The following day, I wrote a heartfelt message to everyone who had been a part of it. I later treated my friend to a nice dinner as a token of appreciation. Even now, whenever I think about that day, it reminds me of how lucky I am to have such amazing people in my life.

  • 24 Feb 2025šŸ‘‡Lesson 196: StoriesšŸŖ¶

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    Where do you live?
    I currently live here in Nairobi, Kenya. It’s a large city known for its rich culture and its stunning natural landscapes.

    How long have you been living there?
    Iā€™ve been living here for several years now, and over time, Iā€™ve come to appreciate its energy and vibrancy. Although Iā€™ve visited other cities in Kenya, Nairobi has a unique charm that makes it feel like home.

    What do you like most about your home?
    What I love most about my home is the sense of space and comfort it provides. My neighbourhood is quiet and covered in greenery, so it is a nice change from the busy city. I also appreciate the nice weather in Nairobi, which stays quite pleasant throughout the year.

    Is there anything you would like to change about where you live?
    If I could change one thing, it would probably be to lessen the traffic. Nairobi is a fantastic city, but rush hour traffic can be quite hectic!

    Let’s talk about stories. Do you enjoy reading stories?
    Yes, absolutely! I find stories to be a great way to disconnect. I love how they can transport me to different worlds.

    What kind of stories do you like to read?
    Iā€™m particularly drawn to historical fiction and adventure novels. I love books that can take me on a journey through far off, exotic locations.

    Do you prefer reading stories in books or online?
    I prefer physical books because I love the experience of turning pages and the feeling of holding a book in my hands. I do read online occasionally, but its not my favourite way to consume books.

    Have you ever written a story yourself?
    Yes, I have. When I was younger, I used to write short stories for fun. More recently, I attempted to write a short fiction piece inspired by life in Nairobi. While I wouldnā€™t call myself a professional writer, I definitely enjoy the creative process.

  • 17 Feb 2025šŸ‘‡Lesson 195: A time you did something difficultšŸ’Æ

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    Describe an occasion when you had to do something difficult.
    What it was
    Why it was difficult
    How you handled the situation
    And explain what you learned from it

    Well, as I mentioned before, I work as an electrician. One particularly difficult experience I had was when I had to rewire an entire house by myself due to an unexpected staffing issue. Initially, I was supposed to work with a team, but at the last minute my colleagues were urgently reassigned to another job. That left me responsible for completing the work on my own.

    The task was challenging because the house was quite old. This meant the existing wiring was outdated and not up to modern safety standards. I had to carefully remove the old wiring and then ensure that the new system I was installing met all safety regulations. Because I was working alone, I also had to manage every aspect of the jobā€”planning the layout, installing the cables, and dealing with any unexpected issues that arose.

    To handle the situation, I broke the project down into smaller tasks and set clear goals for each day to ensure steady progress. I also double-checked every connection and used my experience to anticipate potential problems. In moments of doubt, I called a senior electrician for quick advice, which gave me reassurance and kept me on track.

    In the end, I successfully completed the job on time with everything up to standard. This experience taught me a lot about problem-solving and time management. I also learned that in high-pressure situations, staying calm and methodical is the key to overcoming challenges.