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.
This week we’re looking at Part 1 questions on the topic of ‘exercise’.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s lesson. (Audio and video version below.)
This week’s Part 1 questions:
Where do you live? Can you describe your hometown? What is your favourite place to visit in your hometown? How easy is it to walk around your hometown? Let’s talk about exercise. Do you like to exercise? What kind of exercise do you most regularly do? Is this kind of exercise popular in your country?
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!🗣️📲
Muscat is a city that blends traditional and modern elements. For example, you’ll find ancient forts like Al Mirani, which dates back centuries, standing alongside contemporary landmarks such as the Royal Opera House. The people are very internationally minded. It’s a great place to live.
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 do you live? I live in Muscat. It is the capital city of Oman.
Can you describe your hometown? Muscat is a city that blends traditional and modern elements. For example, you’ll find ancient forts like Al Mirani, which dates back centuries, standing alongside contemporary landmarks such as the Royal Opera House. The people are very internationally minded. It’s a great place to live.
What is your favourite place to visit in your hometown? My favourite spot is Mutrah Souq, an enchanting traditional market near the coast. There you can find stalls selling everything from spices and textiles to jewellery and antiques.
How easy is it to walk around your hometown? Walking around Muscat can be enjoyable in specific areas, such as the walkway along the coast or within parks like Qurum Natural Park. However, the city is spread out, and the weather can be quite hot, especially in the summer, so walking isn’t always practical.
Let’s talk about exercise. Do you like to exercise? Yes, I enjoy exercising, as it helps me stay fit and reduces stress.
What kind of exercise do you most regularly do? I regularly go for evening walks. There is a beautiful walkway along the coast in my city. The sea breeze and the stunning views of the harbour make it a refreshing and enjoyable activity.
Is this kind of exercise popular in your country? Yes, walking is quite popular in Oman, especially during the cooler months. The country’s diverse landscapes, from mountains to beaches, provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Many people see these as great ways to enjoy Oman’s natural beauty while staying active.
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.
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.
This week, you will train to speak about your education. This is a great exercise to help with job interviews in English as well. Speaking at length about your education is not uncommon when interviewing with a potential employer.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version below).
Talk about an important educational experience you had that impacted you as a person or a professional. You should say: -what the experience was -when you had this experience -how this experience impacted you -and how you feel about this experience
🧑🎓Target language:
keen on -interested in
“I am also sincerely keen on pursuing computer science as a career.”
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 educational experience that impacted me professionally was a first-year university course I took in computer programming. This experience took place during my first semester at university around four years ago.”
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 an important educational experience you had that impacted you as a person or a professional. You should say: -what the experience was -when you had this experience -how this experience impacted you -and how you feel about this experience
An important educational experience that impacted me professionally was a first-year university course I took in computer programming. This experience took place during my first semester at university around four years ago.
The course was an introduction to the fundamentals of Java programming. It covered essential concepts such as object-oriented programming and a variety of data structures. Initially, I enrolled in the class because I had a general interest in technology, but I had little experience with programming. As the semester progressed, I found myself increasingly fascinated by the logical and creative aspects of coding.
Academically, it opened my eyes to the world of computer science. This newfound interest led me to pursue further courses in computer science, and I ultimately ended up changing my major to the subject. I now am a very skilled programmer and have built several programs that are quite popular online. I am also sincerely keen on pursuing computer science as a career.
Reflecting on this experience, I feel immensely grateful and inspired. The course not only expanded my academic and career prospects but also contributed significantly to my personal growth.
This week, you will train to answer Part 1 questions about the topic of ‘neighbours’. As always, this sample response was scripted by an active IELTS examiner.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).
Part 1 questions
Where are you from? Do you live in a big city or a small town? Do you live in a quiet or busy area? Let’s talk about neighbours. Do you have any neighbours? Do you know your neighbours well? How long have you been neighbours with these people? Do you consider yourself a good neighbour?
🧑🎓Target language:
metropolis -a very large and densely populated city
“It’s a bustling metropolis known for its advanced technology, rich culture and vibrant lifestyle.”
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 live in a relatively busy area of Tokyo. It’s a commercial district with a lot of shops, restaurants and offices, which means there’s always a lot of activity and movement throughout the day.”
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 originally from Tokyo, Japan. It’s a bustling metropolis known for its advanced technology, rich culture and vibrant lifestyle.
Do you live in a big city or a small town?
I currently live in a big city. Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of over 13 million people.
Do you live in a quiet or busy area?
I live in a relatively busy area of Tokyo. It’s a commercial district with a lot of shops, restaurants and offices, which means there’s always a lot of activity and movement throughout the day.
Let’s talk about neighbours. Do you have any neighbours?
Yes, I do have neighbours. Living in an apartment building means that I’m surrounded by several other residents on the same floor and throughout the building.
Do you know your neighbours well?
I wouldn’t say I know them very well, but we are on friendly terms. We exchange greetings regularly and occasionally have brief conversations when we meet in the common areas or elevator.
How long have you been neighbours with these people?
I’ve been living in my current apartment for about three years now, so I’ve been neighbours with most of these people for the same duration.
Do you consider yourself a good neighbour?
Yes, I believe I am a good neighbour. I make sure to be considerate of others by keeping noise levels down, maintaining a tidy living space, and being polite and respectful in my interactions. I think these small actions contribute to a positive living environment for everyone.
In this lesson, you will practise speaking about the topics of (1) chocolate and (2) staying up late. This lesson uses a sample band 9 demonstration for Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).
Part 1 Questions
Where are you from? Do you work or study? Let’s talk about chocolate. Do you like eating chocolate? When do you eat chocolate? Let’s talk about routines. Do you stay up late at night? Why do you stay up late? How do you feel in the morning after staying up late? Has staying up late affected your productivity?
🧑🎓Target language:
kickstart(verb) -get something started
“I often need a strong cup of coffee to kickstart my day.”
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’m from the city of Mumbai. It’s located on the western coast of India and is known as a major financial hub in Asia.”
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 the city of Mumbai. It’s located on the western coast of India and is known as a major financial hub in Asia.
Do you work or study?
I currently work as a software engineer. I mostly do front end development to help enhance the user experience.
Let’s talk about chocolate. Do you like eating chocolate?
Yes, I absolutely love chocolate. It’s one of my favourite treats.
When do you eat chocolate?
I wouldn’t say I eat it a lot, but when I do have it it’s usually in the evening as a dessert. Sometimes, I might have a small piece in the afternoon as a quick energy boost, too.
Let’s talk about routines. Do you stay up late at night?
Yes, I often stay up late at night, especially on weekdays.
Why do you stay up late?
My work sometimes requires me to collaborate with international teams in different time zones, so this is almost always why I need to stay up late. When we have important deadlines to hit, I might not get to bed until as late as 3 am!
How do you feel in the morning after staying up late?
In the morning, I usually feel quite tired and sluggish if I’ve stayed up late. It takes me a bit longer to get started and feel fully alert. I often need a strong cup of coffee to kickstart my day.
Has staying up late affected your productivity?
Yes, staying up late has definitely affected my productivity. While I can accomplish a lot at night, it often leads to a lack of sleep, which in turn affects my concentration and efficiency the next day. Because of the international nature of my job, I unfortunately don’t really have the option for better work-life balance at the moment.
This week, you will train to speak about a situation when you were congratulated by others. This lesson uses a Part 2 cue card that was recently seen in a real IELTS Speaking exam.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).
Describe a situation when people congratulated you. You should say: -what you did -when it was -how they congratulated you and explain how you felt about it
🧑🎓Target language:
comprehensive (adjective) -includes all components
“The project involved developing a comprehensive marketing strategy.”
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’d like to talk about a situation when people congratulated me. This occurred last year when I successfully completed a challenging project at work.
The project involved developing a comprehensive marketing strategy for a new product our company was launching. It was a significant undertaking as it required not only a deep understanding of the market but also innovative thinking to differentiate our product from the competition.”
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 situation when people congratulated you. You should say: -what you did -when it was -how they congratulated you and explain how you felt about it
I’d like to talk about a situation when people congratulated me. This occurred last year when I successfully completed a challenging project at work.
The project involved developing a comprehensive marketing strategy for a new product our company was launching. It was a significant undertaking as it required not only a deep understanding of the market but also innovative thinking to differentiate our product from the competition. I worked tirelessly for three months. I conducted extensive market research and coordinated with various departments. The end result was a marketing campaign that was highly profitable for the company.
The moment of recognition came during our annual company meeting last December. The CEO, in front of the entire company, highlighted the success of the project and praised my efforts specifically. He then invited me to the stage to receive a certificate of excellence.
The congratulatory gestures didn’t stop there. My colleagues gave me a standing ovation, and many came up to me personally after the meeting to shake my hand and offer their heartfelt congratulations.
It felt great to be recognised, and I also felt an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. The experience not only boosted my confidence but also motivated me to continue striving for excellence in my work. Having my peers congratulate me in this way reinforced my belief in the importance of dedication and hard work.
This week’s lesson continues the conversation that began with last week’s cue card. The topic of this Part 3 sample is ‘appliances and people’. Note how the candidate’s responses are longer and more developed in this section of the exam.
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).
Part 3 Questions
Can you name another home appliance that people commonly use? Do you think people nowadays accumulate unnecessary appliances in their homes? Do most people in your country prefer to shop for household appliances in markets or shopping malls? Are higher priced appliances always better quality than lower priced ones? How do you judge the quality of a household appliance? How long do you expect an appliance to last after you buy it?
🧑🎓Target language:
staple(noun) -a central part of something
“Another home appliance that people commonly use is the microwave oven. It has become a staple in most kitchens due to its convenience and its ability to save a person time.”
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!🗣️📲
“Another home appliance that people commonly use is the microwave oven. It has become a staple in most kitchens due to its convenience and its ability to save a person time. For example, it can quickly heat up food, defrost frozen items, and even cook simple meals.”
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 home appliances, and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. Can you name another home appliance that people commonly use?
Another home appliance that people commonly use is the microwave oven. It has become a staple in most kitchens due to its convenience and its ability to save a person time. For example, it can quickly heat up food, defrost frozen items, and even cook simple meals.
Do you think people nowadays accumulate unnecessary appliances in their homes?
Yes, and I think this trend is primarily driven by aggressive marketing tactics that make people believe buying the latest technology will simplify their life. It also doesn’t help that it is so easy to buy things online nowadays. However, in reality, many of these gadgets end up being used infrequently, if at all, and this results in cluttered living spaces and wasted resources.
Do most people in your country prefer to shop for household appliances in markets or shopping malls?
In my country, the preference for shopping locations varies, but a significant number of people tend to favour shopping malls over traditional markets when buying household appliances. Shopping malls offer a wider selection of products and the convenience of modern facilities. Malls also offer the assurance of purchasing from reputable retailers. Plus they typically offer after-sales services. This level of assurance isn’t commonly found in traditional markets.
Are higher priced appliances always better quality than lower priced ones?
Not necessarily. While higher priced appliances often come with advanced features, they do not always deliver superior quality or performance. For example, several years ago I purchased my microwave from Carrefour, which is a budget superstore in my area. This microwave was not expensive, yet it remains highly reliable and functions just as well as pricier options. To my mind, it’s essential to look at online user reviews before you purchase. Doing this will help you judge whether a more expensive option is really worth it.
How do you judge the quality of a household appliance?
Judging the quality of a household appliance involves several factors. Firstly, as I mentioned, I want to know what others think, so I base a lot of my opinion on online reviews. Customer feedback can provide valuable insights into the durability and performance of the appliance. Secondly, I check whether the appliance’s specifications and features meet my specific needs. Lastly, I look at the warranty and the availability of after-sales service, as I want to have options should the appliance break after I buy it.
How long do you expect an appliance to last after you buy it?
The expected lifespan of an appliance can vary greatly. Generally, I would expect a well-made household appliance to last at least five years. Major appliances like refrigerators and washing machines should ideally last closer to a decade, if not longer. On the other hand, smaller or more technologically complex appliances might have a shorter lifespan. I wouldn’t expect to get more than about five years out of a blender, for example.