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

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  • Lesson 168: A time when you worked with others✍️(A common job interview question!)

    This week’s IELTS Part 2 cue card is also a common question in job interviews. (Click here to engage another prompt that is also commonly asked in interviews.)

    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 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!🗣️📲

    “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.”
    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 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.

  • Lesson 167: A party you attended🕺

    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 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!🗣️📲

    “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.”
    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

    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.

  • Lesson 166: An educational experience that impacted you professionally 🧑‍🎓

    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 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!🗣️📲

    “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.”
    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

    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.

  • Lesson 165: Celebrities📸

    This week, you will train for Part 3 of the exam. The topic this week is ‘celebrities’.

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

    Part 3 Questions

    What qualities do you think are important for an actor or actress to be successful?
    Do you think celebrities have a responsibility to be role models?
    How has the film industry changed over the years in your country?
    In what ways do celebrities impact people’s behaviour and attitudes?
    Do you believe celebrities should speak out on political issues?
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    shed light on
    -raise awareness of something

    “Given their large platform, they can shed light on important causes and bring attention to underrepresented voices.”

    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!🗣️📲

    “To be successful, an actor or actress firstly needs to have talent. They must possess the ability to convey emotions authentically and connect with the audience. Versatility is equally important, as the best actors can seamlessly adapt to a wide range of roles. Moreover, dedication and a strong work ethic are essential. The film industry is highly competitive and demands resilience in the face of rejection.”
    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

    What qualities do you think are important for an actor or actress to be successful?

    To be successful, an actor or actress firstly needs to have talent. They must possess the ability to convey emotions authentically and connect with the audience. Versatility is equally important, as the best actors can seamlessly adapt to a wide range of roles. Moreover, dedication and a strong work ethic are essential. The film industry is highly competitive and demands resilience in the face of rejection.

    Do you think celebrities have a responsibility to be role models?

    Yes, I do believe celebrities have a responsibility to be role models. Given their significant visibility, their actions and words can have a profound impact on their followers, especially young people. By promoting positive behaviour, such as kindness and hard work, celebrities can inspire their fans to adopt similar values. Moreover, as public figures, they have a platform to address important social issues and advocate for positive change.

    How has the film industry changed over the years in your country?

    The film industry in my country has undergone significant changes over the years. Technological advancements have fueled a lot of this change. For example, digital filmmaking and special effects have transformed the way movies are made and experienced. There has also been a noticeable shift towards innovative storytelling techniques. For instance, when I was a kid, movies had very simple and predictable plots. These days, however, movies often have unforeseen twists or character backstories that help deepen the viewer’s understanding of the plot. Additionally, the industry has become more inclusive and diverse. It’s now not uncommon for movies in my country to include a variety of cultures and ethnicities.

    In what ways do celebrities impact people’s behaviour and attitudes?

    I think their influence is particularly evident in areas such as fashion and lifestyle choices. For example, when a celebrity endorses a product or adopts a particular style, it often leads to widespread emulation among their fans. Celebrities can also shape public discourse on important issues. I remember a famous celebrity in my country once publicly shared their struggles with depression, and this led to much greater awareness of the importance of mental health. I guess it’s safe to say that what celebrities say and do in the public eye can have major impact on people’s behaviour and attitudes.

    Do you believe celebrities should speak out on political issues?

    I believe celebrities should have the right to speak out on political issues, just like any other citizen. Given their large platform, they can shed light on important causes and bring attention to underrepresented voices. However, it is crucial for celebrities to be well-informed and considerate when discussing political matters. Passing on misinformation could have dire consequences for society.

  • Lesson 164: An actor/actress you admire🤩

    This week, you will train to respond to a Part 2 cue card that asks your to speak about an actor or actress you admire. As always, this band 9 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).

    Describe an actor or actress you admire. You should say
    -who he/she is
    -what he/she looks like
    -what kind of movies he/she appears in
    and explain why you admire this actor/actress
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    down to earth
    -a person who is not pretentious

    “Additionally, he has a reputation for being kind and generous to his fans and colleagues, and he comes across as a very down to earth person in interviews.”

    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!🗣️📲

    “One actor I greatly admire is Tom Cruise. He is an internationally renowned actor and producer, known for his dedication to his craft and his impressive filmography.”
    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 an actor or actress you admire. You should say
    -who he/she is
    -what he/she looks like
    -what kind of movies he/she appears in
    and explain why you admire this actor/actress

    One actor I greatly admire is Tom Cruise. He is an internationally renowned actor and producer, known for his dedication to his craft and his impressive filmography.

    What more can I tell you about him? Tom Cruise is an American actor who has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for over three decades. Tom Cruise has a very distinctive appearance, and I think it’s safe to say most people would describe him as ‘handsome’. He is of average height and is known for his confident smile.

    As for the movies he appears in, his films tend to span several different genres. I guess these days he is best known for roles in action films such as the Mission: Impossible series. However, he has also starred in dramatic movies like Jerry Maguire, Eyes Wide Shut and Minority Report, so I feel he is quite versatile in his acting.

    There are several reasons why I admire Tom Cruise. Firstly, his willingness to push boundaries is truly inspiring. For example, he does a lot of his own stunts. I heard that several of the high-speed chases in the Mission: Impossible movies were carried out by him. Tom Cruise is also known for his professionalism and work ethic on set, which I think is admirable. Additionally, he has a reputation for being kind and generous to his fans and colleagues, and he comes across as a very down to earth person in interviews.

  • Lesson 163: Neighbours🏘️

    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 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 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.”
    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 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.

    Thank you.

  • Lesson 162: Healthy routines🧘

    This week, you will train to speak about one of the most common topics in IELTS Speaking: routines! This sample was scripted by a practicing examiner and it uses real questions that were reportedly seen this year (2024) on a real IELTS exam.

    Part 3 questions

    How can a good morning routine influence the rest of the day?
    What are some common components of a healthy morning routine?
    How can a healthy routine contribute to better mental health?
    How have electronic devices impacted people’s mental health?
    Why is it difficult for some people to establish healthy routines?
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    mixed bag
    -something that is both positive and negative

    “I would say the impact of electronic devices is a mixed bag.”

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

    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 a good morning routine sets a positive tone for the day. When an individual begins the day with healthy activities, it enhances productivity, reduces stress and improves a person’s overall mood. For example, engaging in activities such as exercise and meditation, and being sure to also eat a nutritious breakfast, can boost energy levels and mental clarity. When you feel great and are thinking clearly, the rest of your day is much more likely to be successful.”
    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 routines and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. How can a good morning routine influence the rest of the day?

    I think a good morning routine sets a positive tone for the day. When an individual begins the day with healthy activities, it enhances productivity, reduces stress and improves a person’s overall mood. For example, engaging in activities such as exercise and meditation, and being sure to also eat a nutritious breakfast, can boost energy levels and mental clarity. When you feel great and are thinking clearly, the rest of your day is much more likely to be successful.

    What are some common components of a healthy morning routine?

    Well, I already mentioned exercise, meditation and eating a healthy breakfast, but I feel the need to highlight these three items again as they are so critical to starting the day in a healthy way. Other components of a healthy morning routine might include planning the day’s tasks, reading or journaling. Doing these things can stimulate the mind and set clear goals for the day. I feel hydration and personal hygiene are also essential to kickstart the day on a positive note.

    How can a healthy routine contribute to better mental health?

    I believe it contributes to better mental health by providing a sense of structure. When you know exactly what you are going to do after you wake up, you have a sense of control and I think this reduces anxiousness and helps stabilise emotions. Also, regular physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Consistent sleep patterns are crucial for cognitive function and emotional regulation, too. I’d say these are the main ways a healthy routine contributes to better mental health.

    How have electronic devices impacted people’s mental health?

    Electronic devices have had a profound impact on people’s mental health, both positively and negatively. On the positive side, devices provide access to information, social connections, and mental health resources, which can be supportive. However, excessive use of electronic devices, particularly social media, has been linked to increased feelings of anxiety, depression and loneliness. This often leads to stress and disrupted sleep patterns. So I guess I would say the impact of electronic devices is a mixed bag.

    Why is it difficult for some people to establish healthy routines?

    One primary obstacle is the lack of motivation or willpower. It’s hard to establish a healthy routine if you don’t really want one. Additionally, busy lifestyles and demanding schedules can make it difficult to allocate time for new habits. Existing unhealthy habits, such as poor sleep patterns or a sedentary lifestyle, can also be hard to break.

    Thank you. This marks the end of the IELTS Speaking exam.

  • Lesson 161: A time when you woke up early👀

    This week, we will examine a band 9 response to this Part 2 cue card:

    Describe a time when you had to wake up early. You should say
    -what time you woke up
    -why you woke up at this time
    -what you did after waking up
    and explain how you felt about getting up at this time

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

    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    grogginess (noun)
    -feeling confused due to tiredness

    “However, my anticipation of the interview quickly overshadowed any grogginess I felt.”

    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’m going to talk about a time when I had to wake up early for an important job interview I had last year. I set my alarm for 5:00 AM, which is significantly earlier than my usual wake-up time.”
    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 time when you had to wake up early. You should say
    -what time you woke up
    -why you woke up at this time
    -what you did after waking up
    and explain how you felt about getting up at this time

    I’m going to talk about a time when I had to wake up early for an important job interview I had last year. I set my alarm for 5:00 AM, which is significantly earlier than my usual wake-up time.

    The reason I had to wake up so early was that the interview was scheduled for 8:30 AM in a different city. It was about a two-hour drive from my home. I wanted to make sure I had ample time to get ready, review my notes, and account for any potential traffic delays.

    After getting out of bed, I immediately started my morning routine. I took a quick shower to help wake myself up fully and then prepared a light breakfast. As I ate, I started to review my resume and the company’s profile one last time to ensure I was well-prepared for any questions they might throw my way. Around 6:00 AM, I left my house and began the drive to the interview location.

    Regarding how I felt about waking up at this unusually early hour, I would say it was a mix of excitement and a bit of nervousness. Initially, the early wake-up call was a bit of a shock to my system, as I am not typically a morning person. However, my anticipation of the interview quickly overshadowed any grogginess I felt. By the time I was on the road, the crisp morning air and the peaceful drive helped me to feel more awake and focused. I arrived to the interview with time to spare, and this gave me a sense of accomplishment for having managed my time so effectively.

    Although waking up at 5:00 AM was challenging, it was necessary for the important occasion and led to a successful interview.

    Thank you.

  • Lesson 160: Chocolate and staying up late🍫

    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 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’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.”
    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’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.

  • Lesson 159: How is success defined in your culture?🏆

    In this lesson, you will practise speaking about success and how it is defined in your culture. This lesson uses a sample band 9 demonstration for Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking exam.

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

    Part 3 Questions

    On what occasions do people congratulate someone in your culture?
    How do people offer congratulations in your culture?
    Is success important in your culture?
    How do people achieve success in their lives?
    What factors contribute to a person’s success?
    Do people need motivation to succeed in their work?
    🧑‍🎓Target language:

    perseverance (adjective)
    -persistence in doing something despite difficulty

    “People achieve success through education and perseverance.”

    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!🗣️📲

    “In my culture, people offer congratulations for anything that’s a significant life milestone. So for example, academic events like graduation, professional achievements such as a promotion, and personal events such as a wedding would all be causes for celebration.”
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    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

    On what occasions do people congratulate someone in your culture?
    In my culture, people offer congratulations for anything that’s a significant life milestone. So for example, academic events like graduation, professional achievements such as a promotion, and personal events such as a wedding would all be causes for celebration.

    How do people offer congratulations in your culture?
    People offer congratulations verbally, through written messages like cards, and by giving flowers. Public acknowledgments during gatherings or on social media are also common. The method often depends on the occasion and the relationship between individuals.

    Is success important in your culture?
    Yes, success is highly valued as it reflects hard work and dedication. It brings honour to individuals and their families, motivating others to strive for excellence. Achievements in education, career, and personal life are particularly celebrated in my culture.

    How do people achieve success in their lives?
    People achieve success through education and perseverance. Continuous learning is particularly important, along with building strong relationships. I think adaptability when facing challenges is also crucial.

    What factors contribute to a person’s success?
    I would say education and determination are key factors. Opportunities for growth and access to resources significantly influence success, too. There’s a saying in my culture that goes “you can only be as successful as your environment will allow,” which I think is very true.

    Do people need motivation to succeed in their work?
    Yes, motivation is essential for achieving success because it drives individuals to work towards a goal. One of the most motivating workplaces I ever worked was at a company that provided a very positive work environment and an achievable performance bonus. In such a motivating environment, workers always successfully completed their tasks.

    Thank you. That is the end of the speaking exam.