Simone Braverman's Blog: IELTS-Blog.com, page 56
July 10, 2023
IELTS Speaking test in Oman – July 2023
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DU took the IELTS test in Oman and remembered the following questions. Thank you for sharing, DU!
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your full name?
– Do you work or study?
– What do you study?
– Is your school the best place to study this subject?
– How can your school be improved?
– What type of music do you listen to?
– Do your friends listen to the same type of music?
– What artist’s concert would you like to go to?
– Which is better, a small or a big business?
– Are there any small businesses in your area?
– Would you like to work in a small business?
– Would you like to start your own small business one day?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Talk about a city you would like to go to for short period of time. You should say
– when you would go
– who you would go with
– what places you would like to visit
– and explain why you would like to go there for a short period of time.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– What are the advantages of visiting a popular tourist destination?
– Are there any disadvantages to being in a city that is a major tourist attraction?
– Do you think the country’s capital city is the best place to learn about its culture?
– Is it necessary to plan the trip before going? Why?
– Is it possible to plan ahead? Why or why not?
– Is going on a trip for a short period of time better than a long trip? Why?
July 9, 2023
IELTS Speaking Test, Part 3 questions with model answers (Good News)
Here are some high-scoring Part 3 model answers for the Speaking Test that was shared by a student from India. The answers below show a good way to respond to these questions. You can find the answers in the other parts here: Part 1, Part 2.
NEW! In this podcast episode you can LISTEN to all the questions and answers. It’s great to improve your pronunciation, intonation and overall fluency!
Or you can listen on YouTube (turn subtitles on):
Speaking test
Part 3 (Discussion)
We’ve been talking about good news, and now, in the third part of the test, I would like to ask you a few more questions related to this.
1. How do people share good news?
People have been sharing good news since the dawn of time, usually by word-of-mouth but nowadays, thanks to technology and social media, we have all these other options. People can share good news through text messages or emails, they can do video calls and group chats. There are also instant messaging services, people post on blogs and websites, as well as spread the word on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
2. Why do you think people like to hear good news?
I think that people are hardwired to seek out positive experiences and optimistic news, because it gives us a sense of hope and security. Receiving good news also gives us a feeling of satisfaction and joy, and it’s a way for us to celebrate or reflect on something special in our lives or someone else’s life.
3. How does social media affect the way people share and receive good news?
One profound effect of social media on the way people communicate these days is the speed it offers. Because it is incredibly easy for users to spread both positive and negative messages lightning-fast, it affects how quickly we get and respond to certain types of information from around the world.
4. What kind of good news people wouldn’t share on social media?
There are some types of good news that people may not feel comfortable sharing on social media. It could be because of privacy concerns or certain sensitive topics. Some could fear envy from others and for that reason keep their good news to themselves.
5. Can you think of a type of good news that is widely celebrated or enjoyed in your country or society?
In my country, the good news that everyone loves would be celebrity engagements! Whenever two celebrities get engaged it will usually make headlines here because such occasions are considered incredibly special moments.
6. How does good news affect people’s emotions and well-being?
I think good news can have a hugely uplifting effect on people’s emotions and wellbeing, particularly when it is shared amongst those close to us. It brings us closer together when we celebrate each other’s successes.
7. Can good news sometimes have a negative impact on people? In what way?
I would say it is possible. Good news can sometimes have an adverse effect on some people, especially when someone else achieves something great, while they feel stuck where they currently are. This could cause frustration and envy, and can also lead to sadness and feelings of low self-worth.
Read more model answers on the VIP Club website
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IELTS test in Mongolia – July 2023 (Academic Module)
These questions were shared by DU from Mongolia after a very recent IELTS exam. Here is what DU remembered:
Listening test
Part 1. A phone call where a customer was asking for information about 2 hotels to celebrate an occasion.
Questions: filling in blanks (the hotel’s name, phone number, surname, etc).
Part 2. A talk about a writing competition.
Questions: multiple choice.
Part 3. A conversation about research.
Questions: multiple choice.
Part 4. A lecture on the sense of smell.
Questions: filling in blanks (facts, research and examples).
Reading test
Passage 1. A text about a water railway (canal).
Questions: True/False/Not Given, filling in blanks (no more than 2 words).
Passage 2. A text on psychology.
Questions: filling in blanks, matching information.
Passage 3. A text about learning methods including some research.
Questions: True/False/Not Given, matching headings to paragraphs.
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The charts below give information on a bus company’s services between 1999 and 2003, including the target and actual percentage of buses that arrived on time, and the number of customer complaints.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
* Note: these aren’t the actual charts given in the test, they were recreated for the purpose of demonstration.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
In many countries students’ concentration in the classroom has decreased. What are the reasons for this? What are some possible solutions?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
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IELTS Speaking Test, Part 2 question with model answer (Describe a piece of good news that you heard from others)
Here is a high-scoring Speaking Test Part 2 model answer for the cue card that was shared by a student from India. The answer shows a good way to respond to this question. You can find the answers in the other parts here: Part 1, Part 3 coming soon.
NEW! In this podcast episode you can LISTEN to the answer. It’s great to improve your pronunciation, intonation and overall fluency!
Or you can listen on YouTube (turn subtitles on):
Speaking test
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe a piece of good news that you heard from others. You should say:
– what it was
– when you heard the news
– how you received the news
– and explain why you feel it was good news.
Answer
I recently heard some very good news from a friend of mine, Sharon. She told me that her daughter had been accepted into an Ivy League university, which was a huge accomplishment for her.
I heard the news last week when my friend sent me a message on WhatsApp, with screenshots of the acceptance letter. I was absolutely delighted for them both and felt so proud that she had achieved such a great milestone in her life. I texted Sharon straight away and told her how excited I was, and that we should go out and celebrate!
I think this is such fantastic news, because it demonstrates how hard work, dedication, and determination can pay off. Sharon’s daughter worked incredibly hard to get the grades she needed to apply, and now she has the opportunity to study in a prestigious institution.
It also shows that anything is possible, if you put your mind to it! No matter where you come from or what limitations you may have, you can still achieve your goals if you are willing to put in the effort. This is why I feel this piece of news is so inspiring and uplifting.
Read more model answers on the VIP Club website
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IELTS essay, topic: People in senior positions should be compensated with significantly higher salaries (agree/disagree)
This essay topic was seen in recent IELTS test in India.
People in senior positions should be compensated with significantly higher salaries than people in lower positions in the same company. Do you agree or disagree?
Give your own opinion and include relevant examples.
Compensation is a critical element in employee performance and retention. Senior positions in companies often come with higher salaries, but the extent of this gap has been a source of debate. While some argue that senior executives should be given significantly higher salaries than their lower-level colleagues, others believe in creating a more equitable compensation system that values employee contributions irrespective of their rank in the company. In my opinion, rather than a rank or title, compensation should be based on the value that a person delivers to the organisation.
One argument for compensating senior executives with higher salaries is that they carry more significant responsibilities and accountability than lower-level employees. Moreover, senior executives have often accrued years of experience and developed a unique set of skills that are not found in lower-level employees, which again supports compensation based on the seniority of employees in the company. In many companies there are managers who worked their way up and have contributed many years until they were promoted to the positions they are currently in; it is reasonable that they earn more than junior employees who are just starting out.
On the other hand, there are those who believe that excessive compensation gaps lead to inequality and can cause lower-level employees to lose morale and productivity. While it is true that senior executives carry a larger load of responsibilities, massive gaps in compensation can lead to resentment and dissatisfaction among the workforce. Furthermore, lower-level employees are often the ones responsible for the day-to-day operations of a company, which means that they contribute to the company’s overall success, and therefore, they should also receive fair compensation.
To conclude, there are compelling arguments for both sides of the compensation debate. Senior executives should be compensated fairly for the unique skills and increased responsibilities that come with their position, and to attract top-level talent to companies. However, this does not mean that lower-level employees should be denied the opportunity to earn a fair wage. Compensation, therefore, should be based on the value that an employee brings to the organization, rather than their rank or title.
Click here to see more IELTS essays of Band 8
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CJ took her IELTS Speaking test in Nigeria and remembered the following questions. Many thanks, CJ!
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your full name?
– What shall I call you?
– Where do you live?
– Do people of different age groups live in your area?
– What do you like about your area?
– Have you been to the library lately?
– How often do you go to the library?
– Why do you like using the library?
Read and listen to model answers about the library here
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe a piece of technology you find difficult to use. You should say
– what is it
– how you got it
– what you use it for
– and explain why you find it difficult to use.
Read and listen to the model answer here
Part 3 (Discussion)
– What are some of the common kitchen appliances in your country?
– Is there an appliance that you find difficult to use?
– How can one learn how to use a piece of technology?
– Do you think the use of technology has made people overly reliant on it?
– What are some of the advantages of technology?
– What are some of its disadvantages?
– How do you see technology evolving or improving in the future?
July 3, 2023
IELTS test in Oman – June 2023 (Academic Module)
These questions were shared by F from Oman after her very recent IELTS exam. Here is what she remembered:
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The plans below show the layout of the ground floor of a school library in 2001, and how it changed as a result of renovations in 2009.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
* Note: these aren’t the actual plans given in the test, they were recreated for the purpose of demonstration.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
It is a good idea for people to continue working beyond retirement age. Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
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IELTS Speaking Test, Part 1 questions with model answers (Hometown + Sharing)
Here are some high-scoring Part 1 model answers for the Speaking Test that was shared by a student from India. The answers below show a good way to respond to these questions. The answers for the other parts are coming soon.
NEW! In this podcast episode you can LISTEN to all the questions and answers. It’s great to improve your pronunciation, intonation and overall fluency!
Or you can listen on YouTube (turn subtitles on):
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
1. Where do you live?
I currently live in Sydney, Australia. Sydney is located on the east coast of the country, and it is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in Australia, such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
2. How long have you lived there?
I’ve lived in Sydney for the last 8 years, first while studying for a degree in Accounting, and then I found a great job and decided to stay.
3. What do you like most about the place where you live?
There are so many things that I love about living in Sydney! Firstly, the beaches here are some of the best in the world. The city also has a vibrant culture with plenty of great restaurants, bars, and nightlife options for people to enjoy.
4. Do you think your city has changed much in recent years?
Definitely! Over the past 5 years, I’ve seen a lot of construction in Sydney, especially in the city centre. It became even more of a bustling metropolis, with glassy modern buildings popping up everywhere.
5. Now I’d like to talk about sharing. Do you like sharing with others?
Well, yes, because it gives us an opportunity to learn from each other, and build relationships with those around us.
Sharing has many forms, from sharing knowledge or resources to simply spending time together and having fun, I believe there’s tremendous value in sharing things and experiences with other people!
6. How do you feel when someone refuses to share with you?
To be honest, it can be quite disheartening. However, instead of feeling resentment or animosity towards them, I try to focus on understanding their situation, and why they might have said no.
7. Is sharing things a common practice in your country?
Yes, sharing is very much part of Australian culture! It can be food being shared between family members during holidays, or resources being pooled together amongst friends during tough times. We understand the importance of helping each other out whenever possible.
8. What is the most valuable thing you have ever shared with someone?
Well, personally, this would have to be my time that I spent volunteering at local charities in my teens and early twenties, before starting work full-time as an adult. It was really eye opening, seeing how generous people can be when given the chance.
9. Would you share with a stranger, or only with a friend?
Well, actually, it’s both! Sometimes it’s not such a good idea because it might be unsafe, but I’m usually such a chatterbox that people don’t stay strangers for very long. I’m always happy to offer help however I can.
Read more model answers on the VIP Club website
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IELTS Speaking test in the UK – June 2023
One of our subscribers took the IELTS test in the UK. He remembered the following Speaking questions. Thanks, VR!
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your full name?
– Can I see your ID?
– Do you work or study?
– What brings you joy at work?
– What can make you enjoy your work?
– Do you like weekends?
– What did you do last weekend?
– What do you usually do on weekends?
– Do you make plans for your weekends?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Talk about a place far away that you would like to visit in the future. You should say
– what place it is
– where it is located
– how you will travel there
– and explain why you decided to go there.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Do you like dining at restaurants?
– Do you think homemade meals are better than restaurant food? Why or why not?
– Are there any famous restaurants where you live?
– What meal have you ordered at a restaurant that you enjoyed?
– Do you think travelling abroad has a positive effect on students’ development?
– What do you think about the impacts of tourism on the local population?
– Can tourism lead to the preservation of local traditions and cultural heritage?
– What challenges can arise for the local population due to an influx of tourists?
June 28, 2023
IELTS Speaking test in Iran – June 2023
These questions were contributed by a very kind Instagram follower from Iran, who recently took her Speaking test there. Here is what she remembered:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your full name?
– Can I see your ID?
– Do you work or study?
– Do you like your workplace?
– Would you like to make any changes to your workplace?
– Have you ever been to an art gallery?
– Do you think it’s important to go to art galleries?
– Do you think parents should encourage children to visit art galleries?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe a time you went out with one or two friends and did an activity together. You should say
– who you did it with
– when you did it
– why it was memorable
– and explain whether or not you would like to do it again, and why.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Do you think it’s important for countries to work together on global issues? Why?
– In what ways can countries work together to address global challenges effectively?
– Can you give me some examples of global issues that require international cooperation?
– How can global unity and collaboration contribute to economic development?
– Are there any challenges that countries face when working together on global issues?
– Do you think language barriers are an obstacle to global unity and cooperation? Why or why not?
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