Simone Braverman's Blog: IELTS-Blog.com, page 64

IELTS Speaking Test, Part 2 question with model answer (Describe an interesting conversation you had with a stranger)

Here is a high-scoring Speaking Test Part 2 model answer for the cue card that was shared by a student from Nigeria. 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!

Start listening to Part 2 from time mark 02:34

Or you can listen on YouTube (turn subtitles on):

Speaking test

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe an interesting conversation you had with a stranger. You should say

– who the stranger is
– when and where you met
– and explain what you talked about.

Answer

Let’s see… I recently had an interesting conversation with a stranger I met while out shopping one day. He was an older gentleman, probably in his mid-seventies, wearing a blue plaid shirt and brown slacks. We met at the store’s checkout. He came for some gardening supplies, and I was getting some groceries for dinner.

While waiting in the line, we started talking about the weather, and how it had been unusually warm for this time of year. Then we discussed our hobbies. He was an avid gardener and loved tending to his flowerbeds, and I told him that I prefer to read books or watch documentaries on TV in my free time.

He then asked me what I did for work, so we talked about my job as a teacher at the local elementary school. He shared that he used to be a principal before he retired, and mentioned how much he enjoyed seeing all of his students learn and grow over the years. We talked about the challenges schools were currently facing with budget cuts, reduced staffing levels, and inadequate resources for students.

Eventually, our conversation shifted back towards our hobbies and interests. It turns out that he also liked reading books, but preferred biographies of famous people over fiction stories. We swapped recommendations of authors we liked, which then led to an interesting debate about the best historical novels.

We finally said goodbye after twenty minutes or so, but it felt much longer, because it had been such an engaging conversation!

Read more model answers on the VIP Club website

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IELTS test in Canada – March 2023 (General Training)

A very kind Instagram follower took IELTS in Canada and shared the questions from his exam:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

A road near your home is damaged. Write a letter to the council of your town/city to complain about it. In your letter

– Tell them who are you and where you live
– Explain the nature of your complaint
– Say what you would like them to do about it.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people like to listen to music while working or studying. Others find that they need silence to focus. What is your preference? Why do you find the other option unhelpful?

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your full name?
– Where do you live?
– What is your hometown like?
– Is your hometown peaceful or noisy?
– What are the main sources of noise in your hometown?
– Does the noise interfere with your daily life? How?
– Do you like places that are peaceful? Why?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Talk about a movie that you watched and would like to watch again. You should say

– what movie it is
– when you watched it
– what it is about
– and explain why you would like to watch it again.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Do you often watch movies twice?
– What kind of influence do movies have on kids?
– Why do some movies remain people’s favourites forever, no matter when they were released?
– How do people usually choose which movies to watch?
– Do you think people’s taste in movies is influenced by their age, gender or culture?
– In your opinion, what factors make a movie appealing to a wide audience?
– Do you think the popularity of certain actors or actresses influences people’s choice of movies?

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IELTS test in Bangladesh – March 2023 (Academic Module)

Thanks to the kind M.E. from Bangladesh, today we are sharing the questions that he remembered from his recent IELTS exam:

Listening test

Part 1. We had to complete a form, using one word per gap.
Part 2. We had to label a map and it was difficult.
Part 3. There were multiple choice questions with one correct answer option, and some – with two correct answer options.
Part 4. Note completion, using one word per gap.

Reading test

Passage 1. The questions were T/F/NG, multiple choice, diagram completion (two words per gap).
Passage 2. Matching headings to paragraphs, matching names, summary completion (two words per gap).
Passage 3. Y/N/NG, multiple choice, and a summary completion with a list of words provided.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

The table below gives information on the temporary migrant workers in 4 countries, in 2003 and 2006.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

* Note: this isn’t the actual table given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

It is a natural process that animal species such as dinosaurs become extinct. There is no reason for people to prevent this from happening.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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IELTS Speaking Test, Part 1 questions with model answers (Hometown + Chocolate)

Here are some high-scoring Part 1 model answers for the Speaking Test that was shared by a student from Nigeria. The answers below show a good way to respond to these questions.

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 are you from?

I’m originally from South Africa. I was born and raised there, and it’s where my family still lives today. South Africa has a rich history and culture, as well as plenty of natural beauty to enjoy. It’s a great place to call home.

2. Is your area a safe place to live for all ages?

Yes, I believe that my area is very safe to live in for all age groups. It has very low crime rates compared to other areas in the country, and everyone feels comfortable walking around, day or night.

3. Now I’d like to talk about chocolate. Do you like chocolate?

Absolutely! Chocolate has always been one of my favourite treats since I was a kid. There are so many different kinds! There is milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, it’s hard not to find something you like! On cold winter nights when I want something comforting and delicious, I especially love indulging in some hot cocoa with marshmallows.

4. Why do you think chocolate is a popular treat worldwide?

Well, it seems to me that the main reason why chocolate is so popular around the world is because of its strong association with pleasure and comfort-eating. Chocolate has an irresistible appeal, it makes us feel better, even if we’re feeling down!

5. Do you think chocolate makes a nice gift?

Oh, definitely! Not only does it look and taste great, but also provides an opportunity for us to express our feelings through thoughtful gestures. We might include a greeting card with a personal message or choose a chocolate shaped in a certain way for a special occasion. For example, for Valentine’s Day we might give someone a box of heart-shaped chocolates, to show how much we care about them.

6. Do you know anyone who doesn’t like chocolate?

Surprisingly, yes, although they are few and far between! My best friend growing up, actually, didn’t like the taste of chocolate at all because of its bitter flavour. Instead, he preferred fruity desserts like pies or cakes, filled with fruit jams or jellies.

Read more model answers on the VIP Club website

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IELTS test in Sri Lanka and Nigeria – March 2023 (General Training)

Our friends from Sri Lanka and Nigeria have just shared their exam questions, and it appears that the writing test was the same in the two countries. Thank you, N and M, for sharing!

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

You are going to teach English to your friend’s child. Write a letter to your past English teacher to ask if you can borrow some books from him/her. In your letter,

– Tell your teacher about the child
– Say when and where you will teach the child
– Explain what books you would like to borrow.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

More and more people participate in extreme sports. Why do people take part in these dangerous sports? What can be done to reduce the danger associated with such activities?

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IELTS Speaking test in Jammu, India – March 2023

We would like to thank our friend A for sharing the questions from a very recent IELTS exam in Jammu, India. Here is what she remembered:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your full name?
– How may I address you?
– Show me your passport.
– Are you working or studying?
– Where do you live?
– Where did you go to school?
– Would you recommend it?
– What changes would you like to make in your school?
– Do you like art?
– What kind of art do you prefer, traditional or modern?
– Do you like visiting art galleries in your free time?
– Did you do art as a child?
– Do you see yourself working as an artist in the future?
– Have you ever visited a library?
– Did you go to a library when you were a child?
– Do kids nowadays visit libraries more often?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a recent development in your city. You should say

– what it is
– where it is located
– how long it took to complete
– and explain how you feel about it.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Were people in your city happy with this development?
– Why are there are some restrictions by the government that apply to developments?
– What are the consequences of not following these restrictions?
– Do traditional and modern architecture go hand in hand nowadays?
– When a development is initiated by the government, is it important who does the construction? Why?

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IELTS test in Egypt – March 2023 (General Training)

Two IELTS test takers from Egypt have just shared the following questions. Surprisingly, many of them were on the topic of noise!

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

You currently live in a rental apartment and the noise from your neighbours disturbs you. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter,

– Describe how this situation affects you
– Explain what steps you have taken to address the problem
– Ask the landlord to take action to resolve the issue

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people encourage watching sports as a way of learning about teamwork and strategy, while others believe that one can learn these skills only through playing sports. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your name?
– Where do you live?
– Do you like wearing t-shirts?
– How often do you wear t-shirts?
– What kind of t-shirts do you wear for different occasions?
– Have you ever bought a t-shirt as a souvenir from a place you visited?
– What do you think of t-shirts with slogans or messages on them?
– Do you think t-shirts are comfortable to wear?
– Do you prefer short-sleeved or long-sleeved t-shirts?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a noisy place you have been to. You should say:

– where it was
– why you went there
– why it was noisy
– and explain how you felt about being there.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Is noise pollution an issue where you live?
– What do you think are the main causes of noise pollution in our cities?
– Can noise pollution affect people’s health? In what way?
– How do you think noise pollution affects wildlife?
– Do you think governments should regulate noise levels in public places more strictly?
– What can businesses do to reduce their contribution to noise pollution?
– What role do you think technology can play in reducing noise pollution in big cities?
– Do you think the world will become a noisier place in the future?

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IELTS Speaking Test, Part 3 questions with model answers (Technology)

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 technology, and now, in the third part of the test, I would like to ask you a few more questions related to this.

1. What technology products or technologies do people use now?

Well, I think people these days use a wide range of products in their daily lives, from smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs to wearable devices such as fitness trackers, smartwatches, and augmented reality glasses. Other popular technologies are voice-activated virtual assistants like Alexa and Google Home, and they can control everything, from our thermostats, to the locks on our front doors.

2. Why do you think large companies often release new products?

The main reason is in order to stay ahead of the competition and capitalise on emerging trends in consumer behavior. Launching new products that appeal to the latest consumer taste or preferences can capture a larger market share than their competitors.

3. Do you think people spend too much on technology these days?

Yes, I think that people now rely heavily on their smartphones, laptops, tablets and other devices as essential tools for communication, entertainment, education and even work. Because of that, there is now this increased temptation to upgrade existing products in order to remain productive and have access to the newest features that can help make tasks easier or faster. People also want to stay ahead of everyone in their social circles; nothing illustrates this better than having the latest smart gadget in the market.

4. Do you feel that we rely on technology and devices too heavily?

I think we do. We rely on technology and devices too heavily, because of the convenience and efficiency they provide. The problem this creates is our decreased attention spans and more distraction during work or study. So, on the one hand, technology saves us time and labour, but on the other hand we make more mistakes and take longer to complete tasks. Some people also find themselves at the risk of addiction to screens and watching meaningless content which wastes their time.

5. How did technology change the society we live in now?

Technology has transformed many aspects of modern life, from how we work and communicate, to how we shop. It is helping us access information instantly via search engines, and hold virtual meetings via video conferencing tools. We buy things online from retailers offering same-day delivery services, without even realising their websites are powered by algorithms which predict our wants and needs!

Read more model answers on the VIP Club website

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IELTS test in Saudi Arabia and Turkey – March 2023 (Academic Module)

Thanks to our friends from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, today we are sharing the questions that they remembered from a recent exam. From the information we received it appears that the writing questions in Saudi Arabia and Turkey were the same.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

The chart below gives information on the numbers of workers in different occupations who migrated to Australia between 2009 and 2012.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

* Note: this isn’t the actual chart given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people tend to buy products or get services instantly, without waiting. Why is it happening? Is this a positive or a negative development?

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IELTS Speaking Test, Part 2 question with model answer (Describe a piece of technology that you find difficult to use)

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.

NEW! In this podcast episode you can LISTEN to the answer. It’s great to improve your pronunciation, intonation and overall fluency!

Start listening to Part 2 from time mark 03:14

Speaking test

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a piece of technology that you find difficult to use. You should say

– when you got it
– what you got it for
– how often you use it
– and explain why you find it difficult to use.

Answer

Alright, so, I got a new fitness tracker about three months ago to monitor my progress in becoming more physically active and staying on top of my health. I had heard great things about this particular device, so I was excited to give it a try when I purchased it. This is why I was really disappointed when I found it surprisingly difficult to use.

To begin with, setting up the device was more complex than I expected; there were multiple steps involved, and it took me longer than I expected to get everything configured correctly. The device comes packed with features that are intended to make tracking your progress easier and more effective, but ironically, navigating between them is too overwhelming and confusing at times. What’s more, the app that comes with the device is incredibly user-unfriendly; for example, finding my way around the various menus is overly complicated and time-consuming.

I still try to use this fitness tracker every day – usually, first thing in the morning when I wake up – to help me get fit. But every time I make a mistake or forget how to switch a certain feature on or off, it becomes a hassle to figure out how to undo whatever I just did. On top of that, it sometimes refuses to connect to my device, and I usually only realise it at the end of the day, that I’ve lost all the data for the day!

Read more model answers on the VIP Club website

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