20190211 Topic: Speaking

Where do you prefer to go when you need to study? Why?

I like to find a quiet corner in my local library; being in an old building and surrounded by books seems to help me to focus on my work.

Do you live in a house or an apartment?

I live in a semi-detached house with three bedrooms and a small garden.

Do you live in a house or an apartment?

I live in a semi-detached house with three bedrooms in a suburb of Manchester. I've lived there for just over a year.

Do you prefer to study alone or with others? Why?

I prefer to study alone because I need to be able to concentrate fully. Other people are a distraction.

What do you do with photos you take?

I rarely take photos, but if I occasionally use my mobile phone to take a picture of something, I just leave the photo there; I don't do anything special with it.

Do you prefer electronic or paper maps?

I still prefer paper maps for a long journey; I like being able to open the map out on a table and see the full journey ahead.

What could be done to improve the experience of walking in cities?

I suppose the main issues are space and safety. Pavements need to be wide enough to accommodate lots of pedestrians, and we need safe places to cross the street.

Do you think most people watch TV for education or for entertainment?

I think people watch TV primarily for entertainment. There are far more entertainment programmes than educational ones, and in my experience most people treat television as a form of relaxation in the evening. If I think about the most popular TV programmes in the UK, such as talent shows like 'X Factor' or soap operas like 'Eastenders', the focus is definitely on entertainment rather than education.

What are some of the ways people can help others in the community? Which is the most important?

I think there are many ways to help others in our local communities. For example, where I live, some people volunteer to run activity clubs for children, or they help out in residential homes for elderly people. Others give money, food or clothes to organisations that support people living below the poverty line. In my opinion, there isn't a scale of importance when it comes to helping others; all forms of help are positive.

What do you do when you have some free time and you're at home?

I usually sit and watch some TV or a film, or I listen to some music. I also like sitting outside if the weather is nice.

What kinds of thing do people often like collecting?

Some people collect cheap items like stamps, keyrings or toys. Others collect expensive antiques, watches, jewellery or even cars.

Do you like cooking? Why / why not?

Sometimes. I like preparing a special meal for family or friends who visit, but everyday cooking is a bit boring; it's something that has to be done, but it's not really fun.

How do you think TV viewing habits change as people get older?

TV viewing habits obviously change a lot as we get older. While toddlers might watch programmes about talking animals, teenagers prefer action and adventure or sports, and as adults we start taking an interest in news and politics. My own preferences, for example, have changed over the years - I would never have watched news programmes when I was younger. I think it would be very strange if our viewing habits didn't mature!

Do you ever use maps?

Yes. Whenever I go somewhere new, I plan my journey with the help of a map.

Describe an indoor game that you enjoyed as a child. You should say - what the game was - where you played it - who played this game with you - and why you liked it

•As a child I enjoyed playing chess. I think chess is probably the best known board game in the world. It's a game for two players, and the aim is to defeat the other player by taking his or her pieces and eventually trapping his King. This final move is called checkmate. •I remember that it was a classmate of mine at primary school who first taught me to play chess. He had a small, portable chess set, and once I knew how each piece moved, we started playing at break and lunch times; we played in our classroom or outside on the school playground. Later my parents bought me my own chess set as a birthday present so that I could play at home. •I taught my younger brother to play, and at some point I joined the school chess club. There I had the chance to hone my skills against some of the older pupils, and in my final year of primary school I made it onto the school team. There were five of us on the team, and we competed against children from other primary schools in the same town. •I liked playing chess because I enjoyed the challenge of thinking ahead and trying to outwit my opponent. I was probably seven or eight years old when I started playing, and it seemed like a very mysterious and intellectual game at that time. Also, although I loved winning, chess taught me to learn from my losses and to congratulate the person who had beaten me.

IELTS Speaking Part 2: clothing answer Describe a piece of clothing that you like wearing. You should say - what the item of clothing is - where and when you bought it - when you wear it - and explain why you like wearing it.

•I'm going to describe a coat that I often wear at the moment. The coat is dark blue in colour, and it's made out of a lightweight, waterproof material, which makes it perfect for wearing at this time of year here in the UK. It also has a detachable hood, which I used yesterday when it was raining, and various pockets on the outside and on the inside. •I bought the coat last year at the beginning of autumn when the weather started to get colder. It was easy to buy because I had had the exact same coat before; my old coat was starting to look a bit worn out, so I decided to buy a new version. As I knew which size I needed, I simply went online and found the best offer; I bought it through a shopping website, and it was delivered to my house a few days later. •As I said, I'm wearing this coat a lot at the moment. It's my everyday coat for going to work or for when I go out shopping or for any other reason. •The reason why I like this coat is that it's so practical and functional. It's waterproof and it keeps me warm, but it also comes in handy for carrying things like my phone, wallet, loose change, a pen, and even a notebook; I tend to fill my pockets with whatever I can. It even folds up small enough to fit in my bag when I don't need it.

Do you think that children should be taught cookery at school?

Yes, that's probably a good idea. If all children knew how to cook a few basic, healthy meals, that would surely be a good thing.

Is there anything that you would like to collect in the future?

Yes. If I could afford it, I'd love to have a collection of guitars in different colours, shapes and sizes!

Have you ever collected anything as a hobby? (What?)

Yes. When I was younger I used to collect keyrings. I remember that my favourite was a Lego man keyring that someone bought me as a present.

Do you prefer to spend your free time at home or outside the house?

During the day I prefer to be out of the house, so I like visiting family or meeting up with friends. But I do like relaxing at home in the evenings.

At what age did you start studying mathematics?

I can't exactly remember, but it was probably in my first year at primary school when I was 5 years old. I probably learnt simple addition at that age.

What kind of music did you listen to when you were young?

I can't remember listening to much music as a child either. I suppose I must have heard some traditional music at festivals or parties, but I didn't take much notice of it.

Some people say that people help others in the community more now than they did in the past. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

I disagree with that kind of opinion. It's impossible to generalise about how much people help in their communities from one generation to the next, so I don't think we should try to judge or compare how altruistic people are now or were in the past. There have always been those who help others and those who don't.

Do you like mathematics? Why / why not?

I don't dislike maths, but I wouldn't say that I've ever really liked the subject either. I'm happy to do simple calculations, but my brain can't cope with the complex stuff!

When you visit other places, do you take photos or buy postcards?

I don't really do either. I leave it to my friends or other family members to take photographs; I'm usually with someone who likes taking photos and can share them with me later.

Which is your favourite room in your home? Why?

I don't really have a favourite room. But if I had to choose, I'd say the living room because that's where I go to sit and relax.

When do people usually need to use a map?

I imagine that some people use a map every day if they travel to different places for work. Others might only use a map when they're on holiday.

IELTS Speaking Part 2: educational TV programme Describe an educational television programme that you liked. You should say - what the programme was about - when and where you saw it - how you found out about this programme - and why you liked it.

•I'm going to talk about one of my favourite educational TV programmes, which is a nature documentary called 'Planet Earth'. There were eleven episodes of this programme, and each one featured a different habitat on Earth, such as mountains, caves, deserts and jungles. The aim of the 'Planet Earth' series was to take the viewer into those habitats, using spectacular footage of interesting animals, plants and landscapes. •I first saw 'Planet Earth' on television when it was broadcast by the BBC several years ago. I think it was shown every Sunday evening, which was the perfect time to watch a fascinating nature programme. Then, a few years a ago, somebody bought me the DVD box set of the whole series as a Christmas present, and I watched the episodes again. •I found out about this TV programme because it was advertised repeatedly in the weeks before it was first aired. The TV trailers were really eye-catching because they showed incredibly beautiful images of nature. I also recognised the voice of the narrator of the programme, the well-known naturalist David Attenborough. It was these trailers that persuaded me to watch the first episode. •What I liked most about the 'Planet Earth' series was its stunning photography and its global scope. For example, in the "Fresh Water" episode, they showed us the giant salamander in Japan, crocodiles in the river Nile, and river dolphins in the Amazon. I was amazed at how they had managed to film such interesting creatures in so many locations. I enjoyed learning about strange animal species, and the programme opened my eyes to the hidden wonders of our planet.

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'local area' answer Describe a change that you would like to see in your local area. You should say - what the change would be - who would be involved in making the change - how it would be done - and why you would like to see the change happen.

•The change that I'd like to see in my local neighbourhood is the pedestrianisation of the main shopping street in the town centre. I'd like to see traffic diverted around this area in order to make it safer and more attractive for visitors and shoppers. Most of the traffic that clogs up the main street is just passing through the town, but it's the local people who have to put up with the congestion, noise and pollution. •It's the job of the local council to make changes like the one I'm suggesting. But before the council does anything, there usually needs to be some pressure from local people to bring a problem to light. So, perhaps we need a campaign by local residents who want to see this change. Then the council might contract a town planner or an architect to come up with some possible designs for a new road system. •I'm not sure how exactly the process of creating a pedestrian street would work, but I imagine that it would require detailed planning. Perhaps a bypass would need to be built around the town centre first. This would give drivers a faster alternative to driving through the town, and it would allow the main shopping street to be blocked off and pedestrianised. •I'd like to see this change because it would really improve the quality of life of residents in the town where I live. I can imagine the new pedestrian street having cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating. It would be a safer and more pleasant place for families to go shopping, and I'm sure this would have a positive knock-on effect on local shops and businesses.

What disagreements do teenagers often have with their parents? Why?

(Idea / basic answer) Teenagers disagree with their parents about all sorts of things, like the clothes they want to wear, whether they can go out with their friends, doing homework, and how much help they give their parents around the house. (Explain why) I think the teenage years are when we develop a sense of identity, and we want to make our own decisions rather than follow other people's instructions. (Personal example) I remember having disagreements with my own parents, usually about simple things like getting up early in the morning, tidying my room, or doing the washing up!

Do you think that it's better to have clear aims for the future, or is it best to take each day as it comes?

(Answer) I think it's best to have a good idea of what you want to do with your life, especially in terms of studies and career. (Why) Having aims allows you to plan what you need to do today and tomorrow in order to achieve longer-term objectives. (Example) For example, if you want to become a doctor, you need to choose the right subjects at school, get the right exam results, and work hard at university. (Opposite) Without a clear aim, it would be impossible to take the necessary steps towards a career in medicine, or any other profession.

Do you think that people pay attention to adverts on TV? Why?

(Answer)Yes, I think we are all influenced to some extent by TV adverts, otherwise companies wouldn't pay so much to have them shown. (explain) Advertisers are very good at making us believe that their products or services will improve our lives in some way. (example) For example, if you see an advert for a new phone, it plants a seed in your mind, and you start to wonder about upgrading your old phone.

Do you think there are too many game shows on TV nowadays? Why?

(answer) Yes, there are far too many game shows on TV for my liking. (explain) I suppose the channels show these programmes because they are popular, and they must be very profitable. (example) A good example is 'Who wants to be a millionaire?', which has been sold to TV channels across the world. (alternative) Personally, I'm not a fan of game shows, and I'd much rather watch a film or an original drama series.

Do you like walking?

I'm not one for going on really long walks in the countryside, but I don't mind walking when I'm in a town or city, for example when I'm sightseeing in a new place.

Do you think that it's important to know how to cook well?

I'm not sure whether it's important to cook well, but I do think that everyone should know the basics. It definitely isn't healthy to rely on pre-prepared meals or fast food.

When was the last time you went to a concert?

I've never been to a music concert. Maybe I should try going to one; perhaps it would be interesting to see an orchestra playing classical music.

Do you prefer to use a calculator when doing mathematics?

It depends. I quite like exercising my brain with anything that's easy enough, but I use the calculator on my phone for anything tricky.

How do you feel if someone disturbs you when you are studying?

It frustrates me because it breaks my concentration. I prefer to avoid distractions by going somewhere where nobody will interrupt me.

Does your name have any special meaning?

It might do, but I don't know what that meaning is; I've never looked it up. Maybe I'll google it later today; you've made me curious to find out!

Why do you think people collect certain objects?

Maybe they like the constant search for a new item, or they want to remember past experiences. Others might like the feeling of organising and presenting what they own.

Why do you think some people like to help other people?

Most people get a good feeling when they help others, and they understand that we can all experience difficult times in our lives when we might need support. For example, we all grow old, and we all run the risk of losing our jobs or having a health problem that affects our ability to look after ourselves. So, I think people help others because they empathise with them.

Which room do you like most in your house? Why?

My favourite room is the kitchen because it looks out onto the back garden, and it's on the side of the house that catches the afternoon sun.

Who did the cooking in your family when you were a child?

My mother almost always did the cooking when I was young. I don't think she trusted my father to make a nice meal.

If you could change your name, would you?

No, I definitely wouldn't. My name is part of my identity now, and it would feel strange to suddenly change it. I don't think my friends and family would like that either.

Do you like music?

No, I don't really like music, and I don't listen to it. It's not something that I've ever been interested in.

Do you like people taking photos of you?

No, I prefer not to be in photos. I always feel awkward when someone asks me to smile for the camera, and I don't think I'm very photogenic.

Would you like to participate in a live music show?

No, definitely not. I don't play a musical instrument and I don't sing, so I can't imagine that I'd ever find myself performing to an audience.

Would you like to have more spare time to spend at home in the future?

No, not really. I get bored if I'm at home for too long. In the future, I imagine I'll still prefer to go out and do things rather than stay indoors.

How much time do you spend at home?

Obviously I sleep at home, but I don't spend very much time at home during the day, because I'm usually busy with work.

Do you ever ask people for directions instead of using a map?

Only if I'm really lost. Whenever I ask for directions, I find it difficult to remember what the person said. So I prefer to find my own way.

Why are parks an important part of many towns and cities?

Parks are like an oasis where people get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. They are where people go to have lunch, to take some exercise, or to forget about work for a while.

Do you think walking in the countryside is better than walking in the city?

Personally, no. As I said before, I like walking in the city, especially if it's somewhere with a lot of history like London or Paris.

What do you think could be done to make parks better?

The parks in big cities are already really good in my opinion. If I think about the famous parks in London, Paris or New York, I can't imagine what I would do to improve them.

Tell me something else about your house.

The previous owners converted the loft into an extra bedroom; that's the quietest room in the house, and the best place to go to do some work.

How often do you visit parks?

There's a park very close to where I live, so I probably go there once or twice a week if the weather's nice.

How did your parents choose your name?

To be honest, I'm not sure how they chose it; I've never asked them. I suppose it was just a name that they both liked, and maybe they thought it suited me.

What type of photos do you like taking?

Well, I don't usually take photos to be honest. I prefer to enjoy whatever I'm doing, rather than stop to take a photograph.

Is there anything about your house that you would like to change?

Well, it would be nice if it were a detached house so that we could have windows on the wall that we currently share with our neighbours.

IELTS Speaking Part 2: expanded answers Describe a long walk that you enjoyed. You should say - when you went on this walk - where it took place

When I'm going to describe a walk that I enjoyed last summer while I was on holiday on the south coast of England. It was the first week of August, and we set off on the walk on the first morning of the holiday just after breakfast, at around 9 o'clock. The walk took us the whole morning and finished at lunchtime. Where As I mentioned, the walk took place on the south coast of England. I was on holiday with my family in a place called Dorset, and we were staying in a rented house. Our aim was to walk from the house to a place called Durdle Door beach. First we had to find the coast path, and then we followed this path for several miles until we reached Durdle Door and finally descended the steep steps that led to the beach.

Do you like parks? Why / why not?

Yes, I like parks because they're great places to relax or go for a walk. I think every city needs some green space where people can escape from the crowds.

Do you like studying? Why / why not?

Yes, I like studying because it's the best way to gain a deeper insight into any subject. I like reading, learning from others, and trying to understand difficult concepts.

Is it necessary for everyone to learn mathematics?

Yes, I think it is. We all need a basic grounding in maths so that we can do daily tasks, like managing our money, working out bills, and so on.

Do you think walking is important?

Yes, I think it's important to be active, and walking is the most basic physical activity that we can do.

Would you like to move to a different home in the future?

Yes, I'd definitely move again at some point if I could afford to. I'd like to live in the countryside, or maybe in a different city or country.

Would you change anything about your home? Why / why not?

Yes, I've been meaning to redecorate it since I moved in last year. It needs a new kitchen, so that's what I'd change first.

Should TV play a role in educating children? How?

Yes, it definitely should play a role in my opinion. Good children's TV programmes should tell stories that contain some kind of lesson about how to behave or what is morally right and wrong. Many of the traditional fairy tales, such as 'Cinderella', have been made into TV programmes, and there is always a postive message in those stories.

Is your name common or unusual in your country?

Yes, it's quite a common name. I remember that there were two other people with the same name as me in my class at school.

Describe an aim or goal that you hope to achieve in the future. You should say - what the aim is - when you hope to achieve it - what you need to do to reach your goal - and why this goal is important to you.

•I'm going to describe a future aim of mine, which is to write a book. I'd like to write a novel, so the story or plot would be fictional, but it would probably be influenced by some of my own experiences, ideas and views. •Unfortunately I have no idea where to start or what my novel would be about, so I can't imagine achieving this aim until later in my life. Maybe it will be something that I do as a hobby when I retire, or I might suddenly be inspired to start writing much sooner. It's just a vague objective at the moment. •I think it must be extremely difficult to find the motivation to write a novel, so more than anything I would need time, commitment and the passion to keep working until I finished. I would probably need to set a goal of writing for a certain amount of time each day, and of course I'd need a good idea for a story in the first place. •This goal interests me because I've always wondered how people manage to create a work of fiction from nothing; I've always wondered whether I could do the same, and whether I'd be capable of bringing a story to life. I've always enjoyed reading, and I'd like to follow in the footsteps of my favourite authors.

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'film' answer Describe a film that you would like to see in the future. You should say -What the film is called -What it is about -How you heard about this film -Why you should like to see it

•I'm going to talk about a film that I'd like to see when it comes out later this year. It's the new James Bond film, and I saw in the news that it's going to be called 'Spectre'. I think 'Spectre' refers to the name of the imaginary criminal organisation that James Bond has to defeat in the film. •As 'Spectre' hasn't been released yet, I don't know exactly what it will be about. But I can guess that the hero, Bond, is going to be on a mission to save the world from an arch-criminal as usual. I'm sure it will be similar to most of the previous Bond films, with a plot line involving lots of twists and turns, and with Bond using his skills to defeat his nemesis in the end. •I first heard about this film when I was watching the news a couple of months ago, and since then I've seen the official trailer on TV. There have also been various articles in newspapers discussing the actors who have been cast to play supporting roles in the film. The James Bond films are always big news here in the UK, probably because Bond himself is an English character. •I'd like to see 'Spectre' at the cinema because I'm sure it will be full of action scenes and special effects, and I like the fact that Bond's missions always take place in spectacular locations in different parts of the world. Of course Bond films are totally unrealistic, you could even say ridiculous. But they're always fast, entertaining and fun, a bit like a roller-coaster ride!

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'prize' answer Describe a prize that you would like to win. You should explain - what the prize is for - how you know about it - what you would have to do to win it - and why you would like to win this prize.

•I'm going to talk about a prize that I would like to win, which is the 'employee of the year' award at the company where I work. At the end of December each year, the company directors give this award to a member of staff who has made an outstanding contribution to the business over the previous twelve months. •I first heard about this prize during my training and orientation period just after I got the job three years ago. It was early December and some of my colleagues were discussing who might be awarded 'employee of the year' later that month. I was intrigued, and asked them to tell me more about the award. •As I said, the prize is given for 'outstanding contribution to the business'. We don't have an exact definition of what this means, but we assume that you have to achieve certain standards, such as 100% attendance, good punctuality, meeting targets and deadlines, good teamwork, and so on. I think the winner also needs to have done something especially creative. For example, last year's winner created a completely new service for our clients. •I'd like to win 'employee of the year' because it would mean that my work had been recognised by the company directors, and this would definitely help me to progress in my career. It would also give me a great sense of personal achievement.

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'hurry' answer Describe a time when you had to do something in a hurry. You should say - what you were doing - when this was - why you had to hurry - and explain how you felt at that time

•I'm going to talk about a time when I had to hurry to get ready for a trip with some colleagues while I was working in a previous job. •It was a Monday morning about five years ago. A group of us had to catch an early flight, and a senior member of our department had volunteered to drive us to the airport. I was supposed to be ready and waiting to be picked up from my home at 5.30am, and my colleague had asked me to look out for his car so that he didn't have to ring my doorbell. •The problem was that I overslept. I had set my alarm, but somehow I must have turned it off and carried on sleeping. Suddenly, at 5.30am, my doorbell rang and I looked over at my alarm clock. I immediately realised what had happened, and I sprang out of bed and got dressed in record time. I splashed some water on my face, quickly brushed my teeth, and put my shoes on without properly tying the laces. Then I picked up my suitcase and coat, and left the house. •I can still remember the moment when the doorbell woke me up and I saw the time: I was filled with a sense of panic and fear as I realised that my colleagues were waiting outside. Then, when I left my house and walked towards the awaiting car, I felt so embarrassed because it was obvious that I hadn't been ready on time.