“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”
This was famously said by Pele, a legendary football player, 3 times World Cup winner and probably the best-paid athlete of his time. Pele knew what he was talking about, and the 12 people whose success we are celebrating today would agree with him 100%!
They worked hard and didn’t give up. They sacrificed freedom and sleep to study. And that is why they got these amazing results!
Let’s give a very warm welcome to …
IELTS results competition winners of August 2023
Academic Module
1st place – Ikmanpreet Gill from India, Band 8
1st place – Balhardeep Kaur from India, Band 8
1st place – Arvin Gharib from Iran, Band 8
1st place – Reginald Okyere from Ghana, Band 8
2nd place – Harsh from India, Band 7.5
2nd place – Muskaan Deep Kaur from India, Band 7.5
2nd place – Parneet Kaur from India, Band 7.5
2nd place – Raj Vinit from India, Band 7.5
2nd place – Ethel Abagulum from Ghana, Band 7.5
3rd place – Mahbub Md Morshed from Bangladesh, Band 7
General Training Module
1st place – Fathima Farook from Sri Lanka, Band 8
1st place – Forward Nyakasvipa from Zimbabwe, Band 8
Congratulations on these fantastic scores! To mark this happy occasion we are sending our winners their certificates of achievement via email. We are also adding the winning IELTS results to the IELTS-Blog hall of fame – so please feel free to show them off to your friends!
How did they score so well?
You would have noticed that our winners come from all over the world – we have people from India, Ghana, Bangladesh, Iran, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. They speak 6 different languages, some of them took the Academic IELTS while others took General Training, some needed an IELTS score for work visa, others to study overseas.
But they all had something in common, something that helped them achieve these wonderful results. Can you guess what it was?
They were using IELTS-Blog.com to prepare for their tests. They subscribed to our daily updates and followed advice we are sending out daily, to keep everyone motivated, engaged, accountable and hard at work.
Here is what some of them said:
Suren Berry, the IELTS trainer at Berry IELTS institute in Punjab, India said,
“Writing you to share some amazing results of my students. It goes without saying that your contribution to these coveted achievements is immense. It’s a huge honor for me and my students [to get their results published], since all the students were getting regular updates from your esteemed IELTS-Blog.com.”
Raj Vinit said,
“I got my required score. Now I can become a Registered Nurse in the UK. Thanking you because I followed your instructions; I regularly read the emails [you sent me] and practiced different Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking questions and answers.”
We would love to hear from more winners, because when you share your stories and tell us how you studied, you are helping thousands of test takers, preparing for their exams right now. Any useful tips will be posted on IELTS-Blog.com, so everyone can use the same technique and get a better score in their own exam this month.
Did you know? IELTS results competition runs every month, and everyone is welcome to participate. Learn how to enroll here.
A test taker from Canada (thank you, MK!) remembered the following questions from her very recent Speaking test:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your name?
– Where are you from?
– Do you sometimes forget where you put your belongings, like your keys or phone?
– Have you ever forgotten someone’s name? How did you handle the situation?
– Do you have a childhood memory that you can easily remember?
– Do you find it easy to remember birthdays of your close friends and family?
– Have you ever had to write things down to remember them?
– Have you ever forgotten to do something really important?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe a piece of good news that you heard about someone you know well. You should say:
– what it was
– when you heard it
– how you heard it
and explain how you felt about the news.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Many people share their good news on social media. Can businesses achieve more sales by also sharing good news on social media?
– How might small business owners use social media to promote their business?
– Do you think word-of-mouth plays a significant role in spreading good news about small businesses?
– What are some advantages of starting a small business compared to a large one?
– How do you think the challenges faced by small businesses differ from those of larger corporations?
– In your opinion, what factors contribute to the success of a small business?
– How do small businesses impact local communities and economies?
– Do you think government support is crucial for the growth of small businesses? Why or why not?
Our lovely friend GS from Kuwait shared the writing questions from the IELTS test he took a few days ago. Pretend you got these questions in your exam and write your own essay and report – it makes excellent practice!
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The chart below provides information about the percentage of Australian children who participated in sports outside of school hours in a particular year.
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 argue that the government should pay more for art to be displayed at openings and exhibitions. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Our kind friend AG from Iran shared the writing questions from his very recent test. Write your own essay and report using these questions – it makes excellent practice for your upcoming test!
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The chart below provides information about weekly hours worked by Australian men and women in 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 think that the best way for developing countries to eradicate poverty is to provide six years of free education to every child. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Our kind friends AG and KP reported getting very similar Speaking questions in two different countries. They took their IELTS exams in India and Iran earlier this week, and here is what they collectively remembered:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your name?
– Do you work or study?
– Do you use public transport?
– Are you using public transport now more than in the past?
– Why do you choose to use public transport?
– Have you ever been in a situation where using public transport was inconvenient?
– Do you think the cost of public transport in your country is reasonable?
– How do you think public transportation could be improved in your city or town?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe a house you know well. You should say:
– whose house it is
– what it looks like
– how often you visit it
and explain why you chose to talk about this house.
Part 3 (Discussion)
Do you think is it important for homes to have natural light?
How does natural light contribute to the overall atmosphere of a home?
Do you think the amount of natural light affects people’s mood?
Are there any functional benefits to having natural light in a house?
Do you believe that homes in urban areas receive less natural light compared homes in rural areas?
How can architects ensure homes receive ample natural light?
What challenges are there in providing sufficient natural light in homes?
Are there certain regions or climates where natural light might be more important than others?
In today’s post we are covering IELTS Speaking questions and answers on the topics of Friends, Road Trips, Drivers and Self-driving Cars. The questions were shared by a student who took IELTS in Ghana. The answers below show a good way to respond to these questions.
NEW! In this podcast episode you can watch the video and LISTEN to all the questions and answers. It’s great to improve your pronunciation, intonation and overall fluency!
Watch and listen in the video, or read the model answers below:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview) Questions & Answers
1. Do you work or study?
Well, I completed my studies a few years ago, and I’ve been working in the bakery industry ever since.
2. What kind of job do you have?
I work as a cake decorator at a large bakery. We decorate cakes for special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, various parties or even weddings. We use different frostings, fruit and berries to create unique designs and make sure no two cakes are ever the same.
3. What do you like about your job?
The best thing about my job is that I can be creative. It requires me to come up with new ideas every day, so I never get bored. I also enjoy working with my team, we’ve all grown close over the last couple of years and some of my colleagues became my best friends.
4. How many hours do you work?
About 40 hours a week, but sometimes I put in more hours if we have a particularly large order or a wedding, because wedding cakes are massive. They can have 3 or 4 tiers and can take a couple of days to make.
5. What do you think can be done to make you happy on the job?
Well, I’m already pretty content at my job. I guess the only thing that would make me happier is if we didn’t have to start that early. Some of my shifts start at 7am, which means I have to leave home at 6:30 in the morning, but after a busy weekend I really need my sleep!
6. Do you sometimes make time to meet with your friends?
We all live quite close to each other, and like I said before, some of us work together so we see each other basically every day. Apart from that, we try to make plans to meet at least once or twice a week, especially on the weekends.
7. What do you do when you get together with your friends?
It depends on our mood and our levels of exhaustion. Sometimes we plan trips to new and exciting places, and other times we might just all get together at home to watch a movie and order some pizzas.
8. Why are your friends important to you?
I think my friends have become my second family! We’ve all basically grown up together and shared a lot of experiences growing up, helped each other through hardships of adult life and also had many happy moments.
Part 2 (Cue Card) Question & Answer
Describe a memorable car journey you went on. You should say:
– where you went
– why you went there and with whom
– how long the journey was
and explain why this journey was memorable.
Answer
One of the best car trips that I have been on was during our summer break, when my friends and I decided one day to take a trip to the coast.
The actual journey was only 7 hours long, but we decided to stop at different small towns and soak in the sights at different beaches.
We enjoyed exploring the different areas and local tourist spots. Each town along this route had its own special charm, it’s unique beauty, and we had trouble picking a favourite!
But what made this journey especially memorable was the sheer beauty of the nature that we encountered. The highway offered panoramic views of rolling hills and cliffs on one side and crashing deep blue waves on the other. And the sunsets were just unbelievable. In fact, every point seems like a picture-perfect postcard.
I remember we turned up the music and sang our favourite songs and laughed, savouring every moment. It really was an unforgettable journey.
Part 3 (Discussion) Questions & Answers
1. What industry do you think needs experienced drivers?
I guess that would be any industry that requires people to drive heavy vehicles like buses and trucks. So, that would include public transportation and long-haul drivers. This is mainly because they hold the power over the lives of so many people, including those that travel in their vehicle as well as anyone in close proximity to them on the road. Even a small mistake can end in a tragedy.
2. Apart from checking the Driver’s Licence, what other things should companies do before hiring drivers?
I think as with any other job, employers should do a thorough background check and be on the lookout for any red flags in their driving record such as fines or previous accidents. It would also be necessary to make them take a practice road test in order to properly assess their driving skills.
3. As technology advances, do you think the demand for experienced drivers in various industries will increase or decrease, and why?
I think we will see a reduction in the number of drivers in these sectors, mainly due to the rise of driverless vehicles. As we know, driver fatigue is one of the major causes for road accidents and obviously a self-driving car won’t get tired on a long delivery route. I guess that would mean that less qualified people could be hired to just monitor these vehicles.
4. How might experienced drivers be affected by the rise of driverless vehicles?
I think job displacement would be a serious concern for them, however, you never know. From my own personal experience, I’ve noticed that while the rising use of artificial intelligence has caused some jobs to become obsolete, it has also resulted in the creation of many new opportunities and job fields. These driver’s expertise and skill could be used in a more supervisory role, or they could even be used to help the AI to learn from them.
5. Do you think driverless vehicles can replace planes?
They could, but I think there would always be a large group of people that would prefer a human pilot, and I happen to be one of those people. A self-driving car is less of a danger in my eyes, because as a driver, I would still have the ability to manually control my car if needed. That’s definitely not the case with a plane full of people.
6. What are the advantages of driverless vehicles?
Well, there are a number of benefits. The main one would be a reduction in the number of accidents caused by human error. Self-driving vehicles don’t get distracted or tired. I think this would inevitably lead to less traffic congestion and smoother, hassle free commutes to work. Another plus point is that people could use their commute time better, instead of just focusing on driving.
Bonus Answer
7. What are the disadvantages of driverless vehicles?
I think the main concern for people is that AI might respond incorrectly to a situation on the road, and who to blame if it makes a mistake. This is new territory for everyone involved. Recently, there was a case where a driverless car was involved in an accident and a passenger in another car got seriously hurt. If a human driver caused that, they would have been given jail time. But what do you do about a self-driving car? It’s not very clear, but I guess in time we will learn how to deal with these things.
Our kind friend JS from Bangladesh shared the writing questions from his test 2 days ago. Write your own essay and report using these questions – it makes excellent practice for your upcoming test!
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The graph below provides information on the number of students from the US, UK and Australia who studied in other countries between 2002 and 2007.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
* Note: this isn’t the actual graph given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
International travel and tourism has become easier and more affordable. Is this a positive or a negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Our kind friends JS and AP shared the IELTS Speaking questions from the exams they took yesterday in Bangladesh. They were asked very similar questions on the topic of traditions and traditional values:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your name?
– Do you work or study?
– Can you describe the place you currently live in?
– What are some of the interesting features or landmarks in your area?
– Have there been any significant changes in town in recent years? What changes?
– What do you do when you get a day off work or study?
– Have you taken any days off recently?
– How do you like to spend your leisure time?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe a traditional celebration day in your country. You should say:
– what celebration it is
– how often it occurs
– what activities people engage in on this day
and explain why this celebration is important to you.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Do you think schools adequately teach students about traditions and values?
– In your opinion, should schools have a more significant role in imparting traditional values to students? Why or why not?
– Are there any disadvantages to schools teaching traditional values as part of their curriculum?
– How important is the role of family in passing on traditional values to younger generations?
– Do you believe that parents can better instil traditional values in their children compared to schools? Why?
– In what ways can families teach their children about cultural traditions and values?
Part time courses are on the rise and students are taking them up as an alternative to full time courses. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
Sample Band 8 Essay
In recent times, the surge in the popularity of part-time courses as an alternative to full-time educational programs gave rise to concerns about the potential disadvantages of this trend. While some concerns are valid, the benefits of part-time courses are quite significant and make them a valuable option for a significant number of students.
In today’s fast-paced world, individuals often juggle multiple responsibilities such as work and family obligations, and therefore, flexibility has become a feature of great importance. Part-time courses allow students to strike a harmonious balance between education and other commitments. This, in turn, promotes lifelong learning and empowers individuals to enhance their skill sets without disrupting their established routines.
Financial ability is yet another important factor for students. Part-time studies cater to a diverse range of students, including those who may lack the financial means for full-time education. These courses are generally more cost-effective and can be pursued without the weight of exorbitant student loans. This enhanced accessibility democratises education, enabling individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds to acquire qualifications and improve their career prospects.
The aspect of practical application that part-time courses emphasise appeals to a large segment of students. Course participants are often encouraged to engage in hands-on learning experiences and implement their knowledge directly in their workplaces. This bridge between theory and real-world practice enriches their understanding and sharpens their problem-solving skills, nurturing a more comprehensive educational experience. Such hands-on approach enhances employability, a crucial consideration in today’s competitive job market.
To sum up, while concerns about extended study periods and limited social interactions associated with part-time courses are valid, in my opinion, the advantages they offer outweigh these drawbacks. Many students are attracted to the idea of part-time study by its flexibility, accessibility, practical orientation, and tailored approach and never regret that choice. In an evolving educational landscape, where diverse needs and commitments are paramount, part-time courses stand as a testament to the adaptability of education.
Teacher’s comment:
This is an excellent example of a Band 8 essay.
Task Response: Band 8
Your essay addresses the task quite well. You have a clear introduction that presents the topic and outlines the stance you will take. The body paragraphs effectively elaborate on the advantages of part-time courses, covering aspects like flexibility, financial accessibility, and practical application. You also acknowledge potential drawbacks, which reflects a balanced discussion. Your conclusion summarises your opinion and reaffirms your position on the topic. Your response is well-structured and presents a coherent line of thought.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
Your essay is well-organised and easy to follow. There is a clear progression from one paragraph to another, with each paragraph addressing a distinct point. The use of transition words and phrases aids in maintaining the logical flow of ideas. The introduction and conclusion provide effective bookends to your essay, encapsulating your main points succinctly.
Lexical Resource: Band 8
Your vocabulary usage is varied and appropriate for the essay topic. You’ve used words like “flexibility,” “harmonious balance,” “practical application,” and “accessibility” effectively to convey your points. In addition, you’ve used vocabulary like “democratises education” to express complex ideas succinctly. Your vocabulary usage is diverse and adds depth and clarity to your arguments.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
Your essay demonstrates a good command of grammar and sentence structure. You effectively use a mix of simple and complex sentences, showcasing your ability to handle different grammatical structures. There are only minor errors, mostly related to punctuation. Overall, your writing is clear and easy to understand.
Our friends from Nigeria reported the following Writing and Speaking questions from their recent exams. Use them to practice for your upcoming IELTS test and never run out of answers!
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a letter)
You are applying for a job and you need a letter of reference from someone who can recommend you. You decided to ask a teacher who knows you well to write the reference. Write a letter to the teacher. In your letter,
– Explain why you have chosen to ask him/her to write the reference
– Describe the job you are applying for
– Say why you think you would be suitable for the job.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
It is sometimes said that modern technology brings people more free time. However, some people say that instead technology is making people even busier. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– Do you work or study?
– Do you like your work?
– What would you like to change about the work that you do?
– Do you have an interest in space and planets?
– Did you learn about space or the solar system when you were in school?
– How much do you know about the planets in our solar system?
– Have you ever visited an observatory or a planetarium to learn about space?
– What do you find most fascinating about outer space?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Talk about an activity you did in your free time as a child that you enjoyed. You should say
– what you did
– when you did it
– why you chose this activity
and explain why you enjoyed this activity.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Do you think children’s leisure activities are important for their development? In what way?
– How can childhood hobbies and interests influence a person’s choices in adult life?
– Do you believe that childhood activities impact a person’s creativity later in life?
– Have the types of activities that children enjoy in their free time changed over the years? Why?
– How do you think modern technology has influenced the activities that children engage in today?
– Do you think traditional outdoor activities are still popular among children? Why or why not?
Thanks to our generous subscriber KJ we are sharing these IELTS Speaking questions today. KJ took his IELTS exam in Ghana a few days ago and remembered the following:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– Do you work or study?
– What kind of job do you have?
– What do you like about your job?
– How many hours do you work?
– What do you think can be done to make you happy on the job?
– Do you have friends?
– Do you sometimes make time to meet your friends?
– What do you do when you get together with your friends?
– Why are your friends important to you?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe a memorable car journey you went on. You should say
– where you went
– why you went there and with whom
– how long the journey was
and explain why this journey was memorable.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– What industry do you think needs experienced drivers?
– Apart from checking their driver’s licences, what other things should companies do before hiring drivers?
– As technology advances, do you think the demand for experienced drivers in various industries will increase or decrease? Why?
– How might experienced drivers be affected by the rise of driverless vehicles?
– Do you think driverless vehicles can replace planes?
– What are the advantages of driverless vehicles?
– What are the disadvantages of driverless vehicles?
Our kind Instagram follower from Pakistan recently took his IELTS exam and remembered the following questions. Use them to practice for your upcoming IELTS test and face it in your top shape!
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The table below illustrates the weekly consumption of dairy products by age in a European country.
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)
Some people think that the Internet and communication technology are having a negative effect on social relationships. Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– Where do you live?
– Can you describe the area you live in?
– What are some good qualities of the area where you live?
– What changes would you like to see in your area in the future?
– Let’s talk about concentration.
– Are you a very ambitious person who can concentrate easily?
– Can you concentrate in a noisy place?
– What helps you concentrate?
– What was your dream job when you were a child?
– Is this still your dream job?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Talk about a book that you read more than once. You should say
– what book it was
– when you read it
– what you learnt from it
and explain why you read that book more than once.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– What benefits do children get from reading non-fiction or informational books?
– In what ways does reading help children improve their concentration and focus?
– How does reading influence children’s creativity and imagination?
– How important do you think it is for parents to read to their children?
– What are some benefits of parents reading to their children from a young age?
– How can parents make reading sessions more engaging for their children?
In today’s post we are covering IELTS Speaking questions and answers on the topics of Your Studies, Bags, Expensive Gifts and Money. The questions were shared by a student who took IELTS in Pakistan. The answers below show a good way to respond to these questions.
NEW! In this podcast episode you can watch the video and LISTEN to all the questions and answers. It’s great to improve your pronunciation, intonation and overall fluency!
Watch and listen in the video, or read the model answers below:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview) Questions & Answers
1. Do you work or study?
I’m studying at the moment. I’m in the fourth year of my degree, so basically, I’m almost done.
2. What subject do you study, and why did you choose it?
I chose to major in environmental science. I guess I have always been passionate about nature and conservation, so this just seemed like a natural fit for me. Basically, I want to understand the natural world better and, hopefully, make a difference in protecting our environment.
3. Do you enjoy your courses?
I do, and even more than I thought I would! It’s true that some subjects are tougher than others, but I have had the privilege to study under some of the world’s most renowned experts in this field which makes up for these challenging courses.
4. Do you carry a bag with you when you go to university?
I do, and it’s usually just my laptop bag with a few snacks for the day. There is really no need to carry any hard copy books in this day and age.
5. What did you carry in your bag when you went to primary school?
Oh, this question really takes me back! I was one of those kids that always had tons of stationary and huge pencil boxes. I always kept my books neat and tidy, and my prized possessions were my pack of colour gel pens and scented erasers.
6. What type of bag do you take with you when you go on holidays?
Strangely enough, I hardly pack anything except the bare essentials. I just bring along a small carry-on bag. The main reason why is actually a bit funny though! I never have to overpack, because I always travel with my elder brother, and his luggage usually includes everything you could possibly need on holiday.
Part 2 (Cue Card) Question & Answer
Talk about an expensive gift you would like to give to someone. You should say
– what the gift would be
– who you would give it to
– when you would do it
and explain why you would like to give that person an expensive gift.
Answer
I’ve been saving up for a while to give my mom a luxury spa getaway package in a very pricey beach resort. The package includes a stay at a 5-star hotel, along with massages, saunas, facials and many other pampering treatments that I’m sure she’ll love.
The reason for me choosing this particular gift for my mom is quite special. For as far back as I can remember, my mom has always put everyone else’s needs before her own. Even as a kid, I remember that she would hardly ever buy nice things for herself, but she always made sure that we had the best of everything. So, I would like for her to feel like the queen that she is. She definitely deserves to experience a little luxury for a change.
This mini getaway would also be a way to spend some much-needed quality time with my mom and sister. It’s a shame we barely see each other these days, because we all live in different cities.
I plan on surprising mom on her birthday, which is coming up in about two months. My sister and I have arranged for a small get together with some of her closest friends, and I guess that’ll be the perfect time to tell her about our trip.
It’s just a small way to thank her for being the most amazing mom. I suspect she’ll be a bit shocked by how expensive the gift is! But I also know that there is no amount of money that can repay for all that she’s done for us.
Part 3 (Discussion) Questions & Answers
1. What is the value of money to you?
To me, money represents stability and security. I grew up in a poor household, so I have experienced firsthand what life without a lot of money is like. I know that it’s not everything life is about, but having money means that you can do or buy things that you enjoy without having to stress about finances.
2. Where do people learn the value of money, at home or in school?
Well, it’s a bit of both, actually. We learn about how to manage expenses from our parents, but at school and at home we also learn about the way money works and how it can be used. Even something as simple as using your pocket money to buy sweets from the school tuckshop can teach a child how to manage their money and how to use it wisely.
3. Do you think children should be taught how to manage money?
Yes, and I wish I was taught these things in school. Managing money is an essential life skill that will help children to be more responsible in the future.
4. Is it important for people to learn to save money?
Yes, I think so, because life is unpredictable and if people knew about the best ways to save money, then their savings could act as a safety net in case of any unfortunate circumstances, like losing their job or medical emergencies.
5. How much of its budget should a country spend on education and health?
Well, I am not an expert, but I think that a big part of the budget should be shared by both sectors. In my view, countries that prioritise education are always the ones that prosper in terms of economy and in all other areas as well. I guess I would say that around 30 percent of the country’s budget should be allocated to the health and education sectors. However, I should add that allocating money isn’t the only thing. Development in these sectors also depends on the proper management of the funds.
6. Should a country spend money on arts?
Most definitely, because Art is more than just entertainment. It plays a pivotal role in fostering creativity and brings people from all walks of life together. It can also be a medium to represent our culture and traditions to the world, so there should be some investment in all forms of art.
7. What is the effect of Art on the young people of your country?
I think the younger generation have done wonders in the world of art. They are masters at using different mediums like music, painting and even acting to express themselves and their new ways of thinking. Engaging in these different forms of art has led to a more vibrant and powerful generation that can think creatively and critically.
Our Instagram follower S took his IELTS Speaking test in Istanbul, Türkiye a few days ago and shared the following questions:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– Do you work or study?
– What do you like about your major?
– How many hours do you study each week?
– Are there any wild animals in your hometown?
– Where would you need to go, to see wild life?
– Where do you live now?
– What type of weather do you like?
– Does it rain often in your hometown?
– Do you like it when it rains?
– Did you ever have to change your plans because of the rainy weather?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe an occasion when you spent time with a teenager. You should say
– who it was
– where you went
– what you did
and explain whether or not you enjoyed spending time with this teenager and why.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Who do you think should take care of children, mothers or fathers?
– How and where did children play in the past?
– How is that different from the games children play today?
– Do you agree that parents buy too many toys for their children?
– Should parents teach their children to respect other people?
– What can children learn from their parents?
Our friend S from Türkiye took his IELTS exam a couple of days ago and remembered the following questions. The same questions were also reported by students from Kenya, Africa.
Use them to practice for your upcoming IELTS test and face it in your top shape!
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The chart below illustrates the percentages of sales of one bookseller in 1970, 1992 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)
Full-time university students need to spend most of their time studying. Some people, however, claim that students needed to be involved in other activities as well. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
When you are taking the Listening test on a computer, even if you are a reasonably confident English listener, chances are you will experience at least one of these problems.
Today Robert Nicholson, a former IELTS examiner and co-author of “High Scorer’s Choice” IELTS practice book series, shares a way for you to deal with these problems. Make sure not to miss the Bonus Tip at the end!
Short on time? Here is a quick summary:
Problem 1 – Losing track of the recording and missing several answers in a row
How to avoid losing track of the recording
Keeping up with the recording is a problem for many people. It’s easy to get lost and miss a few answers in a row. To prevent that, always read not one, but TWO questions ahead and keep thinking of the two things you are listening for.
For example, there is a form to fill in. In question 2 a house number is missing, and in question 3 a year is missing. You should keep thinking: “I need to hear a house number and then a year”. Even if you miss the house number, when you hear a year you will know you are up to question 3. It will stop you losing more than one question’s answer. Be selective about things you are listening for.
How to move between questions in the correct order, to avoid skipping questions by accident
Make your eyes zigzag from left to right when answering multiple choice questions. This is because the first question appears on the left side of the screen, and the next one is on the right side. Then, the following question is on the left again, and the one after it is on the right. Many people automatically look only at the questions on the left, and don’t notice the questions on the right until it’s too late, the recording has moved on, and they missed all the answers to questions on the right side.
Problem 2 – Rushing and choosing the answer too soon
Listen until the very end, because the answer might change. Often you hear the speaker mention one answer option, but then they decide on another. For example. Sandra and Roger are talking about the platform where their train stops. Sandra thinks her train stops at platform four, but then Roger says it’s changed to platform seven. If you select the answer too early, you may select four, when the correct answer is seven.
Problem 3 – Lack of time to read all the questions before the recording starts.
At the start of every part of the listening test you are given some time to read the questions. This time feels very short. To give yourself more time, here is what you can do. When Part 1 ends, you get some time to check your answers. Instead of checking your answers, skip to Part 2 and start reading the questions there. It doubles your time! Do the same when Part 2 ends. Instead of checking your answers, skip to Part 3 and start reading the questions there. What about checking your answers? At the end of the Listening test, you get 2 minutes to check your answers, and that is when you can do it.
At the end of the Listening test everyone gets two minutes to check their answers, but not many people know how to do that, to maximise their score. Checking whether or not you’ve chosen the correct year, house number, amount of money or person’s name is not easy, because you probably won’t remember them. By the time you get to Part 4, what you heard in Part 1 has evaporated from your memory. But there are other important things to check for in your answers. These things, if not fixed, can cancel a perfectly correct answer. So, when checking your answers, look at 3 things.
1. Word count. Check the instructions to see how many words are allowed, and make sure that your answers do not exceed that limit.
2. Spelling. It is important, because a correct answer that is misspelled will be marked as incorrect.
3. The answers you left blank. You don’t lose points for incorrect answers, so it is better to guess than leave anything blank. If your guess is correct, you’ve gained one mark, and if it’s incorrect, you’ve lost nothing, so it makes sense to do that in the final two minutes of the Listening test.
A very special thank you to Jessica Beck from the IELTS Energy podcast for having Robbie as a guest on the show.
Our kind friend CM took his IELTS Speaking test in the UK a few days ago and remembered the following questions:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your name?
– Do you work or study?
– Why did you choose that job?
– What things don’t you like about your job?
– What do you do on your days off?
– When was the last time you had a few days off?
– What do you spend time doing when you are off work?
– Do you ever feel like you waste your free time?
– How often do you get to take time off work?
– Do you wish you had more free time?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe a sport that you enjoyed playing when you were young. You should say
– what sport is was
– who you played with
– where you played
and explain why you enjoyed playing that sport.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Do you think children should be given prizes for winning in sports competitions?
– What are the advantages of winning prizes?
– Is it better for children to win prizes individually or as a team?
– Do you think competition is important to school children? Why or why not?
– Is competition important to adults just as much?
– Is competition important in business? Why?
– What is the downside of competition in business?
CM took his IELTS test in the United Kingdom very recently and remembered the following questions. They make excellent practice for your upcoming IELTS test!
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The diagram below describes the process of making recycled paper.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
* Note: this isn’t the actual diagram given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
New parents should attend parenting classes to learn how to bring up their children well. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
The table below shows the postgraduate course fees that international students paid in three countries in 2007. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words
* Note: this isn’t the actual table given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.
Band 8.5 Model Answer
The table provides information about the fees paid by foreign postgraduate students in three countries for different subjects, as well as meals and accommodation.
It is clear from the table that Country A had the lowest fees for all fields of study and meals and accommodation, while Country B and Country C had noticeably similar, higher fees. Of all the countries, Country B had the highest fees overall.
To begin, the Arts and Commerce courses not only had the exact same fees, but they were also the lowest in the table, with $8,000 for Country A, $18,000 for Country B and $19,000 for Country C. The course fees for Computing and Science were close in all the countries. In Country A they were identical at $11,000, whereas in Country B the Computing course was $27,000 and Science cost $2,000 more. The figures for Country C were slightly lower at $24,000 for Computing and $25,000 for Science.
The fees for meals and accommodation varied significantly across the 3 countries. The most affordable cost of $8,000 belonged to Country A, followed by $11,000 in country C and the most expensive meals and housing costs ($17,000) were recorded in Country B.
In today’s post we are covering IELTS Speaking questions and answers on the topics of Job, Dream Home, House Types, Wild Animals and the Zoo. The questions were shared by a student who took IELTS in India. The answers below show a good way to respond to these questions.
NEW! In this podcast episode you can watch the video and LISTEN to all the questions and answers. It’s great to improve your pronunciation, intonation and overall fluency!
Watch and listen in the video, or read the model answers below:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview) Questions & Answers
1. Do you work or study?
Right now, I work full time at a well-known tech company as a software developer.
2. Where do you work?
I work at a software company called TechSpark, in San Francisco. The company specialises in developing digital solutions for businesses.
3. What do you like about your work?
I’ve always loved solving complex problems and puzzles, and basically as a software developer that’s what I get to do all day. My job requires creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Also, my company’s work environment encourages collaboration and continuous learning.
4. What would make your work more interesting?
I’d like to be involved in more research and development opportunities. An opportunity to be on the cutting edge of new and innovative solutions in the tech world excites and motivates me a lot.
5. What do you dislike about your job?
The tight and sometimes unrealistic deadlines set by project managers are something that I really don’t enjoy, and this often causes a lot of unnecessary pressure and stress.
6. What change would you like to make at work?
I think it would be great if we switched to a more flexible working model that included more work from home days. I feel like this hybrid model would greatly improve our productivity.
7. How many hours do you work each week?
I generally work the standard 40 hours a week, but this can also stretch to around 50 to 60 hours, when we are on a tight deadline.
Part 2 (Cue Card) Question & Answer
Describe your idea of a perfect house. You should say:
– where it should be
– what features it should have
– who you would live there with
and explain why this would be the perfect house for you.
Answer
I’ve always admired the large, open-plan homes of the upmarket suburbs. These homes are located in peaceful and scenic areas that are also close enough to the city.
Ideally, my suburban home would still be reasonably close to the city so that I can easily access urban facilities and services. It is also important for it to have a good view of nature, something like a lake or a wooded area.
In terms of look, I would want my home to have a traditional look while being equipped with modern amenities. It should have an open plan living space with large windows and sky lights, to take advantage of as much natural light as possible.
The main focus of the home should be the kitchen, since I love to cook for my family. I would love a spacious kitchen with an island, beautiful marble bench top and modern appliances.
I also have a large book collection, and I have always envisioned having a cosy library to store all of my favourite books. I guess this would also function as a work from home office as well.
A large backyard is also a must, since family barbecues are something we often host. It would also serve as a place for kids to play in and have fun, as well as a place to relax in the evenings.
I imagine that I would live in my dream home with my family and our pets. I believe that this would be the perfect house for me because it offers the right balance of access to the benefits of urban life while being surrounded by nature.
Part 3 (Discussion) Questions & Answers
1. Are there many types of houses in your country? What are they?
Yes, there are many types of houses that cater for different demographics and people with different preferences. These include, high rise apartments in cities, large suburban homes, as well as sprawling farmhouses in rural areas.
2. Are there any traditional houses that are still popular in your country? Can you describe them?
Yes, many people still find traditional farmhouses to be very appealing. These houses are famous for their intricate woodwork and built in furniture as well as their wide front porches. Traditional houses are popular with large families because they have lots of space.
3. What is the difference between living in an old house compared to a new house?
Old houses have a unique charm about them, and they come with a lot of history and character. Unfortunately, they also require more maintenance and they sometimes lack modern amenities. On the other hand, newer homes are almost always more energy efficient and equipped with up to date technology, but they lack the individuality of older homes.
4. How have the types of houses in your country changed over the years?
In the past, families could afford to live in large spacious homes. However, with the changing times and the rapid growth of city populations, more and more people choose to live in smaller high rise apartments or flats. Also, as I mentioned before, the homes of today are more energy efficient.
5. Have you ever been to the zoo?
Yes, I visited the zoo a couple of times on school excursions. However, it was not an experience that I enjoyed at all. I do not believe that it is ethical to house majestic and wild creatures in tiny cages and enclosures. It seemed as if the poor animals’ souls were literally sucked out of them. It was just heartbreaking to watch.
6. What wild animals are commonly found in your country?
There is a diverse range of animals that live here, including tigers, wild boars, a number of exotic birds, and even wild goats that live on mountain tops. Actually, the type of animal you find depends heavily on which part of the country you are in. For example, tigers and wild boars are usually found in the central part of the country which is basically forest land.
7. What wild animal from another country would you like to see in the future?
I have always wanted to see an elephant in the wild. It would be amazing to actually see it in its natural habitat. I have heard many stories about their great emotional intelligence and complex social structures. Hopefully one day I will be able to go on a safari tour and see them in person.
