Part 3 Speaking Topic 1

IELTS Personality

Part 3-style questions

Examiner:  Which personal qualities do you think we most want to pass on to our children?

Martin: I certainly would want my children to be self-confident and self-assured … I really believe that people who feel good about themselves are in a good position to face what life has to offer them … and I’d hope they wouldn’t be self-centred … but remembered to think about others …

Examiner: Which characteristics do you think are the least appealing in a person?

Marianne: Well … people who are very narrow-minded are difficult to get on with … it’s nice when someone is open to other people’s opinion and willing to think about their own views … and people who are two-faced can be a little irritating … relationships are built on trust and without honesty there’s not much left …

Examiner: Which personality types do you think are less likely to suffer from stress or anxiety?

Sol: Probably people who are thick-skinned … who don’t let people or problems affect them too much … and if you are fair-minded you’ ll be less likely to overreact to situations or be quick-tempered …

Definitions

• to be the life and soul of the party: a fun person, someone who is the centre of activity
• to bend over backwards: to try very hard to help someone
• broad-minded: prepared to accept other views or behaviours
• easy-going: relaxed and not easily worried about anything
• extrovert: an energetic person who likes the company of others
• fair-minded: to treat people equally
• fun-loving: to enjoy having fun
• to hide one’s light under a bushel: to hide one’s talents and skills
• good company: enjoyable to socialise with
• good sense of humour: the ability to understand what is funny
• introvert: someone who is shy
• laid-back: see ‘easy-going’
• to lose one’s temper: to suddenly become angry
• narrow minded: opposite of ‘broad-minded’ (see above)
• painfully shy: very shy
• to put others first: to think of others before yourself
• quick-tempered: to become angry quickly
• reserved: shy
• self-assured: confident
• self-centred: thinks only of oneself
• self-confident: believes in one’s own ability or knowledge
• self-effacing: to not try to get the attention of others (especially in terms of hiding one’s skills or abilities)
• to take after: to be like (often another member of the family)
• thick-skinned:  not easily affected by criticism
• trustworthy: can be trusted
• two-faced: not honest or sincere. Will say one thing to someone to their face and another when they are not present.

IELTS Speaking Part 3

In Part 3 of the IELTS interview, which lasts between 4-5 minutes, you will participate in a discussion with the examiner based on the topic in Part 2. The examiner is likely to ask you questions based on your experience or opinion of the subject.
Example Questions:
Topic = Sport you watch or participate in

Q: How important is it for young people to be involved in sport?
Q: Which sports are particulalry popular in your country?
Q: What would you recommend to someone thinking about taking up a new sporting interest?

Topic = Somebody who has been an important friend to you

Q: Why are friends so important to us?
Q: Which qualities do you most value in a friend?
Q: Is it common to have a ‘best friend’ as we get older?

Part 3: Top Tips!

a) Again, avoid short, ‘yes’, ‘no’ answers.
b) Use personal anecdotes to help yourself make a point or express an opinion.
c) Use expressions to allow yourself time to think. For example:

“That’s a good question …”
“‘Well, let me think …”

d) Refer to stories in the news to help make a point .

Part 3: Troubleshooting

Many non-native speakers about to attend an IELTS interview are understandably worried about making mistakes in their use of English. So how important is it to be accurate and should you try to self-correct any mistakes you make?
The fact that you have a good level of English will certainly be an asset and the interviewer will be reassured if you can speak clearly and reasonably accurately. Self-correction is a good way of showing the interviewer that you’re aware of having made a mistake. However, don’t go mad trying to correct each and every error! Remember, you should also be demonstrating your fluency skills as well. Monitoring your speech TOO closely and self-correcting every mistake will slow you down and make you sound rather hesitant.
Remember this: the interviewer will be interested in WHAT you have to say as well as how you say it so try to concentrate on this fact and worry less about speaking ‘perfect’ English!

Part 2 Speaking Topic 1

You’re likely to be asked questions about your studies during Part 1, you might have to talk about a class, a teacher or a school memory in Part 2.Therefore, being able to call on a wide range of vocabulary to talk about education is very important.

Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the ‘Definitions’ section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you don’t understand.

Let's review some questions in part 1, before taking a look at Part 2 task:

Part 1-style questions

Examiner: Are you studying English at a school?
 

Michel: Yes … I’m taking an intensive course at a local private language school … I attend classes three times a week …

Examiner: Would you say you are a good student?

Susan: I’m OK I think … I’m pretty good at meeting deadlines and I’m keeping up with my studies … plus I find it quite easy to learn things by heart which is useful when learning a language...

Examiner: When you were younger did you enjoy your time at school?

Theo: Yes … I liked school … it was an ordinary state school … nothing special … a single-sex school … which I’m not sure I liked … but the teachers were great … I had lots of friends and I never played truant like some pupils there …

Part 2-style task

Describe a time during your education that you really enjoyed. You should say:

• when this period was
• where you were
• what you were studying at the time

and say why you were so happy.

Caroline:  I’d like to tell you about my time at university … I was a mature student … I didn’t go to university until I was 25 … and it was my first time away from my parents so it was very exciting … I was doing a Bachelors Degree and it was a bit of a challenge … some people take a year out but I’d been away from education for 8 years … plus I had to work my way through uni so I was very busy … and sitting exams at the end of each year was a new experience for me as well but I really enjoyed higher education  learning about a subject I loved … history … and the social life was great as well … I don’t think I’ve ever had so many friends … I had my graduation ceremony last year in the local cathedral and I know my parents were really proud … so yes … that was a really happy time … I’m thinking of doing a Masters Degree soon … though that might be through distance learning as I have a full-time job now …

Vocabulary Definitions:

 

• to attend classes: to go to classes
• bachelors degree: an undergraduate course which usually lasts 3-4 years
• boarding school: a school where pupils live during term time
• distance learning: a way of studying where tuition is carried out over the Internet or by post
• face-to-face classes: as opposed to distance learning the traditional way of studying in a classroom with colleagues and a teacher
• to fall behind with your studies: to progress less quickly than others
• to give feedback: to offer guidance on a student’s work
• a graduation ceremony: an event where a successful student receives his or her academic degree
• higher education: education, usually in a college or university, that is followed after high school or secondary school
• an intensive course: a course that offers lots of training in order to reach a goal in as short a time as possible
• to keep up with your studies: to not fall behind
• to learn something by heart: to memorize it
• a mature student: a student who is older than average and who has usually returned to education after a period at work
• masters degree: a period of study which often follows the completion of a bachelors degree or is undertaken by someone regarded as capable of a higher-level academic course
• to meet a deadline: to finish a job or task in the time allowed or agreed
• to play truant: to stay away from classes without permission
• private language school: an independent school run as a business concern
• public schools: exclusive independent schools in the UK
• a single-sex school: a school where only boys or girls attend (as opposed to a mixed-sex school)
• to sit an exam: to take an exam
• state school: a school paid for by public funds and available to the general public
• subject specialist: a teacher who has a great deal of knowledge about the subject they teach.
• to take a year out: to spend a year working or travelling before starting university
• tuition fees: the money paid for a course of study
• to work your way through university: to have a paid job whilst studying to support yourself financially

IELTS Speaking Part 2

In Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking exam you have to speak for between 1 and 2 minutes on a set topic based on information on a card the examiner will give you. You’ll be a given a minute to prepare what you want to say – just enough time to jot down some ideas to help give your talk structure and interest.

Example Topics:

Example 1: Describe a teacher you have fond memories of.
You should say:

• when this was
• where you were studying when you met
• which subject they taught you

and what it was about the person that makes them so memorable.


Example 2: Describe an item of technology you use that you couldn’t do without.
You should say:

• what this technology is
• when you first started using it
• how you use it

and why it’s so essential for you.

Part 2: Top Tips!

a) Make the most of your preparation time and make notes.
b) Structure your talk with an introduction, main body and conclusion. Signpost your talk at the end with words or expressions like:

“So …”
“As you can see …”
”To sum up …”

c) Add personal details such as short anecdotes to help make your talk interesting.
d) Don’t speak too fast. Pause between sentences and try to relax.

Part 2: Troubleshooting 
Many people preparing for the IELTS long turn worry how they can finish what they want to say in the time available. The best way to get the timing right is to practise making short talks on various topics on your own. (Or in front of a friend if you’re feeling brave!) Try building in a short introduction and conclusion to give your talk structure. You’ll almost certainly overrun or finish too quickly at first but the more you practise the sooner you’ll get a feel for the time available.
And remember, we often feel nervous when presenting and this can often lead to us speaking too quickly. Try not to rush. Regular pauses between sentences will help you control the pace of your talk and the examiner will find it easier to follow what you’re saying.

Part 1 Speaking Topic 2

Part 1 Speaking Topic 2

WORK

• What do you do?
• What are your responsibilities?
• How many hours do you work each day?
• Do you enjoy your work?
• Is there some other kind of work you would rather do?
• If you could change your job or profession, what would you do?
• Describe the process of getting a job in your country.
• Describe the company or organization you work for.
• What is your position?
• What do you like about your job?
• What do you dislike about your job?

Let’s talk about what you do. Do you work or are you a student?

Work

• What’s your job?
• Why did you choose that kind of work?
• How long have you been doing it?
• What is a typical day like at your work?
• Are there things you don't like about it? What are they?Make better sentences, get a better score!

Make better sentences, get a better score!

Question: How do you feel about your job?
Common Answer: I like my job very much.
Better Answer: Although you might not believe it, I really enjoy my job every day.

IELTS Work Vocabulary

Part 1-style questions

Examiner: What do you do?
Sasha: I do a job-share with a friend in a boutique … I enjoy it … I like working with customers … unfortunately it’s only temporary work but one of the perks of the job is I get a discount on the clothes …

Examiner: Do you have any career plans yet?
Carly: Yes … I’d like to be my own boss one day … I’m interested in programming and I’d like to create apps for myself or for other companies … I know being self employed would be a challenge but the idea of doing a nine-to-five job doesn’t appeal to me at all …

Examiner: What do you see yourself doing in 10 years time?
Marie: I’d hope to be working … not a high-powered job … but I’m quite a creative person so something where I can work with my hands would be nice … as long as I’m not stuck behind a desk doing something boring  in a dead-end job I’ll be happy …

Part 1 Speaking Topic 1

Part 1 questions:

YOU

Describe yourself.

FAMILY

• Describe your family
• Do you have a large or small family?
• How much time do you spend with your family?
• What do you like to do together as a family?
• Do you get along well with your family?
• Are people in your country generally close to their families?

IELTS Personality Vocabulary

Part 1-style questions

Examiner: How would you describe yourself?
Paula: Everyone tells me I take after my mum as I’m quite laid-back … I think I’m good company but you should ask my friends if they agree …

Examiner: In which ways are you similar to your friends?
Manuel: I seem to be attracted to introverts … not people who are painfully shy but most of my friends are a little reserved … and I think that’s what I’m like …

Examiner: Are you similar or different to your brother(s)/sister(s)?
Mira: I think my brother and I are very similar … I’d say we’re fun-loving and tend to be a bit extroverted … my brother is certainly the life and soul of the party … I’m not sure that applies to me …

IELTS Speaking Part 1

EXAM OVERVIEW Part 1

IELTS Speaking Part 1 This first section of the IELTS Speaking exam lasts about 4-5 minutes and gives the examiner the chance to find out a little about you through some simple ‘getting-to-know-you’ questions. These will be questions that you’ll have something to talk about such as your family, where you come from and what your interests are. This is also YOUR chance to get off to a good start!

Example Questions:
Q: Tell me a little about where you come from?
Q: Do you enjoy studying English?
Q: Why are you taking the IELTS exam?
Q: Have you got any interests or hobbies?

Part 1: Top Tips! 

Impress the examiner with your ability to give full answers to his or her questions.
a) Avoid short, ‘yes’, ‘no’ answers.
Q: Tell me a little about where you come from?
A: I’m from Coimbra. It’s a city in the central part of Portugal. It’s a very historical city and we have one of the oldest universities in Europe.

Use examples to back up statements.
Q: Do you enjoy studying English?
A: Oh yes! I went to England last year and loved being able to communicate with local people. And knowing a second language means you have access to a whole new culture … new authors, English films.

b) Give the examiner a picture of you.
Q: Why are you taking the IELTS exam?
A: I’m taking an IELTS course in India in order to go to university in the UK. I’ve been accepted on a Business course in London but need to get the right IELTS score so I’ve been doing lots of IELTS Speaking practice.
Q: Have you got any interests or hobbies?A: Not really. I like watching football and read books quite often, but I don’t have any hobbies really. Hopefully one day I’ll discover a hidden interest!