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!

Admon De Empresas Sem 10 2B Week 5: Work and Play: Jobs.

What jobs do you know in English?, What is an interesting job or occupation for you? What would you like to work on?

Admon De Empresas Sem 10 2B Week 3-4: Natural Disasters

Have you ever been in a disaster? If not,  imagine you are in one and write a short description of what is happening or what has happened during the event.
You can get ideas from pages 64-65 in your book. Example of natural disasters:  a hurricane, a tornado, an earthquake, tsunami, flood, etc...