Speaking Part 2: Beautiful PersonDescribe a beautiful person that you know. You should say: who the person is when you met the person where you met this person and explain why you think he/she is beautiful Speaking Part 3: Beauty What is beauty for you? Do you think the media influences our idea of beauty? Do you think advertisement’s portrayal of beauty is correct? How has people’s idea of beauty changed over the last few decades? Do you think beauty only relates to a person’s appearance? Tips for Developing Answers and Vocabulary 1. How can I paraphrase the word “beautiful”? You can paraphrase the word “beautiful” as “attractive” or “good-looking”. For a man, you could also say “handsome” and for a women you could say “pretty”. But the main focus on vocabulary should not be just paraphrasing the word “beautiful”. This topic is full of high level vocabulary for describing people, their particular physical features and their character. 2. How can I expand my answers? What details can I give? Part 2 For part 2, you need to expand on each prompt by giving more details of how you met the person and the impression you got. Giving a description of the person is a must – You can also talk about the person’s character or the way they dress. Part 3 For part 3. films. particular on the young generation. for example of famous female stars over the decades. For example. possibly about an aspect of their character that you find appealing. it is good to go into detail about how fashion dictates our ideas of beauty and the impact it has on our society. They constantly smile at you and reveal the humour in his character. Try to go beyond just talking about physical features. To show how beauty has changed over the years you can describe how women’s figures have changed over the years from the typical “hour glass figure” to the less curvy women’s figure. you would get a much higher band score than only saying “he has blue eyes and he’s quite tall” which is what students learn in elementary level. . it is good to go beyond just appearance and also talk about the way someone moves. when expanding what you think is beautiful. This relates to magazines. Also tell a little short. that is considered beautiful today. Many people have said he has intelligent eyes but I would say they are just full of life…“. gracefully or powerfully. By describing people in this way. which is very stick-like.not only the physical appearance but also the character. for example. the music industry and social media. You can give specific examples. When describing physical appearance it’s good to focus on an aspect of their appearance rather than giving the usual details. For media and beauty. “My father has rather startlingly blue eyes. This is a subtopic from the the topic of holidays. sleeping in a tent and cooking food over the campfire. Answer: No. Questions for Camping Speaking Part 1 Do you like camping? Did you ever go camping when you were a child? Is camping popular in your country? Where do most people like to go camping? Why do you think people like to go camping? Do you think camping is popular for both men and women? Why do you think children like to go camping? Model Answers Two different ways to answer the same question. I hate the idea of sleeping in a cramped tent and eating awful camp food.IELTS Speaking Part 1: Camping March 6. There’s something really exciting about being out in the forest. I do. Question: Do you like camping? Answer: Yes. I don’t. It’s lovely to feel so close to nature. This topic can come in any part of the test although it is most common in part 1. 2015 by Liz 13 Comments Below are some questions and a vocabulary for the topic of camping for IELTS speaking part 1. Unfortunately. I honestly don’t know why people enjoy it. Both answers offer the examiner a range of vocabulary suitable for the topic. I don’t get much chance to do it. . I would much prefer to sleep in a hotel where I had my own bathroom with a power shower. Are there many environmental problems in your country? Are people concerned about environmental problems in your country? Do you think enough is being done to deal with them? What can individuals do to help? Do you think older people have as much awareness of environmental problems as the younger generation? Do you believe that climate change is a serious problem? What causes climate change? Do you think recycling is important? Here are some sample answers: Q) Are people concerned about environmental problems in your country? A) Well. 2015 by Liz 7 Comments Below are some questions for the topic of the environment for IELTS speaking part 3. although there are some people who are concerned. There are people who take environmental problems seriously enough to actually recycle their rubbish appropriately but I don’t think there are enough people who concern themselves with resource depletion which I consider to be a pressing issue. So many people are using energy and buying products without any thought to the impact of their actions. it’s not enough and more people in my country need to change the way they live. So.IELTS Speaking Part 3: Environment February 27. it’s hard to say for sure. I think some people are concerned but probably not enough of them. We all know that the world’s resources are being used at an alarming rate but no one seems to actually feel it’s their responsibility to change the way they live. . I guess. like stretching and flexing. They would get up early before work and go to the park to exercise. Nowadays. Every morning she used to wake up early and go to the park to exercise with the other people before work. Do you think people do as much exercise today as they did in the past? A. Can you spot the mistake? This isn’t a mistake with grammar or vocabulary. Below is a model answer with improved technique: No. Unlike her. I only do exercise once a week because I have to start work really early and don’t get back home until after dark so I don’t have any time for exercise except on my day off which is just once a week. Decades ago. Q. Did you spot the mistake? Answer This is a part 3 question about other people. others would play sport or dance. My grandmother used to do exercise every single day when she was younger.Common Mistake in Speaking Part 3 February 20. I don’t think so. I don’t think so. it’s a mistake with technique. The majority of people have to commute to work early in the morning and don’t get home until after dark which leaves very little time to do any form of exercise. so it is important to show the examiner that you can talk about people in general rather than your family or yourself as you did in part 1 and probably part 2. people in my country used to do exercise every single. . people don’t really have the time. While some just did general exercises. 2015 by Liz 8 Comments Below is a sample answer for a speaking part 3 question. No. on the other hand. what would you choose? If you had a child. If you could learn to play any musical instrument. what would you choose? A. Yes. If I had had the chance. what musical instrument would you encourage him/her to play? What traditional instruments are there in your country? Do you think traditional musical instruments have a place in modern society? How do you think traditional music could be made more popular? Sample Answers Q. Check some possible questions for this topic: Did you ever learn a musical instrument as a child? If you could learn a musical instrument. I think I’d probably go for the violin. The problem was that there weren’t any good teachers where I lived and my parents thought it was more important to focus on school work than learn to play an instrument. I would have learned the guitar. 2015 by Liz 2 Comments It is possible to be asked about musical instruments in all parts of the IELTS speaking test. can be really haunting and moving. Q. It’s such a beautiful instrument and I think the music that can be played on it. . I’d definitely choose that one. Did you ever learn a musical instrument as a child? A. I didn’t but I always wish I had. No.IELTS Speaking: Musical Instruments Questions and Answers February 20. Many people choose to avoid eating meat and their diet consists of both vegetables and grains. Quite a lot of people have a small proportion of vegetables to meat but at least they always have some kind of vegetable with their meal. Are there many vegetarians in your country? 7. onion cakes and things like that. green beans or something like that. Almost every meal has either rice or potatoes and also another vegetable as well. 2015 by Liz 4 Comments It is possible to get a topic about vegetables in IELTS speaking part 1. Do you like vegetables? 2. Are vegetables popular in your country? 5. Question: Are there many vegetarians in your country? Yes. Below are some of the possible questions with a model answer and also a link to learn vocabulary for this topic.IELTS Speaking Part 1: Vegetables February 13. carrots. quite a lot. Do you think it is important to eat vegetables? 8. Did you like vegetables when you were a child? 4. IELTS Speaking Part 1: Clothes . There are quite a few restaurants in my city which cater to vegetarians and offer the most wonderful dishes such as fried aubergine. How can parents encourage their children to eat more vegetables? Model Answers Question: Do most people eat vegetables in your country? Answer: Yes. spinach and potato. They’re actually very delicious. they do. such as cabbage. 1. Do most people eat vegetables with their meal in your country? 6. Are there any vegetables you dislike? 3. What kinds of clothes do you wear most days? 5. Would you ever spend a lot of money on clothes? 6. I don’t get many days off in a year but when I do have time off. Sample Answers for Travel and Transport in Speaking Part 1 February 6. Are clothes important to you? 3. 2015 by Liz 5 Comments Below are sample answers for the the topics of travel and transport for part 1 of the IELTS speaking test.February 6. What kinds of clothes do you prefer to wear? 4. I’d wear casual clothes everyday. Not much. to be honest. I mainly spend that time with my family in my hometown. Do you think men and women have the same view of clothing? Model Answer Question: What kinds of clothes do you prefer to wear? Answer: If I could choose. 2015 by Liz 5 Comments Here are some questions for a common topic in IELTS speaking part 1 – clothes. . Travel Q. my work forces me to wear formal clothes like a suit or trousers with a smart shirt which I really don’t like so I only get to wear casual clothes on my days off. Unfortunately. I feel much more comfortable wearing jeans and a t-shirt or a jumper. Do you often travel abroad? A. Do you often buy clothes? 2. 1. Q. Q. I use the bus almost everyday. Where would you recommend a foreign to visit in your country? A. I think the first step to improvement would be to widen the roads and build to overpasses and underpasses to help traffic flow more freely which would reduce the congestion in the city center. I think those are the two main changes that need to happen. Well. I guess it would be spring. It’s a really beautiful season and most places are at their best at that time. It’s the cheapest way to get around even though it’s really overcrowded and not particularly punctual. it’s a busy time for tourists as well but that still doesn’t diminish the beauty of the countryside. Yes. Also. Without doubt.Q. Do you often use public transport? A. How did you get here today? A. . They really are very impressive pieces of architectural work and can’t be missed. it would help if the bus service was improved to make it run more frequently which would help with the overcrowding in rush hour. It only took me about 15 minutes to get here. I came by bike because the roads are pretty congested at this time and a bike is quicker. Unfortunately. I do. Q. Not only is it our capital. I don’t think any visit to England is complete without seeing the Tower of London. That’s when the weather starts warming up and all the flowers start blossoming. London Bridge or Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. When is the best season to travel in your country? A. Transport Q. How could the transportation system be improved in your country? A. but it also has some of the most iconic buildings in our country. London. Why do you think some people believe tourism to be bad for local communities? 3.Tourism and The Local Community January 27. local communities often invest money on improving the infrastructure which has lasting positive effects. These ideas can be used both for speaking part 3 and also writing task 2 in IELTS. 2. It offers fresh perspectives on life and culture. Tourism can create a economic dependency which can be detrimental to the community if it is not sustainable. To boost tourism. Advantages of Tourism 1. Disadvantages of Tourism 1. Locals usually need to learn English to talk to tourists which can have beneficial long term effects. Do you think tourism is a good thing? 2. Do you think local communities change as an effect of tourism? 4. there has been an increase in international tourism. It offers employment to local people. Essay Question Over the last few decades. 3. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Speaking Part 3 Questions 1. 5. . Don’t confuse the two. 2015 by Liz 24 Comments Below are some ideas for the advantages and disadvantages which tourism brings to a community. Do you think there are more advantages than disadvantages of tourism for local communities? Don’t forget we are looking at the effects of tourism as an industry rather than a tourist as a person. Some people think that tourism is beneficial for local communities and should be encouraged. Tourism brings money and boosts the economy. 4. I also think that gadgets are a kind of ego for men. men are usually more obsessed with gadgets. They are almost like children with the way they want to play with the latest gizmos and learn all their new functions. For starters. IELTS Speaking Part 3: Technology Questions and Model Answer January 20. Of course. if local culture is not respected. air pollution from increased transportation 3. on the other hand. practical stereotyped = putting people into a group or categorising them not based on fact . 2015 by Liz 11 Comments Technology is a popular topic in speaking part 3. this is pretty stereotyped but it seems to hold true for most men and women I know. What modern technological devices are most common in your country? Do you think modern technology is useful? Do you think people rely too much on technology? Do you think men and women view technological devices differently? Why do you think people spend so much money buying the latest devices? Model Answer Question: Do you think men and women view technological devices differently? Answer: Yes. 4. Below are some common questions with a model answer underneath. They are constantly fiddling around with their new toys. The bulk of the money brought in by tourism rarely finds its way into local hands and instead lines the pockets of the middle man (the tour operator). Tourism can cause friction between locals and tourists. Tourism can have a negative impact on the local environment in terms of pollution. I mean they often compare their new toys with each other to see who has the best one. Useful Expressions fiddling around with something = playing with something down to earth = realistic. are more down to earth and see devices more rationally as a means to communicate with others or to perform a particular function. 2. 1. I do. Women. noise pollution from tourist entertainment 2. Note: As you can see this model answer is from a woman’s perspective. 2015 by Liz 5 Comments A current speaking topic this month. I’m pretty cheerful most of the day and the only time I’m not is when I’m really tired at the end of the day. reported by a student. if you would like to give a sample answer from a man’s perspective. which I think it understandable. This topic has been appearing in speaking part 1 from time to time over a period of a few years. Vocabulary . It can be quite a challenging topic to talk about. is the topic of happiness. I would. Feel free to post your answers to other questions as well. on the whole. I generally don’t let things get me down so I definitely think I’m quite positive and happy. Current Speaking Topic: Jan 2015 January 14. particularly if it’s been busy at work. Here are some questions and vocabulary so you can prepare for this topic: What makes you happy? Would you say you were a happy person? Does the weather ever effect your mood? What kinds of things do you do to make yourself happy? In what part of the day are you happiest? Were you happier when you were a child? What activities made you happy when you were a child? Is there anything about your life that you’re not happy with? Do you think happiness is important? Why do you think someone are unhappy? Here’s a sample answer for one of the questions Question: Would you say you were a happy person? Answer: Yes. please post it in the comments box. Do you think children should be made to do volunteer work as part of their school curriculum? Answer 3. The topic of charities usually comes under the topic of unpaid work / volunteer work. Which do you think are more important. Do you think charities are important? Answer 2. try to answer the questions yourself. pretty cheerful = quite happy don’t let things get me down = I don’t allow incidents or situations to make me unhappy positive = optimistic (the opposite is pessimistic) downhearted = to have low spirits I’m not often in the dumps = I’m not often depressed carefree = easygoing / doesn’t worry about things cheerful – happy Sample Answers for Speaking Topic: Charities January 9. what would it be?Answer I suppose I would go for an international charity that either deals in providing much needed medical care to developing countries or a charity that champions human rights on a global scale such as Amnesty International. which is the most difficult part lasting 4 to 5 minutes. 1. 2015 by Liz 8 Comments These model answers are for IELTS speaking part 3. local charities or domestic charities?Answer 4. These types of charities are able to help so many people around the world and for me it would be rewarding to think that my . If you could donate a large amount of money to any charity. Before you read the sample answers. Also these charities deal in the fundamental needs of life. Below are some questions for this topic. I hardly ever nod off during the day but. I suppose. 2015 by Liz Leave a Comment This is a new topic which has appeared in the least few months in part 1 of the IELTS speaking test. Speaking Part 1 Topic: Sleep January 2. Do you often take a nap during the day? A. so I would certainly choose them. I may have a short siesta after lunch. To be honest. Sleep How many hours do you usually sleep at night? What time do you go to bed? Do you go to bed at the same time everyday? Do you ever have a nap during the day? Do you think sleep is important? Here is a question with a model answer for this topic: Q. which is pretty rare.money has helped so many. if I’ve had a really exhausting day. which I think everyone is entitled to. Useful Vocab nap (a short sleep) snooze (a short sleep) nod off (go to sleep – often used for daytime sleeping) drift off to sleep (slowly go off to sleep) deep sleep struggle to get to sleep sleeping pill (medication to help someone get to sleep) . If you take a typical English person. much of the responsibility falls on individual people to take exercise.. 2. Do you think the government is responsible for public health? Well. The average people nowadays have a sedentary lifestyle and pays very little attention to their diet and also does hardly any exercise. definitely not. Sample Answers for Speaking Topic: Health December 19. It’s pretty much the same with exercise. 2014 by Liz 1 Comment Below are some sample answers for the topic of health in IELTS speaking part 3. like a sandwich. remember to extend you answers with lots of examples and explanation. and for dinner they are either too tired to cook something healthy and nutritious or simply don’t have enough time. eat well and have a balanced life style. 1. they have a quick bite at lunch. I think it the responsibility of both governments and individuals. Also remember to give a direct answer the question asked and then develop your answer. Sharing is caring.. . Do you think people pay enough attention to their health these days? No. However. they eat a quick breakfast such as a sugary cereal. It contains some more useful vocabulary for you. Few people these days have time to fit it into their daily routine. Governments certainly could do more to educate people about ways to improve their health and I suppose it would be useful if they could some how have more controlled over the fast food industry. 40 winks (short sleep of a few minutes) siesta (short sleep after lunch – Spanish in origin) The Importance of Sleep is an IELTS reading exercise to practice summary completion for this topic. When you answer in speaking part 3. to be honest. This IELTS speaking part 2 model answer is estimated at band score 9. What I mean is if parents need to get involved with sports and out-door activities. 2014 by Liz Leave a Comment This is a band score 9 sample answer for a speaking part 2 talk in IELTS. it will show children that exercise is fun. they were much healthier. I always think that if adults lead by example. then children will follow suit. Compared to now. Generations ago. You should say: where you went how you got there what you did there and explain if you enjoyed it Model Talk . Another way would be for parents to get children involved in cooking health meals to encourage them to change their eating habits. I’m sure will have a positive effect.3. Describe a holiday you recently had. IELTS Speaking Part 2 Model Answer: Holidays November 28. there was no fast food or convenience food so people generally ate healthy fresh produce instead of the junk food they eat today. How could parents encourage their children to be healthier? I guess the best way would be to set an example. 4. people were also more active in the past as they either cycled or walked to get around and also had a healthier life style. This model demonstrates who you can expand each prompt with more information and description. Both methods. Do you think there are more unhealthy people these days than there were decades ago? Yes. Furthermore. without a doubt. If I could live there. We managed to be one of the first on board and one of the first off when we landed. which can take over 15 hours. Is there a difference between exercise that boys like and exercise that girls usually enjoy? Answer 3. We definitely enjoyed our trip and would go there again if we could. which is a lovely coastal town. and we decided to go there so that they could experience a different part of the country and see life by the beach. It was certainly quicker and easier than going no train. There was so much to do there that we only had a chance to do just a few things on our three day trip. which is the capital of Vietnam. 2. The flight took about 1 hour and on the whole it went smoothly. Personally. Recommended Lessons IELTS Speaking Part 3 Model Answers: Sport November 12. children were much more active but nowadays they only do exercise at school during PE lessons. 2014 by Liz Leave a Comment Here are some IELTS questions and model answers for the topic of sport in speaking part 3. For my parents is was a holiday of a life time and they’re still talking about it. 1. I went with my parents to a town called Nha Trang.I would like to talk about a holiday I went on in the south of Vietnam just a few months ago. Taking part in a cookery course was great fun. We took a cruise around the islands and also did some sightseeing inland as well. where we bought fresh ingredients at the local market and learned how to use a wok to fry fresh fish and other seafood like crab and lobster. Do you think children get enough exercise these days? Answer No. We flew there from Hanoi. I would. Seeing the colourful lifestyle of the locals and having a chance to see spectacular scenery was something we will never forget. How can parents encourage their children to take more exercise? Answer . I think that children spend too much time sitting in front of computers or tablets instead of being outside playing and exercising. A few generations ago. I don’t. I think. So. 1. a friend had a difficult situation but dealt with it very well (for example. IELTS Speaking Part 2: A Friend you are Proud of January 19. 0202 by Liz Leave a Comment I was recently asked by a student how to deal with this difficult topic in IELTS speaking part 2: Describe a time that you felt proud of a friend. a friend raised money for charity or did some volunteer work that made you feel proud Part 2 Tip It is often easier to talk about a family member that you were proud of because you know them better. the best thing is to say “Although I have plenty of friends. a friend did well in their studies (for example. I don’t think it’s easy for parents to encourage their children to be more active.” It is possible to (not change) but adapt the topic as long as it still follows the prompts. something went unexpectedly wrong but your friend fixed the situation (for example. a friend did well in work and received an award or was congratulated by their boss 3. they were seriously sick or a parent was seriously ill) 4. they did well in the interview and had worked hard to get the job) 6. if exercise is made fun for children and they can do it together with their parents. a friend defended you in a difficult situation 7. one possible way would be for parents to get involved in sports themselves and take their children along to join in. Below are some possible ways to answer this part 2 topic. . a friend got a job they always wanted (for example. So I will tell you about him and what he has done that caused me to be so proud of him. if you get stuck. they went on holiday and had their money stolen) 5. I wouldn’t say that they’ve done anything to make me really proud but my cousin has. it would probably result in more children being more active. However.To be honest. they did well in a test or project) 2. But I know that for other people. they think a good painting is usually because of the skill involved in painting it or because of the unique creativity of the artist. For me. I guess that a good painting means something different to everybody. it’s either due to the colours and images or because of the emotional reaction I might have to the painting. 2014 by Liz 7 Comments Ideas and Vocab the composition of all the parts the painter has a good eye (to know when something is good) perspective and symmetry (sizing and balance of all parts) using a particular style or an unusual technique (skill) the subject (person / landscape / animal etc) the balance of colours and contrasts to bring about an emotional response – it touches people to evoke a memory or idea impact – something you can’t take your eye off historical background or relevance Model Answer From my perspective. . I suppose a good painting is one you can’t take your eye’s off.IELTS Speaking Part 3: What make’s a good painting? October 11.