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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.
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 –
not only the physical appearance but also the character. When describing physical
appearance it’s good to focus on an aspect of their appearance rather than giving the
usual details. For example, “My father has rather startlingly blue eyes. They constantly smile
at you and reveal the humour in his character. Many people have said he has intelligent eyes but
I would say they are just full of life…“. By describing people in this way, 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. Also tell a little short, possibly about an aspect
of their character that you find appealing.
Part 3
For part 3, when expanding what you think is beautiful, it is good to go beyond just
appearance and also talk about the way someone moves, for example, gracefully or
powerfully. You can also talk about the person’s character or the way they dress. Try to
go beyond just talking about physical features.
For media and beauty, it is good to go into detail about how fashion dictates our ideas
of beauty and the impact it has on our society, particular on the young generation. This
relates to magazines, films, the music industry and social media.
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, which is very stick-like, that is considered beautiful today. You can
give specific examples, for example of famous female stars over the decades.
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Camping
March 6, 2015 by Liz 13 Comments
Below are some questions and a vocabulary for the topic of camping for IELTS speaking
part 1. This topic can come in any part of the test although it is most common in part 1.
This is a subtopic from the the topic of holidays.
Below are some questions for the topic of the environment for IELTS speaking part 3.
Below is a sample answer for a speaking part 3 question. Can you spot the mistake?
This isn’t a mistake with grammar or vocabulary, it’s a mistake with technique.
Q. Do you think people do as much exercise today as they did in the past?
A. No, I don’t think so. My grandmother used to do exercise every single day when she was
younger. Every morning she used to wake up early and go to the park to exercise with the other
people before work. 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.
This is a part 3 question about other people, 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. Below is a model answer with improved technique:
No, I don’t think so. Decades ago, people in my country used to do exercise every single. They
would get up early before work and go to the park to exercise. While some just did general
exercises, like stretching and flexing, others would play sport or dance. Nowadays, on the other
hand, people don’t really have the time. 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.
IELTS Speaking: Musical Instruments Questions and
Answers
February 20, 2015 by Liz 2 Comments
It is possible to be asked about musical instruments in all parts of the IELTS speaking
test. Check some possible questions for this topic:
A. No, I didn’t but I always wish I had. If I had had the chance, I would have learned the guitar.
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.
Q. If you could learn to play any musical instrument, what would you choose?
A. I think I’d probably go for the violin. It’s such a beautiful instrument and I think the music
that can be played on it, can be really haunting and moving. Yes, I’d definitely choose that one.
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Vegetables
February 13, 2015 by Liz 4 Comments
It is possible to get a topic about vegetables in IELTS speaking part 1. Below are some of
the possible questions with a model answer and also a link to learn vocabulary for this
topic.
Here are some questions for a common topic in IELTS speaking part 1 – clothes.
Below are sample answers for the the topics of travel and transport for part 1 of the
IELTS speaking test.
Travel
A. I guess it would be spring. That’s when the weather starts warming up and all the flowers
start blossoming. It’s a really beautiful season and most places are at their best at that time.
Unfortunately, it’s a busy time for tourists as well but that still doesn’t diminish the beauty of
the countryside.
A. Without doubt, London. Not only is it our capital, but it also has some of the most iconic
buildings in our country. I don’t think any visit to England is complete without seeing the
Tower of London, London Bridge or Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. They really are very
impressive pieces of architectural work and can’t be missed.
Transport
A. I came by bike because the roads are pretty congested at this time and a bike is quicker. It only
took me about 15 minutes to get here.
A. Yes, I do. I use the bus almost everyday. It’s the cheapest way to get around even though it’s
really overcrowded and not particularly punctual.
A. Well, 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. Also, it would help if the bus service was improved to make it run more
frequently which would help with the overcrowding in rush hour. I think those are the two main
changes that need to happen.
Tourism and The Local Community
January 27, 2015 by Liz 24 Comments
Below are some ideas for the advantages and disadvantages which tourism brings to a
community. These ideas can be used both for speaking part 3 and also writing task 2 in
IELTS.
Essay Question
Over the last few decades, there has been an increase in international tourism. Some
people think that tourism is beneficial for local communities and should be encouraged.
Advantages of Tourism
1. Tourism brings money and boosts the economy.
2. It offers employment to local people.
3. It offers fresh perspectives on life and culture.
4. Locals usually need to learn English to talk to tourists which can have beneficial long
term effects.
5. To boost tourism, local communities often invest money on improving the infrastructure
which has lasting positive effects.
Disadvantages of Tourism
1. Tourism can create a economic dependency which can be detrimental to the community
if it is not sustainable.
2. Tourism can have a negative impact on the local environment in terms of pollution.
1. noise pollution from tourist entertainment
2. air pollution from increased transportation
3. Tourism can cause friction between locals and tourists, if local culture is not respected.
4. 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).
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Technology Questions and
Model Answer
January 20, 2015 by Liz 11 Comments
Technology is a popular topic in speaking part 3. Below are some common questions
with a model answer underneath.
Question: Do you think men and women view technological devices differently?
Answer: Yes, I do. For starters, 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. They are constantly fiddling around with their
new toys. I also think that gadgets are a kind of ego for men. I mean they often
compare their new toys with each other to see who has the best one. Women, on the
other hand, are more down to earth and see devices more rationally as a means to
communicate with others or to perform a particular function. Of course, this is
pretty stereotyped but it seems to hold true for most men and women I know.
Useful Expressions
A current speaking topic this month, reported by a student, is the topic of happiness. It
can be quite a challenging topic to talk about. This topic has been appearing in speaking
part 1 from time to time over a period of a few years. Here are some questions and
vocabulary so you can prepare for this topic:
These model answers are for IELTS speaking part 3, which is the most difficult part
lasting 4 to 5 minutes. The topic of charities usually comes under the topic of unpaid
work / volunteer work.
Before you read the sample answers, try to answer the questions yourself.
2. Do you think children should be made to do volunteer work as part of their school
curriculum? Answer
3. Which do you think are more important, local charities or domestic charities?Answer
4. If you could donate a large amount of money to any charity, 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. 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
money has helped so many. Also these charities deal in the fundamental needs of life,
which I think everyone is entitled to, so I would certainly choose them.
This is a new topic which has appeared in the least few months in part 1 of the IELTS
speaking test. Below are some questions for this topic.
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:
A. To be honest, I hardly ever nod off during the day but, I suppose, if I’ve had a really
exhausting day, which is pretty rare, I may have a short siesta after lunch.
Useful Vocab
Sharing is caring...
Below are some sample answers for the topic of health in IELTS speaking part 3. When
you answer in speaking part 3, remember to extend you answers with lots of examples
and explanation. Also remember to give a direct answer the question asked and then
develop your answer.
1. Do you think people pay enough attention to their health these days?
No, definitely not. The average people nowadays have a sedentary lifestyle and pays
very little attention to their diet and also does hardly any exercise. If you take a typical
English person, they eat a quick breakfast such as a sugary cereal, they have a quick bite
at lunch, like a sandwich, and for dinner they are either too tired to cook something
healthy and nutritious or simply don’t have enough time. It’s pretty much the same
with exercise. Few people these days have time to fit it into their daily routine.
3. Do you think there are more unhealthy people these days than there were decades
ago?
Yes, without a doubt. Generations ago, there was no fast food or convenience food so
people generally ate healthy fresh produce instead of the junk food they eat today.
Furthermore, people were also more active in the past as they either cycled or walked to
get around and also had a healthier life style. Compared to now, they were much
healthier.
I guess the best way would be to set an example. I always think that if adults lead by
example, then children will follow suit. What I mean is if parents need to get involved
with sports and out-door activities, it will show children that exercise is fun. Another
way would be for parents to get children involved in cooking health meals to encourage
them to change their eating habits. Both methods, I’m sure will have a positive effect.
This is a band score 9 sample answer for a speaking part 2 talk in IELTS. This model
demonstrates who you can expand each prompt with more information and
description. This IELTS speaking part 2 model answer is estimated at band score 9.
I would like to talk about a holiday I went on in the south of Vietnam just a few months
ago. I went with my parents to a town called Nha Trang, 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.
We flew there from Hanoi, which is the capital of Vietnam. The flight took about 1 hour
and on the whole it went smoothly. We managed to be one of the first on board and one
of the first off when we landed. It was certainly quicker and easier than going no train,
which can take over 15 hours.
There was so much to do there that we only had a chance to do just a few things on our
three day trip. We took a cruise around the islands and also did some sightseeing
inland as well. Taking part in a cookery course was great fun, 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.
We definitely enjoyed our trip and would go there again if we could. Seeing the
colourful lifestyle of the locals and having a chance to see spectacular scenery was
something we will never forget. For my parents is was a holiday of a life time and
they’re still talking about it. If I could live there, I would.
Recommended Lessons
Here are some IELTS questions and model answers for the topic of sport in speaking
part 3.
To be honest, I don’t think it’s easy for parents to encourage their children to be more active.
However, one possible way would be for parents to get involved in sports themselves and take
their children along to join in. I think, if exercise is made fun for children and they can do it
together with their parents, it would probably result in more children being more active.
I was recently asked by a student how to deal with this difficult topic in IELTS speaking
part 2:
1. a friend did well in their studies (for example, they did well in a test or project)
2. a friend did well in work and received an award or was congratulated by their boss
3. a friend had a difficult situation but dealt with it very well (for example, they were
seriously sick or a parent was seriously ill)
4. something went unexpectedly wrong but your friend fixed the situation (for example,
they went on holiday and had their money stolen)
5. a friend got a job they always wanted (for example, they did well in the interview and
had worked hard to get the job)
6. a friend defended you in a difficult situation
7. 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. So, if you get stuck, the best thing is to say “Although I have plenty
of friends, I wouldn’t say that they’ve done anything to make me really proud but my
cousin has. So I will tell you about him and what he has done that caused me to be so
proud of him.” It is possible to (not change) but adapt the topic as long as it still follows
the prompts.
From my perspective, I suppose a good painting is one you can’t take your eye’s off. For
me, it’s either due to the colours and images or because of the emotional reaction I
might have to the painting. 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. I guess that a good painting means something different to everybody.