Prepare for {IELTS}

Video Lessons
I E LT S S P E A K I N G :
HOW TO ANSWER PART 3
QUESTIONS

A U S E F U L G U I D E B Y F O R M E R I E LT S E X A M I N E R S
STUDYING ONLINE

Prepare for {IELTS}

W H AT A R E T H E D I F F E R E N C ES
BETWEEN STUDYING IN A REAL
SCHOOL AND STUDYING
ONLINE?
STRATEGY: COMPARING

Prepare for {IELTS}

W hat are the dif ferences between studying in a real
school and studying online?
QUESTION TYPE:
Contrast two things
EXAMPLES:
• What are the differences between the way young people
and old people dress?
• What are the differences between living in a city or in a
village?
• In what ways are humans different from other animals?
• What are the roles of men and women within the family in
your culture?
• In your country, are the responsibilities of mothers and
fathers towards their families the same or different?
W hat are the dif ferences between studying in a real
school and studying online?
Plan: 1. Agree with the question statement / Introduce your answer
Speaking from personal experience, I see massive differences.
The first thing to mention is that online study is more convenient. You can
study whenever you feel like it, rather than at specific times. And you can
do it from the comfort of your own living-room instead of spending ages
getting to college. It can take a huge chunk out of your day.
Another thing to bear in mind is the material you use. Online courses tend
to be more interactive and more fun, and to be specifically tailored to your
level. If you’re in an actual class, you generally have to go at the same
pace as everybody else.
But I must admit that learning in a real classroom is sometimes more
motivating. You can have a laugh with classmates during the break, and
it’s easier to get to know fellow-students. And you can have a genuine
face-to-face chat with the teacher. I know that’s possible online as well,
but it’s not quite the same.
W hat are the dif ferences between studying in a real
school and studying online?
Plan: 2. Explain a reason to support your position
Speaking from personal experience, I see massive differences.
The first thing to mention is that online study is more convenient. You can
study whenever you feel like it, rather than at specific times. And you can
do it from the comfort of your own living-room instead of spending ages
getting to college. It can take a huge chunk out of your day.
Another thing to bear in mind is the material you use. Online courses tend
to be more interactive and more fun, and to be specifically tailored to your
level. If you’re in an actual class, you generally have to go at the same
pace as everybody else.
But I must admit that learning in a real classroom is sometimes more
motivating. You can have a laugh with classmates during the break, and
it’s easier to get to know fellow-students. And you can have a genuine
face-to-face chat with the teacher. I know that’s possible online as well,
but it’s not quite the same.
W hat are the dif ferences between studying in a real
school and studying online?
Plan: 3. Explain a second reason to support your position OPTIONAL
Speaking from personal experience, I see massive differences.
The first thing to mention is that online study is more convenient. You can
study whenever you feel like it, rather than at specific times. And you can
do it from the comfort of your own living-room instead of spending ages
getting to college. It can take a huge chunk out of your day.
Another thing to bear in mind is the material you use. Online courses tend
to be more interactive and more fun, and to be specifically tailored to your
level. If you’re in an actual class, you generally have to go at the same
pace as everybody else.
But I must admit that learning in a real classroom is sometimes more
motivating. You can have a laugh with classmates during the break, and
it’s easier to get to know fellow-students. And you can have a genuine
face-to-face chat with the teacher. I know that’s possible online as well,
but it’s not quite the same.
W hat are the dif ferences between studying in a real
school and studying online?
Plan: 4. Explain a third reason to support your position OPTIONAL
Speaking from personal experience, I see massive differences.
The first thing to mention is that online study is more convenient. You can
study whenever you feel like it, rather than at specific times. And you can
do it from the comfort of your own living-room instead of spending ages
getting to college. It can take a huge chunk out of your day.
Another thing to bear in mind is the material you use. Online courses tend
to be more interactive and more fun, and to be specifically tailored to your
level. If you’re in an actual class, you generally have to go at the same
pace as everybody else.
But I must admit that learning in a real classroom is sometimes more
motivating. You can have a laugh with classmates during the break, and
it’s easier to get to know fellow-students. And you can have a genuine
face-to-face chat with the teacher. I know that’s possible online as well,
but it’s not quite the same.
STUDYING ONLINE
USEFUL LANGUAGE

Prepare for {IELTS}

Studying online
Speaking from personal experience, I see massive differences.
The first thing to mention is that online study is more convenient. You can
study whenever you feel like it, rather than at specific times. And you can
do it from the comfort of your own living-room instead of spending ages
getting to college. It can take a huge chunk out of your day.
Another thing to bear in mind is the material you use. Online courses tend
to be more interactive and more fun, and to be specifically tailored to
your level. If you’re in an actual class, you generally have to go at the
same pace as everybody else.
But I must admit that learning in a real classroom is sometimes more
motivating. You can have a laugh with classmates during the break, and
it’s easier to get to know fellow-students. And you can have a genuine
face-to-face chat with the teacher. I know that’s possible online as well,
but it’s not quite the same.
This phrase lets you tell the examiner that your
opinion is based on what has happened to you
Studying online
Speaking from personal experience, I see massive differences.
The first thing to mention is that online study is more convenient. You can
study whenever you feel like it, rather than at specific times. And you can
do it from the comfort of your own living-room instead of spending ages
getting to college. It can take a huge chunk out of your day.
Another thing to bear in mind is the material you use. Online courses tend
to be more interactive and more fun, and to be specifically tailored to
your level. If you’re in an actual class, you generally have to go at the
same pace as everybody else.
But I must admit that learning in a real classroom is sometimes more
motivating. You can have a laugh with classmates during the break, and
it’s easier to get to know fellow-students. And you can have a genuine
face-to-face chat with the teacher. I know that’s possible online as well,
but it’s not quite the same. We often put more/less in front of longer adjectives
to compare. Occasionally, we use more/less with
short adjectives (wrong, right, real, like, fun)
Studying online
Speaking from personal experience, I see massive differences.
The first thing to mention is that online study is more convenient. You can
study whenever you feel like it, rather than at specific times. And you can
do it from the comfort of your own living-room instead of spending ages
getting to college. It can take a huge chunk out of your day.
Another thing to bear in mind is the material you use. Online courses tend
to be more interactive and more fun, and to be specifically tailored to
your level. If you’re in an actual class, you generally have to go at the
same pace as everybody else.
But I must admit that learning in a real classroom is sometimes more
motivating. You can have a laugh with classmates during the break, and
it’s easier to get to know fellow-students. And you can have a genuine
face-to-face chat with the teacher. I know that’s possible online as well,
but it’s not quite the same.
These phrases show that you prefer
one thing to another thing
Studying online
Speaking from personal experience, I see massive differences.
The first thing to mention is that online study is more convenient. You can
study whenever you feel like it, rather than at specific times. And you can
do it from the comfort of your own living-room instead of spending ages
getting to college. It can take a huge chunk out of your day.
Another thing to bear in mind is the material you use. Online courses tend
to be more interactive and more fun, and to be specifically tailored to
your level. If you’re in an actual class, you generally have to go at the
same pace as everybody else.
But I must admit that learning in a real classroom is sometimes more
motivating. You can have a laugh with classmates during the break, and
it’s easier to get to know fellow-students. And you can have a genuine
face-to-face chat with the teacher. I know that’s possible online as well,
but it’s not quite the same.
After to spend time we use a verb in the –ing form.
Example: I spent months looking for that book
Studying online
Speaking from personal experience, I see massive differences.
The first thing to mention is that online study is more convenient. You can
study whenever you feel like it, rather than at specific times. And you can
do it from the comfort of your own living-room instead of spending ages
getting to college. It can take a huge chunk out of your day.
Another thing to bear in mind is the material you use. Online courses tend
to be more interactive and more fun, and to be specifically tailored to
your level. If you’re in an actual class, you generally have to go at the
same pace as everybody else.
But I must admit that learning in a real classroom is sometimes more
motivating. You can have a laugh with classmates during the break, and
it’s easier to get to know fellow-students. And you can have a genuine
face-to-face chat with the teacher. I know that’s possible online as well,
but it’s not quite the same. = remember to think about; consider
when deciding your opinion. We can use
to take into account in a similar way
Studying online
Speaking from personal experience, I see massive differences.
The first thing to mention is that online study is more convenient. You can
study whenever you feel like it, rather than at specific times. And you can
do it from the comfort of your own living-room instead of spending ages
getting to college. It can take a huge chunk out of your day.
Another thing to bear in mind is the material you use. Online courses tend
to be more interactive and more fun, and to be specifically tailored to
your level. If you’re in an actual class, you generally have to go at the
same pace as everybody else.
But I must admit that learning in a real classroom is sometimes more
motivating. You can have a laugh with classmates during the break, and
it’s easier to get to know fellow-students. And you can have a genuine
face-to-face chat with the teacher. I know that’s possible online as well,
but it’s not quite the same. This phrase lets you introduce new
information which contrasts with the
points you have already made
STUDYING ONLINE
STRATEGY 1: COMPARING

Prepare for {IELTS}

Studying online
Speaking from personal experience, I see massive differences.
The first thing to mention is that online study is more convenient. You
can study whenever you feel like it, rather than at specific times. And
you can do it from the comfort of your own living-room instead of
spending ages getting to college. It can take a huge chunk out of your
day.
Another thing to bear in mind is the material you use. Online courses
tend to be more interactive and more fun, and to be specifically tailored
to your level. If you’re in an actual class, you generally have to go at the
same pace as everybody else.
But I must admit that learning in a real classroom is sometimes more
motivating. You can have a laugh with classmates during the break, and
it’s easier to get to know fellow-students. And you can have a genuine
face-to-face chat with the teacher. I know that’s possible online as well,
but it’s not quite the same.
Phrases for comparing
Studying online is slightly / a tiny bit / a little bit / a bit more
interesting than actually going to a college or night-school.
Studying at home is probably slightly / a tiny bit / a little bit
/ a bit easier.
Studying online tends to be loads / a lot / much / a great
deal / quite a bit / miles cheaper than studying in a class.
Studying online is a lot / much / a great deal / quite a bit /
miles more stimulating than attending lessons.
Living in Prague is certainly less expensive than living in
Paris.
Studying online is probably a little bit less expensive than
going to class.
Online study is quite a bit less boring than going to class.
Phrases for comparing
Studying online is slightly / a tiny bit / a little bit / a bit more
interesting than actually going to a college or night-school.
Studying at home is probably slightly / a tiny bit / a little bit
/ a bit easier.
Studying online tends to be loads / a lot / much / a great
deal / quite a bit / miles cheaper than studying in a class.
Studying online is a lot / much / a great deal / quite a bit /
miles more stimulating than attending lessons.
Living in Prague is certainly less expensive than living in
Paris.
Studying online is probably a little bit less expensive than
going to class.
Online study is quite a bit less boring than going to class.
Phrases for comparing
Studying online is slightly / a tiny bit / a little bit / a bit more
interesting than actually going to a college or night-school.
Studying at home is probably slightly / a tiny bit / a little bit
/ a bit easier.
Studying online tends to be loads / a lot / much / a great
deal / quite a bit / miles cheaper than studying in a class.
Studying online is a lot / much / a great deal / quite a bit /
miles more stimulating than attending lessons.
Living in Prague is certainly less expensive than living in
Paris.
Studying online is probably a little bit less expensive than
going to class.
Online study is quite a bit less boring than going to class.
Phrases for comparing
Studying online is slightly / a tiny bit / a little bit / a bit more
interesting than actually going to a college or night-school.
Studying at home is probably slightly / a tiny bit / a little bit
/ a bit easier.
Studying online tends to be loads / a lot / much / a great
deal / quite a bit / miles cheaper than studying in a class.
Studying online is a lot / much / a great deal / quite a bit /
miles more stimulating than attending lessons.
Living in Prague is certainly less expensive than living in
Paris.
Studying online is probably a little bit less expensive than
going to class.
Online study is quite a bit less boring than going to class.
Phrases for comparing
Studying online is slightly / a tiny bit / a little bit / a bit more
interesting than actually going to a college or night-school.
Studying at home is probably slightly / a tiny bit / a little bit
/ a bit easier.
Studying online tends to be loads / a lot / much / a great
deal / quite a bit / miles cheaper than studying in a class.
Studying online is a lot / much / a great deal / quite a bit /
miles more stimulating than attending lessons.
Living in Prague is certainly less expensive than living in
Paris.
Studying online is probably a little bit less expensive than
going to class.
Online study is quite a bit less boring than going to class.
Phrases for comparing
Studying online is slightly / a tiny bit / a little bit / a bit more
interesting than actually going to a college or night-school.
Studying at home is probably slightly / a tiny bit / a little bit
/ a bit easier.
Studying online tends to be loads / a lot / much / a great
deal / quite a bit / miles cheaper than studying in a class.
Studying online is a lot / much / a great deal / quite a bit /
miles more stimulating than attending lessons.
Living in Prague is certainly less expensive than living in
Paris.
Studying online is probably a little bit less expensive than
going to class.
Online study is quite a bit less boring than going to class.
Phrases for comparing
Studying online is slightly / a tiny bit / a little bit / a bit more
interesting than actually going to a college or night-school.
Studying at home is probably slightly / a tiny bit / a little bit
/ a bit easier.
Studying online tends to be loads / a lot / much / a great
deal / quite a bit / miles cheaper than studying in a class.
Studying online is a lot / much / a great deal / quite a bit /
miles more stimulating than attending lessons.
Living in Prague is certainly less expensive than living in
Paris.
Studying online is probably a little bit less expensive than
going to class.
Online study is quite a bit less boring than going to class.
Phrases for comparing
Home study as probably as easy as going to class.
Home study is not as time-consuming as going to class.
Home study is not quite as sociable as going to class.
Home study is not nearly as rewarding as studying in the
real world.
Working on your own is nowhere near as good as / nothing
like as good as working with friends.
When you study at home, there isn’t as much support as in
a real classroom.
When you study at home, there aren’t as many
opportunities to mix with others as when you go to class.
Phrases for comparing
Home study as probably as easy as going to class.
Home study is not as time-consuming as going to class.
Home study is not quite as sociable as going to class.
Home study is not nearly as rewarding as studying in the
real world.
Working on your own is nowhere near as good as / nothing
like as good as working with friends.
When you study at home, there isn’t as much support as in
a real classroom.
When you study at home, there aren’t as many
opportunities to mix with others as when you go to class.
Phrases for comparing
Home study as probably as easy as going to class.
Home study is not as time-consuming as going to class.
Home study is not quite as sociable as going to class.
Home study is not nearly as rewarding as studying in the
real world.
Working on your own is nowhere near as good as / nothing
like as good as working with friends.
When you study at home, there isn’t as much support as in
a real classroom.
When you study at home, there aren’t as many
opportunities to mix with others as when you go to class.
Phrases for comparing
Home study as probably as easy as going to class.
Home study is not as time-consuming as going to class.
Home study is not quite as sociable as going to class.
Home study is not nearly as rewarding as studying in the
real world.
Working on your own is nowhere near as good as / nothing
like as good as working with friends.
When you study at home, there isn’t as much support as in
a real classroom.
When you study at home, there aren’t as many
opportunities to mix with others as when you go to class.
Phrases for comparing
Home study as probably as easy as going to class.
Home study is not as time-consuming as going to class.
Home study is not quite as sociable as going to class.
Home study is not nearly as rewarding as studying in the
real world.
Working on your own is nowhere near as good as / nothing
like as good as working with friends.
When you study at home, there isn’t as much support as in
a real classroom.
When you study at home, there aren’t as many
opportunities to mix with others as when you go to class.
Phrases for comparing
Home study as probably as easy as going to class.
Home study is not as time-consuming as going to class.
Home study is not quite as sociable as going to class.
Home study is not nearly as rewarding as studying in the
real world.
Working on your own is nowhere near as good as / nothing
like as good as working with friends.
When you study at home, there isn’t as much support as in
a real classroom.
When you study at home, there aren’t as many
opportunities to mix with others as when you go to class.
Phrases for comparing
Home study as probably as easy as going to class.
Home study is not as time-consuming as going to class.
Home study is not quite as sociable as going to class.
Home study is not nearly as rewarding as studying in the
real world.
Working on your own is nowhere near as good as / nothing
like as good as working with friends.
When you study at home, there isn’t as much support as in
a real classroom.
When you study at home, there aren’t as many
opportunities to mix with others as when you go to class.
Phrases for comparing
There are slightly more / far more difficulties when you
study online.
There are slightly fewer / far fewer students in a real class.
There is slightly more / far more support for students
online.
There is slightly less / far less work to do online.
Working for yourself is a million times better than working
for a company.
You simply can’t compare the misery of working for a
company with the joy of working for yourself.
Working for a big company is not a patch on working for
yourself.
Phrases for comparing
There are slightly more / far more difficulties when you
study online.
There are slightly fewer / far fewer students in a real class.
There is slightly more / far more support for students
online.
There is slightly less / far less work to do online.
Working for yourself is a million times better than working
for a company.
You simply can’t compare the misery of working for a
company with the joy of working for yourself.
Working for a big company is not a patch on working for
yourself.
Phrases for comparing
There are slightly more / far more difficulties when you
study online.
There are slightly fewer / far fewer students in a real class.
There is slightly more / far more support for students
online.
There is slightly less / far less work to do online.
Working for yourself is a million times better than working
for a company.
You simply can’t compare the misery of working for a
company with the joy of working for yourself.
Working for a big company is not a patch on working for
yourself.
Phrases for comparing
There are slightly more / far more difficulties when you
study online.
There are slightly fewer / far fewer students in a real class.
There is slightly more / far more support for students
online.
There is slightly less / far less work to do online.
Working for yourself is a million times better than working
for a company.
You simply can’t compare the misery of working for a
company with the joy of working for yourself.
Working for a big company is not a patch on working for
yourself.
Phrases for comparing
There are slightly more / far more difficulties when you
study online.
There are slightly fewer / far fewer students in a real class.
There is slightly more / far more support for students
online.
There is slightly less / far less work to do online.
Working for yourself is a million times better than working
for a company.
You simply can’t compare the misery of working for a
company with the joy of working for yourself.
Working for a big company is not a patch on working for
yourself.
Phrases for comparing
There are slightly more / far more difficulties when you
study online.
There are slightly fewer / far fewer students in a real class.
There is slightly more / far more support for students
online.
There is slightly less / far less work to do online.
Working for yourself is a million times better than working
for a company.
You simply can’t compare the misery of working for a
company with the joy of working for yourself.
Working for a big company is not a patch on working for
yourself.
Phrases for comparing
There are slightly more / far more difficulties when you
study online.
There are slightly fewer / far fewer students in a real class.
There is slightly more / far more support for students
online.
There is slightly less / far less work to do online.
Working for yourself is a million times better than working
for a company.
You simply can’t compare the misery of working for a
company with the joy of working for yourself.
Working for a big company is not a patch on working for
yourself.
STUDYING ONLINE
STRATEGY 2: COMING UP WITH IDEAS

Prepare for {IELTS}

Useful ideas to answer this question
Studying online is more convenient: you can do it when you
want.
Studying online is less time-consuming: you don’t have to
travel to the lesson.
Studying online tends to be cheaper.
Materials used online are likely to be more interactive/fun.
When you study online, you can study at exactly the level
and pace you want to.
Studying in a classroom is more sociable: you are more
likely to make friends with the teacher or fellow-students
Studying in a classroom is more motivating: you are face-
to-face with a tutor who really cares about your progress.
It may be easier to get help from the teacher or fellow-
students when studying in a classroom.
Useful ideas to answer this question
Studying online is more convenient: you can do it when you
want.
Studying online is less time-consuming: you don’t have to
travel to the lesson.
Studying online tends to be cheaper.
Materials used online are likely to be more interactive/fun.
When you study online, you can study at exactly the level
and pace you want to.
Studying in a classroom is more sociable: you are more
likely to make friends with the teacher or fellow-students
Studying in a classroom is more motivating: you are face-
to-face with a tutor who really cares about your progress.
It may be easier to get help from the teacher or fellow-
students when studying in a classroom.
Useful ideas to answer this question
Studying online is more convenient: you can do it when you
want.
Studying online is less time-consuming: you don’t have to
travel to the lesson.
Studying online tends to be cheaper.
Materials used online are likely to be more interactive/fun.
When you study online, you can study at exactly the level
and pace you want to.
Studying in a classroom is more sociable: you are more
likely to make friends with the teacher or fellow-students
Studying in a classroom is more motivating: you are face-
to-face with a tutor who really cares about your progress.
It may be easier to get help from the teacher or fellow-
students when studying in a classroom.
Useful ideas to answer this question
Studying online is more convenient: you can do it when you
want.
Studying online is less time-consuming: you don’t have to
travel to the lesson.
Studying online tends to be cheaper.
Materials used online are likely to be more interactive/fun.
When you study online, you can study at exactly the level
and pace you want to.
Studying in a classroom is more sociable: you are more
likely to make friends with the teacher or fellow-students
Studying in a classroom is more motivating: you are face-
to-face with a tutor who really cares about your progress.
It may be easier to get help from the teacher or fellow-
students when studying in a classroom.
Useful ideas to answer this question
Studying online is more convenient: you can do it when you
want.
Studying online is less time-consuming: you don’t have to
travel to the lesson.
Studying online tends to be cheaper.
Materials used online are likely to be more interactive/fun.
When you study online, you can study at exactly the level
and pace you want to.
Studying in a classroom is more sociable: you are more
likely to make friends with the teacher or fellow-students
Studying in a classroom is more motivating: you are face-
to-face with a tutor who really cares about your progress.
It may be easier to get help from the teacher or fellow-
students when studying in a classroom.
Useful ideas to answer this question
Studying online is more convenient: you can do it when you
want.
Studying online is less time-consuming: you don’t have to
travel to the lesson.
Studying online tends to be cheaper.
Materials used online are likely to be more interactive/fun.
When you study online, you can study at exactly the level
and pace you want to.
Studying in a classroom is more sociable: you are more
likely to make friends with the teacher or fellow-students
Studying in a classroom is more motivating: you are face-
to-face with a tutor who really cares about your progress.
It may be easier to get help from the teacher or fellow-
students when studying in a classroom.
Useful ideas to answer this question
Studying online is more convenient: you can do it when you
want.
Studying online is less time-consuming: you don’t have to
travel to the lesson.
Studying online tends to be cheaper.
Materials used online are likely to be more interactive/fun.
When you study online, you can study at exactly the level
and pace you want to.
Studying in a classroom is more sociable: you are more
likely to make friends with the teacher or fellow-students
Studying in a classroom is more motivating: you are face-
to-face with a tutor who really cares about your progress.
It may be easier to get help from the teacher or fellow-
students when studying in a classroom.
Useful ideas to answer this question
Studying online is more convenient: you can do it when you
want.
Studying online is less time-consuming: you don’t have to
travel to the lesson.
Studying online tends to be cheaper.
Materials used online are likely to be more interactive/fun.
When you study online, you can study at exactly the level
and pace you want to.
Studying in a classroom is more sociable: you are more
likely to make friends with the teacher or fellow-students
Studying in a classroom is more motivating: you are face-
to-face with a tutor who really cares about your progress.
It may be easier to get help from the teacher or fellow-
students when studying in a classroom.
QUIZ: REPLACE THE MISSING WORDS

Prepare for {IELTS}

QUIZ: Tr y to find the missing words
Speaking from personal experience, I see m_______ differences.
The first thing to mention is that online study is more convenient. You can
study whenever you feel like it, rather than at s________ times. And you can
do it from the comfort of your own living-room instead of spending ages
getting to college. It can take a huge chunk out of your day.
Another thing to b___ in mind is the material you use. Online courses tend
to be more interactive and more fun, and to be specifically t________ to
your level. If you’re in an actual class, you generally have to go at the
same pace as everybody else.
But I must admit that learning in a real classroom is sometimes more
motivating. You can have a laugh with c___________ during the break, and
it’s easier to get to know fellow-students. And you can have a genuine
face-to-face c____ with the teacher. I know that’s possible online as well,
but it’s not quite the same.
QUIZ: Answers
Speaking from personal experience, I see massive differences.
The first thing to mention is that online study is more convenient. You can
study whenever you feel like it, rather than at specific times. And you can
do it from the comfort of your own living-room instead of spending ages
getting to college. It can take a huge chunk out of your day.
Another thing to bear in mind is the material you use. Online courses tend
to be more interactive and more fun, and to be specifically tailored to
your level. If you’re in an actual class, you generally have to go at the
same pace as everybody else.
But I must admit that learning in a real classroom is sometimes more
motivating. You can have a laugh with classmates during the break, and
it’s easier to get to know fellow-students. And you can have a genuine
face-to-face chat with the teacher. I know that’s possible online as well,
but it’s not quite the same.
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