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Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking: Part 1
SPEAKING PART 1: 1. DESCRIPTION QUESTIONS: (Strategy: divide into 2 or 3 parts) Sample answer
Tell me something about your hometown? Well as you can probably guess I come from Taipei and I have lived here all my life, although at the moment I’m studying in another city – Taizhong. I suppose if I had to describe Taipei, the first thing I would say is that it’s very crowded, maybe even one of the biggest cities in Asia I guess. It’s so congested that even the locals have problems finding their way around! Another significant characteristic is that it offers splendid examples of contemporary architecture. Actually some of the renowned landmarks are in the middle of Taipei, such as the Taipei 101, the second tallest building in the world.
Well, the main thing you need to know is that…(1) + (details)… On top of that I can also add that (2)…+ (details)… Something else that I need to say is that (3)…so actually…(detail) Starting-off Ok, then; actually; alright; well, you know; Point 1 The first thing I’d like to mention is … The main thing you need to know is … I’d like to begin by highlighting the fact … Point 2 In addition I suppose I should say … Another interesting point … Not only that, but _______is also exceedingly ….. Point 3 And I shouldn’t forget to mention that…
I guess I could also say that (it’s) sort-of …….. Finally I’d also like to mention ……..
Practice: Tell me something about your hometown? What does your neighborhood look like? What does your house look like?
2. LIKING (Strategy: General to specific) Rephrasing “liking” I’m pretty fond of… I’m really keen on… I’m a big fan of… I’m passionate about… Structure 1. Well in general I would say … 2. To be more precise/specific… 3. And I guess this is probably because…
Sample answer What kind of animals do you like? Well in general I would say small animals, to be more precise cats and dogs; and, I guess this is because we often kept them when I was growing up, and they were good companions for me.
Practice: What do you like about your hometown? Do you like your job/studies? What sort of music do you like? Do you like reading? Do you like shopping?
3. DISLIKING (Strategy: General to specific) Rephrasing “Disliking” I’m not really satisfied with…
I’m not much of a fan of… I’m not really fond of… …is simply not my cup of tea. I really can’t stand… … simply gets on my nerves.
Sample answer Is there anything you don’t like about your hometown? In general, I’d have to say that I am not so satisfied with the weather. To be more precise, I really can’t stand the summer months. You know, it’s because the temperatures are often as high as 35 degrees, plus it is always humid, so it makes you feel quite uncomfortable!
Practice Is there anything you don’t like about your hometown? Is there anything you don’t like about job/studies? Is there any food you don’t like? What’s the worst thing about shopping? Are there any clothes that you don’t like? What type of weather do you dislike?
4. “TYPE OF” QUESTIONS (strategy: depends on) …there’s quite a mixed variety of … …there’s quite an extensive diversity of … … there’s quite a wide range of … … there’s a fairly broad range of … … there’s quite a diverse mixture of … Sample answer Tell me about the different types of transportation in your city. Of course, you know there’s quite a mixed variety of public transportation in my city. Though I think the most commonly-used one could probably be buses. And the explanation for this could be that they are so cheap and reliable. In fact the average bus fare in my city is about 20 dollars for a single journey from start to end.
Practice What kinds of restaurants are popular in your country? What types of shops can be found in your local area? What types of things do people collect in your country? What types of TV programmes are popular in your country?
5. “WH-/HOW OFTEN” QUESTIONS(strategy: concession) Well to be honest, I would have to say that it really depends. Like for instance … Whereas in contrast…
Sample answer What sort of restaurants do you usually eat at? Usually I prefer to get something like fast food such as McDonalds because it’s quick and easy to get. However, if I have more time I would rather have something healthier such as a steak and salad from a decent restaurant like Outback Steakhouse.
Practice When do you usually read? Who do you spend your evenings with? When you go out in the evenings, what do you usually do? How often do you play sports? Where do you usually go shopping?
When / Why / My feeling Natural Beauty : Location / History / Visitors / Activities / My feeling Animals : Appearance / Habits / Food / Relationship / My feeling Objects : How I got it / Exterior / Function / Price / another related object / My feeling Organizations : History / Members / Location / Duty / Influence / My feeling Opening: .Well I’d like to talk about ……… .Ok then, to start with I will talk about ……… The first point: The first thing I’d like to mention is … The main thing you need to know is … I’d like to begin by highlighting the fact … The most important point about _____ is The second point: Going on to my next point which is ______, and the thing that needs to be highlighted here is that (S+V). Now concerning the matter of ______, and what I have to mention here is that ~. The third point: Progressing to the subject of ______. I would like to explain that (S+V). Moving onto the business of ______, What I would like to make clear is that ~. The last point: Finally, I’d like to discuss __________ Finally then, if there is time, I could deal with the last question of (N). <>
Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking: Part 3 It’s difficult to predict exactly what questions we will get asked in the third part of the exam, but usually they will have a close connection to the topic we discussed in part 2 of the exam. In addition the following functions may be tested. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Comparing (time/objects/concepts) Predicting Advantages Disadvantages Problems Solutions Opinion (why)
1. Comparing Do you think people were smarter in the past? What is the difference between learning skills and knowledge? 2. Predicting Do you think people will be more intelligent in the future? Do you think technology can replace teachers in the future? 3. Advantages What are the main advantages of studying online? What are the main advantages of studying abroad? 4. Disadvantages What are the main disadvantages of studying online? What are the main disadvantages of studying abroad? 5. Problems What are some of the main problems that students often encounter with learning English? What problems do students often have with their classmates? 6. Solutions [for above ―how could we solve these problems‖] 7. Opinion Why do you think some people enjoy learning new things? What are some useful ways to remember things?
1. Comparing Try to use language of comparison (cheaper, more expensive, more/less than)
Opening: Well, obviously, there are a variety of possible differences here. Well, undoubtedly, they are like chalk and cheese. The First difference: However, I (guess/ suppose) that the most striking difference is ~; whereas in contrast… But I would say the most fundamental would be that (S+V). On the contrary, The second difference: In addition, a subsequent contrast could be that (S+V). Conversely, Moreover, a further distinction might be that (S+V). While on the other hand, Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM In what ways magazines are different to newspapers? How could we deal with the problems of Internet? Are people travelling more now than in the past? Who make better teachers —men or women? How have family values changed over the years?
2. Predicting Try to use future tense (will, going to + verb) Opening: I am sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this. I imagine that in the near future, we will witness some major changes with regard to (N). The first prediction: To begin with, I would predict that we will most likely have (N). Primarily, it looks quite possible that we are going to have (N). The second prediction: As well as this, some people claim that we will probably start to see (N). Likewise, I would imagine that we may even be able to see (N). The third prediction: And who knows, there is even a chance that we will have (N). And I know it is a bit of a crazy thought, but one day we may even have (N). Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM What will schools be like in the future? What will cars be like in the future? Do you think people will have to conserve water in the future? Do you think we will get the news in different ways in the future? What will your country be like in 50 years?
3. Advantages (merits, benefits, rewards) Opening: Clearly there are a number of obvious merits. Obviously there are a number of positive features. The main advantage: But I would probably say that for the most part, the one thing that really stands out is that~. This is obviously favourable because (S+V). However, I guess that the most evident would be that (S+V). This is surely a positive feature as (S+V). The second advantages: Besides this, a second plus point could be that (S+V). This is undoubtedly favourable because (S+V). At the same time, a second bonus might be that (S+V). This is surely a positive feature as~ Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM What are the advantages of living in an old building? What are the advantages of living in big cities? What are the advantages of owning an up-to-date mobile phone? What are the advantages of advertising? What are the advantages of studying abroad? 4. Disadvantages (drawbacks, shortcomings) Opening: I am sure most people would agree that there are some drawbacks. Of course there are a couple of shortcomings. The main disadvantages: I suppose the most unfavourable quality might be that (S+V). This is an obviously weakness because (S+V). I guess the most impractical characteristic would be that (S+V). This is a clear limitation because (S+V). The second disadvantages: At the same time, another stumbling block might be that ~. And the trouble with this is that Correspondingly, an additional weak point may be that (S+V). And this can be a hassle as~ Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM What are the disadvantages of living in an old building? What are the disadvantages of living in big cities? What are the disadvantages of owning an up-to-date mobile phone? What are the disadvantages of advertising? What are the disadvantages of studying abroad?
5. Problems Opening: Obviously we can say there are quite a lot of dangers with regard to this issue. It is universally accepted that there are a few hazards involved with (N). The main problem: Essentially, one fundamental concern is probably that ~. This is clearly alarming because~. The second problem: Equally worrying is the suggestion that~. And the underlying repercussions of this are that. Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
What problems are associated with eating fast food? What problems are caused by a lack of physical exercise? How is our busy lifestyle contributing to health problems? What problems are associated with global warming? What problems are associated with violence being shown on TV?
6. Solutions: Opening: In my view there are a few ways to tackle this problem. The first solution: When dealing with _________, the easiest way to solve it out would be ~. The second solution: I also think that we could ________________ Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
How could we deal with eating fast food? What would you do to get more physical exercise? How can stress from our busy lifestyle be relieved? What steps could be taken to tackle global warming? How could kids be prevented from seeing violence on TV?
7. Opinion (why) questions Opening: Well in my opinion, there are undoubtedly a variety of justifications for this. I suppose I would say that (S+V). There are probably a number of factors involved. Well generally it is my belief that (S+V). There are obviously a number of motives surrounding this idea. The first reason: The chief cause might be that (S+V). The key explanation is possibly because (S+V). The second reason: As well as this, a subsequent factor could be because (S+V). At the same time, a secondary motive could be that (S+V). Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM Why do people like travelling to foreign countries? Why do so many people move from the countryside to cities? Why is it important for children to play sports? Why do young people spend so much time on the Internet? Why is watching TV so popular all over the world?
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Vocabulary for your job
Sample questions about your job 1. 2. 3. 4.
What job do you do? Why did you choose this job? How long have you been doing this job? Is there anything you don’t like about it?
Nouns profession line of business occupation line of work
Verbs be involved in share responsibility for work within a team
Adjectives hectic exhausting intricate undemanding
Idioms work flat out (= work very hard). Sometimes I have to work flat out. pull out all the stops ( make a special effort).When it’s busy I have to pull out all the stops. pick up the pieces (= fix a problem). When there’s a problem I have to pick up the pieces.
Increase your score for lexical resource by learning a wide range of vocabulary for the IELTS speaking test.
Vocabulary about studying
Sample questions about your studies: 1. What are you studying? 2. Where are you studying? 3. Why did you choose this school / university? 4. What would you like to do after your studies?
Nouns field of study lecturer theory
Verbs revise comprehend succeed in become skilled in
Adjectives hands-on (= practical) theoretical
reputable compulsory optional
Idioms pass with flying colours (=pass with a high score) I passed my entrance exam with flying colours. cross that bridge when I come to it (=deal with a problem when it arrives) I’m not worried about that now . I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
Vocabulary about your hometown
Sample Questions Let’s talk about your hometown 1. What do you like about your hometown? 2. Is it a good place for young people? 3. What would you like to change about your hometown? 4. Do you think your hometown will be better in the future?
Nouns residential area industrial area apartment complex architecture
local cuisine neighbourhood
Adjectives sprawling unique industrial commercial distinctive built-up
Idioms run down (= in bad condition) Some areas are run-down. up-market (expensive) Some neighbourhoods are becoming very up-market.
Vocabulary for shopping
Sample questions: Let’s talk about shopping. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Do you like to go shopping? How often do you go shopping? What kind of shops are there where you live? What’s the worst thing about going shopping?
Nouns
essential luxury independent retailer chain store market vendor
Verbs haggle pick out
Adjectives over-priced fake genuine sophisticated
Idioms the real McCoy (= genuine, not fake) Most chain stores only stock the Real McCoy products. going for a song (= offered at a low price) If I see some classy products going for a song—I might be tempted.
Vocabulary for Buildings
Sample questions: 1. What types of buildings are there where you live? 2. Do you prefer old or new buildings? 3. Are historical buildings important where you live? 4. Do you think we should protect old building?
Nouns architecture skyscraper office block residence
Verbs construct renovate demolish
Adjectives elegant well-designed unsightly contemporary old-fashioned
Idioms put up (= build) They are putting up loads of unsightly office blocks. do up (= repair) They should do up some of the old-fashioned residences. pull down (= demolish)
Vocabuary about holidays and travelling
Sample questions 1. How much travelling have you done? 2. Do you prefer travelling alone or in a group? 3. What do you like to do when you are on holiday? 4. What places would you like to visit in the future? Nouns package tour independent travel travel agent Verbs go backpacking go sightseeing
Adjectives touristy overdeveloped
exclusive luxurious
Idioms Off the beaten track (to a place not usually visited by tourists) When I go backpacking I prefer to go off the beaten track. Rough it (= live in uncomfortable conditions such as camping) When we went camping we had to rough it for two days.
Vocabulary for family
Sample questions about family 1. Tell me about your family. 2. What kind of things do you and your family do together? 3. Who does the housework in your family? 4. Would you prefer to have a larger or smaller family?
Nouns family unit relatives household chore (= housework) family circle
Verbs
adore admire enjoy the company of
Adjectives affectionate intimate distant
Idioms it’s in the blood (= it’s a natural part of one’s character) All my family are really fond of reading—I guess it’s in the blood. runs in the family ( be a shared family characteristic) My brothers and I have big ears—it runs in the family.
Vocabulary for friendship
Sample questions about friends 1. How much time do you spend with your friends? 2. What do you usually do with your friends? 3. Do you prefer spending time with your family or friends? 4. Is friendship important to you?
Nouns
companion acquaintance sibling
Verbs get together hang out with socialize
Adjectives sociable gregarious out-going extrovert introvert
Idioms Own flesh and blood (= family, relative) Obviously my siblings are my own flesh and blood so I love them very much. soul mate (= best friend) I usually hang out with my soul mate.
a sounding board (= a good person to talk to) I can use my best mate as a sounding board when I have problems.
Vocabulary for weddings
Sample questions for weddings 1. Have you ever been to a wedding? 2. What do people usually do at weddings in your country? 3. What clothes do people usually wear at weddings in your country? 4. Which people are usually invited to weddings?
Nouns marriage ceremony bride groom honeymoon
Verbs give presents drink a toast
Adjectives conventional customary
ceremonial
Idioms tie the knot (= get married) When people decide to tie the knot, they usually want to lead a steady life.
Vocabulary for clothing
Sample questions for clothes 1. What types of clothes do you like wearing? 2. Where do you usually buy your clothes? 3. Did you wear a school uniform when you were younger? 4. Do all students in your country wear a school uniform?
Nouns garment trend boutique
Verbs flaunt (show off) dress up
Adjectives stylish elegant well-made
Idioms the in thing (= fashionable) This summer, baggy jeans are the in thing. at the height of fashion ( fashionable) Sports clothing is at the height of fashion.