Speaking Part 2: Beautiful Person

Describe 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 advertisements portrayal of beauty is correct?
How has peoples idea of beauty changed over the last few decades?
Do you think beauty only relates to a persons 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
not only the physical appearance but also the character. When describing physical
appearance its 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 hes 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 persons 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 womens figures
have changed over the years from the typical hour glass figure to the less curvy
womens 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.

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. Both answers offer the examiner a
range of vocabulary suitable for the topic.

Question: Do you like camping?

Answer: Yes, I do. Theres something really exciting about being out in the forest,
sleeping in a tent and cooking food over the campfire. Its lovely to feel so close to
nature. Unfortunately, I dont get much chance to do it.
Answer: No, I dont. I hate the idea of sleeping in a cramped tent and eating awful
camp food. I would much prefer to sleep in a hotel where I had my own bathroom
with a power shower. I honestly dont know why people enjoy it.
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Environment
February 27, 2015 by Liz 7 Comments

Below are some questions for the topic of the environment for IELTS speaking part 3.

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, its hard to say for sure. I think some people are concerned but probably
not enough of them. There are people who take environmental problems seriously
enough to actually recycle their rubbish appropriately but I dont 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. We all know that the worlds
resources are being used at an alarming rate but no one seems to actually feel its
their responsibility to change the way they live. So, I guess, although there are some
people who are concerned, its not enough and more people in my country need to
change the way they live.
Common Mistake in Speaking Part 3
February 20, 2015 by Liz 8 Comments

Below is a sample answer for a speaking part 3 question. Can you spot the mistake?
This isnt a mistake with grammar or vocabulary, its a mistake with technique.

Q. Do you think people do as much exercise today as they did in the past?

A. No, I dont 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 dont get back home until after dark so I dont have any time for exercise except on my
day off which is just once a week.

Did you spot the mistake? Answer

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 dont 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 dont really have the time. The majority of people have to commute to work early in
the morning and dont 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:

Did you ever learn a musical instrument as a child?

If you could learn a musical instrument, what would you choose?
If you had a child, 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. Did you ever learn a musical instrument as a child?

A. No, I didnt but I always wish I had. If I had had the chance, I would have learned the guitar.
The problem was that there werent 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 Id probably go for the violin. Its such a beautiful instrument and I think the music
that can be played on it, can be really haunting and moving. Yes, Id 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.

1. Do you like vegetables?

2. Are there any vegetables you dislike?
3. Did you like vegetables when you were a child?
4. Are vegetables popular in your country?
5. Do most people eat vegetables with their meal in your country?
6. Are there many vegetarians in your country?
7. Do you think it is important to eat vegetables?
8. How can parents encourage their children to eat more vegetables?
Model Answers

Question: Do most people eat vegetables in your country?

Answer: Yes, they do. Almost every meal has either rice or potatoes and also
another vegetable as well, such as cabbage, carrots, green beans or something like
that. 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.

Question: Are there many vegetarians in your country?

Yes, quite a lot. Many people choose to avoid eating meat and their diet consists of
both vegetables and grains. There are quite a few restaurants in my city which cater
to vegetarians and offer the most wonderful dishes such as fried aubergine, spinach
and potato, onion cakes and things like that. Theyre actually very delicious.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Clothes

February 6, 2015 by Liz 5 Comments

Here are some questions for a common topic in IELTS speaking part 1 clothes.

1. Do you often buy clothes?

2. Are clothes important to you?
3. What kinds of clothes do you prefer to wear?
4. What kinds of clothes do you wear most days?
5. Would you ever spend a lot of money on clothes?
6. 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, Id wear casual clothes everyday. I feel much more
comfortable wearing jeans and a t-shirt or a jumper. Unfortunately, my work forces
me to wear formal clothes like a suit or trousers with a smart shirt which I really
dont like so I only get to wear casual clothes on my days off.

Sample Answers for Travel and Transport in Speaking

Part 1
February 6, 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.

Travel

Q. Do you often travel abroad?

A. Not much, to be honest. I dont get many days off in a year but when I do have time off, I
mainly spend that time with my family in my hometown.
Q. When is the best season to travel in your country?

A. I guess it would be spring. Thats when the weather starts warming up and all the flowers
start blossoming. Its a really beautiful season and most places are at their best at that time.
Unfortunately, its a busy time for tourists as well but that still doesnt diminish the beauty of
the countryside.

Q. Where would you recommend a foreign to visit in your country?

A. Without doubt, London. Not only is it our capital, but it also has some of the most iconic
buildings in our country. I dont 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 cant be missed.

Transport

Q. How did you get here today?

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.

Q. Do you often use public transport?

A. Yes, I do. I use the bus almost everyday. Its the cheapest way to get around even though its
really overcrowded and not particularly punctual.

Q. How could the transportation system be improved in your country?

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.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Speaking Part 3 Questions

1. Do you think tourism is a good thing?
2. Why do you think some people believe tourism to be bad for local communities?
3. Do you think local communities change as an effect of tourism?
4. Do you think there are more advantages than disadvantages of tourism for local
communities?
Dont forget we are looking at the effects of tourism as an industry rather than a tourist
as a person. Dont confuse the two.

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.

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, 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

fiddling around with something = playing with something

down to earth = realistic, practical
stereotyped = putting people into a group or categorising them not based on fact
Note: As you can see this model answer is from a womans perspective, if you would
like to give a sample answer from a mans perspective, please post it in the comments
box. Feel free to post your answers to other questions as well.

Current Speaking Topic: Jan 2015

January 14, 2015 by Liz 5 Comments

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:

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 youre not happy with?
Do you think happiness is important?
Why do you think someone are unhappy?
Heres a sample answer for one of the questions

Question: Would you say you were a happy person?

Answer: Yes, I would, on the whole. Im pretty cheerful most of the day and the
only time Im not is when Im really tired at the end of the day, particularly if its
been busy at work, which I think it understandable. I generally dont let things get
me down so I definitely think Im quite positive and happy.
Vocabulary
 pretty cheerful = quite happy
dont let things get me down = I dont allow incidents or situations to make me
unhappy
positive = optimistic (the opposite is pessimistic)
downhearted = to have low spirits
Im not often in the dumps = Im not often depressed
carefree = easygoing / doesnt worry about things
cheerful happy

Sample Answers for Speaking Topic: Charities

January 9, 2015 by Liz 8 Comments

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.

1. Do you think charities are important? Answer

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.

Speaking Part 1 Topic: Sleep

January 2, 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. 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:

Q. Do you often take a nap during the day?

A. To be honest, I hardly ever nod off during the day but, I suppose, if Ive had a really
exhausting day, which is pretty rare, I may have a short siesta after lunch.

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)
 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. It contains some more useful vocabulary for you.

Sharing is caring...

Sample Answers for Speaking Topic: Health

December 19, 2014 by Liz 1 Comment

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 dont have enough time. Its pretty much the same
with exercise. Few people these days have time to fit it into their daily routine.

2. Do you think the government is responsible for public health?

Well, to be honest, I think it the responsibility of both governments and individuals.

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. However, much of the responsibility falls on individual
people to take exercise, eat well and have a balanced life style.
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.

4. How could parents encourage their children to be 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, Im sure will have a positive effect.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Model Answer: Holidays

November 28, 2014 by Liz Leave a Comment

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.

Describe a holiday you recently had.

You should say:

where you went

how you got there
what you did there
and explain if you enjoyed it
Model Talk
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
theyre still talking about it. If I could live there, I would.

Recommended Lessons

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Model Answers: Sport

November 12, 2014 by Liz Leave a Comment

Here are some IELTS questions and model answers for the topic of sport in speaking
part 3.

1. Do you think children get enough exercise these days? Answer

No, I dont. Personally, 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, children were
much more active but nowadays they only do exercise at school during PE lessons.
2. Is there a difference between exercise that boys like and exercise that girls usually
enjoy? Answer

3. How can parents encourage their children to take more exercise? Answer
To be honest, I dont think its 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.

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.

Below are some possible ways to answer this part 2 topic.

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 wouldnt say that theyve 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.
IELTS Speaking Part 3: What makes a good painting?
October 11, 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 cant take your eye off
historical background or relevance
Model Answer

From my perspective, I suppose a good painting is one you cant take your eyes off. For
me, its 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.