thorp michael c ielts speaking the most comprehensive guide

Specific aims of the book It is to provide useful vocabulary, highlight ways of answering the different questions, with model answers and lots of practice questions, so students can fee

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All in One Kite Boy IELTS Speaking 1

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All in One Kite Boy IELTS Speaking 2

IELTS Speaking The Most Comprehensive Guide

All in One Kite Boy Series

whatsoever online or offline without the author’s written permission except in the case of

brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews

This book is sold subject on the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, copied, or otherwise circulated in any manner online or offline

without the author’s written permission

First Edition First published in 2020 by Free House Studios Ltd

www.freehousestudios.com

ISBN: 978-0-9951367-1-7

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As an IELTS examiner and teacher for over 20 years, I feel that most of the IELTS speaking test study materials are woefully inadequate They don’t prepare students with enough useful vocabulary, vocabulary exercises, speaking practice, and detailed practice structures and examples that can best enable them to attain a band score 6 or 7 or higher The Kite Boy IELTS speaking series of books (Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, Advanced, and All in One) aims to rectify all that by providing the most comprehensive guide to the IELTS speaking test

The All in One guide includes:

• 72 different topics and key vocabulary

• 1600+ vocabulary exercises

• 700+ practice questions, with model answers and suggested structures

• 14 different types of questions, and 40 different ways of answering them

Specific aims of the book

It is to provide useful vocabulary, highlight ways of answering the different questions, with model answers and lots of practice questions, so students can feel confident about how to do well in the IELTS speaking test

How Teachers Could Use this Book

As per the attached example lesson, here is how I have a great 3-hour lesson using this book for one topic for an advanced class

1 Play a TED talk video (~5 minutes long) related to the topic

2 Back to the board (key word vocabulary)

The teacher puts the students into 4 teams, who stand in front of the whiteboard with one each team member facing them, seated on a chair – back to the board The teacher writes a word from the key vocabulary on the board, and the students who are standing have to describe the word to their team member seated, without saying the word or

using body language or the root word If one of the people seated know the answer,

they raise their hand, and their team gets one point if it’s correct

3 Pronunciation Practice (key word vocabulary)

Once back to the board is over, the teacher can then model the more difficult words,

and get the students to practice The teacher can also ask the students questions about themselves related to the words to provide meaningful context

4 Vocabulary Exercises

Project the exercises onto a whiteboard and number the students 1-10 and have them come up and complete the first and then the second 10-question vocabulary exercises Afterwards, the teacher can again get them practice pronouncing any difficult words and ask questions about them to reinforce meaning and usage

Preface

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5 Part 1 Practice Questions

Project the part 1 practice gap-fill questions on the whiteboard and select different students to complete the gaps in the model answers Then, the students can practice answering them in pairs, following the structures given, but with answers that are true for themselves

Afterwards, the teacher could select different students to stand up and answer the questions to the class and provide feedback

6 Speaking - Part 2

Students complete the one-minute preparation for topic in the spaces provided Before the students do their two-minute speeches in pairs, the teacher could go around the class and ask each student to very briefly tell them what their story (problem) is

7 Speaking - Part 3

For the part 3 questions, the teacher can work though the model answers provided and then brainstorm ways of answering the practice questions Then, the students can practice answering them in pairs, following the structures given

8 Different Types of Part 1 or 3 Questions

For the different types of part 1 or 3 questions, the teacher could brainstorm ways of answering one type of part 1 or 3 question, and then the students could practice them in pairs

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1 Preface……… ………3

3 IELTS Test Overview……….……….6

4 The Marking System & Guidelines………7

5 Speaking Test – Part 1

• Test format and general approach… ………9

• Do’s and don’ts ……… 9

• 8 different types of questions, 22 ways of answering them,

with model answers and practice questions….… ……….12

• 57 different topics, key vocabulary, vocabulary exercises,

and practice questions with model answers………….….……….31

• Test format and general approach…….……… ……….203

• How to tell a story and do the one minute preparation………….…… 204

• Do’s and don’ts……….………205

• 3 model answer 2-minute talks……… ……… 205

• 55 different topics, key vocabulary, one minute preparation sheets,

and suggested approaches……….……209

• Additional part 2 topics………. … …….……… ……….……….….….311

• Test format and general approach……….319

• Do’s and don’ts……… 319

• 6 different types of questions, 18 different ways of answering them,

C Advice for low level English speakers……….…… ……… ………407

D Answer key for speaking - parts 1-3 (gap fill questions) ……… ……….408

E IELTS speaking band descriptors……….……….417

Contents

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a

b There are two IELTS tests: Academic and General, which are graded in the same way Each has four sections, which are completed in the following order: listening, reading, and writing on one day, with no break between the tests, and then speaking on either that day or within seven days before or after it

A score between 1 and 9 is awarded for each section, and the final IELTS score is the average of the four

A Listening Test (~40 minutes)

Listen to four recordings of native English speakers (~30 minutes) and answer 40 questions, and then you have 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet

B Reading Test (60 minutes)

Read three texts and answer 40 questions:

• Academic: three long texts taken from books, journals, magazines, or newspapers

• General: three texts taken from books, magazines, newspapers, advertisements, or company handbooks and guidelines

C Writing Test (60 minutes)

Complete two writing tasks:

• Academic: Task 1: a report (150+ words/20 minutes) based on a graph, table, chart,

or diagram, and Task 2: an essay (250+ words/40 minutes)

• General: Task 1: a letter (150+ words/20 minutes), and Task 2: an essay (250+ words/40 minutes)

D Speaking Test (11-14 minutes)

Answers questions in Parts 1 & 3, and speak for 1-2 minutes in Part 2

Answer up to 6 questions based on two topics similar to Part 2

IELTS Test Overview

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The speaking test is marked on four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammar, and pronunciation Each area is given a score between 1 and 9, which is the highest, and the final speaking score is the average of all four

A Fluency & Coherence - Guidelines

• speak without noticeable hesitations, repetition, or self-correction (fluency)

• give well explained answers, not short ones (fluency)

• connect your thoughts with a range of linking words (don’t overuse them) (fluency)

• answer the questions clearly and logically (coherence)

IELTS Public Band Descriptors (full list, page 417)

B Lexical Resource - Guidelines

• use a range of uncommon vocabulary (accurately)

• use a range of idiomatic expressions (correctly and appropriately)

• don’t repeat the questions (use pronouns or sometimes synonyms)

Marking System

& Guidelines

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C Grammar - Guidelines

• make as few grammatical errors as possible (use the correct verb tense, subject-verb agreement; see Appendix A, page 405)

• use a range of complex sentences (see Appendix B, page 406)

D Pronunciation - Guidelines

• group words within sentences (chunking)

• highlight the important words (stress)

• raise and lower the pitch of your voice (intonation)

• produce the correct sounds

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Speaking

Part 1

Speaking - Part 1

Format (~12 questions, 4-5 minutes)

You are asked around 12 questions on three different everyday topics The first topic is about either where you live or what you do

To answer each question, you have on average about 20 seconds, which is roughly two long sentences

General Approach for Answering All Questions

Short answer + reason + possibly, an example

Starting phrase + Answer + Reason + Example

As I see it _ owing to A good example

Probably _ due to A good case in point

Possibly/Maybe _

Well/Actually _

Agree Yes/I agree/For sure Absolutely/Of course

I guess so/I suppose so

No question Disagree No/Not at all/I disagree I’m not so sure/I don’t think so

I wouldn’t say so

Do’s

1 Use a range of uncommon vocabulary correctly

2 Use a range of complex sentences (see Appendix B, page 406)

3 Use a range of linking words

4 Use the correct verb tense, particularly, past simple for past actions (see Appendix

A, page 405)

5 If you don’t understand a question or word, immediately ask the examiner to

clarify, and do so very simply and quickly:

• Sorry, what was that?

• What does “X” mean?

• Could you paraphrase the question?

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Don’ts

1 Don't repeat the question or key words in it

You get no points for repeating the question Give a short direct answer, using

pronouns, and then explain it as clearly as you can

Example: “Do you come from a small or large family?”

Poor answer: “I come from a small family.”

(Why poor? It repeats all the key words in the question.)

Good answer: “I’d say, it’s probably an average-sized one, comprised of my

parents, two siblings, and our dog, Fifi, which is a fox terrier with the most

adorable eyes.”

(Why good? Short answer, using pronouns, and an explanation using a complex

sentence and uncommon vocabulary.)

2 Don’t overuse linking words

Don’t use lots of linking words or phrases to introduce your answer You only have

on average around 20 seconds to answer each question, so the majority of time

should be spent giving a short clear answer and explaining it

Example: Why do young ones like to play games on smartphones?

Poor answer: “That’s an interesting question I guess there are a number of

possible reasons, and if I had to give one off the top of my head, I would probably

say…”

(Why poor? After nearly 10 seconds, there is still no answer, and, unless you are a

politician, it’s not a natural way of speaking.)

3 Don’t give a list of answers

A list usually has no complex structures and shows no ability to explain something

clearly in detail

Example: “What do you like about the area you live in?”

Poor answer: “It has some nice parks and swimming pools, a great shopping mall

and markets, and a nice neighborhood

(Why poor? No complex sentences or detailed explanation.)

Good answer: “What I really enjoy is Central Park given it’s terrific for doing

exercise, like jogging or walking the dog, as it has an enormous walking track,

and huge trees and beautiful flower beds, which make it a pleasant place to relax and enjoy nature."

(Why good? Short answer, well explained, using complex sentences and

uncommon vocabulary.)

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4 Don’t repeat keywords or phrases

Repetition shows a lack of vocabulary Use pronouns or synonyms where possible

Example: “What are some problems in your city?”

Poor answer: “The biggest problem is air pollution, as the increasing number of

cars on the road are worsening the air pollution in my city, and more and more

factories are adding to the air pollution

(Why poor? Should use pronouns to avoid repetition of “problem” and “air

pollution.”)

Good answer: The main one is air pollution due to the increasing number of

factories and cars on the road and the lack of an effective public transport system, which are causing dangerously high levels of toxins in the air.”

(Why good? Used the pronoun “one” for “problem” and the synonym “high levels of toxins in the air” for “air pollution.”)

5 Try to avoid memorized answers

Answers that are obviously memorized get a band score of 1 Answer each question

as clearly and accurately as you can without giving memorized ones

6 Don’t overuse idioms

Using idioms inappropriately or unnaturally will negatively affect your lexical

resource score There is no need to artificially insert idiomatic expressions like

“knee high to a grasshopper,” or “escape the hustle and bustle of city life,” unless

they are clearly suitable as there are over 10,000 phrasal verbs in English, most of

which are idiomatic expressions, such as “grow up,” “take off,” and “look after.”’

Example: “What was the best holiday you ever had in your country?”

Poor answer: “I remember when I was knee high to a grasshopper, to escape the

hustle and bustle of city life and let our hair down, we went to Ocean Beach, which had a picture perfect white sandy beach with crystal clear waters.”

(Why poor? Unnatural and inappropriate use of idioms.)

7 Don’t give short answers

To get a band score 7 in fluency, you need to be able to give well explained answers easily

Example: “What is the area like that you live in?”

Poor answer: “It’s quite nice and peaceful, with nice neighbors

(Why poor? Too short, no complex sentences and explanation.)

Good answer: “Probably the best way to describe it is suburban middle-class since

it essentially a working-class residential area, with two main shopping malls and

a few sports facilities.”

(Why good? Short answer, well explained, with a complex sentence and uncommon vocabulary.)

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• Tell me about an email that made you happy

• What is your idea of a perfect home?

• What was it like growing up in your hometown?

• Tell me about a teacher you admired at school

Four Ways of Answering

A Short answer + explanation + reason + example

B “The best way to describe it” + answer + reason

C “What’s really great” + answer + reason + example

D Contrast two different answers + reasons + examples

A Short answer + explanation + reason + example

Starting phrase + Answer + Explanation + Reason + Example

I think _ which because like

I believe _ that since such as

I guess _ where as For example,

I suppose _ when for For instance,

I’d say _ who given

As I see it _ whose owing to

Possibly _

Actually _

Question 1: Do you work or are you a student?

Answer: I’m currently working for a gaming company as a 3D graphics

designer, which is quite stimulating and challenging since you’re always working on

many different projects

Eight Types of Part 1 Questions

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Question 2: Tell me about an email that made you happy

Answer: When I was studying at university, I got one from my mother, telling me

that she’d be flying to Australia to see me, which was wonderful news since I

hadn’t seen her for over a year and was missing her terribly

Practice

1 Tell me about your hometown It’s Auckland, New Zealand, which…

2 Tell me about a hobby you have I’m really into gaming, particularly, League of Legend, which…

3 Tell me about an important festival in your country The most popular one is the Lunar New Year celebration, which…

4 Tell me about the music you listen to I’m a big fan of BTS, which…

B “The best way to describe it” + answer + reason

Starting phrase + Answer + Reason

I think the best way to characterize it is _ because

I believe the best way to describe it is _ since

I guess I’d describe it as _ as

I suppose I’d characterize it as _ for

I’d say a good way to describe it is _ given

Question 1: What is your neighbourhood like?

Answer: Probably the best way to describe it is suburban middle-class since

although it is not far from the city center, it’s quite undeveloped in terms of sporting

facilities and other infrastructure, and it’s essentially a residential working-class area

Question 2: What are your neighbours like?

Answer: I guess the best way to characterize them would be quiet and elusive since I

hardly ever hear them or cross their paths as we’re living in an apartment and they

seem to be coming and going at completely different times

Practice

1 What is your workplace/school like? Probably, the best way to describe it is

2 What is your home like? I guess, a good way to describe it is…

3 What is your hometown like? I’d characterize it as…

4 What was your favourite teacher like?

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C “What’s really great” + answer + reason + example

Starting phrase + Answer + Explanation + Reason + Example

I think what’s particularly notable is _ which because like

I believe what’s really striking is _ that since such as

I guess what’s most noteworthy is _ as For example,

I suppose what’s most outstanding _ for For instance, I’d say what’s most/really impressive _ given as is the case

As I see it, what’s really great/common _ owing to

Question 1: What is interesting about the area where you live?

Answer: What’s particularly noteworthy is that it has some rather pleasant parks,

which are terrific for doing exercise, like jogging or running the dog, since they are

quite spacious and scenic with plenty of trees and lush vegetation

Question 2: Tell me about your hometown?

Answer: Sure, I was born and bred in Ho Chi Minh City, and one of the most

notable things about it would have to be the traffic congestion, particularly the

concentration of motorbikes, which would have to be one of the greatest in the world

Question 3: What do people do to celebrate the New Year in your country?

Answer: What’s really impressive is the annual fireworks show, which is usually

put on by the river as a way of ushering in the New Year with a spectacular array of

pyrotechnics that attracts so many people, we were standing there packed in like a can

of sardines

Practice

1 What is interesting about workplace/school? What I really like about it is…

2 What is interesting about your home? What I really like is…

3 What do people do to celebrate birthdays in your country? What’s most impressive is…

4 What do people do to celebrate festivals in your country? What’s really common is…

D Contrast two different answers + reasons + examples

Contrast + Answer 1 + Reason + Answer 2 + Reason

While because because

Although since since

Even though as as

Apart from for for

In spite of given given

owing to owing to

due to the fact due to the fact

Question 1: What was it like growing up in your hometown?

Answer: While it could be a tad boring given it was such a small rural town, there

were many great things going for it, such as its proximity to the beach, which was

only a stone’s throw away, and Black Mountain, a wonderful get away for picnics and

barbeques

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Question 2: Tell me about the different seasons in your country

Answer: Although there are only really two, wet and dry, and since it’s the tropics, what’s a little surprising is that even though the dry season’s hotter, it’s not

unusual for it to rain in the afternoon, so it can be rather wet during the dry

season

Question 3: What was the last meal you cooked?

Answer: While I don’t cook terrible often since I’m so caught up with my studies,

last week I put on my chef’s hat and made spaghetti bolognaise for my family

because my mother wasn’t feeling too well as she was getting over the flu

Practice

1 What was the last meal you cooked? While…

2 When did you last receive a gift? Although…

3 What was it like growing up in your hometown? While…

4 Are all your mornings the same? Even though…

2 Types of/likes/dislikes/favourite/popular/important questions

These questions ask you to describe your likes, dislikes, favourites, and popular and

important things

Examples

• What types of animals do you think make the best pets?

• What kind of clothes do you dislike?

• Do you like travelling?

• Do you like using the Internet

• What is your favourite season?

• What is your favourite animal?

• What is the most popular sport in your country?

• How popular are bicycles in your hometown?

• What is the most important celebration in your country?

• What are the important qualities of a good friend?

Five Ways of Answering

A “What I particularly enjoy” + reason + example

B Short answer + particularly in a situation + reason +

example

C Contrast a dislike & like + reason + example

D Contrast past & present + reason + example

E Contrast two different situations, using if + whereas if +

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A “What I particularly enjoy” + reason + example

Starting phrase + Answer + Reason + Example

I think what I particularly enjoy is _ because like

I believe what I really love is _ since such as

I guess what I most enjoy is _ as For example,

I suppose what I especially enjoy is _ for For instance,

I’d say what’s particularly interesting is _ given

Well, what I find really impressive is _ owing to

Probably what I’m really into/keen on is _ due to the fact

Possibly what I detest/abhor is _

Actually what I can’t stand is _

Question 1: What kind of clothes don’t you like?

Answer: What I’m not really into are leather pants as they seem a little over the top -

a little pretentious, as if you’re a rock star like Freddy Mercury, crying out, ‘Look at me.’ They’re not really my style

Question 2: Do you like travelling?

Answer: Yes, it can be quite eye-opening What I really enjoy is going to countries

whose cultures are completely different to my own, usually third world ones,

and going off the beaten track with my camera to capture the beauty of and

grandeur of just humble people going about their everyday lives in the face of often

abject poverty, but with a dignity and respect that is heart-warming since it shows that

real happiness in life is not really dependent on material things

Question 3: What kinds of films do you like?

Answer: I guess, even though I’m open to watching any genre, provided it has a

good story, what I find particularly interesting are biographical films since you’re

getting two for the price of one – a entertaining film and a history lesson A good

example is the film Bohemian Rhapsody, the Freddy Mercury movie, which provides a

great insight into the life a musical mega-star

Question 4: What is your favourite season?

Answer: While I’d say each has its own charm, what I find particularly impressive is

autumn because of way the leaves change into a stunning array of vibrant colours -

reds, oranges, and yellows, and then shortly afterwards, fall to the ground, leaving the

trees looking rather stark and bare

Practice

1 What type of pictures do you like having in your home? Well, what I really love is…

2 What is your favourite room in your apartment/house? I guess the one I particularly enjoy is…

3 What is the worst thing about living in your hometown? What I can’t stand is…

4 Do you like using the internet? For sure, and what I especially like is…

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B Short answer + “particularly if/when” situation + reason + example

Short Answer Situation + Reason + Example

Yes particularly if _ because like

Sure especially if _ since such as

Absolutely particularly when _ as For example,

I guess so especially when _ for For instance,

Maybe/Possibly _ given

No/Not particularly _ owing to

Probably not _ due to the fact

(Answer) _

Question 1: Do you like shopping?

Answer: No, by in large, I find it rather tedious and boring, particularly if I’m

searching for something that’s difficult to find since it invariably means trawling

around lots of retail shops, having to deal with crowds of people and sometimes

overbearing and patronizing shop assistants At times, it’s right up there with going to the dentist

Question 2: Do you like to have plants in your home?

Answer: Yes, I think they can be quite uplifting and soothing, especially if you

have a nice range of green leafy pot plants, such as Maiden ferns, because as with most forms of nature, they can be quite calming and comforting to the mind and soul

Practice

1 Do you like having pets? Yes, particularly if/when…

2 Do you like reading? Sometimes, especially when…

3 What kinds of films do you like? Documentaries, particularly if they…

4 What place do you most like to visit? Probably the beach, particularly if…

C Contrast a dislike & like + reason + example

Contrast + Dislike + Reason + Like + Reason While not really into because really enjoy because

Although not keen on since what’s great since

Even though not fond of as what’s amazing as

Apart from can’t stand for what’s terrific for

In spite of ambivalent given what’s fun given

Despite irritating owing to love owing to

nuisance due to the fact due to the fact

Question 1: Do you like travelling?

Answer: Although I’m not really into group tours given you are forced to follow a

fixed itinerary and associate with people whom you may or may not get on with, I find

back-packing, exploring different places independently, loads more fun

since you can go where you like, when you like, and it imbues you with a much greater sense of freedom and adventure

Question 2: What types of animals do you think make the best pets?

Answer: While I may be a bit ambivalent about cats since they can be a little

self-centered, they can make great pets, particularly for working households since

unlike dogs, they are perfectly self-sufficient if left on their own, provided there’s food and water

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Question 3: Do you like using the internet?

Answer: Although it can be really frustrating when there is no internet

connection, what I think is amazing is the way it has transformed

communications given that you can talk real-time, almost face-to-face, using video

chat apps such as Facebook messenger for no charge, anywhere in the world with an

online connection

Practice

1 Do you enjoy shopping? Although I…

2 What kinds of films do you like? While I…

3 How popular are bicycles in your hometown? Even though they…

4 What games are popular in your country? Despite…

D Contrast the past and present + reasons + examples

Contrast + Answer 1 + Past + Present + Answer 2 + Reason

While when I was young, nowadays, because

Although when I was a child, today, since Even though when I was in grade ten, currently, as

Though in the past for/ given

owing to

due to the fact

Question 1: Do you like to visit museums?

Answer: While I used to visit quite a few when I was young on family outings, the

only impetus I have to go now is if I’m traveling; like, for example, when I went to

Paris a few years ago and made a point of going to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa,

which was quite surprising since it wasn’t as large as I imagined it would be given its

fame

Question 2: Where do you like to go on a day out?

Answer: Well, when I was young, my parents would often take us to a local

beach, where we’d sail a really small little boat, whereas nowadays, although sailing’s

fallen by the wayside, it is still refreshing to get outdoors anywhere in nature,

whether it be climbing a mountain or walking through a forest and things like that

Practice

1 What kinds of books do you like to read? When I was young…

2 Is there any music you don’t like listening to? While I used to…

3 What place do you most like to visit? Although in the past…

4 Which new sport would you like to try? Even though I have…

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E Contrast two different situations, using if + whereas if

Start + If+situation+result + Contrast + If+contrasting situation+result +Reason

I think if + situation + result while if + contrasting situation + result because

I guess if + situation + result whereas if + contrasting situation + result since

Well, if + situation + result if + contrasting situation + result as

I suppose if + situation + result if + contrasting situation + result for

I’d say if + situation + result if + contrasting situation + result given Actually if + situation + result if + contrasting situation + result owing to

Probably if + situation + result if + contrasting situation + result due to the fact Possibly/Sometimes

Favourite public transport?

Situation: if I want cheap transport: Grab motorbike taxi/whereas if raining: taxi

Favourite music?

Situation: if I want to party: play RnB/whereas if I want to relax: classical music

Question 1: What is your favourite type of public transport?

Answer: I guess, if I want to get around quickly and cheaply, I’d probably take a

Grab motorbike taxi as you can get across the city, cutting through the rush hour

traffic congestion, for only a couple of dollars, whereas if it’s raining, taxis are great

given the protection they provide from the elements

Question 2: What kind of music do you like?

Answer: Well, if I want to party, it’d have to be RnB given its pulsating beat, which is cool for dancing, while if I want to relax or even do homework, I don’t mind listening

to classical music like Mozart as it’s quite calming and does, by my way of thinking,

heighten your powers of concentration

Practice

1 What types of animals do you think make the best pets? I guess, if I someone has a yard…

2 Do you like meeting new people? If I am travelling alone…

3 What is your favourite type of music? I guess if I am studying…

4 What sports do you like? If I am with my friends…

3 “How” Questions

These questions ask you to describe how to do something

Examples

• How do you think your school could be improved?

• How do you normally celebrate your birthday now?

• How do you usually spend your holidays?

• How did you become interested in your hobby or interest?

• How do people learn to play games in your country?

• How did you learn to use a computer?

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Two Ways of Answering A State a superlative + answer + reason + example B Contrast two different situations, using if + whereas if A State a superlative + answer + reason + example Start + Superlative + Answer + Reason + Example I think the best (thing) because such as I guess the most effective (thing) since like Well the fastest/easiest (way) as For example, I suppose the most common for For instance, I’d say the most popular given

Actually the most valuable owing to Probably the most meaningful due to the fact Possibly the most obvious/simplistic/interesting Question 1: How are animals in your country used for work? Answer: Probably the most common usage would be that of water buffalos for farming, particularly on rice farms because they pull ploughs and wagons laden with rice and heavy equipment as needed, and they’re generally pretty docile and tame, which makes them easy to work with Question 2: How can neighbours be helpful? Answer: While there are many ways, I think the most simplistic but meaningful is the friendship and comradery they provide as it can lead to many other beneficial acts such as I experienced in my family with my mother borrowing sugar or my father lending a battery charger Practice 1 How do you think your school could be improved? I guess the best thing they could do is… 2 How do you usually contact your friends? The easiest way is… 3 How do you like spend your holidays? The most enjoyable ones are when I go… 4 How do people learn to play games in your country? The most common way is… B Contrast two different situations, using if + whereas if Starting phrase +Criteria +If+situation+result +Contrast +If+situation2+result

I think it depends on If + situation + result while if + situation 2 + result

I guess it comes down to If + situation + result whereas if + situation 2 + result

Well it boils down to If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result

I suppose/I’d say If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result

Actually If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result

Probably/Possibly If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result

How do you spend your holidays? Criteria: Time: If long holiday→ go to sea/whereas if couple days→ see movie How do you prefer to buy your clothes? Criteria: Type: If everyday causal wear→ local market/whereas if work clothes→ tailor Question 1: How do you usually spend your holidays? Answer: I guess it depends on how much time I have If it’s a long public holiday, I might well go to some place new by the sea, swimming and exploring the locality, which can be a fun way to recharge the batteries, whereas if it’s only a couple of days break, I’d be perfectly content to see a movie or sit back with a book that’s hopefully

a great page-turner

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Practice

1 How do you prefer to buy your clothes? ($: if a lot/whereas if only a little)

2 How do people learn to play games in your country? (type: if team game/whereas if video game)

3 How can teachers make learning more interesting? (subject: if science/whereas if languages)

4 How can you learn a foreign language quickly? (location: if in native speaking country/whereas

if not)

4 Yes/No questions

These are questions that could be answered yes or no

Examples

• Is bottled water expensive in your country?

• Is being late acceptable in your culture?

• Is reading books a popular activity in your country?

• Do you think animals should be kept in zoos?

• Do you think that bicycles are suitable for all ages?

• Do any colours have a special meaning in your culture?

• Do you take many photographs when you travel?

• Do you like meeting new people?

• Do you like to have plants in your home?

• Do you like travelling?

• Do you enjoy shopping?

Two Ways of Answering

A Short answer + reason + example

B Contrast two answers: one “yes” and one “no” + reasons + examples

A Short answer + reason + example

Short Answer + Reason + Example

Yes because like

Sure since such as

Absolutely as For example,

No question for For instance,

Question 1: Do you think that bicycles are suitable for all ages?

Answer: Absolutely, as exercise is critical for maintaining both one’s physical and

mental health irrespective of age, provided there is no real danger of the very young or old becoming injured through a fall

Question 2: Do you take many photographs when you travel?

Answer: Yes, particularly if I’m travelling alone because it gives you a good excuse to

venture away from the commercial touristy areas and photograph the real local culture without all the commercialised trappings

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Practice

1 Do you think animals should be kept in zoos? Not really, as…/Yes, because…

2 Do you enjoy shopping?

3 Is reading books a popular activity in your country?

4 Do you read for pleasure very often?

5 Do you ever take a gift when you visit someone in their home?

B Contrast two answers: one “yes” and one “no” + reasons + examples

Contrast + Answer - Yes + Reason + Answer - No + Reason

While because because

Although since since

Even though as as

Though for for

given given owing to owing to

due to the fact due to the fact

Question 1: Is fast food popular in your country?

Answer: Well, while there has certainly been a proliferation of fast food

restaurants in recent years, with McDonalds and Burger King firmly establishing

themselves since the middle class is growing, there is a growing number of

healthier restaurants opening up too, appealing to the more health conscious, such

as The Salad Bar and a growing number of vegetarian restaurants

Question 2: Do you ever use a paper dictionary?

Answer: Well, although there’s no great necessity to use one with the advent of

spell-checking on most word-processing programs, at times, if I’m writing a report or

speech it can quite useful to find synonyms or to look up any unusual word I

might come across

Practice

1 Have you ever been to a music concert? (Yes: school concert, No: not a big international star)

2 Do you like using the Internet? (Yes: Good source of information, No: can be a waste of time)

3 Do you enjoy shopping? (Yes: when there are sales, No: can be exhausting)

4 Do you often feel bored? (Yes: when alone sometimes, No: usually busy studying)

5 Would questions

These are hypothetical questions or those about the future

Examples

• What would your perfect meal be?

• Would you like to learn another language?

• What would you like to change about your daily routine?

• Which new place would you like to go to on a day out in the future?

• Would you like to receive a plant as a gift?

• Where would you like to travel in the future?

• Is there anywhere you would particularly like to visit?

• Which new sport would you like to try?

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Three Ways of Answering

A Short answer + reason or explanation & would + example

B State a situation & answer (result) + reason + example

C Contrast two different situations, using if + whereas if

A Short answer + reason/explanation + example

Short Answer + Reason/Explanation + Example

Yes, I would because like

Sure, I’d since such as

Absolutely, I’d as For example,

I guess so I’d for For instance,

Maybe/Possibly given

No/Not particularly owing to

Not particularly due to the fact

(Answer)

Question 1: Is there anywhere you would particularly like to visit?

Answer: For sure While there are many foreign countries on my bucket list, I’d really

love to travel around Italy as it has so many beautiful and charming historic cities

like Florence and Venice and wonderful countryside that in my mind would be

wonderfully romantic to explore with someone you love

Question 2:

Would you like to learn a foreign language?

Answer: I'm not too sure since I’m not sure there is a real pressing need for me to do

so As well as this, given that I don’t have too much free time or, frankly, motivation,

apart from learning some foreign survival-language phrases when I’m travelling, I

can’t see myself taking up another tongue

Practice

1 Would you like someone to draw or paint a picture of you? I guess so, as…

2 Which new sport would you like to try? Maybe kite surfing since…

3 What kind of new food would you like to try?

4 Which new hobby would you like to try?

B State if + situation & result (answer) + reason + example

Starting Phrase + If+situation+result + Reason + Example

I think if I had the CHANCE, I’d… because such as

I guess if I had the TIME, I’d… since like

Well if I had the MONEY, I’d as For example,

I suppose if I was in JAPAN, I’d for For instance,

I’d say if + situation + result given

Actually if + situation + result owing to

Probably if + situation + result due to the fact

Possibly if + situation + result

(nothing) if + situation + result

Question 1: Would you like to take a cooking class?

Answer: If I had the time, absolutely, as it could be a lot of fun leaning how to cook

some foreign dishes I really enjoy like the Thai spicy soup, Tom Yum Goong, or

Japanese food, particularly, sushi, which is almost an art form in itself

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Question 2: Which new hobby would you like to try?

Answer: If I had the money, it’d be amazing to learn kite surfing since it seems

really exhilarating flying across the water at tremendous speed, being pulled along by

only the wind and a kite wing

Practice

1 Which country would you like to work in in the future? If I had the chance, it’d be fun to…

2 Where would you like to travel in the future? If I had the time, it’d be exciting to…

3 Is there anywhere you would particularly like to visit? If I had the money, it’d be fun to…

4 What kind of new food would you like to try? If I was in Japan, I’d love to…

C Contrast two different situations, using if + whereas if

Starting phrase +Criteria +If+situation+result +Contrast +If+situation2+result

I guess it comes down to If + situation + result whereas if + situation 2 + result Well it boils down to If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result

I suppose If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result I’d say If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result Actually If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result Probably If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result Possibly If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result

Buying flowers

Criteria: Occasion: If for home→ local supermarket/whereas if important event→ florist

What visitors see in your country

Criteria: Interests: If adventurous→ go skiing or bungee jumping/whereas if laid back→ seaside resort

Question 1: Where would you go to buy flowers?

Answer: It probably comes down to the occasion If it’s just a few for the home to brighten it up, I'd settle for a bunch from the local supermarket as they’re usually quite cheap n cheerful, whereas if it was a more important event like Valentine’s Day

or a wedding, I’d definitely go to a florist, who could provide something quite special

like a rose bouquet or such like

Question 2: What would you suggest a visitor should see and do in your country?

Answer: I guess, it's a question of what they’re interested in If they’re the outdoor

adventurous type, adrenaline junkies, I'd recommend skiing or bungee jumping

since there are many world class facilities to do such things, while if they’re into more

laid-back sedate things, there are a lot of seaside and mountain resorts where

people can be at one with nature without having to break a sweat

Practice

1 What would your perfect meal be? (who with: if friends/whereas if family)

2 Which new place would you like to go to on a day out in the future? (money: lots/little)

3 Are there any traditional arts or music you would recommend? (age: old/young)

4 Where would you go to buy flowers? (occasion: home/wedding)

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6 Frequency/Time Questions

These questions ask when or how frequently you do something

Examples

• What did you usually do on your birthday when you were a child?

• How common is it to drink coffee and tea in your country?

• Who do you usually watch films with?

• What do you usually do in your free time?

• Which television channel do you usually watch?

• How often do you go to the cinema?

• How often do you buy new shoes?

• When you go out for an evening, what do you like to do?

• When do people give gifts or presents in your country?

A Short answer + explanation/reason + example

B Contrast two different situations, using if + whereas if

Starting phrase + Answer + Explanation/Reason + Example

Probably _ due to the fact

Sometimes _

Maybe/Possibly _

Well/Actually _

Usually/Typically _

Question 1: How often to you buy new shoes?

Answer: Whenever I need them, which on average probably means two new pairs a

year once my old ones are usually broken in some way since unlike some people, I’m

certainly not a shopaholic or collector of them

Question 2: When do people give gifts or presents in your country?

Answer: I’d say the most common time would be on the Lunar New Year since

it’s a big celebration here, where people give lucky money, which is typically money

placed in an envelope and given to the younger generation As well as this, it’s also not

unusual for people to receive gifts on popular western style celebrations such as

Christmas or birthdays

Practice

1 What did you usually do on your birthday when you were a child? Typically, I’d…

2 Which television channel do you usually watch? I guess, BBC World News since…

3 When do you prefer to have your main meal of the day? Usually, around 6pm as…

4 How common is it to drink coffee and tea in your country? Very, because…

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I suppose If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result I’d say If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result Actually If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result Probably If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result Possibly If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result How often do you go to the cinema?

Criteria: What’s showing: If something worthwhile→ twice a week/whereas if not→watch TV

What do you do on an evening out?

Criteria: Who I’m with: If colleagues→ restaurant or bar/whereas if girlfriend→movie or live music

Question 1: How often do you go to the cinema?

Answer: Well, it pretty much comes down to what’s showing If there’s something

worthwhile watching, I might go maybe twice a week, whereas if there isn’t,

I’d probably just download something at home rather than pay to sit through

something mediocre in a theatre

Question 2: When you go out for an evening, what do you like to do'?

Answer: It depends on whom I’m with If it’s a bunch of colleagues from work,

we could do anything from going out to a restaurant or bar, whereas if it’s my

girlfriend, we often enjoy seeing films or listen to live music as it’s a fun way to

relax and see something a little bit different from the usual fare on television

Practice

1 What do you usually do in your free time? (when: week day/weekend)

2 How often do you go out with friends? (when: school time/holidays)

3 How often do you use the computer? (when: weekday/weekend)

4 How often do you go shopping? (money: little/lots)

7 Compare Questions

These questions ask you to compare two things

Examples

• Do you like the same colours now as you did when you were younger?

• Do you get bored more often now than when you were younger?

• Were you more or less patient when you were younger?

• Do you prefer to receive emails or texts?

• Do you prefer relaxing at home or going out in the evening?

• Where do you prefer to watch films - at the cinema or at home?

• Do you prefer eating at home or in a restaurant?

• Do you prefer playing computer games alone or with a friend?

• Do you think it’s better to travel alone or with other people?

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A Short answer + key differences, using comparatives

Starting phrase + Answer + Reason + Comparatives

I think _ because adjective + er/

I believe _ since more or less + adjective

I guess _ as better/worse

I suppose _ for not/as adjective as

I’d say _ given

Question 1: Which is more important to you, friends or family?

Answer: I’d say family since they are more dependable in the long run than friends,

who may be extremely loyal and reliable, but they are usually only around at certain

stages of one’s life, not throughout

Question 2: Have the types of exercise you like to do changed since you were a child?

Answer: Not hugely, since despite doing a bit of running and playing some soccer and

rugby when I was younger, I’ve always been more interested in tennis as I find it far

more fun in terms of competing and socializing

Practice

1 Do you do more exercise now than when you were a child? No: less free time

2 Do you think it’s better to travel alone or with other people? Together: less lonely

3 Do you like the same colours now as you did when you were younger? No: darker ones

4 When do you prefer to have your main meal of the day? Evening: more time to prepare it

I suppose If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result I’d say If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result Actually If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result Probably If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result Possibly If + situation + result if + situation 2 + result

Prefer eat home or in restaurant?

Criteria: Both: If have time→ fun cooking/whereas if don’t want to cook→ nice dishes at restaurants

Prefer emails or text messages?

Criteria: Situation: If work→ email = written record is better/whereas if socially→texts are faster

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Question 1: Do you prefer to receive emails or texts?

Answer: It depends on the situation If it is work related, then I’d rather have

emails as they provide a record of the communication, while if it’s more of a social

situation, much less formal, then text messages are far more convenient given

their speed and informality

Question 2: Do you prefer eating at home or in a restaurant?

Answer: They’re both great I mean, if I have the time, it can be fun cooking and

entertaining in the comfort of my own home since I can let my can totally relax,

not worry about other people, whereas if I want a break, a fresh scene, it can be quite

exciting trying some dishes that may be more difficult to replicate at home

For instance, I’m really into sushi, yet when it comes to making it myself, I’m not

exactly a MasterChef

Practice

1 Where do you prefer to watch films - at the cinema or at home? (money: some/little)

2 Do you prefer going out for the day on your own or with other people? (when: school

time/weekends)

3 Do you prefer playing computer games alone or with a friend? (mood: if lonely/if not)

4 Do you think it’s better to travel alone or with other people? (relationship status: single/in a

relationship)

8 Past questions

These ask what you did in the past

Examples

• Did your parents read to you when you were a child?

• Did you do any sport when you were a child?

• Did you learn to play a musical instrument when you were a child?

• Were you interested in fashion when you were a child?

• Have you ever been very hungry but didn't have anything to eat?

• Have you ever given anybody flowers?

• When was the first time you cooked something yourself?

• When was the last time you went to an art gallery or exhibition?

B Contrast past and present + reasons + examples

Starting phrase + Answer + Explanation/Reason + Example

Probably _ due to the fact

Possibly _

Well/Actually _

Trang 29

Question 1: Did your parents read to you when you were a child?

Answer: Yes, it’s really fond memory since my father used to read Tom Sawyer to me

in bed when I was around 8 years old, and it was not only totally captivating since it

about a young rebel around my age at the time

Question 2: Have you ever been very hungry but didn't have anything to eat?

Answer: Probably the only time I can remember was when I was with my family

one summer vacation at the top of New Zealand One morning, we went hiking

after breakfast without bringing any food, and after nine hours of trekking along the

deserted beaches, following the coastline, underestimating how long it would take us,

we finally made it back to camp in the pitch dark totally starving

Practice

1 When was the last time you went to an art gallery or exhibition? Last week, since…

2 Did you ever grow any plants when you were younger? Sometimes I grew… because…

3 Did you learn to play a musical instrument when you were a child? Yes, the piano since…

4 Did you used to write a lot when you were a child? Not really, because…

B Contrast past and present + reasons + examples

Contrast + Answer 1 + Past + Present + Answer 2 + Reason While when I was young, nowadays, because Although when I was a child, today, since Even though when I was in grade 9, currently, as/for

Though in the past given

due to the fact

Question 1: What did you do the last time you had a holiday?

Answer: Well, while our family could never afford to stay at any seaside resorts

when I was a child, my girlfriend and I stayed at five-star hotel resort on Koh

Samui in Thailand three months ago, which had amazing food and a private white

sandy beach

Question 2: Did you visit museums when you were a child?

Answer: Nowadays, I hardly ever, only sometimes if I’m traveling, like, when I went

to the War Memorial Museum in Ho Chi Min City, but when I was young, my

parents, particularly my mother, would regularly take my brothers and me

during the summer vacations to all the different museums in my city, and we

really enjoyed it as some of them were quite fascinating

Question 3: When did you last receive a gift?

Answer: To be perfectly honest, although I don’t usually receive many, around six

months ago, my girlfriend did give me a bottle of perfume for my birthday,

which was a pleasant surprise since my previous bottle was almost empty

Question 4: Have you ever given anybody flowers?

Answer: While it’s not something I often do, I did send a bouquet of flowers to

my uncle about two months ago when I heard that my aunt had passed away due

to cancer It was really sad and the least I could do as I was overseas and unable to

attend the funeral

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Practice

1 When was the last time you went to an art gallery or exhibition? While as a child, I…

2 Have you ever given anybody flowers? When my aunty died, I…

3 Were you interested in fashion when you were a child? Although I found it interesting, I didn’t…

4 Did you do any sport when you were a child?

5 When was the first time you cooked something yourself?

6 Did you used to write a lot when you were a child?

7 When was the first time you cooked something yourself?

8 Did you learn to draw to paint pictures at school?

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A Where you live

1 Apartments & Houses…… …… ……… … 33

2 Hometown & Neighbourhood……….……….…….36

11 Parks & Gardens ……… 63

12 Seas, Lakes & Rivers……… 66

20 Hobbies & Interests………90

21 Humour & Laughing……….……….93

22 Internet & Computers……….…… 96

23 Newspapers & News Sites…….… ………….……….… 100

30 Travel & Holidays… ……… ……….………… 121

31 Celebrations & Birthdays……… ………125

32 Festivals…… ……….………128

33 Weddings….……… ……… 131

Speaking - Part 1 Topics

Trang 32

41 Food & Cooking……… 155

42 Gifts & Presents……… 159

Trang 33

 born and raised there/resided/lived there since I was

 two-bedroom multi-storied house/single-storey house

 two-bedroom apartment complex/high-rise apartment

 run down/in disrepair

 cold and draughty (cold air from outside)

 vicinity/nearby

Vocabulary Builder

A Match the words to a synonym, antonym, or idiom

1 single storey house reside

Trang 34

B Circle the odd word/s out

3 apartment multi-storied house single-storey

6 all the mod cons unique design cold and draughty

8 cut off from neighbours panoramic views close-knit community

C Fill in the gaps with the correct word from the key vocabulary above, circle the

correct word in bold, and then answer the questions, using the structure provided

but with information that is true for you

1 Where do you live?

I’m currently with my parents in/on a two

, which is located in/on the of/at London

(short answer + explanation)

2 How long have you lived there?

I’ve been there 21 years as I was there, and also since my father works in the

(short answer + reason + explanation)

3 What do you like about your home?

While it’s not a/the flashy or place, it’s nice and Also, the interior is not too/to cramped - it’s actually quite

, with three , each having their own en-suite

(contrast two answers + reason + explanation)

4 What do you like most about your home?

What I really love is the , which overlooks the

, which has a/the small vegetable garden

(“What I particularly/especially/really/most enjoy” + reasons + examples)

5 If you could change anything about your home, what would it be?

Given the kitchen and bathroom are looking a bit run , showing their age, it’d be nice if they could be

(reason + short answer)

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• old fashioned/tradition house

• unique design/architectural style

Apartments: Positives & Negatives

- noisy – hear neighbours

- limited space/cramped

- cut off from neighbours – less social

- can’t make any structural changes + well-constructed

+ modern + all the mod cons (modern appliances) + good security

+ spacious/enormous + central

+ good facilities (swimming pool/tennis courts)

+ panoramic views + not cold and draughty like some old houses + not susceptible to power-cuts like houses

Trang 36

 in the southern/northern part

 coastal city<>commercial center

 small country town<>bustling metropolis/metropolitan city/metropolis/

sprawling city

 suburbs/residential areas/outskirts<>city center/inner city multicultural

city/culturally diverse/cosmopolitan city

+ nice sense of community/friendly neighbours

- air pollution/vehicle emissions

- traffic congestion/gridlock traffic at rush hour (traffic stops moving)

5 small country town gridlock

8 densely populated bustling metropolis

10 traffic congestion entertainment

Hometown &

Neighbourhood

Trang 37

9 sense of community great nightlife friendly neighbours

10 traffic congestion air pollution gridlock

1 Where is your hometown?

It’s in the part of the country in/on the

coast, and we live in/on the on the outskirts of the town

2 What do you like about your hometown?

Well, while it’s nothing special, it’s quite well developed with good sports

and a peaceful with lots of beautiful trees

and flowers that is nice for walking a/the dog

3 Has it changed much since you were a child?

The most noticeable difference is the amount of traffic, which causes a lot of

and during the rush hours

(main difference + explanation)

D Fill in the gaps with the correct form of the word in brackets, and then answer the

questions, using the structure provided but with information that is true for you

1 Can you tell me about your hometown?

Sure, I was born and (breed) in Manila, and one of the most

(note) things about it would have to be the traffic

(congest), which is often in a state of gridlock during the rush hours

(short answer + most notable thing)

Trang 38

2 What is the area like that you live in?

Probably the best way to describe it is (suburb) middle-class, and even though it’s not far from the city center, it’s quite undeveloped in terms

of modern (architect) and facilities It’s essentially a (resident) working-class area

(“The best way to describe/characterize it” + answer + reason)

3 What don’t you like about the area you live in?

What’s not really great is the level of air (pollute) and traffic (congest), particularly around the rush hour periods, since the city lacks a decent public transport system as in a subway

4 What do you like most about living there?

While it can be a tad (bore) given it is such a small rural town, there are many great things (go) for it, such as its proximity to the beach, which is only a stone’s throw away, and Black Mountain, which is a (wonder) get away for picnics and barbeques

• suburban area/residential area

• industrial city/major industries/industrialised

- high cost of living/high property prices

- homelessness and poverty

+ away from the hustle and bustle + woodlands/green spaces + good living conditions/well developed + good amenities/facilities/infrastructure + good public transportation

+ nice sense of community + sports facilities

+ parks/gardens + touristy + job opportunities

Trang 39

 compulsory subjects/core subjects

 extra-curricular activities/school club/sports

 learn a lot of theoretical<>practical knowledge

 highly/well qualified teachers

 inspiring/stimulating learning environment

 high standard of education/high academic standards

 heavy<>light workload

 outdated<>modern academic and sports facilities/grounds

 after school classes/intensive classes

7 final year high school student syllabus

Trang 40

2 extra-curricular activities soccer after school classes

3 compulsory subjects optional subjects core subjects

4 high school certificate bachelor degree master’s degree

1 Do you work or are you a student?

I’m currently a/the high school student, a

college that is in my

2 What do you like most about your school/college?

Apart from a/the stimulating learning , it has great sports , such as an/the all-grass soccer field, and they organise many

other activities

3 Is there anything about your course you would like to change?

The work load is the only real issue I have as there are 12

subjects in the , so we are in/under a lot of (short answer + reason + explanation)

D Fill in the gaps with the correct form of the word in brackets, and then answer the

questions, using the structure provided but with information that is true for you

1 Where do you study?

I’m currently a pupil, (study) at British International High School, which is one of the top (rank) ones in the country

Tiêu đề	IELTS Speaking The Most Comprehensive Guide All in One
Tác giả	Michael C. Thorp
Trường học	Free House Studios Ltd.
Chuyên ngành	IELTS Speaking
Thể loại	guide
Năm xuất bản	2020

Định dạng
Số trang	417
Dung lượng	3,56 MB