Ieltscast

View all lessons! https://ieltsielts.com/view-all-repeat-lessons/ Describe an event or ceremony most people go through in your culture. You should say: -what the event or ceremony is -when people usually experience it -how it affects people and explain your opinion about it I'd like to talk about the traditional ceremony of Diwali, which is widely celebrated in my culture. Typically, Diwali falls in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. The festival lasts for five days, with the main day being marked by the lighting of oil lamps and candles. We do this to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali has a profound impact on people in my culture. It is a time when families come together and adorn their houses with colourful decorations. This fosters a sense of unity and creates a positive and festive atmosphere. We also prepare sweet and savory dishes and exchange gifts to promote goodwill among friends and neighbours. On a deeper level, Diwali holds cultural and spir

Thanks for leaving a 5 star review at iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ieltscast-weekly-shadowing-exercises-for-ielts-speaking/id1070129363 Get the FREE newsletter! https://ieltsielts.com/ Transcript: Do you work or are you a student? I'm a student pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer science at the University of Lisbon. Do you play video games? Yes, I do enjoy playing video games. I find it's a fantastic way to unwind and relax. What kind of games do you play? I have an eclectic taste in games, but I particularly enjoy strategic and simulation games. Titles like Civilization VI and Cities: Skylines are among my favourites. Do you have friends who are also into gaming? Yes. We regularly get together for multiplayer sessions and enjoy friendly competition. What types of games do you usually play with your friends? We typically engage in cooperative games or team-based multiplayer games. Games like Among Us or Overwatch are popular choices with us because these games can be played in less than

Get the FREE newsletter! https://ieltsielts.com/ Do you think children generally find it difficult to accept change? I guess it depends on the nature of the change and a child's individual temperament. In my view, the unfamiliarity of new situations can make major changes very difficult to accept for most children. In your opinion, is a change of routine good for children? Yes, I believe a change of routine can be beneficial for children. It exposes them to different experiences, which fosters adaptability and crucial life skills such as problem-solving. However, the key lies in maintaining a balance because too much change too quickly might overwhelm a child. Do you think it takes a long time for children to adjust to a new school? The time it takes for children to adjust to a new school can vary significantly. Some children may adapt quickly, forming new friendships and becoming acclimatised within a short period. Others may require more time, especially if they face challenges in establishing connections o

Access more IELTS resources at the website! https://ieltsielts.com/ Describe something that you bought that you now cannot live without. You should say: -what it is -why you bought it -how often you use it and explain why you cannot live without it. I'd like to talk about my indispensable MacBook Air. I bought it approximately two years ago when I was in dire need of a reliable and portable computer. I guess I would say the primary motivator for this purchase was my transition into a more digital-centric lifestyle. I mentioned before that I'm a marketing specialist and, in the wake of COVID, it quickly became apparent to me that I would need a lightweight and powerful laptop to work from both my home and my office. Even though it was quite expensive, I decided on the MacBook Air due to its impressive performance and excellent battery life. On average, I use my MacBook Air for at least six to eight hours every day. It has become an integral part of my daily routine, serving not only as a workstation but also a

Visit the blog! https://ieltsielts.com/ Get full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Are you currently working or are you a student? I am currently employed as a marketing specialist for a technology company. I have been working in this role for the past three years. Do you prefer working in a crowded place or a quiet one? Personally, I thrive in a quieter work environment. I find that I can concentrate better and be more productive when there are fewer distractions. Do you like spending your vacations or holidays in crowded or quiet places? I tend to lean towards quieter destinations when it comes to vacations. The peacefulness of open landscapes and the chance to unwind away from the hustle and bustle of daily life are appealing to me. I can't imagine experiencing the same level of relaxation in a crowded city. Let's talk about sunglasses. Do you often wear sunglasses? I make it a habit to wear sunglasses, especially during the sunny seasons. Not only do they provide protection against harmful

Visit the blog! https://ieltsielts.com/ Get full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join What do people usually complain about in public places? In public places, people commonly complain about inadequate facilities, poor sanitation, noise levels and overcrowding. When people complain, do they usually do it verbally or in writing? I think it depends on the situation and size of the problem. For smaller nuisances, verbal communication seems to be more prevalent. People tend to voice their concerns directly to the relevant authorities or service providers, perhaps to get an immediate response. I think written complaints would be more common for complex or ongoing issues, such as noise coming from a construction site. Do you think social media has changed the way people complain about services or products? Oh yes, it certainly has. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook allow individuals to voice their concerns instantly and to a broad audience. This not only puts pressure on businesses to address issues

The new website is up! https://ieltsielts.com/ Sign up for full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Describe an event in your life that changed it in a positive way. You should say: -what the event was -when it happened -how it changed your life and explain why this change was positive for you Well, I would have to say my decision to learn a new language changed my life in a positive way. This significant turning point occurred around three years ago during my summer break. I had always been intrigued by the different cultures of Spanish-speaking people, so deciding to study Spanish was a natural choice for me. The journey began with enrolling in an intensive language course and immersing myself in Spanish literature and media. Doing these two things helped me to improve my understanding and abilities rapidly. I'll now speak about the multifaceted ways in which studying Spanish impacted my life. Firstly, the mental challenge of mastering a new language stimulated my cognitive abilities and signi

Sign up for FULL lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Visit my blog! https://ieltsielts.com/ Do you think the dishes people cook are influenced by the agriculture of their region? Absolutely. The availability of certain crops and livestock shapes the culinary traditions of a place. For example, in regions where rice cultivation is prevalent, you'll find a rich variety of rice-based dishes, and the same is true in regions where wheat is the more common grain. How important do you think agriculture is in your country? It's definitely important in China. Agriculture not only provides sustenance to the vast population but also contributes significantly to the national economy. I would also say a lot of our cultural identity is closely tied to traditional farming practices and the cuisines these practices produce. Can agriculture be improved by technology? Yes, I believe it can. Technology can significantly enhance efficiency, yield and sustainability in agriculture. Modern irrigation systems and gene

Describe someone who loves cooking. You should say: -who this person is -what kinds of dishes they usually cook -who they usually cook for And explain why you think this person enjoys cooking so much I would like to talk about my aunt, Lauren, who is an ardent lover of cooking. She is a middle-aged woman with a passion for culinary arts that is truly inspiring. Auntie Lauren is an exceptional cook and her culinary skills encompass a wide range of dishes from various cuisines. However, her specialty lies in preparing exquisite Italian dishes, particularly pasta and homemade pizzas. The aroma of her cooking often fills the entire house, creating an inviting atmosphere that captivates everyone's senses. Most frequently, she dedicates her culinary expertise to her immediate family – her husband and three children. Sunday dinners at her house have become a cherished tradition, with family members eagerly anticipating anything she prepares. The reason behind Auntie Lauren's unwavering love for cooking can be attrib

Sign up! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Do you work or are you a student? I'm currently a student. What do you study? I'm pursuing a degree in Environmental Science. Let's talk about noise. Would you describe yourself as a noisy person? No, I wouldn't say I'm a noisy person at all. I generally prefer a calm and quiet environment. In what situations does noise bother you? I find noise particularly bothersome when I'm trying to concentrate, especially while studying or working on important tasks. It can be quite distracting. Do you like to listen to loud music? Occasionally...yes, I do. However, I prefer it at a moderate volume. I find it more enjoyable, and it doesn't disturb others around me. How do you feel about noise in your living environment? I value a peaceful living environment. Excessive noise can be disruptive to both relaxation and productivity. I believe in maintaining a balance to ensure a harmonious atmosphere. Do you think cities are becoming noisier? Absolutely. It's evident that urba

Join for full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Get the FREE newsletter! https://www.ieltsielts.com/ We've been talking about helping others, and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. Do you like to help others? Absolutely. I find great satisfaction in contributing to the well-being of others, be it in small everyday gestures or more significant acts of kindness. How can children help their parents? Children can contribute to their parents' well-being in various ways. Simple tasks like helping with household chores, such as tidying up their rooms or assisting with cooking, can make a significant difference. Additionally, showing appreciation and respect for their parents' efforts can create a positive and supportive family environment. Why do you think some children don't like helping their parents? I guess one reason for this reluctance might be the age and developmental stage of the child. Younger children might not fully comprehend the value of helping, while teenag

Subscribe for full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Describe a person who lives in your area and always offers a helping hand to others. You should say -who this person is -how he/she helps others -why he/she does it And explain how you feel about this person I'd like to talk about a remarkable individual in my community who consistently extends a helping hand to others – Mrs. Smith. She is a retired school teacher in her late 60s and she and I have resided in the same neighbourhood for the past three decades. Mrs. Smith's helpfulness is evident in many ways, but her most notable contribution is in tutoring local children after school hours. She voluntarily dedicates a few hours each day to assist students with their homework and provide additional support in subjects they find challenging. Furthermore, she has established a small community library in her home, where she lends books to children who may not have access to such resources otherwise. The driving force behind Mrs. Smith's generous

For full exercises: https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Do you work or study? Currently, I study marketing at a college in this city. Why did you choose to study this subject? I chose to study marketing because of its dynamic nature and its direct relevance to my career goals. The field allows me to combine creativity with strategic thinking, providing a perfect fit for my aspirations. Let’s talk about rain. Does it rain much in your city? In Rome, we experience moderate rainfall, particularly during the spring and fall seasons. The rain contributes to the city's greenery and maintains a pleasant climate. Would you most like to live in a place that is dry or wet? I prefer a place with a balanced climate. Moderate rainfall adds to the environmental diversity and creates a pleasant atmosphere. Would you change your plans if it rained outside? Weather conditions do influence my plans to some extent. Heavy rain might prompt me to reconsider outdoor activities. However, a light drizzle usually doesn't deter m

Join for FULL exercises! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Do you think nowadays young people have to become independent at a younger age compared to the past? Absolutely. In contemporary society, the pace of life has accelerated, and this has required young people grow up faster than in previous generations. The job market is more competitive and demands young professionals demonstrate autonomy and self-reliance. For example, people switch career paths way more now than they did in the past, and this requires people be more self-reliant and less dependent on a long-term employer. How does moving out of the family home contribute to a young person's sense of independence? Moving out is a pivotal step towards autonomy. It exposes individuals to the complexities of managing a household, handling bills and making decisions independently. Living away from the family provides a platform for personal growth, encouraging individuals to confront challenges, solve problems and build resilience. What responsibil

Join for full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Talk about someone you know who has moved to a new accommodation. You should say: -who this person is -when they moved -where they moved and explain whether or not the move has had a positive impact on them I'd like to talk about a colleague of mine named Emily, who recently made a significant move to a new accommodation. Emily is a person I work with, and we've developed a friendship over the past few years. She decided to make this move about three months ago - I think it was about August of this year. This decision to move was primarily for career advancement and to be closer to our workplace, which is in the heart of the city. Before, she had been commuting for almost two hours daily! Emily's new accommodation is an apartment in a modern complex. The area is known for its vibrant community, diverse cultural amenities and convenient access to public transportation. The apartment itself is spacious, well-furnished and provides a stunning view o

Sign up for full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Topics in this episode: Studying, work, friendship, computers, the zoo and drinks

Join this channel for FULL lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Join my FREE newsletter! https://www.ieltsielts.com/ Transcript of the sample that is heard in this video: How important is it for employees to take on challenging projects at work? Taking on challenging projects at work is of paramount importance. It not only helps employees grow and develop professionally but also contributes significantly to the overall success of the organisation. Challenging projects provide employees with the opportunity to expand their skill set, learn new things and think creatively. In fact, the ability to handle challenging projects is often a key differentiator in one's career progression, as it showcases a person's problem solving skills, leadership potential and adaptability. What skills are necessary to successfully handle challenging projects? Handling challenging projects successfully demands a diverse set of skills. Firstly, problem solving skills are crucial. Employees should be able to analyse comp

Join for FULL exercises! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Get the free newsletter! https://www.ieltsielts.com/ Describe a book that had a significant impact on you. Please say: -What the book was about -When and where you read it -Why it had a significant impact on you -And say whether you would you recommend this book to others A book that I found impactful is "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I first encountered this book during my university years while studying literature. It's not very long, so I was able to read it in one afternoon in my university's library. The book had a significant impact on me due to its themes and the portrayal of the characters' aspirations and shortcomings, which I found very relatable. It delves into the lives of Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire who is known for his extravagant parties, and Nick Carraway, the narrator who becomes entangled in Gatsby's world. I really enjoyed how the book uses a story to examine topics such as the elusive nature of happiness

Join for FULL exercises! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube Music! https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB73A1B919925E02F&si=jdjlHDSKxPWU5lvg Where you are from? I am originally from a picturesque town in the heart of England called Stratford-upon-Avon. Do you work or study? Currently, I am pursuing my studies. I am enrolled in a postgraduate programme in Environmental Science at a local university. What is your hometown like? Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming town with a rich history. It's renowned as the birthplace of William Shakespeare and is known for its well preserved Tudor-style architecture. The town is nestled along the tranquil banks of the River Avon, and its cobblestone streets are lined with quaint shops and theaters. Do you enjoy living in your hometown? I absolutely adore living in my hometown. The blend of history, culture and the welcoming community makes it a delightful place to call home. How has your hometown changed over the years? Over

Please excuse the quality of my voice in this episode. I was a little sick.