IELTS Speaking Test Part 2
Describe a city that you think is very interesting
You should say:
- Where it is
- What it is famous for
- How you knew this city
- And explain why you think it is interesting
In my opinion, each city has its own peculiarities that make it an intriguing place to live in.
An interesting city is a subjective matter. It varies from person to person.
For instance, a literature lover would love to live in New York as there are many famous bookstores and huge libraries in that city.
It is a booklover’s paradise.
But I am not a voracious reader, so I won’t like New York that much.
My personal interest is in having a peaceful place where all the facilities such as better healthcare, world-class education , and good public-transport systems are available.
And this may sound weird, but I like public gardens very much. Although they are called public gardens, you are sure to find a quiet nook in that garden that gives you some kind of privacy that you need.
My city Ahmedabad has a few public gardens. But they are not well-maintained by the local authorities. You find them littered with plastic waste left behind by visitors.
And there is no possibility of having some serene moments as the parks are often inhabited by stray dogs who keep on barking all the time.
But, not all the cities are like this.
A few months ago, I came across a newspaper article on public gardens in Toronto. This struck my fancy.
I never knew that Toronto has as many as 350 public gardens in it. It’s a big number for a city of its size.
I was quite amused to read about those gardens and various recreational activities people do there.
On garden is completely devoted to music lovers. In the garden, they have placed various musical instruments such as guitars, pianos – both acoustic and digital, drums , flutes at regular distances. Musicians can go there and play their favorite instruments to their heart’s content.
Another park is simply devoted to children’s amusement. There are swings, slides, see-saws , and merry-go-rounds for kids. Good thing about this park is that no other activity is allowed here except children’s playing. Adults can come here as guardians, but they can’t disturb kids by doing any other activities.
If I were to choose a city to live in, I would invariably choose Toronto just because of its public gardens.
And it is also very interesting to know that there is zero-crime rate in Toronto, and the government there is thinking about disbanding the Reserved Police Force of Toronto.
This is another intriguing feature of this lovely city.
I hope , someday I will be able to fulfill my dream to live in Toronto- known as “The Garden City” of Canada.
IELTS Speaking Test Part 3
What advantages can tourism bring to a city?
There are many advantages that can result from the development of tourism.
The first and foremost is the emergence of the city as an iconic city that represents the local culture. As more foreigners come and visit that city, the more the local culture spreads around the world.
And we can’t forget the financial benefits it brings as local businesses flourish when tourists come to that place.
Why do some young people like to live in big cities?
Young people need new opportunities. They want to have a better future. Young people would invariably choose a big city where they find all the means to make their future better.
Do most elderly people live in the city or in countryside?
This varies from person to person. But, there is a common trend among old people to opt for a peaceful life. Be it a big city or a village, old people would choose a place where they can pass their time in the company of their loved ones. If they find a serene atmosphere around their house in a big city, then they won’t choose a village life.
Do you think well-developed tourism will have a negative impact on local people?
Yes, it will. The striking example of this is the city of Kartikpur in my state Gujarat.
It used to be a very peaceful city before its eminence grew as a heritage site.
Over the years , tourists from western countries started flocking to this small city to have a look at its ancient caves.
And with these tourists came the menace of drugs, alcohol and gambling.
Today it is notorious for illegal gambling activities that happen right under the nose of the local authority. And the local people are now lamenting their plight.
IELTS Speaking Test Part 2
Describe a course that impressed you a lot
You should say:
- What the course was about
- Where you took the course
- What you did during the course
- And explain why it impressed you a lot
In my life, it is my motto never to stop learning.
Since my school days I have been an avid reader. My friends call me a bookworm. Because I believe that we can learn many things from books.
But, it is not possible to gain practical knowledge from books. We need a mentor to guide us in our learning journey.
I have been in this banking profession for more than two decades. During this time I have seen many ups and downs in my career. And this is a very challenging profession as we have to deal with different kinds of clients.
Nevertheless, pressure from the bank management is quite overwhelming sometimes.
To get some relief from this pressure I regularly take short breaks and go on vacation to relieve the stress.
But, it is not enough. And I can’t frequently go on holiday.
I take help of spiritual books to get some inspiration and energy to keep myself motivated to face the daily struggles.
One day when I was reading a book called “Autobiography of a Yogi”, I came to know about importance of doing meditation.
And I decided that I will join a meditation program.
Luckily I found an online course called MBSR. MBSR stands for Mindful Based Stress Reduction.
It was a four-week course. Everyday our online session would start at 7 a.m. and last till 8.30 a.m.
Initially I found it very difficult to wake up early and get ready at 7 in the morning.
But then as I started doing meditation, I found it very refreshing.
It taught us basically to focus on our breath. And for this, we did simple activities like sitting on a chair and breathing slowly, or lying on the floor and doing meditation.
There was one special session called “Laughter Yoga” in which we laughed like a child.
And I must admit that when the course ended, we were completely rejuvenated.
Our course made us ready for the tasks that lay ahead, and I am forever grateful to our teacher Mr. John Simpson who taught us the way to live in the present moment.
IELTS Speaking Test Part 3
Why do some people have better memory?
Honestly, it is very hard for me to grasp why some people have an excellent memory.
My friend John is the example of someone who has a great memory for phone numbers. Once he memorizes a number then it is stored in his brain permanently. He can recall a number even after 15 years.
Do people like things of memorial significance?
Yes, they do. I give you my own example. Years ago, my school teacher Miss Sushila gave me a fountain pen on my birthday , when I was in Class X (10).
It is like a souvenir – a keepsake.
I still have that pen with me, and when I look at it, I remember my kind teacher Miss Sushila who taught us English.
Which can help people remember things better, words or photos?
There is a term called ”photographic memory” for this. An image says a thousand words – according to a Chinese proverb.
So if you remember an image, then it is easier to recall all the information related to the image.
Can technology help people remember things better? How?
Yes, it helps a lot. The most common example is the “Birthday Notifications” we get on Facebook.
We usually forget the birthdays of our friends, but Facebook unfailingly reminds us to wish our friends on their birthdays.
Unfortunately, Facebook fails to remind us of our wedding anniversary , and that is something that every ideal husband should never forget.
IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essay)
A poor infrastructure hinders under developed countries from progressing and modernizing. Some people think that this should be the first problem tackled by foreign aid.
To what extent do you agree with this opinion?
Intro (Sample Answer)
For countries to make economic progress, better connectivity and good roads are the quintessential things. Without any financial resources of their own, these economically developing nations are dependent on foreign aid for building a conducive infrastructure for trade in their countries. In my opinion, foreign aid should be first channelized toward building a sound infrastructure in emergent nations.
Agree
Better infrastructure good for common people and industries
developing countries like India take help from IMF and Word Bank
aid can be used in other areas as well, such as defense , space technology, healthcare, agriculture , Information Technology, etc.
But, infrastructure should be the first priority because all the other things depend upon good infrastructure
if the aid is misused in defense sector while infrastructure is poor, then it is useless
better roads – better connectivity- attract foreign investors to invest in the country
For example, countries of South-East Asia such as Malaysia, Philippines, and South Korea have attracted foreign investors by improving their infrastructure
Many animals are hunted to the brink of extinction in order to fulfil the demand and greed for decorative purposes as well as for other reasons, such as traditional medicine.
How can this issue be tackled?
Intro (Sample Answer)
Many species of animals are on the verge of extinction. Researchers have prepared a catalogue of hazards to species survival, and according to them hunting is for most largest animals the biggest danger. Apart from being killed for meat, for trophies such as horns and tusks; animals are also killed for their body parts used in traditional Asian medicine. ( Or.. Not just being killed for meat and trophies such as horns and tusks, their being used in traditional Asian medicine also exerts heavy tolls on animals. ) This essay will discuss the possible ways to tackle this issue.
Solutions
Steps taken for restoring their habitats
people should adjust their behaviour to prevent further damage
this should be done in partnership with government, non-profit organizations and local communities
goal of growing the population of endangered species
people should make themselves aware about endangered species in their area
more stress on recycling and buying eco friendly products
stop purchasing illegal products made from animals or birds belonging to endangered species
government should enact laws that ban the use of such products
heavy punishments for those who violate these laws
government should run awareness campaign for this conservation work
Some people think that sports involving violence, such as boxing and martial arts ,should be banned from TV as well as from international sporting competitions.
To what extent do you agree?
Intro (Sample Answer)
Violence in any form and in any activity should be abhorred. The broadcast of boxing and martial arts on TV has caused a sharp rise in violent behavior among adolescents. To some extent, these international sporting events such as boxing and martial arts competitions, encourage youngsters to become physically fit for self defense. In my opinion, instead of impose a ban on such events, they should be promoted amongst youngsters in their less violent formats.
Disagree
an activity that is widely regarded as important activity for staying fit -physically and mentally
boxers are lionized as men with ideal physique
these sports are socially acceptable as events that stress the importance of staying fit for self defense
violence is used but in its mild form
often these games are played by rules
rules are there to safeguard the lives of participants, not lethal games
fitness boxing is also a very popular form where you do not have to spar with an opponent
sportsmen form a daily routing to enhance physical strength and endurance
can be practiced as a meditation activity as well. This enhances mental and spiritual well being, and paves the way for people to reach their peak potential.