Hi guys,

I have had many students asking me how to address the examiner during the speaking test. Let me check what you think and what you understand.

Question

• Do you think it is ok to call the examiner “Sir” or “Madam” in the speaking test?

Answer

Post your answer below.

I’ll post my answer on tomorrow.

All the best

Liz

Notice: Please remember that I am actually on holiday until May for health reasons – I might extent that holiday if I am not well enough at that point. But this month I will post a couple of lessons for you. Also remember that I do NOT offer a question/answer service on this website. There are over 10,000 comments waiting approval – I can’t answer all questions.

Sharing is caring...

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Linkedin

email

Pinterest

The topic of Toys is currently being used in IELTS speaking part 2 (a childhood toys) and part 3 this month. Below you will find some model answers for this topic for speaking part 3 questions. These model answers will provide you with ideas and vocabulary to use in your answers. You should never memorise my model answers. All your answers must be created by yourself in the IELTS test.

On this page you can find:

• A) Questions with Model Answers
• B) Useful Vocabulary with Pronunciation Audio
• C) Tips for Speaking Part 3

Questions & Model Answers: Toys

What should be considered when buying toys for children?

I reckon one important thing to think about is the age of the child. If a child is only a couple of years old, you shouldn’t give them toys which contain small parts that could be swallowed and cause the child to choke. Another thing to consider is whether the toy will continue to entertain the child for a certain period of time. What I mean is, if the toy will only interest a child for 5 minutes, it isn’t really worth buying. It’s better to choose something that they will enjoy for months or years.

How have toys changed compared to the past?

I guess the main change is in electronic toys or battery operated toys. In the past, people used to only give simple toys to their children that were often handmade. Nowadays, people prefer mass produced toys that are the recent trend. Those types of toys are often exciting electronic toys, such as computer games. Another difference is that toys decades ago were often so simple that children had to use their imagination and creativity to find enjoyment in using them. I think today’s toys stimulate less creativity in children on the whole.

Why do parents buy a lot of toys for their children?

I guess some parents are materialistic. They think that if they buy many toys for their kids, they are being a good parent. Another reason is that children have short attention spans which means that some parents buy toys to keep their child quiet and out of their way. But I think the main reason is probably the power of advertising and peer pressure which drive children to want more toys and pushes parents to buy them.

Is it good for children to play with toys?

Yes, I think so. Some toys that can be bought are educational and are very important for early learning. Educational toys provide a great way for children to develop skills, such as spatial awareness, motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Furthermore, toys can give children a safe way to explore the world and learn about colours, shapes and textures. However, I must admit that some toys for older children, such as computer games, can become addictive and, at that point, those types of toys are not beneficial.

Useful Vocabulary & Pronunciation

Learn useful words for the topic of toys and listen to the audio to learn the correct pronunciation.

• creativity
• imagination
• motor skills
• social skills
• spatial awareness
• choke on small parts
• battery operated toys
• recharging batteries
• computer games
• wooden toys
• dolls
• rules of the game
• hand-made toys / mass produced toys
• materialism
• consumerism
• to keep someone quiet
• to keep someone entertained
• to keep someone out of the way
• board games, chess
• educational toys
• become addictive

Learn more about the topic of toys. See this website about educational toys for children: childdevelopmentinfo.com

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Tips

Length of answer

Keep talking until the examiner interrupts you. The examiner will decide if it is time to change the focus of the answer or to ask a new question completely. Speaking part 3 answers are longer than in part 1.

Content

Explain your ideas and view point. Give examples. You are not marked on your examples or ideas, but you need to show the ability to tackle complex ideas using English.

Avoid talking about yourself

Part 1 and part 2 are about you. However, part 3 questions are mostly about world issues. You need to show the examiner you can talk about more than yourself. You need to show the ability to talk about people and the world in general.

Challenging ideas

The examiner might challenge your ideas. This is a way for the examiner to test your English and check that you are able to defend your view point.

.

Sharing is caring...

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Linkedin

email

Pinterest

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics January to April 2018

Below you will find some IELTS speaking part 2 topics that students have posted so far this month. These topics will probably continue to be used for the next few months: January, February, March and possibly April.

Notice for all students using ieltsliz.com

1. I do NOT offer a question/answer service on this website. I sometimes answer questions when I have time – you can’t demand this service. Most questions will NOT be answered.
2. Most questions have been answered before, read the comments boxes.
3. There are over 300 pages of tips on this site – all tips accessed through the RED BAR at the top of the website (or in the right hand side column)
4. I will be on holiday for Feb, Mar and Apr. I will post a notice when I start my hols 🙂

Using IELTS Speaking Topics

This topics are not predictions – they are reported topics. I will continue to up-date this page over the next few months as students report their topics to me.

1. Will you get one of these topics?
   1. It is not possible to predict topics. However, current topics are frequently repeated in the IELTS speaking test. You need to prepare both current topics and common topics for IELTS speaking. It is not possible to do more. Below are current topics and here is a link to common topics: IELTS Speaking Page
2. How can I use this list of topics?
   1. You can use the list to prepare ideas for your talk. DO NOT MEMORISE A FULL TALK OR A FULL ANSWER. If the examiner thinks you have actually memorised a talk, line by line, you will be given a different topic. IELTS do not accept memorised answers. So, use this list to develop your ideas and plan some words to use but not to memorise full sentences and answers.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics List Jan-Apr 2018

1. A recreational center that could be started in your town
2. A day that cost you nothing (think of activities that are free to do)
3. Something you bought recently that made you very happy
4. An activity for health living
5. A, interesting school subject
6. A difficult decision
7. A car journey
8. A country you would like to work or live in
9. A historical event
10. A exciting book
11. A good parent
12. A good service from a shop or company
13. Furniture you like
14. A useful device (not a computer)
15. Traditional clothing in your country
16. A public place you visited
17. An interesting foreign person
18. A time when you helped an old person
19. A time you taught someone something
20. An unusual meal
21. A school rule you didn’t like
22. A season you enjoy
23. A facility you would like to have in your town
24. A time you saved money
25. An occasion a visitor came to your house
26. A popular person you know
27. A time someone took a nice photo of you (see model answer link below)
28. An area of water in your country (lake, river etc)
29. A perfect holiday
30. A traditional product of your country
31. A toy from your childhood
32. A time you had to be polite
33. A good story you have been told
34. A time you were glad you had your mobile phone
35. An important letter
36. Your biggest achievement
37. A time you went out with friends
38. A TV show
39. A recent development in the place where you live
40. A successful business person
41. A special occasion in your life

*** 50% DISCOUNT IELTS LESSONS ***

Get 50% off Advanced IELTS writing task 2 lessons. Techniques for a high score!!

Don’t miss this offer !! Limited time !!

*** CLICK HERE: 50% DISCOUNT OFFER ***

————————–

You can find a model answer for topic number 27: Model Answer Nice Photo of you

For IELTS speaking tips, model answers and free videos, click here: MAIN IELTS SPEAKING PAGE. Use the RED BAR at the top of the website to find your tips and lessons 🙂

All the best

Liz

Sharing is caring...

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Linkedin

email

Pinterest

An IELTS speaking model answer for a Jan 2018 speaking part 2 topic. The IELTS speaking part 2 topic was reported on January 3rd, 2018. Below you will find a sample answer for this topic. On this page you will find:

1. a part 2 topic for Jan 2018
2. a sample answer
3. audio of sample answer (improve your pronunciation)
4. review questions to analyse the content of the answer
5. useful links for speaking part 2

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topic

Describe a time when someone took a nice photograph of you.

• when it was taken
• who took it
• what was happening
• why you like the photo

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Sample Answer January 2018

I’d like to tell you about a photograph that was taken of me which I’ve always liked. It was taken about 10 years ago when I was still living with my parents. I remember that year very well because it was the year before I left home. It was taken during a family get-together. My uncle Andy took the photo while I wasn’t looking. I didn’t know it had been taken until he sent me it a few months later. That’s very typical of him. He’s quite impulsive and full of surprises.

The family get-together, when the photo was taken, was in the summer. It was one of the hottest summers I remember and the temperature rose to a scorching 35 degrees. Almost 40 people turned up and stayed over the weekend. We enjoyed endless food, like seafood, salads, pies, meat and loads of desserts, different types of drinks and lots of dancing which was all hosted for by my mother. It isn’t often that my family all meet up together so this was a really special weekend.

At the time the photo was taken, I was chatting to my grandfather and we were laughing and enjoying each other’s company. That was the last time I saw him. He died later that summer. That conversation has stayed with me and will continue to stay with me all my life. He was telling me to reach for the stars and never hold back, to follow my dreams and not to be worried about the outcome. He was an inspirational man and I know he died without a single regret. If I could speak to him again, I would tell him just how much his advice has helped me throughout my entire life. I keep this photo on my bedside table. Whenever I look at it, it brings me a feeling of calmness and hope. For me it symbolises all that is possible in life as well as the importance of having a loving, supportive family.

Audio of Sample Answer

 Reviewing the Sample Answer

1. 1. Pay attention to the different grammar tenses used.
   2. See what extra information has been added.
   3. See how clearly it is structured. I followed the prompts but also added my own ideas and memories.
      1. If you don’t expand your talk to showcase your English, you will struggle to get a high score.

Useful Links for IELTS Speaking Part 2

Below you can click on useful links to improve your speaking part 2.

• How to start your IELTS speaking part 2 talk
• Going off topic in speaking part 2
• Speaking less than 2 minutes
• Common Part 2 topics
• All video lessons, tips and model answers for IELTS speaking

I will post more speaking topics for 2018 when students report them to me. Please post your topics after your test: Recent Exam Questions Page

Sharing is caring...

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Linkedin

email

Pinterest

Below are some IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics for December 2017. These topics have been reported by students this month. You can also find a link to IELTS speaking tips below.

The Sun Topic

• Do you like the sun?
• How do you feel when it’s sunny?
• What kinds of activities do you enjoy when it’s sunny?
• Would you like to live in a place with more sun or less sun?
• Why do some people prefer to live in sunny places?
• What are the benefits of sunshine?
• Does your country use energy from the sun?

Rain Topic

• Does it often rain where you live?
• Do you enjoy the rain?
• Have you ever been caught in the rain without a coat or umbrella?
• Does rain affect people’s behaviour?
• What types of activities can people do when it rains?
• Does the rain ever cause transportation problems in your country?

Other Speaking Part 1 Topics in December

Notice:  Only the examiner has the full list of speaking part 1 topics. The list below are topics that students have reported this month. It is very possible you will get one or more of these topics in part 1. However, there is no guarantee. You should prepare these topics and also common part 1 topics. Click here for common part 1 speaking topics. Click here to follow recent questions: Recent Exam Questions

1. work / study
2. home / hometown
3. family
4. jewellry
5. buses
6. laughing / happiness
7. fruit
8. emails
9. boats
10. names
11. transport
12. teenagers
13. birthday
14. art/music
15. internet / computers
16. keeping healthy
17. advertising
18. history

What about January? It is possible some of the topics might change. But, even so, you can still prepare ideas for both the topics above and also the common speaking topics: Common part 1 Topics.

IELTS Speaking Tips & Model Answers

You can find lots of tips to improve your IELTS speaking and also some model answers on my main speaking page.

Click here: IELTS Speaking Tips & Model Answers

Sharing is caring...

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Linkedin

email

Pinterest

Learn which is the best answer for IELTS speaking part 1 “Do you like vegetables?”. Below you will find the right answer, tips and also more possible answers. Furthermore, you can find useful vocabulary for vegetables on this page: Test your Veg Vocab

I asked you which answer is best for this question: “Do you like vegetables?”

There were two options:

1. Yes, I do. I consider vegetables an important part of any healthy diet due to amount of vitamins and minerals that some vegetables can supply. Without vegetables in a person’s diet, health problems might occur later in life.
2. Yes, I do. I am particularly partial to leafy greens, such as spinach, although I do eat pretty much any kind of veg. In fact, on the whole, most of my main meals contain at least 5 different types of veg.

Answer

Number 2 is appropriate and number 1 is not.

IELTS speaking part 1 is mostly about you and your life. If the question asks about YOU, you must answer about YOU – not about people in general.

The questions are often very simple and basic in part 1, such as “Do you like …”.  This means you should be straight forward and give a natural answer. You should NOT change the question into an academic discussion about the importance of vitamins and minerals. In part 1, imagine you are talking to a friend. Answer naturally and be chatty.

Answer number 2 provides:

• a) fluency – it is an extended answer with a good length for a simple questions in part 1
• b) grammar – a complex structure and variation.
• c) vocabulary: I’m partial to .. / leafy greens / spinach / pretty much / veg

Other Possible Answers

The answers below were posted by students:

1. Yes, i definitely do. I’m really keen on organic crops such as potatoes, squash, green leafy veggies, and even bitter gourd despite of it’s unpleasant taste. i basically grew up eating these type of food, because my mom likes to cook vegetarian dishes.
   1. A great answer. It demonstrates excellent vocabulary in a very natural way which is perfect for part 1. The examiner might interrupt the examiner to move on to another question before the end, but don’t worry about that. The examiner will decide when to move on. Your task is to keep talking until that happens.
2. Yes, i do. I eat green leafy vegetables such as spinach and lettuce. I enjoy to eat salad made of vegetables. It’s pretty delicious and healthy as well.
   1. The technique is fine and the vocabulary great. However, the sentence structures are basic  and simple.
3. Yes I like vegetables. I am very keen about having veggies in many of my meals as this provides the balance I want to get from every diet in the meal I take, though i have better preference for uncooked vegetables.
   1. The tone is great -it’s personal. The fluency is fine and the sentences complex. However, the grammar is not strong as it contains a number of errors.

I hope this lesson was useful 🙂

Liz

Sharing is caring...

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Linkedin

email

Pinterest

Hi guys,

Below is a speaking question from part 1:

Do you like vegetables?

Which answer do you think is the best to answer this question?

1. Yes, I do. I consider vegetables an important part of any healthy diet due to amount of vitamins and minerals that some vegetables can supply. Without vegetables in a person’s diet, health problems might occur later in life.
2. Yes, I do. I am particularly partial to leafy greens, such as spinach, but I do eat pretty much any kind of veg. In fact, on the whole, most of my main meals contain at least 5 different types of veg.

Answer

The answer to this lesson is now available:

Click here to see the answer: The best answer

Sharing is caring...

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Linkedin

email

Pinterest