IELTS Speaking Part 2: Difficult Topics with Tips

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Below are a few topics which many students find difficult. Plan your ideas and answer so that you are ready for a difficult topics in your test. Remember that whatever you choose to talk about, you must be able to talk for up to 2 minutes on that topic. So, be wise and choose something you can talk about easily.

IELTS Speaking Difficult Cue Card with Coping Techniques

Click “Tips” to reveal tips for the topic.

A Good Law

Describe a law which you think is good.

You should say:

  • what kind of law it is
  • when you first heard of the law
  • how the law is upheld
  • and explain why you think it is a good law
Tips
If you don’t know much about laws, choose a simple law such as a the helmet law which requires motorbike riders and cyclists to wear a helmet or go for the compulsory primary and secondary school education which prevents children from skipping lessons and ensures they get a solid, basic education.

A Wrong Decision

Describe a decision which you have made that you feel was wrong.

You should say:

  • what the decision was
  • why you made that decision
  • why you think it was the wrong decision to make
  • and explain how you would alter that decision if you could
Tips
This could be a bad decision about a holiday you chose, a job you did, some advice you gave someone or even something really simple like a bad decision you made while you were cooking.

A Journey that Didn’t Go As Planned

Describe a journey you have taken that didn’t go as you had planned.

You should say:

  • where you were going
  • who you were traveling with
  • how you were travelling
  • what went wrong
  • and explain what you would have done differently.
Tips
This is a tough topic because not only do you need to think of a story but you also need to pay attention to the grammar tenses you use. This topic will require you to use the 3rd conditional which is used when expressing regrets (if I had known ….., I wouldn’t have ……). Try to stick to a simple story about a time when you did a trip but you had bought the wrong tickets or there was an unexpected delay which caused problems.

A Museum You Like

Describe a museum you like.

You should say:

  • what kind of museum it is
  • what kind of people go there
  • when you first went
  • and example why you like it.
Tips
Many students dislike this topic because they are not familiar with museums. In this case, choose to talk about a museum of local culture – that way you can talk about local culture, traditional ways of life and other interesting historical points about where you are from. If you are familiar with museums, make sure you add lots of detail about your first trip there – who you went with, how old you were, your first impression etc.

A Family Business

Describe a family business you know.

You should say:

  • what kind of business it is
  • how you first heard of this business
  • how often you go there
  • and why you think it is a good business
Tips
This sounds like a tough topic but in fact it isn’t. A family business could be a simple as a local shop that is run by a family or a family run restaurant. If you don’t know any family run businesses, then you could start your talk this way “I don’t really know any family run businesses but there is a fantastic shop round the corner from my house which is as friendly as any family run shop….”

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What do you do if you get a difficult IELTS Cue Card

You should speak as closely as you can to the main topic. IELTS Speaking is not about testing your knowledge or ideas. In fact, ideas are NOT marked. So your knowledge of law or museums is not being assessed. Topics are just a chance to talk. So, stick closely to the main topic and then branch into your own feelings, thoughts, experiences, future hopes, other people’s views etc. Expand your talk beyond the bullet points.

Make sure you prepare ideas for as many topics for speaking part 2. This is not an academic talk or a formal talk so if you make your talk personal and friendly, you will do better. The more topics you prepare for, the better you will do.

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Practice with Linking Words

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In IELTS writing task 2, you will need to use a range of linking words to connect your sentences and to make your essay coherent. If you are aiming for band score 6 and above, it is important to show the examiner that you can use a good range of linkers. This lesson is aimed at intermediate to upper intermediate levels.

Below are some sentences which relate to the topic of work. Fill in the gaps to complete the sentences by choosing the appropriate linking word. Please note that you will need to consider the grammatical structure of each sentence to choose the correct linking word.

1. It is generally agreed that professional people doing shift work, …………………. (like / such as / take for example) nurses, doctors and police, should be given compensation for unsociable hours in the form of better benefits and higher pay.

2. Working overtime has its compensations ……………… ( therefore / but / although) can have a detrimental effect on the family.

3. ……………..(However / Although / But) women have equal employment rights to men, there still exists a glass ceiling, in many countries, which can prevent them from reaching the upper levels of a company.

4. Juvenile delinquency, which is a growing issue in many countries, should be addressed by both schools and parents ……………………( consequently / so as to / so ) get to the root of the problem.

5. Technology has had a great impact on the way people work …………..(but / and / consequently)  will no doubt continue to do so in the future.

Answers
  1. such as (‘like’ is not appropriate to use /  ‘take for example’ would require a different sentence structure to be used)
  2. but (‘although’ would require a different sentence structure to be used)
  3. Although
  4. so as to (this means ‘in order to’)
  5. and 
Tips

 

  1. Don’t just learn the meaning of linking words, learn how to use them correctly.
  2. Never use ‘like’ as a linking word in an academic essay.
  3. Don’t forget to use the linker ‘and’ – it is easy to use and still able to give you a high score.
  4. If you make mistakes with your linkers, you will struggle to get over band score 7 in Coherence and Cohesion, which is 25% of your marks.

 

IELTS Teachers and students can download this lesson for free on pdf file: linking-words-practice

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IELTS Letter: Sample Answer

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Below is an IELTS letter with a sample answer which is estimated at band score 9 and is personal rather than formal. For the General Training Paper in IELTS, you are required to write a letter of over 150 words in 20 mins for writing task 1.

Last month you had an overseas holiday with some friends where you stayed at their house. They have just sent you some holiday photos.

Write a letter to your friends. In your letter:

  • thank them for the holiday and the photos
  • explain why you didn’t write earlier
  • invite them to come and stay with you

Band Score 9 Sample Answer

Hi John and Laura,

How are you both? I hope this letter finds you well. Although it’s such a short time since we last saw each other, it feels much longer.

Thank you so much not only for such a memorable holiday but also for the lovely photos that you sent of our holiday together. It brought it all back to me so vividly. Staying with you and seeing where you live was a real eye-opener for me. Australia is certainly a scenic country with remarkable landscape and wildlife, particularly up in the north where you are.

Sorry, it has taken me so long to write back and thank you. Almost as soon as we landed back in the UK, my mother became sick. Since then we’ve been running around looking after her and getting carers sorted out. She seems to be improving now and hopefully will be back to normal soon.

Next month, we’ll be celebrating our Wedding Anniversary and we’d be delighted if you could come over to celebrate it with us. It’ll be a chance for you to meet the rest of the family and see a bit of England. Of course, you must stay with us. There’s plenty of room and we’ll pick you up at the airport. I really hope you can make it.

Take care and write back soon.

Sandra

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IELTS Listening Table Completion Practice

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The questions below require you to complete a table and are typical of section 2 in IELTS listening. You need to prepare the columns and rows in the table before you listen in order to predict paraphrasing as well as the type of answer you need to listen for.

Filling in a table is a question type that can come in all sections of the test. The key to tables is to remember that the answers will all come in order so follow the information in the table.

IELTS Listening practice: Table Completion

London Attractions

Questions 6-10: Write no more than two words and / or numbers

 

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Transcript and Answers

Click below to reveal the transcript and answers.

Transcript

London has uncountable attractions for first time visitors but for those of you looking for interest and history, Hampton Court Palace and Madame Tussauds are unmissable. Hampton Court Palace, which was the favourite royal residence of Henry VIII, boasts 60 acres of formal gardens as well as the famous maze and Great Vine. For adults the price for an entry ticket is 16.50 but a child’s ticket is 8.25 although if your child is under 5, it’s free. If you are only interested in the gardens rather than entering the court itself, then you can get a garden ticket only. It opens daily at 10 in the morning, last admissions are at 5pm and closing time is at 6.

Another popular favorite place to put on your London itinerary is Madame Tussauds. Filled with life size wax models of celebrities, there are 14 interactive zones as well as the amazing Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie experience. Why don’t you take a walk down the red carpet and strike a pose next your favourite film star. Tickets are 28.00 for an adult and 22.50 for all children. That may sound like a steep price but it really is a once-in-a-life-time experience. Doors open at 9.30 each morning and close at 5.30pm.

Answers
6. free
7. 10am   6pm (you need both answers correct)
8. £28.00
9. £22.50
10. 5.30pm

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Crime: Vocabulary Exercise

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Crime is a common topic in IELTS writing task 2 and occasionally it also appears in IELTS speaking part 2 and 3. Below is an exercise to help you practice this vocabulary. This exercise is aiming for students aiming for band score 7 and above. To get a full vocabulary list for crime and punishment, follow the link.

Instructions

Fill in the gaps using the list of vocabulary provided. You may need to change the form of the words to make the sentences grammatically correct. Words may be used more than once.

arrest  /  suspect  /  guilty  /  convict  /  sentence  /  innocent   /  penalty  /  commit

  1. Before handing out a ………………, the circumstances of a crime should be taken into consideration.
  2. The police should be sure of their facts before ……………. someone for a crime.
  3. Criminals who are found …………….of a major crime should receive a heavy ………………….
  4. Criminals …………. of serious crimes should receive the maximum …………..
  5. If a person is found to be …………., they should receive compensation for wrongful arrest.
  6. People …………. of terrorism should be on a watch list.
  7. Having a fixed …………… for each type of crime does not take into account the motivation for ………… the crime.
Answers
  1. sentence
  2. arresting
  3. guilty / sentence
  4. convicted or guilty / penalty or sentence
  5. innocent
  6. suspected
  7. penalty / committing

 

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IELTS Current Essay Question Jan 2015

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Below is a an essay question that came in the exam this week.

Directors and managers of organizations are often older people. Some people say that it is better for younger people to be leaders. To what extend do you agree or disagree?

This is an opinion essay which means you must give a clear opinion in the introduction and then support it and explain it in the body paragraphs. Let me give you some ideas for this topic. If you have more ideas of your own, please post them in the comments box below.

Reasons why young people should be leaders

  • young people are usually more up-to-date and in touch with the modern world
  • they are often more dynamic and forward thinking which means they are more open to new ideas
  • young leaders are stronger and healthier than their old counterparts and therefore more able to cope with the demands of leadership

Reasons why older people should be leaders

  • with age comes experience and this is critical for any leader
  • older people have more authority which is needed to lead and manage others
  • a sense of responsibility is needed to lead effectively which is found in older people and often lacking in the young

If you recently did your exam, please post your full essay question in the comments box below so we can all benefit from it.

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IELTS Listening Multiple Choice Practice & Essential Tips

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This lesson focuses on IELTS listening multiple choice questions and offers tips, practice and useful vocabulary to help you achieve your best. Multiple choice questions are the most difficult of all the questions in IELTS listening and you need to develop the right techniques to deal with them in order to do well.

On this page, you will find:

  1. Multiple Choice Tips
  2. Multiple Choice Practice Lessons
    1. Practice 1: Long List Selection
    2. Practice 2: Picture Selection
    3. Practice 3: Common IELTS MC questions.

1) IELTS Listening Multiple Choice Tips

Preparing the Questions:

  1. check for a title
  2. you might be asked to respond to a question or complete a sentence
  3. find keywords in the question
    1. the keywords will help you understand which answers are right and which are wrong
    2. paraphrase the keywords
    3. if it is a list selection multiple choice, underline the number of answers you need to find – for example, choose three letters.

Preparing the Multiple Answers Options

  1. Read through the answer options
    1. highlight similar options so you don’t get confused
    2. note the differences between those options
    3. think of paraphrases for keywords
  2. All answer options will probably be mentioned in the recording – but only one will be the right answer.
  3. The questions come in order but the answer options will not come in order in the recording, for example you might hear language about option B before you hear option A.
  4. Don’t think that the first answer you hear is the correct one – keep listening. 
  5. Watch out for answers that are given and then taken away again by the speaker. This means the speaking say “green” but later says “sorry, I meant blue”.
  6. Listen for the word “but” or “however” this can mean a negative is coming which means it might not be the right answer.
  7. If you think an answer is correct, put a tick but keep listening to make sure it is right.
  8. You can write on your question paper for the paper test so use ticks and crosses for right and wrong answers.
  9. Don’t forget, you can only listen once to the recording in your test. You can’t pause the recording.
  10. You must develop speed reading skills to be able to read all answers and spot keywords before the recording starts. This skill comes with practice.

Types of Multiple Choice Questions in IELTS Listening

There are four types of multiple choice questions that have appeared in the IELTS Listening Test over the years.  Below you can see examples of them:

IELTS Multiple Choice Listening Question- Answering a Question Three Options

IELTS Multiple Choice Listening Question - finish the sentence

Multiple Choice IELTS Listening Question - Long List

Picture Multiple Choice Sample Question IELTS Listening

In your test, you will not see the words “Type 1” – this label is just for your reference on my website. As you can see above, there are Multiple Choice Questions that ask you to: 1) answer a question  2) complete a sentence  3) select from a long list  4) choose a picture (this is the least common and rarely appears but is still worth preparing for). For each type, your answer will be a letter. I have practice lessons so you can get used to these kinds of questions. See below.

2) Practice Lessons for Multiple Choice IELTS Listening

Below you will find three types of Multiple Choice Listening Practice Lessons. Take your time to do the exercises and also make sure you spend time after to review the transcripts so that you can analyse language, keywords and review your strategies. Enjoy!

Multiple Choice Listening Practice 1

Listening Topic: Health Care Conference

Questions 1-3: Who will be lecturing at the conference today?

Choose three options from the following list (A-G) as your answers

  • A = Dr Christopher Lord
  • B = Dr David Bishop
  • C = Dr George Ripley
  • D = Dr William Benson
  • E = Dr Roger Dean
  • F = Dr Daisy Mandalay
  • G = Dr Ralph Morris

Recording: 

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ANSWERS & TRANSCRIPT

. It’s always best to check your answers reading the transcript and listening again to the recording. This is a great way to develop your listening awareness. After that, check the answer key.

Transcript

Transcript

Today’s topic under discussion is the health care system both past and present. We have a number of guests for today’s lectures, videos and debates, one of them the notable Dr David Bishop.

The morning will be kicked off by Dr Roger Dean who will be presenting his speech summarising the major changes and challenges of the health care system from the year 2000 to around 2012. Following him, will be Dr William Benson who will oversee the debate on today’s problems for hospitals. After lunch, Dr Daisy Mandalay will be showing a revealing video relating to the current trends in health problems faced by today’s society. Dr Christopher Lord will then address everyone on the problems faced by family doctors and the vital role they play in the health care system. Last, but not least, Dr David Bishop, as I mentioned earlier, will take the floor to tell you about his current research. Dr Ralph Morris will be responsible for collecting your feedback on the various parts of the conference at the end of the day. That will conclude our seminars for the day. Tomorrow’s conference details will be put up on the notice board later this afternoon but you will be all please to know that Dr George Ripley has agreed to lecture you all.

Answers

Answers

E  A  B (any order ). This question counts for answers to questions 1, 2 and 3. This means three points – one point for each correct answer. Because they are three questions from the same list, your answers (letters) can b written in any order.

  1. E
    • ‘Dr Roger Dean who will be presenting his speech…’
  2. A
    • ‘Dr Christopher Lord will address everyone…’
  3. B
    • ‘Dr David Bishop, as I mentioned earlier, will take the floor to tell you about…’

Comments: The answer is not C (Dr George Ripley) because he is talking tomorrow not today. The answer is not D (Dr William Benson) because he is running a debate. He is not giving a lecture. The answer is not F (Dr Daisy Mandalay) because she is showing a video not talking. The answer is not G (Dr Ralph Morris) because he is collecting feedback and not speaking.

The key to success in this listening practice is to identify the word “lecture” as the key word in the question. Many names are mentioned but only three people are actually lecturing today.

Vocabulary

Vocabulary

give a lecture / to  lecture Synonyms:

  • give a talk about / on
  • to address people on
  • give a seminar on
  • hold a seminar on
  • to take the floor (to talk)
  • to instruct people on
  • to give a speech about / on
  • to present a speech / talk on about

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Listening Multiple Choice for IELTS Practice 2

This is an example of a picture multiple choice. You must choose the correct picture as your answer based on the description in the recording. As always, your answer will be a letter.

Listening Topic: Mammoths

Question 1: Which type of mammoth is this lecture going to focus on?

Choose the correct letter A-C

Recording: 

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ANSWER & TRANSCRIPT

Click below to reveal vocabulary, transcript and answer:

Vocabulary
mammoth = prehistoric animal now extinct similar in shape to an elephant
physiology = make-up / structure
prominent = major / outstanding
parts of an elephant and mammoth = tusks, trunk, large ears
huge / colossal = enormous / extremely large
Transcript
There is evidence of much change and development in the mammoth. We can see the Ambelodon 20 million years ago, the Stegodon 12 million years ago and finally the Stegotetrabelodon which existed somewhere between 7.5 to 4.5 million years ago. There seem to have been a number of changes in the physiology of the mammoth, the most prominent were in the height, the size of the ears and the shape of the head and tusks. Today, I’m going to be focusing, on the one most of us associate with the ‘so-called’ classic shape and size of a mammoth and which is most known for its huge curving tusks and colossal size.
Answer
B
‘Today, I’m going to be focusing on….. which is most known for its huge curving tusks and colossal size.’. This lesson is the perfect example of how you need to be patient and not get lost in long, technical words, because at the end of the day, the keywords were at the end and the rest was irrelevant information to the answer.

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Multiple Choice Questions Listening Practice 3

Listening Topic: Dashford Study Center

Questions 1-4: Choose the correct letter A, B or C.

  1. Membership at the study center is 20 pounds

A. for everyone.
B. for everyone except the elderly and students.
C. for everyone each year.

2. Members are able to take out

A. an unlimited amount of books.
B. a maximum of 3 books.
C. 3 books for 3 days.

3. Booking is unnecessary for

A. the yoga, dance and gentle exercise classes.
B. general fitness classes.
C. the walking class.

4. Arts and crafts classes are taught by

A. volunteers.
B. teachers.
C. teachers and volunteers.

RECORDING:

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TRANSCRIPT & ANSWERS

Below you can click to reveal the transcript and answers for this lesson.

Transcript

The study center in Dashford was opened to give free educational and recreational services to the community of Dashford. Membership is free for over 65’s as well as for students, as long as they have a student ID. For everyone else it is an annual membership of 20 pounds.

Members are able to enjoy full access to our extensive library. The library comprises of a comprehensive collection of classic literature, resource books, children’s books, history books and popular literature. As members, you are able to borrow up to 3 books at a time for up to 4 days.

Our recreational services extend for both members and non-members. We offer social and leisure activities for all age groups. Our yoga, dance and gentle exercise classes are extremely popular and booking ahead is required to ensure your place on one of these courses. However, our walking group, who meet once a week, offer unlimited places but you do have to have a good level of general fitness. We also have IT classes at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. But for those of you who are more creative, there are arts and crafts classes which are run by a qualified teacher with volunteer support. Before checking everything why don’t you take a look around and see what you might be interested in.

Answers
  1. B
    • Common trap – Always be careful of words that you hear in the recording and see in the answer options – always look out for extra words such as “everyone else“.
  2. B
    • A maximum of 3 = up to 3. This is a direct paraphrase.
  3. C
    • unlimited places = no need to book
      The trap in this question is that the word ‘booking’ was used with the information about yoga, dance and exercise – IELTS often give the same word with the wrong answer.
  4. B
    • The classes are run by teachers = the classes are taught by teachers. The volunteers only support, they do not teach.

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IELTS Multiple Choice Listening Video

A useful video to review Multiple Choice Techniques.

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Introduction Paragraph Feedback

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The introduction paragraph below was sent to me by a student in response to the following essay question.

Essay Question

With an increasing population communicating via the internet and text messaging, face to face communication will become a thing of the past. To what extent do you agree?

Student Introduction

Face to face communication is become less important than the past, since increase and populate communication by the internet and text messaging. In my opinion, I agree that face to face communication will suffer as some small, develop new technologies but it is fishy that it is cause the death of traditional communicate.

Feedback

The ideas and technique in this introduction are fine. However, the grammar and vocaulary make it difficult for the reader. Let’s go through each mistake before seeing the model.

      1.  “Face to face communication is become less important than the past ….” There are two mistakes in this sentence. One mistake is with the grammar tense and one mistake is a missing preposition. Can you correct the errors? Answer
        Face to face communication has become less important than in the past.
      2. …since increase and populate communication by the internet and text messaging. There is a problem with both vocabulary and grammar. Can you correct it? Answer
        …since the popular increase in communication by internet and text messaging.
      3. … face to face communication will suffer as some small, develop new technologies… Can you correct the problems? Answer
        …face to face communication will suffer due to the development of technology.. 
      4. …but it is fishy that it is cause the death of traditional communicate. There are a lot of errors with this part of the sentence due to the choice of vocabulary. How would you write it? Answer
        but it is unlikely that it will result in the disappearance of direct, face to face communication .

Comments

  1. “It is fishy that …” this is an idiom which means it is suspicious. Firstly, the meaning is not right for the above sentence. Secondly, it is not academic. Many idioms are not academic and therefore many shouldn’t be used in IELTS writing task 2. Don’t confuse idioms with idiomatic language. The student should use “it is unlikely to …” or “it is doubtful that …”.
  2. “..cause the death of …” this is also an idiom which can be used in academic writing but the meaning is not appropriate for this essay.
  3. “traditional communication” the writer is trying to paraphrase the words “face to face communication”. Unfortunately, it can’t be paraphrased. Not all words can be paraphrased in English.
  4. Many students try to paraphrase all words because they think they will get a high score. Unfortunately, the result is a lot of errors. If you have frequent errors, you will get band score 5  or 5.5 in vocabulary. You must be very sure of your paraphrasing or you will end up with more and more mistakes which will reduce your band score.

Model Introduction

As a growing number of people are choosing to communicate through the use of modern technology, such as the internet and text messaging, some people think that face to face communication will eventually die out. In my opinion, although I agree that face to face communication will become increasingly less popular, it is unlikely to disappear completely and will still be favoured in certain situations.

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