IELTS Speaking Part 1: Dictionaries

by 85 Comments

A new topic in IELTS speaking part 1 this year. Learn some useful vocabulary and ideas for the topic of Dictionaries by watching this lesson.

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Comments

  1. Alimi peter says
    April 25, 2024 at

    Great job. Thank you

    Reply
  2. Shoua Iqbal Qureshi says
    September 15, 2023 at

    very useful . Thanks

    Reply
  3. Passy Asupasa says
    May 30, 2023 at

    Thanks so much Liz was fearing but am now confident enough to do my test your website is so help full may God bless you

    Reply
  4. Amirali says
    December 7, 2022 at

    My Dear Liz,
    I hope you are doing well, I should tell you, ” You are one of the best influencers I have ever seen “.
    By the way, you have uploaded all teaching videos and documents kindly with us for free. It is pleasant and precious. Likewise, we can utilise them without any payment or claim.
    So, I must appreciate you for everything and I hope that you are in health and joy.

    Reply
  5. Sivaprasad says
    January 20, 2022 at

    You are the best teacher i have ever seen couz you are doing a great job with providing all a free lessons of ielts 👍😍 god bless you.

    Reply
  6. Amenze says
    January 18, 2021 at

    God bless you always,I always enjoy your lecture videos, wishing they never end!
    🙏🙏🙏

    Reply
  7. pranathi says
    July 20, 2020 at

    Is there any chance that examiner would change the questions after if we say no to what he asked
    For instance examiner: Do you often use dictionary
    speaker : NO

    Reply
    • Liz says
      July 20, 2020 at

      No, the examiner won’t change the topic. Just because you don’t use dictionaries often doesn’t mean your English language will fail and stop. You can still talk about what you do know, how you learn new words, when you use a dictionary, what you used them for in schools (or why you didn’t use them) etc etc. This is not testing your knowledge. Part 1 topics are about everyday life which you can talk about whether you like the topic or not.

      Reply
    • Jenny says
      November 23, 2023 at

      Dear Liz you probably didn’t understand the question asked for pranathi, because I also need that information. The question asked, says: is there any chance the examiner will change the QUESTION if you say ‘No to what was asked? and not change the TOPIC as you wrote.

      Reply
      • Liz says
        November 23, 2023 at

        I understand. Let me explain a couple of things:
        1. The examiner isn’t interested in the information you give. The examiner only wants to hear your English. So, if the examiner asks “Do you often use a dictionary” and you say “No”, you are showing the examiner only single word in English which doesn’t show anything of your English level. Every question is a chance to showcase your English. So, you ought to answer “No, I don’t because I rarely need to look up words” or “No, I don’t but I do use the thesaurus option when I type using a Word document” or “No, I’ve never really got into the habit of using one.” Now you have answered the question and given an example of your English language by using a clause or a relevant phrasal verb or a present perfect verb form.
        2. If your answer is makes no sense to the question, such as “Do you like swimming?” and you say “There is no pool in my neighbourhood”, the examiner will probably repeat the question because you probably didn’t hear it correctly. Just because there’s no pool near your house, doesn’t affect whether you like or dislike swimming. The answer doesn’t actually answer the question at all. So, repeating the question in this case serves a purpose – it allows you to hear the question again and try to answer it again because the previous answer made no sense. That is the only reason a question would be repeated – it is for your benefit to give you a second chance if it is a completely irrelevant and nonsensical answer.
        3. There is no right or wrong answer. Every person will have a different answer to the same question. Some people like swimming, some people don’t. It makes no difference what you like or don’t like as long as you answer the question and showcase your English to get a high score. IELTS is not a trick test whereby you are being forced to like something you don’t like. IELTS is a test of your ability to use your English language in a flexible way to present your opinion, your feelings, your thoughts etc. Only your English language is marked, not your actually feelings or ideas.
        4. Your aim with every question is to be open, natural, direct and chatty. Your aim is to use every question as a chance to show your English. Saying you don’t like something or don’t use something is a great way to show you can use English to express yourself and explain yourself.

        So, ultimately, the examiner has no reason to repeat a question if you have answered it in a relevant manner, regardless of whether you do or don’t do something. The examiner will only pay attention to the English language in your answer and then move to the next question, such as “Why do you think other people often use dictionaries”, “How do you learn vocabulary?” etc. And again, each question is a chance to showcase your English in a natural way. Be yourself, be confident, be honest about your feelings and be chatty.

        I hope this explanation helps. Do you think it might help me to make a video lesson about this? I have a feeling it is a common concern. All the best, Liz

        Reply
  8. Mayowa says
    October 4, 2019 at

    Hello Liz. Thanks so much for all the time. I am writing my speaking test on 7th this month. Please, can I get some recommendations and things to practice prior the time?

    Reply
  9. Israel says
    April 19, 2019 at

    Please madam , my speaking test is coming up in two days time, can you aid me on how to expand my communication time with the test officer. I feel my answers are too short . please ma how can i make it longer without speaking outside the topic of discussion . Thanks .

    Reply
    • Liz says
      April 19, 2019 at

      See the main speaking page for model answers and tips for speaking – click on the RED BAR at the top of the website.

      Reply
  10. Nicolas Raggi says
    January 24, 2019 at

    Hello Liz!
    About this subject, there are also technical dictionaries. Those dictionaries explain technical words related to an activity or profession which sometimes can`t be found in the regular ones, or the meaning for the specific subject often differs from the general use.
    Your webpage is awesome! It helps me a lot.
    Cheers!

    Reply
    • Liz says
      January 25, 2019 at

      Thank you! Absolutely! My Grandfather actually wrote dictionaries and one of them as a dictionary of medical language for foreigners. I’m shamed that I forgot it!!

      Reply
      • Ngoc says
        August 21, 2019 at

        Could I know the name of your Grandfather’s dictionary? Thanks in advance!

        Reply
        • Liz says
          August 21, 2019 at

          My Grandfather wrote a number of books for English Language Learners. One was the Oxford University Press Dictionary of Idioms and the Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. However, these were older editions – not the new editions. My Grandfather has been dead for a few decades now. He also wrote a medical dictionary for Spanish speakers and some other books that I don’t remember.

          Reply
  11. Somtoo Dominic Okolie says
    November 29, 2018 at

    You are unique madam..
    I will love to meet you in future

    Reply
  12. Kajuju says
    July 14, 2018 at

    Wonderful Liz. Keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing, indeed sharing is caring . God bless you.

    Reply
  13. fatima says
    April 25, 2018 at

    Thank you so much Liz.

    Reply
  14. SOUMIA says
    April 7, 2018 at

    I AM FROM ALGERIA
    AND I JUST WANT TO TELL YOU THAT YOU ARE WONDERFUL
    THANK YOU VERY MUCH

    Reply
  15. Shankar says
    January 15, 2018 at

    Hi Liz,
    Is it expected to hamper my band scope if I use a word or a phrase that is strictly not english. E.g., Ad nauseum or QED?

    Reply
    • Liz says
      January 15, 2018 at

      You have to explain it if you use it. Some expressions are actually used in English, for example “dejavu” which is a French word now used in the English language. But it is a foreign word, not used in English, make sure you explain it.

      Reply
  16. Yemi says
    January 15, 2018 at

    Thanks Liz for the free resources on this website. My speaking test is scheduled for January 17th, 2018. How I wish I had come across your website much earlier but I have learned a lot from your website.

    Thanks.

    Reply
  17. harpinder maan says
    January 9, 2018 at

    Hlo Liz
    Today my speaking test
    So give me information about recent cue cards

    Reply
  18. kamal kamboj says
    December 18, 2017 at

    hello mam my speaking is not well so give any tips for me which for me more helpful

    Reply
    • Liz says
      December 18, 2017 at

      See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-speaking-free-lessons-essential-tips/

      Reply
      • Henry says
        January 3, 2018 at

        Hello Liz.
        I’m supposed to sit for my speaking exams on the 15th of January but I’m still finding the second section to be quite tricky any ideas on how I can hundle this section.

        Reply
        • Liz says
          January 3, 2018 at

          Do you think the examiner will mark your ideas? Do you think the examiner will mark if you go off topic? If you think those things, you are wrong. Your aim is to plan what extra information you will give:
          1) past memories of your own
          2) comparisons
          3) descriptions of people and places
          4) future hopes and desires
          It is your task to add more of your own feels, experiences, descriptions etc. Follow the prompts but also add your own prompts.

          Reply
        • Henry says
          January 3, 2018 at

          Thanks for the advice.
          I’m working to get a band score 7 and above which I’m sure I’m going to manage.

          Reply
          • Sanju says
            April 8, 2021 at

            Is there any chance that examiner would change the topic if i would say no. For instance- if examiner will ask me in you oinion insects are important or not
            Than i would say i have no any information about insects and science also
            So examiner would not ask me questions about science??

            Reply
            • Liz says
              April 8, 2021 at

              The examiner won’t change the topic because you don’t have detailed information about something. Even in your own language, if you don’t know much about insects, you can still talk about your feelings, your opinions, your experience in relation to them. Just because you don’t know the name of a single insect, doesn’t mean you can’t talk about it. IELTS speaking is testing your range of English and also your ability to handle conversations such as this. Language should not fail you because you don’t know the topic. Looking at the topic if science, even if you don’t know about science in detail, I’m sure you studied it at school and can remember how you felt, your experiences etc etc. And so it goes with all topics. The examiner isn’t interested in your knowledge, just your ability to speak English.

              Reply
  19. Lupe Proscia says
    September 4, 2017 at

    I dont suppose Ive learn anything like this before.

    Reply
  20. betty says
    August 3, 2017 at

    Hi liz, your page has helped me a lot but my problem is that how will I improve my vocabulary , fluency , grammar and also how to elaborate my answers. Some of the questions got me thinking, how will I answer any question without thinking that long. Please Liz, I need you help urgently. Betty from Nigeria.

    Reply
  21. jasmeen says
    July 30, 2017 at

    I am sooo happy so choose this website .Shes alwys help me . Nd m sooooo glad god bless u liz . U help alwys the people 😌😌😌😊😊

    Reply
  22. prince says
    April 21, 2017 at

    Hi liz . in the topic of study I want to know what is the different between “My Subject” and “My Major” .. like i’m study architecture .. is it subject or major ?
    and thank you so much ^^

    Reply
    • Liz says
      April 21, 2017 at

      The word “major” is mainly used in degrees whilst the word subject can be used for degrees, school etc.

      Reply
  23. Santiago says
    March 22, 2017 at

    Hello Everyone,

    I have found all this material very useful, however, I just presented the IELTS few weeks ago and I had this question about an historic event in my country. I have seen and there is no examples given for this answer, so I recommend you to keep it in mind.

    Reply
    • Liz says
      March 22, 2017 at

      Thanks for sharing 🙂 An historic event could be anything – a war, a declaration, a new law, the day something opened or closed etc. Almost anything you can think of.

      Reply
  24. Aamir says
    February 22, 2017 at

    Hi,
    My name is Aamir. I have appeared in IELTS twice before and always get 7.5 band as an average score. Since my IELTS has expired I shall appear again on the 4th of coming march but I do not find any time to prepare for it.
    Do you think I could maintain my score with a daily practice of 1 hour?
    Aamir Saeed

    Reply
  25. rahul says
    January 25, 2017 at

    thanks Liz madam… i appreciate your effort

    Reply
  26. Sarvat says
    December 27, 2016 at

    Hi Liz,

    This is such a useful clip.Your teaching style is really easy and quick to understand,very impressive.Well done,keep the blaze of teaching alive.Stay blessed,keep smiling!

    Regards,
    Sarvat

    Reply
  27. Nahid says
    December 27, 2016 at

    Thank you so much for your absolutely useful website and your perfect pronunciation of words.
    This video helped me alot.
    Thanks again.

    Reply
  28. Ahmed says
    November 23, 2016 at

    This video is very useful i prefer to all the ielts students to watch this lesson and improve your abilities.

    Reply
  29. Madiha says
    November 18, 2016 at

    Really nice i like it 👍

    Reply
  30. Sahar says
    October 21, 2016 at

    Thank you so much. I was so confused with this topic, however this video has helped me a lot on the topic.

    Reply
  31. omid najari says
    October 15, 2016 at

    Thanks Liz

    Reply
  32. Rodela says
    June 7, 2016 at

    Hello Liz,
    Thank you so much for your motivated video lectures. I will sit for IELTS exam on 18th June this year. Please give me suggessions what I have to practice. I have problem in reading section 3 and it is helping me to ge poor marks 🙁

    Reply
  33. jesse j says
    May 24, 2016 at

    Hi liz, I’m very happy to have known this site may God continue to bless u everyday as u help people like me. I have a question though, can one access a speaking ielts band 9 example either written or spoken without youtube? Cos my phone can hardly access that site. Lots of love from Nigeria

    Reply
    • Liz says
      May 24, 2016 at

      All model answers on this website are band 9 and do not require youtube. See each of the main pages on the red nav bar.

      Reply
  34. Yusuf says
    March 26, 2016 at

    Hey dear

    I wish I was a student in your class.

    Reply
  35. mouu says
    March 24, 2016 at

    Liz , you are the best! You have helped many people around the world! 🙂

    Cheers from Brazil!

    Reply
  36. SUNY gill says
    December 4, 2015 at

    Hello mam could you please send me some question and answer for speaking so I can get good words and I will reach my goal thanks lot

    Reply
  37. mariwan says
    October 29, 2015 at

    hello dear Liz
    I appreciate your effort

    Reply
  38. safeera says
    August 4, 2015 at

    hi liz , your website is really helpful , I have recomanded it to my other fellows , i wanted to ask you one Question , there is a word ” hitherto ” tell me can i use this word in my speaking test ? like can i say something like this ” hitherto i am not doing studies nor job but yes i have so splendid plans for my studies??? please answer

    Reply
    • Liz says
      August 4, 2015 at

      IELTS speaking is an informal test so it would be unnatural to use such a word in speaking.
      All the best
      Liz

      Reply
      • safeera says
        August 18, 2015 at

        thank u so much I got it ma’am and sorry for posting that question again 😛
        anyways i gave my test and waiting for my result 🙂 hope so i will get my 6 , thank u soooo much for you website, students like me will always pray for u 🙂 keep it up mam

        Reply
  39. Zahra Zuhair says
    July 23, 2015 at

    hey …thank you for your lessons but i have one question …. how i can improve my speaking at home ?

    Reply
  40. simran says
    June 14, 2015 at

    It is very useful website because this site has lucid clear speaking writing task 1 writing task 2 and vocabulary has been improved my idea and topic thanks

    Reply

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