Ieltscast

Get FULL exercises! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Why do you think games are popular at social gatherings and family events? I think they are popular because of their ability to foster a sense of camaraderie and engagement. They act as icebreakers, encouraging people to interact and bond over shared experiences...thereby breaking any initial awkwardness. Furthermore, games inject an element of fun and excitement into these gatherings, making them enjoyable for everyone involved. In what ways do games contribute to improving social skills and communication among people? I would say games encourage effective verbal and non-verbal communication, as players must explain rules and strategies. This enhances interpersonal communication skills by encouraging people to speak clearly and listen actively. Games also often involve teamwork and collaboration, which fosters a sense of cooperation and trust among participants. I would say these are the main ways in which games improve a person's social skills.

Get full exercises! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Describe a tabletop game or other game you have played. You should say: What the game was Who you played it with Where and when you played it And explain why it was a memorable game for you. I'd like to share an experience I had playing a tabletop game called 'Settlers of Catan.' It was an incredibly memorable game for me, not only because of the game itself but also because of the people I played it with and the setting in which it took place. Settlers of Catan is a strategic board game that revolves around resource management and negotiation. It's designed for three to four players, and each player assumes the role of a settler on the fictional island of Catan. The objective of the game is to build settlements, roads and cities while trading resources like wood, brick, ore, wheat and sheep with other players. I played this game with three close friends of mine - Sarah, Mark and James. We decided to have a game night at my apartment during summer v

#ESL Get FULL lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Can you tell me your full name, please? Of course, my full name is Ryan Higgins. What should I call you? You can just call me Ryan. Where are you from? I'm originally from a suburb of Bangkok in Thailand. Do you work or are you a student? I'm currently a student here in Liverpool. I'm pursuing my economics degree at the University of Liverpool. Where do you typically do your studying? I usually study in the university library, as it provides a quiet environment for concentration. Occasionally, I also study in my dorm room to change things up. Do you find it easier to study in certain environments? Yes, I definitely find it easier to study in quiet environments like the library or my dorm room. I find that the absence of distractions allows me to focus better on my studies and be more productive. What do you do on weekday evenings? On weekday evenings, I usually follow a routine that balances relaxation and productivity. I spend a few hours studyi

Sign up for the FREE newsletter! https://www.ieltsielts.com/ How do you think the use of electronic devices has changed the way people work compared to the past? The use of electronic devices has undeniably revolutionized the way people work compared to the past. Previously, work was primarily centred around physical locations, such as offices and factories, where employees were essentially tethered to specific workstations. However, with the advent of electronic devices work has become increasingly flexible and decentralised. Individuals can now work remotely and access vast amounts of information within seconds. This level of convenience and efficiency was unimaginable in the past. Are there any disadvantages to relying heavily on electronic devices for work-related tasks? Yes, there are. One of the primary concerns is the potential for digital distractions. With constant notifications, emails and social media, employees may find it challenging to maintain focus and productivity. Furthermore, the overuse of

#ielts #learnenglish Sign up for the FREE newsletter! https://www.ieltsielts.com/ Describe a time when you used an electronic device for some important work. You should say – what you did – when you did it – why you had to use your electronic device – and explain how you felt about this experience. I'd like to talk about a time when I used my laptop for an important task. About six months ago, I had to prepare a crucial presentation for my workplace. I work as a marketing manager in a multinational company, and this presentation was a key component of a pitch we were making to a potential client. I performed this task a day before the scheduled presentation. I remember it was a Sunday, and the presentation was to be held on Monday morning. I had known about the presentation for about a week in advance, but the busy nature of my job made it difficult to find time to work on the task. The reason I had to use my laptop was primarily for gathering data and creating visual aids. I relied heavily on my laptop to re

Get the FREE newsletter! https://www.ieltsielts.com/ Here is a transcript of the model from this episode: #IELTS Where do you live? I currently reside in Frankfurt, which is located in Germany. It's a bustling city known for its diverse multicultural community. Do you work or are you a student? I'm a dedicated student at the University of Frankfurt, pursuing a degree in computer science. This academic journey is a vital step towards realising my passion for innovation in the technology sector. What is your favourite subject to study? Among the subjects I'm studying, I have a particular fondness for economics. Its intricate analysis of market dynamics and its impact on society intrigue me. I'm constantly motivated to delve deeper into the complexities of supply and demand, and how economic policies shape our world. You said that you are interested in technology, were you passionate about it from a young age? Yes, indeed. Since my childhood, I've harboured an unwavering fascination for technology. From experime

#IELTS #learnenglish Sign up for the FREE newsletter! https://www.ieltsielts.com/ Become a paid subscriber and get access to all videos! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Are there many types of houses in your country? In my country, there exists a rich history of architectural diversity, and this includes a number of different house types. These range from sprawling suburban houses with manicured lawns to compact urban apartments within towering skyscrapers. There are also traditional house types such as cottages, bungalows and villas. Are there any traditional houses that are still popular in your country? Can you describe them? Yes. Traditional houses still maintain their popularity in my country. The best example I can think of this is the "courtyard house," which is a blend of functionality and aesthetics. These houses typically feature an internal courtyard that serves as a hub for family gatherings and a source of natural light and ventilation. These house types include elaborate woodwork, intri

Sign up for the FREE newsletter! https://www.ieltsielts.com/ Do you work or study? I currently work as a retail sales associate for a well-known store in my city. Where do you work? I work at a hardware store that is located in the bustling commercial district of my city. What do you like about your work? Firstly, I love interacting with different customers daily and assisting them in finding products that suit their needs. It gives me great satisfaction to see customers leave the store happy with their purchases. Additionally, the retail industry allows me to stay updated with the latest trends and products, which aligns perfectly with my interest in home repairs and hobbyist activities. Moreover, the camaraderie among my colleagues creates a pleasant and supportive work environment, making each day enjoyable. What would make your work more interesting? While I find my work already fascinating, I believe it would become even more interesting with the implementation of regular training sessions. Learning abou

Sign up for full 'repeat after me' lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Talk about a significant personal achievement you had. You should say: -what the achievement was -when and where it happened -the steps you took to accomplish it -and say why it is significant to you Well, one of the most significant personal achievements I had was winning the National Science Fair during my final year of high school. It was a remarkable experience that left a lasting impact on my life. The achievement occurred back in May of 2015 at the state-of-the-art convention center in our city. The National Science Fair is an annual event that attracts top young minds from all over the country to showcase their innovative projects and research. Accomplishing this achievement required months of rigorous research, experimentation, and countless hours of hard work. My project focused on finding an eco-friendly alternative to plastic packaging materials, aiming to reduce environmental pollution caused by plastic waste. The

Sign up for FULL lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Learn more about these lessons: https://youtu.be/eIX5y1Mq5hA Talk about an unusual meal you had. You should say – when you had it – where you had it – what kind of meal it was – and explain why it was unusual. I'd like to talk about a rather extraordinary meal I had during my trip to Japan last year. It was an unforgettable experience that took place in a traditional Japanese inn located in the quaint town of Takayama. The meal itself was a traditional Kaiseki dinner, which is a multi-course dining experience renowned for its artistic presentation and use of seasonal ingredients. The meal began with a series of beautifully arranged appetisers, which included some familiar items like sashimi and tempura. But as the courses progressed, I was introduced to a variety of uncommon dishes. One of the most peculiar delicacies was Hoba Miso, a regional specialty where miso paste, wild mushrooms, and vegetables were cooked over a magnolia leaf. The eart

Get the full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Leave a 5 star review! (Thanks!) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ieltscast-weekly-shadowing-exercises-for-ielts-speaking/id1070129363 Talk about a trustworthy person you know. You should say: -how you met this person -how long you've known this person -why you feel they are trustworthy and say what they did to gain your trust Well, I would like to talk about a person whom I consider to be extremely trustworthy. His name is John, and I first met him during my freshman year of college, which was about five years ago. To provide some background, John and I were assigned as roommates in the college dormitory. From the very beginning, he exhibited qualities that made me feel I could trust him completely. For example, during our first or perhaps second week of living as roommates, I accidentally misplaced my wallet containing important identification documents, credit cards and a considerable amount of cash. Naturally, I was overwhelmed and stres

What kinds of TV shows do you find interesting? Personally, I find a wide range of TV shows interesting, but I am particularly drawn to thought-provoking documentaries and gripping crime dramas. Documentaries provide me with valuable insights into various subjects, expanding my knowledge and understanding of the world. On the other hand, crime dramas captivate me with their intricate plotlines and suspenseful storytelling. Why do TV shows resonate differently in different countries? TV shows resonate differently in different countries due to cultural, social, and historical factors. Each country has its unique values, traditions, and preferences, which influence the viewers' tastes and perceptions. Additionally, local TV shows often reflect the specific issues and concerns of a particular society, making them more relatable and engaging for the local audience. Thus, cultural context plays a vital role in shaping the resonance of TV shows in different countries. How are TV shows different from movies? TV shows

Get access to the full 'repeat after me' exercises directly through YouTube! Sign up here: https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Talk about a TV show that is popular in your country. You should say -what show it is -what the show is about -why this show is popular in your country -how you feel about this TV show I would like to talk about a popular TV show in my country, the Philippines, called 'Brothers'. It is a widely acclaimed action-drama series that has garnered immense popularity among viewers nationwide. The show centers around the life of 'Cardo', a courageous police officer, as he fights crime and seeks justice in the bustling city of Manila. Brothers captivated audiences in the Philippines for several reasons. Firstly, the show offers a compelling narrative that combines elements of action, suspense, and heartfelt drama. Each episode presents a new challenge for Cardo, who fearlessly battles corrupt officials, criminal syndicates, and personal adversities. The series keeps viewers hooked with it

Get access to the full 'repeat after me' exercises directly through YouTube! Sign up here: https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Where are you from? I am from a vibrant city called Abuja, which is the capital of Nigeria. It's a culturally rich place that attracts people and business from all around the world. Do you work or study? I currently work as a software engineer. After completing my degree in computer science, I joined a respected technology company where I have been working for the past three years. Where do you work? I work at XY Tech, a leading software development firm based in the heart of the city. It's a dynamic and innovative workplace with a strong emphasis on cutting-edge technologies. The company has a reputation for delivering high-quality software solutions to clients across various industries. Do you like your job? Absolutely. I truly enjoy my job as a software engineer. It provides me with the opportunity to work on fascinating projects and collaborate with talented individual

Get access to full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Why do people give gifts to each other? People give gifts to each other for various reasons. Firstly, gift-giving is a way to express love, appreciation, and gratitude towards others. It allows individuals to convey their feelings and strengthen personal relationships. Additionally, giving gifts on special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays is a cultural tradition that brings joy and creates a sense of celebration. Do you think expensive gifts are more meaningful than inexpensive ones? The meaning of a gift is subjective and can vary from person to person. While expensive gifts may be associated with financial investment and perceived luxury, the true significance of a gift lies in the thought and sentiment behind it. Inexpensive gifts can be just as meaningful, as they often reflect personal thoughtfulness, creativity, and understanding of the recipient's preferences and interests. What are the advantages and disadva

Sign up for full lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Describe a time when you received money as a gift from a family member. You should say -when you received the gift -why you received it -what you did with the money -and explain how you felt after receiving the gift On my last birthday, my grandmother surprised me with a generous sum of money as a gift. It was a delightful and unexpected gesture from her, and she explained that she wanted me to use the money in any way I pleased. After receiving the gift, I carefully considered how to utilise the money in a way that would be both meaningful and memorable. I wanted to make sure it would have a lasting impact on my life. Therefore, I decided to invest a portion of the money in my education. I enrolled myself in an online course that I had been eyeing for a while. This course was directly related to my career aspirations, and I knew it would enhance my skills and open up new opportunities for me in the future. Additionally, I decided to allocate

Get access to the full lessons here! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Where are you from? I am originally from New York City. Do you work or study? Currently, I am pursuing my undergraduate degree in economics at the prestigious New York University. Although my main focus is on my studies, I also engage in part-time work to gain practical experience and support myself financially. When do you feel happy at work? I find happiness at work when I am fully engaged in meaningful tasks that align with my skills and interests. I also like working in a positive and supportive environment with friendly colleagues and I find this enhances my overall job satisfaction. Collaboration, mutual respect, and a sense of camaraderie foster a pleasant work atmosphere and contribute to my happiness in the workplace. Let’s talk about friends. Do you have many friends? Although I value quality over quantity when it comes to friendships, I am fortunate to have a close-knit circle of friends who are dependable, understanding

Get access to all lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Are your daily routines similar to other people from your country? Yes, my daily routines are similar to those of others in my country. We generally follow a consistent pattern of activities throughout the day, such as morning routines, work or school commitments, designated break times, recreational activities, and evening preparations for sleep. Are routines easy to change? Routines can be both easy and challenging to change. It depends on factors like personal motivations, external circumstances, flexibility of commitments, and individual adaptability. Some find it easier to adjust to new routines, while others may struggle. For example, someone with a more structured work schedule may find it harder to modify their routine compared to someone with a more flexible lifestyle. Ultimately, the ability to change routines varies from person to person. At what time of the day do you prefer to carry out your routines? Personally, I prefer morning

Join for full lessons at YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Describe a daily routine in your life. You should say: -what you do -when you started doing it -why you do this routine -and explain whether you will change it in the future and why I would like to talk about my daily exercise routine, which has become an integral part of my life. Every morning, without fail, I dedicate a significant amount of time to physical exercise, helping me maintain a healthy lifestyle. I started this routine approximately five years ago when I realised the importance of regular exercise for both physical and mental well-being. Initially, it was a challenge to incorporate exercise into my daily schedule, but with time and perseverance, it has become an essential habit. I usually engage in a combination of cardiovascular exercises, such as jogging or cycling, followed by strength training exercises using weights or resistance bands. There are several reasons why I adhere to this routine religiously. Firstly, phys

Describe a person who dresses well. You should say: -who the person is -how you know him or her -how often you see him or her -and explain why you think this person dresses well I would like to talk about my friend Jack who I believe has a great sense of fashion and dresses exceptionally well. Jack is a friend of mine from university, and we have known each other for over five years. We met during our freshman year, and since then we have been good friends. I see Jack quite often, as we are still in touch even after graduating from university. We usually hang out together every couple of weeks, and I always look forward to seeing him. The thing that sets Jack apart from others when it comes to fashion is his ability to mix and match different styles and create a unique look. He always seems to know what's trendy and fashionable, but he doesn't blindly follow trends. Instead, he adapts them to his own personal style and makes it work for him. He also pays attention to the little details, such as matching th