IELTS Speaking Intensive Day 01: Answers

IELTS Speaking Intensive Day 01: Answers

Introduction

Welcome to our IELTS Intensive Course, tailored for students aiming to achieve a score of 6.5 or higher within a limited timeframe. In contrast to the competitive nature of Sparta, our focus is on providing an intensive yet accessible learning experience. The goal here is straightforward: equipping you with the skills and strategies necessary to excel in the IELTS exam. Throughout this course, expect a dynamic approach, engaging lessons, and a supportive learning environment designed to maximize your preparation efficiently.

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IELTS Speaking Part 1 Intensive Course: Bags 

1. Do you usually carry a bag?

As a 4th year student, I often need to bring my laptop to work on my college papers. Additionally, my dorm is quite far from my classroom, so I prefer carrying a bag rather than going back and forth to fetch my stuff. When I’m outside or hanging out with friends, I opt for a small handbag, as my clothes typically have small pockets. This allows me to carry my phone and a couple of personal belongings. While traveling, I usually have a backpack with me.

2. Do you change your bags often?

I rarely change my bag, especially my school bag. I still have the same backpack from two years ago, as it is sturdy and in good working condition. If I need to clean it, I do so during the weekends or long vacations when I don’t need to carry many things. Fortunately, the weather here is warm, so my bag can easily dry. The last time I changed my bag was for a party where I needed to match my outfit to my bag.

3. What kind of bags would you use when traveling?

When traveling abroad, I typically bring at least three bags. Firstly, my suitcase, as friends and family often request souvenirs. This requires a larger bag with enough space. Secondly, my laptop bag, in case I need to study or work on my computer. Lastly, a personal bag for essentials like my passport or phone, provides easy access compared to the suitcase and laptop bag.

4. Is a bag an ideal gift?

I would say it’s not, especially within my circle of friends. They view their bags as a fashion statement, making it challenging for me to choose the right size and color. Preferences vary widely, and considering that many bags are expensive, especially luxury brands like LV or Gucci, it’s not an ideal gift.

5. Did you use a backpack when you were a child?

It’s a common sight in my country to see children wearing backpacks. Personally, I didn’t like it. The bags were heavy, and we didn’t have the luxury of choosing our own; the school provided standard formats. The uniformity made it seem boring, although the school argued it looked professional. I even experienced back pain at one point, leading the doctor to recommend using a trolley for a while. There was a period when I didn’t use a backpack.

 

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IELTS Speaking Part 1 Intensive Course: Chatting

1. Do you like chatting with friends?

Yes, especially during a long week, we express ourselves, discussing struggles, stress, and concerns. It’s a great way to update ourselves, release stress, and share laughs about the things we’ve experienced. Just listening to others or being heard is enough to bring our moods back to normal.

2. What do you usually chat about with friends?

We talk about a variety of things, from daily antics and mishaps to a bit of gossip. Occasionally, we might complain about someone or discuss news we’ve heard. We also discuss things we saw online, sharing photos we took during the day or week.

3. Do you prefer to chat with a group of people or with only one friend?

I prefer talking with one friend, especially when discussing confidential matters or personal problems. However, I don’t shy away from group conversations, especially at parties. It’s a nice way to engage without getting too personal. Sometimes, it involves boasting about accomplishments or sharing random, nonsensical stories. At the end of the day, though, I prefer heart-to-heart conversations with a friend.

4. Do you prefer to communicate face-to-face or via social media?

I genuinely prefer face-to-face communication, but I understand that everyone, including myself, is busy. Currently, talking via social media or WeChat suffices, but we make an effort to schedule face-to-face conversations, especially during the upcoming winter holiday. Even if we’re far apart, we try to reschedule at least once a week.

5. Do you argue with friends?

Arguments are common among friends, and while we have opportunities to argue, being close helps us settle disagreements. If a topic becomes offensive or potentially so, we steer away from it. We’ve learned to avoid offensive discussions, settling our differences from our younger days. Trivial arguments occasionally occur, but we manage to navigate through them.

 

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IELTS Speaking Part 1 Intensive Course: Clothing

1. What kind of clothes do you like to wear?

You would mostly see me in a t-shirt and jeans. As a student, there’s not always a need to impress, and I find these clothes very comfortable. Spending over 8 hours in school, comfort is crucial for me. I tend to avoid dresses, especially in cold weather, for obvious reasons. I reserve smart clothes for occasions like job interviews or visits from other companies.

2. Do you prefer to wear comfortable and casual clothes or smart clothes?

Sometimes, to boost my confidence, I opt for smart clothes, sacrificing a bit of comfort for style. This choice is reserved for occasions where I want to make an impression. However, in my day-to-day activities, comfort takes precedence. I prefer colors that are not too flashy, wanting to blend in rather than stand out, especially when I’m not in the mood. Long pants are my preference for flexibility and worry-free movement.

3. Do you like wearing T-shirts?

I wouldn’t say I particularly like wearing them; it’s more about practicality. T-shirts are ideal for everyday wear, easy to wash and wear without the need for ironing or dry cleaning. Long shirts offer good insulation, suitable for both summer and cold days. The colors are usually not too flashy. If I have friends visiting, I might switch to slightly dressier clothes, but for personal or family time, a T-shirt suffices.

4. Do you spend a lot of time choosing clothes?

I make sure my laundry is sorted at the beginning of the week, allowing me to grab and go during the week. However, for dates or business interviews, I might take an additional 10 minutes tops to prepare my clothes. While I have a variety of clothes, it’s not something I dwell on. I choose based on the best fit, color, and occasion, taking around 15 to 20 minutes at most

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IELTS Speaking Part 1 Intensive Course: Concentration

1. Did you stay focused in class when you were a child?

When I was young, I struggled to stay inside one place. I’m not sure why, but I constantly tried to get out, feeling like I was suffocating and unable to concentrate. It was a problem in class. However, as I grew older, I started to become more serious about what I was doing, and I could contain myself within a certain area.

2. Are you a focused person?

Yes, to some degree. I can focus well, especially on academics. However, for mundane tasks like chores, I might procrastinate or lose focus, delaying the task at hand. When it comes to academics or personal matters, I can laser focus and bring my best attention. Distractions are not usually a problem for me. There was even a time when I was so focused that I forgot to take my lunch – that’s how concentrated I can be.

3. How do you stay focused?

One of my key distractions is my phone, so I make sure its notifications are off. It’s challenging, so I use a specific app that helps me focus and not think about my phone. It was a real struggle initially, as I was constantly checking my phone. However, after a month, I noticed that I don’t check it as often.

4. Is it easy to stay focused in a noisy environment?

Definitely not. It’s challenging because noise is pervasive. Even if I turn off my phone notifications, I might hear other people’s phones, tempting me to check mine. People are noisy, and even in a library, there might be chatter that distracts from what I’m reading or doing. Staying focused, especially in a noisy place, is not an easy task.

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IELTS Speaking Part 1 Intensive Course: Day Off

1. When was the last time you had a few days off?

Although I have a day off every week, like on Saturday or Sunday, the most memorable break was back in September. It coincided with two holidays, the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, giving me a total of an eight-day vacation. It was a long-awaited break, and while many were planning trips, I decided to stay at home, catch up with my family, share meals with friends and family, and simply enjoy eight days of uninterrupted sleep. It was the best vacation I ever had.

2. What do you usually do when you have days off?

After taking care of household chores, my activities vary. On some occasions, I go shopping with friends. One of my friends has a knack for exploring new restaurants or places we haven’t been to, as long as it’s near our place. We might also watch movies, and during exam weeks, we might opt to study and order takeout instead of going out.

3. Do you usually spend your days off with your parents or with your friends?

Given that my parents live far away, most of my days off are spent with friends. I’ve been living with my roommates, who are also my friends, for a couple of years now. We’re very comfortable together, engaging in activities like shopping, going to the park, and doing random things. The only time I spend with my parents is during long vacations like the Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day, and the winter break when there’s no school for weeks. Unfortunately, they are also working, so I may not spend the entire day with them.

4. What would you like to do if you had a day off tomorrow?

Tomorrow being Sunday and during the Christmas season, we might head to the mall to soak in the Christmas shopping atmosphere and feel the holiday vibes. Perhaps we’ll try some new dishes, as I’m craving something specific. Hot pot sounds appealing, especially during winter when it’s quite cold right now.