IELTS TOPICS WITH VOCAB

IELTS Holiday Vocabulary

Topic Vocabulary >> Lesson 1: Holidays You probably know the meaning of individual words like flight, tour and view. However, the key to showcasing your advanced English is to show you are able to use these individual words in combination with other words to form set phrases and expressions. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the Definitions section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you dont understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: What kind of holiday do you like? Miguel: I try to avoid tourist traps I like to get away from it all and prefer going somewhere off the beaten track last year I had the holiday of a lifetime a two week wildlife safari in Kenya. Examiner: What do you like to do when youre on holiday? Anna: I enjoy visiting the local places of interest I like to go sightseeing and always sign up forguided tours as its a chance to be shown around and take photographs one of my hobbies. Examiner: Do you have many tourists in your country? Amy: Yes we have a lot of holiday resorts along the coast that are popular with tourists most people come on package holidays and stay in one of the many hotels and self-cateringapartments. Part 2-style task Describe a beautiful place you once visited. You should say:

when you went to this place where it was who you went with

and say why you liked it so much. Sally: A few years ago I went on a long weekend to the Lake District in the UK its a very popularholiday destination in the north of England I went on my own and had a wonderful time I stayed in a youth hostel and met some really nice people but the most memorable thing about the holiday

were the breathtaking views and lovely picturesque villages it can get very busy with hordes of tourists so I decided to go out of season in the autumn the weather was fantastic and the shops were full of local crafts a really great holiday its certainly not the kind of short break for someone looking for a busy nightlife but if you want to relax in the middle of stunning landscape I would certainly recommend a holiday to the Lake District. Part 3-style questions Examiner: What do you think has led to the growth in the tourist industry? Miguel: Its much easier and affordable to travel now nowadays you can get cheap charter-flights or allin packages to somewhere near or to a far-off destination. Examiner: How do people tend to choose a destination? Anna: The Internet is a great source of information and high street travel agents are still very popular thats where I like to go to get holiday brochures for the place Im interested in. Examiner: People sometimes say flying is the most glamorous form of travel. Do you agree? Amy: Im not so sure really flying can be quite boring queuing up at the check-in desk going through passport control sitting for ages in the departure lounge then the flight itself can be quite uncomfortable no Im not sure I agree. Definitions

all-in package/package holiday: a holiday where you purchase the travel and accommodation together breathtaking view: an extremely beautiful view charter-flight: a cheaper form of flying than a scheduled flight check-in desk: the place at the airport where you register for your flight and deposit your luggage departure lounge: where you wait for your flight to be called far-off destination: somewhere a long way away to get away from it all: to take a holiday to escape a busy or stressful lifestyle guided tour: an organised group shown around a place of interest by an expert holiday brochure: a glossy publication with details of holiday packages holiday destination: where you go for a holiday holiday of a lifetime: a special holiday that you are unlikely to repeat holiday resort: a place where lots of people go for a holiday hordes of tourists: crowds of tourists local crafts: objects produced locally

long weekend: an extended weekend holiday including Friday or Monday out of season: outside of the main holiday period picturesque village: very pretty village passport control: the place where your passport is checked places of interest: sites of interest to tourists wildlife safari: a holiday, often in Africa, to observe wild animals self-catering: a holiday where you supply your own food short break: a short holiday to go sightseeing: to look around the tourist sites stunning landscape: extremely beautiful countryside travel agent: a shop that specialises in booking holidays tourist trap: somewhere where too many tourists go youth hostel: a cheap form of accommodation

IELTS Relationships Vocabulary

Topic Vocabulary >> Lesson 2: Relationships Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the Definitions section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you dont understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: Do you see your friends very often? Louisa: Yes we meet up most weekends we all get on really well and have a lot in common so were always happy doing the same things and going to the same places. Examiner: What do you like about your close friends? Anna: I think we enjoy each others company we see eye-to-eye on most things so we rarelyfall out with each other. Examiner: Have you known each other long? Amy: Most of them yes although my closest friend Carrie we struck up a relationship at college and got on like a house on fire but yes my other friendships go back years to when we were at school. Part 2-style task Describe a person you are very close to. You should say:

who this person is when you met them where you met them

and say what it is about them you like so much. Reiko: Id like to talk about my boyfriend Jose we got to know each other at University almost 4 years ago we were in the same department initially we were just good friends and used to go out in a group with our other friends when Jose went back to Spain for the holidays we would keep in touch with each other then one year he invited me to come to Spain with him and thats when we fell for each other I think so you couldnt really say it was love at first sight as it had been over a year since wed met but we really hit it off and by the time we got back to university in September we were able to tell all our friends that we were in a relationship what do I like about Jose well hes very kind very funny and very supportive and were really well matched in our interests he hasnt popped the question yet though weve talked about getting married and I think were both ready to settle down and have children well just have to wait and see Part 3-style questions Examiner: Do you think marriage is still as important as ever? Cristine: Yes it certainly is in my country I think the problem for some people is a lack of commitment all relationships have their ups and downs . but some people prefer to break uprather than working at the relationship. Examiner: What do you think is the ideal time to get married? Terry: Personally I think you should wait until youve found yourself first decided if you want a career perhaps do some travelling you should do this before tying the knot although if youfall head over heels in love plans like these can easily be forgotten. Examiner: Is it important to keep in contact with our friends when were in a relationship? Maria: Absolutely its so easy to drift apart from your friends when you fall in love but I think both partners should try not to lose touch with their friends thats the best way to have ahealthy relationship with your partner. Definitions

to break up: to end a romantic re ationship to drift apart: to !ecome ess c ose to someone to enjoy someones company: to i"e spendin# time with someone

to fall for: to $a in o%e to fall head over heels in love: to start to o%e someone a ot to fall out with: to ha%e a disa#reement and stop !ein# $riends to get on like a house on fire: to i"e someone&s company %ery much indeed to get on well with: to understand someone and en'oy simi ar interests to get to know: to !e#in to "now someone to go back years: to ha%e "nown someone $or a on# time to have a lot in common: to share simi ar interests to have ups and downs: to ha%e #ood and !ad times a healthy relationship: a #ood( positi%e re ationship to hit it off: to )uic" y !ecome #ood $riends with to be in a relationship: to !e romantica y in%o %ed with someone to be just good friends: to not !e romantica y in%o %ed to keep in touch with: to "eep in contact with to lose touch with: to not see or hear $rom someone any on#er love at first sight: to $a in o%e immediate y you meet someone to pop the question: to as" someone to marry you to see eye to eye: to a#ree on a su!'ect to settle down: to #i%e up the sin# e i$e and start a $ami y to strike up a relationship: to !e#in a $riendship to tie the knot: to #et married to be well matched: to !e simi ar to to work at a relationship: to try to maintain a positi%e re ationship with someone

IELTS Technology Vocabulary

Topic Vocabulary >> Lesson 3: Technology The subject of Technology frequently comes up in the IELTS Speaking exam. You may be asked to talk about something you own, your favourite websites, how technology has impacted on education etc. Youll need to show the examiner your ability to express yourself using as wide a range of vocabulary as possible. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the Definitions section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you dont understand.

Part 1-style questions Examiner: Do you enjoy using technology? Stephan: Well I wouldnt call myself a techie or a computer buff but I enjoy using computers Id like to find out more about how they work when my computer crashes I never know what to do. Examiner: Do you use the Internet for your studies? Sophie: Yes Id be lost without it I do lots of video conferencing to practise speaking andsocial media like Facebook is a good way to meet up with other students and I download podcasts that teach English vocabulary and grammar. Examiner: Do you have your own computer? Tania: Yes I have a Macbook Pro I use it all the time for word processing browsing websites and catching up with TV programmes Ive missed. Part 2-style task Describe an item of technology you have that is very important. You should say:

what the techno o#y is when you #ot it how o$ten you use it

and say how different your daily life would be without it. Mattie: I dont have many gadgets just a computer a laptop and my mobile phone but Ill talk about my computer as its so useful its funny really 2 years ago I was still learning to use computers how to use email send attachments how to access websites then I decided to do a digital editing course for video and photography and so I bought the laptop when I started the course my husband had a desktop PC but it was very slow so I decided to upgrade to a powerful one because we do a lot of video editing on the course its a high-spec laptop very fast the latest operating system it boots up really quickly and its fun to use so it makes working a pleasure Ive become a competent computer user now if I didnt have it I daresay Id have to spend more time at college using their computers but on the positive side I suppose Id read a lot more if I didnt have it I probably waste a lot of time surfing the web but hopefully I wont have to be without it Part 3-style questions Examiner: What do you think are the important things people need to learn when they start using computers? Alejandro: Well there are things like how to use the Internet how to enter a web address how to

navigate websites that kind of thing but its also important to know how to back up your files in case your computer crashes and all about Internet security. Examiner: What kind of technological developments have made the biggest impact on our lives? Faydene: In my lifetime it has to be the Internet of course but I also think wifi has made a huge difference to how we interact with the Internet wireless networks at home and public wifi hotspots mean we can go online easily access our mail log into our work intranet and basically be connected wherever we are. Examiner: Do computers make it much easier to study? Jane: Definitely yes researching information is much easier with the Internet .. you canbookmark webpages for future reference and writing essays is much easier being able to cut and paste sections of text means you can experiment with organisation so yes compared to years ago when you had a pile of books on your desk and a pen and paper its now much easier. Definitions

to access websites/email: to ocate to back up files: to make a copy of files in case of a computer problem to boot up: to start a computer to bookmark a webpage: to mar" a we!pa#e $or $uture re$erence to browse websites: to oo" at we!sites a computer buff: an e*pert computer user to crash: to sudden y stop wor"in# to cut and paste: to mo%e te*t or ima#es $rom one p ace in a document to another p ace a desktop PC: a computer that isn&t porta! e and remains in situ on a des" digital editing: to edit di#ita materia s i"e audio or %ideo $i es download (podcasts): to sa%e a copy o$ a $i e $rom the internet to your own de%ice to enter a web address: to type the address o$ a we!site into the address !ar o$ your !rowser a gadget: a techno o#ica too i"e a mo!i e phone or camera to go online: to start usin# the Internet high spec (laptop): power$u computer with top )ua ity components !nternet security: Internet sa$ety intranet: a networ" o$ connected computers within an or#anisation that is not accessi! e !y unauthorised %isitors to navigate a website: to $ind your way around a we!site

operating system: the so$tware that te s the computer how to wor" send an attachment: send an emai with an accompanyin# $i e social media: media used to interact with other peop e such as +ace!oo" or Twitter to surf the web: to oo" at a series o$ we!sites one a$ter the other a techie: some!ody who has an interest in techno o#y to upgrade: to o!tain a more power$u or $eature,rich computer or piece o$ so$tware video conferencing: to see and hear peop e $rom di$$erent ocations usin# the Internet wireless hotspot: a pu! ic p ace where you can access the Internet wireless network: a networ" where users can access the Internet without the use o$ $i*ed ca! es word processing; producin# written te*ts on a computer

IELTS Sports Vocabulary

Topic Vocabulary >> Lesson 4: Sport We all have a relationship with sport: we might watch it, play it or try our best to avoid it. Because its such an important subject you may find yourself being asked questions about sport in the IELTS Speaking exam. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the Definitions section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you dont understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: Do you do any sports? Loiuse: Not really no I always say Im going to take up exercise and try to get into shape but I never seem to get started I sometimes wonder whether I should get a personal trainer someone who will sort out a fitness programme for me and make me train hard . Examiner: How do you spend a typical weekend? Stella: Im a big football fan and weekends always centre around a football match I support FC Utrecht and have a season ticket so I go to most of the home games and quite a few of the away games too Im really looking forward to the new football season starting soon

Examiner: Have you got any hobbies or interests? Theo: Yes Im really keen on sports I do judo once a week and play tennis in the summer I think its really important to keep fit it makes you feel good and energised for work and your studies . Part 2-style task Describe a place you enjoy going to. You should say:

what this p ace is how o$ten you #o there what you do there

and say why you enjoy it there so much. Maurice: Id like to talk about my local sports centre its a place I spend a lot of time in its a new building with all the latest sports facilities I probably go there at least twice a week sometimes more often its a huge place theres an outdoor athletics track and some football pitches I play football so Im often out there there are several indoor squash and tennis courts that I use occasionally a big swimming pool although I dont use that very often Im not a very strong swimmer theres a gym lots of things really why do I enjoy going there its just a really fun place to be theres a good social side to it all you can enter competitions meet up with other people who want to do the same sports and because there are so many activities on offer it gets you interested in different things for example I was listening to some people talking about training to run the marathon and Ive decided I might even think about that I go jogging a couple of times a week so it would give me something to aim for so yes the sports centre thats the place I really like to visit Part 3-style questions Examiner: Should people be encouraged more to take up sport? Alejandro: I think young people should be given the chance to discover which sport they might like watching sport is sometimes a good way to get people started not on TV but actually getting out take athletics for example they could go to an athletics meeting there are so many different sports on show one might interest them Examiner: Why do some people enjoy participating in sport more than others? Florrie: Thats a good question I suppose some people are more concerned about their health they cant stand the thought of being out of condition other people might be driven to excel they want to set records or get personal bests

Examiner: Which sports do you think are best for people who arent used to physical activity? Julie: Well I think people like this should avoid strenuous exercise so things like circuit training are definitely out of the question maybe just doing a brisk walk every day or swimming is always a good way to get started Definitions

an athletics meeting: an e%ent where %arious ath etics sports are he d an athletics track: a runnin# trac" an away game: a $oot!a match p ayed in the opposin# teams stadium a brisk walk: a $ast wa " to do judo: -not #o or p ay. a football fan: someone who i"es $oot!a a fitness programme: a schedu e o$ acti%ities to "eep $it a football match: a #ame o$ $oot!a a football pitch: the sur$ace on which you p ay $oot!a -as opposed to a stadium( which is the !ui din#. a football season: a period in the year when $oot!a is p ayed to get into shape: to !ecome $it to go jogging: to run around the streets a home game: a $oot!a match p ayed in the teams own stadium to keep fit: to stay in #ood physica y condition to be out of condition: to not !e physica y $it a personal best: to achie%e the !est persona resu t so $ar in a sport a personal trainer: a sports coach that he ps you on a one,to,one !asis to play tennis/football: -not do or #o. to run the marathon: to run a distance o$ /01234 5i ometres a season ticket: a tic"et that #i%es you entry to most o$ a team&s home #ames durin# the sportin# year1 to set a record: to achie%e the !est resu t in a sport a sports centre: a pu! ic !ui din# where peop e can do %arious sports sports facilities: the e)uipment and ser%ices needed to do a sport a squash/tennis/badminton court: the sur$ace where you p ay these sports strenuous e"ercise: e*ercise that needs a ot o$ physica e$$ort a strong swimmer: a #ood swimmer a swimming pool: the p ace where you swim to take up e"ercise: to start doin# e*ercise

to train hard: to train with a ot o$ e$$ort

IELTS Food Vocabulary

Topic Vocabulary >> Lesson 5: Food The topic of food often comes up in the IELTS Speaking exam. You might be asked questions about what you like to eat, your favourite restaurants or about a popular dish in your country. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the Definitions section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you dont understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: Do you like to cook? Mandy: Not really no most of the time I eat ready meals and take-aways thats one of the reasons I love visiting my mum you can always guarantee lovely home-cooked food Examiner: What time do you usually eat dinner? Michelle: We have our main meal at around 7.00 Im usually starving hungry by then in fact I often grab a bite to eat as soon as I get home from college a sandwich perhaps but not too much to spoil my appetite Examiner: Are there any types of food you dont like? Lionel: No not really Im not a fussy eater at all actually I eat like a horse I do a lot of sport and work up quite an appetite Part 2-style task Describe a restaurant that you like to use. You should say

where this restaurant is what "ind o$ $ood it ser%es how o$ten you #o there

and say why you like eating there so much. Howard: OK this is a nice topic to talk about theres a restaurant just around the corner from where I live its an Italian restaurant so as youd expect you can eat various pasta dishes and pizzas and I usually go there with my family for a slap-up meal if we have anything to celebrate its quite a posh restaurant

 the kind of place you would take someone if you wanted to wine and dine them we usually order a 3course meal a light starter then a main dish and I have quite a sweet tooth so I always look forward to the dessert I usually order Tiramisu it makes my mouth water just to think about it Im always totally full up by the end why do I enjoy it there well its not cheap my parents always foot the bill and we couldnt afford to go there regularly so its always a nice treat Part 3-style questions Examiner: How can we encourage people to eat more healthily? Anna: I think the best approach is to have everything in moderation processed food wont kill you if you only eat it occasionally but people should also be encouraged to eat a balanced diet try to cook fresh ingredients at home a few times a week Examiner: Do you think people enjoy their food as much as they should? Florrie: I dont know really I suppose its true that people will often eat a quick snack because theyre bored not because theyre dying of hunger and often they just bolt it down and dont savour it so yes perhaps we could take more time over our food Examiner: Do you think cooking is a pleasure or a chore for people who have busy lives? Julie: Well whether you follow a recipe of make something up as you go along I think cooking is a very creative process and cooking for other people is a particular pleasure theres nothing more satisfying than seeing people you love tucking into something youve cooked yourself Definitions

to be full up: to eat to the point that you can no on#er eat any more to be starving hungry: an e*a##erated way o$ sayin# you are %ery hun#ry to bolt something down: to eat somethin# %ery )uic" y to be dying of hunger: an e*a##erated way o$ sayin# you are hun#ry to eat a balanced diet: to eat the correct types and amounts o$ $ood to eat like a horse: to eat a ot to follow a recipe: to coo" a mea usin# instructions to foot the bill: to pay the !i a fussy eater: some!ody who has their own %ery hi#h standards a!out what to eat to grab a bite to eat: to eat somethin# )uic" y -when you&re in a rush. to have a sweet tooth: to en'oy su#ary $ood home cooked food: $ood coo"ed at home $rom indi%idua in#redients

the main meal: the most important mea o$ the day( usua y eaten in the e%enin# to make your mouth water: to ma"e you $ee %ery hun#ry $or somethin# to play with your food: to push $ood around the p ate to a%oid eatin# it processed food: commercia y prepared $ood !ou#ht $or con%enience a quick snack: to eat a sma amount o$ $ood !etween mea s a ready meal: see 6processed $ood& a slap up meal: a ar#e mea to spoil your appetite: to est somethin# that wi stop you $ee in# hun#ry when it&s mea ,time1 a take away: a coo"ed mea prepared in a restaurant and eaten at home to tuck into: to eat somethin# with p easure to wine and dine: to entertain someone !y treatin# them to $ood and drin" to work up an appetite: to do physica wor" that eads to you !ecomin# hun#ry

IELTS Education Vocabulary

Topic Vocabulary >> Lesson 6: Education Youre likely to be asked questions about your studies during Part 1, you might have to talk about a class, a teacher or a school memory in Part 2 or give your opinions on education in Part 3. Therefore, being able to call on a wide range of vocabulary to talk about education is very important. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the Definitions section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you dont understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: Are you studying English at a school? Michel: Yes Im taking an intensive course at a local private language school I attend classesthree times a week Examiner: Would you say you are a good student? Susan: Im OK I think Im pretty good at meeting deadlines and Im keeping up with my studies plus I find it quite easy to learn things by heart which is useful when learning a language Examiner: When you were younger did you enjoy your time at school?

Theo: Yes I liked school it was an ordinary state school nothing special a single-sex school which Im not sure I liked but the teachers were great I had lots of friends and I never played truant like some pupils there Part 2-style task Describe a time during your education that you really enjoyed. You should say:

when this period was where you were what you were studyin# at the time

and say why you were so happy. Caroline: Id like to tell you about my time at university I was a mature student I didnt go to university until I was 25 and it was my first time away from my parents so it was very exciting I was doing a Bachelors Degree and it was a bit of a challenge some people take a year out but Id been away from education for 8 years plus I had to work my way through uni so I was very busy and sitting exams at the end of each year was a new experience for me as well but I really enjoyed higher education learning about a subject I loved history and the social life was great as well I dont think Ive ever had so many friends I had my graduation ceremony last year in the local cathedral and I know my parents were really proud so yes that was a really happy time Im thinking of doing a Masters Degree soon though that might be through distance learning as I have a full-time job now Part 3-style questions Examiner: What qualities do you think a good teacher has? Anna: They should be patient they should be subject specialists and be able to explain the subject clearly they should give feedback quickly for example not hang on to essay for ages like some of my teachers Examiner: What are the advantages of studying on a distance learning course? Florrie: Its a more flexible way of studying especially if you have a job tuition fees are usually cheaper but you have to be very motivated and I would imagine more people fall behind with their studies compared to face-to-face classes Examiner: Do all children get equal opportunities in education? Julie: In my country I think it is quite equal but in the UK Ive heard that most people who go to the top universities have studied at public schools you have to be very rich to study in a school like that

theyre usually boarding schools as well so the fees are enormous Definitions

to attend classes: to #o to c asses bachelors degree: an under#raduate course which usua y asts 7,/ years boarding school: a schoo where pupi s i%e durin# term time distance learning: a way o$ studyin# where tuition is carried out o%er the Internet or !y post face to face classes: as opposed to distance earnin# the traditiona way o$ studyin# in a c assroom with co ea#ues and a teacher to fall behind with your studies: to pro#ress ess )uic" y than others to give feedback: to o$$er #uidance on a student&s wor" a graduation ceremony: an e%ent where a success$u student recei%es his or her academic de#ree higher education: education( usua y in a co e#e or uni%ersity( that is $o owed a$ter hi#h schoo or secondary schoo an intensive course: a course that o$$ers ots o$ trainin# in order to reach a #oa in as short a time as possi! e to keep up with your studies: to not $a !ehind to learn something by heart: to memori8e it a mature student: a student who is o der than a%era#e and who has usua y returned to education a$ter a period at wor" masters degree: a period o$ study which o$ten $o ows the comp etion o$ a !ache ors de#ree or is underta"en !y someone re#arded as capa! e o$ a hi#her, e%e academic course

to meet a deadline: to $inish a 'o! or tas" in the time a owed or a#reed to play truant: to stay away $rom c asses without permission private language school: an independent schoo run as a !usiness concern public schools: e*c usi%e independent schoo s in the 95 a single se" school: a schoo where on y !oys or #ir s attend -as opposed to a mi*ed,se* schoo . to sit an e"am: to ta"e an e*am state school: a schoo paid $or !y pu! ic $unds and a%ai a! e to the #enera pu! ic subject specialist: a teacher who has a #reat dea o$ "now ed#e a!out the su!'ect they teach1

to take a year out: to spend a year wor"in# or tra%e in# !e$ore startin# uni%ersity tuition fees: the money paid $or a course o$ study to work your way through university: to ha%e a paid 'o! whi st studyin# to support yourse $ $inancia y

IELTS Work Vocabulary

Topic Vocabulary >> Lesson 7: Work If youre employed, getting the necessary qualifications for a job, or still trying to decide what kind of career youre interested in, youll need to be able to tell the examiner about this if youre asked questions about work. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the Definitions section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you dont understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: What do you do? Sasha: I do a job-share with a friend in a boutique I enjoy it I like working with customers unfortunately its only temporary work but one of the perks of the job is I get a discount on the clothes Examiner: Do you have any career plans yet? Carly: Yes Id like to be my own boss one day Im interested in programming and Id like to create apps for myself or for other companies I know being self employed would be a challenge but the idea of doing a nine-to-five job doesnt appeal to me at all Examiner: What do you see yourself doing in 10 years time? Marie: Id hope to be working not a high-powered job but Im quite a creative person so something where I can work with my hands would be nice as long as Im not stuck behind a desk doing something boring in a dead-end job Ill be happy Part 2-style task Describe your ideal job. You should say:

what this 'o! is whether you wou d need any )ua i$ications

whether it wou d !e easy to $ind wor"

and say why you would enjoy this job in particular. Max: Ive always loved watching wildlife programmes on TV and often thought how much Id enjoy working with animals perhaps in a safari park something like that youd probably need a degree to have any chance of being called for an interview and whether there are many full-time jobs I dont know Im sure a lot of parks rely on voluntary work so it might not be easy and it probably wouldnt be well-paid either but money isnt everything Id get so much job satisfaction I cant imagine it being the kind of job where you get stuck in a rut and I think Id be good at it as well Id love to work with animals I enjoy manual work and Im a good team player so even though the working conditions might not be the best I think that would be my ideal job Part 3-style questions Examiner: If there are a limited number of jobs available who should be given priority, young people or older people with more experience? Anna: Things are so different these days a few years ago older employees would often take early retirement or go onto part-time contracts and there were always opportunities for younger people but now jobs are so scarce I think younger people need to be given the chance whenever possible Examiner: What are some of the important things a candidate should find out before accepting a job? Ali: Well youd need to know about your area of responsibility and your salary of course and then there are things like holiday entitlement maternity or paternity leave if youre thinking of having children and what the situation is regarding sick leave that kind of thing Examiner: What are the advantages of having your own business rather than working for someone else? Julie: Well unfortunately being an employee at the moment is very stressful people have veryheavy workloads theyre always under pressure to meet deadlines running your own business isnt easy but I do think it would be far more satisfying Definitions

to be called for an interview: to !e in%ited to attend an inter%iew to be your own boss: to ha%e your own !usiness a dead end job: a 'o! with no promotiona opportunities to do a job share: to share the wee" y hours o$ wor" with another person a good team player: some!ody who can wor" we with other peop e full time: the num!er o$ hours that peop e usua y wor" in a comp ete wee"

a heavy workload: to ha%e a ot o$ wor" to do a high powered job: an important or power$u 'o! holiday entitlement: the num!er o$ days ho iday a owed job satisfaction: the $ee in# o$ en'oyin# a 'o! manual work: wor" that re)uires physica acti%ity maternity leave: time o$$ wor" #i%en to a woman a!out to ha%e a !a!y to meet a deadline: to $inish a 'o! !y an a#reed time a nine to five job: a norma 'o! that consists o$ an : hour day -appro*imate y. one of the perks of the job: an e*tra !ene$it you #et $rom a 'o! part time: wor"in# ess than $u ,time to run your own business: see 6to !e your own !oss& to be self employed: see &to !e your own !oss& sick leave: time a owed o$$ wor" when sic" to be stuck behind a desk: to !e unhappy in an o$$ice 'o! to be/get stuck in a rut: to !e in a !orin# 'o! that is hard to ea%e to take early retirement: to retire ear y -retire: to reach an a#e when you are a owed to stop wor"in# $or a i%in#. temporary work: wor" done $or a imited time on y voluntary work: to wor" without pay to be well paid: to earn a #ood sa ary working conditions: the hours( sa ary and other entit ements that comes with the 'o! to work with your hands: to do manua wor"

IELTS Health Vocabulary

Topic Vocabulary >> Lesson 8: Health During the IELTS Speaking exam you may be asked questions to do with health and fitness. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the Definitions section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you dont understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: Have you got a relation youre particularly fond of? Sinita: Yes my granddad hes 94 years old but generally hes as fit as a fiddle were very close and

see each other a lot whenever he goes down with a cold or is under the weather I make a point of visiting him Examiner: Do you do any sport? Jon: Yes Im keen on skateboarding but I havent done it for a while I had a bad fall recently and pulled a muscle and had a few cuts and bruises but Im on the mend and hope to be doing it again soon Examiner: Is there anything youre particularly afraid of? Davide: The dentist I hate going to the dentist I only ever go if I have a toothache so it usually means I have to have a filling or even have a tooth out I really dont like it Part 2-style task Describe a time when you were ill. You should say:

when this was what your symptoms were how on# the i ness asted

and say how it affected your life at the time. Pierre: This is a tricky one really as Im usually quite healthy Ive never been seriously ill like everyone else I sometimes get a few aches and pains or catch a cold I can remember a few months ago I had to have time off work with a heavy cold I had the usual symptoms a blocked nose sore throat it lasted quite a while about 2 weeks I think though I didnt have that much time off work for a few days I remember feeling poorly but I was over the worst of itafter a few days and went back to work I always find its better to be active when you feel ill as it keeps your mind of your symptoms I think my family get a little fed up with me when Im ill though I tend to feel sorry for myself and lie on the sofa all day as if Im at deaths door but as I said earlier on this occasion it was nothing serious and didnt really cause me any problems Part 3-style questions Examiner: What costs are involved when you are ill in your country? Anya: Well people have to pay prescription charges which can be quite expensive but fortunately general healthcare is free unless you want to go private of course and then you can pay a fortune for your treatment Examiner: In your experience are people too quick to take time off work when theyre ill?

Alicia: Yes .. Ive got friends who have a day off work if they wake up with a runny nose and in most cases they seem to make a speedy recovery after theyve phoned in sick Examiner: Do women pay more attention to their health than men? Julie: I think so yes women are more likely to see their GP for a check-up if theyre concerned about something men tend to avoid facing up to any health problems they have my dad always seems to have a very chesty cough but refuses to go to make an appointment to see the doctor Definitions

aches and pains: minor pains that continue o%er a period o$ time to be a bit off colour: to $ee a itt e i to be at deaths door: -in$orma . to !e %ery i indeed to be on the mend: to !e reco%erin# a$ter an i ness to be over the worst: to ha%e #ot throu#h the most serious or uncom$orta! e sta#e o$ an i ness to be under the weather: -in$orma . to not $ee we a blocked nose: when the nose has e*cess $ uid due to a co d to catch a cold: to #et a co d a check up: a physica e*amination !y a doctor a chesty cough: a cou#h caused !y con#estion around the un#s cuts and bruises: minor in'uries to feel poorly: to $ee i as fit as a fiddle: to !e %ery hea thy to go down with a cold: to !ecome i to go private: to choose to !e treated !y commercia hea thcare rather than !y ser%ices o$$ered !y the state #P: ;enera Practitioner -$ami y doctor. to have a filling: to ha%e a tooth repaired to have a tooth out: to ha%e a tooth remo%ed a heavy cold: a !ad co d to make an appointment: to arran#e a time to see the doctor to make a speedy recovery: to reco%er )uic" y $rom an i ness to phone in sick: to ca wor" to e*p ain you won&t !e attendin# wor" due to i ness prescription charges: money the patient pays $or medicine authorised !y a doctor

to pull a muscle: to strain a musc e a runny nose$ a nose that has i)uid comin# out o$ it a sore throat: in$ ammation that causes pain when swa owin#

IELTS Books and Films Vocabulary

Topic Vocabulary >> Lesson 9: Books and Films Its quite possible that the examiner will ask you questions about your reading habits or ask you to say something about a book youve read or a film youve seen. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the Definitions section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you dont understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: Do you like to read books? Marie: Yes I love reading I like nothing more than to be engrossed in a good book I regularly take out books from the library and usually read them from cover to cover in no time and I cant go to sleep at night without some good bedtime reading Examiner: How often do you go to the cinema? Jemma: Unfortunately we dont have a cinema near us so we have to go into the nearest town to catch the latest movie I usually avoid seeing the big box-office films which Im not always keen on seeing I prefer low-budget films sci-fi especially and theres a great cinema I go to that has frequent showings of films like these Examiner: Do you prefer reading books or watching films? Louisa: Im not really a big reader I find books quite heavy-going so I much prefer to see a film perhaps its the special effects or the soundtrack I dont know I just prefer a film Part 2-style task Describe a book you have read or a film you have seen. You should say:

what this !oo" or $i m was when you read or saw it why you decided to see the $i m or read the !oo"

and say if you enjoyed it and why. Pauline I like reading especially English novels its a great way to improve your vocabulary and there are so many fantastic authors to choose from one book that came highly recommendedby my teacher was The Mayor of Casterbridge I was studying at a school in The UK at the time and she said it would give me a picture of what life was like years ago in the area I was living well I have to say I absolutely loved it it was a real page-turner its a historical novel and the setting was a fictional town called Casterbridge but actually it was based on a town near where I was studying called Dorchester it had such a great plot to cut a long story short it tells the story of the downfall of a man called Henchard the central character who lives during a period of great social change around the time of the industrial revolution the reason I enjoyed it so much apart from the great story it gave me a picture of what life had been like in the place I was studying at the time I really couldnt put it down a fantastic story Part 3-style questions Examiner: Is reading as pleasurable in digital format? Alise: Personally I prefer reading a paperback or hardback especially if Im reading a classic which I dont think feels right as an e-book but I can see it can be good for others my grandmother has an ereader and she loves the way you can enlarge the text Examiner: Do you think bookshops will survive the digital revolution? Thomas: I think so at least I hope so I love flicking through books in a bookshop online shopping is useful finding out on Amazon if a book you want has got a good review maybe getting one that is difficult to find but I still love the experience of being in a bookshop Examiner: Statistics show that visits to the cinema are up despite the availability of DVDs and online downloads. Why do you think this might be? Jamie: I think its the whole experience that the cinema offers going out to see a film when itgoes on general release and seeing it on the big screen is more exciting than watching the filmat home on TV especially if its an action movie and watching it with others makes it even more special Definitions

an action movie: a $i m with $ast mo%in# scenes( o$ten containin# %io ence to be engrossed in: to !e comp ete y $ocused on one thin# bedtime reading: somethin# to read in !ed !e$ore you #o to s eep to be a big reader: someone who reads a ot to be based on: to use as a moda

to be heavy going: di$$icu t to read a blockbuster: a $i m that is a !i# commercia success to catch the latest movie: to see a $i m that has 'ust come out the central character: the main person in a $i m or !oo" a classic: o$ the hi#hest )ua ity to come highly recommended: to !e praised !y another person couldnt put it down: wasn&t a! e to stop readin# a !oo" an e book: a di#ita !oo" an e reader: a de%ice $or readin# e,!oo"s to flick through: to oo" )uic" y throu#h a !oo" to get a good/bad review: to recei%e positi%e or ne#ati%e $eed!ac" to go on general release: when a $i m can !e seen !y the #enera pu! ic hardback: a !oo" with a ri#id co%er -see 6paper!ac"& !e ow. a historical novel: a story set in the past a low budget film: a $i m made with a sma amount o$ money on the big screen: at the cinema a page turner: a !oo" that you want to "eep readin# paperback: a !oo" with a $ e*i! e co%er -see 6hard!ac"& a!o%e. plot: the main e%ents in a $i m or !oo" to read something from cover to cover: to read a !oo" $rom the $irst pa#e to the ast sci fi: science $iction to see a film: to see a $i m at the cinema -see 6watch a $i m& !e ow. the setting: where the action ta"es p ace showings: per$ormances o$ a $i m soundtrack: the music that accompanies a $i m special effects: the %isua s or sounds that are added to a $i m which are di$$icu t to produce natura y to take out (a book from the library): to !orrow a !oo" $rom the i!rary to tell the story of: to out ine the detai s o$ someone&s i$e or an e%ent to watch a film: to watch a $i m on TV -see 6to see a $i m& a!o%e.

IELTS Accommodation Vocabulary

Topic Vocabulary >> Lesson 10: Accommodation The examiner may ask you to talk about the place you live or would like to live in the exam. Read the

following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the Definitions section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you dont understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: Do you live in a house or an apartment? Callum: Actually I live on campus in a single room in halls of residence all first year students are encouraged to do that as theyre close to the university next year I plan to move intostudent digs in town Examiner: Tell me about where you live. Julia: I live with my parents in the suburbs of Madrid we only moved in recently in fact we had a house-warming party just a few weeks ago Examiner: What kind of accommodation do most people live in in your city? Maria: In the city itself the majority of people live in apartment blocks thats what surprised me about England most people seem to live in terraced houses with lovely back gardens Part 2-style task Describe a house or an apartment you would like to live in. You should say

what "ind o$ accommodation it wou d !e where it wou d !e who wou d i%e there with you

and say why you would enjoy living in this place. Paolo: I think most people when answering this question would say theyd like to live in a bigdetached house with spacious rooms views of the countryside and so on but actually myideal home would be a lot different Ive always loved the idea of having a mobile home a really expensive one with all the mod cons so I could live wherever I wanted or at least have lots of holidays and be able to take all my home comforts with me whenever I travelled I realise this would have to be a second home as Id need a base a permanent address but the mobile home would be the accommodation Id find it exciting to live in I suppose once I settle down and have children Ill want to get on the property ladder Ill be like everyone else saving up to put down a deposit on a house or an apartment I dont think my family would want to live in a mobile home but I like to think Ill still keep that dream home in mind Part 3-style questions

Examiner: Is it better to own your own home or to rent? Ana: I think both have their advantages living in rented accommodation isnt necessarily a bad thing you dont have a huge debt like you do when you take out a mortgage but I suppose theproperty market offers you an investment for the future Im sure thats why most people preferto own their own home Examiner: What options are available to young couples looking for accommodation in your country? Toni: If they want to buy their own home it isnt easy for first-time buyers mortgages are hard to get so most people live with their parents or in rented accommodation but that can also be very expensive you often have to pay rent in advance and if the accommodation isnt fully furnished you have the expense of buying furniture Examiner: What are some of the pleasures involved in making a home for ourselves? Suki: I suppose it starts with house-hunting finding your ideal home some people enjoy doing up an old property giving a property thats old and tired a new lease of life others like making wherever they live feel like home with some home comforts Definitions

(all the) mod cons: techno o#y at home that ma"es 'o!s easier such as a washin# machine( dishwasher etc1 apartment block: a ar#e !ui din# made up o$ sma er units o$ apartments back garden: a #arden at the rear o$ the house detached house: a house that is not physica y connected to another property to do up a property: to repair an o d !ui din# dream home: a home you re#ard as per$ect first time buyer: someone !uyin# a property $or the $irst time( especia y when ta"in# out a oan -mort#a#e. fully furnished: a rented property with a $urniture inc uded to get on the property ladder: to !uy a property with the aim o$ !uyin# another !i##er or more e*pensi%e one ater in i$e hall of residence: a co e#e or uni%ersity !ui din# where students i%e home comforts: thin#s that ma"e a home $ee com$orta! e to i%e in house hunting: oo"in# $or a property to i%e in house warming party: a party to ce e!rate mo%in# into a new home ideal home: a per$ect home to live on campus: to i%e on the uni%ersity or co e#e #rounds mobile home: a home that can !e mo%ed !y a %ehic e or one that has its own

en#ine

to move into: to !e#in to i%e in a property to own your own home: to ha%e !ou#ht the property you i%e in to pay rent in advance: wee" y or month y rent paid at the !e#innin# o$ the wee" or month permanent address: a $i*ed address property market: the !uyin# and se in# o$ and or !ui din#s to put down a deposit: to pay an amount o$ money as the $irst in a series o$ $uture payments rented accommodation: property owned !y someone e se and $or which a person pays a $i*ed amount to i%e in single room: a room $or one person spacious room: a ar#e room student digs: student accommodation the suburbs: a residentia area on the ed#e o$ towns or cities to take out a mortgage: to !orrow a ar#e amount o$ money( paid !ac" o%er se%era years( in order to !uy a house terraced house: a house connected on !oth sides !y other properties

IELTS Clothes & Fashion Vocabulary

Topic Vocabulary >> Lesson 11: Clothes and Fashion The examiner may ask you to talk about the clothes you like to wear or your attitude towards fashion. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the Definitions section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you dont understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: Do you enjoy buying clothes? Pedro: I used to yes like most young people I was a bit of a slave to fashion and Id always have to buy that must-have shirt or pair of shoes Im not so bothered now though I wouldnt feel comfortable wearing something old fashioned but Im not as bothered as I used to be about what I wear Examiner: What kind of clothes do you like to wear? Marco: I prefer casual clothes actually I hate getting dressed up for special occasions personally I

think its possible to look good in a pair of jeans but thats my opinion I dont think my wife would call me a fashion icon thats for sure Examiner: Are there many clothes shops where you live? Sylvia: Yes there are lots in my town apart from the big chain stores weve got a couple of really nice shops that sell vintage clothes old clothes but in a classic style that never really go out of fashion I love going there Part 2-style task Describe someone you know who dresses well. You should say

who they are how you "now them what "ind o$ c othes they wear

and say why you like the way they dress. Tomoko: Id like to talk about one of my teachers Miss Evans she teaches us English in the school I go to we always look forward to seeing what shes going to wear when our lessons start shes always very well dressed and takes a lot of pride in her appearance its not that she dresses in very smart clothes she doesnt come to school dressed to kill or anything like that but what she wears really suits her and she has a great sense of style as well we often ask her where she gets some of her clothes and most of the time theyre just off the peg and she says shes not interested in designer labels or anything like that she doesnt seem too concerned about keeping up with the latest fashion she just wears clothes that are timeless yes Miss Evans is the person I think looks great in the clothes she wears Part 3-style questions Examiner: What factors do you think affect the clothes we choose to wear? Maki: It depends where we are or where were going is a big factor if you are going out to a club or party youre going to dress for the occasion and then there are those who think its important to look like theyre on trend theyll want to wear the latest fashions there are lots of factors really Examiner: What kind of things determine what is in fashion and what we should be wearing? Martin: I suppose the big fashion houses and fashion shows must have an effect but the clothes you see on the catwalk dont always reflect what normal people wear so I suppose it will be things like what singers are wearing in videos or models are wearing in magazines that kind of thing Examiner: Is it possible to look good without spending lots of money on clothes?

Corinna: Im sure it is yes I suppose its about having an eye for what looks good knowing how to mix and match different items of clothing that go well together I think you can pick up great bargains in charity shops sometimes for youngsters even hand-me-downs can look good Definitions

to be on trend: to !e %ery $ashiona! e casual clothes: not $orma classic style: a simp e( traditiona sty e that is a ways $ashiona! e designer label: a we ,"nown company that ma"es -o$ten e*pensi%e. c othin# dressed to kill: wearin# c othes that attract admirers to dress for the occasion: to wear c othes suita! e $or a particu ar e%ent fashionable: in $ashion fashion house: a company that se s -usua y e*pensi%e. new sty es in c othes fashion icon: a person who is $amous $or their sense o$ $ashion fashion show: an e%ent where moda s show o$$ the atest in $ashion desi#ns to get dressed up: to put on nice c othes( o$ten to #o out somewhere specia to go out of fashion: to not !e in $ashion any more hand me downs: c othes that are passed down $rom o der !rothers or sisters to their youn#er si! in#s to have an eye for (fashion) : to !e a #ood 'ud#e o$ to have a sense of style: the a!i ity to wear c othes that oo" sty ish the height of fashion: %ery $ashiona! e to keep up with the latest fashion: to wear the atest $ashions to look good in: to wear somethin# that suits you to mi" and match: to wear di$$erent sty es or items o$ c othin# that aren&t part o$ a set out$it must have: somethin# that is hi#h y $ashiona! e and there$ore in demand off the peg: c othin# that is ready made old fashioned: not in $ashion any more on the catwalk: the sta#e that moda s wa " a on# to show o$$ the atest $ashions a slave to fashion: someone who a ways $ee the need to wear the atest $ashions smart clothes: the "ind o$ c othes worn $or a $orma e%ent to suit someone: to oo" #ood on someone to take pride in ones appearance: to pay attention to how one oo"s

timeless: somethin# that doesn&t #o out o$ $ashion vintage clothes: c othes $rom an ear ier period well dressed: to !e dressed attracti%e y

IELTS Personality Vocabulary

Topic Vocabulary >> Lesson 12: Personality During the IELTS Speaking exam you may be asked to talk about someones personality or character. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the Definitions section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you dont understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: How would you describe yourself? Paula: Everyone tells me I take after my mum as Im quite laid-back I think Im good companybut you should ask my friends if they agree Examiner: In which ways are you similar to your friends? Manuel: I seem to be attracted to introverts not people who are painfully shy but most of my friends are a little reserved and I think thats what Im like Examiner: Are you similar or different to your brother(s)/sister(s)? Mira: I think my brother and I are very similar Id say were fun-loving and tend to be a bitextroverted my brother is certainly the life and soul of the party Im not sure that applies to me Part 2-style task Describe a teacher you once had who you enjoyed being taught by. You should say

who this person was when they were your teacher which su!'ect they tau#ht you

and describe what it was about their character that you liked. Carolina: Id like to describe my English teacher from school Miss Thomas this was a few years ago now and she was my teacher at a time when I was getting a little bored with being at school unlike some of the other teachers Miss Thomas never lost her temper she was very calm andeasy-going she was also very broad-minded we were able to ask her questions about lots of subjects that some other teachers

would refuse to discuss which made us respect her even more she had a great sense of humour too shed laugh at our jokes as well as making us laugh and she would also bend over backwards to help us with our work she always put us first and often stayed around at the end of class to talk with anyone who needed help apparently she was highly respected within her field but you would never know as she was the type that hid her light under a bushel she was very modest and self-effacing so yes Miss Thomas was a teacher I have fond memories of Part 3-style questions Examiner: Which personal qualities do you think we most want to pass on to our children? Martin: I certainly would want my children to be self-confident and self-assured I really believe that people who feel good about themselves are in a good position to face what life has to offer them and Id hope they wouldnt be self-centred but remembered to think about others Examiner: Which characteristics do you think are the least appealing in a person? Marianne: Well people who are very narrow-minded are difficult to get on with its nice when someone is open to other peoples opinion and willing to think about their own views and people who are two-faced can be a little irritating relationships are built on trust and without honesty theres not much left Examiner: Which personality types do you think are less likely to suffer from stress or anxiety? Sol: Probably people who are thick-skinned who dont let people or problems affect them too much and if you are fair-minded you ll be less likely to overreact to situations or be quick-tempered Definitions

to be the life and soul of the party: a $un person( someone who is the centre o$ acti%ity to bend over backwards: to try %ery hard to he p someone broad minded: prepared to accept other %iews or !eha%iours easy going: re a*ed and not easi y worried a!out anythin# e"trovert: an ener#etic person who i"es the company o$ others fair minded: to treat peop e e)ua y fun loving: to en'oy ha%in# $un to hide ones light under a bushel : to hide one&s ta ents and s"i s good company: en'oya! e to socia ise with good sense of humour: the a!i ity to understand what is $unny introvert: someone who is shy

laid back: see 6easy,#oin#& to lose ones temper: to sudden y !ecome an#ry narrow minded: opposite o$ 6!road,minded& -see a!o%e. painfully shy: %ery shy to put others first: to thin" o$ others !e$ore yourse $ quick tempered: to !ecome an#ry )uic" y reserved: shy self assured: con$ident self centred: thin"s on y o$ onese $ self confident: !e ie%es in one&s own a!i ity or "now ed#e self effacing: to not try to #et the attention o$ others -especia y in terms o$ hidin# one&s s"i s or a!i ities. to take after: to !e i"e -o$ten another mem!er o$ the $ami y. thick skinned: not easi y a$$ected !y criticism trustworthy: can !e trusted two faced: not honest or sincere1 Wi say one thin# to someone to their $ace and another when they are not present1

IELTS Personality Vocabulary

Topic Vocabulary >> Lesson 12: Personality During the IELTS Speaking exam you may be asked to talk about someones personality or character. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the Definitions section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you dont understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: How would you describe yourself? Paula: Everyone tells me I take after my mum as Im quite laid-back I think Im good companybut you should ask my friends if they agree Examiner: In which ways are you similar to your friends? Manuel: I seem to be attracted to introverts not people who are painfully shy but most of my friends are a little reserved and I think thats what Im like Examiner: Are you similar or different to your brother(s)/sister(s)?

Mira: I think my brother and I are very similar Id say were fun-loving and tend to be a bitextroverted my brother is certainly the life and soul of the party Im not sure that applies to me Part 2-style task Describe a teacher you once had who you enjoyed being taught by. You should say

who this person was when they were your teacher which su!'ect they tau#ht you

and describe what it was about their character that you liked. Carolina: Id like to describe my English teacher from school Miss Thomas this was a few years ago now and she was my teacher at a time when I was getting a little bored with being at school unlike some of the other teachers Miss Thomas never lost her temper she was very calm andeasy-going she was also very broad-minded we were able to ask her questions about lots of subjects that some other teachers would refuse to discuss which made us respect her even more she had a great sense of humour too shed laugh at our jokes as well as making us laugh and she would also bend over backwards to help us with our work she always put us first and often stayed around at the end of class to talk with anyone who needed help apparently she was highly respected within her field but you would never know as she was the type that hid her light under a bushel she was very modest and self-effacing so yes Miss Thomas was a teacher I have fond memories of Part 3-style questions Examiner: Which personal qualities do you think we most want to pass on to our children? Martin: I certainly would want my children to be self-confident and self-assured I really believe that people who feel good about themselves are in a good position to face what life has to offer them and Id hope they wouldnt be self-centred but remembered to think about others Examiner: Which characteristics do you think are the least appealing in a person? Marianne: Well people who are very narrow-minded are difficult to get on with its nice when someone is open to other peoples opinion and willing to think about their own views and people who are two-faced can be a little irritating relationships are built on trust and without honesty theres not much left Examiner: Which personality types do you think are less likely to suffer from stress or anxiety? Sol: Probably people who are thick-skinned who dont let people or problems affect them too much

and if you are fair-minded you ll be less likely to overreact to situations or be quick-tempered Definitions

to be the life and soul of the party: a $un person( someone who is the centre o$ acti%ity to bend over backwards: to try %ery hard to he p someone broad minded: prepared to accept other %iews or !eha%iours easy going: re a*ed and not easi y worried a!out anythin# e"trovert: an ener#etic person who i"es the company o$ others fair minded: to treat peop e e)ua y fun loving: to en'oy ha%in# $un to hide ones light under a bushel : to hide one&s ta ents and s"i s good company: en'oya! e to socia ise with good sense of humour: the a!i ity to understand what is $unny introvert: someone who is shy laid back: see 6easy,#oin#& to lose ones temper: to sudden y !ecome an#ry narrow minded: opposite o$ 6!road,minded& -see a!o%e. painfully shy: %ery shy to put others first: to thin" o$ others !e$ore yourse $ quick tempered: to !ecome an#ry )uic" y reserved: shy self assured: con$ident self centred: thin"s on y o$ onese $ self confident: !e ie%es in one&s own a!i ity or "now ed#e self effacing: to not try to #et the attention o$ others -especia y in terms o$ hidin# one&s s"i s or a!i ities. to take after: to !e i"e -o$ten another mem!er o$ the $ami y. thick skinned: not easi y a$$ected !y criticism trustworthy: can !e trusted two faced: not honest or sincere1 Wi say one thin# to someone to their $ace and another when they are not present1

IELTS Business Vocabulary

Topic Vocabulary >> Lesson 13: Business During the IELTS Speaking exam you may be asked to talk about the subject of business. This might involve describing a business you know well or talking about your own ambitions. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the Definitions section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you dont understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: Do you work or are you a student? Hati: I run my own business actually I have an online business selling cosmetics I set up the business 5 years ago and Im really enjoying working for myself Examiner: What is your ideal job? Kaori: I dont think Id enjoy working for a big company I think Id like to go it alone and be selfemployed Im not sure what area of business it would be but I think Id enjoy the process ofdrawing up a business plan and seeing if I could be successful Examiner: Is your town a nice place to live? Monique: Its OK the main problem we have is our local high street it used to be a busy centre but lots of shops have gone bust it must be very difficult to make a profit when you have huge supermarkets in the area and a lot havent been able to survive with such cut-throat competition Part 2-style task Describe a business you know that you admire. You should say

what this !usiness is what the !usiness se s how on# you ha%e "nown a!out the !usiness

and say why you like it so much. Magda: Actually I discovered a business very recently that I like so much Id like to do something similar in the future its a small niche business that runs courses in how to cook especially bread the owner uses his kitchen for the courses and went into business with a local community shop and sells a lot of the bread and cakes they make in the shop I first got to hear about the business last year my wife paid for me to do one of the baking courses and I got to know the owner during the training its a lifestyle business really he doesnt have plans to take on employees or expand into new areas hes happy earning a living doing the thing he loves I really admire what he does and Im sure a lot of people

would love to do something similar he has a web presence in fact thats how we got to find out about his company and he uses social media to raise the company profile but hes the only person involved in running the business so hes in complete control of where the business goes thats something that must make it really satisfying as long as hes managing to balance the books and the cash flow is healthy Im sure he must be very pleased with what he has achieved Part 3-style questions Examiner: Why do some people decide to set up their own business? Marion: I suppose its the idea of being in control of your own destiny or of believing in a product or service idea you may have plus it must be very exciting launching products winning contracts and seeing your sales figures improving must be wonderful Examiner: What are some of the dangers involved in starting a business? Hiro: Well obviously you need to have a good idea some people say you need to do market research beforehand so you know what the market wants if you dont do this you could go under and if it is a good idea the chances are someone else is doing the same thing so you could end up facing stiff competition Examiner: What are some of things you have to do when running your own business that might not appeal to everyone? Katy: Personally i dont like being in debt so taking out a business loan wouldnt suit me at all and I know a lot of companies do cold calling to try and drum up business thats something Id hate to do and laying people off if the business gets into trouble that would be horrible Definitions

to balance the books: to not spend more money than you are earnin# to be self employed: to wor" $or yourse $<to not wor" $or an emp oyer to cold call: to ma"e a sa es ca to someone without as"in# them $or permission $irst cut throat competition: when one company owers its prices( $orcin# other companies to do the same( sometimes to a point where !usiness !ecomes unpro$ita! e

to do market research: to do research into what potentia customers wou d or wou dn&t !uy to draw up a business plan: to write a p an $or a new !usiness to drum up business: to try to #et customers

to earn a living: to earn money to go bust: when a !usiness is $orced to c ose !ecause it is unsuccess$u cash flow: the money comin# in and #oin# out o$ a !usiness to go into business with: to 'oin another person to start or e*pand a !usiness to go it alone: to start your own !usiness to go under: -see 6to #o !ust&. to have a web presence: to ha%e a we!site or socia media pro$i e that showcases your !usiness to launch a product: to start se in# and promotin# a new product to lay someone off: when a company ends an emp oyee&s contract o$ emp oyment lifestyle business: a !usiness that is set up to !rin# in a su$$icient income and no more to make a profit: to earn more money than it costs to run the !usiness niche business: a !usiness that ser%es a sma ( particu ar mar"et to raise a company profile: to ma"e more peop e aware o$ a !usiness to run your own business: to ha%e a !usiness o$ your own sales figures: a report o$ the income a company #enerates throu#h sa es o$ products or ser%ices to set up a business: to start a !usiness stiff competition: stron# competition $rom other companies in the same area o$ wor" to take on employees: to emp oy peop e to take out a loan: to !orrow money to win a contract: when a !usiness #ets e#a y,!indin# wor" with an indi%idua or company to work for yourself: -see 6to !e se $,emp oyed&.

IELTS Physical Appearance Vocabulary

Topic Vocabulary >> Lesson 14: Physical Appearance During the IELTS Speaking exam you may want to talk about what people look like. This might involve describing their physical appearance or the type of clothes they like to wear. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the Definitions section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you dont understand.

Part 1-style questions Examiner: Do you look like any other people in your family? Carlo: No not at all take my brother for example he has short cropped hair and has quite apointed face hes also quite fair-skinned compared to me Examiner: Tell me about your family. Andrea: My fathers getting on a bit hes in his 60s but he looks very young for his age he still does lots of exercise and is quite well-built Examiner: What does your best friend look like? Mandy: Shes the same age as me she has shoulder-length hair fair hair she has a slim figure and is medium height Part 2-style task Describe a person whose appearance you like. You should say

who this person is what their re ationship is to you what they oo" i"e

and say what it is about their appearance you like. Monique: OK Id like to talk about my aunt her names Marta and shes quite a character shes middle-aged but has a very youthful appearance shes a little overweight I suppose but not too much she has a friendly round face framed by thick blonde hair she has a lovelycomplexion and shes always well-turned out she actually always looks like shes going out for the evening to somewhere special theres never a hair out of place Ive always thought shebears a striking resemblance to someone on TV I cant remember the name now she wears glasses and always seems to have a different pair on every time I see her I like the way she looks because she wears clothes that are right for her age and manages to look glamorous without it looking like shes too done up yes Ill be happy if I look like her when Im her age Part 3-style questions Examiner: Is it important to dress well whenever we go out? Mark: It depends where youre going I know some people get done up just to go to the shops but I dont see the point you shouldnt go out looking scruffy with disheveled hair but I really dont see the point in getting dressed up to the nines unless youre going somewhere special

Examiner: Do people worry too much about their appearance as they get older? Mira: Im sure they do yes but it happens to all of us doesnt it we all go grey eventually and get hard of hearing we start to lose our figure thats why plastic surgery is so popular personally I think we just need to grow old gracefully and not worry too much about how we look Examiner: Is attractiveness a quality worthwhile aiming for? Phoebe: Id like to say no it shouldnt matter what we look like in terms of our physical appearance but unfortunately it seems women especially are taken more seriously if they aregood looking with a slender figure with perfect make up and so on Definitions

to bear a striking resemblance: to oo" %ery simi ar to cropped hair: %ery short hair disheveled hair: untidy hair to dress up to the nines: to dress %ery smart y or # amorous y fair hair: i#ht,co oured hair to be fair skinned: i#ht s"inned to get done up: to dress smart y to be getting on a bit: to !e #ettin# o d to go grey: to ha%e hair that is turnin# #rey to be good looking: to !e attracti%e to grow old gracefully: to act in a way that em!races the $act you are #ettin# o der to be hard of hearing: to $ind it di$$icu t to hear in his/her %&s/'&s: to !e 0=<7= somethin# scruffy: dressed untidi y to look young for your age: to oo" youn#er than you are to lose ones figure: to ha%e a $i#ure that has ost its toned shape comple"ion: natura s"in co our and te*ture make up: cosmetics medium height: a%era#e hei#ht middle aged: appro*imate y !etween /4,>4 to never have a hair out of place: per$ect y sty ed hair to be overweight: to wei#h more than is re#arded as hea thy pointed face: the opposite o$ a round $ace shoulder length hair: hair that comes down to the shou ders and no $urther

slender figure: a $i#ue that is ta and s im slim figure: attracti%e y thin thick hair: a ot o$ hair to wear glasses: to use spectac es to be well built: to !e muscu ar to be well turned out: to oo" smart youthful appearance: to oo" youn#

IELTS Town and City Vocabulary

Topic Vocabulary >> Lesson 15: Town and City In the IELTS Speaking exam you may be called upon to showcase your vocabulary to describe towns and cities. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the Definitions section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you dont understand. Part 1-style questions Examiner: What is it like where you live? Christiane: I live in a residential area of a busy town in the south of Spain we have all the facilities you need good public transport a good shopping centre its nice Examiner: Do you like living in the city? Andrea: Yes I do I like going out with my friends and there are lots of lively bars and restaurants within walking distance of my apartment Im a bit of a culture vulture as well so its great to have access to art exhibitions and that kind of thing Examiner: Do you get many tourists visiting your area? Mandy: Not really no I live in the inner-city and the area is a little run down its basically a lot of high-rise flats and many of the shops are boarded up so nothing to interest tourists really Part 2-style task Describe an interesting town or city in your country that visitors might enjoy. You should say

what the p ace is ca ed where the p ace is

what the $aci ities are i"e

and say why visitors might enjoy going there. Monique: Anyone who comes to my country really should spend some time in Barcelona its a beautiful place its not what you would call a sprawling city its quite compact really and you could walk across the city in a couple of hours but theres no need to do that as we have a fantastic public transport system so its easy to get around there are various districts all with their own character you have the upmarket shops in the centre youll find lots of chain stores youll recognise from your own country but also local brands as well we have the narrow streets in the Gothic district with lots of fashionable boutiques and tourist attractions theres the Olympic area and the beaches along the coast and dotted around the city are some lovelypublic spaces parks and squares in the city centre and on the outskirts of Barcelona where people relax with their friends and family and of course pavement cafes everywhere all that and some great historical places of interest so a great destination for tourists Part 3-style questions Examiner: What are the advantages of living in a city or big town? Carrie: I think its having access to local facilities really local shops as well as access to largershopping malls in the city centre and if youre well-off you can afford to live in the suburbsaway from the busy traffic Examiner: In your experience are city centres usually attractive places? Mary: Some can be yes especially those with a historical interest but sometimes theyre full of ugly office blocks multi-story car parks and residents living in poor housing it depends on the city doesnt it? Examiner: What are some of the challenges facing towns and cities? Penny: I suppose traffic congestion is a major problem and the growth in out-of-town supermarkets and retail parks mean lots of town centre shops are closing down plus a shortage of good quality housing I think these are the major challenges Definitions

boarded up shops: shops that are no on#er doin# !usiness chain stores: we ,"nown !rands with shops in mu tip e cities to close down: to stop doin# !usiness fashionable boutiques: $ashiona! e c othes shops to get around: to tra%e around

high rise flats: mu ti,story apartments inner city: the centra part o$ a city where peop e i%e and where condidions are o$ten poor in the suburbs: the outer area o$ ar#e towns and cities where peop e i%e lively bars/restaurants: !ars or restaurants with a #ood atmosphere local facilities: oca !ui din#s or ser%ices ser%in# the pu! ic multi story car parks: car par"s on se%era $ oors office block: a ar#e !ui din# that contains o$$ices out of town shopping centre/retail park: ar#e shoppin# centres outside o$ the town or city pavement cafe: ca$es with ta! es outside on the pa%ement places of interest: !ui din#s that ha%e a particu ar interest $or %isitors poor housing: housin# that is not in #ood condition public spaces: areas in a town or city that are open to the pu! ic public transport system: pu! ic %ehic es such as !uses and trains that operate at re#u ar times on $i*ed routes residential area: an area where peop e i%e run down: o d and o$ a poor standard shopping centre: an area consistin# o$ mu tip e shops shopping malls: ar#e indoor shoppin# centres sprawling city: a city that has #rown o%er time and which co%ers a wide area tourist attraction: a p ace o$ interest to tourists traffic congestion: hea%y tra$$ic ma"in# it di$$icu t to mo%e around a town or city upmarket shops: e*pensi%e $ashiona! e shops

IELTS Music Vocabulary

Topic Vocabulary >> Lesson 16: Music In the IELTS Speaking exam you may be asked questions about the music you listen to or instruments you play. Read the following IELTS-style questions and answers below and pay attention to the phrases in bold. Use the Definitions section at the bottom of the page to check the meaning of any phrases you dont understand. Part 1-style questions

Examiner: What kind of music do you listen to? Katherine: Im a big fan of classical music it doesnt make me very popular with my children their taste in music is completely different they always want to listen to their favourite rock bands Examiner: Do you play any instruments? Jamie: No I dont Ive always wished Id taken up a musical instrument Id love to be able to play the guitar but I think Im a bit tone deaf so perhaps Id find it hard Examiner: Have you got any hobbies or interests? Marco: Im really into live music I go to a lot of music festivals I think a live performancealways sounds more exciting than a recorded version as long as the performers can sing and play well of course Part 2-style task Describe a song you like to listen to. You should say

what the piece o$ music is ca ed how on# you ha%e i"ed it when you i"e to isten to it

and say why you like it so much. Millie: Well Im a little older than most students and when I was young Abba the Swedish pop group were very famous I dont think it was cool to like them even though they had a huge following but I think now people have realised what wonderful songs they wrote one piece of music in particular is called Slipping through my fingers it wasnt a massive hit but I love it its a song for parents and its all about how quickly our children grow up its a slow number and like a lot of their songs its a very catchy tune the two women in Abba had great voices and its the kind of music you can also sing along to easily even if you dont have a great voice I listen to Abba when I feel like a sing-song and I especially like to listen when Im doing the housework it stops me thinking about the hard work Part 3-style questions Examiner: Is the Internet a good or bad thing for the music industry? Thomas: On the one hand its good for marketing new musical talent or particular bands but its so easy to share and download tracks for free I think it is costing the industry a lot of money Examiner: Should music be treated as seriously as subjects like maths or sciences at school? Carla: I think it should I dont think it should be taught in a boring way I mean making childrenread

music but I do think they should be encouraged to play instruments and to play things by ear perhaps to keep the lessons fun Examiner: Where do people usually enjoy listening to music? Sally: In lots of ways or places as background music when they are doing something else at concerts when a band goes on tour or in clubs or discos Definitions

adoring fans: peop e who o%e a particu ar !and or sin#er background music: music that is p ayed whi e somethin# e se is happenin# a catchy tune: a son# that is easy to remem!er and ma"es you want to sin# it classical music: music that is re#arded as part o$ a on#( $orma tradition to download tracks: to o!tain music $rom the Internet to have a great voice: to sin# we to go on tour: to #o on a p anned series o$ per$ormances around a re#ion or country a huge following: a ar#e num!er o$ $ans live music: music that is istened to whi e it is per$ormed -not recorded. live performance: -see i%e music. a massive hit: a record that se s ots o$ copies a music festival: music per$ormances at a %enue o$ten o%er se%era days musical talent: s"i ed at music to be/sing out of tune: to not !e in harmony<to sin# the wron# notes a piece of music: an item o$ music to play by ear: to p ay without readin# the musica notes a pop group: a sma #roup o$ peop e who p ay or sin# pop music to#ether to read music: to understand and $o ow written musica notes a rock band: a #roup o$ musicians that p ay roc" music to sing along to: to 'oin in sin#in# a sing song: to sin# in$orma y( o$ten with other peop e a slow number: a son# with a s ow tempo to take up a musical instrument: to !e#in earnin# a musica instrument taste in music: the music someone i"es to be tone deaf: to !e una! e to distin#uish the di$$erent notes in music