LESSON 1

Introduction to Part 1 - Developing Coherence

In this lesson, you will:
- Understand the basic requirements for the IELTS speaking test
- Develop coherence in IELTS Speaking Part 1
- Build Academic Vocabulary for topics Hobbies; Study; Accommodation;
Hometown
- Pronunciation: Word linking 1
I. BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR THE IELTS SPEAKING TEST
Exercise 1: Match each part of the test with the correct description
The test takers answer general questions
about themselves and a range of familiar
Part 1 – Introduction (4-5 minutes)
topics, such as their home, family, work,
studies and general interests.
Test takers are asked further questions
connected to the topic presented in the
Part 2 – The Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
previous part. These questions give the
speaker an opportunity to discuss more
abstract issues and ideas.
Test takers are asked to talk about a
Part 3 – Extension (4-5 minutes)
particular topic. They have one minute to
prepare. They are then given 2 minutes
to produce their 'Long Turn'.

II. DEVELOPING COHERENCE IN PART 1

Exercise 1: Fill in the gap with the correct words

Neither nor yet but as to

In the winter, that seat is close enough to the radiator to remain warm, and _____ not so
close ____ to cause perspiration. In the summer, it's directly in the path of a cross-
breeze created by opening windows there and there. It faces the television at an angle that
is________direct, ____discouraging conversation, ___ so far wide as ____ create a parall
ax distortion. I could go on, but I think I've made my point.
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Exercise 2: Which items in the previous exercise have the following functions?
a. to give a reason
b. to give a purpose
c. to add extra negative information
d. to give a consequence
e. to show contrast
Exercise 3: Answer the following questions based on the given prompts and use at least
one linking word in exercise 1
a. A place I'd like to visit is ___________________________________________
b. I've always enjoyed _______________________________________________
c. I don't often eat ____________________________________________________
d. What I like about my home is _______________________________________
e. Learning English is ________________________________________________
f. I've always wanted to ______________________________________________
g. When I get up in the morning ________________________________________
III. BUILDING AWL
Exercise 1: Make a vocabulary list for the words in bold below

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Exercise 2: Answer these questions.
1. Does it give you more pleasure to give a present or to receive a present?
2. Are you more likely to take an intense dislike to a person or a place?
3. Which singer is your absolute favourite?
4. Name one person who has filled you with admiration in the last five years.
5. Name three people or things that you feel great love for.
6. Do you get more pleasure from reading or from listening to music?
Exercise 3: Describe your accommodation using the words in exercise 1.
Exercise 4: Complete the sentences with work, job or career.
1. I took on too much .............................................. last month and couldn’t finish it all.
2. At the peak of her .............................................. she was managing a sales force of 200
people.
3. Daniel Robertson’s .............................................. in education lasted almost four
decades.
4. I have a very demanding ..............................................., but I enjoy it, nonetheless.
5. At the moment we are carrying out .............................................. on the design of the
new stadium.
6. The scandal ruined his .............................................. and he never worked in the stock
market again.
7. I’m going to apply for a .............................................. in a supermarket.
8. She had a long and brilliant .............................................. in show business. At 20, she
got her first steady .............................................. in a small regional theatre, but it was in
1980 that her .............................................. really took off when she was offered a part in
a TV series

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IV. HOMEWORK
Topic 1: Accommodation
1. Do you live in a house or a flat?
2. Who do you live with?
3. What do you usually do in your flat?
4. What kinds of accommodation do you live in?
Topic 2: Hometown
1. Where is your hometown?
2. Is that a big city or a small place?
3. What's your hometown famous for?
4. Did you learn about the history of your hometown at school?
Topic 3: Music
1. What music do you like?
2. What music do you dislike?
3. Do you often listen to one type of music?
4. What music do your friends like?
5. Do you enjoy the same type of music?
Topic 4: Dreams and Ambitions
1. What was your childhood dream?
2. Are you the kind of person who sticks to dreams?
3. What is your dream job?
4. Do you think you are an ambitious person?

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 LESSON 2: TACKLE UNFAMILIAR TOPIC
DEVELOPING FLUENCY
In this lesson, you will:
- Answer questions in unfamiliar topic in part 1
- Use cohesive devices and filler words effectively
I. BUILDING ACADEMIC VOCABULARY
1. In Speaking Part 1, you may be asked to talk about your preferences. Complete
sentences a—g with the words below.
hate • adore • would rather prefer • stand • appeal • dislike
a. I don't …. modern architecture, but I do think that there are many examples that
are very ugly.
b. I …. live in town than in the countryside.
c. I am fond of old family houses, but I … much more modern ones.
d. I can't ….old films except for early comedies.
e. Books… to me as much as music.
f. While some people simply… the theatre, I am indifferent to it.
g. I don't …literature. It's just that I don't have much time for reading.
2. With a partner, express your preference out of each of the pairs of items below. Use the
verbs in exercise 1 and explain your decisions.
• contemporary books or classic literature
• plays in the theatre or outdoor drama
• films at home or films in the cinema
• urban living or country life
• popular or classical music
• keeping a diary or writing a blog
• art films or Hollywood blockbusters
II. DEALING WITH UNFAMILIAR TOPICS
1. Which of the activities below do you know something about? Which do you know
little about?
playing a musical instrument • painting • cookery
2. Match each question 1-4 with an answer a-d.

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 1. Are you able to play any musical instruments?
2. Do you have any artistic abilities?
3. What sort of food do you enjoy cooking and eating?
4. Which games do you enjoy playing?

a. I'm afraid I have absolutely no skill in this area at all. But I might learn in the
future. It is simply too expensive to live on fast food.
b. I don't normally play games. When I was a child, I spent all my free time playing
in the countryside, rather than playing proper games. And now I have little time
for games - I relax by reading.
c. Unfortunately not. I have very little practical ability, and things like that are
difficult for me. I tried when I was at school, but without success.
d. I wish I could. My parents made me take lessons when I was very young, but I just
made a terrible noise and they let me give it up. I don't think I have any ability in
that direction.
3. Answer these questions about the responses in exercise 2.
a) What do all four responses have in common?
b) Which expressions does each speaker use to say 'no'?
c) Match the answers (a, b, c, d) with the content in the table below. Some answers
have
d) more than one kind of content.
Content of answer Answer
Past experience and the result
No past experience and the reason
A reference to future intentions and hopes
A reference to personal level of skill

III. USING COHESIVE DEVICES AND FILLER WORDS

Exercise 1: Put the following words into the correct function
For instance, ... What is more, In particular, ... Apart
from this/that
To illustrate, ... In addition to this, Moreover, Besides,

... not to mention the fact that To the best of my knowledge,

For all I know
Because of Owing to For this reason,

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Expressing cause Addition Giving examples To express limit of
knowledge

Exercise 2: Fill in the gap with suitable cohesive devices

1. ____________ the economic downturn, many small businesses were forced to lay
off employees.
2. ____________ the successful product launch, the company's stock price increased
by 15%.
3. ____________ the rising costs of raw materials, the company had to raise prices
on their products.
4. ____________ their strong sense of smell, many dogs are used to assist in search
and rescue operations.
5. ____________ the fact that elephants are known for their impressive memories,
they also have strong family and social bonds.
6. ____________ the cheetah's incredible speed, it is also very agile and can make
sharp turns at high speeds.
7. ____________ the elegant design, the necklace also featured high-quality
gemstones.
8. ____________ the rare and valuable diamonds, the jewelry collection also
included rare colored gems.
9. ____________ the rising gold prices, the cost of the ring increased significantly.
10. ____________ the unique craftsmanship, the artisanal jewelry pieces were highly
sought after by collectors.

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 LESSON 3
EXTENDING YOUR ANSWER
DEVELOPING GRAMMAR RANGE & LEXICAL RESOURCE
In this lesson, you will:
- Develop your Grammar Range & Lexical Resource for Part 1
- Pronunciation: Sentence stress
I. PRONUNCIATION
Exercise 1: Listen to these speakers' impressions of different arts events. Underline the
words that the speakers stress.
a. Something I really didn't like was the noise.
b. The thing I remember most is the beautiful choral piece.
c. What made the concert special was the fantastic choir.
d. What I absolutely loved about the play was the wonderful costumes.
e. The thing I particularly liked was the stunning visual effects.
f. The thing that really impressed me was the amazing script.
Exercise 2: Look at the sentences below. Underline the words in each sentence that you
think will be stressed.
a. I'm a big fan of contemporary art.
b. Orchestral music doesn't appeal to me at all.
c. I really can't see the attraction of the latest fashion trend.
d. I'm quite passionate about traditional dancing.
e. I'm not too keen on folk music but I love this song.
f. I absolutely love classic literature but I'm not too keen on this particular writer.
II. DEVELOPING GRAMMAR RANGE
1. In different sections of the Speaking test you will be expected to talk about the
past, present and future, using a range of language and structures. Do the
statements below refer to past, present or future or more than one time?
a. Until recently we'd go to the seaside every summer holiday.
b. The recent changes are bound to make a difference before long.
c. We tend to take mobile phones for granted in this day and age.
d. I don't make a habit of being late but I'm just about to miss the flight — it
leaves in 15 minutes and I'm stuck in traffic
e. Rarely have I been so excited about something.
f. I've been learning English for years
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 g. A big increase in population is predicted over the coming decade
h. I can't see this happening in the short term.
i. I've been applying for jobs recently and I aim to have one by the time I finish
my degree.
2. Replace each of the underlined words or expressions in 1 with a word or
expression from the box with a similar meaning.
are inclined • a short time ago • don't anticipate • forecast • in the next ten years
near future • nowadays • plan • practise • seldom • sure
since I started school • sooner or later • used to • when

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 LESSON 4: INTRODUCTION TO PART 2
DESCRIBE A PERSON
I. BUILDING ACADEMIC VOCABULARY
1. Describing appearance
My father has a round face and a droopy 1 moustache. My mother has a more
pointed face and a straight nose. My younger sister is more like my father. She
has an oval 2 face and an upturned nose. My older sister is like a model. She
has a slim figure and a slender 3 waist. She has a lovely complexion 4 and
beautiful sleek 5 , shoulder-length hair, and sheʼs always immaculately
groomed 6 . I feel so ordinary next to her – Iʼve got coarse 7 hair and rather
broad hips, but she always says I look nice.
1. long and hanging down heavily
2. shaped like an egg
3. attractively slim (a rather formal, great care poetic word)
4. the natural colour and quality of a person’s skin
5. smooth and shiny
6. her appearance is always tidy and looked after with great care
7. rough, and not smooth or soft
My father and my two older brothers are all well-built 8 with broad shoulders.
My father is going bald but he still has a very youthful appearance for someone
who is over forty. My brothers both have thick hair and bushy 9 eyebrows. My
younger brother is only two, but he’s very cute, with chubby cheeks 10. My
mother’s side of the family mostly have dark hair – in fact my mother had jet-
black hair 11 when she was younger, before she went grey – but on my
father’s side, some have fair hair and some have ginger 12 hair.
8. have strong, attractive bodies
9. very thick
10. fat in a pleasant and attractive way
11. completely black
12. a red or orange-brown colour; used of people’s hair
More collocations describing appearance
• A short, dumpy woman was selling flowers at a stall on the street
corner. [short and quite fat woman; used more often of women than of
men. This collocation is slightly negative, so be careful how you use it.]

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 • A portly gentleman answered the door. [fat and round; usually used of
middle-aged and older men]
• A lanky youth was standing at the street corner. [tall and thin and
tending to move awkwardly]
• I wouldn’t like people to see me with dishevelled hair and dirty clothes.
[very untidy; used of people’s hair and appearance]
• He bears a striking resemblance to his father. [looks remarkably like]
• The lady who entered the room had a very striking appearance. [unusual
appearance, in a positive, attractive sense]
Practice:
I hadn’t seen Owen since he was just a baby, so I was surprised to see that he was now a
tall young man. He was (1) im............................................ gr............................................ ,
smart and elegant. He was with a pretty young woman with (2) j.................................-
black, (3) shoulder-............................................hair and a (4) l............................................
com............................................ . She could have been a model, she had such a (5)
str............................................ ap............................................ . He had his arm round her
(6) s............................................ wa............................................ . With them was a (7)
po............................................g............................................ , who looked as though he
enjoyed good food, and who was probably her father. When I introduced myself to
Owen, he smiled. ‘Of course, I remember you,’ he said. ‘You used to work with my
father. But you haven’t aged at all! You have a much more (8)
y............................................ a............................................ than my father now does. Dad
has (9) ............................................ very grey.’ I felt very pleased when he said that; he
obviously didn’t notice I was beginning to (10) ............................................ bald.
Everyone likes to think they look young when they get older.

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2. Describe qualities
1. Look at the list of qualities. Match them with the examples

a) Decide how important each quality is: put I (Important), U (Useful) or N (Not
Important) in the third column.
b) Are there any other qualities you would add to the list? Give the adjective and an
example
2. The task card below is taken from Speaking Part 2. Listen to a person talking about the
topic on the task card. Make a brief note on the card of the answers they give to each
prompt

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Describe a teacher you can remember from your schooldays.
You should say
• what subjects they taught
• what this teacher looked like
• what kind of person they were
• and explain how this person has influenced you.
II. MAKING NOTES
Another student made the notes below for the Speaking Part 2 task card in exercise
4. Add the words in the list below to the appropriate part of the diagram.
• short
• fat
• amusing
• relaxed
• looked out of the window while speaking
• rolled tie up and down
• made boring subjects interesting
• made difficult subjects easy
• cheerful personality
Lists A and B below describe the advantages and disadvantages of different ways of
making notes. Answer questions a—c.
a) Which list relates to the technique in exercise 1?
b) What kind of note-taking does the other list describe?
c) Which method of making notes would work best for you?
List A List B
• encourages creative thinking • encourages logical thinking
• many ways through the ideas • one way through the ideas
• takes little time to write • can take a long time to write
• uses very few words • uses more words
• can be messy • very tidy

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III. HOMEWORK
Describe a person you know who has helped you in some way.
You should say
how you know this person
what abilities this person has
when this person first helped you
and explain how this help has influenced your life.

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 LESSON 5: TACKLING UNFAMILIAR TOPICS
DESCRIBE A THING
I. BUILDING ACADEMIC VOCABULARY
1. Read the sayings about money (a-d) and answer the questions.
a) Money is a good servant but a bad master.
b) Money doesn't grow on trees.
c) A fool and his money are soon parted.
d) The best things in life are free.
1. What do you understand by each saying?
2. Do you have a similar saying in your language?
3. Do you agree with the sentiment expressed in each saying? Why/Why not?
2. Choose the correct alternative in italics to complete the questions.
a) What is your biggest expense/cost each month?
b) Do you regularly pay into a deposit/payment account?
c) Would you prefer to be in debit/be in debt to a bank or to a family member?
d) What's the best way to owe/save money for the future?
e) Do credit cards encourage people to buy things that they can't really pay
for/spend?
f) Should children have to earn their pocket money/savings?
g) Have you ever won/been left money when someone died?
h) How important to you is having a large expenditure/income?
i) What's the best way to cut back/save up on household spending?
j) Which is more important for governments to focus on - health or education
expenses/expenditure?
3. Replace the words you chose in 2 with one of the words below, which has the
same or a similar meaning.
afford • allowance • economize • outgoing • inherited • invest
owe • salary • savings • spending
4. Match the responses (a—j) with the questions in 2.
a) Overreliance on credit facilities can lead to debt and even bankruptcy
b) Public spending in both these areas is a priority.
c) For most people it's their accommodation but I'm lucky — I live with my
parents so I don't have a mortgage and I don't have to pay rent.
d) Probably by cutting down on the amount you spend on non-essential items and
luxuries
e) Doing small jobs around the house should teach them the value of money.

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 f) I'm happy as long as my earnings exceed my outgoings — I don't mind not
being well-off.
g) I used to, but inflation has been so high recently I can only just manage to get
by on what I earn
h) Banks are more likely to charge you high interest rates.
i) I was lucky to come into some money from my aunt at a time when I was very
hard up.
j) Investments in stocks and shares can be risky if the market falls.
5. With a partner, ask and answer the questions in 2. Remember to give reasons for
your answers.
6. How often do you use the following types of retailers? What type of goods do you
buy from them? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
a) national chain stores or supermarkets
b) independent local shops
c) large online retailers
d) second-hand or charity shops
e) online auction sites
7. Decide which adjective in italics is the opposite of the other two.
a) It's not a good idea to spend a lot of money on online auction sites as the goods
may turn out to be worthless/priceless/of no value.
b) If you're hard up/well off/badly off you shouldn't spend money on
entertainment or holidays.
c) Buying in bulk can be a more economical/cost-effective/costly way to shop for
non-perishable groceries.
d) It's a good idea to support small local shops but unfortunately, they can be
quite discounted/overpriced/costly.
e) One of the best ways tote thrifty/extravagant/economical is to buy second-hand
goods.
f) Made-to-measure/off-the-shay/custom-made goods are always of superior
quality.
g) Buying designer/mass-produced/off-the-peg clothes does not allow for
individuality.
8. Do you agree or disagree with the statements in 7? Tell your partner, giving reasons
and examples.

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II. DESCRIBING A THING
Read the three short texts in which someone talks about a possession. Match each
description to one of the items below.
an item of clothing • a valuable antique • an item of technology
a piece of furniture • a picture • a vehicle • a piece of jewellery
A. It was something I had wanted for such a longtime. I ordered it online but I had to
wait a while for it to be delivered. I was so excited when it actually arrived. My
friends were all very jealous as its the latest model and I was the first to get it. It's
incredible that something so tiny has so many different features; it's much better
than my old one and can do so many things. I really like the design - it's very slim
and streamlined. I wasn't sure which colour to choose but in the end I went for the
silver option, which I'm really pleased with. I use it all the time and I couldn't live
without it.
B. It's of great sentimental value as it used to be my great-grandmother's so you could
say it's a family heirloom. She was given it for her 21st birthday so it really is
quite ancient now. It's not in perfect condition as the gold has a few scratches on it
but I think that gives it character. I don't often wear it and I usually keep it locked
away but I do put it on for special family occasions It always makes my father
very happy to see it on my finger It means a great deal to me and I hope to pass it
down to my children or grandchildren.
C. I spotted it in an old junk shop and it immediately appealed to me as it looks as if
it's got an interesting history. I love all the little marks on the wood and the
handpainted drawer knobs are really beautiful. I don't think it's very valuable but
I'm really fond of it and I have it on display in my living room. Visitors often
admire it and ask me about it. They think that I bought it in some exotic faraway
country - they're always surprised when I tell them I paid £5 for it in an old
second-hand shop. It's not just decorative though - it's useful too and is great for
storage. I keep all my DVDs in it.
III. HOMEWORK
Describe something you saved up for.
You should say
what it is
where you bought it
how long you had to save for it
and explain why you wanted to buy it.
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 LESSON 6: STORYTELLING TECHNIQUE
DESCRIBE A TIME
I. BUILDING ACADEMIC VOCABULARY
1. Match each event a-e with the noun which best describes it.
1. an achievement
2. a special occasion
3. an adventure
4. an experience
5. an event
a) studying abroad
b) doing well in exams
c) a musical concert
d) your brother's wedding
e) getting lost
2. For each noun in the list, think of at least one personal experience.
Example: an achievement: I won a school sports prize.
3. With a partner, ask and answer questions about the events you noted in exercise 1 . Use
these prompts to help you.
• Tell me about ...
• What kind of ...?
• What happened...?
4. Use nouns to summarize descriptions. Match each event a-h with the descriptions
below.
Example: I had a party for my twenty-first birthday. It was a happy event.
a) I volunteered to help other young people.
b) I received first prize for a painting I did in secondary school.
c) I want to describe something strange which actually happened in my home town.
d) The journey by coach and train around South America brings back lots
e) of good memories.
f) I attended the inaugural speech of the President.
g) I I got lost with some friends in the Australian desert.
h) I parachuted from a plane to celebrate passing my exams.
i) I saw the hardship of other people when I was volunteering.

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exhilarating experience unforgettable moment formal occasion
rewarding experience nerve-racking adventure bizarre incident
humbling experience memorable trip
5. Make three statements of your own about experiences, events or occasions. Work in
pairs and explain your statements to your partner.
II. DESCRIBING A PAST EVENT
1. Read these two advertisements and answer questions a—d.
a) Where would you see advertisements like these?
b) Do you think the owner will find her purse? What about the owner of the wallet?
c) What do you think about the reward? Is it large enough, or too large?
d) What would you do if you lost a wallet or a purse?

2. Read the list of personal objects below. Put the objects in order according to how
inconvenient it would be to lose each one (1 = most inconvenient; 10 = least
inconvenient).
•house keys • folding umbrella • theatre tickets • £100 in cash • diary • student card • £5
in cash • hotel room key • mobile phone • credit card
3. Listen to a man telling a story about an object he lost and answer the following
questions:
• What did he lose?
• How important was it?

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4. Listen again and match each phrase a—d from the story with the correct function 1-4.
a) I should say
b) How shall I put it?
c) Now, where was I?
d) Let me see,
1. returning to the subject
2. gaining thinking time
3. emphasizing a point
4. searching for a word
5. The task card below is taken from Speaking Part 2. Read the card and answer questions
a-c below.
Describe an important possession that you lost.
You should say
• what the possession you lost was
• where you lost the possession
• what efforts you made to find it
• and explain why the possession was important to you.
a) What is the main topic?
b) How many separate instructions are there?
c) How many instructions relate to the future? How many relate to the past?
6. Talk about the topic using your own notes. Use some of the phrases below to help you.
• Well, I should say first that
• Finally, I
• To find it, I first
• Looking back, I realize that
• After that, I
• In the future, I will/won't
III. DESCRIBING PRECAUTIONS
1. Read the example sentence below. Underline the phrase which indicates that it is a
precaution.
In the future, I will put labels on my suitcases in case they get lost on the plane.
2. Match each precaution a-f below with a situation 1-6 that it might prevent. Rewrite the
sentences using the structure in exercise 1.

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 a. Keep some keys in a flowerpot 1. You lose your house keys.
b. Keep a paper map in the car. 2. You lose your passport
c. Note the phone number of your 3. You GPS gives you wrong information
embassy.
d. Put a second umbrella in the car. 4. You lose your credit card
e. Bring a packet of sweets. 5. Your ears start to pop in the plane
f. Write down the phone number of 6. You leave yours at home
your bank

IV. HOMEWORK
Describe a time when you were late for an event.
You should say
• what kind of event you were late for
• what caused you to arrive late
• what happened to you when you arrived
• and explain what you have learned from the experience

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 LESSON 7: STORYTELLING TECHNIQUE
DESCRIBE A PLACE
I. BUILDING ACADEMIC VOCABULARY
1. Read the texts below. What kind of place is being described in each text?
• There's something about the place that just feels oppressive. When I've finished
what I have to do, I just want to get out as quickly as I can. I think it might be
because of the fluorescent lighting, which gives me a bit of a headache, and the
air-conditioning, which drones on and on. After I've been there all week,
staring at those grey walls, I feel emotionally drained. But, that's life.
• It's difficult to describe what really invigorates me, just a freshness that feels
good. I always go whenever I feel depressed about something and need a bit of
cheering up. I love the sound of the water, which always relaxes me, and the
saltiness in the air. There aren't normally many people around either. It's off the
beaten track, so I always manage to get the place more or less to myself.
2. Answer the questions below about places and feelings.
a) What types of place attract you? Which do you avoid? Why?
b) In what ways can places affect our sense of well-being?
c) How do the places we grow up in affect our character?
3. Complete the sentences below with adjectives from the list. What places do you
think these are?
dull • busy • deserted • exciting • peaceful • wild • colourful • friendly
a) I like it because it's so… . It's nice to be where there are lots of people.
b) I suppose it's quite a…. place There isn't much of interest to do.
c) Sometimes it's completely ….. There's nobody around at all.
d) With the wind and the weather, and only the birds for company, it's a really
place.
e) I love watching the competitive spirit of the two teams. There's a really …
atmosphere in the stadium.
f) The staff are really helpful, and it's easy to meet new people over a drink. It's a
very…place.
g) What makes it easy to relax and think is how … it is. No noises or surprises.
h) I like the flowers: all bright yellows, reds and blues. It's a very … experience.
4. Replace each adjective in the sentences in exercise 3 with a near synonym from
the list below.
crowded • vibrant • boring • welcoming • quiet • sensuous • empty • remote

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5. For each category a-e, think of a place where you go in your life to do these things.
a. a place I go to have fun
b. a place I go to relax
c. a place I go to work or study
d. a place I go to eat
e. a place I go to be alone
II. STARTING YOUR DESCRIPTION
1. Listen to three people describing a place which is important to them. Decide which
speaker describes the types of places a-c Make a note of any reasons they give for
their choice.
Speaker 1:
Speaker 2:
Speaker 3:
a. an urban place
b. a domestic space
c. a rural area
2. Listen again and make a note of the expressions that each speaker uses to introduce
the place they have chosen.
Speaker 1
Speaker 2
Speaker 3:
3. Read the Speaking Part 2 task card below. Take one minute to think and make
notes about your own talk on this topic, using your own experience. Then practise
speaking for two minutes using your notes.
Describe a place which has influenced your life.
You should say
• where the place is
• what activities you normally do there
• what feelings you associate with the place
• and explain what influence the place has on your life.

24
III. SUMMING UP IMPRESSIONS
In the last part of the Speaking Part 2 task card, you are normally asked to sum up
your personal impressions. Match each mini-task 1-3 with the phrases a-g that you
could use to answer it.
1. Describe a place where you spent a memorable holiday and explain why it is
particularly memorable.
2. Describe an experience in which you tried something new and explain how you
felt when you tried it.
3. Describe something special that you bought and explain why this item is
special to you.
a. I remember it mainly because .../It was memorable because ...
b. It made me feel ...
c. The main reason for my reaction was ...
d. What I've learned from this is ...
e. The influence this has had on me is ...
f. This taught me an important lesson: ...
g. Its main effect on me has been ...
h. It I feel attached to this ... because ...

25
 LESSON 9: INTRODUCTION TO PART 3 – DEVELOPING
COHERENCE
I. BUILDING ACADEMIC VOCABULARY
Read the 12 ideas below on how to save the planet and answer questions a and
b below.
a. How often do you do the following activities? (always, regularly, occasionally,
never?)
b. How can doing these activities help save the planet? If people didn't do any of
them, how might this affect the planet? Use some of the verbs and nouns below to
help you.
Example: Walking to work saves fuel consumption and reduces carbon emissions.
add to • conserve • contribute to • recycle • save • reduce • use • waste air miles
• carbon emissions • carbon footprint • energy (consumption) • fuel (consumption)
• money • landfill • water (consumption)
12 WAYS TO SAVE THE PLANET
1. Walk or ride a bike to work/place of study.
2. Recycle glass, paper, aluminium, etc.
3. Compost food waste.
4. Switch off electrical items like computers at night.
5. Turn off lights when you're not in the room.
6. Have a shower rather than a bath.
7. Buy locally grown produce.
8. Donate unwanted items to charity.
9. Buy clothes, furniture or other items second hand.
10. Take your own bags to the supermarket.
11. Bank and pay bills online.
12. Have a vegetarian meal.

26
IV. EXPRESSING VIEWS AND OPINIONS
Complete the sentences (1-8) with the words below.
against • agree • believe • far • me • tend • view • would
1. Most people would ______ that it is essential for big companies to reduce their
carbon emissions.
2. As ______ as I can see, the problems caused by fossil fuel emissions and
deforestation are not going to disappear.
3. For ______, fuel emissions from cars are one of the biggest sources of air
pollution.
4. I ______ to think that some claims about climate change and extreme weather
are exaggerated.
5. I'm totally ______ the amount of plastic packaging most manufacturers use for
their products.
6. I ______ say that companies found to be contaminating rivers and the sea
should be heavily fined.
7. In my ______ , the increase in the number of endangered species is a real
cause for concern.
8. I don't ______ that some individuals are aware of how serious some of these
environmental issues are.
Match the justifications (a-h) below with the opinions (1-8) in 3.
a. Unless they take action, there could be severe consequences for future
generations.
b. I'm more concerned about economic issues and global poverty and starvation.
c. That's why it's so important to educate people, particularly children, so that
they grow up with a good understanding of how to protect our planet from total
destruction.
d. If more people left their vehicles at home and walked or shared lifts, this would
be greatly reduced.
e. Although some governments and businesses have taken measures to deal with
these issues, I don't think they have gone far enough
f. That's why I am a big supporter of charities that support animal and plant
conservation.
g. This already happens in my country and it has greatly reduced the amount of
water pollution in recent years.
h. I don't think it's necessary and not only is it a waste of money, it also adds to
landfill

27
II. INTRODUCTION TO PART 3
1. Which is a general answer to the question, and which is personal?
2. Which is a better approach to answering questions in Part 3?

III. HOMEWORK

28
 LESSON 10: PRESENTING YOUR OPINION
I. ASKING FOR CLARIFICATION AND GIVING YOURSELF THINKING
TIME
1. Read the following opinions about food and diet. Which statements do you agree with
and which do you disagree with? Why? Tell your partner.
a. Extreme diets don't work and can be dangerous.
b. People who have more food choices tend to have less healthy diets.
c. If you follow a healthy diet there is no need to take extra vitamins and minerals.
d. A diet without meat is unnatural; we need meat to be strong and healthy.
e. A rise in food allergies is due to environmental factors.
f. Our modern-day eating habits are healthier than they were 100 years ago.
g. There is no point in providing food aid to poor nations.
h. Cooking should be a compulsory subject for all children.
2. The statements in 1 were all made in response to Part 3 questions. Match the
questions (1-8) with the statements (a-h) above.
1. Do you think people in western countries have health problems that are related to
food?
2. How are eating habits now different from eating habits in the past?
3. What is the safest way to lose weight?
4. Do you think children should be taught how to cook at school?
5. Do you think a vegetarian diet can be healthy?
6. What can be done to prevent famine in poor countries?
7. Why do you think there are now more people who have an allergic reaction to
some foods?
8. How do you feel about dietary supplements?
3. The statements below extend the opinions in 1. Match the extensions (1-8) to the
opinions (a-h) in 1.
1. Unfortunately not all parents teach their children to cook, so they should have
classes in food and nutrition at school.
2. There's a lot more pollution around now which means we are breathing air that
isn't clean and drinking water that's been purified artificially.
3. It's much better to lose weight slowly over a period of time - that way you can
maintain the weight loss
4. It would be more effective to teach the people there how to produce food for
themselves.
5. More people around the world are more prosperous now than in the past, which
means they can afford to eat better.

29
 6. It depends on whether you only avoid meat - many vegetarians don't eat fish or
dairy products either.
7. It's healthier to eat foods that contain those elements
8. It seems that being able to choose lots of different foods makes us forget the need
to have a balanced diet.
4. Read the following further statements about food and diet. What questions do you
think the examiner asked to produce these answers?
1. I'm worried that it encourages teenagers to try to lose weight when they don't
need to, and it's about making a profit rather than promoting healthy eating
habits.
2. A balanced diet is essential in order to stay healthy, and understanding which
foods contain carbohydrates, fat, protein and so on helps us to maintain healthy
eating habits.
3. It's probably because of the type of crops that traditionally grew there, but
modern farming methods make it possible to grow anything in any climate.
4. The world is running out of food and we have an expanding population, so we
will have to find a way of producing food that provides us with the nutrients
we need more efficiently.
5. Treating food as fuel encourages us to eat processed food that can be eaten
quickly, instead of taking time to eat fresh food properly prepared and cooked.
II. PRACTICING
Listen to four candidates answering some of the questions from 2. Match the speaker to
the correct question.
Speaker 1.
Speaker 2.
Speaker 3.
Speaker 4-
Technique
If you have difficulty understanding the question or thinking of ideas, try to clarify what
the examiner wants or use a phrase to give yourself thinking time.

30
 LESSON 11: DISCUSSING A VIEWPOINT
I. REVIEW PART 2

Use the table below to take notes

31
 II. BUILDING ACADEMIC VOCABULARY
1. Decide which adjective best matches the descriptions a—i below.
• original • talented • rigorous • curious • accomplished • ostentatious • expressive
• impartial • creative
a. He's very pretentious and likes to show everyone how rich he is.
b. He plays the violin so well.
c. His approach to experiments is very precise and methodical.
d. She may be a budding artist but her work is very avant-garde and has never
been seen before.
e. She has been described as a very gifted and ingenious sculptor.
f. His poems are very moving as they show his emotions clearly.
g. He has to be neutral in his work and cannot allow his emotions to take over.
h. His books are full of original ideas.
i. Even as a young chemist she had a very inquiring mind and investigated
everything thoroughly.
2. Work with a partner and give your own explanation for the questions below. In
each case, use two of the following phrases in your answer in order to, because,
for example, like or if.
1. Why is it necessary to present assignments well in all disciplines?
2. What is the effect of visuals in a presentation? Do you think they should be
compulsory even in essays?
3. What is the benefit of a bibliography when you produce an essay?
4. Why is preparation for any assignment crucial?
5. Is writing a draft of an essay or report essential? Why/Why not?
6. What in your opinion is the key to preparing a good assignment?
7. What qualities do you need to show when you are making a presentation of
your work?
III. COMPARING AND EVALUATING
1. Read the texts below and answer the questions

32
 a. What was the accident that happened in each case? What was the result of each
accident?
b. Which are more important — the accidents of science or the accidents of art?
2. Separate the words and phrases into two lists: words and phrases associated with
the arts and those associated with the sciences.
Arts
Sciences
• numeracy • knowledge of humanity • performance • analytical • creative
• demonstration • discipline • mysterious • knowledge of the universe • experiment
• certainty • literacy • incremental • work of art • imagination • original • definite
• uncertainty
3. Answer these questions about the lists you made in exercise 2.
a. Which words were difficult to categorize?
b. Can you think of examples to justify applying some science words to the arts
and vice versa?
4. Read the three typical Speaking Part 3 questions below. Which questions require a
comparison in response? Which require an evaluation?
1. Which provides the best entertainment: a novel or a film?
2. To what extent have people's lives been improved by science?
3. What degree are our lives improved by the arts?
4. Which is more important in modern cultures: scientific or artistic ability?
5. Phrases 1-6 below can be used to answer the questions in exercise 4. Match the
phrases with the questions. One phrase can go with more than one question.
1. The key difference between the two is ...
2. Oh, very much. For example, ...
3. Very little. The justification for these things is ...
4. They are both crucial for our daily lives, but of the two I would say
5. Making a choice between these two is very difficult because ...
6. I think ... is more important because ...

33
IV. EXPRESSING OTHERS' VIEWS
1. Some students expressed these opinions about science and the arts. Read their
statements and decide whether you agree or disagree. Change the opinions so that
they express your views.
a. Science has the ability to make all our lives much easier
b. The arts teach us what it means to be human.
c. Most of the arts are of no practical use and are a waste of time.
d. Science will certainly lead the world to disaster.
2. Listen to three speakers answer Speaking Part 3 questions. Match each speaker
with the correct question a-c.
Speaker 1 -
Speaker 2 -
Speaker 3:
a. To what extent should the arts be sponsored by government?
b. Why do you think some people are distrustful of science?
c. How can new technology help in our domestic lives?
3. Which one of these arguments does each speaker in exercise 2 agree with?
a. Technology just creates more work.
b. The arts contribute to society.
c. Technology makes tasks easier.
d. Scientists aren't engaged with the world.
e. The arts should be more commercial.
f. Scientists understand the impact of their ideas.
4. Listen to the three speakers again and complete phrases the speakers use to
introduce other people’s opinions
Other people's opinions
Speaker 1:
Speaker 2
Speaker 3:
4. Listen to the three speakers again and complete phrases the speakers use to
disagree with other people’s opinions

34
V. HOMEWORK
Sequence 1
a. What harm can science do to us?
b. Which is more important in our society today, the sciences or the arts?
c. Should governments subsidize scientific research? Why?
Sequence 2
a. How big a part do machines play in our lives today?
b. What are some of the problems with being so dependent on machines?
c. To what extent would it be better to lead a simpler life, without advanced
technology?

35
 LESSON 12: TACKLING UNFAMILIAR QUESTION
I. BUILDING ACADEMIC VOCABULARY
1. Complete the statements with a verb from the box to make time collocations.
allow • devote • find • have • reduce • save • spend • waste
a. I _________ a lot of my free time watching TV.
b. I _________ myself plenty of time to get ready in the morning.
c. I'd like to _________ the amount of time I spend sleeping.
d. I wish I could _________ more time to doing voluntary work.
e. I often _________ a lot of time chatting to friends online.
f. I never seem to be able to _________ the time to help my mum around the house.
g. I'd like to learn a musical instrument, but I don't _________ time
h. I could _________ time if I organized my work better.
2. In the following sentences, which adjective is NOT possible?
a. Preserving historical sites for subsequent/coming/preceding generations is not a
priority in today's world.
b. Unless measures are taken to protect them, age-old/antique/ancient traditions will
eventually die out.
c. There is no point in analysing events of bygone/old/ancient times — they have no
relevance today.
d. Modern/Present/Contemporary society is far too concerned with material wealth
and consumerism.
e. Emerging/Rising/Existing technologies are unlikely to make a difference to the
world's energy problems.
f. A country's traditional/ancient/elderly customs only survive today because of
global tourism.
g. Modern/Contemporary/New history can teach us far more than old/ancient/ early
history.
3. Do you agree or disagree with the statements in 4? Give reasons and examples for your
answers.
4. Make notes on each of the following using your own ideas and experiences.
a. something you used to enjoy doing when you were young
b. something that is predicted to happen in the next few years
c. something you plan to do in the near future
d. something you've been doing for a long time
e. something which is bound to happen before long

36
 f. something which you make a habit of doing
II. SPECULATING AND SPEAKING HYPOTHETICALLY
Exam information
In Part 3 of the Speaking test you will be expected to speak hypothetically about the past,
present or future and speculate about the future.
1. The following Part 3 questions all require you to speak hypothetically or speculate
about the future. Decide what the general topic is in each case.
a. How do you think the tourist industry will develop in the future?
b. How may eating habits change in the next few years'?
c. To what extent do you think advertising affects the way people shop?
d. Do you think it is important for young people to have role models?
e. How can sport bring people from different countries closer together'?
f. What effect can watching television have on children?
g. How do you think the leisure industry will develop in the coming years?
h. Do you think people should stay in the same jobs all their lives?
i. How would you feel if you had the chance to travel in space?
j. What will the situation be if the use of private cars continues to increase?
2. Listen to candidates answering four of the questions in 1. Which questions do they
answer?
3. Listen again and complete these sentences from the students' answers.
a. ... most employers it if their workers ____________broad experience in different
work contexts.
b. Personally, if I ____________the opportunity, I ____________to get as much
different experience as possible.
c. There ____________not the slightest chance of promotion if you
____________this experience ...
d. if that____________ , there ____________ a greater emphasis on healthy fast
food ...
e. if we ____________a great park and ride scheme in the city, it ____________even
worse.
f. It ____________any better ____________serious measures are taken..
g. The trouble is, ____________ you provide better and cheaper public transport,
people ____________the convenience of using a private car.
h. It's quite possible that there are products I ____________if I____________ an
advert for them.

37
3. Complete these sentences about the other questions in 1 using your own ideas.
1. How do you think the tourist industry will develop in the future?
It's highly likely that the tourist industry will ___________________
I doubt whether ___________________
2. Do you think it is important for young people to have role models?
Unless children have ___________________
There's a good likelihood that ___________________
3. How can sport bring people from different countries closer together?
International sporting events are likely to ___________________
If sportsmen and women ___________________
4 What effect can watching television have on children?
If children ___________________
They are bound to ___________________
5. How do you think the leisure industry will develop in the coming years?
It's quite possible that ___________________
It's unlikely that ___________________
6. How would you feel if you had the chance to travel in space?
There's not much chance of ___________________
If I had ___________________
4. With a partner, use the language of speculation and hypothesis to discuss the
following.
a. plans for your future studies or career
b. the development of your hometown in the future
c. the effects of the Internet on young people
d. current and future population growth
e. the benefits and drawbacks of international aid organizations
f. recent and future developments in medicine

38
 LESSON 13: EXTENDING ANSWER IN PART 3
I. EXTENDING YOUR ANSWER
1. Match the sentences (1-10) with their extensions (a-i). Use the key words in bold to
help you.
1. My next-door neighbours, Paul and Sophie, are a married couple with two young
children; …
2. It's important for young people to have appropriate role models; …
3. Some parents can be over-protective; …
4. The average family size is becoming smaller …
5. My parents weren't very strict with me when I was young; …
6. Most brothers and sisters experience some degree of jealousy and competition; …
7. Childcare can be very expensive; …
8. My friend Sally was raised by foster parents who later adopted her, …
9. After he was widowed, Phil brought up his daughters on his own; …
10. I grew up in a house with my parents, grandparents and an aunt uncle and cousins;
…
a. we were a traditional extended family.
b. this means returning to work after childbirth can be difficult for some mothers.
c. this sibling rivalry can result in small fights and arguments.
d. luckily he had support from other single-parent families.
e. they are a typical nuclear family.
f. then they have people they can look up to and learn from, who will have a positive
influence on their lives.
g. her own mother was unable to look after her.
h. they do not allow their children to take risks and become independent.
i. the birth rate in many countries has decreased recently.
j. in fact they were very lenient and rarely punished me.
2. Compare the following situations, thinking of advantages and disadvantages.
a. living in a nuclear family vs. living in an extended family
b. growing up with strict or over-protective parents vs. lenient parents
c. a falling birth rate vs. a rising birth rate

39
3. Complete the phrasal verbs with an appropriate preposition or adverb from the box.
Some of the words may be used more than once.
after • apart • away • back • back on • down
on • out • over • up • up with • up to
My older brother always did really well at school and as I was growing ________
I found it very hard to live ________ his reputation.
Claire and I go ________years - we first met at primary school and have been friends
every since. We have many happy memories to look ________
I don't take ________either of my parents - we are very different. Maybe that's why we
get so well!
Kris and Annabelle have finally decided to settle________ and get married - I hope it
works ________for them.
My grandfather passed ________in January - I don't think he ever really got ________
the death of my grandmother last year.
When I was very young I really looked________ my older sister - I thought she was
fantastic! But as we got older we grew ________and now I don't often see her very often.
We have brought ________our children to be polite and respectful so I find it difficult to
put ________bad behaviour from others..
4. Choose the adjective which is the opposite of the other three.
a. creative/dull/resourceful/talented
b. changeable/faithful/loyal/reliable
c. charitable/generous/helpful/selfish
d. amusing/funny/witty/serious/
e. cheerful/cynical/optimistic/positive
f. ambitious/determined/lazy/motivated
g. friendly/good company/outgoing/reserved/
h. aggressive/calm/laid-back/relaxed
5. In Speaking Part 2 you may be asked to describe a person. Complete the sentences
below using an example from your friends, family or someone else you know.
a. The family member I take after most is ...
b. A friend who goes back years is ...
c. Someone I look up to is ...
d. Someone I look back on with fond memories is ...
40
 e. A family member I get on really well with is ...
II. AVOIDING REPETITION USING SUBSTITUTION AND ELLIPSIS
1. Read the two responses. Which one is better?

2. Underline the parts of Candidate B's answer which are used to avoid repetition. Which
parts of Candidate A’s answer are they replacing?
3. Match the words and phrases you identified in 2 with the techniques to avoid repetition
below.
• Reference: using a pronoun (he, it, their, this, these) to refer to something already
mentioned:
• Lexical cohesion: replacing one item of vocabulary with another which has a
similar meaning:
• Substitution: replacing one item with a pronoun or other item (an auxiliary verb,
so, one(s), neither, not):
• Ellipsis: omitting a word or phrase completely:
4. Match the statements (1-8) with an appropriate extension (a-h).
1. One of the main duties of parents is to provide their children with a loving and
secure environment
2. Being shy and reserved has not affected his ability to be successful in life
3. The number of older people in society has increased significantly in recent years
4. Growing up bilingual can bring many career and educational advantages for
children,
5. You should try to have a positive and optimistic outlook on life.
6. Watching too much television can have serious consequences for young children.
7. Some people think that it is important to give money to help poor people overseas,
41
 8. My grandparents had a great influence on me as I was growing up,

a. This rise has led to a need for better healthcare provision for the elderly.
b. Another one is to bring them up with a good sense of what is right and wrong and
to give them as good an education as possible.
c. but it can also lead to confusion and divided loyalties if their parents do not speak
the same language as their friends and other outsiders.
d. and continue to do so now, even though they are both in their eighties.
e. Neither has his lack of formal education or qualifications.
f. These can include poor concentration and aggressive or antisocial behaviour
which may affect their education.
g. Doing so can allow you to take control of your life and reduce stress but I believe
such a view is unjustified when people are suffering hardship closer to home.
5. For each of the paired sentences in 4, underline any examples of reference, lexical
cohesion, substitution and ellipsis.
6. Cross out any unnecessary words in the following questions.
a. Do parents read to their children as much as they should read to their children?
b. Should couples who have children be given more financial benefits than couples
who don't have children?
c. Do you think that couples who share the housework equally are likely to have
fewer arguments than couples who don't share the housework equally?
d. Do you help around the house as much as you could help around the house?
e. Do young children who go to nursery have more opportunities for social
interaction than children who don't go to nursery?
f. Do you think men tend to help more around the home than they used to help
around the home?

42