Barbecue Party - an outdoor event where meats are grilled or smoked. The whole cooking process, including smoking, roasting, and grilling, is central to the experience and often turns into a communal activity, with all the guests helping to prepare and cook the food. Barbecue IELTS Speaking Part 1 Do you remember having a barbecue when you were a child? I remember when I was a kid, I helped my dad grill burgers at our family reunion barbecue, and man, did I fall in love with cooking outside! We had so much fun, laughing and just enjoying the warmth of family. That’s what got me into keeping up the tradition of grilling at family get-togethers. Do people in your country like barbecue events? Yes, barbecue isn't just a meal; it's a big deal that brings families and friends together outside, no matter the season. Every place has its own special way of doing barbecue, adding a unique spin to the flavors and traditions. How often do you have barbecues with your fa

IELTS Follow-Up Questions The IELTS speaking test is an essential part of the IELTS exam and can be intimidating. One of the main sources of anxiety for many test takers is follow-up questions . What are they? How should you prepare for them? Let's look at what you need to know about follow-up questions in the IELTS speaking test. What are Follow-Up Questions? Follow-up questions are questions asked after a candidate has answered an initial question on a topic . They can range from simple to complex and can be used to check understanding or probe deeper into a topic. For example, if the examiner asks a candidate "How do you get to work each day?" the follow-up question might be "Do you prefer this method of transportation?" Why Are Follow-Up Questions Asked? The primary purpose of follow-up questions is to evaluate a candidate’s ability to think critically and answer more complex questions than those posed in the initial prompt. Fol

"When life throws you a curveball, it's best to be prepared and act fast - especially when it comes to getting things done in a hurry!" How to answer this cue card Everyday things people do "in a hurry" Examples of when you had to do something in a hurry Model Answer Describe an Occasion When You Had to Do Something in a Hurry The IELTS speaking test can be a bit daunting, especially if you're not sure what to expect. One of the things you may be asked to do is describe a time when you had to do something in a hurry . Below are a few tips on how to approach this cue card. How to Answer the " Doing Something In a Hurry Cue Card " | Part 2 IELTS Speaking Test The best way to approach this cue card is to think of a time when you had to do something that was either time-sensitive or physically demanding . For example, maybe you had to finish a project at work before a deadline, or maybe you had to clean up your house befor

Speaking for IELTS Addicted to Your Smartphone? Here's What to Do It's no secret that young people today are glued to their smartphones. Wherever you go, you see teenagers and even preteens with their noses buried in their screens, texting away or scrolling through social media. While there's nothing wrong with using your phone occasionally, it can become a problem when it starts to interfere with your everyday life. If you're worried that you or your child is addicted to your mobile device, here are a few tips on what you can do to kick the habit. 1. Put it away during family time One of the best things you can do is set some ground rules for when it's appropriate to use your phone and when it's not. For example, during family dinners or social gatherings, make it a rule to put away all phones and devices so that everyone can focus on spending time together. This will help prevent you from

Describe the neighborhood you lived in when you were a child The neighborhood I lived in when I was a child was very close-knit. Everyone knew each other and looked out for one another. It was a safe place to grow up. There were always kids out playing in the streets and everyone looked out for one another. It was a great place to be a kid. Where in your town/city was the neighborhood? The neighborhood I lived in was located in the northwest end of town. It was a fairly affluent area and most of the families in the neighborhood were upper middle class. There were plenty of parks and green spaces nearby, as well as good schools. It was a great place to grow up. What kind of people lived there? The people who lived in my neighborhood were mostly upper-middle-class families. There were also a lot of young professionals and empty-nesters. Everyone was very friendly and it was a great place to live. What kind of activities did the neighborhood have? There were plenty of

Describe a skill that was hard to learn Learning the ukulele was a skill that I found especially challenging . When I started, it felt like my hands were made of stone, and my fingers refused to cooperate. Even simple chords seemed impossible! Over time, though, I began to learn how to strum properly and master certain songs. It took hours of practice - sometimes with frustration mixed in - but gradually my skills improved until I could play some surprisingly complex pieces. Now, when I pick up my ukulele, I feel proud and accomplished knowing the hard work I put into learning this instrument has paid off! No matter what skill I try to master, I remember that it takes hard work and dedication to make progress. With enough practice and perseverance, I know that I can achieve anything! I don't give up when things get tough. Instead, I embrace the challenge and stay focused on my goal. I'm always surprised at what I can accomplish! So the next time I want to lear

Have you ever visited a place and liked it so much that you wanted to go back there again? When faced with the cue card prompting you to describe a place you have visited, it can be tempting to choose a popular destination like Paris or Rome. However, don't be afriad to think outside of the box and choose a location that will make your answer unique. Instead of describing the Eiffel Tower or Colosseum, you could consider a smaller, lesser-known spot that stands out in your memory. Perhaps it was a little seaside village you stumbled upon while traveling or an off-the-beaten-path temple. Focus on details that made the place special to you - the warm hospitality of the locals, the delicious street food vendors, or stunning views from hiking trails. Incorporate specific adjectives and sensory language to paint a vivid picture for your listener and truly bring the place to life. This approach will not only make for a more interesting answer but also demonstrate advanced vo

Describe/Talk about an object with many uses Cue Card IELTS Speaking Part 2 - Cue Card - An Object with Many Uses In the IELTS speaking test Part 2, you will be asked to talk about a particular topic for 1-2 minutes. The examiner will then ask you a few follow-up questions. One possible topic is "Describe an object that has many uses." In this post, we will look at how to approach this topic and give you some ideas of what you can say. Remember that you should speak for 1-2 minutes without pause, so it is vital to plan your answer before you start speaking. How to Answer this Cue Card Topic To start, you should think of an object that has many uses. It could be an everyday object like a pen, wallet, or keychain. Once you have thought of an object, make a list of all the different ways it can be used. Once you have your list, choose the 3-4 most interesting uses for your object and decide how you will talk about each one. You might want to arrange your poi

Speaking for IELTS Beautiful Object / Beautiful Thing Cue Card Part 2 (Cue Card) Talk about an object you think is beautiful - what is it? - when did you see it? - what does it look like? And explain your feelings about this object Related: Talk about an object with many uses How to Describe a Beautiful Object using Functional Language In the IELTS speaking test, you may be asked to describe a beautiful object/thing. This could be a painting, a sculpture, a photograph, or even a natural landscape. Whatever the subject, it's vital to be able to describe it in detail using functional language. Here, we'll look at some useful phrases and vocabulary that you can use to describe a beautiful object/thing in the IELTS speaking test. We'll also see some examples of how these phrases can be used in context. By the end of this post, you'll have a good idea of how to approach this type of question in the IELTS speaking test. Let's get started

Speaking for IELTS Why Older Adults Use Social Media Less Than Younger People It's no secret that social media use has exploded in recent years, particularly among younger adults. A study by the Pew Research Center found that 90% of adults aged 18 to 29 use at least one form of social media, compared to just 56% of adults aged 65 and older. But why is this the case? Let's take a closer look at some of the reasons why older adults might be less likely to use social media. 1. They're not as familiar with social media platforms Older adults didn't grow up with social media as younger people did, so they may not be as familiar with how to use different platforms or how to navigate them. This can make them feel uncomfortable or even intimidated by social media, causing them to stay away altogether. 2. They don't see the point Many older adults simply don't see the appeal of social me

Speaking for IELTS 4 Reasons Why Young People Can't Put Their Phones Down Mobile phones have become a ubiquitous presence in our lives. It's not uncommon to see people of all ages, from young children to senior citizens, using their phones to stay connected and engaged with the world around them. But why are young people in particular so attached to their phones? Let's take a look at four possible reasons. 1. Social Media Let's be honest—one of the biggest reasons young people are glued to their phones is social media. Sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram provide users with a constant stream of updates and information from their friends and family members. For many young people, social media is the primary way they stay in touch with the people they care about.  2. Games Another big draw for young people is the wide variety of games that are available on mobile devices. Thanks to the App

Speaking for IELTS The Pros and Cons of Technological Advancement Technology is ever-changing and evolving. What was considered high-tech a few years ago is now outdated. With new technology comes new pros and cons. Do the pros outweigh the cons? It depends on who you ask. The Pros One pro of technology is that it has made life easier in many ways. Tasks that used to take hours can now be done in minutes, thanks to advancements in technology. For example, you can now purchase plane tickets, order food, and do your shopping all from your smartphone. You can even hail a ride with just a few taps on your screen. Another pro is that it has made communication easier than ever before. With a click of a button, you can video chat with someone on the other side of the world. You can also stay up-to-date with family and friends by reading their latest news updates on social media. The Cons However, t

Speaking for IELTS Describe a time you used your cellphone to do something important Describe the last time you used your mobile phone for something important You should say: - what you did with your mobile phone - when it happened - why it was important And explain how you felt about the experience. IELTS mobile phone cue card Cue Card Mobile Phone Sample Answer I used to be a person who would scoff at the idea of using my mobile phone for anything important. I considered it a toy, something to be used for entertainment and nothing more. But then, one day, I found myself in a sticky situation where my mobile phone was the only thing that could help me. And boy, was I glad I had it! It was a typical day at work. I was sitting at my desk, grinding away on some project or other, when I got a call from my wife. She sounded panicked, which immediately set me on edge. It turns out our son had been climbing a

Speaking for IELTS How to answer this cue card: Talk about a novel or story you enjoyed when you were young Talk about a novel or story you enjoyed when you were young – which novel/story it is – how you learned about it – when you read it – and explain what you enjoyed about it. Ideas for answering this cue card topic Talk about a classic novel or story that you read when you were young Talk about a book that was assigned to you in school Talk about a book that you discovered on your own How to introduce your answer to this cue card question I used to love reading novels and stories when I was younger, and there was one in particular that I used to enjoy a lot. It was called _______ and I first heard about it from _______. I think I read it for the first time when I was _______ years old, and I remember really enjoying it because _______. Points to include in your answer The main characters: describe them and their roles in the story The conflict: what ar

IELTS speaking newspapers and magazines Frequently asked questions about Newspapers and Magazines IELTS Speaking Part 1 What kinds of magazines are popular in your country? There are a variety of popular magazines in my country. Some of the most popular ones include magazines about fashion, celebrity gossip, entertainment news, and sports. Which do you prefer reading magazines or newspapers? Why? I prefer reading magazines because they tend to be more light-hearted and entertaining than newspapers. I also like looking at pictures in magazines. Some of them are beautifully done. How often do you read magazines? I usually read magazines when I have some free time, such as when I'm waiting in line or on a plane. I often read them cover to cover, but sometimes I'll just flip through and read the articles that look interesting to me. What kind of article are you most interested in? I'm usually most interested in articles about current events, pop culture, or

Speaking for IELTS outdoor activities speaking Part 2 Describe a place where you go to do outdoor activities or play sports Outdoor activity cue card model answer The place I like to go for outdoor activities is the park. It's a huge, open space with lots of trees and grass. There are also a few benches scattered around. I like to go there because I can do a lot of different activities. I can go for a walk, run, or bike ride. I can also play tennis or frisbee. I usually go to the park a few times a week, and I always have a great time. What is the place like? I enjoy going to the park because it's such a peaceful and serene place. I love being surrounded by nature, and it's a great way to get some exercise. I usually go there with a friend or two, and we always have a great time. We often bring a picnic lunch and spend the day playing games, talking, and just enjoying each other's company. The park is definitely one of my favorite places to be. What kin

Describe a monument (e.g. a statue or sculpture) that you like. Sample Answer How to answer the "Describe a monument that you like" cue card in Part 2 of the IELTS speaking test Monuments are a common topic in Part 2 of the IELTS speaking test. The good news is that there are some tried and true strategies you can use to ace this cue card. In this blog post, we'll go over some key vocabulary for describing a monument, as well as some tips on how to deliver a compelling answer that will impress your IELTS examiner. In Part 2 of the IELTS speaking test, you will be given 1 minute to prepare an answer to a particular cue card topic. This topic asks you to describe a monument. The monument might be one that you have visited or one that you would like to visit in the future. You should try to talk for 1-2 minutes on this topic. Here are some key vocabulary words that you can use to describe a monument: majestic: having or displaying a sense of grande

How to answer "Describe a big city you would like to visit" Model Answer Describe a big city you would like to visit There are so many big cities in the world that it's hard to choose just one to visit. But if I had to pick one, I think I would choose London. I've always been fascinated by England and its history, and London is such a beautiful, cosmopolitan city. It would be amazing to see all the sights – from Buckingham Palace and Big Ben to the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. And of course, I would have to do some shopping on Oxford Street and eat my way through Notting Hill! I would probably fly into Heathrow Airport and then take the train into the city center. Once there, I would want to visit all the major tourist attractions as well as wander around some of the more local neighborhoods. I would love to see a play in the West End, visit the British Museum, and take a ride on the London Eye. And I would definitely make time for afternoon t

Speaking for IELTS Part 3 Discussion Questions Top Tips - In IELTS Part 3, you will be asked a variety of questions on different topics - The questions are designed to test your ability to express and justify opinions, as well as discuss topics in more depth - Make sure you understand the question - if you're not sure, ask the examiner to clarify - Take time to think about your answer - don't just blurt out the first thing that comes into your head - Try to give balanced answers, considering both sides of the argument - Use a range of vocabulary and grammar structures - this will make your answer more interesting and easier to follow Speaking for IELTS Part 3 questions: traffic, pedestrians, safety Click the question to see the answer. Do you find traffic and pedestrian crossings safe? Should we create more pedestrian zones in our cities? What is the impact of cars on the environment? What should governments do to eliminate this impa

Speaking for IELTS Part 2 Top Tips - Make sure you can talk for 2 minutes without repeating yourself - Use a range of different sentence types, including at least one complex sentence - Use a range of vocabulary, including some less common words and phrases - Avoid using fillers such as 'um' and 'er' - Speak at a natural pace and volume - Remember to include the question in your answer - Practise with a stopwatch to time yourself Talk about a place near water that you visited recently. - What and where is this place? - When and with whom did you go there? - What did you do there? Speaking for IELTS Part 2 - A place near water you visited About a month ago I went to Lake Superior with some friends for the weekend. It’s the largest lake in North America, and I think it’s the biggest fresh-water lake in the world, although I’m not one hundred percent sure if I remember that correctly, but it is enormous, and it even c