Cambridge IELTS 19 Speaking Test 1 – Band 9.0 Answer

Full Video Interview: Questions and Answers

A full IELTS Speaking Interview Sample

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Presented By: Mehdi Safavi

Presented By: Mehdi Safavi

August 6, 2024

What’s your name?

My name is James Williams.

Where are you from?

I’m from Boston, Massachusetts. It’s a historic city with a rich cultural scene and beautiful architecture.

PART 1

The examiner asks you about yourself, your home, work or studies, and other familiar topics.

 

International food

Can you find food from many different countries where you live? [Why/Why not?]

Yes, you can find food from many different countries where I live. Boston is a diverse city with a vibrant food scene, offering a wide range of international cuisines. Whether you’re craving Italian, Chinese, Indian, or Middle Eastern food, there are plenty of restaurants and markets that cater to different tastes and cultures. The city's multicultural population contributes to this variety, making it easy to explore and enjoy global flavors without leaving town.

How often do you eat typical food from other countries? [Why/Why not?]

I eat food from other countries quite often, probably a couple of times a week. I enjoy trying different cuisines because it’s a great way to experience and appreciate other cultures. Boston has so many options, from sushi and tacos to curry and falafel, so it’s easy to find something new and interesting. I also find that eating a variety of foods adds excitement to my meals and keeps things from getting boring.

Have you ever tried making food from another country? [Why/Why not?]

Yes, I’ve experimented with making food from other countries. Cooking different cuisines at home is something I enjoy because it allows me to learn new recipes and techniques. For instance, I’ve tried making homemade pasta after being inspired by Italian cuisine, and I’ve also cooked Thai dishes like Pad Thai. It’s a fun challenge, and it’s rewarding to recreate the flavors of my favorite international foods in my own kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to share diverse meals with friends and family.

What food from your country would you recommend to people from other countries? [Why?]

I would recommend trying New England clam chowder to people from other countries. This dish is a classic in my region, made with fresh clams, potatoes, and a creamy broth, offering a comforting and rich flavor that’s perfect for chilly days. It’s a great representation of New England’s coastal cuisine and showcases the fresh seafood that the area is known for. Clam chowder has a unique taste that many find both hearty and satisfying, making it an excellent introduction to traditional American comfort food.

PART 2

Describe a law that was introduced in your country and that you thought was a very good idea.
You should say:
    what the law was who introduced it
    when and why it was introduced
and explain why you thought this law was such a good idea.

You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes.
You have one minute to think about what you are going to say.
You can make some notes to help you if you wish.

One law that I thought was a very good idea was the Clean Air Act, which was introduced in the United States. This law was originally passed in 1963, but it was significantly amended in 1970 under the leadership of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and supported by then-President Richard Nixon.

The Clean Air Act was introduced to address the growing concerns about air pollution, which was becoming a serious public health issue. At that time, industrial growth and the increase in automobile use were leading to dangerously high levels of smog and other pollutants in the air, causing respiratory problems and environmental damage.

I believe this law was a great idea because it set the framework for regulating air quality and limiting emissions of harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. The law also established standards for both stationary sources, like factories, and mobile sources, like cars and trucks. As a result, the Clean Air Act has been instrumental in significantly improving air quality across the country, reducing the incidence of pollution-related health issues, and helping to protect the environment.

The law’s success in curbing air pollution and its positive impact on public health demonstrate the importance of proactive environmental regulation. It’s a clear example of how well-designed legislation can lead to meaningful improvements in the quality of life for everyone.

PART 3

The examiner asks you about yourself, your home, work or studies, and other familiar topics.

Discussion Topics

School rules

What kinds of rules are common in a school?

Common rules in a school typically include guidelines about behavior, attendance, and dress code. For instance, students are usually expected to arrive on time, attend all classes, and maintain regular attendance. Schools often have rules regarding respectful behavior towards teachers and fellow students, such as no bullying, no use of inappropriate language, and no disruptive behavior in class. Dress codes are also common, where students may be required to wear uniforms or follow specific guidelines about appropriate attire. Additionally, there are often rules about the use of electronic devices, like phones, to minimize distractions during lessons. These rules are designed to create a safe, orderly, and conducive learning environment for all students.

How important is it to have rules in a school?

Having rules in a school is extremely important because they provide structure and help create a safe and orderly environment where learning can take place effectively. Rules set clear expectations for behavior, which helps prevent disruptions and ensures that all students can focus on their studies. They also promote fairness and consistency, as everyone knows what is expected of them and the consequences of not following the rules. Additionally, school rules teach students about responsibility and respect for others, which are valuable life skills that extend beyond the classroom. Overall, rules are essential for maintaining discipline, fostering a positive learning atmosphere, and preparing students for the expectations of society.

What do you recommend should happen if children break school rules?

If children break school rules, I recommend that there should be a fair and consistent approach to addressing the behavior. The first step should be understanding the reasons behind the rule-breaking, as it’s important to consider the context and the child’s perspective. For minor infractions, a warning or a conversation with the teacher might be enough to correct the behavior. For more serious or repeated violations, appropriate consequences could include detention, loss of privileges, or involvement in restorative practices where the child takes responsibility and makes amends.

It’s also important to involve parents when necessary and provide guidance or counseling to help the child understand the impact of their actions and learn from the experience. The goal should be not just to punish, but to educate and encourage positive behavior in the future. This approach helps maintain discipline while also supporting the child’s development.

Working in the legal profession

Can you suggest why many students decide to study law at university?

Many students decide to study law at university for a variety of reasons. One common motivation is the desire to pursue a career that offers intellectual challenge and the opportunity to make a positive impact on society. Law is a field that requires critical thinking, problem-solving, and strong communication skills, which can be appealing to students who enjoy analyzing complex issues and advocating for justice.

Additionally, a law degree offers diverse career opportunities, not only in legal practice but also in areas like business, government, and international relations. For some, the potential for financial stability and career prestige associated with being a lawyer is also a significant draw.

Another reason is that law often intersects with many other fields, such as politics, economics, and human rights, allowing students to engage with a broad range of topics and issues that interest them. Overall, the combination of personal interest, career prospects, and the chance to make a difference in the world makes studying law an attractive option for many students.

What are the key personal qualities needed to be a successful lawyer?

To be a successful lawyer, several key personal qualities are essential. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills are crucial, as lawyers must be able to dissect complex information, identify relevant legal issues, and develop effective arguments. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are also important for presenting cases clearly and persuasively, whether in court, negotiations, or client meetings.

Attention to detail is another vital quality, as even small errors can have significant consequences in legal work. Integrity and a strong sense of ethics are essential for maintaining trust with clients and upholding the legal profession's standards. Lawyers also need resilience and the ability to handle stress, given the demanding and often high-pressure nature of the job.

Additionally, good interpersonal skills are important for building relationships with clients, colleagues, and others in the legal field. Finally, adaptability and a willingness to continually learn and stay updated on legal developments are key, as the law is constantly evolving. These qualities collectively contribute to a lawyer’s ability to navigate the complexities of the legal system and achieve successful outcomes for their clients.

Do you agree that working in the legal profession is very stressful?

Yes, I agree that working in the legal profession can be very stressful. Lawyers often deal with high-stakes cases that require extensive preparation, attention to detail, and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure. The workload can be demanding, with long hours and tight deadlines being common, especially in areas like corporate law or litigation. Additionally, the adversarial nature of the profession, where lawyers must advocate strongly for their clients, can lead to emotionally charged situations and conflicts.

Balancing the expectations of clients, the demands of the job, and personal life can also add to the stress. Moreover, the need to constantly stay updated with legal developments and maintain a competitive edge in the profession can be challenging. While the rewards of a legal career can be significant, the stress associated with it is undeniably a key aspect that lawyers must manage effectively to maintain their well-being.

Useful Words from the Interview

Here is the text converted to lowercase except for the entries:

ADDRESSING
– meaning: dealing with or taking care of a problem or issue.
– example: the teacher is addressing the students’ questions about the exam.

AGENCY
– meaning: a business or organization that provides a service or does a job for others.
– example: she works at a travel agency that helps people plan their vacations.

APPEALING
– meaning: attractive or interesting.
– example: the idea of a beach vacation is very appealing to me.

APPROACH
– meaning: a way of dealing with something or someone.
– example: her approach to solving problems is very practical.

APPROPRIATE
– meaning: suitable or right for a particular situation.
– example: wearing a suit is appropriate for a job interview.

ASPECT
– meaning: a part or feature of something.
– example: one important aspect of learning a language is practicing speaking.

ASSOCIATED
– meaning: connected or related to something else.
– example: smoking is often associated with health problems.

BEYOND
– meaning: farther away than something, or outside the limits of something.
– example: her skills are beyond what is expected for her age.

BROAD
– meaning: wide or large in extent.
– example: he has a broad knowledge of history.

CHALLENGING
– meaning: difficult in a way that tests your abilities.
– example: climbing the mountain was challenging but very rewarding.

CLASSIC
– meaning: traditional or considered to be of the highest quality.
– example: “romeo and juliet” is a classic play by shakespeare.

COMBINATION
– meaning: a mixture of two or more things.
– example: the cake is made with a delicious combination of flavors.

COMFORT
– meaning: a state of physical or mental ease.
– example: she found comfort in talking to her friends.

COMFORTING
– meaning: providing a feeling of relief or ease.
– example: a warm blanket is very comforting on a cold night.

CONCERNS
– meaning: worries or issues that need attention.
– example: the teacher addressed the parents’ concerns about the new curriculum.

CONFLICTS
– meaning: disagreements or fights between people or groups.
– example: there were conflicts between the two countries over borders.

CONSISTENT
– meaning: always acting or happening in the same way.
– example: she is consistent in her work, always delivering good results.

CONSTANTLY
– meaning: happening all the time or very often.
– example: he is constantly checking his phone for messages.

CONTRIBUTE
– meaning: to give something, such as time or money, to help achieve a goal.
– example: many people contributed to the charity event.

CONTRIBUTES
– meaning: gives something or helps to make something happen.
– example: her hard work contributes to the success of the team.

CORPORATE
– meaning: related to a large company or business.
– example: she works in the corporate office of a big firm.

CRITICAL
– meaning: very important or necessary for success.
– example: it is critical to follow safety rules in the workplace.

CRUCIAL
– meaning: extremely important or essential.
– example: it is crucial to arrive on time for the interview.

DEMANDING
– meaning: requiring a lot of effort, skill, or attention.
– example: being a doctor is a demanding job that requires long hours.

DEMANDS
– meaning: the requirements or pressures that something or someone puts on you.
– example: the job has high demands, including working weekends.

DEMONSTRATE
– meaning: to show or explain how something works.
– example: the teacher demonstrated how to solve the math problem.

DESIRE
– meaning: a strong wish or want for something.
– example: she has a desire to travel around the world.

DISCIPLINE
– meaning: control that is gained by obeying rules or a code of behavior.
– example: he shows great discipline in sticking to his exercise routine.

ENGAGE
– meaning: to involve someone in an activity or to get their attention.
– example: the speaker engaged the audience with interesting stories.

ENSURES
– meaning: makes sure that something happens or is done.
– example: locking the door ensures that the house is secure.

ESTABLISHED
– meaning: having been in existence for a long time and recognized as successful.
– example: the company is well established and trusted by customers.

EXPECTATIONS
– meaning: beliefs about what will happen or what is desired in the future.
– example: the teacher had high expectations for her students.

EXTEND
– meaning: to make something longer or larger.
– example: they decided to extend their vacation by another week.

FELLOW
– meaning: a person who has something in common with another, like a classmate or co-worker.
– example: he enjoyed spending time with his fellow students.

HANDLE
– meaning: to deal with or manage something successfully.
– example: she knows how to handle difficult situations calmly.

HARMFUL
– meaning: causing damage or injury.
– example: smoking is harmful to your health.

INDUSTRIAL
– meaning: related to industry or factories.
– example: the city has many industrial areas with large factories.

INSPIRED
– meaning: filled with the urge or ability to do something creative or good.
– example: her teacher’s kindness inspired her to become a teacher too.

INSTANCE
– meaning: an example or occurrence of something.
– example: for instance, let me tell you about a time when i was in a similar situation.

JUSTICE
– meaning: fairness or the law; doing what is right.
– example: the court decides cases based on justice and equality.

LEADERSHIP
– meaning: the ability to guide or direct others.
– example: his strong leadership helped the team win the championship.

MAINTAIN
– meaning: to keep something in good condition or continue something without change.
– example: it is important to maintain a healthy diet.

MAINTAINING
– meaning: keeping something going or continuing something as it is.
– example: maintaining friendships requires regular communication.

MINOR
– meaning: small, not very important.
– example: he had a minor accident and only scratched his car.

OUTCOMES
– meaning: the results or effects of an action or situation.
– example: the outcomes of the experiment were not what we expected.

OVERALL
– meaning: taking everything into account; general.
– example: overall, the project was a success.

PERSPECTIVE
– meaning: a particular way of thinking about something or viewing it.
– example: from her perspective, the plan seems very practical.

POTENTIAL
– meaning: the possibility of something happening or someone becoming successful.
– example: she has great potential to become a famous artist.

PREPARATION
– meaning: the act of getting ready for something.
– example: good preparation is key to doing well on the test.

PROSPECTS
– meaning: the possibility or likelihood of something happening in the future.
– example: job prospects for graduates are improving this year.

PROTECTION
– meaning: keeping something or someone safe from harm.
– example: we wear helmets for protection while riding bikes.

PURSUE
– meaning: to follow or try to achieve something over a period of time.
– example: she decided to pursue a career in medicine.

REGARDING
– meaning: about or concerning something.
– example: he asked questions regarding the new company policy.

REGULATION
– meaning: an official rule or law that controls how something is done.
– example: there are strict regulations about driving safely.

RELEVANT
– meaning: closely connected to the subject or situation.
– example: please include only relevant information in your report.

REWARDING
– meaning: providing a feeling of satisfaction or pleasure.
– example: teaching is a rewarding profession.

REWARDS
– meaning: something given in return for good work or behavior.
– example: he received rewards for his excellent performance.

SATISFYING
– meaning: making you feel happy or fulfilled.
– example: completing a challenging task is very satisfying.

SIGNIFICANT
– meaning: important or noticeable.
– example: there was a significant improvement in his english skills.

SIGNIFICANTLY
– meaning: in a way that is large or important enough to be noticed.
– example: her grades improved significantly after she started studying every day.

TRUST
– meaning: believing that someone is reliable or honest.
– example: she put her trust in him to make the right decision.

UNIQUE
– meaning: being the only one of its kind; special.
– example: each person has a unique fingerprint.

VITAL
– meaning: extremely important or necessary for something.
– example: water is vital for survival.

ADDITIONALLY
– meaning: also; in addition to what has already been said.
– example: the meal was delicious. additionally, the service was excellent.

CARBON
– meaning: a chemical element that is present in all living things; often discussed in the context of environmental issues like carbon emissions.
– example: reducing carbon emissions is important for fighting climate change.

DEADLINES
– meaning: the latest time or date by which something should be completed.
– example: she is working hard to meet her deadlines for the project.

DIVERSE
– meaning: showing a great deal of variety; very different.
– example: the city is known for its diverse population, with people from many cultures.

ECONOMICS
– meaning: the study of how money, goods, and services are produced, distributed, and consumed.
– example: she decided to study economics in college to understand how markets work.

EMISSIONS
– meaning: the release of gases or other substances into the air, often from cars or factories.
– example: carbon

dioxide emissions are a major contributor to global warming.

EMOTIONALLY
– meaning: in a way that relates to a person’s emotions.
– example: she was emotionally affected by the sad news.

ETHICS
– meaning: principles that govern a person’s or group’s behavior; moral values.
– example: his strong work ethics mean he always does his best on every project.

EVOLVING
– meaning: gradually developing or changing over time.
– example: technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations every year.

EXTENSIVE
– meaning: large in amount or scale; covering a wide area.
– example: she did extensive research before writing her report.

FLAVOR
– meaning: the distinctive taste of a food or drink.
– example: vanilla is my favorite ice cream flavor.

FLAVORS
– meaning: the distinctive tastes of different foods or drinks.
– example: the chef mixes different flavors to create unique dishes.

FRAMEWORK
– meaning: a basic structure underlying a system or concept.
– example: the new policies provide a framework for improving education.

GUIDELINES
– meaning: a set of rules or advice that shows how something should be done.
– example: the teacher gave clear guidelines for writing the essay.

INTELLECTUAL
– meaning: relating to the mind or the ability to think and understand ideas.
– example: the debate was an intellectual discussion on philosophy.

MOREOVER
– meaning: besides; in addition to what has been said.
– example: the car is affordable; moreover, it’s very fuel-efficient.

MOTIVATION
– meaning: the reason or desire to do something.
– example: her motivation for studying hard is to get into a good university.

NEGOTIATIONS
– meaning: discussions aimed at reaching an agreement between two or more parties.
– example: the negotiations between the two companies took several weeks.

REGULATING
– meaning: controlling or supervising something according to rules or laws.
– example: the government is responsible for regulating food safety standards.

ADVOCATE
– meaning: a person who supports or speaks in favor of something.
– example: she is an advocate for children’s rights.

ADVOCATING
– meaning: publicly supporting or recommending a particular cause or policy.
– example: he is advocating for better working conditions for employees.

AMENDED
– meaning: changed or modified, usually to improve something.
– example: the document was amended to include new information.

AMENDS
– meaning: changes made to correct a mistake or improve something.
– example: she made amends for her mistake by apologizing and fixing the problem.

ATTENDANCE
– meaning: the act of being present at a place, such as a meeting or class.
– example: the teacher checked the students’ attendance every morning.

CATER
– meaning: to provide what is needed or wanted, especially food and drink.
– example: the restaurant can cater for large parties and events.

COASTAL
– meaning: located near or along the coast of a sea or ocean.
– example: they enjoyed the beautiful views from their coastal home.

COMPLEXITIES
– meaning: the state of being complex or having many parts that are difficult to understand.
– example: the complexities of the legal system can be challenging for non-experts.

CONSISTENCY
– meaning: the quality of always behaving or performing in a similar way.
– example: her consistency in attending practice helped her improve her skills.

CONTINUALLY
– meaning: happening repeatedly or without interruption.
– example: he is continually working to improve his english.

COUNSELING
– meaning: professional advice or guidance in resolving personal or psychological issues.
– example: she went to counseling to help her cope with stress.

DETENTION
– meaning: a punishment where a student is kept at school after regular hours.
– example: he received detention for being late to class too many times.

DISRUPTIONS
– meaning: interruptions or disturbances that prevent something from continuing as usual.
– example: there were several disruptions during the meeting, making it hard to focus.

FAIRNESS
– meaning: the quality of treating people equally and without bias.
– example: the judge is known for her fairness in making decisions.

FOSTERING
– meaning: encouraging the development or growth of something.
– example: the teacher is fostering a love of reading in her students.

GUIDANCE
– meaning: help or advice given to someone, especially in making decisions.
– example: she looked to her mentor for guidance in her career.

INAPPROPRIATE
– meaning: not suitable or proper for a particular situation.
– example: wearing jeans to a wedding is inappropriate.

INCIDENCE
– meaning: the occurrence or rate of a particular event, usually undesirable.
– example: there has been a high incidence of flu cases this winter.

INSTRUMENTAL
– meaning: very important or helpful in causing something to happen.
– example: she was instrumental in organizing the charity event.

INTEGRITY
– meaning: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
– example: he is known for his integrity and fairness in business dealings.

INVOLVEMENT
– meaning: the act of taking part in something or being associated with it.
– example: her involvement in community service has made a big impact.

LEGISLATION
– meaning: laws or legal rules that are made by a government.
– example: new legislation was passed to improve road safety.

MEANINGFUL
– meaning: having real importance or value; significant.
– example: the volunteer work she does is very meaningful to her.

MINIMIZE
– meaning: to reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree.
– example: we need to minimize the risks involved in the project.

PAD
– meaning: a thick, soft material used to protect or comfort something; can also refer to a notebook.
– example: she used a pad to write down her ideas.

PRIVILEGES
– meaning: special rights or advantages given to a particular person or group.
– example: students who work hard earn special privileges, like extra recess time.

REPRESENTATION
– meaning: the act of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or something.
– example: women’s representation in government is important for equality.

STABILITY
– meaning: the state of being steady and not likely to change.
– example: financial stability is important for a secure future.

UPHOLDING
– meaning: supporting or maintaining something, especially a law or principle.
– example: the police are responsible for upholding the law.

VERBAL
– meaning: relating to words or speaking, rather than written or nonverbal communication.
– example: he gave a verbal agreement to help with the project.

VIBRANT
– meaning: full of energy, color, and life.
– example: the city is known for its vibrant nightlife.

VIOLATIONS
– meaning: acts that break rules or laws.
– example: the company was fined for environmental violations.

WELL-BEING
– meaning: the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
– example: regular exercise is important for both physical and mental well-being.

WILLINGNESS
– meaning: the quality of being prepared to do something; readiness.
– example: her willingness to help others makes her a great team member.


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The Expert and Presenter

About the Author

About the Author

CEO and Co-founder of Juice Academy

Mehdi Safavi is a Cambridge certified English teacher (CELTA Grade A), IDP-trained IELTS expert, Sussex Downs College TESOL with 17+ years of teaching & teacher training experience. More about him →

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