Michael would get a 9.0 in IELTS speaking. Here’s why! | CAMBRIDGE IELTS 17 TEST 4

Full Video Interview: Questions and Answers

A full IELTS Speaking Interview Sample

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Presented By: Mehdi Safavi

Presented By: Mehdi Safavi

May 17, 2024

What's your name?

My name is Michael Thompson.

Where are you from?

I'm from San Francisco, California.

PART 1

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

 

Maps

Do you think it's better to use a paper map or a map on your phone? Why?!

I think it's better to use a map on your phone because it's more convenient and always up to date. With GPS, you can easily see your current location and get real-time directions, which is super helpful when you're in an unfamiliar area. Plus, phone maps often include traffic updates, nearby points of interest, and even public transport options. Paper maps are great for getting a big-picture view, but they can be bulky and sometimes hard to read when you're on the go.

When was the last time you needed to use a map? Why/Why not?

The last time I needed to use a map was a few weeks ago when I was on a road trip to Yosemite National Park. I was using the GPS on my phone for directions, but there was limited cell service in the mountains, so I had to switch to an offline map I had downloaded beforehand. It was really helpful to have that backup since it made navigating the park’s winding roads a lot easier without worrying about losing my way.

If you visit a new city, do you always use a map to find your way around? [Why/Why not?]

Yeah, I usually rely on a map when visiting a new city because it helps me make the most of my time and ensures I don't miss out on key attractions. I find it really useful to get a sense of the city's layout and figure out the best routes between different spots. Plus, maps often highlight interesting places to check out nearby, like restaurants or landmarks, which adds to the whole travel experience. It just makes exploring a new place more efficient and enjoyable.

In general, do you find it easy to read maps? [Why/Why not?]

In general, I find it pretty easy to read maps because I've had a lot of practice over the years, whether it's for road trips or navigating city streets. I’m comfortable with understanding directions, scales, and symbols, which makes it easier to find my way around. Plus, digital maps on phones are very intuitive, with features like zooming in and out and automatic routing. However, some paper maps can be a bit challenging if the print is too small or if there's a lack of detail, especially in more remote areas.

PART 2

Describe an occasion when you had to do something in a hurry.
You should say:
    what you had to do
    why you had to do this in a hurry how well you did this
and explain how you felt about having to do this in a hurry.

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.

An occasion when I had to do something in a hurry was last month when I had to catch a flight for a business trip to Chicago. I had an early morning flight, but the night before, I stayed up late finishing up some work. I overslept and woke up with just an hour and a half before the flight was scheduled to depart.

I had to pack my suitcase in a hurry, throw in some essentials like clothes, toiletries, and my laptop, and quickly book a ride to the airport. I was practically sprinting through security and got to the gate just as they were making the final boarding call. I managed to make it on time, but in my rush, I forgot to pack my phone charger and an extra pair of shoes.

Despite the hectic morning, I was relieved to have caught the flight and arrived in Chicago on schedule. I felt a mix of anxiety and adrenaline, but once I was settled on the plane, I felt a sense of accomplishment. In the end, though, I learned my lesson and now I make sure to pack my bags the night before and set an extra alarm!

Do you think you were successful in that?

Overall, I would say I was successful because I made it to the airport on time and caught my flight. Despite the rush and the last-minute packing, I managed to gather everything I needed for my trip, except for a few small items like my phone charger. The most important thing was that I didn't miss any important meetings in Chicago. However, I think the situation could have been handled better if I had been more prepared, so while it was a success in terms of reaching my destination, it wasn't as smooth as I would have liked.

PART 3

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

Discussion Topics

Arriving late

Do you think it's OK to arrive late when meeting a friend?

In general, I think it's best to be punctual when meeting a friend because it shows respect for their time and effort. However, I understand that sometimes things come up, like traffic or unexpected delays, which can make you run late. In those cases, it's important to let your friend know as soon as possible and provide a rough estimate of when you'll arrive. Being late occasionally is understandable, but consistently being late could come across as inconsiderate and might strain the relationship. So, overall, I think it's okay occasionally, but it's always better to be on time.

What should happen to people who arrive late for work?

People who consistently arrive late for work should be addressed according to the company's policies. Usually, this starts with a private conversation to understand the reasons behind the tardiness and to offer support if needed. If it's a rare occurrence or due to unavoidable circumstances, a simple reminder about punctuality might suffice. However, if the problem persists despite warnings or reasonable accommodations, it may warrant more formal disciplinary action, like written warnings or even deductions in pay. The goal should be to help the employee improve their punctuality while ensuring fairness and maintaining productivity in the workplace.

Can you suggest how people can make sure they don't arrive late?

To ensure they don't arrive late, people can establish a consistent routine that includes preparing for the next day the night before, such as laying out clothes or packing a bag. Setting multiple alarms or using a smart alarm clock can help with waking up on time. Additionally, allowing extra travel time for potential delays and checking traffic or public transportation schedules can prevent unexpected holdups. Lastly, keeping a calendar or to-do list with reminders for appointments and meetings can ensure timely departures and reduce the likelihood of lateness.

Managing study time

Is it better to study for long periods or in shorter blocks of time?

It's generally better to study in shorter blocks of time rather than for long periods. This method, known as spaced repetition, helps improve focus and retention by breaking up study sessions into manageable chunks, typically around 25 to 45 minutes. After each session, taking a short break allows the brain to rest and process the information, reducing fatigue and improving concentration. Studying in shorter blocks also prevents burnout and maintains motivation, making learning more effective and enjoyable over time.

What are the likely effects of students not managing their study time well?

Students who don't manage their study time well are likely to face several negative effects. Firstly, they may experience increased stress and anxiety as deadlines approach, resulting in last-minute cramming that can compromise the quality of their work. Poor time management can also lead to inconsistent study habits, causing gaps in their understanding of the material. Additionally, they might struggle to balance their academic responsibilities with other activities, affecting their overall well-being and leading to burnout. Ultimately, these issues can impact their academic performance, resulting in lower grades and a less fulfilling educational experience.

How important is it for students to have enough leisure time?

It's crucial for students to have enough leisure time because it helps maintain a healthy balance between academic and personal life. Leisure activities, whether it's sports, hobbies, or simply relaxing with friends, provide a much-needed break from the pressures of studying, reducing stress and preventing burnout. This downtime allows students to recharge mentally and physically, which can improve focus, creativity, and productivity when they return to their studies. Additionally, leisure time encourages social interaction and personal development, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience and overall well-being.

Useful Words from the Interview

Useful Upper-Intermediate Words from this IELTS speaking test

1. Addressed: This means to focus on and try to solve a problem.
– Example: They addressed the issue of pollution in their town meeting.

2. Approach: This refers to a way of doing something.
– Example: His approach to homework is to do it as soon as he gets home from school.

3. Cell: This word can mean a small room where a prisoner is kept or a basic unit of life in biology.
– Example: The science teacher explained how a plant cell uses sunlight to make food.

4. Challenging: Something that is difficult in a way that tests your ability or determination.
– Example: The math quiz was challenging, but I managed to get most of the answers right.

5. Circumstances: This word means the conditions or facts that are connected with and affect a situation, action, event, etc.
– Example: Under the circumstances of heavy rain, the picnic was postponed.

6. Concentration: This refers to the ability to think very carefully about something you are doing and nothing else.
– Example: It requires a lot of concentration to play chess well.

7. Consistent: If something is consistent, it always behaves or happens in the same way.
– Example: She is a consistent performer in school, always getting good grades.

8. Contributing: This means helping to cause or lead to something.
– Example: Recycling paper and plastics is contributing to the effort of reducing waste.

9. Crucial: This means extremely important or necessary.
– Example: It’s crucial to follow the instructions carefully when you build the model airplane.

10. Delays: These are situations in which something happens later than it should.
– Example: There were several delays during the construction of the bridge due to bad weather.

11. Efficient: Doing something in a way that saves you time and energy.
– Example: She’s very efficient at planning events and can organize everything quickly.

12. Ensure: This means to make sure that something happens or is definite.
– Example: Please double-check your report to ensure all the facts are correct.

13. Ensures: It is the form of “ensure” used when talking about what someone or something makes sure of.
– Example: The software ensures that the information is secure.

14. Ensuring: This is about making sure that something is the case.
– Example: He is responsible for ensuring everyone knows about the meeting.

15. Establish: This means to start or create an organization, a system, or a set of rules.
– Example: They plan to establish a new charity to help homeless people.

16. Estimate: This means to guess the amount, size, worth, etc., of something, based on some information but without knowing all the facts.
– Example: Can you estimate how much it will cost to repair the car?

17. Maintain: This means to continue to have; to keep in existence, or not allow to become less.
– Example: The gardener works hard to maintain the beauty of the park.

18. Maintaining: This refers to the act of continuing to have something or keep it in good condition.
– Example: Maintaining a clean house can be quite time-consuming.

19. Maintains: This is the form of “maintain” used when talking about what someone or something continues to have or do.
– Example: She maintains a calm demeanor even in stressful situations.

20. Multiple: This means several or many.
– Example: She has multiple tasks to complete by the end of the day.

21. Occasionally: This means sometimes but not often.
– Example: Occasionally, I go to the cinema to watch a movie.

22. Overall: This word refers to considering everything or everyone, not just a particular part or group.
– Example: Overall, the team performed very well this season.

23. Potential: This refers to the possibility to develop or achieve something in the future.
– Example: She has the potential to become a great scientist.

24. Reasonable: This means fair and showing good judgment.
– Example: It’s reasonable to ask for a refund if the product is damaged.

25. Rely: This means to depend on someone or something.
– Example: I rely on my morning coffee to start my day well.

26. Scales: This word usually refers to a device used for weighing.
– Example: The doctor uses scales to check the patient’s weight.

27. Session: This refers to a period of time that is spent doing a particular activity.
– Example: During the training session, we learned how to use the new software.

28. Sessions: This is the plural form of “session,” meaning more than one period of such activity.
– Example: The conference has multiple sessions covering different topics.

29. Additionally – This word is used when you want to add more information or something extra. For example: “I love to read books. Additionally, I enjoy writing stories.”

30. Anxiety – Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear, especially about what might happen in the future. For example: “Before giving a presentation, she felt a lot of anxiety.”

31. Automatic – Something that is automatic works by itself without anyone needing to control it. For example: “The doors at the shopping center are automatic; they open when you walk towards them.”

32. Consistently – When something is done consistently, it is done in the same way over time. For example: “He consistently arrives at work on time every day.”

33. Creativity – Creativity is the ability to think of new and interesting ideas or things. For example: “She used her creativity to design a unique and colorful dress.”

34. Deadlines – Deadlines are the dates or times by which you need to complete something. For example: “He had to finish his project by the deadline on Friday.”

35. Enjoyable – When something is enjoyable, it means it is fun or pleasant to do. For example: “Their trip to the beach was very enjoyable.”

36. Fulfilling – Something that is fulfilling makes you feel satisfied or happy because you think it is worthwhile. For example: “Working as a nurse is very fulfilling because she helps people every day.”

37. Interaction – Interaction is when two or more people communicate with each other, usually by talking. For example: “There was a lot of interaction between students in the classroom.”

38. Motivation – Motivation is the reason why you want to do something or the desire to do it. For example: “His motivation for studying hard is to get into a good university.”

39. Nearby – When something is nearby, it means it is not far away. For example: “There is a grocery store nearby, just five minutes away by foot.”

40. Super – Super is a word used to describe something very good or excellent. For example: “She did a super job on her science project.”

41. Transportation – Transportation refers to any type of vehicle that carries people or things from one place to another. For example: “Buses, trains, and cars are all forms of transportation.”

42. Workplace – A workplace is a place where people go to work, like an office, a factory, or a shop. For example: “Everyone at her workplace is friendly and helpful.”

Useful Advanced Words from this IELTS speaking test

1. Chunks – Chunks are parts or pieces of something larger. For example: “She learned the speech in small chunks to make it easier to remember.”

2. Compromise – A compromise is an agreement where each person gives up something to reach a solution. For example: “They reached a compromise on their vacation plans by deciding to visit both the mountains and the beach.”

3. Fairness – Fairness is treating people in a way that is right, equal, and just. For example: “The teacher ensured fairness in the classroom by giving every student a chance to speak.”

4. Landmarks – Landmarks are important or well-known objects or features in an area, often used as references. For example: “The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris.”

5. Layout – The layout is the way that things are arranged, especially in a place or a document. For example: “The layout of the apartment was open and spacious.”

6. Likelihood – Likelihood means the chance of something happening. For example: “The likelihood of rain tomorrow is quite high according to the weather forecast.”

7. Occurrence – An occurrence is something that happens or takes place. For example: “Power outages are a common occurrence during heavy storms.”

8. Persists – If something persists, it continues to exist or happen for a long time. For example: “The pain in his knee persists despite taking medication.”

9. Productivity – Productivity is the measure of how much work someone does or how well they do it. For example: “Her productivity improved after organizing her workspace.”

10. Reminder – A reminder is something that makes you remember to do something. For example: “He set a reminder on his phone to attend the meeting.”

11. Reminders – Reminders are things that cause you to remember tasks or information. For example: “She placed reminders around her house to study for her upcoming exam.”

12. Strain – Strain refers to pressure or stress put on someone or something. For example: “Lifting heavy boxes all day put a strain on his back.”

13. Timely – If something is timely, it happens at the right or most useful time. For example: “His arrival was timely, just as the meeting was about to start.”

14. Warrant – To warrant something means it is justified or necessary. For example: “The severe weather conditions warrant canceling the outdoor event.”

15. Well-being – Well-being is the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. For example: “Exercising regularly contributes to both physical and mental well-being.”


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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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