Speak with me (Band 9.0!) | Cambridge IELTS 18 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 5, 2024

What is your name?

My name is Emily.

Where are you from, Emily?

I'm originally from a small town called Brooksville, located in the southeastern United States. It's a peaceful place surrounded by nature, with plenty of forests and rivers to explore.

PART 1

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

 

Sleep

How many hours do you usually sleep at night?

On average, I usually sleep for about seven to eight hours at night. Getting enough sleep is important for feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.

Do you sometimes sleep during the day? [Why/Why not?]

Yes, occasionally I might take a short nap during the day if I feel particularly tired or if I didn't get enough sleep the night before. However, I try not to make a habit of it, as I prefer to maintain a consistent sleep schedule to ensure I get enough rest at night.

What do you do if you can't get to sleep at night? [Why?]

If I find myself unable to fall asleep at night, I usually try a few different strategies to help me relax and drift off. Firstly, I might engage in some calming activities like reading a book, listening to soothing music, or practicing deep breathing exercises. I also make sure to create a comfortable sleep environment by dimming the lights, adjusting the room temperature, and minimizing distractions. Additionally, I avoid stimulants like caffeine and electronic screens before bedtime, as they can interfere with sleep quality. If these techniques don't work, I may get up and do a quiet, non-stimulating activity until I feel drowsy enough to try sleeping again.

Do you ever remember the dreams you've had while you were asleep?

Yes, I do remember my dreams sometimes. While not every dream is memorable, there are occasions when I wake up with vivid recollections of the dreams I had during the night. These dreams can range from being mundane and everyday experiences to more fantastical and surreal scenarios. I find that the dreams I remember often reflect my thoughts, emotions, and experiences from the day before, although they can also be influenced by various factors such as stress, anxiety, and external stimuli.

PART 2

Describe a time when you met someone who you became good friends with.
You should say:
    who you met
    when and where you met this person
    what you thought about this person
    when you first met
and explain why you think you became good friends with this person.

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.

Sure! I vividly remember the first time I met my friend, Lily. It was during my freshman year of college, and we were both enrolled in the same biology class. Our professor had assigned group projects, and Lily happened to be in the same group as me. We met for the first time during one of our group meetings at the library.

When I first met Lily, I remember being struck by her warm and welcoming demeanor. She had a genuine smile and an easygoing personality that instantly put me at ease. Despite being strangers at the time, there was an instant sense of comfort and camaraderie between us. I remember thinking that she seemed like someone I could easily get along with.

As we worked on our group project together, I quickly discovered that Lily and I shared many interests and values. We had similar academic goals, a passion for learning, and a love for outdoor activities like hiking and camping. We also found that we had complementary strengths and skills, which made working together on our project a seamless and enjoyable experience.

As time went on, Lily and I started spending more time together outside of class. We would grab coffee between lectures, study together at the library, and even attend campus events and outings together. Through these interactions, we gradually formed a deep and meaningful friendship based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding.

I believe we became good friends because we genuinely enjoyed each other's company and appreciated each other's strengths and qualities. We supported each other through the ups and downs of college life, celebrating each other's successes and offering a listening ear during challenging times. Our friendship blossomed organically, fueled by shared experiences, laughter, and a genuine sense of connection.

In hindsight, meeting Lily was a serendipitous moment that enriched my college experience in countless ways. She has become not only a trusted confidante but also a cherished friend who I know I can always rely on. Our friendship serves as a reminder of the power of unexpected connections and the beauty of forming meaningful relationships with others.

PART 3

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

Discussion Topics

Friends at school

How important is it for children to have lots of friends at school?

Having lots of friends at school can be important for children as it promotes socialization, fosters a sense of belonging, and provides emotional support. However, the quality of friendships is more crucial than quantity, as having a few close friends who offer genuine support and companionship is often more beneficial than having many acquaintances.

Do you think it is wrong for parents to influence which friends their children have?

Parents influencing their children's choice of friends can be a delicate balance. While it's natural for parents to want to ensure their children's well-being and guide them towards positive relationships, overly controlling their friendships can hinder their social development and independence. Therefore, it's essential for parents to strike a balance between offering guidance and allowing their children to make their own choices when it comes to friendships.

Why do you think children often choose different friends as they get older?

Children may choose different friends as they get older due to various factors such as evolving interests, changing social dynamics, and personal growth. As they mature, children may develop new hobbies, interests, and values that align with different peer groups. Additionally, as they gain more independence and autonomy, they may seek out friends who share their evolving identities and aspirations. Furthermore, experiences such as changing schools, moving to new neighborhoods, or participating in extracurricular activities can also influence their social circles and lead to the formation of new friendships.

Making a new friends

If a person is moving to a new town, what is a good way for them to make friends?

A good way for someone moving to a new town to make friends is to actively seek out opportunities to meet people and participate in community activities. This could include joining clubs or organizations related to their interests, attending local events and gatherings, or volunteering for community initiatives. Additionally, reaching out to neighbors, coworkers, or classmates can help initiate friendships and establish connections within the new community. Being open, friendly, and approachable can also make it easier for others to reach out and form connections with them.

Can you think of any disadvantages of making new friends online?

Yes, there can be some disadvantages to making new friends online. One potential disadvantage is the risk of encountering dishonest or misleading individuals who may not have genuine intentions. Without face-to-face interaction, it can be challenging to accurately gauge someone's character or intentions, leading to potential misunderstandings or disappointments. Additionally, online friendships may lack the depth and intimacy of in-person relationships, as communication is often limited to text-based interactions and may not capture nuances such as tone of voice or body language. Furthermore, spending excessive time online engaging in virtual friendships can potentially detract from real-life social interactions and experiences, leading to feelings of isolation or disconnection from the offline world.

Would you say it is harder for people to make new friends as they get older?

Yes, for some people, making new friends can become more challenging as they get older. This is often due to factors such as established routines, responsibilities, and social circles, which can make it harder to meet new people and form connections. Additionally, as individuals age, they may become more selective about the friendships they cultivate, prioritizing quality over quantity and seeking deeper, more meaningful relationships. However, with effort and openness to new experiences, it's still possible for people to make new friends at any stage of life.

Useful Words from the Interview

Intermediate Level

Accurately: In a precise and correct manner; without error. Example: The scientist was able to accurately predict the outcome of the experiment.

Additionally: Furthermore; in addition to what has been said. Example: Additionally, we offer free shipping on orders over $50.

Adjusting: Making small changes or adaptations to something in order to improve or fit better. Example: She spent some time adjusting the settings on her new phone.

Anxiety: A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. Example: Public speaking often causes anxiety for many people.

Assigned: Allocated or designated to a particular task or role. Example: She was assigned the task of leading the project team.

Beneficial: Favorable or advantageous; resulting in good. Example: Regular exercise is beneficial for both physical and mental health.

Disappointments: Feelings of sadness or dissatisfaction when something does not meet expectations. Example: Despite his hard work, he faced many disappointments along the way.

Enjoyable: Giving pleasure or satisfaction. Example: Spending time with friends is always enjoyable.

Evolving: Developing gradually over time; undergoing change or adaptation. Example: The technology industry is constantly evolving with new innovations and advancements.

Excessive: More than is necessary, normal, or desirable. Example: Excessive consumption of sugar can lead to health problems such as obesity and diabetes.

Formation: The act of forming or establishing something. Example: The formation of the new government was announced after the election results were finalized.

Genuine: Truly what something is said to be; authentic. Example: She appreciated his genuine concern for her well-being.

Genuinely: In a sincere and authentic manner. Example: She genuinely enjoys helping others.

Independence: The state of being independent; self-reliance. Example: Moving away from home for college was a step towards independence.

Instant: Happening or occurring immediately; without delay. Example: The coffee machine provides instant hot water for making tea.

Instantly: Immediately; without any delay. Example: She recognized him instantly when he walked into the room.

Interaction: Communication or direct involvement with someone or something. Example: Face-to-face interaction is important for building relationships.

Interactions: The ways in which two or more things affect or have an effect on each other. Example: Social media platforms facilitate interactions between users from around the world.

Memorable: Worth remembering or easily remembered, especially because of being special or unusual. Example: Their wedding day was a memorable occasion for all who attended.

Peer: A person who is equal to another in abilities, qualifications, age, background, or social status. Example: She sought advice from her peers before making a decision.

Potentially: Possibly but not yet actually. Example: The new drug has potentially life-saving benefits.

Scenarios: Possible situations or sequences of events. Example: The team brainstormed various scenarios to prepare for potential challenges.

Tackle: Deal with (a difficult problem or task) in a determined or efficient manner. Example: She tackled the project with enthusiasm and determination.

 

Advanced Level

Align: To bring into line or agreement with a particular group, cause, or belief. Example: The company’s mission statement is aligned with its core values.

Aspirations: Strong desires or ambitions, typically involving achieving something great or noble. Example: Her aspirations to become a doctor motivated her to excel in her studies.

Autonomy: The ability or right of an individual, organization, or country to govern itself or make its own decisions. Example: The new policy grants employees more autonomy in managing their work schedules.

Countless: Too numerous to be counted; innumerable. Example: She has received countless awards for her contributions to the field of science.

Cultivate: To promote or encourage the growth or development of something. Example: The organization aims to cultivate a culture of innovation and creativity among its employees.

Delicate: Fragile or easily broken; requiring sensitive or careful handling. Example: The delicate flower petals wilted in the hot sun.

Drift: To move slowly, especially as a result of outside forces, without control or purpose. Example: The boat began to drift aimlessly on the calm sea.

Dynamics: The forces or properties that stimulate growth, development, or change within a system or process. Example: The dynamics of the workplace shifted after the new manager took over.

Ease: To make something less difficult or burdensome; to relieve or alleviate. Example: The medication helped to ease her pain.

Enriched: Improved in quality, value, or significance. Example: The cultural exchange program enriched students’ understanding of different perspectives.

Enrolled: Officially registered or enlisted in a particular program, course, or institution. Example: She enrolled in a photography class to improve her skills.

Fosters: Encourages or promotes the development of something desirable. Example: The supportive environment fosters creativity and innovation.

Gatherings: Social events where people come together for a specific purpose. Example: Family gatherings are a time for bonding and sharing memories.

Guidance: Advice or information aimed at resolving a problem or difficulty, especially as given by someone in authority. Example: The mentor provided valuable guidance to help her navigate her career.

Initiate: To begin or set in motion (an action or process). Example: She decided to initiate a conversation with her colleague about the upcoming project.

Interfere: To become involved in a situation without being asked or needed; to meddle. Example: She didn’t want to interfere in their personal matters.

Isolation: The state of being separated from others; loneliness or solitude. Example: Working from home can lead to feelings of isolation if not balanced with social interactions.

Mature: Fully developed physically, mentally, or emotionally; grown-up. Example: She showed a mature understanding of the situation and handled it with grace.

Meaningful: Having significance; conveying a deeper or important message. Example: The thoughtful gift was deeply meaningful to her.

Minimizing: Reducing to the smallest possible amount or degree. Example: The company implemented new strategies for minimizing waste.

Misleading: Giving the wrong idea or impression; deceptive. Example: The advertisement was misleading and exaggerated the product’s benefits.

Mutual: Shared in common by two or more parties. Example: Mutual respect is essential for maintaining healthy relationships.

Outings: Trips or excursions, especially those taken for pleasure or recreation. Example: The company organizes team outings to build camaraderie among employees.

Overly: To an excessive degree; excessively. Example: She tends to be overly critical of herself, which affects her confidence.

Reminder: A thing that causes someone to remember something. Example: Setting a reminder on your phone helps you remember important appointments.

Selective: Carefully choosing or picking out only the best or most suitable options. Example: She has a selective palate and prefers only the finest wines.

Stimuli: Things that provoke a response or reaction, especially in the context of senses or emotions. Example: Bright lights and loud noises can be stimuli for sensory overload.

Well-being: The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. Example: Regular exercise and a balanced diet are important for maintaining overall 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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