IELTS Speaking topics

This is a sample response for IELTS Speaking Part 2 and 3. In addition to the model answer there are highlighted words and phrases. Teal is for vocabulary relating to this topic, yellow is for generally useful words and phrases.

IELTS Speaking Part 2

Model answer

I am from India and the animal my country associated with is a Bengal tiger. It is a carnivorous feline that preys on deer, goats and cattle. Bengal tigers are a symbol of power and grace. The Bengal tiger has been depicted in Indian art, folklore, and literature for centuries, and is also the mascot of many Indian sports teams. Despite its popularity though it is an endangered species because of poaching and loss of habitat. India is home to the majority of the global population of Bengal tigers, making it one of the most significant habitats for these majestic creatures. The tiger is a symbol of India’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage and is an important part of the country’s identity.

To be honest, I find it difficult to be totally objective regarding the question of whether the association fits. It definitely does if you take into account the geographic habitat of this animal. However, since depiction of this animal is omnipresent in Indian culture, you get really used to it and any constructive feedback on this matter can be difficult to give.

IELTS Speaking Part 3

Animals and people

How did relationships between people and animals change throughout history?

Throughout recorder history, mankind has been extremely reliant on animals. They were used for transportation, as sources of food and wool, they aided greatly in agricultural processes such as plowing, irrigation and harvesting. However, the more technology advanced, the less cost-efficient animal labour became. Eventually, machines took over in almost every single sphere except food provision. Nowadays, animals are mostly used for companionship and leisure. The former requires no explanation – most of us have a cat or a dog around the house. The latter can be exemplified by horse riding, visiting the zoo and safari tours. To summarise, animals have lost most of their pragmatic significance, but of course they still play a much greater role in biodiversity.

Some people argue that animal testing is necessary for scientific and medical advancements. What is your opinion?

There are two ways to look at the matter. Some believe that such tests are unnecessary and alternative methods should be used instead. Some examples are computer modeling or in vitro testing – both could be implemented to achieve similar scientific and medical advancements without harming animals. Naturally, it comes at a much higher cost, so researches might be reluctant to go that way.

Proponents of animal testing argue that many medical treatments and procedures were only achieved after animal research. Without it, we wouldn’t be sure of the safety of new drugs or medical procedures before they are tested in human trials. Such approach could also provide insight into the biological systems of animals and humans that cannot be obtained through other methods. Ultimately,  I hold that because of ethical implications, researches should spare no cost at avoiding experimenting on animals, only using it as a last resort option.

Animals and pets

Some people see their pets as members of family. What do you think the benefits and drawbacks of having such close relationships with animals are?

The advantages of such situation is companionship. People who live solitary lives for one reason or another can find solace in their pets. Speaking from personal experience, having a cat around when your family is away feels very comforting. It’s also nice to have a sense of purpose – when you feed your pet or take them for a walk, it can feel quite fulfilling. Unfortunately, dogs, cats and other such pets have a relatively short lifespan. We don’t see many pets live past the age of 15, so you will almost inevitably see it die of old age. This experience can be extremely traumatizing as over the years you will have grown extremely attached to your pet.

Should people be allowed to keep exotic pets, such as snakes or monkeys, as pets? Why or why not?

In short – no they shouldn’t be. First of all, individuals interested in owning such an animal can easily underestimate the costs of owning it. Food, artificial habitat, regular vet check-ups can add up to a sizeable monthly payments. Secondly, people are quick to lose interest as the feeling of novelty inevitably wears off. I’ve heard of cases when people would simply let the animal loose after they have decided they don’t need it for whatever reason. Unless zoologists or other animal specialists manage to find and rescue said specimen there is no telling what can happen. And finally, most of such pets are exotic for a reason – they simply are not meant to be kept in captivity.

How can owning a pet impact a person’s daily routine or lifestyle?

For most pets the impact is rather minimal. You check if the pet has enough food and water, clean up after them and that’s about it. Dogs are a different story though. You have to wake up early in the morning to take them for a walk for them to do their business. Then you do the same in late evening. This disciplines the owner and makes the bond with the pet get stronger. Another lifestyle change I can think of is holiday trips. You can’t really take most pets with you, and even if you could you probably wouldn’t want to – having to feed and groom them on the road can be an inconvenience. So you have to find a person to step in for you to look after them. Usually it is much easier just not to take trips anymore and for many it is simply not an option, so there’s that.

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IELTS Speaking Part 2

Model answer

I’d like to tell you about hummus, a famous Turkish dish. There are various theories about the origin of the recipe. Some say it is Syria, others claim it to be from Egypt. I like to think that Lebanon is responsible for introducing the world to this delicious dish. The ingredients are quite simple: chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, and tahini, the last one is a ground sesame seed condiment. Said ingredients are mixed into a thick dip that can be a separate dish, an appetiser, or an addition to a full course. I am very fond of it for its unparalleled taste and because of how nutritious it is – it really makes you feel full of energy.

The significance of this dish is difficult to explain. Maybe it has helped to put Lebanon on the culinary map of the world? This is arguable though, as it is uncertain where hummus originally came from. What I can definitely say is that it is a big part of national cuisine and can often be seen served for family celebrations.

IELTS Speaking Part 3

Food and diets

With the rise of plant-based diets and alternative protein sources, do you think traditional meat-based cuisine will become less popular in the future? Why/why not?
This is likely to be the case, yes. In order to understand this dynamic and how it progresses, let’s take some factors into account. A major contributor is the ever-increasing popularity of vegetarian diet and its multiple variations. People give up eating meat for a number of reasons – their beliefs, taste preferences or intolerance to certain products, to name a few. The general trend is on the rise and it is likely to continue. Secondly, meat is getting more expensive. A good slice of tenderloin is almost twice as expensive as it was several years ago. This could partly be attributed to yearly inflation, but there is another factor at play here. Stricter health and quality standards get included in the price, and the consumer ends up paying for all of that. While not a bad thing in itself, such regulations do make meat less affordable to us.

Should people be encouraged to eat more healthily? Why?
This is an ethical question, so we have to bear this fact in mind. Can you make a person live the way you see fit, or should they be entitled to freedom in all regards? Even if you think you know better, you have no moral right to order a person around. If we forfeit the ethical aspect, then definitely, people should by all means be encouraged to have healthier diets. The general populace should be educated on the numerous benefits of a well-balanced, nutritionally-rich diet.

People need to be more informed. Some are oblivious, and many simply live in denial of how essential proper food is for us. I say we should educate them on the matter in a non-intrusive way. Changes take time, and they have to be organic to be met with acceptance. If we abide by these principles, it ought to work out for everyone just fine.

Obesity among young people is a growing concern in many countries. How can this situation be solved?
Obesity means calorific surplus, so you either have to eat less or spend more energy. Let’s consider these two options. Cutting down on nutrient intake is a big stress, both physically and mentally. It takes considerable willpower to force yourself not to eat less food than the amount you have grown accustomed to. Effectively, this can do more harm than good, so cutting down on food has to be taken at a pace that is comfortable. The second approach is to increase physical activity. This forces the body to make use of the stockpiled nutrients in the form of fat, therefore slowly but steadily making the person more fit. The benefits go beyond weight loss, but let’s focus on the matter at hand.

As with most things in life, dieting should have moderation. If one takes it easy, it is naturally going to feel less stressful. Therefore, ideally, a person aiming to lose weight should combine the two approaches. Eat a bit less, introduce some exercise routine into your life, and you will see your weight go back to normal in no time!

Eating in and out

In your opinion, what are the advantages of eating at home instead of dining out?
To kick off with the obvious reasons, it is much cheaper. A good example is a steak. A restaurant-served steak is going to cost you three to six times more than a home-cooked one. Naturally, at the restaurant you are supposedly getting one cooked by a professional, but the markup is still ridiculously high. This is true for most dishes if you go dining out, as you have to pay for the service and other things.

Another reason for choosing to eat at home is confidence in what you eat. There’s no telling how fresh the ingredients are at your place of choice for the night. Nor can you check the credentials of the cook who makes the food for you. There is a lot of uncertainty involved, so one might as well cook their own food to stay on the safe side. However, this downside can be disregarded if you have been coming to a place for years or if it is a popular chain with strict quality control. Then the risks of food poisoning or subpar services are minimal.

How has the trend of ordering food online affected the restaurant industry?
One might think that it has affected the restaurant in the worst way possible. I mean, much fewer people come to the restaurants now, they don’t leave tips, and there is no service charge either. But it’s not that grim for the catering industry entrepreneurs. Come to think of it, now they can scale their business almost indefinitely through delivery. The restaurant can accommodate only so many people, not matter how big it is. With deliveries, only sky is the limit. And this doesn’t always mean fewer clients coming to the establishment itself. Some just can’t resist the glamour of attending a nice eatery. Therefore, if anything, the development of the online food service sector only contributed to the financial flourishing of such businesses.

What is the role of social media in promoting eating culture and habits?
It seems that there is no single direction in which social media platforms shape the way we eat. People love bragging about their visits to expensive restaurants. They share pictures of the food and sometimes even the bill with astronomical figures. This prompts others to live the high life as well, regardless of whether they can afford it. This results in more people going for restaurant food, even if it is not within their means.

Another possible influence social media could have on the way we approach food is a positive one. There are lots of cooking bloggers around, and some of them are worth following. They provide great cooking tips and open the exciting world of culinary arts to the masses. This effectively popularises a more mindful and informed approach to cooking, enabling people to eat delicious, healthy and reasonably priced dishes.

Food and cuisine vocabulary

General vocabulary

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IELTS Speaking Part 2

Model answer

I have a soft spot for weddings. I would even say it’s my guilty pleasure. So when I got invited to one as best man, I jumped at the opportunity. This kind of honour comes at a price – one of them is that you have to give a speech. Anyway, it was my friend who was getting married, so I knew the guy in and and therefore it wasn’t a problem. I went there with my wife, who knew the bride and the groom just as well as I did.

The celebration was to take place in a small local restaurant that was booked for the occasion. It wasn’t a grand event, not even close. The newly-weds wanted to keep it nice and cozy, with family and closest friends as guests. It worked out miraculously well. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, it felt very wholesome and honest. I guess it was mostly owing to the smaller scale of the celebration and the fact that everyone knew each other quite well.

IELTS Speaking Part 3

Family celebrations

Why do you think it’s important to have family celebrations and what benefits do they have?
They are as important as ever. If anything, they are more important nowadays for at least one reason – social cohesion. Given the rapid pace of today’s life, people are usually short on time. This means they don’t get to meet that often, so they have to resort to texts. That’s why nowadays there has to be a bigger reason for people to get together. And thankfully, it exists: family celebrations.

Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries—these have always warranted a small party to be thrown up. More importantly, today they bring relatives closer together. These relatives that would otherwise be stuck at home swiping through their mobile apps. Therefore, I am strongly convinced that such celebrations help keep family bonds stronger.

How have traditional family celebrations changed over the years?
Well, in the past, families used to gather around the table, share a meal, and engage in various activities that united them. However, with the advent of technology and a fast-paced lifestyle, many families now prefer to celebrate separately or in smaller groups.

Additionally, cultural and societal changes have also impacted traditional family celebrations. The family structure has changed from the nuclear family to blended families, single-parent families, same-sex couples, and more. This has resulted in a shift in the way families celebrate special events. So I guess we could say that the way family celebrations have evolved is a good display of the general cultural evolution.

Some cultures have more family-centred celebrations than others. Why do you think this is the case?
I can say that this could be attributed to different factors such as historical traditions, cultural values, societal norms, and beliefs. In the majority of cultures, the family is seen as a fundamental unit of society. Owing to this fact, family-centered celebrations are given great importance. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, since gatherings with family in mind promote bonding and solidarity.

This, however, is not without exceptions. Some first-world countries experience an opposite phenomenon. Family members slowly drift apart due to difference in interests, beliefs, and lifestyles in general. It is an unfortunate fact of life that not everyone holds family traditions as sacred. This could be attributed to free-thinking and overall independence seen as greater values in the more developed part of the world. While these are good notions per se, anecdotal evidence suggests that sometimes they might backfire and undermine fundamental family values.

Holidays and celebrations

In many countries, national holidays are synonymous with large gatherings and festivities. Are there any possible negative effects of that?
There are two consequences that I’d like to point out. The first one is littering caused by the masses. Well, you know how people can be. After any major public celebration, the city is a literal mess, garbage bins filled to the brim. Public services just can’t handle the influx of people and the associated by-products of their consumption, I guess. This is an issue worth looking into, proactivity could be key here.

Another concern is that people tend to consume alcoholic beverages at such events. Some get all uppity and aggressive, eventually it all degenerates into petty conflicts. This naturally puts some people off, and they feel less inclined to attend such gatherings in the future.

Do you think that traditional celebrations are still as important in modern society?
Traditional celebrations are still important in modern society as they help people connect to their culture, history and community. They bring people closer together to celebrate common values, beliefs, traditions. Traditional celebrations also play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations. As we witness the world globalise, which is not necessarily a bad trend, the cultural aspects come under threat, blending and slowly fading away. Said celebrations can act as a safeguard against homogenization. 

What are some of the main differences between a formal event and an informal one?
I guess we have to draw the line between the two to avoid any further confusion. A formal event is one where you have a strictly-defined dress code, a list of guests, and other boundaries. You are expected to show on time, socialise with others, act in a reserved manner. This doesn’t sound like much fun, and it usually isn’t!

An informal gathering is much more lax in terms of rules and generally less uptight. You are expected to dress and act casually and even crashing a party is acceptable. The food and drinks are going to be less fancy, and bringing your own bottle can be expected, depending on cultural context. All of this lends itself nicely to people of all walks of life mingling in a relaxed manner. This sounds like a proper party, if you ask me!

Holidays and celebrations vocabulary

Best man – a male person who helps the groom (the man) at a wedding. One of best man’s duties is to give a speech during the wedding party.
The bride and the groom – the female and the male partner getting married, respectively.
Social cohesion – connection between people. Nowadays social cohesion is at its lowest levels because meeting new people and keeping in touch with them has become less necessary.
Bond (n) – feeling of love, friendship or connection. The younger you are, the easier it is for you to form bonds with others.
Drift apart – to gradually become less connected to another person, usually because you don’t see or meet with them.
Petty (adj) – unimportant, not serious.
Cultural heritage – qualities and traditions passed over generations. Art objects, architecture and even history can all be considered to be part of cultural heritage.
Uptight (adj) – (here) too worried and serious, to the point of being nervous. The host was rather uptight about loud music so we decided to leave the party and go to a pub instead.
Crash a party – to come to a party without invitation, especially if you don’t know the host or the guests.

General vocabulary

Soft spot – if you have a soft spot for something, it means you like it very much, especially if it has good memories associated with it (i.e. you are sentimental about it).
Guilty pleasure – something that you like, especially if you are ashamed of it or think it might not be good for you.
Wholesome (adj) – used approvingly; something that has a positive effect or influence on people. The celebration was very wholesome, with no strong alcohol or fast-food dishes.
Resort to (v) – to choose something without much enthusiasm, usually because there is no alternative. I don’t want to resort to shouting at her, but I will if I need to.
Warrant (v) – to make something necessary. Your problems with your roommate do not warrant me coming back from another city to help you.
Advent (n) – invention or creation.
Sacred (adj) – extremely important, having almost religious significance. Trust among friends is sacred.
Per se (latin) – on its own. Alcohol per se is not extremely dangerous, but intoxicated behaviour can impose significant risks to both the user and others.
Undermine (v) – to affect something negatively, especially in a way that is not immediately obvious or visible.
Littering (n) – disposing of garbage in an inappropriate way, e.g. not putting it in the garbage bin.
Proactivity (n) – the practice of taking action before something undesirable takes place. Proactivity is very important when treating many serious diseases.
Uppity (adj) – (informal) having unwarranted feeling of self-importance; arrogant.
Come under threat – to be at risk.
Homogenization (n) – the process of becoming similar. Can be both positive and negative depending on the context. Homogenization of ideas can lead to stagnation in science because differences of opinion is important for progress.
Boundaries (n) – (here) limitations, rules or regulations.
Lend nicely to – to be useful or convenient for something. Spain’s warm weather all year round lends itself nicely to hobbies like cycling.

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This is a sample response for IELTS Speaking Part 2 and 3. In addition to the model answer there are highlighted words and phrases. Teal is for vocabulary relating to this topic, yellow is for generally useful words and phrases.

IELTS Speaking Part 2

Model answer

When I was in primary school we had an unusually cold summer, the coldest I can possibly remember I guess. I was about 8 years old at the time, it was almost summer break for us all. I remember doing the homework assignment when it happened. It started easy, it felt like some pellets hitting the roof of our house. Within minutes the noise escalated dramatically, and it felts like stones were falling it down from the sky en masse. It was a hailstorm – hard compacted pieces of snow and ice.

The reason I remember it to this day is that one particularly big lump of ice hit my father’s car and broke the windshield. It surprised that my father didn’t feel particularly bad about the incident – I guess he was just thankful that our family was lucky enough to be indoors during the storm. This is what made me feel warm and cozy, protected by the roof and the walls of our house. And the car insurance covered the repair costs, if  you care to know!

IELTS Speaking Part 3

Natural phenomena

Do you think the frequency and intensity of natural disasters are increasing?

It appears to be the case, unfortunately. One obvious example is the 2023 chain of earthquakes, the most dramatic one in Turkey with death toll of over 50 thousand. It’s a real shame this happened and one would think that given the current seismological equipment one could at least predict that happening. Many other countries suffered from this disaster, namely Syria, Afghanistan and Ecuador, claiming many innocent lives. Maybe it’s a way of nature letting us know that we are doing something wrong, disrespecting the land or something similar.

What can individuals do to be ready for unpredictable weather conditions?

Planning ahead is always a good thing, especially when you want to counter unforeseen difficulties. Always having an umbrella with you can save you from getting soaked wet. Another option is to always have a change of clothes stashed somewhere – your place of employment or your friends’ place. A more conventional and almost obvious solution is to look up weather forecast. This one doesn’t always work though – weather can be quite volatile, depending on where you live. To sum up, you have a handful of options, but there is no approach that covers every possible situation.

Should governments invest more resources into researching and combating the effects of climate change or into preparing for and responding to natural disasters caused by severe weather?

This is a classic long term versus short term approach case. I’d say that the optimal choice is to prioritise most pressing issues but shift focus on sustenance as soon as you can afford it. Climate change, if left unchecked, is likely to make the planet practically impossible to live on. This will take some time, but it will inevitably happen. Naturally if we act now it is possibly preventable. But the matters at hand such as mitigating consequences of a natural disasters should take precedence.

Climate change and the weather

How is people’s mood affected by weather changes? Why?

The nicer the weather, the better people feel – that goes without saying. But is it true for everyone? I know at least two people who have it upside down – they feel more comfortable during gloomy days, they enjoy staying inside with a warm beverage. Admittedly, they are outliers in this regard and for the vast majority sunshine is highly desirable. This is easily explained by sun rays being a natural source of vitamin D. Therefore it’s no surprise that warm summer days bring out the best in people.

Would you prefer to live in a place with consistent weather conditions or one that has distinct seasons throughout the year? Why?

Ah, probably the latter. I think the variety of seasons makes us appreciate the pleasantly warm days more. Everything is cyclical and nature is a great reflection of that with every season having its own special charm. Having an in-between weather and ambient temperature would get real old real fast I guess. But it has to depend on where you come from – maybe some people who have never experienced seasonal peculiarities would loathe living in a climate like that!

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IELTS Speaking Part 2

Model answer

Due to work-related reasons, I once had to spend a year in a little town near Madrid, which I can hardly even remember the name of. It is a small town, I think there is just over 50 thousand people living there. The city was really endearing, almost rustic in an urban way. The town felt like it was stuck in 2001, in a good way. There were no shopping centres or any other major points of attraction. The commercial district was mostly comprised of small, family-owned businesses. Another great thing about the place is that it was very walkable. What I mean is that the town felt like it was built around the idea of getting somewhere on foot rather than by car—a welcomed change from the car-centric cities of today.

One thing that I still have a vivid recollection of is how people would flock to the only local park after work. The place is very popular, both with youth and older citizens. It was the only time I witnessed such honest enthusiasm within a community about a regular park. It might sound like nothing special, but I guess you had to be there to see it.

IELTS Speaking Part 3

The future of cities

What do you think will be the biggest change in cities in the next 20 years?
Predicting the future is no easy task, but one might entertain certain possibilities. One possibility is the decentralisation of cities. People will no longer flock to the biggest urban centres. The reason they do it now is mainly job prospects—and this is not going to be that big of a reason in the future thanks to work-from-home opportunities. We might see smaller towns and villages repopulated by young specialists with families. Another likely change is the emergence of ultra-low-budget housing solutions as accommodation becomes less affordable. This could be something like sleeping pods with shared amenities like a kitchen and bathroom.

In what ways do you think technology will transform city life in the future?
One could guess that life in the city is going to grow even more phone-centered. We have already got used to paying with our phones, hailing a cab with an app, and making purchases online. I think the next step could be using the phone as a key, a sort of authorization device. This could give you access to your car, flat, the workplace, and so on. The safety concern isn’t that big as your phone is as likely to be stolen or lost as your keys.

Another possible tech-related innovation could be automated carpooling. A system would track people with the same commute routes and automatically assign them to one car, possibly compensating the driver for that. This would both decrease environmental impact and ease transport congestion.

How can cities become more sustainable and environmentally friendly in the future?
One rather radical but effective approach to environmental safeguarding was implemented in London. As far as I know, they have completely banned fossil-fuel cars from entering the city centre. Naturally, it caused a public outcry, but such things are natural, people are averse to changes. My point is that it worked and more cities should follow this example, slowly pushing out vehicles with high carbon footprint. People have been using the same combustion technology for well over a century, and it’s about time somebody did something about this.

As for sustainability, the state could introduce stricter rules on recycling and sorting of garbage. This issue is becoming more pressing as world population rises, so enforcing more eco-conscious disposal of waste is a must. Even if takes fines or administrative penalties, it has to be done before it’s too late.

Life in the city

What are the challenges of living in large urban areas?
The cause of most problems city dwellers face is either a direct or indirect consequence of high population density. A good example is traffic congestion. During peak commute times, most cities grind to a halt as the majority of people nowadays choose personal car as a means of getting from A to B. No amount of urban planning can solve that. Another issue stemming from the sheer number of people living in cities is crime. The police is simply unable to perform its duties, given the scale and size of their precinct. Finally, even though humans are social animals, many would rather live in a more private fashion, which is rather tricky in a big city as you are always surrounded by people, either literally or figuratively.

Some people say that cities are becoming increasingly expensive to live in. Do you agree?
While it might not be true for every city in existence, the general trend appears to be that way. As cities grow increasingly popular with well-paid professionals, real estate prices there go higher. This is further exacerbated by gentrification of the more prestigious district, driving the costs further up. However, even though property prices are high indeed, the opposite could be said about consumer goods. Anything from groceries to electronics tends to be cheaper due to higher sales volume and ease of logistics. It is much cheaper to get things delivered to a larger shop in bulk rather than to a remote village in lower quantity. This naturally benefits the consumer, who ends up paying less. Therefore, while some aspects of life in the city have higher price tag, others might be more affordable.

Do you believe that urbanization is beneficial or harmful to society as a whole? Why?
I’m afraid there is no cut-and-dry answer to this, as there are many factors to take into account. On one hand, large urban centres naturally have much better infrastructure. This ensures that people get the best possible healthcare and education. On the other hand, urbanisation means brain drain from smaller towns. Promising young specialist leave their hometowns, seduced by lucrative employment prospects that bigger cities can provide. This eventually leaves to smaller towns median age to rise as the youth seeks their fortune elsewhere. So all in all it’s a rather big question with no definite answer.

City and the country vocabulary

Rustic (adj) – relating to the countryside, not complicated and straightforward. Used positively.
Walkable (adj) – easy to get around without a car or any other form of transport. Walkable cities are more common in Europe, whereas the US is more car-centric.
Flock to (v) – (about people or animals) to go to some place because it is good or popular. Young people flock to pubs and restaurants in search from thrilling experiences.
Amenities (n) – useful facilities or infrastructure, e.g. gyms, spa salons, laundry.
Carpooling (n) – practice of driving more passengers in your car if you share the same or similar routes in an effort to reduce environmental impact. These passengers can be your fellow students, colleagues, or even people you don’t know.
Carbon footprint – the amount of carbon monoxide (CO) that we produce as a result of our activities.

General vocabulary

-related – used to show connection to something. City-related problems get worse as more people migrate there from smaller towns
Endearing (adj) – if something or somebody is endearing, you can’t help but like them.
Comprise of – to have something as parts. The gift basket is mostly comprised of chocolates and waffles.
-centric – used to show that something is focused on it, e.g. eco-centric means ecology and environment is the focus of it.
Vivid (adj) – bright, clear, detailed. I’ve been having quite vivid dreams recently, and I can’t say I enjoy them very much.
Prospects (n) – possibility of something happening. My prospects at this company are quite promising – I was promised a managerial position in a year if I kept up good work.
Safeguard (v) – to protect, to ensure safety.
Sustainability (n) – ability to ensure something’s prolonged existence. Sustainability in the energy sphere is as important as ever.
Grind to a halt – to slowly stop, either literally or figuratively. The sales are likely to grind to a halt as soon as the economic crisis hits consumer markets.
Stem from (v) – to come form, to have origins in something. Your fear of insects probably stems from some traumatic childhood experience.
In bulk – in large quantities.
Cut-and-dry (adj) – (here) straightforward, clear.
Brain drain – a situation when more intelligent people, especially scientists and other professionals, move somewhere else.
Lucrative (adj) – attractive in the financial sense of the word.

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This is a sample response for IELTS Speaking Part 2 and 3. In addition to the model answer there are highlighted words and phrases. Teal is for vocabulary relating to this topic, yellow is for generally useful words and phrases.

IELTS Speaking Part 2

Model answer

Some twenty years ago my family decided to travel to Italy, so they booked a package holiday. They would always do that back then just for the sake of convenience. The country was great and it made a huge impact on me, but one particular place really struck a chord with me. It was Dali’s museum of art with finest examples of his works as well as complete compositions of art objects.

One thing that made it especially memorable was the museum guide who explained the context of the works. Each reflected a particular period of Dali’s development and let us in on his emotional state then. The impact was so great that when I came home I couldn’t help willing to learn more about him. His art became a gateway to surrealist genre for me and to this day I am very grateful for that. 

IELTS Speaking Part 3

Travelling

How do you think technology has changed the way people travel nowadays?

Well, technology has definitely redefined the way we approach travelling. One thing to name is GPS navigation that over the years has become increasingly efficient. Not only do they show you the shortest route to your destination, they also warn you about traffic congestion, roadworks with many other nifty features. A soothing voice prompt will lead the way, warn about the upcoming turns and intersection, without you having to distract from driving. These effectively made traditional paper maps obsolete. Reading such maps is already becoming a lost art, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise, given how awfully convenient GPS navigators are.

What are some of the benefits of travelling within your own country rather than travelling abroad?

The benefits are numerous and quite honestly rather obvious. The first thing that comes to mind is price – it’s much more accessible, especially if you are on a tight budget. You get more bang for your buck! Secondly, you get to know your country better. You probably will go to historic sites, learn about local history, maybe even get to know your ancestors! It probably helps to feel more pride for your country once you familiarise yourself with it. Finally, it’s less of a fuss since you don’t have to cross the border and deal with all the bureaucracy. It might not be a reason strong enough to give up on travelling abroad, but it’s still a factor, right?

Some people prefer to travel alone, while others like to travel with companions. What are your thoughts on both options?

The two options have their benefits as well as drawbacks, as is the case with most things I guess. Travelling with somebody else is the conventional choice, and reasonably so. Together you feel more confident, it’s probably a case of safety in numbers. Going somewhere distant, using train or plane, dealing with all the papers can feel intimidating. Hence a shoulder to lean on is always welcome. Then comes the fun factor – the trip feels more enjoyable when you have someone else along for the ride to share all your positive emotions with. Finally, when it comes to renting a car or a place to crash it’s always cheaper when several people chip in.

Travelling on your own has its merits too. One thing is that you go whenever you want to go – whether your thing is lush forests of the Amazon or bustling night life of Tokyo – and there is nobody else who would rather go elsewhere. I had to deal with difference of opinion like that so I can really relate. Come to think of it, I guess that’s the only good thing about solitary trips.

Tourism

In some countries, tourists are criticized for not respecting local customs and traditions. What advice would you give to someone visiting a foreign place for the first time?

It is true that people might feel entitled when travelling. But just because you have paid for the airline ticket doesn’t mean you own the place.  People could also act inappropriately out of ignorance rather than lack of respect for others. I guess tourism agencies should brief people leaving for a distant country for the first time. One advice they could give them is to take in the culture slowly, observe to fit in rather than stand out. Oriental and occidental cultures can be shockingly contrasting, so it wouldn’t hurt to educate yourself before leaving for a distant location. The internet is bustling with all information one could ever need and then some. So it really is a non-issue as long as people are ready to fill in their cultural gaps before setting off.

Has tourism become more accessible and affordable in recent years? If so, what impact does this have on people’s destination choices?

I’d say the situation really varies from country to country and the corresponding income levels. But broadly speaking, tourism is definitely within financial reach for most today. Affordable, so-called “low-cost” airlines make travelling on a budget reality as long as you are not to picky with dates and ready to get on the plane on a short notice. I guess they basically sell vacant seats at a hefty discount at the last minute. Accommodation options like hostels have made travelling without splashing on it a reality too. Resorts and hotels have been around for ages, as long as your are willing to pay. Hostels offer bare necessities without costing you an arm and a leg.

As for the way it has changed the map of tourism, I guess the destinations became more unorthodox. People don’t see tourism as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity anymore since the costs are almost negligible. As a result of this they can choose paths less trodden, some exotic locations that haven’t been commodified by travel agencies. People love feeling like trail-blazers, you know? That’s what affordable tourism offers – a nice new experience with no financial strings attached.

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This is a sample response for IELTS Speaking Part 2 and 3. In addition to the model answer there are highlighted words and phrases. Teal is for vocabulary relating to this topic, yellow is for generally useful words and phrases.

IELTS Speaking Part 2

Model answer

It goes without saying that the world of today faces a great number of environmental problems of varying magnitude. The one that I see needing immediate attention is ever-increasing industrialisation of high-population countries. China and India are prime example, with their emission control not always up to international standards.

While industrialisation itself is not a big concern – if anything, it should be welcomed as a natural part of development – the associated drastic increase of industrial waste makes me feel very uneasy. Such waste is an inevitable by-product of industrial processes. To dispose of it in an eco-friendly manner one has to dedicate a lump part of their budget to that. This inevitably cuts into the profit margins. Sadly, not many business owners pay the price as long as the regulating bodies turn a blind eye to it.

One of the biggest negative impacts of the situation described above is ground water pollution. Ironically, it primarily affects the people living on the land, the people that should be held accountable for the situation in the first place. And to speak of the possible solution for the situation, I hold it that one could be effectively solve it by imposing fines onto the company responsible for inadequate handling of industrial waste. 

IELTS Speaking Part 3

Modern technologies

In what ways does modern technology cause problems for people today, and how can these problems be addressed?

Okay, well I guess that growing affordability of private cars is one thing that both directly and indirectly creates certain issues. While cars have been around for well over a century now and it is not a big issue in itself, the increase in financial well-being and population growth in general have lead to exponential number of private vehicles. I believe that forcing carpooling and restricting car ownership could be an effective, if not a bit draconian way to tackle the issue in a resolute manner.

Another tech-related problem that stands out today is excessive reliance on said modern technologies. The majority of teenagers nowadays doesn’t know how to read a map – and why would they need this skill if they have GPS navigation readily available? Paper-based medium in general is going out of fashion as a part of the natural path of least resistance. Growing too dependent on technology can potentially backfire, the problem manifesting themselves in an event of a total blackout cause by a solar flare or similar global event.

How has social media contributed to modern communication problems? What are the consequences of this for society?

I wouldn’t go so far as to call this a problem, really. I believe it to be a paradigm shift – somewhat similar to moving from carts and horses to bicycles, motorcycles and cars. People choose the easiest and the most convenient way, whether it is getting around the city, buying something or communicating. The truth is the dynamic world of today is not conducive to face to face meetings – people are simply too busy to see each other whenever they feel like talking. That’s when social media and messengers step in as facilitators.

Another competitive advantage such approach has is asynchronous approach to communication. To put it simply – a telephone conversation is not always the best way because the person you are calling to might be too busy at this very moment, so they have to call you back and there’s no telling you will be available then. Text-based interaction solves this problem – you can reply to the message at your own convenience, whenever. I think this simple fact really gives it an edge over the more conventional approaches. Therefore, the consequences are only positive.

In your opinion, what are the main challenges faced by modern healthcare systems today? How can governments and healthcare professionals tackle these problems?

One challenge that the healthcare system has to deal with nowadays is the medical career might have lost its allure to some young professionals. In the past a doctor was seen as a respectable, even a somewhat glamorous occupation so naturally students aspired to become one. The money has always been a factor too, of course, even today doctor’s financial compensation is impressive, but the glamour seems to have gone. Maybe the reason is that many feel that in twenty something years the lion’s share of the work will be performed by robotic counterparts of today’s medical staff. To make the profession attractive again the state could run a promotional campaign on popular social media sites, show how essential nurses, physicians and others really are to our society.

Another serious obstacle for the industry is the ever-evolving viruses. Pharmaceutical companies struggle to come up with remedies and vaccines for the rapidly increasing and mutating variants of said viruses and in turn doctors end up with no means of battling with those. An obvious solution is to increase funding for research and development by any means possible, even fully subsidizing those by the government.

Environmental Issues

What are the most pressing environmental issues facing the world today? How can individuals and governments work together to find solutions to these problems?

They say that one of the most urgent thing that needs tackling is the glaciers slowly but steadily thawing. The cause is well-known: growing mean temperatures. They climb to the thawing point even in the colder parts of the globe such as the poles. The problem is two-sided: on one hand we have indigenous species losing it habitat and on the other the rising sea level that at this rate will submerge as much as 20% of lowland territories by the turn of next century. I believe this is as urgent as it gets if we talk about global scale.

Even though individual contribution to CO emission is lower compared to industrial, it is still worth raising awareness regarding this issue and cultivate a culture of conscious consumption, recycling and reusing old things. As for the industries, as main contributors they should make up for the damage by financing preservation efforts.

How can governments encourage individuals and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to combating climate change?

As I have already mentioned this previously, awareness is key. We simply can’t know how many people are oblivious to the current state of global warming and the general trajectory of climate. Things of such grand scale take time, so maybe the state should appeal to the feelings of selflessness. Tt is our kids and grandkids who will have to reap the consequences of our irresponsible attitude to nature. People have to care about posteriority. If they don’t, then nothing can save humanity and no amount of convincing can help it.

What role can technology play in mitigating environmental problems such as pollution and waste management?

Technological advancements look quite promising. One example is the recently developed artificial substance that feeds on oil. These synthesized bacteria that see oil as food and they aid in getting rid of oil spills. This is a terrible man-made phenomenon when oil gets dumped into a body of water and spreads over huge distances in a thin layer that blocks oxygen. This technology has been successfully used to rectify such unfortunate situations.

Yet another case when technology comes to environmental rescue is the progress in electric propulsion that aims to oust conventional engines. There are several billion vehicles around the globe, many of them in rather poor compliance with the current strict eco restrictions. If electric vehicle take off and get traction with the modern consumer, they could greatly offset CO emission volume.

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This is a sample response for IELTS Speaking Part 2 and 3. In addition to the model answer there are highlighted words and phrases. Teal is for vocabulary relating to this topic, yellow is for generally useful words and phrases.

IELTS Speaking Part 2

Model answer

One environmental issue that I am very concerned about is plastic pollution. It is a growing problem in our world today, affecting the environment in a number of ways. The problem is caused by the fact that we use too much plastic and that much of the plastic we use is not disposed of properly.

Plastic pollution has a number of negative effects. First, it is harmful to wildlife. Many animals mistake plastic garbage for food, which can lead to digestive problems, suffocation or even death. Second, such pollution creates unsightly and hazardous conditions for people in affected areas, which in turn can lead to depression or diseases. Finally, it is harming the world’s oceans, with plastic debris killing marine life and disrupting ecosystems.

I can think of two ways to mitigate the issue. One is to reduce the usage of plastic, like choosing reusable bags, bottles, and jars at the same time avoiding disposable products like plastic straws and cutlery. Another one is to improve our waste management systems to ensure that plastic is sorted and recycled whenever possible.

Both of the methods suggested have been in effect for several decades now. Such things take time, and if we stick to the plan of reducing plastic footprint, the issue can definitely be made much less severe.

IELTS Speaking Part 3

Polluting the environment

How severe should punishment be for environmental pollution?
To start with, the degree of responsibility should be equal for both individuals and businesses. In my country, people who litter, spill oil or do any other damage to nature usually get away with it or just get a slap on the wrist. It is bigger businesses that get hefty fines normally. I believe that punitive measures should be equally strict for all parties. First-time offenders should pay a considerable sum to mitigate the damage done. Repeat offences are a more serious crime, and prison sentences might just be the thing for such cases. This would send a clear message that nature has to be taken seriously.

What new approaches to protecting the environment can we expect in the future?
It is safe to assume that innovations are going to be possible thanks to the recent technological advances. It is likely that we will see the introduction of personal carbon footprint quotas. This means that each person will be given a certain limit on negative environmental impact they are allowed to cause. This could include using transportation, buying and consuming things with non-biodegradable packaging, incorrect disposal of dangerous materials such as used motor oil. If one exceeds the quota they get penalised. Conversely, it could be possible to offset the impact by volunteering in activities that undo the damage.

A less radical and possibly more effective way to make sure the environment stays safe is education. Make people more aware of the extent of damage they deal to nature over the course of their lives. People are not malevolent by nature, so if they understand the amount of harm they cause, they are more likely to be mindful about it. Teachers can tell primary school kids about the importance of frugality, the dangers of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials, as well as other vital aspects of environmentalism.

Protecting animals and nature

How can individuals help protect the environment?
One great way is to understand that every bit of effort counts, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Spreading this idea is the next logical step. Let your friends, family and colleagues know that even a minor step towards a cleaner future makes a difference. Thinking long-term is what really matters, so if one develops a habit and sticks to it, they contribute to the well-being of their land, the planet they live on.

Being more responsible with your littering habits is one example. Sorting it makes it easier to recycle, and cultivating this idea in your community helps take it to a larger scale. Eventually the environmental notion catches on, and you see the number of people involved go parabolic. But the first step is always the most difficult one, so people need a nudge in the right direction.

Why is it important to protect species that are dying out?
The natural world is the biggest system known to man. But its real beauty is that it is a self-balancing system, one that gravitates towards equilibrium. For instance, if population of one biological kind gets out of proportion, they starve because there isn’t enough food for them. If a generation of, say, wolves happens to be weak, then they fail to reproduce because they get overpowered by the stronger, more imposing litter. However, this system is not without a fault.

Biodiversity is important because it ensures that a system like that is healthy and responsive. Eliminate one species from the equation, and a whole food chain collapses. We can say this about plants, insects and animals alike due to the delicate self-reliance on one another. If a population of wolves goes down because of human activity, this will allow their potential prey to breed without much risk, and their increased numbers in turn are likely to consume much more food. This is one example of a food chain disruption. 

What can be done to better protect animal rights?
One option is for governments to implement stringent laws to protect the rights of animals. These laws should lay down clear guidelines for animal welfare, care and rights. If we encouraged reporting animal rights violations, it would enable legal bodies to enforce these laws more effectively. Promoting awareness should be an effective way as well. Governments, animal welfare organizations and educational institutions should take up initiatives to educate people about the rights of animals. People have to understand that an animal cannot report their own abuse for obvious reasons, so monitoring bodies have to be vigilant and relentless.

Nature and the environment vocabulary

Dispose of (phr v) – to take care of something that you no longer need in an appropriate way. In order to dispose of used AA batteries you are encouraged to take them to a designated disposal point.
Suffocation (n) – a state of not being able to breathe or not getting enough oxygen.
Debris (n) – fragments or pieces of something that has been damaged or destroyed.
Footprint (n) – (in the environmental sense) the amount of damage we cause to the environment. To reduce your carbon footprint, consider giving up on most plastic goods.
Litter (v) – to put garbage somewhere it is not supposed to be, to dispose of it carelessly. Whenever we go out Sarah litters whenever she gets a chance.
Frugality (n) – the quality of using some resources sparingly, without unnecessary waste.
Litter (n) – animal offspring. Note that this is a noun, whereas the previous entry was a verb.
Food chain – a system where one living thing, such as a plant, an insect or an animal acts as food for the other.
Breed (v) – (about animals) to copulate in order to have offspring.

General vocabulary

Mistake smth for smth else (phr v) – to confuse one thing or person with the other. People often mistake my brother for Brad Pitt, even though he doesn’t look even remotely similar to him.
Unsightly (adj) – difficult to look at because of how ugly or unattractive it is.
Mitigate (v) – to make something bad better. To mitigate the pain, he took some ibuprofen.
Cutlery (n) – a collective noun that means knifes, forks and spoons. This set of silver cutlery has been used in our family for generations.
Get a slap on the wrist – to get slight punishment for something very serious.
Hefty fine – a large amount of money you have to pay for breaking some law. Traffic offense fines have been getting increasingly ridiculous lately.
Punitive (adj) – relating to punishment. Punitive measures are not strict enough and should be revised.
Offset (v) – very similar to mitigate – to reduce the negative effects of something.
Malevolent (adj) – having evil nature or intention.
Mindful (adj) – paying attention to or caring about something. Be mindful of her emotions, she is hurt quite easily.
Catch on (phr v) – if something catches on, it gains recognition and popularity. I am sorry your business didn’t catch on, it was looking very promising.
Go parabolic – to gain huge popularity or increase rapidly in a very short period of time.
Nudge in the right direction – (used figuratively here) to persuade somebody to do something, but without being too insisting.
Stringent (adj) – (relating to laws or rules) very strict, with severe punishment.
Guidelines (n) – a collection of rules, tips and instructions on something. The general guideline in this company is to show initiative and not to be afraid of making small mistakes.
Vigilant (adj) – being very attentive and careful because you expect something bad or wrong to happen.
Relentless (adj) – never stopping or getting less intense.

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IELTS Speaking Part 2

Model answer

There is one member of my extended family I have always looked up to – my grandfather from my mother’s side. He’s a stocky man in his late eighties now, but he is as bright as any young fellow. There are no signs of senile dementia or anything like that. That’s probably because of his occupation – you see, he used to be a chief accountant at a major law firm. He would run numbers in his head all the time.

My uncle doesn’t do much nowadays. He has been retired for more than a decade. He goes fishing quite often, he is no stranger to exercising in general and cycling in particular. All in all, he tends to stay quite active both physically and mentally. I hold him in high regard for two reasons: he is quite level-headed even in times of stress and his great sense of humour. His occupation shaped him into the hardy but sensible man he is today.

I have to say that it took me a while to see the real character of my grandfather. He would always be there for me when I was a child, but I paid little attention to that. Nowadays, I am much more appreciative of who he is and how much he has done for me.

IELTS Speaking Part 3

Family and career

Does having a family help or harm your career opportunities?
When one starts a family, they should be ready to face the simple fact that having one requires attention and dedication. Your spouse is not just a co-tenant that you share expenses with. They are an integral part of your life now, and this means they will take up a major fraction of your time, possibly hindering your professional success. The time that you could otherwise spend to achieve greater career heights. Naturally, this takes a toll on your career opportunities.

On the other hand, a person with a family shows that they are able to commit and are therefore more dependable. According to publicly available data, people in senior managerial positions are almost always married. Therefore a married person is not necessarily torn between work and family. The two spheres can organically coexist and contribute to your success. Family can provide you with strong emotional support in times of need.

In the past, husbands worked, while their wives stayed at home. Has the situation changed? Why?
The situation today is drastically different from the past for two reasons. The first one is a rather negative one – inflation. Single-income households have mostly become the thing of the past because increasing inflation has led to lower purchasing power. One hundred euros today can’t buy you nearly as much groceries as they would a decade ago. Real estate prices and mortgage rates have skyrocketed as well, while the salaries simply couldn’t keep up with this surge.

Another reason is on the more positive side: women have finally become equally paid, no longer reduced to the demeaning ‘fairer sex’ stigma. Employers are becoming increasingly aware of women’s contribution at the workplace. This was reflected in more adequate compensation, and HR more willing to interview and hire female professionals.

Friends and friendship

Do you agree that childhood friendships last the longest? Why?
That’s definitely true. The simple fact of life is that bonding is easier when we are young. You are more open to things, changes, and people in your younger years. As you mature, you grow more skeptical, cautious, even cynical. This can get in the way of meeting new people. Terms like “networking” and “mingling” show the artificial, inorganic nature of forcing oneself to find new connections and acquaintances for the sake of social or professional growth. When you are young, you just meet people because you like them.

Is friendship always a good thing? Can there be situations when friendship can affect you negatively?
Friendship comes in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes friendship can be of a very unnatural kind. For instance, if you come from a wealthy family, people will naturally want to be on good terms with you, as a rich friend is always great to have. This can lead to you being taken advantage of because you can pay for them or might want to buy them expensive gifts as they see you as a friend. This can also be true for people holding any kind of power, like government officials. Sometimes this fake friendship goes both ways, and people just choose to stay well-connected to make use of their acquaintances for personal gain. This can be covered by the façade of friendship, which it isn’t, of course.

Is it possible to stay friends with a person who has moved away?
It makes sense for distance to stand in the way of friendship. People who have been friends for years will eventually grow apart if they don’t see each other for a prolonged period of time. Keeping in touch via email can help, but nothing substitutes face-to-face communication. I am convinced that any friendship, no matter how strong, will fizzle if you don’t see the person for over a year. It will turn into a lukewarm friendliness first, and then you won’t be interested in one another at all.

Friends and family vocabulary

Extended family – your uncles and aunts, cousins and other relatives that are not included in your immediate family.
Hold somebody in high regard – to respect somebody, to have a high opinion of them.
Appreciative (adj) – to value and treasure something or somebody.
Spouse (n) – one’s wife or husband, i.e., somebody you are officially married to.
Commit (v) – to promise and keep your promise of being a part of something, i.e. commit to do a job or be a part of a family.
Single-income household – a family where only one of the spouses works while the other usually does household chores, mind the kids and so on.
Bonding (n) – the process of becoming friends or understanding each other better.
Mingling (n) – connecting and engaging with other people at some social gathering.
Be on good terms with somebody – to be in good relationship with them.
To take advantage of something or somebody – to use smb or smth in an abusive way, i.e. for personal gain. Used negatively.
Grow apart – to gradually become less interested in and connected with somebody.
Fizzle – very similar to growing apart, it also implies a rather disappointing ending.

General vocabulary

Look up to somebody – to think of somebody highly and to try to be like them.
Senile dementia – a condition that elderly people are prone to. Characterised by forgetfulness and generally worsening cognitive function.
No stranger to – knowing something well or having experience with it. Charles was no stranger to street fighting so he felt confident even at the more seedy parts of town.
Level-headed – composed, not impulsive, rational.
Hinder (v) – to slow down, to prevent from developing fully.
Purchasing power – an economic term. The ability to buy and afford goods and services.
Keep up with – not to fall back, to stay at the same pace as something or somebody else.
Reduce smth/smb to smth/smb – (here) to think poorly of somebody because you fail to see their real potential.
Façade (n) – fake front that usually hides something else, either worse or illegal. Her seemingly happy life was only a façade that hid her financial problems.
Substitute (v) – to be an alternative to something. Nothing substitutes a good two weeks of rest at the seaside.

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This is a sample response for IELTS Speaking Part 2 and 3. In addition to the model answer there are highlighted words and phrases. Teal is for vocabulary relating to this topic, yellow is for generally useful words and phrases.

IELTS Speaking Part 2

Model answer

Two months ago I had to go to a delivery company to pick up a shipment that I had ordered. I came to the place well in advance, picked a number from the queueing machine and sat down to wait for my turn. Foolishly, I thought it would only take a minute or two, but little did I know that there were only two people working on that day. I ended up having to sit there for more than an hour. Eventually, my number came up.

When I approached the official to pay for the delivery, it turned out that I had to have an ID to get the shipped item. Being lucky as I was on that day I didn’t have it. Swearing under my breath I went all the way back to my place to grab the ID. When I returned, the officials were kind enough to spare me the waiting part and I finally received my package.

It’s hard to tell who was at fault in this situation. On one hand it makes perfect sense that you need to prove who you are so that the shipment doesn’t get in the wrong hands. On the other they could have mentioned that on their website or the shipment form. I guess I could have avoided all of it if I had done due diligence and took my passport with me

IELTS Speaking Part 3

Spending time efficiently

Why are some people better than others at managing their time?
This is probably a habit or even a trait of character we take from our parents. Like most formative things, the ability to truly value your time is something that comes with experience. It is no secret that learning happens much faster and easier in our younger years, so we tend to observe and imitate things that senior members of society do. It does not matter whether it’s our parents, grandparents or teachers – they make an example for us, unknowingly so in some cases. So, to sum things up, I believe the environment we are brought in is the dominating factor when it comes whether we known how to manage our time well.

What helps people stay productive?
I’d say ambition is one of the prime things that drive people to stay productive. People who aspire to achieve greater things tend to have more energy and enthusiasm. They keep on trying if they encounter a seemingly impossible problem. They endure and persevere – all because of their desire to prove to others and to themselves how much they are capable of. It also helps if one has a dream – and it doesn’t matter whether it’s an upmarket apartment, a fancy car or a trip to an exotic location. With an aim you can feel your effort contributing to your ultimate goal. This thought helps the person focus on the task at hand.

Are there any habits that make usage of time more efficient?
Well, it goes without saying that having a stable sleeping pattern ensures that you wake up early enough to make the best use of the day. I’ve heard things about the morning hours offering most benefits to people who aim to accomplish something. It is because brain is in its most acute state during the early hours. Another logical routine one might have to ensure productivity is to have a timer that helps you measure the time you spend on each activity. It often comes as a rough awakening to the reality – we end up using most of our life on mobile phone games and chatting!

Meaning of time

Why is it important to keep track of time?
They say that time is the most precious resource we have in life, but many do not fully understand the meaning of that simple idea. The concept lies on the surface – the time that we have in life is a finite resource and its value fluctuates all the time. If you have neither a job nor any professional competence, your time is unlikely to cost much. A highly-acclaimed doctor, on the contrary, will definitely value their time much more and this in turn will affect most aspects of their life – the way they work and how they relax. We should therefore be careful with time to become worthy of it. We also have to keep a close eye on this personal and highly valuable resource that dwindles with every second, quite literally.

Who should value their time more – younger or older people? Why?
The overall consensus seems that while younger people feel the life to a greater extent they do not yet have the experience to fully appreciate it. Older people – wise, in-the-know, sometimes even jaded – might not care because they have already seen it all. Therefore, while biologically older people naturally have much less time left, they probably don’t worry about it too much. This might sound like a rough take, but it makes a lot of sense to me.

Modern problems vocabulary

At fault – to be guilty of something. When it comes to kitchen management Manny is always at fault
Do due diligence – to do what you can to make sure that there are no problems and if there are any – to correct them
Prime (adj) – (here) most important, essential
Aspire (v) – to have the ambition to achieve something and to actively try to achieve it
Routine (n) – a set or an order of actions that you do regularly. My morning routine consists of exercising, having a breakfast and reading a newspaper
Finite (adj) – existing in a limited number, not endless. Both oil and gas are finite resources that will run out at some point
Take (n) – (here, informal) an opinion on something that you express

General vocabulary

Shipment (n) – a package from another town, city or country
Little did I know – not a vocab entry. I just wanted to emphasise the importance of such grammar to get higher score. In this case we are using inversion.
Under your breath – to say something either to yourself or very quietly so others won’t hear you
Spare (v) – (here) to save somebody from something unpleasant by not including them in it. Spare me your old stories, I’ve heard them too many times!
Take from (phr v) – to inherit some physical or mental trait from your older relatives. She takes her beauty from her grandmother
Formative (adj) – happening in early years and having great influence on you because of that. I spent my formative years in the country so I learned a lot about nature and farming
Fluctuate (v) – to change unpredictably. Grain prices have been fluctuating for several months now
Dwindle (v) – to fall down slowly, to reduce in number. Like the previous word we mostly use it to talk about numbers, i.e. in statistics
Jaded (adj) – not easily impressed because they have seen too much in their life.

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