In this tutorial we look at recent IELTS Speaking questions (reported by students).

I answer the questions, give reasons for my answers, share vocabulary, and techniques used in my answers.

Below I wrote out my answers and pasted the recent questions seen. I also highlighted some of the useful vocabulary and techniques used.

At the end of the tutorial I share two useful websites, one is great for generating ideas relating to the topics, you can also find useful vocabulary and terms too. Go to this site (www.answerthepublic.com), type in your term, and see what happens!

The second site looks ugly but is useful, especially for finding collocations, you can find it here: www.freecollocation.com

Below are the cue-cards and questions, in italics are my thoughts / tips. In bold are useful terms and techniques.

Listen to the full tutorial here.

SPEAKING EXAM ONE

IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a thing that you purchased recently. You should say:

– What it was

– What it looks like

– How you bought it

And explain how you felt about it.

I will talk about something I really like! Technology! I can geek out, share technical terms, and talk a lot about it.

I recently bought online some bluetooth headphones, with noise cancelling technology (details!). It was an impulse purchase, I saw it and thought I had to have it. I convinced myself I needed these because (a simple word to expand answers) I can use them for work, and watching films while travelling, especially on the plane. I was saving up but then I saw a special offer. I bought them online, it wasn’t easy, I bought them from an Amazon warehouse deal. (mini story) There was some huge complications regarding the delivery address….. Quite a mix up, but eventually I got them. I’m quite pleased with this purchase, I’ve used the headphones a lot, I think they will last a long time.

– What would you do if you bought something disappointing from the internet?

First I would contact customer service to find out the procedure for returning an item, then I’d evaluate if it is worthwhile (mini story). I once bought a phone from a Chinese website, it turned out terrible, but it cost me half of the purchase price to return it, so I didn’t bother. They were quite sneaky because they insisted I pay for registered or recorded express mail, which was considerably more expensive. In the end I think I just sold it to a friend.

– Why is online shopping so popular these days?

It’s so popular because it’s convenient, and possibly even exciting. I must admit I love receiving packages though the post. I think they are like small presents, and plus sometimes you don’t know what’s inside (mini story). For example I am always buying small stuff from ebay, from water crystals, to magnets, to pencils, cheap random stuff (details!), but it’s fun getting the packages a few weeks later. Usually the delivery time is around three weeks, so I often forget what I bought, and then I open the package, and it’s like tiny taste of Christmas. (Get back on topic!) But going back to the question, I think online shopping is popular because of the cost savings, the speed of modern delivery, the huge range you have online, and the assurance you get a good deal. Nowadays you can price compare almost everything.

SPEAKING EXAM TWO

2.) IELTS Speaking Part 1

What is your full name?

Can I see your ID?

Where are you from?

Do you work or study?

Have you ever been on a boat?

Yes I love sailing,