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IELTSCast | Weekly shadowing exercises for IELTS Speaking

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May 22, 2023 • 9min

Episode 104 | Part 2: A daily routine🤞

Join for full lessons at YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Describe a daily routine in your life. You should say: -what you do -when you started doing it -why you do this routine -and explain whether you will change it in the future and why I would like to talk about my daily exercise routine, which has become an integral part of my life. Every morning, without fail, I dedicate a significant amount of time to physical exercise, helping me maintain a healthy lifestyle. I started this routine approximately five years ago when I realised the importance of regular exercise for both physical and mental well-being. Initially, it was a challenge to incorporate exercise into my daily schedule, but with time and perseverance, it has become an essential habit. I usually engage in a combination of cardiovascular exercises, such as jogging or cycling, followed by strength training exercises using weights or resistance bands. There are several reasons why I adhere to this routine religiously. Firstly, physical exercise helps me stay fit and energetic throughout the day. It boosts my metabolism, improves my stamina, and enhances my overall physical endurance. Further, exercise also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight, which is essential for preventing lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Moreover, regular exercise has been proven to have positive effects on mental health, reducing stress and anxiety while promoting a sense of well-being and happiness. Considering the immense benefits I have experienced over the years, I have no plans to change this routine in the foreseeable future. The positive impact it has had on my overall health and well-being is too significant to overlook. Because the benefits I have gained from this routine have greatly exceeded my expectations, I firmly believe that daily exercise will remain a vital aspect of my life.
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Mar 13, 2023 • 28min

Episode 103 | FULL EXERCISE! | Part 2 | A person who dresses well👔| with pauses

Describe a person who dresses well. You should say: -who the person is -how you know him or her -how often you see him or her -and explain why you think this person dresses well I would like to talk about my friend Jack who I believe has a great sense of fashion and dresses exceptionally well. Jack is a friend of mine from university, and we have known each other for over five years. We met during our freshman year, and since then we have been good friends. I see Jack quite often, as we are still in touch even after graduating from university. We usually hang out together every couple of weeks, and I always look forward to seeing him. The thing that sets Jack apart from others when it comes to fashion is his ability to mix and match different styles and create a unique look. He always seems to know what's trendy and fashionable, but he doesn't blindly follow trends. Instead, he adapts them to his own personal style and makes it work for him. He also pays attention to the little details, such as matching the colour of his shoes with his belt. Moreover, Jack's clothes are always well-fitted, which I think is crucial for a person to dress well. His outfits are neither too tight nor too loose, and they always seem to flatter his body type. He also experiments with different colours and patterns and manages to pull them off effortlessly. I think Jack dresses well because he has a great sense of style, pays attention to details, and knows how to dress for his body type. He inspires me to be more adventurous with my own fashion choices, and I'm always excited to see what he'll be wearing the next time we meet.
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Feb 23, 2023 • 11min

Episode 102 | Part 2: A person from another culture

Thank you for leaving a 5 star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ieltscast-weekly-shadowing-exercises-for-ielts-speaking/id1070129363 Talk about a person you know from another culture, such as a friend or a teacher. You should say -who the person is -how you met him/her -where you met -and explain what you learnt about their cultural background I would like to talk about my friend Hiro, who is from Japan. I met Hiro in my first year of university, where we both took a course on international relations. We were assigned to work on a group project together, and that's how we became friends. We met at a coffee shop near campus, where we discussed the project and got to know each other. As we worked on the project, we learned a lot about each other's culture. Hiro shared many interesting things about Japan with me, and he opened my eyes to traditions from his homeland. One of the things I learned from Hiro is the importance of respect in Japanese culture. He explained how respect is a fundamental value in all aspects of life in Japan, from family and relationships to business and politics. Hiro also told me about the tradition of bowing as a sign of respect, which is something I found really interesting. Another thing I learned from Hiro is the importance of food in Japanese culture. He introduced me to some delicious Japanese dishes and explained the significance of certain ingredients and cooking techniques. I also learned about the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, which I found fascinating. Overall, I feel very fortunate to have met Hiro and to have learned so much about Japanese culture from him. It has given me a greater appreciation for the diversity of cultures in the world, and I feel more open-minded and eager to learn about other cultures.
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Feb 19, 2023 • 10min

Episode 101 | Part 1: Shoes

Thanks for tuning in! Leave your 5 star review at iTunes (thanks!) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ieltscast-weekly-shadowing-exercises-for-ielts-speaking/id1070129363 Visit my website for more: https://www.ieltsielts.com/ Here is a transcript of the model from today's episode: Do you study or work?I am currently pursuing a higher education at a well-renowned university. I am studying a multidisciplinary field which is a balanced combination of my diverse interests. Where do you study?My university is located in the bustling city centre, providing a perfect combination of academic rigor and cultural diversity. It's a supportive learning environment that I find motivates me to achieve my goals. What type of shoes do you wear?I am quite meticulous when it comes to footwear, as it plays a crucial role in my daily comfort. I usually wear premium sneakers made from high-quality materials, which offer excellent cushioning and support. What is your favourite colour for shoes?My favourite shoe colour is navy blue. I find it to be a timeless and stylish colour that can be easily paired with a wide range of other clothing. Do you often buy shoes in this colour?Yes, I often purchase shoes in this particular shade as I find it to be a reliable choice for various occasions. Moreover, because it is a darker colour, any scuffs or other signs of wear and tear are difficult to see. How often do you buy new shoes?I believe in the philosophy of investing in quality over quantity, which is why I don't buy shoes frequently. I usually purchase a new pair of shoes every 8 to 10 months, or when my current pair starts to show clear signs of age. When did you last buy a pair of shoes?I actually bought my last pair of shoes just a few weeks ago. They are navy blue sneakers made from premium materials, and I am thoroughly impressed with their comfort and performance. I can confidently say that they are among the best shoes I have ever owned.
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Feb 8, 2023 • 14min

Episode 100🎉 | Part 3: Communication across cultures

100 Episodes! 20,000+ listeners per month! It has been a great ride so far, and I'm so happy to hear these resources have been helpful to those of you pursuing the IELTS! If you haven't yet done so, please leave this show a 5 star review at iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ieltscast-weekly-shadowing-exercises-for-ielts-speaking/id1070129363 Here is a transcript of the band 9 sample from the episode: Is it easy to communicate with people from another culture? No. Communicating with people from another culture can be challenging, but it is not impossible. I guess the key precursor to this is that both speakers share a want to achieve successful communication. If this is a shared goal, I think communication between cultures is much more easily attained. What difficulties do we face when we talk to a person from another culture? There are several difficulties that people face when communicating with someone from a different cultural background, including language barriers and differences in customs. Certain gestures or wording can be endearing in one culture and offensive in another, for example. Is language barrier the main problem or are there other difficulties? The language barrier is a significant challenge in cross-cultural communication but it is not the only difficulty, and I wouldn’t necessarily say it is the “main” difficulty. I already mentioned differences in customs, but I would add that contrasting values or social norms can also make it challenging for people to understand each other's perspectives. Do you think if there were just one language in the world, people from different cultural backgrounds could communicate more easily? Having just one language in the world could make cross-cultural communication easier, but it would not solve all the difficulties that arise. Cultural differences could still create misunderstandings and difficulties in communication. So, in the event there were just one language in the world, I would presume healthy communication would still need people to be open-minded, respectful of others' cultures, and willing to learn and understand others’ perspectives.
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Jan 25, 2023 • 9min

Episode 99 | Part 1: Your job and advertisements

Need more IELTS coaching? Upgrade your account! https://www.ieltsielts.com/customer/settings/edit Leave your 5 star review here! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ieltscast-weekly-shadowing-exercises-for-ielts-speaking/id1070129363 Do you work or study? I am currently working as a purchasing manager with a medium sized construction company. What are your responsibilities at work? My primary responsibilities include monitoring inventory levels along our supply chains and arranging stock replenishment when it is needed. I communicate closely with our sales team and create purchase orders for items based on our forecasted figures. Why did you choose this job? I actually didn’t choose this job. I was working as a warehouse manager when a vacancy as a purchasing manager opened up. The directors at the company thought I would be a great fit for the role and encouraged me to join. Is there something you don't like about your job? I like most things about my job, but if I had to choose something I would say that the role requires dealing with a fair amount of uncertainty, and I don’t terribly like this. The construction industry has seasonal fluctuations, and sometimes demand for our product can be difficult to forecast. This can be a source of significant stress for me. Let's talk about advertisements. Tell me about an advertisement you saw recently that you enjoyed. Recently, I saw an advertisement for a new mobile application that promised to help users stay organised and manage their time more effectively. What I liked about the advertisement was that it was very visually appealing and easy to understand. They used simple and clear language to convey the features and benefits of the app and the animation was very engaging. Would you like to be in an advertisement one day? I think it could be an interesting experience to be in an advertisement one day. I could use it as a great opportunity to showcase my personality and talents to a wider audience. However, I would only want to be a part of an advertisement campaign that aligns with my values and beliefs.
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Jan 11, 2023 • 12min

Episode 98 | Part 1: Snacks

In Part 1 of this exam, the examiner does not deviate once from the topic of 'snacks'. Are you getting hungry yet? Don't forget to leave a 5 star review! (Thanks!) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ieltscast-weekly-shadowing-exercises-for-ielts-speaking/id1070129363 Here is a transcript of this week's episode: Where do you live at the moment? I live with my parents in their house, which is north of this city. Do you like snacks? Yes, I do. Because my family is Chinese, we mostly eat traditional snacks from our hometown such as a crispy rice called 'guoba' and roasted peanuts. I also like dried fish snacks, which are usually quite spicy so you have to couple them with a drink of some kind. What time of the day do you prefer to have snacks and why? Where I am from, people tend to snack all day and I guess I would say I follow suit. In the early morning, it is not uncommon for me to start my day by snacking on salted ginger. If I'm feeling peckish in the afternoon or evening, I might grab a handful of sunflower seeds. In my opinion, anytime is a great time to snack on something! Do you think snacking is a healthy habit? I guess it depends on what you're eating. I presume snacking on processed foods like potato chips or chocolate wouldn't be great for your health long term. Traditional snacks from my country tend to be quite natural, though. They're mostly fresh or dried foods with few --if any-- additives. I guess so long as you're careful to munch on unprocessed foods only, snacking can be considered healthy. What were your favourite snacks as a child? Well, my snacking choices as a child were much less healthy than they are today! I enjoyed sweets and other sugary snacks. I remember my classmates and I would often get frozen snacks after school that were sweet and very similar to ice cream. My snacking choices have obviously evolved quite a bit since I was young! If you had a child, what snacks would you give him or her? I would try to push them towards the healthier options that I mentioned earlier. People say eating habits are partially established in childhood, so I think it is important to set a good example early. This doesn't mean that a child can't have the occasional sweet snack, but what's important is to remember that moderation and mindfulness are key.
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Jan 2, 2023 • 13min

Episode 97 | Part 3: Teaching styles and learning

Happy 2023! Thank you for tuning in to these episodes each and every week. I hope these resources play a part in your IELTS Speaking success. Please remember to show some support and leave this show a five star review at iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ieltscast-weekly-shadowing-exercises-for-ielts-speaking/id1070129363 Here is a transcript of the sample heard in this episode: We’ve been talking about a lesson that you remember well, and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. What makes a lesson memorable? I think a few things help achieve this. Firstly, the teacher has a lot to do with it. Teachers that can make a subject interesting to the learner will always have memorable lessons.  The learning environment can also enhance the experience. I used to study Arabic with a tutor while living in Dubai. We would meet in shopping malls and he would help me practise by watching me speak in Arabic to shop owners. Those were lessons I will never forget! Why do people hire private tutors? In many cases, it depends on the student’s learning style. Some people prefer having designated one-on-one time with the teacher so that they can focus on their own weaknesses without having to concern themselves with the needs of other students. I enjoy both classroom instruction and private tuition, but when studying languages I prefer having a private tutor that can give me immediate and ongoing feedback. I feel this accelerates my progress. How are younger and older teachers different? They are different in many ways. Often older teachers have a much deeper understanding of the topic they are teaching, and this just comes from experience. However, younger teachers might have better understanding of technology and how the topic might be applied to contemporary times. In the advertising industry, for example, there may be statistical understanding that an older teacher explains better, whereas a younger teacher has a better grasp of the reach and demographics best hit by apps like Instagram. How have teaching styles changed compared to the past? Teaching these days makes much greater use of technology. I can’t remember the last time I saw a classroom with chalk sticks and a blackboard. Since COVID, it is also common for teaching styles to blend distance with in-person learning. Certain skills are also considered central to the learning experience now. For example, a lot of learning these days demands students research a topic using a variety of media on the internet. Do you expect people to learn in the same way in the future? I feel learning styles will forever evolve, but for now I think learning will occur through a blend of virtual and in-person methods. I feel like humanity is still a bit shaky on how to use some of the technology that was introduced during the global lockdown, so I don’t anticipate drastic changes in the foreseeable future. I imagine the next few years will involve solidifying our use of current technologies.
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Dec 20, 2022 • 9min

Episode 96 | Part 2: A lesson you remember

This week we're examining a Part 2 response on the topic of a lesson you remember. To access more speech shadowing exercises, visit https://www.ieltsielts.com/ Below is a transcripts of the full response: Talk about a lesson that you remember well. You should say -when and where it was -who taught you the lesson -what you learned -and explain why you remember the lesson well As far as school is concerned, I can’t in all honesty say I remember many lessons. However, I do remember a lesson I had with my English tutor. The lesson I remember very well was one that I had fairly recently in order to prepare for my IELTS exam. I was at my tutor’s home around four months ago and she began explaining writing Task 1 to me. I was extremely nervous about Task 1 because all my friends who had taken IELTS told me how tricky it was. Fortunately, my tutor explained it to me very methodically and demystified it for me. She showed me how to organise my ideas and what kind of language to use. She taught me how to group information appropriately, what to edit out and what to include, and how to communicate these areas in an appropriate tone. It initially felt like a great deal of information to synthesise but with some practice, it became a piece of cake. I took the writing portion of the test earlier today and feel like I utilised every bit of information my tutor provided, so I believe this is a lesson that is not only memorable but will be a crucial component to my success in the exams.
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Dec 12, 2022 • 15min

Episode 95 | Part 1: Leisure time and books

If you are enjoying these episodes, please leave a 5 star review at iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ieltscast-weekly-shadowing-exercises-for-ielts-speaking/id1070129363 Get access to adidtional speech shadowing exercises and IELTS Writing related material at https://www.ieltsielts.com/ Here is a transcript of the repeated script heard in this week's episode: Has technology changed the way people spend their leisure time? Most certainly it has. You no longer need to leave your home to spend time with friends; you just do a video call with them. Even the way we meet people has changed. Most of my current circle of friends are people that I met online.  Let’s talk about books. What type of books do you read? Well, I make every effort to read books written in English. I tend to prefer historical fiction books. I used to try to read classics but I find that language has changed so much in the past two hundred years or so that when I read something from that era, it’s like reading a different language! So, now I prefer more contemporary fiction. #ielts #learnenglish #study

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