IELTSCast | Weekly shadowing exercises for IELTS Speaking

Ryan Higgins
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Feb 1, 2024 • 20min

Lesson 140 | Part 1: Quiet places and sunglasses🕶️

Visit the blog! https://ieltsielts.com/ Get full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Are you currently working or are you a student? I am currently employed as a marketing specialist for a technology company. I have been working in this role for the past three years. Do you prefer working in a crowded place or a quiet one? Personally, I thrive in a quieter work environment. I find that I can concentrate better and be more productive when there are fewer distractions. Do you like spending your vacations or holidays in crowded or quiet places? I tend to lean towards quieter destinations when it comes to vacations. The peacefulness of open landscapes and the chance to unwind away from the hustle and bustle of daily life are appealing to me. I can't imagine experiencing the same level of relaxation in a crowded city. Let's talk about sunglasses. Do you often wear sunglasses? I make it a habit to wear sunglasses, especially during the sunny seasons. Not only do they provide protection against harmful UV rays, but they also help reduce glare. Additionally, I see sunglasses as a fashion accessory, and I often choose a pair that complements my style. Should people be encouraged to wear sunglasses? Absolutely. I believe people should be encouraged to wear sunglasses, not just as a fashion statement but also for the health benefits. Prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays can lead to various eye conditions, and wearing sunglasses is a simple and effective way to get long-term protection of one's eyes. Have you ever bought sunglasses for someone else? Yes, I have. On a couple of occasions, I have purchased sunglasses as gifts for friends and family. I believe it's a thoughtful present, and I make sure to consider the recipient's style and preferences when selecting a pair. It's a practical yet stylish gift and it's a great choice for people that are hard to buy gifts for. Thank you.
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Jan 24, 2024 • 19min

Lesson 139 | Part 3: Complaints☹️

Visit the blog! https://ieltsielts.com/ Get full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join What do people usually complain about in public places? In public places, people commonly complain about inadequate facilities, poor sanitation, noise levels and overcrowding. When people complain, do they usually do it verbally or in writing? I think it depends on the situation and size of the problem. For smaller nuisances, verbal communication seems to be more prevalent. People tend to voice their concerns directly to the relevant authorities or service providers, perhaps to get an immediate response. I think written complaints would be more common for complex or ongoing issues, such as noise coming from a construction site. Do you think social media has changed the way people complain about services or products? Oh yes, it certainly has. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook allow individuals to voice their concerns instantly and to a broad audience. This not only puts pressure on businesses to address issues promptly but also empowers consumers by providing a public forum for expressing dissatisfaction. This new way to complain did not exist 30 years ago. Do you think it is important for businesses to address customer complaints? Absolutely. Resolving complaints fosters customer loyalty and enhances the company's reputation. In today's interconnected world, where information spreads rapidly, neglecting customer grievances can lead to a tarnished image and a loss of clientele. How do you think complaints should be handled to ensure customers are satisfied? I feel companies should first establish clear and accessible channels through which customers can express their concerns. Once a complaint is received, a prompt response acknowledging the issue is essential. Investigating the root cause is then necessary. Finally, offering a fair resolution helps to win back customer loyalty. When someone is complaining in an aggressive way, should they be punished? I guess it depends on the degree and nature of the aggression. Businesses should do what they can to de-escalate aggressive clients and deal with the cause of unhappiness. However, if the aggressive behaviour persists or starts to involve personal threats then I think the business has the right to refuse service or --in extreme circumstances-- call the police.
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Jan 19, 2024 • 15min

Episode 138 | Part 2: An event that positively impacted your life🌠

The new website is up! https://ieltsielts.com/ Sign up for full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Describe an event in your life that changed it in a positive way. You should say: -what the event was -when it happened -how it changed your life and explain why this change was positive for you Well, I would have to say my decision to learn a new language changed my life in a positive way. This significant turning point occurred around three years ago during my summer break. I had always been intrigued by the different cultures of Spanish-speaking people, so deciding to study Spanish was a natural choice for me. The journey began with enrolling in an intensive language course and immersing myself in Spanish literature and media. Doing these two things helped me to improve my understanding and abilities rapidly. I'll now speak about the multifaceted ways in which studying Spanish impacted my life. Firstly, the mental challenge of mastering a new language stimulated my cognitive abilities and significantly improved my memory and problem-solving skills. Moreover, the decision to learn Spanish opened up a world of cultural richness - exciting literature, films and music. I also found myself connecting both in-person and online with a global community of language learners, and this was extremely rewarding. The most significant change, however, was the unexpected boost it gave to my career. The ability to speak Spanish fluently became a valuable skill, and it opened up new job opportunities for me in Europe, the Americas and even Asia. Today, my work involves facilitating trade between my country and Spanish speaking countries. It's an extremely rewarding role that I wouldn't have been capable of doing otherwise. In summary, the decision to learn a new language, Spanish in particular, was a transformative event that positively influenced various aspects of my life.
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Jan 16, 2024 • 16min

Episode 137 | Part 3: Agriculture🥔

Sign up for FULL lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Visit my blog! https://ieltsielts.com/ Do you think the dishes people cook are influenced by the agriculture of their region? Absolutely. The availability of certain crops and livestock shapes the culinary traditions of a place. For example, in regions where rice cultivation is prevalent, you'll find a rich variety of rice-based dishes, and the same is true in regions where wheat is the more common grain. How important do you think agriculture is in your country? It's definitely important in China. Agriculture not only provides sustenance to the vast population but also contributes significantly to the national economy. I would also say a lot of our cultural identity is closely tied to traditional farming practices and the cuisines these practices produce. Can agriculture be improved by technology? Yes, I believe it can. Technology can significantly enhance efficiency, yield and sustainability in agriculture. Modern irrigation systems and genetically modified crops are just a few examples of how technology can increase productivity. By integrating these innovations, agriculture can meet the demands of the world's growing population. Are there any negative impacts of using technology in agriculture? One concern is the over-reliance on certain technologies, which may lead to environmental degradation. Additionally, the high cost of advanced equipment can create economic disparities among farmers. Striking a balance between technological progress and sustainable practices is crucial to mitigate these negative impacts. How do you think technology in agriculture affects the environment? The impact of technology on the environment in agriculture is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, precision farming and efficient resource management can minimise water and chemical usage. On the other hand, technologies that enhance the spraying of pesticides, for example, can cause harm to ecosystems. Striking a harmonious balance between technology and nature is thus essential to ensure a sustainable future.
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Jan 5, 2024 • 17min

Episode 136 | Part 2: Someone who loves cooking🍳

Meet Lauren, a middle-aged woman with a passion for culinary arts. She specializes in making exquisite Italian dishes like pasta and homemade pizzas. Her cooking fills the house with an inviting aroma. Lauren loves cooking for her husband and three children, and believes that food has the power to bring people together. For her, cooking is a therapeutic activity and a way to express love and care. With her culinary expertise, Sunday dinners at her house have become a cherished tradition.
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Dec 29, 2023 • 8min

Episode 135 | Part 1: Noise and loud music📯

Sign up! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Do you work or are you a student? I'm currently a student. What do you study? I'm pursuing a degree in Environmental Science. Let's talk about noise. Would you describe yourself as a noisy person? No, I wouldn't say I'm a noisy person at all. I generally prefer a calm and quiet environment. In what situations does noise bother you? I find noise particularly bothersome when I'm trying to concentrate, especially while studying or working on important tasks. It can be quite distracting. Do you like to listen to loud music? Occasionally...yes, I do. However, I prefer it at a moderate volume. I find it more enjoyable, and it doesn't disturb others around me. How do you feel about noise in your living environment? I value a peaceful living environment. Excessive noise can be disruptive to both relaxation and productivity. I believe in maintaining a balance to ensure a harmonious atmosphere. Do you think cities are becoming noisier? Absolutely. It's evident that urban areas are experiencing an increase in noise levels. Factors like traffic, construction and a faster-paced lifestyle contribute to the overall rise in noise pollution. It's a concerning trend that impacts the quality of life for many city dwellers.
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Dec 20, 2023 • 17min

Episode 134 | Part 3: Helping and volunteering🪴

Explore how children can help their parents through everyday gestures and acts of kindness. Learn about the reasons why some children may not like helping their parents and discover ways in which children can assist their classmates academically. Find out the benefits of volunteering for young individuals, including the acquisition of life skills, fostering compassion, and a sense of civic duty.
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Dec 14, 2023 • 11min

Episode 133 | Part 2: A person who always offers a helping hand to others💛

Subscribe for full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Describe a person who lives in your area and always offers a helping hand to others. You should say -who this person is -how he/she helps others -why he/she does it And explain how you feel about this person I'd like to talk about a remarkable individual in my community who consistently extends a helping hand to others – Mrs. Smith. She is a retired school teacher in her late 60s and she and I have resided in the same neighbourhood for the past three decades. Mrs. Smith's helpfulness is evident in many ways, but her most notable contribution is in tutoring local children after school hours. She voluntarily dedicates a few hours each day to assist students with their homework and provide additional support in subjects they find challenging. Furthermore, she has established a small community library in her home, where she lends books to children who may not have access to such resources otherwise. The driving force behind Mrs. Smith's generous actions is her unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. Having spent the majority of her life as an educator, she is passionate about ensuring that every child in our community has the opportunity to succeed academically. Personally, I am deeply inspired by Mrs. Smith's dedication and kindness. Witnessing her commitment to the community has instilled a sense of communal responsibility within me. Her selflessness serves as a reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the lives of those around us. Mrs. Smith is an exemplary figure in our community, and I feel fortunate to know such a compassionate and community-minded person.
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Dec 7, 2023 • 17min

Episode 132 | Part 1: Rain and staying healthy in your country🏃

For full exercises: https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Do you work or study? Currently, I study marketing at a college in this city. Why did you choose to study this subject? I chose to study marketing because of its dynamic nature and its direct relevance to my career goals. The field allows me to combine creativity with strategic thinking, providing a perfect fit for my aspirations. Let’s talk about rain. Does it rain much in your city? In Rome, we experience moderate rainfall, particularly during the spring and fall seasons. The rain contributes to the city's greenery and maintains a pleasant climate. Would you most like to live in a place that is dry or wet? I prefer a place with a balanced climate. Moderate rainfall adds to the environmental diversity and creates a pleasant atmosphere. Would you change your plans if it rained outside? Weather conditions do influence my plans to some extent. Heavy rain might prompt me to reconsider outdoor activities. However, a light drizzle usually doesn't deter me from my plans. Let’s talk about health. Is it easy to stay healthy in your country? Yes, it is generally easy to maintain good health in Italy. Access to healthcare facilities, a variety of fresh and nutritious foods, and a cultural emphasis on physical activity contribute to an environment conducive to overall well-being. How do you maintain your physical health? I prioritise physical health through a combination of regular exercise and a balanced diet. Engaging in activities like jogging and incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins into my diet ensures that I stay fit and energetic. Do you have a favourite exercise? Indeed, my favourite exercise is yoga. I find it not only physically beneficial but also mentally rejuvenating. The rhythmic nature of yoga allows me to unwind and stay physically active, contributing to a holistic sense of well-being.
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Nov 29, 2023 • 21min

Episode 131 | Part 3: Young people and independence🧮

In this podcast, they discuss how young people have to become independent at a younger age due to the accelerated pace of life. They talk about the responsibilities young adults face when moving out of their parents' home, including managing finances and household chores. The podcast also explores the impact of financial challenges on young people and the societal pressures that force them to mature faster. They discuss the trend of switching career paths and the importance of self-reliance. Overall, the podcast emphasizes the role of moving out in fostering autonomy and personal growth.

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