

IELTSCast | Weekly shadowing exercises for IELTS Speaking
Ryan Higgins
This show publishes 'Repeat After Me' IELTS Speaking lessons. All speaking scripts are written by active examiners, and all questions are taken from real exams. For full lessons, visit: http://www.ieltsspeakingblog.com
Contact Ryan at ryan@ieltsspeakingblog.com
Contact Ryan at ryan@ieltsspeakingblog.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 22, 2023 • 17min
Episode 130 | Part 2: Someone you know who moved into a new accommodation🏢
In this episode, they discuss a colleague named Emily who recently moved into a new accommodation for career advancement and to be closer to work. They describe the apartment as spacious with a stunning view of the city skyline. The move has had a positive impact on Emily's life, reducing her commute time and providing opportunities to meet new people. The podcast also includes a review of a speech shadowing exercise and the start of the exam Part 2.

Nov 15, 2023 • 42min
Episode 129 | Special! 40+ minutes of 'repeat after me' exercises!✅
This podcast episode covers topics such as studying, work, friendship, computers, the zoo, and drinks. It includes a speech-shadowing exercise lasting over 40 minutes, with discussions on studying habits, the merits of computers vs tablets, visiting the Moscow Zoo, and their favorite drink – Earl Grey tea with milk. The hosts also encourage listeners to subscribe for full lessons on YouTube.

Nov 6, 2023 • 20min
Episode 128 | Part 3: Talking about projects at work (10 min. exercise!)🗂️
Join this channel for FULL lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Join my FREE newsletter! https://www.ieltsielts.com/ Transcript of the sample that is heard in this video: How important is it for employees to take on challenging projects at work? Taking on challenging projects at work is of paramount importance. It not only helps employees grow and develop professionally but also contributes significantly to the overall success of the organisation. Challenging projects provide employees with the opportunity to expand their skill set, learn new things and think creatively. In fact, the ability to handle challenging projects is often a key differentiator in one's career progression, as it showcases a person's problem solving skills, leadership potential and adaptability. What skills are necessary to successfully handle challenging projects? Handling challenging projects successfully demands a diverse set of skills. Firstly, problem solving skills are crucial. Employees should be able to analyse complex issues, identify potential solutions and make informed decisions. Additionally, effective communication and teamwork are essential for collaboration and sharing ideas within the team. I would also say that time management and organisational skills are necessary to ensure that tasks are completed on schedule. Those are the main skills that come to mind. How do you think technology has changed the way people approach and complete work-related projects? Technology has revolutionised the way people approach and complete work-related projects. It has streamlined processes, increased efficiency and expanded the possibilities of what can be achieved. For example, as we saw during COVID, digital tools made it possible for employees to collaborate seamlessly from different locations. Technology has thus accelerated the pace of work and made remote work more viable. How should a person or team respond when a project doesn't go as planned? When a project doesn't go as planned, it is essential to respond with a constructive approach. The first step should be to conduct a thorough post-mortem analysis to understand what went wrong and why. Identifying the root causes of the issues is crucial for preventing similar problems in the future. Communication within the team and with stakeholders is also key because this keeps everyone informed of the situation and the steps being taken to address it. One final but critical step is to maintain a positive and solution oriented mindset. Setbacks are inherent in most projects, and a resilient team that can learn from its mistakes is more likely to rebound quickly.

Oct 31, 2023 • 7min
Episode 127 | Part 2: An impactful book you read📕
Discussion on part two of the IELTS speaking exam focusing on a book that had a significant impact, providing a model response and personal experience with The Great Gatsby. Practice your speaking skills by shadowing a candidate's response about The Great Gatsby, their impactful book during university years.

Oct 24, 2023 • 9min
Episode 126 | Part 1: Your hometown and drinks🍵
Part one of the IELTS speaking exam focuses on the listener's hometown, including the picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon, its rich history, Tudor-style architecture, and positive changes over the years. The hosts also discuss the importance of drinking water for health and lead a speech-shadowing exercise on favorite drinks, including their love for a well-brewed cup of Earl Grey tea with milk.

Oct 16, 2023 • 7min
Episode 125 | Part 3: Traditional celebrations in the modern world 🎏
The podcast explores traditional celebrations in Indonesian culture and their evolution over the years. It discusses the International Jazz Festival of Jakarta and Independence Day, highlighting the incorporation of modern music technologies and increased community engagement through social media. The importance of preserving cultural traditions in today's fast-paced world is emphasized, as they serve as a link to our heritage and impart valuable life lessons.

Oct 9, 2023 • 6min
Episode 124 | Part 2: A traditional celebration or event in your culture🌠
The podcast discusses Eid al-Fitr, a traditional celebration in Indonesia marking the end of Ramadan. It explores the significance of the festival, traditions observed, and personal experiences. The chapter also includes a speech-shadowing exercise for improving pronunciation.

Oct 3, 2023 • 7min
Episode 123 | Part 1: Meeting new people and making friends🫂
In this episode, they discuss the benefits of meeting new people and making friends. They talk about the types of people they easily connect with and suggest community events as a great place to meet new people. They also share their background as full-time university students studying business management in Jakarta.

Sep 25, 2023 • 13min
Episode 122 | Part 3: Board games and society🃏
Get FULL exercises! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Why do you think games are popular at social gatherings and family events? I think they are popular because of their ability to foster a sense of camaraderie and engagement. They act as icebreakers, encouraging people to interact and bond over shared experiences...thereby breaking any initial awkwardness. Furthermore, games inject an element of fun and excitement into these gatherings, making them enjoyable for everyone involved. In what ways do games contribute to improving social skills and communication among people? I would say games encourage effective verbal and non-verbal communication, as players must explain rules and strategies. This enhances interpersonal communication skills by encouraging people to speak clearly and listen actively. Games also often involve teamwork and collaboration, which fosters a sense of cooperation and trust among participants. I would say these are the main ways in which games improve a person's social skills. Some people argue that board games can be educational. What are your thoughts on this? I wholeheartedly agree with the notion that board games can be highly educational. Board games often incorporate various cognitive skills, including critical thinking, problem solving and strategic planning, and they often are explicitly designed for educational purposes, covering topics such as mathematics, history and language acquisition. For example, my nephew's geography improved dramatically while playing the game Risk, which involves intercontinental battle between players on a world map. What types of board games do you believe will be popular in the future? Hmm I imagine future board games will integrate augmented reality or even virtual reality. Additionally, I think games could do a lot to promote themes of social responsibility, such as the importance of sustainability and environmental awareness. Ultimately, the future of board games will likely be shaped by the evolving interests and values of society, but I don’t think they’ll ever lose their appeal as a source of social interaction and entertainment. Thank you. That is the end of the speaking exam. Read More Quick LinksGet Embed PlayerShare on SocialDownload Audio File

Sep 18, 2023 • 11min
Episode 121 | Part 2: A memorable game🎲
The podcast discusses a memorable game called Settlers of Catan, focusing on the gameplay and the experience of playing it with friends. It highlights the strategic alliances, clever trades, and unexpected betrayals that made the game intense and enjoyable. The host also introduces a speech-shadowing exercise for IELTS speaking test preparation.