

IELTS Speaking for Success
Podcourses
Every week, Maria and Rory get together to discuss the latest IELTS Speaking topics, providing model answers and vocabulary to help you improve your general spoken English and achieve a higher band in your IELTS exam.Our website: https://successwithielts.comTranscripts: https://successwithielts.com/podcast#transcriptsPremium episodes: https://linktr.ee/sfspremium
Episodes
Mentioned books

5 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 20min
🏒 Skills and abilities (Part 1) + Transcript
The hosts dive into the thrill of mastering skills and reflect on personal strengths like storytelling and teaching. Rory candidly shares his cooking disasters and driving woes, adding a humorous touch. They explore the importance of praising friends and discuss cultural differences in giving compliments. Listeners learn about idioms like 'blow your own trumpet' and get tips on admitting weaknesses gracefully. The conversation wraps up with aspirations for improvement, making it relatable and engaging for anyone looking to boost their self-awareness.

Oct 6, 2025 • 22min
🥩 Food and meals (Part 3) + Transcript
Discover the shifts in family mealtime dynamics and their implications on relationships. The hosts discuss the typical topics shared over meals, from work stories to local gossip. They explore the convenience of home cooking and the hurdles many face, like busy schedules and cleanup. Festivals emerge as a prime reason for family gatherings, complete with traditional dishes that vary by occasion. Finally, the preference for home dining over eating out during festivities highlights comfort and cost-effectiveness. Tune in for insightful tips on speaking English!

16 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 18min
🍝 Describe a great dinner you and your friends or family members enjoyed (Part 2) + Transcript
The hosts dive into the prompts for sharing a memorable dinner. Rory shares details about his birthday celebration, including delicious food and two cakes enjoyed with family and friends. They discuss the importance of reconnecting with loved ones and the warm atmosphere, including a calm family dog. Practical tips are provided for crafting a compelling story, including useful phrases and vocabulary like 'finger food.' The conversation covers the variety of topics shared during the dinner, making this a flavorful guide for storytelling.

8 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 16min
🍅 Growing vegetables and/or fruits (Part 1) + Transcript
Dive into the world of gardening with lively discussions on the challenges of growing your own vegetables. The hosts share personal experiences, revealing how busy lives can hinder green thumbs. Are people in your area embracing home gardening, or is it just a relic of the past? They debate the importance of teaching gardening in schools, noting how it links biology and math. Plus, discover a variety of plants to grow, along with humorous vocabulary that distinguishes skilled gardeners from those who can't keep a cactus alive!

Sep 28, 2025 • 23min
✨ Stories and storytelling (Part 3) + Transcript
Does a good storyline make or break a movie? Dive into the often dark endings of classic children's tales and discover what kids learn from stories. Explore the benefits of bedtime stories for fostering closeness and calming nerves. Learn how storytelling influences children's dreams and their preferences—from whimsical to eerie. Plus, gain insight into important storytelling terminology and idioms like 'not all sunshine and rainbows' that enrich narrative discussions.

6 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 20min
👻 Describe an interesting traditional story (Part 2) + Transcript
Dive into the world of traditional storytelling with fascinating tales like Aesop's fable, 'The Tortoise and the Hare.' Discover how the story emphasizes steady effort over overconfidence, and share in the nostalgia of childhood memories connected to it. Explore tips on summarizing traditional tales for speaking prompts and why these timeless lessons remain relevant in our lives. You'll also learn about fables versus fairy tales, showcasing their moral teachings. Get ready to reflect on how these stories have shaped personal behaviors!

8 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 20min
🧩 Puzzles (Part 1) + Transcript
Dive into the intriguing world of puzzles! Discover whether word or number puzzles reign supreme in the minds of the hosts. Reflect on childhood memories of challenging crosswords and word searches. Uncover when people tend to tackle puzzles—during commutes, trips, or moments of boredom. Plus, explore the cognitive perks puzzles offer to older adults, boosting memory and concentration. And don't miss the clever riddle that teaches a lesson about promises!

10 snips
Sep 21, 2025 • 21min
👞 Second hand items (Part 3) + Transcript
Dive into the fascinating world of second-hand items! Discover what happens to unwanted clothes and why many prefer buying them. From sustainability to saving money, the discussion explores the ins and outs of recycling. Should the government step in to encourage recycling? Learn about the pros and cons of purchasing used goods, including the potential stigma for kids and environmental impacts. Join the conversation and think about how these practices shape our society!

15 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 20min
🪙 Describe a website that sells second-hand items (Part 2) + Transcript
Dive into the world of second-hand shopping! Discover why used books on Amazon are Rory's go-to choice, prized for trust and convenience. The hosts compare major resale platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace, highlighting their pros and cons. Explore the fascinating range of items available, from gadgets to vintage finds, and learn about condition descriptors that guide your purchase decisions. It's a treasure hunt for bargain lovers!

8 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 22min
🙂 Being happy (Part 1) + Transcript
Explore the multifaceted nature of happiness, from childhood joys to adult aspirations. Discover the balance between spiritual fulfillment and material comforts. Reflect on the importance of social connections, personal growth, and community support. Listen as the hosts share playful anecdotes, encouraging you to reminisce about what truly makes you happy. Dive into the evolving perceptions of happiness, especially in the workplace, and enjoy humorous insights on maintaining positivity amidst life's challenges.