

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

Nov 17, 2025 • 17min
💬 Chatting (Part 1) + Transcript
Join a lively discussion about the joys of chatting with friends, from group conversations to intimate banter. Explore the differences between face-to-face interaction and social media communication, and learn some delightful British slang like ‘chinwag.’ They tackle arguments among friends, share phrasal verbs for conflict, and introduce the concept of a 'mood killer.' Plus, discover how messaging apps influence chats, and even the role of AI in conversation. Tune in for insights and a bit of fun!

8 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 20min
🎻 Creativity and the arts (Part 3) + Transcript
Explore the vital role of creativity in various jobs and how drawing enhances children's expression. Discover innovative ways to encourage creativity with diverse materials. The importance of visuals in news reports is discussed, illustrating how they clarify stories. Delve into where artists find inspiration, from personal experiences to nature. Learn about the benefits of children learning musical instruments, such as improved coordination and social skills. The conversation wraps up with practical examples of fostering creativity in young minds.

15 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 19min
🧑🎨 Describe a creative person you admire (Part 2) + Transcript
Explore the genius of Elon Musk as Rory shares insights on his groundbreaking ventures like SpaceX and Tesla. Discover how Musk's creative drive reshapes industries and influences the world. Delve into what characteristics define a creative person, from artists to entrepreneurs. Listen as useful phrases and idioms for effective IELTS speaking responses are shared. The hosts also discuss the varying opinions on Musk, offering a nuanced view on admiration and creativity. Finally, tips on vocabulary and pronunciation round off this engaging discussion.

8 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 20min
🗽 Museums (Part 1) + Transcript
In this episode, the hosts explore the significance of museums and share personal experiences, including a visit to the Museum of Oxford. They discuss how museums serve as cultural repositories while debating their importance. The conversation also includes tips on discussing museums and the correct usage of articles. Vocabulary highlights include the term 'repository' and a fun idiom, 'by a country mile.' To lighten the mood, there's a humorous dinosaur museum joke featuring a newly invented dinosaur!

6 snips
Nov 8, 2025 • 19min
🏛 Museums and collections (Part 3) + Transcript
What drives people to keep old things? Discover the reasons behind sentimental or monetary value, from family heirlooms to vintage collectibles. Dive into the unique treasures found in museums, like ancient coins and mummies, while contrasting what older and younger generations hold dear. Unpack the differences in collecting habits, explore famous museums, and learn valuable vocabulary to discuss this fascinating topic. Tune in for an enlightening look at memories, collections, and the stories behind our cherished items!

4 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 19min
💍 Describe an important old thing that your family has kept for a long time (Part 2) + Transcript
Hosts explore the sentimental value of family heirlooms, focusing on Rory's portrait of his grandmother. They discuss how these items anchor home decor while holding deep emotional significance. Tips for selecting and describing heirlooms abound, including vocabulary on material and appearance. The duo shares personal stories, weaving in model phrasing and expressions for effective communication. Listeners can gain insights into articulating memories tied to cherished objects and the impact of an heirloom's absence.

7 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 19min
🧘♂️ Taking a break (Part 1) + Transcript
Discover the intriguing world of naps and breaks! The hosts explore how napping affects productivity and share personal stories about feeling groggy after a snooze. They discuss fun activities to do while resting, from reading to gaming. Vocabulary lessons highlight words like 'dazed' and 'doze off.' Tune in as they examine the best times for napping and even throw in a light-hearted joke about a dozing bulldozer. It's a fun dive into the art of taking breaks!

Nov 6, 2025 • 24min
🛠 Breaking and fixing things (Part 3) + Transcript
Hosts Maria and Rory dive into the amusing world of household breakages, sharing their own recent mishaps like a broken bed and computer scare. They discuss who tends to fix things, highlighting the skills of independent folks versus the elderly. The duo debates the value of handmade clothes versus factory-produced items, emphasizing that quality depends on materials and craftsmanship. They also touch on the generational divide in repair skills, where older generations may excel at simple fixes but struggle with modern tech.

8 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 19min
💔 Describe a time when you broke something (Part 2) + Transcript
Hosts dive into the humorous chaos of breaking everyday items, like phones and mugs. Rory shares a memorable tale about his cracked phone screen during a clean-up, while Maria offers a model answer brimming with useful vocabulary. They discuss common objects people break and provide tips on how to effectively structure responses for the IELTS speaking task. With playful banter and practical advice, listeners are sure to leave with both laughs and language tips!

Oct 27, 2025 • 24min
👞 Shoes (Part 1) + Transcript
The hosts dive into the world of shoes with a playful discussion on personal preferences and buying habits. From Rory's quick online purchases to his love for comfortable trainers, they explore the balance between style and comfort. They reminisce about favorite shoes and share tips on shoe care. The duo also defines phrases like 'hit and miss' and discusses common shoe types, while keeping the conversation light with humor and personal anecdotes. Tune in for shoe-related laughs and insights!


