IELTS Speaking Book 10 Test 1

Test 1: Speaking

Part 1: Weekends

1. How do you usually spend your weekends?
   I usually spend my weekends relaxing at home. I watch movies, read books, and sometimes go for a walk in the park.

2. Which is your favourite part of the weekend?
   My favourite part is Saturday evening because I can stay up late and enjoy some free time without worrying about the next day.

3. Do you think your weekends are long enough?
   No, I don't think they are long enough. Two days pass quickly, and sometimes I wish I had an extra day to relax more.

4. How important do you think it is to have free time at the weekends?
   I think it's very important because it gives us time to rest and recharge after a busy week. It helps improve mental health and productivity.

Part 2: Describe someone you know who does something well.

I know a friend of mine named Sara who is an amazing cook. I met her in college, and she has always been passionate about cooking. She prepares delicious meals and is especially good at making desserts. I believe she is so good at cooking because she practices a lot and loves experimenting with new recipes.

Part 3: Discussion Topics

Skills and abilities

1. What skills and abilities do people most want to have today?
   Nowadays, many people want to improve their communication and technology skills because these are important for both personal and professional success.

2. Which skills should children learn at school?
   Children should learn problem-solving skills and teamwork at school. These skills will help them in their studies and later in life.

3. Which skills do you think will be important in the future?
   In the future, technology skills like coding and data analysis will be important because everything is becoming more digital. Communication skills will also remain important for working with others.

Salaries for skilled people

4. Which kinds of jobs have the highest salaries in your country? Why is this?
   In my country, doctors and engineers usually have the highest salaries because their work requires a lot of education and skill. They also deal with important things like health and infrastructure.

5. Are there any other jobs that you think should have high salaries? Why do you think that?
   Yes, I think teachers should have higher salaries because they play a crucial role in shaping the future by educating children.

6. Some people say it would be better for society if everyone got the same salary. What do you think about that? Why?
   I don't agree with this idea because different jobs require different levels of skill and responsibility. People who do more difficult jobs should be rewarded accordingly.

Part 1: Weekends

1. How do you usually spend your weekends?
   Typically, I like to spend my weekends balancing relaxation and productivity. I enjoy reading, perhaps catching up on a novel or an article I’ve been meaning to finish. I also make time for outdoor activities, like a brisk walk or a run, to stay active. If I have time, I may socialize with friends or explore a new cafe in the city.

2. Which is your favourite part of the weekend?
   My favourite part of the weekend is Sunday morning. There’s something quite special about waking up without the pressure of rushing anywhere. I love the peace and quiet of the morning hours, which gives me a sense of calm before the week starts again.

3. Do you think your weekends are long enough?
   Personally, I feel the weekends could be longer. With only two days, it often feels like there’s not enough time to fully unwind, especially if there are personal commitments or errands to attend to. An additional day would allow for a better balance between rest and responsibilities.

4. How important do you think it is to have free time at the weekends?
   I believe free time over the weekend is absolutely essential. It provides a crucial opportunity for people to recharge, both mentally and physically. Without this downtime, people might face burnout, especially after a hectic week. Moreover, weekends are a chance to spend quality time with family and engage in hobbies that are often neglected during the workweek.

Part 2: Describe someone you know who does something well.

One person I admire for their skill is my colleague, David, who is an exceptional graphic designer. I first met David when we started working together on a project, and I was immediately impressed by his creativity and attention to detail. He has a remarkable ability to take abstract ideas and turn them into visually striking designs that are both innovative and functional. What sets David apart is his dedication to perfecting his craft. He constantly seeks feedback and strives to improve with each project. I think his passion for design, combined with his strong work ethic, is why he excels in his field. His designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also effectively communicate the intended message.

Part 3: Discussion Topics

Skills and abilities

1. What skills and abilities do people most want to have today? Why?
   In today’s fast-paced world, people often prioritize digital and interpersonal skills. With the rise of technology, proficiency in software and technical tools has become increasingly valuable. At the same time, strong communication and emotional intelligence are highly sought after as they are crucial for collaboration and leadership in any professional setting. The combination of technical expertise and soft skills gives individuals a competitive edge in the job market.

2. Which skills should children learn at school? Are there any skills which they should learn at home?
   Schools should focus on teaching critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, as these are foundational skills that apply across various subjects and future careers. It’s also important to introduce children to teamwork and communication from a young age. Meanwhile, skills such as emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience are best cultivated at home, where parents can model these behaviors in a more personal setting.

3. Which skills do you think will be important in the future? Why?
   Looking forward, technological skills such as coding, data analysis, and artificial intelligence will be indispensable as our world continues to advance digitally. However, skills like adaptability, critical thinking, and collaboration will also remain essential. The ability to learn and adjust quickly to new circumstances will be key, as the job market is constantly evolving with new industries and innovations.

Salaries for skilled people

4. Which kinds of jobs have the highest salaries in your country? Why is this?
   In my country, professionals in medicine, law, and engineering generally earn the highest salaries. This is largely due to the years of education and specialized training required for these fields. Additionally, these professions hold significant responsibility; for example, doctors handle life-or-death situations, while engineers and lawyers contribute to critical infrastructure and legal matters, respectively.

5. Are there any other jobs that you think should have high salaries? Why do you think that?
   I strongly believe that educators should receive higher salaries. Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of society, yet they are often underpaid relative to the importance of their work. By investing in teachers, we not only reward them for their dedication but also help ensure a higher standard of education for future generations.

6. Some people say it would be better for society if everyone got the same salary. What do you think about that? Why?
   While the idea of equal salaries for all may seem appealing from an equality standpoint, I believe it would reduce motivation and diminish the incentive to strive for excellence in specialized fields. Compensation should reflect the level of responsibility, expertise, and impact associated with different jobs. A merit-based salary system encourages innovation and productivity, which are crucial for societal progress.

Part 1: Weekends

Vocabulary:

• Productivity – the effectiveness of productive effort

• Unwind – to relax after a period of tension

• Brisk – active, fast, and energetic

• Recharge – regain energy or strength

• Commitments – responsibilities or duties

• Routine – a regular course of action

Phrases:

• “I like to strike a balance between relaxation and productivity during the weekend.”

• “My weekends offer me a chance to recharge after a hectic week.”

• “The best part of the weekend is the feeling of unwinding and escaping my usual routine.”

Idiomatic Expressions:

• Burn the candle at both ends – to overwork yourself, reducing your energy.

  • Example: "If I don't rest on the weekends, I end up burning the candle at both ends."

• Take it easy – to relax or be less intense.

  • Example: "On weekends, I try to take it easy and enjoy some downtime."

Part 2: Describing Someone

Vocabulary:

• Exceptional – unusually good

• Innovative – introducing new ideas; creative in thinking

• Attention to detail – thoroughness and precision

• Aesthetic – concerning beauty or artistic impact

• Perfectionist – someone who strives for flawlessness

• Pivotal – of crucial importance

Phrases:

• “What sets him/her apart is their exceptional creativity and innovative approach.”

• “They have a keen eye for detail, ensuring every aspect is perfectly executed.”

• “Their dedication to their craft makes them a perfectionist.”

Idiomatic Expressions:

• A natural – someone who is very good at something from the beginning.

  • Example: "He’s a natural when it comes to graphic design."

• Hit the nail on the head – to do something perfectly.

  • Example: "Her designs always hit the nail on the head."

Part 3: Skills and Abilities

Vocabulary:

• Proficiency – competence or skill in a specific area

• Versatility – ability to adapt to different functions or activities

• Soft skills – interpersonal skills like communication and teamwork

• Critical thinking – the ability to think clearly and rationally

• Technical expertise – specialized knowledge in a particular field

Phrases:

• “In today's competitive world, both soft skills and technical proficiency are equally important.”

• “Versatility is key in the modern workplace as roles and industries are evolving rapidly.”

• “The future job market will demand adaptability and a strong capacity for critical thinking.”

Idiomatic Expressions:

• Cutting-edge – extremely modern and advanced.

  • Example: "Future careers will require cutting-edge technical skills."

• Think outside the box – to think creatively.

  • Example: "In the future, individuals who can think outside the box will thrive in the workplace."

Salaries for Skilled People

Vocabulary:

• Merit-based – based on ability or achievement

• Compensation – salary or wages

• Remuneration – payment or reward for services

• Undervalued – not appreciated or rewarded enough

• Prestigious – inspiring respect and admiration

Phrases:

• “Merit-based pay systems ensure that individuals are compensated fairly for their expertise.”

• “Certain professions, such as teaching, are undervalued despite their significant societal contribution.”

• “The prestige associated with high-skill jobs like medicine or law often results in substantial remuneration.”

Idiomatic Expressions:

• Worth one’s weight in gold – extremely valuable or useful.

  • Example: "A good teacher is worth their weight in gold."

• Climb the corporate ladder – advance in a career.

  • Example: "Many people in high-paying jobs have spent years climbing the corporate ladder."