IELTS Speaking Book 9 Test 2

Part 1: Giving Gifts

1. When do people give gifts or presents in your country?

   • People usually give gifts during special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and holidays like Christmas.

2. Do you ever take a gift when you visit someone in their home? [Why/Why not?]

   • Yes, I often take a small gift when visiting someone's home as a sign of appreciation and respect.

3. When did you last receive a gift? [What was it?]

   • I last received a gift on my birthday. It was a book that I had wanted for a long time.

4. Do you enjoy looking for gifts for people? [Why/Why not?]

   • Yes, I enjoy looking for gifts because I like to find something meaningful that will make the recipient happy.

Part 2: Describe something you did that was new or exciting

• What you did: I tried bungee jumping for the first time.

• Where and when you did this: I did it at a popular adventure park last summer.

• Who you shared the activity with: I went with a group of friends who also tried it.

• Why this activity was new or exciting for you: It was thrilling because I had never done anything so adventurous before, and the adrenaline rush was incredible.

Part 3: Discussion Topics

Doing new things

1. Why do you think some people like doing new things?

   • People enjoy doing new things because it adds excitement to their lives, gives them a sense of achievement, and helps them grow by learning new skills.

2. What problems can people have when they try new activities for the first time?

   • People may feel nervous or afraid of failing, and they might not have the skills or knowledge needed for the activity, which can make it challenging.

3. Do you think it's best to do new things on your own or with other people? Why?

   • It's usually better to try new things with others because they can offer support and share the experience, which makes it more enjoyable.

Learning new things

1. What kinds of things do children learn to do when they are very young? How important are these things?

   • Children learn basic skills like walking, talking, and socializing. These are essential for their development and future learning.

2. Do you think children and adults learn to do new things in the same way? How is their learning style different?

   • No, children often learn through play and exploration, while adults tend to rely on structured learning and practice. Adults are also more likely to approach learning with specific goals in mind.

3. Some people say that it is more important to be able to learn new things now than in the past. Do you agree or disagree with that? Why?

   • I agree because the world is changing rapidly, especially with technology. To keep up with these changes and stay competitive in the job market, it's crucial to continuously learn new things.

Part 1: Giving Gifts

1. When do people give gifts or presents in your country?

   • In my country, people typically give gifts on significant occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and during religious or cultural festivals such as Christmas or Eid. These moments are seen as an opportunity to express affection and appreciation. Additionally, gifts are often exchanged on milestones like weddings or graduations to celebrate important life events.

2. Do you ever take a gift when you visit someone in their home? [Why/Why not?]

   • Yes, I usually take a small gift when visiting someone’s home, especially if it’s my first time visiting or for a special occasion. It’s considered polite and thoughtful, a gesture of gratitude for the hospitality. The gift doesn’t have to be extravagant; it could be something simple like flowers, chocolates, or even a homemade dish.

3. When did you last receive a gift? [What was it?]

   • The last gift I received was a few months ago on my birthday. It was a smartwatch that my friend gave me. I had mentioned needing one to track my fitness goals, and I was really surprised by how thoughtful and practical the gift was. I use it every day now.

4. Do you enjoy looking for gifts for people? [Why/Why not?]

   • Yes, I genuinely enjoy looking for gifts. It’s a creative process that allows me to think about the person’s likes, interests, and needs. Finding a gift that brings joy to someone or is something they can use regularly feels really rewarding. I also find the hunt for the perfect gift exciting, as it adds a personal touch to the experience.

Part 2: Describe something you did that was new or exciting

Last year, I tried scuba diving for the first time, which was both new and exhilarating for me. I did this while I was on vacation in Bali, Indonesia, during the summer. I had always been fascinated by the underwater world, but I had never had the courage to dive in and explore it myself.

I went with a group of friends, and we were all eager to try this new experience. We signed up for a beginner’s scuba diving course with a certified instructor who guided us through all the necessary safety precautions and techniques. After some initial training in shallow water, we ventured into the open ocean.

The experience was unforgettable. Descending into the deep blue sea felt surreal, and once I adjusted to being underwater, I was awestruck by the vibrant coral reefs and the diverse marine life swimming around me. I even saw a school of brightly colored fish darting past me, which was thrilling. The silence and serenity of the underwater world were unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

What made it particularly exciting was the sense of accomplishment I felt afterward. Overcoming my initial fear and doing something so out of my comfort zone gave me a huge confidence boost. It was definitely one of the most thrilling adventures I’ve ever had, and I can’t wait to do it again.

Part 3: Discussion Topics

Doing New Things

1. Why do you think some people like doing new things?

   • I believe people are naturally curious, and doing new things satisfies that curiosity. Trying something new breaks the monotony of everyday life, providing a sense of adventure and discovery. It also allows individuals to challenge themselves, overcome fears, and grow by stepping out of their comfort zones. Additionally, learning new skills or experiencing new places gives people a sense of accomplishment and can boost their confidence.

2. What problems can people have when they try new activities for the first time?

   • One of the main problems people face is fear or anxiety about the unknown, whether it’s fear of failure or embarrassment. They may also struggle with inexperience, which can lead to mistakes or frustration. Physical challenges, such as lacking the strength or stamina for a particular activity, can be another issue. Financial constraints or lack of time can also hinder someone from trying new things, especially if the activity requires special equipment or training.

3. Do you think it's best to do new things on your own or with other people? Why?

   • It depends on the individual and the activity. For some, trying new things alone can be empowering and allows for more personal growth. You can go at your own pace and have time to reflect on the experience. However, doing new things with others often makes the experience more enjoyable and less intimidating. Having friends or family along can provide support, encouragement, and shared memories, which can enhance the overall experience.

Learning New Things

1. What kinds of things do children learn to do when they are very young? How important are these things?

   • When children are young, they learn fundamental skills like walking, talking, and interacting socially. They also pick up basic cognitive skills such as recognizing shapes, colors, and numbers. These early lessons are crucial because they lay the foundation for all future learning. Social and motor skills, in particular, are essential for their development and help them integrate into society, communicate effectively, and solve problems as they grow older.

2. Do you think children and adults learn to do new things in the same way? How is their learning style different?

   • Children and adults learn differently. Children are more likely to learn through play, observation, and imitation. They absorb new information more quickly and are naturally curious, often asking questions to explore their surroundings. On the other hand, adults tend to approach learning in a more structured way. They usually have specific goals in mind and rely more on analysis, experience, and logical reasoning. While children are more open to trial and error, adults often learn by building on their prior knowledge and life experiences.

3. Some people say that it is more important to be able to learn new things now than in the past. Do you agree or disagree with that? Why?

   • I completely agree. In today’s fast-paced world, technology is constantly evolving, and industries are rapidly changing, which means people need to continuously update their skills to remain competitive in the job market. In the past, it was possible to learn one skill or trade and rely on it for your entire career, but now adaptability is key. Being able to learn new things quickly is essential not just for career advancement, but also for personal growth in a world that demands flexibility and innovation.