IELTS Speaking Book 9 Test 3

Part 1: Telephoning

Easy Answers:

1. How often do you make telephone calls?
   I make phone calls almost every day, especially to my family and close friends. It’s a quick way to keep in touch.

2. Who do you spend the most time talking to on the telephone?
   I spend the most time talking to my mother. We usually chat about daily things, like what’s happening at home or any family news.

3. When do you think you'll next make a telephone call?
   I think I'll make a call later today to my friend to discuss plans for the weekend.

4. Do you sometimes prefer to send a text message instead of telephoning?
   Yes, I do. Texting is convenient when I don’t have much time or when I don’t want to disturb the other person.

8–9 Band Answers:

1. How often do you make telephone calls?
   I make phone calls quite frequently, almost daily, especially for personal conversations with family and close friends. It’s a fast and efficient way to maintain regular contact, although I tend to keep my professional communication more limited to emails or messaging apps.

2. Who do you spend the most time talking to on the telephone?
   My mother is the person I speak to most often on the phone. We have frequent, lengthy conversations where we discuss a wide range of topics, from family updates to more serious matters. It’s a great way for us to stay connected, especially since we don’t live in the same city.

3. When do you think you'll next make a telephone call?
   I expect to make a phone call later today to a close friend, as we need to finalize our weekend plans. It’s easier to hash out the details over the phone rather than through a series of texts.

4. Do you sometimes prefer to send a text message instead of telephoning?
   Absolutely. Text messages are particularly useful when I need to communicate something quickly or when I’m short on time. They also allow for asynchronous communication, which is helpful when I don’t want to intrude on someone’s day or when the situation doesn’t warrant a full conversation.

Part 2: Describe a journey you remember well

Easy Answer:

One journey I remember well was a road trip to the mountains with my friends. We went there last summer. We traveled by car and enjoyed the beautiful views on the way. The reason for the trip was to take a break from city life and relax in nature. I remember it well because we had a lot of fun, and the weather was perfect for hiking and exploring.

8–9 Band Answer:

A journey that stands out vividly in my memory was a road trip I took with a group of close friends last summer to the picturesque mountains in the northern part of my country. We opted to travel by car, which allowed us the freedom to stop along the way and enjoy the breathtaking scenery, including lush forests and rivers that meandered alongside the road. The primary purpose of this trip was to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse ourselves in the tranquility of nature. We spent our days hiking, exploring nearby trails, and relaxing by a beautiful lake. What makes this journey particularly memorable is not just the stunning landscape but the shared laughter and moments with my friends. It was an unforgettable blend of adventure and relaxation.

Part 3: Discussion Topics

Reasons for Daily Travel

Easy Answers:

1. Why do people need to travel every day?
   People usually travel every day for work, school, or running errands. It’s a part of daily life that helps them fulfill their responsibilities.

2. What problems can people have when they are on their daily journey, for example to work or school?
   Common problems include traffic jams, delays in public transport, and sometimes even bad weather, which can make the journey stressful.

3. Some people say that daily journeys like these will not be so common in the future. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
   I agree. With advancements in technology, many people might work from home or study online in the future, reducing the need for daily travel.

8–9 Band Answers:

1. Why do people need to travel every day?
   Daily travel is a necessity for most individuals due to various obligations such as work, school, or essential errands. The majority of people commute to their workplaces or educational institutions because they are not located within walking distance. Beyond this, daily travel is often required to access services like grocery shopping, healthcare, or social engagements.

2. What problems can people have when they are on their daily journey, for example to work or school?
   Daily commutes can be fraught with challenges. Traffic congestion is perhaps the most universal issue, leading to delays and increased stress levels. In urban areas, overcrowded public transportation can be equally frustrating. Weather conditions can also pose significant problems, particularly in regions prone to heavy rain or snow, which can disrupt the efficiency of travel and create hazardous conditions.

3. Some people say that daily journeys like these will not be so common in the future. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
   I would agree with this sentiment. With the rapid advancement of digital technology and the rise of remote work and online education, the necessity for daily physical commuting is expected to decline. Many businesses and educational institutions are already adopting more flexible models, which allow individuals to work or study from home, reducing the demand for daily travel. This shift could significantly alleviate issues such as traffic congestion and pollution in the future.

Benefits of International Travel

Easy Answers:

1. What do people learn from traveling to other countries?
   Traveling to other countries helps people learn about new cultures, languages, and ways of living. It can also give them new perspectives and ideas.

2. Can travel make a positive difference to the economy of a country? How?
   Yes, tourism can boost a country’s economy by bringing in money through hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.

3. Do you think a society can benefit if its members have experience of traveling to other countries? In what ways?
   Yes, a society benefits when its members travel. They bring back new ideas, become more open-minded, and are more likely to understand and respect other cultures.

8–9 Band Answers:

1. What do people learn from traveling to other countries?
   Traveling to foreign countries offers individuals a unique opportunity to broaden their horizons and gain invaluable insights into different cultures, languages, and traditions. Exposure to new environments fosters a deeper understanding of global diversity, and can also help individuals develop a more nuanced perspective on world affairs. Moreover, traveling allows people to experience firsthand how different societies function, providing them with knowledge they might not have access to in their home country.

2. Can travel make a positive difference to the economy of a country? How?
   Absolutely. Tourism is one of the key drivers of economic growth for many countries. It generates revenue not only for businesses in the hospitality sector, such as hotels and restaurants, but also for local artisans and service providers. In addition to direct economic contributions, tourism can lead to job creation, infrastructure development, and a heightened international profile for the country, encouraging further investment and business opportunities.

3. Do you think a society can benefit if its members have experience of traveling to other countries? In what ways?
   I firmly believe that society stands to gain significantly when its members have had the experience of traveling abroad. Individuals who have traveled tend to be more culturally aware and tolerant, traits that are crucial in today’s increasingly interconnected world. This exposure can lead to the exchange of innovative ideas, fostering creativity and collaboration. Moreover, international experiences often promote greater understanding and respect for different ways of life, contributing to a more harmonious and globally minded society.

Vocabulary, Phrases, and Idiomatic Expressions for Test 3

Telephoning

Vocabulary:

• Asynchronous communication – communication that doesn’t happen in real-time (e.g., texts or emails)

• Instant messaging – real-time text communication between people

• Conference call – a call where multiple people can join

• Long-distance call – a call made to someone far away

• Engagement – involvement or interaction

Phrases:

• “I prefer to make a quick phone call for real-time engagement.”

• “Text messaging is more convenient for asynchronous communication.”

Idiomatic Expressions:

• Touch base – to contact someone briefly to update or check on something.

  • Example: "I’ll touch base with my colleague tomorrow about the project."

Travel

Vocabulary:

• Scenic route – a route that has beautiful views

• Remote working – working from a location away from the office

• Commuting – traveling between home and work

• Sustainable tourism – tourism that has a low impact on the environment and culture

• Cultural immersion – becoming deeply involved in another culture

Phrases:

• “Daily commutes can be both time-consuming and stressful.”

• “International travel offers a chance for cultural immersion.”

Idiomatic Expressions:

• Hit the road – to begin a journey.

  • Example: "We hit the road early to avoid traffic."

• Off the beaten path – a place that is not commonly visited.

  • Example: "We explored a village off the beaten path during our trip."