IELTS SPEAKING

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LESSON 1: IELTS SPEAKING PART 1

COMPLETE THIS IELTS SPEAKING TEST QUIZ

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1. WHAT IS PART 1?
Personal topics (hometown,
family, friends, music…); 3~4
topics, 3~4 questions/topic
•Raise
Examiner questions

How to answer???

•Answer
Candidate the
question
Marking
Criteria
•Mark the
Examiner answers

2. HOW TO ANSWER?
Example: Do you often play sports?

Candidate 1 Candidate 2 Candidate 3

Yes, I do. I love sports so Well… I’m not a big fan of Yes for sure. I am an
much. sport but I still do it regularly energetic and sporty guys
to maintain a good shape. actually. That’s why I spend
Honestly, sometimes I just most my free time in the
want to lie down on my bed gym or soccer field. After
and surf the Internet, but stressful hours at work,
that will definitely affect my sport is the perfect therapy
health negatively. for me. And I’m planning to
try yoga next week, I think it
will be an amazing activity.
To conclude, I am a sport
lover.

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Answer these questions:

 Which candidate will get a higher score?
 What are the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate?

NOTES:

Topic Studying/Working:

1. Are you working or studying?

2. Which school do you go to?
3. What subject/major are you studying?
4. What kind of job do you want to have in the future?

Topic Hometown:

1. Where is your hometown?

2. What is your hometown famous for?
3. Do you want to live there in the future?
4. What do people in your country do for a living?

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3. MARKING CRITERIA

Fluency and Lexical Grammatical Pronunciation

Coherence Resource Range and
Accuracy

- Speak at length - Have an sufficient - Produce error-free - Be generally

vocabulary resource sentences understood but
- Reflection
to discuss variety of frequently sometimes
- Fluency topics mispronounce.
- Diversity:
 Self- - Advanced words: - Features:
 Tenses
repetition
 Collocations  Structures  Stress
 Self-
 Phrasal verbs  Intonation
correction
 Idioms
 Hesitation
 Topic-related
- Coherence words
 Connectives - Awareness of style
 Discourse
- Paraphrase
markers

NOTES:

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LESSON 2: FILLERS AND FLUENCY MARKERS

1. FILLERS

You
Well... Actually As for me
know

How to To be Frankly
Hmm...
say? honest speaking

For a
I mean Anyway Like...
start

NOTES:

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2. FLUENCY MARKERS
along with also and as well as besides

correspondingly equally furthermore in addition in brief

in the same
in conclusion likewise moreover similarly
way

thus therefore to conclude to summarize what’s more

last but not

additionally on top of that
least

Ex1: Put the following words and phrases into their correct place in the table
depending on their function.

Addition Equation Conclusion

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Ex2: Put the following words and phrases into their correct place in the table
depending on their function.

1. Tourism brings much-needed money to developing countries ...................., it

provides employment for the local population.
2. .................... bringing much-needed money to developing countries, tourism
provides employment for the local population.
3. Tourists should respect the local environment. .................... they should
respect the local customs.
4. .................... industrial waste, pollution from car fumes is poisoning the
environment.
5. In order to travel, you need a passport. .................... you might need a visa,
immunisation jabs and written permission to visit certain areas.
6. Drugs are banned in Britain - .................... weapons such as guns and knives.
7. All power corrupts. ...................., absolute power corrupts absolutely.
8. You shouldn’t smoke, drink, take drugs or eat unhealthy food. ...................., you
should live a more healthy lifestyle.
9. The ozone layer is becoming depleted, the air in the cities is becoming too dirty
to breathe and our seas and rivers are no longer safe to swim in. ....................
pollution is slowly destroying the planet.
10. Your grades have been very poor for the past two years. .................... you need
to work really hard if you want to pass your exams next month.

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LESSON 3: EXPRESSIONS FOR PART 1

1. YES and NO

Yes/No

100% 70% 50%

Absolutely I guess it's

(It's) 50/50
Y/N Y/N

Probably I'm in the

100% Y/N
Y/N middle

Of course It depends
Maybe Y/N
Y/N on...

Obviously Im' not

It's up to...
Y/N quite sure...

It's a big
Y/N

I don't see
why not

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2. SAYING “I LIKE…”

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Adjective Verb

be crazy about st/Ving enjoy + St/Ving

be fond of … fancy + St/Ving

be passionate about … cherish/appreciate/value/adore

+St/Sb
be obsessed with …
St/Ving ranks first in my list
be into …
prefer A to B = choose A over B /
be attracted to …
prefer to V
be partial to …
Sb’ve grown to like it (start to like st)
be addicted to …
can’t get enough of st/sb
be fascinated by …
fall in love with = to be in love with
be longed for …
be captivated by st/sb

look forward to sb/Ving

Noun Idiom

a huge fan of Ving is my cup of tea.

St/Ving is my number 1/top choice

(Not) the best option for me

have a soft spot for st/Ving

ST/Ving is to my liking = have a

liking for

have a taste for

have a consuming passion for

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LESSON 3: VOCABULARY FOR PART 1

1. RELAXING

MAKE A LIST FOR YOURSELF:

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2. RELATIONSHIP

Rill in the missing letters:

1. To s_ rengt_en the b_ nd
2. To wi_ _n so_ial ci_ _le
3. To _a_e _ew acq_aint_ _ce
4. To k_ _p up w_ _h sb’s _if_
5. To _ui_d u_ a r_ _ati_ns_ _p
6. To fo_ _ a _el_tio_ _h_p
7. To g_ _ to _ _ow e_c_ ot_er
8. A l_ng-s_a_di_g rel_ _io_s_ip
9. To bl_n_ _n (with)
10. To di_s_cia_e m_sel_ f_ _m
11. To ass_mil_ _e i_to
12. To s_ri_e up a _ela_io_shi_
13. To k_ _p in _ouc_ _it_
14. To _a_e a l_ in _omm_n
15. A he_lt_ _ r_la_io_ship
16. To _n_oy sb’s co_ _an_
17. To _et on _el_ wi_h
18. To d_i_t a_art

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3. KNOWLEDGE

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4. HEALTH
Ex 1: Replace the words or phrases in bold in these sentences with a word or phrase
from the box so that the sentence sounds more natural. There are three words or
phrases that you do not need

Conventional debilitating
Active Diet Consultant
medicine diagnose

traditional
Minerals Operation Protein Surgeon
medicine

holistic
welfare state vitamins Therapeutic
medicine

1. If you suffer from a bad back, a massage may be able to cure or relieve the
disorder.
2. One of the secrets of remaining in good health is to choose food to eat that is
high in fibre and low in fat.
3. Most people, when they are ill, rely on modern pills and tablets to cure them.
4. Some old-fashioned cures for illnesses, such as herbal tablets and remedies,
are becoming increasingly popular.
5. Many people are turning to treatments which involve the whole person,
including their mental health, rather than just dealing with the
symptoms of the illness.
6. Doctors sometimes refer their patients to a medical specialist attached to a
hospital.
7. It takes many years of training to become a doctor specializing in surgery.
8. Meat, eggs and nuts are rich sources of a compound which is an essential
part of living cells, and which is essential to keep the human body
working properly.
9. On his holiday, he had to take essential substances which are not
synthesized by the body but are found in food and are needed for
growth and health, because the food he ate lacked the B and C groups.
10. Calcium and zinc are two of the most important substances found in food.

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11. Most doctors recommend an energetic lifestyle, with plenty of exercise.

12. British people enjoy free healthcare thanks to the large amount of money
which is spent to make sure they have adequate health services.

Ex2: Complete the gaps in the text below using words from the box

factors ingredients maintain nutrients

overeating servings variety overweight

How to improve your diet:

1. Make sure that you eat a ……………….. of foods. It is important to eat from all five
food groups.
2. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. These contain vital ……………….. and leading
dietitian recommend eating at least two ……………….. of fruit and three of
vegetables every day.
3. Try to ……………….. a healthy weight. Being too thin can cause as many health
problem as being ………………... . Remember, the correct weight for you depends
on many different ……………….. including your age, height, sex.
4. Eat moderate portions and don’t be tempted to order a large size when eating
out. Skipping meals can lead to ……………….. as you will be much hungrier later,
so be sure to eat regularly if you want to curb your appetite.
5. You don’t need to eliminate all of your favorite foods but do check the
……………….. on food labels and make sure that you reduce your intake of foods
that are high in fat, sugar, salt.

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LESSON 4: GRAMMATICAL STRUCTURES

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SENTENCES IN ENGLISH

One independent Two or more

clause independent clauses

(ii)
(i)
No dependent clause COMPOUND
SIMPLE SENTENCE
SENTENCE

(iv)
One or more dependent (iii)
COMPOUND-
clauses COMPLEX SENTENCE
COMPLEX SENTENCE

Questions: Where is your hometown?

(i) My hometown is Hanoi city.
(ii) My hometown is Hanoi city and I have been living there for 18 years.
(iii) My hometown is Hanoi city, located in the North side of Vietnam.
(iv) My hometown is Hanoi city which is located in Hanoi city and I have been
living there for 18 years, so many beautiful memories that I cannot forget.

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Ex1: Merge the simple sentences below into complex and compound sentences.

1. I love the zoo so much. There are many animals, such as: elephant, tiger,
peacock… My mom and I went there last month. I watched and fed them.

………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………….

2. Instagram is my go-to app on my cellphone. It is very useful. I can watch the

beautiful photos of my friends. There are also some lovely filters to take pictures.

………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………….

3. I tend to go shopping twice a month. I am a student and I want save money. I

like to visit some shopping malls or boutique. They have very cool pieces, and they
are affordable.

………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………….

4. I want to redecorate my room. It is kind of tedious now. I am think of a new

lamp. Or I can paint the wall with blue color. I think it is very peaceful. I can stay
relaxed.

………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………….

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Ex2: Match the sentences below with the correct grammatical structures.

1. There had been a regret

a. verb + object + infinitive
all my life.

2. It was that boy crying

b. adjective + infinitive
yesterday.

3. I never expected it to
c. third conditional
appear in my life.

4. I would have won that

d. defining relative clause
game.

5. I saw Sam, who had red e. non-defining relative

hair, came yesterday. clause

6. The book was given to

f. past continuous tense
her.

7. They were dancing and

g. passive voice
singing together.

8. I was lucky enough to

h. participle clause
earn a spot.

9. Those of us who live in

i. model perfect
Hanoi can fly to HCM.

10. I would have lost if she

j. past perfect tense
hadn’t helped me.

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LESSON 5: PRONUNCIATION

1. TONGUE TWISTER
Tongue twisters tips:

1. Start by reciting tongue twisters slowly and clearly.

2. Split the tongue twister into sections, then practice.
3. Repeat the tongue twister until you have mastered it.
4. When one tongue twister is mastered, try another.

THREE SWISS WITCH-BITCHES, SALLY SELLS SEASHELLS BY THE

WHICH WISHED TO BE SWITCHED SEASHORE.
SWISS WITCH-BITCHES, SHE SELLS SEASHELLS ON THE
WATCH THREE SWISS SWATCH SEASHELL SHORE.
WATCH SWITCHES. THE SEASHELLS SHE SELLS ARE
WHICH SWISS WITCH-BITCH, SEASHORE SHELLS,
WHICH WISHES TO BE A SWITCHED OF THAT I’M SURE.
WITCH-BITCH, SHE SELLS SEASHELLS BY THE
WISHES TO WATCH WHICH SWISS SEASHORE.
SWATCH WATCH SWITCH? SHE HOPES SHE WILL SELL ALL HER
SEASHELLS SOON.

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2. INTONATION

#1: Yeah
First, we’re going to start with the word “yeah.” (It’s a little more common in
everyday speech than the word “yes.”)

 Yeah (neutral)
 Yeah. (falling)
 Yeah? (rising)
 Yeah! (enthusiastic)
 Yeah!! (excited)
 Yeah!!! (super excited)
 Yeah?? (uncertain)
 Yeah??? (surprise)
 Yeah… (disinterested)

#2: Maybe
Moving on, let’s talk about the word “maybe.”

 Maybe (neutral)
 Maybe. (falling)
 Maybe. (unconvinced)
 Maybe? (rising)
 Maybe?? (uncertain)
 Maybe… (noncommittal)

Role-playing exercise
1) a sick person in hospital and friend who visits
2) a divorced couple
3) two people who are angry at each other
4) a teacher who has given a student a bad grade, they meet years later
5) two people who have met before, but can’t remember where
6) two spies who are meeting late at night
7) two old friends who run into each other on a railway platform
8) two lovers who are about to say goodbye for 3 months
9) a customer complaining about the quality of food

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LESSON 6: IELTS SPEAKING PART 2

DESCRIBING PEOPLE

1. IELTS SPEAKING PART 2

Describe a long car journey that you remember well

You should say:

 Why you went on this car journey

 Who you went with
 What happened on this car journey
 And explain why you remember this long car journey

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2. DESCRIBING PEOPLE - OUTLINE

Opening

B1  (How?)
Basic  Age
information  Occupation

 Appearance
 Overall (tall/short, slim/chubby, sexy,
muscular, feminine…)
B2  Special features (eyes, hair, nose, smile,
Body
Describe voice…)
 Personality
 P1 => example/proof
 (P2 => example/proof)

B3  Reason 1 => example/proof

 Reason 2 => example/proof
Explain
 (Reason 3 => example/proof)

Ending

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3. PRACTICE

Describe an intelligent person you know

You should say:

 Who this person is

 How you know this person
 What this person knows about
 And explain why you think this person is intelligent

3.1 Outline
Opening A teacher in my university

 How => 2nd year/taught me a subject

B1
 Age => over 70s/maintain his youth
Basic
 Occupation => retired now/ working as a consultant
information
for the government

 Appearance
 Overall: short/slim figure
 Special features: agile style and infectious
B2 laughter
Describe wrinkles => sign of the time
 Personality
 Eccentric sense of humor => funny
folklores/myths => life lessons

B3  A sage in my eyes
 A leading researcher in Politics => a wide range of
Explain
in-depth knowledge + practical experience

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 Encyclopedia => culture, history, society,

literature…
 Great logical ability and creativity
 In the class => lectures: well-organized + easy to
understand
 Unexpected ideas => innovative: different from
the heavy going textbooks

Ending role model

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3.2 Full transcript

[When receiving this topic, the first person coming up to my mind] is a
teacher in my University, he is Professor N.

[If my mind serves me right], I first met him in my second year when
he taught me a subject related to Politics. [To talk about Mr. N], he is now in
his late 70s but somehow he still maintains his youth quite well. Actually, Mr.
N has just retired recently, but he is still working enthusiastically as a
consultant for the government.

[From his appearance, I can describe him as] a short guy with a slim
figure. [However, you’ll be impressed by] his agile style and infectious laughter.
If I don’t see the wrinkles, you know… signs of time, on his face, I really don’t
think he’s almost 80. [But what I like most about] Professor N is the eccentric
sense of humor, well… he often tells us some funny folklores or… maybe myths,
not only lift our mood up but also teach us some life lessons.

[There are many reasons why] I think Mr. N is such a smart man.
[Firstly], he is a sage in my eyes. As a leading researcher in Politics, he has
built up a reputation for his in-depth knowledge, plus practical experience. I’m
saying that he is a wise man who earns a lot of respect from the others.
[Besides], I really enjoy Professor’s great logical ability and creativity. In the
class, his lectures are always well-organized and easy to understand. Not to
mention his unexpected ideas, they are so innovative, I mean… they are totally
different form the heavy going textbooks at school.

[All in all], Mr. N is an amazing role model to me. I hope I can soon follow
his footsteps in the future.

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3.3 Take note

1: 2y, subject

70s , youth

Retired, consultant

2: A – slim, short

- agile, laughter

- wrinkles

P – humor => folklores, lessons

3: - a sage => politics => kn. + exp

=> Encyclopedia

- logical/creativity => lectures

=> dif ideas

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VOCABULARY FOR DESCRIBING PEOPLE

1. CHARACTER
Ex1: Write the adjectives in the box in the correct part of the table

Positive qualities Negative qualities

Anxious Apprehensive
Assertive Charming Cheerful
Clumsy Cynical Egotistical
Gullible Self-confident Self-
Conscious Sensible Tactful
Well-liked

Ex2: Some adjective which describes character use the prefix self- and well-.
Choose between self- and well- for each of the following adjectives and write the
new adjectives below.6

absorbed adjusted assured behaved bred brought-up

confident dressed educated important inform congratulatory

mannered reliant rounded deprecating

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Self-
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Well-

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. APPEARANCE

Part 1-style questions

Examiner: Do you look like any other people in your family?

Carlo: No … not at all … take my brother for example … he has short cropped
hair and has quite a pointed face … he’s also quite fair-skinned compared to me
…

Examiner: Tell me about your family.

Andrea: My father’s getting on a bit … he’s in his 60s … but he looks very young
for his age … he still does lots of exercise and is quite well-built …

Examiner: What does your best friend look like?

Mandy: She’s the same age as me … she has shoulder-length hair … fair hair … she
has a slim figure and is medium height …

Part 2-style task

Describe a person whose appearance you like.

Monique: OK … I’d like to talk about my aunt … her name’s Marta and she’s quite a
character … she’s middle-aged but has a very youthful appearance … she’s a
little overweight I suppose but not too much … she has a friendly round
face framed by thick blonde hair … she has a lovely complexion and she’s
always well-turned out … she actually always looks like she’s going out for the
evening to somewhere special … there’s never a hair out of place … I’ve always

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thought she bears a striking resemblance to someone on TV … I can’t remember

the name now … she wears glasses and always seems to have a different pair on
every time I see her … I like the way she looks because she wears clothes that are
right for her age and manages to look glamorous without it looking like she’s too
done up … yes … I’ll be happy if I look like her when I’m her age …

Part 3-style questions

Examiner: Is it important to dress well whenever we go out?

Mark: It depends where you’re going … I know some people get done up just to go
to the shops … but I don’t see the point … you shouldn’t go out
looking scruffy with disheveled hair but I really don’t see the point in getting
dressed up to the nines unless you’re going somewhere special …

Examiner: Do people worry too much about their appearance as they get older?
Mira: I’m sure they do … yes … but it happens to all of us doesn’t it … we all go
grey eventually and get hard of hearing … we start to lose our figure … that’s why
plastic surgery is so popular … personally I think we just need to grow old
gracefully and not worry too much about how we look …

Examiner: Is attractiveness a quality worthwhile aiming for?

Phoebe: I’d like to say no … it shouldn’t matter what we look like in terms of our
physical appearance … but unfortunately it seems women especially are taken more
seriously if they are good looking with a slender figure with perfect make up and
so on …

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LESSON 7: IELTS SPEAKING PART 2

DESCRIBING PLACES

1. DESCRIBING PLACES – OUTLINE

1.1 Outdoor places (Country, city, region…)
Opening

B1  How? When?
 Who?
Introduction

 Location
B2  Area/ population(don’t give too detailed numbers)
Describe  Weather
Body  Language

 Reason 1 (Natural scenery/ Historical spot/

B3 Construction) => example/proof
 Reason 2 (Human)=> example/proof
Explain
 Reason 3 (Culture, Custom and History) =>
example/proof

Ending

1.2 Indoor places (building, store, café, construction…)

Opening

B1  How?
Basic  When?
 Who?
Body information
B2  Location
Describe  Outside:

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 Easy/difficult to find
 Surrounded with…
 Huge/small, modern/old
 Inside:
 Flores
 Decoration
 …

B3  Reason 1 => example/proof

 Reason 2 => example/proof
Explain
 (Reason 3 => example/proof)

Ending

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2. PRACTICE

Describe a foreign country you want to visit in the future

You should say:

 What it is
 Where it is
 How you know it
 And explain why you want to visit it

2.1 Outline
Opening Greece

 How/When => 2 years ago => surfing the

B1 Internet => advertisement pop up in front of my
Introduction eyes
 Who => best friends

 Location => Southeast Europe/surrounded by

long coastline
B2  Area/Population => small country/around 10

Body Describe million people

 Weather => Mediterranean climate => wet
winter and dry summer

 Reason 1: History
 Cradle of human civilization => visit
B3
museums, monuments or temples =>
Explain portray 5000 years of history
 Cultivate knowledge
 Reason 2: Natural landscapes

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 turquoise waters and breathtaking sandy

beaches => different from tropical
beaches in Asia.
 Reasons 3: Rural villages
 Interact with amiable and rustic locals =>
understand the custom

Ending

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2.2 Transcript
Hmm… this is not an easy topic to choose as there many wonderful
countries that I’d love to discover. But I think Greece still [ranks first on my
list].

[If my mind serves me right], about two years ago, when I was surfing
the Internet, and suddenly… an advertisement pop up in front of my eyes.
Needless to say, I was blown away by the enchanting beauty of Greece. That’s
when I made a promise that I would come there one day. .

[Now, let me start by giving you some basic information about]

Greece. [To talk about] its location, Greece lies in the Southeast Europe,
scattered into many tiny small islands. Actually, it’s not a big country with the
population of around 10 million I guess. [One more thing], the weather… you
know, Greece is iconic for its Mediterranean ambience, extremely refreshing
with cool breeze and the salty smell of seawater.

[There are some reasons why] I’m desperate to fly to Greece someday.
[First of all], since Greece is called ‘cradle of human civilization’, I surely want
to dig deep into the history of this country and broaden my horizon to some
levels. It would be such a blessing to see the museums, monuments or maybe
temples, places that portray 5000 years of history. [Additionally], I have been
waiting for the moment I can experience the turquoise waters and
breathtaking sandy beaches. I won’t lie, I’m very eager to see how it’s
different from Asian beaches. [Last but not least], the rustic rural villages.
There will be nothing better than interacting with amiable inhabitants and
understanding their custom.

[All in all], the dream of exploring Greece will never be faded in me and
hopefully, it will come true very soon.

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VOCABULARY FOR DESCRIBING PLACES

Outdoor places

Venice is the most beautiful city in the world, and the only one that can truly be
described as unique. Each building is a work of art, with their beauty enhanced
when reflected on the canals that cross the city. Its magical scenery is fascinating
and breathtaking at first sight, evoking the feeling of entering the setting of a real-
life fairy tale.
Prague is known as the city of the thousand spires because of its profusion of
grand, beautifully-preserved historical monuments dating from practically every
period in history. Those spires are best admired from the bridges that cross the
Vltava River, especially from the magnificent Charles Bridge, or standing in the
stunningly beautiful Old Town Square.

Magnificently sited on a series of hills running down to the grand Tagus River,
Lisbon is one of the world's most scenic cities. Beautiful unexpected views are
found at every turn down its colorful, picturesque streets, and especially from
strategically-placed viewpoints or terraces at the top of each hill. The city has an
unpolished, seductive appearance;

Each of the thousands of buildings that line Amsterdam’s main canals can be
classified as a monument, beautifully kept as apartments, offices, cafés and
restaurants. They form an aesthetic uniformity that make the city one of the most
captivating in the world, an amazing place of bridges and bikes crossing canals,
picturesque cobbled streets, and strikingly elegant architecture.

There are those who say God created the world in six days and devoted a
seventh to Rio. The city is indeed blessed with one of the most stunning settings
in the world, making it the most naturally attractive city in the world. Green,
tropical luxuriance mixes with the blue of the ocean and the brightness of the
sand at the beaches, proving that this is indeed "the marvelous city" as locals call
it.

Florence is synonymous with the Italian Renaissance, known for the artistic
heritage in its palaces and museum collections. See it from Piazzale
Michelangelo, a 19th century terrace overlooking the entire city, and you'll be
looking at one of the most storybook-perfect cityscapes. You'll see its unspoiled
skyline, the towers and domes of the heart of the city, its bridges, the hills in the
distance, and the magnificent Duomo standing in the middle of it all.

Split in two by the Danube River, Budapest is the result of the merging of three
cities. Buda is the hill with the royal palace and an old town filled with baroque
and gothic monuments looking over the mostly-19th century Pest, crossed by
broad avenues lined with graceful neo-renaissance buildings. Admire its setting
and remarkable architecture (including the spectacular Parliament Building) from
the monumental Chain Bridge, and step into the old town for some of the most
romantic lanes you'll ever stroll through.

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Indoor places

Ex1: 1 Put the words and phrases in the box into their appropriate category in the
table beneath. Some words or phrases can go into more than one category. The
material in this module basically remains the same, with the exception of the
following changes:

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LESSON 9: IELTS SPEAKING part 3

1. WHAT IS PART 3?

Describe a place you visited that that has been affected by pollution
You should say:
• Where it is
• When you visited it
• What kind of pollution you saw there
• And explain how this place was affected

Is your city
Personal clean or not?

What kind of Do you think in

Topic- pollution is the future people
will have no
very serious in
related your country?
fresh air to
breath?

Follow-up

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2. HOW TO ANSWER?
Ex1: Match questions 1 to 5 with a function in the box

ASSESS COMPARE EXPLAIN PREDICT SUGGEST

1. So, what do you think will happen to the environment in the future?
2. What can government do to protect the environment?
3. Is there any differences between environmental issues now and those in the
past?
4. Have schools done enough to inform children about environmental problems?
5. Why have private business not done more to help the environment?

Ex2: Read this transcript of a student answering a Part 3 question. Write the
correct function from the box in the gaps before each phrase.

Some functions can be used more than once.

How can we do more to protect the environment?

Well, that's a tough question. 1_______________ In the past, we didn't know much
about the effect we were having on the environment 2_______________ as we didn't
have access to much scientific knowledge back then, 3_______________ whereas now
we know much more about the world and how it works and 4_______________ this
knowledge has been so useful in helping us to protect the environment.
5_______________ The science has improved, 6_______________ so I think that we
might start to discover new ways to reduce pollution in the future 7_______________
that are much better than those we have at the moment. 8_______________ Perhaps
the government could spend more money on promoting environmental
responsibility to companies, although 9_______________ it is by no means certain
this will have the desired effect.

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STRUCTURE FOR PART 3 ANSWER

Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Explain
or
Assess Predict
Compare
or
Suggest

NOTES

 A part 3 answer should preferably consider about 5 to 6 sentences.

 It is possible to do both Explain and Compare or Predict and Suggest in one
step. However, students must be aware of the length of the answer.
 It is unadvisable to reverse the order of Steps (1, 2 and 3) as it may affect the
Coherence score.

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3. EXAMPLE

Examiner: Have schools done enough to inform children about environmental

problems?

Confirm No In my opinion, it’s a big no.

Because you know, most of schools in

Theory => earn a spot Vietnam focus on providing theory so that
Step 1
in university => lack students can pass the exams to earn a spot
Explain
of… in University, which shows a lack of
awareness about environmental issues.

As for me, I strongly believe this is a

Step 2
Terrible reality terrible reality as it might affect children’s
Assess
future.

Therefore, I suppose that school should

Extra-curriculum
Step 3 hold more extra-curriculum activities so
activities => learn
Suggest students can cultivate knowledge about
more
environment.

However, from my own prediction, I

Be remained =>
Step 3 admit that this situation will still be
testing-based
Predict remained as Vietnam has a testing-based
education system
education system.

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LESSON 10: EXPRESSION FOR PART 3

1. AGREEING OR DISAGREEING
 Do you agree …?
 Some people say that …, agree or not?

Look at the expressions below for agreeing or disagreeing and put them into three
columns: Agree/ Neither agree or disagree/ Disagree.

Well, there are two

Certainly It’s hard to say Not really
ways to look at this

Definitely not! Possibly To some extent Sure

To be frank, it’s not

Of course Without a doubt No, not at all
very …

Agree Neither agree or disagree Disagree

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2. EXPRESSING AND JUSTIFYING

Ex1: look at the following phrases and decide if they mean “I think it’s important”
(write A) or “I don’t think it’s important” (write B)

a) It’s not a matter of life or death

b) It’s pretty inconsequential
c) It’s absolute necessary
d) It’s either here or there
e) It’s a must
f) It’s far from being essential
g) It is absolutely crucial/vital

Ex2: Fill the correct word given in the box in the missing places. In each of those
places, there is more than one correct answer.

clearly 3 apparently by and large 4 arguably 1

conceivably 1 for the most part4 undoubtedly 3 feasibly 1

from where I as far as I’m

supposedly
stand 2 concerned 2

1. It could ______________ become a human’s threat if the government show no

interest in finding a proper solution.
2. ______________, I think history should be taught mostly by outdoor trips or
some kinds of role-playing activities.
3. The result was ______________ wrong as she chose the wrong data to collect.
4. I would say, ______________, artists do not have a stable income in a long run.
5. ______________, parents could have handled the situation much better.

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3. EXPRESSIONS
3.1 Explain

 This is because S +V (because of N/Ving)

 Due to + Noun/Noun phrase, S + V (Due to the fact that + S + V, S + V)
 This can be explained by the fact that…
 The main reason behind…
 There are some reasons to explain why…

3.2 Compare

 Compare to the past, S + V

 In comparison with N/Ving
 If it were in the past, S + would V
 If my mind was correct/my mind serves me right,…
 It is really different now comparing to + time…

3.3 Predict

 I predict/guess/suppose that…
 What I can predict is that S+V
 To talk about the future…
 It is possible that about + time, S+V…
 There is a great possibility that...

3.4 Suggest

 I highly recommend that…

 I suggest that…
 My suggestion/advice would be…
 I strongly believe that S + should V

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LESSON 11: IELTS SPEAKING PART 2

DESCRIBING OBJECT

1. DESCRIBING OBJECT – OUTLINE

There are two types of objects: normal objects (clothes, furniture, cellphone…) and
objects with content (book, app, photo…)

Opening

B1  When?
 Who?
Introduction
 Where (How)?

 Describe
 Brand
B2  Shape
Body  Weight (heavy/light)
Describe  Length/Width
 Color and Pattern
 Functions or Content

B3  Reason 1 => example/proof

 Reason 2 => example/proof
Explain
 Reason 3 => example/proof

Ending

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2. PRACTICE

Describe a useful home appliance that you often use

You should say:

 What it is
 What it is like
 How do you use it
 And explain why you think it is useful

Opening

 When => 8 years ago

B1
 Who => aunt in Sweden
Introduction
 Where (How) => a housewarming gift

 Describe
 Brand => reputable/can’t pronounce
 Shape => hourglass
B2 metal filter inside a funnel
Body ceramic pot
Describe
 Color => black and silver => elegant
 Functions
 Brew coffee in the morning

 Coffee addict
B3  Hate => watery instant coffee
Explain  Coffee machine => strong earthy tones
(Indonesian) or gourmet coffee (Kenya)

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 A way to enjoy life

 Go to the kitchen => immerse myself in
the mild aroma and the sound of
coffeemaker thrumming steadily
 Taking a sip of freshly-made coffee => a
stimulant to kick start a new day

Ending

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[Before I start to say anything, I have to admit that] I don’t know much about
home appliance because I’m not a homebody. But I’ll try my best and the item I
choose for today is our family’s coffee machine.

[If my mind serves me right], 8 years ago, my aunt from Sweden sent my
family this machine as a housewarming gift. Honestly, at that time, I wasn’t very
fond of it because you know… I didn’t think I would become a fan coffee like I’m
now.

[Now, let me help me visualize this coffeemaker in more details]. This machine
is from a reputable brand in Sweden that I can’t pronounce its name [but I can tell
you] it has superior quality. [From the outside], it resembles the shape of an
hourglass, coffee grounds are placed in a… how to say… metal filter inside a funnel,
which is set over a glass or ceramic coffee pot. [And in terms of the color], black
and silver, quite elegant actually. [To talk about the function], I don’t think there’s
anything complicated to explain here: just to brew coffee in the morning.

[There are two main reasons why I think] coffee machine is the most useful
object in my house. [First of all], my parents and I are coffee addicts, that’s why we
really hate the watery taste of instant coffee. I mean only the coffee machine can
give us the strong earthy tones of Indonesian or gourmet coffee of Kenya. [But on
top of that], using this machine is a way for me to enjoy life. You know… every
morning when I come to the kitchen, I love immersing myself in mild aroma and the
sound of coffee maker thrumming steadily. As for me, taking a sip of freshly-made
coffee is a perfect stimulant to kick start a new day.

[All in all], despite the old rusty look of my coffee machine, I still love it so
much and I absolutely have no intention to toss it away even when it has run down.

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VOCABULARY FOR DESCRIBING OBJECTS

1. HOW SOMETHING WORKS

Ex1: Complete the description of how these objects work with the correct form of
the words and phrases in the boxes. In some cases, more than one answer may be
possible.

A. A disc player

convert decrease hear increase

replace spin strike view insert

A disc player (for example, in a computer) has several components parts. A disc
is ____________ into the player and begins to ____________. At the same time, a thin
beam of light called a laser ____________ the disc and ____________ digital signals
into sounds or images, which can be ____________ through speakers or
____________ on a screen. Volume or brightness can be ____________ or
____________ by means of s button, knob or other control. Nowadays, discs are
largely being ____________ by storage devices like memory sticks, which have no
moving parts.

B. A digital camera

adjust consist control download enter

hit open press record store

A digital camera ____________ of two main parts: a body and a lens. When a
button is ____________ on the body, a window in the lens called a shutter
____________ and light ____________ the camera. The amount of light going into
the camera is ____________ by both speed of this shutter, and a smaller window
called an aperture. Both the shutter speed and size of the aperture can be
____________ by the person using the camera. The light ____________ sensor in the

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body of the camera, which ____________ the light as a digital image. The image is
____________ on a memory card in the camera, and this can later be ____________
onto a computer.

2. SHAPE AND FEATURES

Ex1: Match the word in the box with shapes.

a crescent a circle a cone a cube a cylinder an oval

a pyramid a rectangle a sphere a spiral a square triangle

Ex2: Complete the crossword with the adjective form of these shapes

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3. SIZE, QUALITY AND DIMENSSION

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LESSON 11: STRATEGIES FOR BUYING TIMES IN PART 3

Ex1: Which of the strategies (A-C) in the box below does each candidate (1-8) use
to buy themselves some thinking time?

A. Asking the examiner to clarify the question

B. Paraphrasing the question
C. Explaining that the question is not a simple one to answer

Examiner: How important it is for students to study science at school?

1. Hmm. Are science subjects an integral part of study at school? I’m not sure
that they are. For one thing …
2. Um, I’m not sure. Are you asking if science should be compulsory for all
students, whatever year they are in at school? Or if science is just something
we all need some degree of basic knowledge in?
3. Well, I don’t think there is one, clear-cut answer to that. It really depends on
the individual. By that mean …
4. I couldn’t say for certain one way or another.
5. Do students need to study science at school? Perhaps yes …
6. As in, science should be studied at all expense of all other subjects?
7. That’s a good question. Well, I suppose …
8. By that do you mean, is science one of the main subjects that should be taught
at school?

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Ex2: Find the incorrect word in each of the sentences and fix them

Examiner: With technology in the home, what sort of dangers do people need to
look out for?

1. That’s quite a trick question to answer, let me think …

2. I don’t really know how to answer that. It’s never crossed my mind before.
3. I’m not entirely sure what you’re running at. Can you rephrase the question,
please?
4. Sorry, I don’t quite chase your question. Do you mean appliance, like kettles,
or something like internet security?
5. You know, I’d usually be able to answer that question immediately, but my
mind has gone clear.
6. Wow, this is such a different question to me since I’m not an expert in this field.

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LESSON 12: IELTS SPEAKING PART 2

DESCRIBING EVENTS

1. DESCRIBING EVENT – OUTLINE

Opening

B1  When?
 Where?
Introduction
 Who?

B2  Cause
Body  Happenings
Telling
 Result

B3  Lessons
 Memories
Explain
 Feelings

Ending

Note: Remember to use the past tense when telling a story/event

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2. PRACTICE

Describe an interesting experience you have had

You should say:

 What was it
 When did it happen
 Why it was interesting
 And explain how you felt about it

Opening => a trip to Nha Trang city

B1  When => 2 years ago/during the summer

 Where => Nha TRang/gorgeous coastal city
Introduction
 Who => my co-workers

 Cause
 A scorching hot summer + drained
 Book tickets + packed the luggage => head off
 Happenings
 Went to the beach/crystal-clear beach water +
Body radiant sunshine + tropical wind breezing on
B2 our skin.
 Dinner => an amazing gastronomic
Telling
experience
 Next day => visited different islands and bays
=> natural artwork of VN.
 Finish the trip => went camping and watched
sunset together => drank some wine + chit
chat
 Result

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 Once-in-a-lifetime trip => escape from the

polluted and noisy prison of HN

 Memories
 Took so many photos => laughing on the
B3 beach + Jumping in front of the sunset
 Glorious moment => never forget
Explain  Feelings
 Delighted => no signs of stress or frustration
on the face

Ending

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[Well, as for today, I think I will tell you about] one time I went
travelling.

Actually, [this topic reminds me about] the trip 2 years ago during the
summer, I and my co-workers visited Nha Trang, one of the most gorgeous
coastal city in Vietnam.

[To talk about why] we decided to have this trip, it was quite of a
random decision. [When I recall], that summer was scorching hot, so we were
all emotionally drained. That’s why we decided to book the tickets, pack the
luggage and just traveled.

[The moment when] we set foot in Nha Trang, we headed off right to
the beach to enjoy the crystal-clear beach water and radiant sunshine.
Literally, we could sense the tropical wind breezing on the skin. [After that],
savoring the food was our second thing on the list; we had an amazing
gastronomic experience. There was not a single moment that we stopped
eating as the seafood was beyond any expectation. [On the next day], it
was time for bay trip I supposed… Honestly, the natural artworks here left
us feel speechless, too stunning in my opinion. [And finally, to finish the trip],
we went camping and watched the sunset together. There was wine and candles,
some snacks… and four people’s laughter being echoed by the sunset. Well, it
was the last beautiful scenario of the trip I could remember.

Frankly speaking, I can say that I traveled with all my heart and had no
regrets after the trip. We took a bunch of photos and all of those embrace
different moments of our youth. [In the end], I and my colleagues were so
delighted as you cannot see any sign of stress or frustration on our face
anymore.

Hopefully we can have more trips like this in the future.

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VOCABULARY FOR DESCRIBING EVENTS

Ex1: Uses the words and phrases in the boxes to complete the sentences. Pay
particular to the words that come before or after the words and phrases.

A. One action or situation occurring before another action or situation.

by the time earlier formerly
precede previously prior to

1. _____________ the advent of the Industrial Revolution, pollution was virtually

unheard of.
2. _____________the army has restored order, the city had almost been
devastated.
3. _____________ known as Bombay, Mumbai is India’s most vibrant and
exciting city.
4. A sudden drop in museum will usually _____________ a blizzard.
5. It was my first trip on an aeroplane. _____________ I’d always gone by train.
6. The Prime minister made a speech praising charity organizations working in
Mozambique. _____________ that day he had promised massive economic aid
to stricken areas.

B. One action or situation occurring at the same time as another action or

situation.
at that very moment during
in the meantime while

1. _____________ the minister was making his speech, thousands of

demonstrators took to the street.
2. _____________ the speech they jeered and shouted slogans.
3. The minister continued speaking. _____________ the police were ordered onto
streets.

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4. He finished that speech with a word of praise for the police. _____________
began throwing bottles and bricks, and the riot began.

C. One action or situation occurring after another action or situation.

afterwards as soon as following

1. _____________ the earthquakes, the emergency organizations around the

worlds swung into action.
2. _____________ the stock market collapsed, there was panic buying on an
unprecedented scale.
3. The Klondike gold rush lasted from 1896 to 1910. _____________, the area
became practically deserted overnight.

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