IELTS Speaking Practice Test- Perfect Band 9

Summary

In this engaging conversation, the speaker discusses personal preferences, lifestyle, and work experiences. They share their love for Asian cuisine, especially Thai and Vietnamese, as well as their passion for cooking despite a busy schedule. The speaker also reflects on their favorite season, the challenges of summer heat, and the importance of a work-life balance while traveling with family. They elaborate on their career journey from STEM to becoming a speaker and storyteller, and discuss the importance of aligning career choices with personal interests. The conversation concludes with insights into the future of remote work, including its pros and cons.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker loves Asian cuisine, particularly spicy and savory dishes, but finds it difficult to access quality Asian food in England.
• 😀 Despite enjoying cooking, the speaker doesn't cook often due to time constraints, as they need to balance work and taking care of their kids.
• 😀 Fish and chips is a popular takeaway in the speaker's area, but their personal preference leans toward Thai and Vietnamese food.
• 😀 The speaker tries to eat healthily but occasionally indulges in fast food, such as McDonald's Fillet-O-Fish, when traveling.
• 😀 The speaker enjoys spring and early summer, particularly when the weather is warm but not too hot, as it boosts their mood.
• 😀 During hot summer months, the speaker uses air conditioning and fans to stay cool, and they prefer to stay indoors when it's too hot.
• 😀 They prefer to travel outside of school holiday periods, but due to their kids, they often have to travel during school breaks. Their favorite time to travel is around Christmas, preferably to a warmer climate.
• 😀 The speaker has traveled to Norway, which they found to be a picturesque destination, particularly enjoying the husky sledding experience.
• 😀 For clothes, the speaker enjoys shopping online, particularly at Zara and Asos, and values both trendy and timeless styles.
• 😀 They acknowledge shopping more frequently than they should, viewing it as a form of self-expression and a source of dopamine.
• 😀 The speaker's fashion taste has evolved throughout their life, influenced by different phases such as pre-motherhood, during motherhood, and post-motherhood.
• 😀 The speaker uses Instagram and LinkedIn for business purposes, focusing on building a community and generating business leads.
• 😀 They admit to spending too much time on social media, acknowledging its addictive nature, but also the importance of engaging with others to build relationships.
• 😀 The speaker dislikes how social media can dilute the quality of personal relationships, even as it connects us to many people online.
• 😀 When choosing a career, the speaker emphasizes the importance of passion for the work and potential for growth within the industry, especially as technology continues to impact the workforce.
• 😀 They believe that money-driven careers often lead to failure, stressing the importance of aligning one's career with their true interests and identity for fulfillment.
• 😀 The speaker sees hybrid working as the future of work, especially after the pandemic, though they acknowledge that some people prefer in-person interaction and accountability.
• 😀 They recognize that working from home has disadvantages, such as disconnection from colleagues and the need for self-discipline and organization.

Q & A

What is the speaker's favorite type of food?

The speaker's favorite type of food is Asian food, particularly spicy, flavorful, and savory dishes. They live in England, where Asian food is harder to come by, but they enjoy the tastes of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.

Does the speaker cook at home often?

The speaker does not cook at home as much as they would like to. They enjoy cooking but find themselves cooking mainly out of convenience due to the demands of work and family. They sometimes order takeaway, which their kids enjoy.

What is a popular takeaway meal in the speaker's area?

A popular takeaway meal in the speaker's area is fish and chips, which is a favorite of many. Additionally, the speaker enjoys Thai and Vietnamese food.

What is the speaker's favorite season and why?

The speaker's favorite season is spring or early summer. They enjoy the warmer weather before it gets too hot and appreciate the positive effects of vitamin D, which makes them feel happier.

How does the speaker deal with extremely hot weather in the summer?

The speaker deals with hot weather by seeking out air-conditioned buildings and using fans at home. They also carry portable fans when they go outside in the heat.

When does the speaker typically go on holiday?

The speaker prefers to go on holiday outside of the school holiday season. However, because they have children, they usually go during term breaks. Their favorite time for holidays is during Christmas, as they prefer warmer climates during the cold season.

Has the speaker ever been to a very cold place on holiday?

Yes, the speaker has been to Norway, where they experienced beautiful scenery, including fjords and icebergs. They also enjoyed riding a husky sled, which was a memorable experience.

Where does the speaker usually buy clothes from?

The speaker usually buys clothes online, primarily from Zara and Asos. They prefer these brands for their trendy yet timeless looks.

How often does the speaker buy clothes for themselves?

The speaker buys clothes more often than they should because they use online shopping as a form of self-expression. They enjoy updating their wardrobe for different occasions.

What role does social media play in the speaker's life?

Social media plays a significant role in the speaker's professional life. They use Instagram to build a community and connect with their audience, and LinkedIn to manage business-to-business relationships. However, they find the addictive nature of social media a downside, as it can affect the quality of relationships with close family and friends.