Band 8.5 IELTS Practice Speaking Exam

Summary

This engaging video script explores a range of topics, including favorite seasons, sports participation, travel experiences, and TV preferences. The speaker shares personal anecdotes about enjoying summer and winter activities in Beirut, their love for gymnastics, and the joy of family holidays in Greece and London. Additionally, the discussion touches on the impact of TV advertising, particularly in the food industry, and emphasizes the importance of regulations for protecting children. Throughout the script, the speaker reflects on their experiences and values, creating a relatable narrative that resonates with viewers.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker's favorite season is summer, mainly due to pleasant weather and outdoor activities.
• 🏞️ Beirut experiences four distinct seasons, with winter offering skiing and various activities.
• 🎉 Tourism peaks in summer and during Christmas in Beirut, as families come together for holidays.
• ⚽ The speaker enjoys sports but has paused some activities due to family commitments, especially for their children.
• 📺 Quality time is spent watching TV with their partner after putting the kids to bed, primarily enjoying Netflix.
• 🌍 The speaker frequently visits Greece, appreciating its culture and cuisine, and plans to visit London for Christmas.
• 📚 A documentary on longevity inspired the speaker to change their lifestyle and diet for health reasons.
• 🍽️ Food, especially organic options, plays a crucial role in health, as demonstrated in the documentary about long-lived populations.
• 📺 Food products dominate TV advertising in the speaker's country, with a significant impact on viewers, especially children.
• 🔍 Coherence and fluency in speaking are important for effective communication during language tests.

Q & A

What is the speaker's favorite season and why?

The speaker's favorite season is summer because of the sun and the vitamins it provides. They enjoy summer in Beirut as it is not excessively hot, and they can go to the mountains if they feel too warm.

How does the speaker describe winter in Beirut?

The speaker enjoys winter in Beirut, highlighting that they can go skiing and partake in many activities rather than being stuck at home. They note that the winter temperatures are not as harsh as minus 20 degrees Celsius.

When is tourism most popular in Beirut?

Tourism in Beirut peaks during the summer and Christmas, as many people come to visit family and spend the holidays together.

What sports did the speaker play, and why did they stop?

The speaker used to play wakeboarding, snowboarding, and horse riding but stopped due to concerns about safety, especially after having children. They express a desire to return to their hobbies.

What sport does the speaker encourage their children to participate in?

The speaker has started their son in gymnastics, wanting him to be active rather than sitting and watching TV or using an iPad.

Which countries does the speaker enjoy visiting?

The speaker loves Greece, Italy, and Romania, stating that they find Greece similar to Beirut but more advanced in certain aspects. They plan to visit London for Christmas.

What type of TV programs does the speaker prefer?

The speaker enjoys watching Netflix at night after putting the kids to bed. They appreciate the variety of options available, including series and documentaries.

What did the speaker learn from a documentary about long-living populations?

The speaker learned about the importance of organic food, staying active, and how these factors contribute to longer life spans in certain populations. They changed their lifestyle after having children, focusing on healthier eating.

What kind of products are most commonly advertised on TV in the speaker's country?

Food products are heavily advertised on TV, including items like cheese and fries.

What feedback did the speaker receive regarding their performance in the speaking test?

The feedback highlighted that the speaker developed their answers well but sometimes strayed off-topic. They were praised for pronunciation and grammar but advised to improve coherence by sticking closer to the questions asked.