IELTS Speaking Band 9... Clear and Confident Answers

Summary

In this engaging speaking test, the speaker, Mt, discusses a variety of personal experiences, including changes in their hometown, their love for chocolate, and a memorable gift they received—a PlayStation. The conversation also delves into human needs, mental well-being, and the impact of modern conveniences. Mt reflects on the importance of personal growth, socializing, and charitable causes. Feedback from the examiner highlights the speaker's excellent command of English, sophisticated language, and fluency, awarding a band score of 9. The speaker also shares insightful study tips for language learners, emphasizing consistency and practical practice methods.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker, Mt, shares that his hometown has undergone significant development in recent years, with more cafes and cultural activities.
• 😀 Mt explains that although his hometown has grown significantly, it used to be small and has become more popular and up-and-coming.
• 😀 Mt enjoys visiting the library because it provides a distraction-free environment for reading and working on business matters.
• 😀 Initially, Mt was not a fan of libraries in childhood, but he grew to appreciate them during university for their resources and atmosphere.
• 😀 Mt believes that fewer children visit libraries now, possibly due to the rise of technology making resources more accessible online.
• 😀 Mt is a big fan of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, and enjoyed it daily during his childhood as a favorite dessert.
• 😀 Mt considers chocolate an excellent gift choice because it's universally liked and convenient compared to more risky gift options like books.
• 😀 Mt believes that chocolate’s global popularity is due to its great taste, mood-boosting properties, and wide accessibility.
• 😀 Mt recalls being gifted a PlayStation by his best friend during middle school, an experience that impacted his life significantly.
• 😀 Mt explains that the ease of accessing things like food and coffee nowadays, thanks to technology, has positively impacted our lives by saving time and effort.
• 😀 Mt values personal growth and believes that meaningful uses of time involve activities that contribute to self-improvement and learning from others.

Q & A

How has the speaker's hometown changed in recent years?

The speaker's hometown has undergone significant development, with more cafes and cultural activities. It has grown from a small town into a much larger, more vibrant place.

What is the speaker's opinion on libraries, and how has it changed over time?

Initially, the speaker wasn't fond of libraries, especially in childhood. However, after starting university, they appreciated the resources and the ideal study environment libraries provide. They also observe that fewer children visit libraries nowadays due to the convenience of accessing information online.

Does the speaker enjoy eating chocolate, and what is their favorite type?

Yes, the speaker loves chocolate, particularly dark chocolate. They mention its taste and health benefits as reasons for their preference.

Why does the speaker believe chocolate is a good gift to give?

The speaker believes chocolate is a universally liked gift, as most people enjoy it. Unlike a book, which may not appeal to everyone, chocolate is a safe and appreciated choice for a gift.

What personal story did the speaker share about receiving a PlayStation?

The speaker shared that their best friend gifted them a PlayStation during middle school, which surprised them. Despite financial struggles, the gift significantly impacted their life, sparking a love for gaming. They later became addicted to the device, and it played a role in their social life and academic challenges.

What are the basic human needs mentioned by the speaker, and how are they categorized?

The speaker lists food and shelter as essential needs, and entertainment and socializing as non-essential needs. They emphasize that while non-essential needs may not be critical for survival, they are essential for psychological well-being.

How does the speaker view the impact of modern conveniences, such as food delivery and online apps?

The speaker views modern conveniences like food delivery apps positively, as they save time and effort. They believe these advancements allow people to focus on more meaningful activities instead of spending time on basic tasks like traveling for food.

What does the speaker consider to be a meaningful use of time?

The speaker believes that time should be spent on personal growth, even in leisure activities. They strive to learn and grow, whether through entertainment, conversations with friends, or other activities that expand their horizons.

What are the benefits of charitable work, according to the speaker?

The speaker highlights the satisfaction and rewarding feeling of helping others. They believe charitable activities, such as helping the homeless, are an essential part of being human and contribute to positive societal outcomes.

What study tips did the speaker share for improving speaking skills?

The speaker suggests consistency over intensity in studying. They recommend recording oneself, preferably in video format, and reviewing responses after a few days using spaced repetition. This method helps build confidence and fluency over time.