IELTS Speaking Test: Perfect Band 9 Score

Summary

In this engaging video, the speaker discusses a wide range of topics, from friendships and personal preferences to food, noise, and travel. They share insights on the importance of close-knit friends, their love for cooking and exploring unique cuisines, and their thoughts on the impact of noise in daily life. The speaker also recommends visiting Cambodia's Angkor Wat and offers reflections on the benefits of both independent and group travel. Additionally, they address the value of museums, the holiday industry, and the balance between tourism’s positive and negative effects on popular destinations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker values their close-knit group of friends, mentioning that they have a few very good friends they rely on for help, advice, and counseling.
• 😀 While the speaker finds it easy to make acquaintances, they describe themselves as more closed-off in new environments, preferring to observe before engaging.
• 🌸 The speaker enjoys giving flowers to others but is indifferent about receiving them, preferring cheerful flowers like sunflowers and daisies over common red roses.
• 🍽️ The speaker loves cooking and has spent the past couple of years improving their skills, experimenting with dishes like quiches, Thai food, and baking.
• 🍜 Stinky tofu, a popular dish in Taiwan, is highlighted by the speaker as a delicacy despite its strong odor, with fried versions being preferred over boiled ones.
• 🌍 The speaker recommends visiting Cambodia, particularly the UNESCO heritage site of Angkor Wat, which appeared in the Tomb Raider movie. The place has a peaceful, serene vibe that the speaker deeply appreciates.
• 🎧 The speaker is uncomfortable with loud noises but can tolerate them in certain contexts, such as construction sites, though they dislike unnecessary noise from individuals.
• 🎨 The speaker believes that art museums and galleries should be free but understands the necessity of small fees for upkeep. They appreciate the option of free access on specific days, as practiced in France.
• 🖼️ The speaker enjoys surrealist art, specifically mentioning Salvador Dalí and René Magritte, and also appreciates museums like the British Museum in London.
• ✈️ The speaker prefers independent travel but recognizes that some people opt for package holidays due to their dislike of planning or for reasons such as easier access to certain attractions, particularly for senior citizens.
• 🌍 Tourism has both pros and cons. While the speaker acknowledges the negative impact of large tourist crowds, such as traffic and chaos, they also see the benefits, especially for countries dependent on tourism for economic growth.

Q & A

How does the speaker describe their friendships?

The speaker mentions that they have a lot of acquaintances but only a few close friends. They count three or four very close friends whom they turn to for help, counseling, and advice.

Does the speaker make friends easily?

The speaker suggests that they can be closed off in new environments and prefer to observe the situation before opening up. They’re described as friendly, but they like to assess their surroundings to avoid offending anyone.

What is the speaker's stance on giving and receiving flowers?

The speaker enjoys giving flowers, but when it comes to receiving them, they aren't particularly fond of them. They prefer bright and cheerful flowers like sunflowers and daisies, and they avoid clichéd flowers like red roses.

What is a popular dish in Taiwan mentioned by the speaker?

The speaker highlights stinky tofu as a popular dish in Taiwan. Although it has a strong odor, people prefer it fried, and it’s a dish they are known for. Additionally, the speaker mentions bubble tea and Taiwanese fried chicken.

How does the speaker feel about loud noises?

The speaker generally dislikes loud noises, particularly angry shouting or unnecessary noise. They are okay with construction sounds if they are part of the environment, but excessive or disruptive noises are unwelcome.

What type of noises does the speaker encounter daily?

The speaker describes everyday noises as familiar and comforting, such as the sound of a toaster or eggs sizzling in a pan. These sounds, although random, provide a sense of home.

What tourist attraction does the speaker recommend?

The speaker recommends visiting Siem Reap in Cambodia, particularly the temples there, which are UNESCO heritage sites. One of the temples is famously featured in the Tomb Raider movie, known for the iconic Buddha head entwined in a tree trunk.

What is the speaker's opinion on whether museums and art galleries should be free?

The speaker believes that museums and art galleries should ideally be free since the artifacts and paintings belong to humanity. However, they acknowledge the high costs of upkeep and maintenance, suggesting a small fee could be reasonable. They also appreciate the initiative in France where museums are free on the first Sunday of each month.

What kind of art does the speaker enjoy?

The speaker enjoys surrealist art, particularly works by Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. They also mention liking the British History Museum in London.

Why do some people book package holidays rather than travel independently?

The speaker believes some people book package holidays because they may not enjoy the planning aspect of travel. They mention that senior citizens might also prefer group travel for the convenience it offers. The speaker personally enjoys independent travel, having only traveled in groups once, to Egypt for a tour.