Synopsis
Conversations with successful IELTS candidates from around the world. Learn the strategies they followed that allowed them to reach their IELTS goal. www.ieltsielts.com
Episodes
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Lesson 140 | Part 1: Quiet places and sunglasses
01/02/2024 Duration: 20minVisit the blog! https://ieltsielts.com/ Get full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Are you currently working or are you a student? I am currently employed as a marketing specialist for a technology company. I have been working in this role for the past three years. Do you prefer working in a crowded place or a quiet one? Personally, I thrive in a quieter work environment. I find that I can concentrate better and be more productive when there are fewer distractions. Do you like spending your vacations or holidays in crowded or quiet places? I tend to lean towards quieter destinations when it comes to vacations. The peacefulness of open landscapes and the chance to unwind away from the hustle and bustle of daily life are appealing to me. I can't imagine experiencing the same level of relaxation in a crowded city. Let's talk about sunglasses. Do you often wear sunglasses? I make it a habit to wear sunglasses, especially during the sunny seasons. Not only do they provide protection against harmful
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Lesson 139 | Part 3: Complaints☹️
24/01/2024 Duration: 19minVisit the blog! https://ieltsielts.com/ Get full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join What do people usually complain about in public places? In public places, people commonly complain about inadequate facilities, poor sanitation, noise levels and overcrowding. When people complain, do they usually do it verbally or in writing? I think it depends on the situation and size of the problem. For smaller nuisances, verbal communication seems to be more prevalent. People tend to voice their concerns directly to the relevant authorities or service providers, perhaps to get an immediate response. I think written complaints would be more common for complex or ongoing issues, such as noise coming from a construction site. Do you think social media has changed the way people complain about services or products? Oh yes, it certainly has. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook allow individuals to voice their concerns instantly and to a broad audience. This not only puts pressure on businesses to address issues
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Episode 138 | Part 2: An event that positively impacted your life
19/01/2024 Duration: 15minThe new website is up! https://ieltsielts.com/ Sign up for full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Describe an event in your life that changed it in a positive way. You should say: -what the event was -when it happened -how it changed your life and explain why this change was positive for you Well, I would have to say my decision to learn a new language changed my life in a positive way. This significant turning point occurred around three years ago during my summer break. I had always been intrigued by the different cultures of Spanish-speaking people, so deciding to study Spanish was a natural choice for me. The journey began with enrolling in an intensive language course and immersing myself in Spanish literature and media. Doing these two things helped me to improve my understanding and abilities rapidly. I'll now speak about the multifaceted ways in which studying Spanish impacted my life. Firstly, the mental challenge of mastering a new language stimulated my cognitive abilities and signi
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Episode 137 | Part 3: Agriculture
16/01/2024 Duration: 16minSign up for FULL lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Visit my blog! https://ieltsielts.com/ Do you think the dishes people cook are influenced by the agriculture of their region? Absolutely. The availability of certain crops and livestock shapes the culinary traditions of a place. For example, in regions where rice cultivation is prevalent, you'll find a rich variety of rice-based dishes, and the same is true in regions where wheat is the more common grain. How important do you think agriculture is in your country? It's definitely important in China. Agriculture not only provides sustenance to the vast population but also contributes significantly to the national economy. I would also say a lot of our cultural identity is closely tied to traditional farming practices and the cuisines these practices produce. Can agriculture be improved by technology? Yes, I believe it can. Technology can significantly enhance efficiency, yield and sustainability in agriculture. Modern irrigation systems and gene
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Episode 136 | Part 2: Someone who loves cooking
05/01/2024 Duration: 17minDescribe someone who loves cooking. You should say: -who this person is -what kinds of dishes they usually cook -who they usually cook for And explain why you think this person enjoys cooking so much I would like to talk about my aunt, Lauren, who is an ardent lover of cooking. She is a middle-aged woman with a passion for culinary arts that is truly inspiring. Auntie Lauren is an exceptional cook and her culinary skills encompass a wide range of dishes from various cuisines. However, her specialty lies in preparing exquisite Italian dishes, particularly pasta and homemade pizzas. The aroma of her cooking often fills the entire house, creating an inviting atmosphere that captivates everyone's senses. Most frequently, she dedicates her culinary expertise to her immediate family – her husband and three children. Sunday dinners at her house have become a cherished tradition, with family members eagerly anticipating anything she prepares. The reason behind Auntie Lauren's unwavering love for cooking can be attrib
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Episode 135 | Part 1: Noise and loud music
29/12/2023 Duration: 08minSign up! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Do you work or are you a student? I'm currently a student. What do you study? I'm pursuing a degree in Environmental Science. Let's talk about noise. Would you describe yourself as a noisy person? No, I wouldn't say I'm a noisy person at all. I generally prefer a calm and quiet environment. In what situations does noise bother you? I find noise particularly bothersome when I'm trying to concentrate, especially while studying or working on important tasks. It can be quite distracting. Do you like to listen to loud music? Occasionally...yes, I do. However, I prefer it at a moderate volume. I find it more enjoyable, and it doesn't disturb others around me. How do you feel about noise in your living environment? I value a peaceful living environment. Excessive noise can be disruptive to both relaxation and productivity. I believe in maintaining a balance to ensure a harmonious atmosphere. Do you think cities are becoming noisier? Absolutely. It's evident that urba
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Episode 134 | Part 3: Helping and volunteering
20/12/2023 Duration: 17minJoin for full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Get the FREE newsletter! https://www.ieltsielts.com/ We've been talking about helping others, and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. Do you like to help others? Absolutely. I find great satisfaction in contributing to the well-being of others, be it in small everyday gestures or more significant acts of kindness. How can children help their parents? Children can contribute to their parents' well-being in various ways. Simple tasks like helping with household chores, such as tidying up their rooms or assisting with cooking, can make a significant difference. Additionally, showing appreciation and respect for their parents' efforts can create a positive and supportive family environment. Why do you think some children don't like helping their parents? I guess one reason for this reluctance might be the age and developmental stage of the child. Younger children might not fully comprehend the value of helping, while teenag
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Episode 133 | Part 2: A person who always offers a helping hand to others
14/12/2023 Duration: 10minSubscribe for full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Describe a person who lives in your area and always offers a helping hand to others. You should say -who this person is -how he/she helps others -why he/she does it And explain how you feel about this person I'd like to talk about a remarkable individual in my community who consistently extends a helping hand to others – Mrs. Smith. She is a retired school teacher in her late 60s and she and I have resided in the same neighbourhood for the past three decades. Mrs. Smith's helpfulness is evident in many ways, but her most notable contribution is in tutoring local children after school hours. She voluntarily dedicates a few hours each day to assist students with their homework and provide additional support in subjects they find challenging. Furthermore, she has established a small community library in her home, where she lends books to children who may not have access to such resources otherwise. The driving force behind Mrs. Smith's generous
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4 December 2023 | Part 1: Rain and staying healthy in your country
07/12/2023 Duration: 17minFor full exercises: https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Do you work or study? Currently, I study marketing at a college in this city. Why did you choose to study this subject? I chose to study marketing because of its dynamic nature and its direct relevance to my career goals. The field allows me to combine creativity with strategic thinking, providing a perfect fit for my aspirations. Let’s talk about rain. Does it rain much in your city? In Rome, we experience moderate rainfall, particularly during the spring and fall seasons. The rain contributes to the city's greenery and maintains a pleasant climate. Would you most like to live in a place that is dry or wet? I prefer a place with a balanced climate. Moderate rainfall adds to the environmental diversity and creates a pleasant atmosphere. Would you change your plans if it rained outside? Weather conditions do influence my plans to some extent. Heavy rain might prompt me to reconsider outdoor activities. However, a light drizzle usually doesn't deter m
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Episode 131 | Part 3: Young people and independence
29/11/2023 Duration: 21minJoin for FULL exercises! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Do you think nowadays young people have to become independent at a younger age compared to the past? Absolutely. In contemporary society, the pace of life has accelerated, and this has required young people grow up faster than in previous generations. The job market is more competitive and demands young professionals demonstrate autonomy and self-reliance. For example, people switch career paths way more now than they did in the past, and this requires people be more self-reliant and less dependent on a long-term employer. How does moving out of the family home contribute to a young person's sense of independence? Moving out is a pivotal step towards autonomy. It exposes individuals to the complexities of managing a household, handling bills and making decisions independently. Living away from the family provides a platform for personal growth, encouraging individuals to confront challenges, solve problems and build resilience. What responsibil
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Episode 130 | Part 2: Someone you know who moved into a new accommodation
22/11/2023 Duration: 17minJoin for full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Talk about someone you know who has moved to a new accommodation. You should say: -who this person is -when they moved -where they moved and explain whether or not the move has had a positive impact on them I'd like to talk about a colleague of mine named Emily, who recently made a significant move to a new accommodation. Emily is a person I work with, and we've developed a friendship over the past few years. She decided to make this move about three months ago - I think it was about August of this year. This decision to move was primarily for career advancement and to be closer to our workplace, which is in the heart of the city. Before, she had been commuting for almost two hours daily! Emily's new accommodation is an apartment in a modern complex. The area is known for its vibrant community, diverse cultural amenities and convenient access to public transportation. The apartment itself is spacious, well-furnished and provides a stunning view o
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Episode 129 | Special! 40+ minutes of 'repeat after me' exercises!✅
15/11/2023 Duration: 42minSign up for full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Topics in this episode: Studying, work, friendship, computers, the zoo and drinks
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6 November 2023 | Part 3: Talking about projects at work (10 min. exercise!)
06/11/2023 Duration: 19minJoin this channel for FULL lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Join my FREE newsletter! https://www.ieltsielts.com/ Transcript of the sample that is heard in this video: How important is it for employees to take on challenging projects at work? Taking on challenging projects at work is of paramount importance. It not only helps employees grow and develop professionally but also contributes significantly to the overall success of the organisation. Challenging projects provide employees with the opportunity to expand their skill set, learn new things and think creatively. In fact, the ability to handle challenging projects is often a key differentiator in one's career progression, as it showcases a person's problem solving skills, leadership potential and adaptability. What skills are necessary to successfully handle challenging projects? Handling challenging projects successfully demands a diverse set of skills. Firstly, problem solving skills are crucial. Employees should be able to analyse comp
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Episode 127 | Part 2: An impactful book you read
31/10/2023 Duration: 06minJoin for FULL exercises! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Get the free newsletter! https://www.ieltsielts.com/ Describe a book that had a significant impact on you. Please say: -What the book was about -When and where you read it -Why it had a significant impact on you -And say whether you would you recommend this book to others A book that I found impactful is "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I first encountered this book during my university years while studying literature. It's not very long, so I was able to read it in one afternoon in my university's library. The book had a significant impact on me due to its themes and the portrayal of the characters' aspirations and shortcomings, which I found very relatable. It delves into the lives of Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire who is known for his extravagant parties, and Nick Carraway, the narrator who becomes entangled in Gatsby's world. I really enjoyed how the book uses a story to examine topics such as the elusive nature of happiness
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Episode 126 | Part 1: Your hometown and drinks
24/10/2023 Duration: 08minJoin for FULL exercises! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube Music! https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB73A1B919925E02F&si=jdjlHDSKxPWU5lvg Where you are from? I am originally from a picturesque town in the heart of England called Stratford-upon-Avon. Do you work or study? Currently, I am pursuing my studies. I am enrolled in a postgraduate programme in Environmental Science at a local university. What is your hometown like? Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming town with a rich history. It's renowned as the birthplace of William Shakespeare and is known for its well preserved Tudor-style architecture. The town is nestled along the tranquil banks of the River Avon, and its cobblestone streets are lined with quaint shops and theaters. Do you enjoy living in your hometown? I absolutely adore living in my hometown. The blend of history, culture and the welcoming community makes it a delightful place to call home. How has your hometown changed over the years? Over
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Episode 125 | Part 3: Traditional celebrations in the modern world
16/10/2023 Duration: 07minPlease excuse the quality of my voice in this episode. I was a little sick.
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Episode 124 | Part 2: A traditional celebration or event in your culture
09/10/2023 Duration: 06minAccess FULL exercises at YouTube!
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Episode 123 | Part 1: Meeting new people and making friends
03/10/2023 Duration: 07minAccess FULL exercises at YouTube!
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Episode 122 | Part 3: Board games and society
25/09/2023 Duration: 13minGet FULL exercises! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Why do you think games are popular at social gatherings and family events? I think they are popular because of their ability to foster a sense of camaraderie and engagement. They act as icebreakers, encouraging people to interact and bond over shared experiences...thereby breaking any initial awkwardness. Furthermore, games inject an element of fun and excitement into these gatherings, making them enjoyable for everyone involved. In what ways do games contribute to improving social skills and communication among people? I would say games encourage effective verbal and non-verbal communication, as players must explain rules and strategies. This enhances interpersonal communication skills by encouraging people to speak clearly and listen actively. Games also often involve teamwork and collaboration, which fosters a sense of cooperation and trust among participants. I would say these are the main ways in which games improve a person's social skills.
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Episode 121 | Part 2: A memorable game
18/09/2023 Duration: 10minGet full exercises! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join Describe a tabletop game or other game you have played. You should say: What the game was Who you played it with Where and when you played it And explain why it was a memorable game for you. I'd like to share an experience I had playing a tabletop game called 'Settlers of Catan.' It was an incredibly memorable game for me, not only because of the game itself but also because of the people I played it with and the setting in which it took place. Settlers of Catan is a strategic board game that revolves around resource management and negotiation. It's designed for three to four players, and each player assumes the role of a settler on the fictional island of Catan. The objective of the game is to build settlements, roads and cities while trading resources like wood, brick, ore, wheat and sheep with other players. I played this game with three close friends of mine - Sarah, Mark and James. We decided to have a game night at my apartment during summer v