Sample answer:
Unlike my friends who tend to be early birds Iām a night owl. Iām most productive in the late evening and into the wee small hours. I find that this is when Iām really able to concentrate and can focus on the task at hand. At the moment Iām preparing for the IELTS exam so I study every day after 9pm.
Sample answers
I think robots can be very useful ā they can carry out boring or repetitive tasks that humans do not want to do. If we had a robot to clean our home, then we could have more free time to indulge our hobbies or spend time with friends and family. We can also send robots to places where itās inhospitable or dangerous for humans to go, for example deep in the ocean or into conflict zones. Ā
Robots have already replaced humans in many sectors, and I think we will see this further expanding, for example in hospitality and medical care. Technology will continue to develop, specifically there will be significant developments in artificial intelligence. I believe that robots will become more intuitive but I donāt believe they will become more lifelike. Actually, I think they will be intentionally designed to keep them from resembling human beings, although I do still wonder if at some point they will rise up and try to take over!
Sample answer:
I wouldnāt want to be a popstar. While at first it might be fun to have fame and fortune, I think this would soon wear off. I think there is too much pressure on performers in the music industry and living under the constant scrutiny of the media would be incredibly stressful. I value my privacy, and Iād rather have a quiet life.
Sample answer:
I go to the zoo once in a blue moon. I donāt really enjoy the zoo in my hometown becuase itās quite small and the animals look depressed. However, when I am overseas, I sometimes go to see exotic species up close. I went on a night safari at Singapore Zoo and saw some incredible creatures in their spacious enclosures.
Sample answer:
If I had the opportunity to blast off into space, Iād love to –Ā Iād be over the moon, literally! Iām a huge fan of sci-fi movies so Iād like to experience weightlessness and seeing our home planet from a different perspective would be incredible ā really out of this world!
I was looking at some common part 1 exam questions with my students today.
This one –Ā “Where are you from?”Ā – comes up all the time.Ā
We could, of course, answer the examiner in a few short words, but this is a speaking exam so let’s offer just a little bit more.
Think about the following:
Sample answer:
Sample answer
I only have vague memories ā itās such a long time ago!
My primary school was an imposing, old building and I remember being quite intimidated by it. I also remember my teacher was strict and scary ā she certainly frightened the life out of me. I remember crying because I didnāt want to stay there and I wanted to go home with my mum.
I began this lesson by thinking about what public transport is. We focused onĀ mass transit that the public has access to, that travels along a fixed route, and that runs to a timetable.Ā
Next, students brainstormed ideas for different forms of public transport using this handout (not public transports – it’s an uncountable noun).Ā
We discussed these in our feedback session, and grouped some together:
Air:
Road:
Rail:
Water:
We added gondolas and cable cars to the list, which run as public transport in some parts of the world.Ā
We also considered taxis and bicycles – they’re certainly forms of transport that the public has access to, but do they count as public transport?
In Seoul (and may other cities around the world) there is a popular public bike rental scheme, though this is classed as a bicycle sharing system. Ā As for taxis, perhaps these complement public transport (although it may depend where you’re from!)Ā
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of tourism?
Sample answer
Thatās an interesting question!
I think there are both advantages and disadvantages.
In terms of advantages, tourism helps to boost the local economy and provides jobs. In Thailand, for example, the tourist industry is incredibly important. Many people are employed in the hospitality sector, working in hotels, restaurants and so on. They can earn a living and provide for their family, and they donāt necessarily need to move away from their hometown.
However, there are drawbacks. In order to accommodate an influx of tourists there can be overdevelopment which impacts on the environment negatively. Land is cleared to construct hotels, with trees being cut down and animals losing their natural habitat. Ā
So there are pros and cons.
1. Do many foreign tourists come to your country?
Sample answer
The tourist industry in Korea is booming.
An increasing number of airlines, including low-cost carriers, serve Incheon Airport, making it easier and more affordable than ever before for travellers to get here.
Many visitors from South-East Asia are influenced by the Korean Wave ā they watch Korean dramas on TV or are big fans of K-pop and they want to experience the country first hand. They mainly come to stay in the capital Seoul, where they enjoy a range of delicious local dishes and immerse themselves in culture experiences like wearing āhanbokā, which is traditional Korean dress. And of course they shop till they drop in the bustling Myeongdong shopping area and in the tax-free stores. Ā
Medical tourism is also becoming more popular ā cosmetic surgery especially. Foreign patients undergo treatments here not only because of the reputation for excellent doctors and quality aftercare but also because the price can be significantly cheaper than in their own country.
