Sometimes the fine people at IELTS like to through more infrequent, abstract, or odd questions at you. This series will help you prepare for those. Each lesson will introduce some vocabulary, broken down on a task-by-task basis, to help you prepare. Keep reading further and you will find IELTS mock exam questions to practice, followed lastly by sample answers which include the new vocabulary.
Preparation Vocabulary:
Task 1 Vocabulary:
- Pastime (noun): An activity done for enjoyment in one’s spare time.
- Sample usage: Reading has always been my favorite pastime, as it allows me to escape into different worlds.
- Immerse oneself (verb): To become completely involved or absorbed in an activity.
- Sample usage: She immersed herself in painting, spending hours perfecting her technique.
- Develop an interest (verb): To gradually gain a liking for or curiosity about something.
- Sample usage: He developed an interest in photography after taking a course at the community center.
- Captivate (verb): To attract and hold the attention or interest of someone.
- Sample usage: The storyteller captivated the audience with her vivid descriptions and engaging characters.
- Fond memories (noun): Happy or pleasant memories that one remembers with affection.
- Sample usage: My childhood is filled with fond memories of playing with my friends in the park.
Task 2 Vocabulary:
- Public space (noun): An area or place that is open and accessible to all members of the community.
- Sample usage: The city council decided to transform the abandoned lot into a public space for the community to enjoy.
- Urban planning (noun): The process of designing and managing the physical layout, infrastructure, and services of a city or town.
- Sample usage: Good urban planning is essential for creating sustainable and livable cities.
- Renovation (noun): The process of improving or updating a damaged, broken, or outdated structure.
- Sample usage: The old library underwent a major renovation to create a more modern and inviting space.
- Accessibility (noun): The quality of being easy to approach, reach, or use.
- Sample usage: The park’s accessibility has been improved with the addition of wheelchair ramps and wider pathways.
- Amenities (noun): Desirable or useful features or facilities of a building or place.
- Sample usage: The new apartment complex offers a variety of amenities, including a gym, swimming pool, and laundry room.
Task 3 Vocabulary:
- Quality of life (noun): The general well-being of individuals and societies, including factors such as physical health, education, employment, and social relationships.
- Sample usage: Access to quality healthcare and education significantly contributes to a person’s quality of life.
- Social interaction (noun): The exchange or communication between people, often involving shared activities or experiences.
- Sample usage: Public spaces provide opportunities for social interaction, fostering a sense of community among residents.
- Recreational activities (noun): Activities that people engage in for relaxation, enjoyment, or entertainment.
- Sample usage: The city offers a wide range of recreational activities, including sports leagues, art classes, and outdoor concerts.
- Well-being (noun): The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
- Sample usage: Spending time in nature has been proven to have a positive impact on a person’s mental well-being.
- Inclusivity (noun): The practice or policy of including people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized.
- Sample usage: The school prides itself on its inclusivity, welcoming students of all backgrounds and abilities.
Mock Exam. Make a video or audio recording answering the following questions in three parts, Task 1, Task 2, and Task 3. Send the three recordings to me via WeChat when completed.
Task 1: Personal Questions
- Tell me about a hobby or interest you had when you were younger but no longer pursue.
- What type of music do you prefer listening to? Why?
- Can you tell me about a book you’ve read recently that made a strong impression on you?
Task 2: Cue Card – Take 1 minute to prepare your answer, and then provide a 90 – 120 second answer.
Describe a public place in your city that you think needs improvement. You should say:
- What this place is
- Why you think it needs improvement
- What could be done to improve it
- How the improvements would benefit the local community
Task 3: Extended Discussion
- What role do public spaces play in the quality of life in a city?
- How can local governments ensure that public spaces are accessible and beneficial to all citizens?
- In your opinion, is it more important to invest in new public spaces or improve existing ones? Why?
Tips for you to achieve a band 7 score:
- Use a range of vocabulary and phrases to showcase your language skills. Don’t be afraid to use idiomatic expressions or more complex words when appropriate.
- Ensure you provide a clear answer to the question and support your answer with relevant examples or personal experiences.
- Pay attention to your pronunciation, intonation, and stress. Speak clearly and at a comfortable pace.
- Avoid overusing filler words such as “um,” “like,” or “you know.” Instead, take a brief pause if needed to gather your thoughts.
I encourage you to practice using this vocabulary and tips to improve your overall fluency and achieve your desired band score.
Sample Answers:
Task 1
- Tell me about a hobby or interest you had when you were younger but no longer pursue.
Sample answer: When I was younger, I had a strong interest in collecting stamps. This pastime captivated me as it allowed me to learn about different countries, their history, and culture. I would immerse myself in my stamp collection for hours, organizing them by country and date. However, as I grew older and life became busier, I found it difficult to dedicate time to this hobby. Although I don’t actively collect stamps anymore, I still have fond memories of the time I spent on this fascinating activity.
- What type of music do you prefer listening to? Why?
Sample answer: I particularly enjoy listening to classical music as it has a soothing and calming effect on me. I find that this genre captivates my attention and helps me unwind after a long day. It also allows me to immerse myself in the intricate melodies and harmonies, which I find intellectually stimulating. Furthermore, classical music has been an integral part of my life since my childhood, as my parents often played it at home, and I have developed a strong interest in it over time.
- Can you tell me about a book you’ve read recently that made a strong impression on you?
Sample answer: Recently, I read a thought-provoking novel titled “The Power of One” by Bryce Courtenay. This coming-of-age story follows the life of a young boy named Peekay, who grows up in South Africa during the time of apartheid. The book captivated me from the very beginning with its vivid descriptions of the protagonist’s struggles and triumphs. I was deeply moved by Peekay’s resilience and determination to make a difference in the world despite the many challenges he faced. This book left a lasting impression on me, and it has inspired me to develop an interest in learning more about South Africa’s history and culture.
Task 2
Cue Card: Describe a public place in your city that you think needs improvement. You should say: What this place is, Why you think it needs improvement, What could be done to improve it, and How the improvements would benefit the local community.
Sample answer: There’s a public park in my city that I believe needs significant improvement. The park is located near the city center and has the potential to serve as a vibrant communal area for residents. However, its current state leaves much to be desired, as the infrastructure is outdated and there’s a lack of accessible amenities.
The park needs improvement for several reasons. First, the playground equipment is old and unsafe for children to use. Additionally, the walking paths are uneven and poorly maintained, making it difficult for people with mobility issues to navigate the park. Finally, there is a general lack of seating areas and green spaces, which limits the park’s potential as a place for relaxation and social interaction.
To improve the park, the local government could invest in renovating the playground equipment and ensuring it meets modern safety standards. This would make the park more appealing to families with young children. Moreover, the walking paths could be repaved and widened to improve accessibility for all visitors, including those with disabilities. It would also be beneficial to install more benches, picnic tables, and shaded areas, creating a welcoming environment for people to spend time in the park. Urban planning should focus on enhancing the park’s natural beauty, perhaps by planting more trees and flowers.
These improvements would greatly benefit the local community. An inviting and accessible public space would encourage residents to spend more time outdoors, participating in recreational activities and socializing with their neighbors. This, in turn, would foster a sense of community and improve the overall quality of life for those living in the area. Furthermore, an attractive and well-maintained park could also boost local businesses, as more people would be drawn to visit the surrounding shops and restaurants.
Task 3
- What role do public spaces play in the quality of life in a city?
Sample answer: Public spaces play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in a city. They serve as communal areas where people can engage in recreational activities, social interaction, and relaxation. Well-designed public spaces promote physical and mental well-being by providing opportunities for exercise, outdoor experiences, and connections with nature. Additionally, they foster a sense of community and inclusivity, as they are accessible to all citizens regardless of their age, background, or abilities. Public spaces also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of a city, which can influence residents’ overall satisfaction with their living environment.
- How can local governments ensure that public spaces are accessible and beneficial to all citizens?
Sample answer: Local governments can ensure that public spaces are accessible and beneficial to all citizens by prioritizing urban planning and design that promotes inclusivity and equity. This could involve implementing policies that guarantee a minimum amount of public space per capita or within a certain distance of residential areas. Governments should also invest in maintaining and improving existing public spaces, ensuring they offer a range of amenities and facilities catering to diverse needs and preferences. Infrastructure, such as wheelchair ramps and well-maintained pathways, should be provided to accommodate people with mobility challenges. Additionally, local governments can involve citizens in the decision-making process, soliciting feedback and suggestions for improvements to create public spaces that truly serve the needs of the community.
- In your opinion, is it more important to invest in new public spaces or improve existing ones? Why?
Sample answer: I believe that both investing in new public spaces and improving existing ones are equally important for a city’s overall well-being. While creating new public spaces can contribute to the expansion of green areas, recreational facilities, and social interaction opportunities, it is crucial not to neglect existing spaces. Many older public spaces might require renovation or updates to maintain their functionality, accessibility, and appeal. Upgrading existing spaces can also be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than constructing new ones. However, the specific needs and priorities of a city should be considered when making decisions about allocating resources. A balanced approach that takes into account urban development, population growth, and community feedback can ensure that public spaces continue to enhance the quality of life for all residents.
