PIA IELTS EXPERT COURSE

SPEAKING

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPIC
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PART

TITLE

PAGE

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TV program
Intelligent person
Intelligent or beauty
Household chores
Unforgettable childhood memory
Childhood
Music
Unsuccessful trip

Planning a trip
Advertisement
Environmental problems
Environmental crisis
Flowers
Favorite season
Climate
Teamwork or Cooperation
Company/School project
Group projects
Company
Something that makes you healthy
Children and Play
Newspaper and Radio
Childhood activity
Health
Art
A course one wants to learn
Activities that children enjoy

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TOPIC
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PART
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3

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TITLE
Hometown
Traffic jam
University education
Language
Cooking
Traffic problems
Films
Book
Food Industry
Relaxation
Interesting speech
Speeches
Colors

Change in one’s life
Change and progress
Food
Good advice
Best advice

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Topic 1
Extra Questions:


Part 1
TV PROGRAM
Do you watch TV programs often?
Do you think the government should censor what people watch
on TV?
What kinds of TV programs are not suitable for children?
What do you watch more often, local or foreign TV programs?

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

What kind of TV programs do you watch for entertainment?
Do TV programs have influence on children?
Do you think watching television is a waste of time?
How can watching too much television affect a child’s growth?
How old should a child be to be able to watch television freely?

Related vocabulary words and expressions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

9.
10.

viewer (n)
documentary (n)
series (n)
mainstream (n)
witty (adj)
enlightening (adj)
live-broadcast (n)
attention-grabbing (interesting) (phr)
mind-numbing (boring) (phr)
broadcast/televise (v)

Idiom
Channel-surf – change TV channels frequently

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SAMPLE ANSWERS
 Do you watch TV programs often?
Yes, I watch TV programs often, almost every day. I watch the
morning news before going to work. When I get home as well, I
immediately turn on the TV, and on weekends, I spend almost the
whole day watching.

 Do you think the government should censor what people
watch on TV?
Yes, I think that the government should censor what their

citizens watch because TV has a strong influence on people. The
authorities should make sure that people don’t watch anything
that will be detrimental to them, like violent or sexually explicit
programs.

 What kinds of TV programs are not suitable for children?
The programs not suitable for children are those that have violent
and sexual contents because children are too young for those. It
may also cause harm since they are easily influenced by what they
see, convincing kids that a life of crime is an exciting goal to strive
for.

 What do you watch more often, local or foreign TV programs?
I prefer watching local TV programs more because the language
they use are easier to understand. The cultural setting is also
easier to relate to, and I appreciate programs that are made in my
own country better.

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Part 2
Describe an intelligent person you know.

Describe an intelligent person you know.

You should say

You should say


who is the person
when did you discover his intelligence
what kind of person is he/she
why is he/she intelligent

Model Answer

who is the person
when did you discover his intelligence
what kind of person is he/she
why is he/she intelligent

Your Answer

I would like to tell you about one of the most intelligent persons
that I know who happens to be my mother.
There are several reasons why I consider her so.
First of all, she solved my impossible math equation. I asked both
my dad and my grandfather for help but they did not understand
how to perform the calculation.
Second, she’s the type of person who has a good memory and
even better concentration skills. I would be surprised when she
clarifies difficult topics discussed in class. Whenever she helps me
prepare for my exams, she made memorizing seem so easy.
Last but not least, being a humble person, she insisted on
showing me how to do the problem, and she let me take all the
credit.
For these reasons, I think my mother is so intelligent because she
studies hard but is still level-headed.


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Part 3
What is more important: intelligence or beauty?
Do you think intelligent people can do stupid things?
Does intelligence run in the family?

What is more important: intelligence or beauty?
Does intelligence run in the family?
Beauty is great, but it doesn’t last, so I think intelligence is more
important. Intelligence becomes quite beautiful as you get to
know someone and as they age, and contributes more to your life
over a longer period than beauty does.

Do you think intelligent people can do stupid things?

Of course, since intelligence itself doesn’t make you rational, and
irrational people do stupid things. Thinking rationally demands
mental skills that some of us don’t have and many of us don’t use,
which is why we often see socially awkward geniuses.

I think yes, and everyone agrees that intelligence tends to run in
families. Lots of studies have shown that this is true and most
people can see it when they look at their own families, friends,
and acquaintances.

Extra Questions
a) What do you think of intelligence tests? Do you think they are
accurate?

b) Does school make a person more intelligent?
c) Should intelligent children be educated separately?
d) What is the difference in how people regard intelligence in the past
and present?

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Topic 2
Extra Questions:

Part 1
HOUSEHOLD CHORES
Do you like to do housework?
What kind of housework do you usually do?
What is your least favorite household chore?
What are the benefits of doing household chores?

Related vocabulary words and expressions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.


housework (n)
tidy up / clean up (phr v)
putting things where they belong (phr)
dust (v)
scrub (v)
disposable (adj)
regularly/frequently/rarely (adv)
take the trash out (phr)
make the bed (phr)
set/clear the table (phr)

a) Do you do housework by choice or do your parents force you to do
so?
b) Are household chores necessary?
c) What are the most common household chores?
d) What household chores are the easiest to do?
e) What household chores are the hardest to do?
f) What chores will you never do?
g) Why do people do household chores?
h) Who often does household chores in your house?
i) Why do females more often bear the responsibility in doing
household chores?

Idiom
be fed up with – be tired of

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SAMPLE ANSWERS

 Do you like to do housework?
Surprisingly yes, I like to do house work a lot, and often do
household work without being asked. My mother has never
forced me into doing chores because I willingly do them, and am
usually a great help in the kitchen when I visit my relatives for
family dinners.

 What kind of housework do you usually do?
The type of housework I usually do includes fixing my bed in the
morning and keeping my room clean. Sometimes when asked, I
wash the dishes after meals, clean the toilet, and sweep the floor
in the morning.

 What is your least favorite household chore?
My least favorite household chore is dusting off appliances,
furniture, window ledges, and the like. It’s very tiring and tedious,
especially at home where my mother wants me to clean her tiny
figurine collection one by one.

 What are the benefits of doing household chores?
I think that knowing how to do household chores helps me
develop responsibility and prepares me for an independent life.
Other benefits of household chores include scrubbing as a form of
exercise and you getting to make your parents happy.

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Part 2
Describe an unforgettable memory from your childhood


Describe an unforgettable memory from your childhood

You should say

You should say

who was involved
where did the memory take place
how old were you at that time
why do you remember it

Model Answer

who was involved
where did the memory take place
how old were you at that time
why do you remember it

Your Answer

I would like to tell you about one of my best childhood memories
and that is my holiday trips with my grandmother.
There are several reasons why I consider this so.
First of all, my grandma was a beautiful, funny person, and loved
travelling. I think it’s because of her I like travelling so much too.
Second, we travelled to my uncle’s house every year – a cabin by
a hill with a vista overlooking the sea where the wind blew strong.
We had such a wonderful time there, playing with my cousins,
rolling down the hill, and making up different games. Our uncle

was always happy to take us.
Last but not least, my grandma would bake cinnamon buns which
smelled almost as good as they tasted.
For these reasons, I think those holiday trips were just a few
among other unforgettable childhood experiences.

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Part 3
What things do people usually keep from their childhood?
What things did you use to hate eating as a child?
Have you ever forgotten an important date, like a birthday or an
anniversary?
What things do people usually keep from their childhood?
People usually keep small childhood toys, and I kept a stuffed
Curious George monkey from when I was little. My stuffed
monkey is a great reminder of my youth and today, he has only
one eye and loses his stuffing constantly, but I will never throw
him away.

What things did you use to hate eating as a child?

I refused to eat broccoli as a child until one of my baby sitters told
me that they were magical green trees. She said that broccoli
grew in your stomach and made you invisible, which I thought
was the coolest thing in the world, until I the day I found out she
lied.

Have you ever forgotten an important date, like a birthday or an

anniversary?
I forgot my own birthday one year, which was very embarrassing
to do! I was working really hard on a term paper, and was
surprised to see my parents arrive at my dorm room at 10 pm
with gifts, and I didn’t know why.

Extra Questions
a) What was a major event that occurred during your childhood?
b) What in your opinion are the differences between adults with happy
childhood and those without?
c) How will children spend their childhood in the future?

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Topic 3
Extra Questions:

Part 1
MUSIC
What kinds of music do you like the most?
Why do you think music is important to people/children?
Do you know how to play any kind of musical instrument?
What are the benefits of listening to music?

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

f)

Who is your favorite singer? Why?
What is your favorite song?
When do you usually listen to music?
Do you like listening to sad songs?
When you listen to a song, do you notice the lyrics or the melody
first?
What do you feel when you listen to music?

Related vocabulary words and expressions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

harmony (n)
melody (n)
lyric (n)
album (n)
tune (n)
gig – concert (n)
a hit record (phr)
funky (adj)

catchy (adj)
soothing (adj)

Idiom
blow one’s mind – affect someone very strongly

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SAMPLE ANSWERS
 What kinds of music do you like the most?
The kinds of music I like the most include mellow, instrumental,
and acoustic music. I often play songs of these types when I get
home from a long day of work, and they help me relax and feel
comfortable.

 Why do you think music is important to people/children?
I think that music is important to people because I think that
without it, life would be very boring and plain. Music gives color
to our lives because it mirrors life itself.

 Do you know how to play any kind of musical instrument?
Yes, I know how to play the guitar and the piano, and I’ve been
playing them since I was 10 years old. I’ve been attempting to
master both of them since my mother allowed me to have formal
classes, but I think it might take me a lifetime to perfect my skills.

 What are the benefits from listening to music?
Yes, I think that the music today is better because there are a lot
more types of music to listen to and enjoy. The music today is also

more expressive and personal, unlike the standard music in the
past which dealt only with emotions like love and heartbreak.

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Part 2
Describe an unsuccessful trip.

Describe an unsuccessful trip.

You should say
when did you go
who did you go with
what did you hope to see
why was the trip unsuccessful

You should say
when did you go
who did you go with
what did you hope to see
why was the trip unsuccessful

Model Answer

Your Answer

I would like to tell you about an unsuccessful trip to New York
City for the ball drop and New Year’s countdown back in 1999.
There were several factors that made it so.

First of all, a group of three friends and I decided that we wanted
to pack our bags and go together at the last minute. Since the
decision was done on the spur of the moment, it took us time to
be ready for the trip. Second, although the distance was not so
far, we did not expect the number of people and the traffic. Last
but not least, since we felt desperate as a result of the traffic, we
drove fast. Unfortunately, a policeman pulled our car over for
speeding. We ended up missing the entire show and spending our
trip money on a hefty fine.
For these reasons, our trip became an epic failure.

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Part 3
What things do people plan out before going on a trip?
Where would you go if money is not an issue?
What is the difference between business trips and leisure trips?
What things do people plan out before going on a trip? Why?

What is the difference between business trips and leisure trips?
When on business trips, you are never free to relax, making them
different from leisure trips. Business trips restrict the traveler to
hotel rooms and boring restaurants whereas leisure trips allow for
fun and adventure, and the ability to be spontaneous.

The most important thing before going on a trip is to ensure your
passport is valid. After that, people should exchange their
currency, get a pet-sitter, double check their travel itinerary, and
check the weather forecast. I believe that preparing well in

advance lessens the chances of encountering problems.

Where would you go if money is not an issue? Why?
I would love to visit Latin America if money was not an issue. They
have such a rich history and beautiful culture, but I would also
love to travel Madagascar to see ring-tailed lemurs in the wild.

Extra Questions
a) Why is international travel different than travelling locally?
b) When travelling to another place, is it important to know first about
the local culture?
c) What changes has your country experienced when it comes to
travelling?
d) What are the benefits and drawbacks of local tourism?

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Topic 4
Extra Questions:

Part 1
ADVERTISEMENT
What type of advertisement do you pay attention to?
Do you buy a product because of an advertisement?
What differences are there between TV and magazine
advertisements?
What things do you want to buy based on advertisements?

a) Do you buy products because of advertisements?

b) What are some memorable advertisements from the past that you
still remember?
c) Have you ever tried a product because of an advertisement but got
disappointed?
d) Do you prefer TV ads or those in magazines?

Related vocabulary words and expressions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

product (n)
consumer (n)
endorsement (n)
commercial break (phr)
celebrity endorsement (phr)
buy and sell (phr)
brand awareness (phr)
target audience (phr)
persuasive (adj)
misleading (adj)

Idiom

word of mouth – recommendations made by individuals to other
individuals about a product or service

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SAMPLE ANSWERS
 What type of advertisement do you pay attention to?
I pay attention to advertisements that feature my favorite singers
because they easily catch my attention. I really like music so
singers have a huge influence on me, and I like it even more if
they sing and dance in those advertisements.

 Do you buy a product because of an advertisement?
I often buy new products because of a great advertisement as
they really influence me to choose my daily purchases. I often
recall the advertisements for certain products and seek them out
specifically, and if I can’t remember the name of the product, I
sing the tune to remember it.

 What differences are there between TV advertisements and
magazine advertisements?
There are some key differences between TV and magazine
advertisements, including content, effectiveness, and limitations.
TV advertisements are livelier and more enjoyable since they are
animated, meanwhile magazine advertisements are less
interactive, making television advertising much more effective.

 What things do you want to buy based on advertisements?
Advertisement really influences me to buy certain food products

when I go grocery shopping. For instance, there are many
commercials for instant food nowadays, and for some reason, if I
watch TV prior to grocery shopping, I tend to come home with
more pre-packaged food.

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Part 2
Describe an environmental problem.

Describe an environmental problem.

You should say

You should say

what is the environmental problem
where does this problem take place
why does this problem persist
how can this crisis be solved

Model Answer

what is the environmental problem
where does this problem take place
why does this problem persist
how can this crisis be solved

Your Answer


I would like to tell you about one of the environmental problems
in our society which is the destruction of rainforests.
There are several reasons why I consider this so.
First of all, rainforests are being quickly destroyed. Because of
their depletion, they have received significant public and media
attention unlike other environmental issues. Every year, Brazil
chops down an area of forest the size of the state of Nebraska.
Second, despite the opposition to the cutting down of rainforests,
the problem continues. Collaborated efforts between government
and non-government organizations to stop this seem not enough
due to other factors. Last but not least, the world’s growing
population has been a primary cause of rainforest destruction,
and is the reason it continues. More people need land to live in
and wood products to consume.
For these reasons, I think limiting population growth may be the
first in a series of steps that would limit the destruction of
rainforests.

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Part 3
Which environmental crisis affects humans the most?
Why is overpopulation an important environmental issue?
What happens when we remove forests?
Which environmental crisis affects humans the most?

I believe that climate change is the most alarming threat to
human life currently faced by the world today. Climate change

conferences are attended by the world leaders now, but as
nations are unable to agree, the issue remains and our planet
continues to suffer.

Why is overpopulation an important environmental issue?
Overpopulation places competitive stress on our basic life
sustaining resources which diminishes our quality of life. The
earth can only handle so many people at one time before it runs
out of food, water, and room, which makes overpopulation an
important environmental issue.

What happens when we remove forests?
When forests are removed, the natural water balance can get
irreversibly disrupted. Forests loss often results in habitat
degradation, species extinctions, and an overall compromise of
the ecological integrity of the landscape, so swift measures should
be taken to protect the world’s forests.

Extra Questions:
a) Is protecting the environment more important than increasing a
person’s standard of living?
b) Do you think recycling is an important community service?
c) Should governments take all of the responsibility for solving
environmental issues?
d) Why should cars be banned from city centers?

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Topic 5

Extra Questions:

Part 1
FLOWERS
Do you like having flowers at home?
Where do you usually buy flowers?
When do you buy flowers and why?
What do you feel when someone gives you flowers?

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)

For what occasions do you usually buy flowers?
What flower colors do you like the most?
Do you like smelling flowers?
What do you think of people who cultivate flowers for a living?
Do you think flowers are still relevant nowadays?
What can we get from flowers?
Do only girls like receiving flowers?

Related vocabulary words and expressions
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

florist (n)
a bouquet of flowers (phr)
artificial flowers (phr)
a bunch of (phr)
cultivate (v)
fragrant (adj)
gorgeous (adj)
sweet-scented (phr)
brighten up (phr v)
deliriously happy (phr)

Idiom
give off – smell

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SAMPLE ANSWERS
 Do you like having flowers at home?
Yes, I like having fresh flowers at home, especially roses since they
are my favorite flowers. I always try to buy roses on my way home
from work because I feel relaxed when I smell them, and my work
days sometimes leave me feeling quite stressed.


 Where do you usually buy flowers?
I usually buy flowers at the nearby flower shop because they sell
organically grown bouquets. I am a regular customer there, so the
staff and owners give me great deals on fresh flowers, hence, it
keeps me coming back to that shop.

 When do you buy flowers and why?
I buy flowers when I have a date with my girlfriend, and I give her
tulips since they make her happy. I also give her flowers on special
occasions, but I try not to buy them too frequently or else buying
them for her will lose its special meaning.

 What do you feel when someone gives you flowers?
I am flattered whenever someone gives me flowers, especially if I
really like that person. Receiving flowers makes me feel like I am
appreciated and cared for, and it really makes me happy to know
that someone thought of me.

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Part 2
Describe your favorite season of the year.
You should say
what season is it
what is the weather like at that time
who do you enjoy the season with
why is it better than any other season


Model Answer

Describe your favorite season of the year.
You should say
what season is it
what is the weather like at that time
who do you enjoy the season with
why is it better than any other season

Your Answer

I would like to tell you about my favorite season which is
summer.
There are several reasons why I consider this so.
First of all, I love watching the sun rise over the ocean and going
to the beach. Nothing beats the majestic view of the sun and the
water over the horizon. This always gives me a sense of
tranquility. Second, I am a teacher, so in the summer, I have six
luxurious weeks to do as I please without going to work. Although
there are breaks in other seasons, it is not as long as I would like it
to be. Last but not least, I can do a number of activities from
having picnics to swimming and more. I can enjoy the same kind
of activities with my children since we do most of our trips at this
time of the year.
For these reasons, summer beats any other time of the year
because I hate the snow, rain, and wind of autumn through
spring. Perhaps I should move to the equator!

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Part 3
When can climate affect people?
Where would you live in the world based on your seasonal
preference?
Do seasons have any influence on the economy?
When can climate affect people?
Some people experience seasonal affective disorder which is
caused by climatic change. Also known as winter depression, it is
a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health
throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in
the winter.

Where would you live in the world based on your seasonal preference?
For me, I would love to live in a rainforest because I love the rain.
Costa Rica would be ideal; under the shade of huge trees in a lush
environment with hot and humid weather, I would live happily
despite the gigantic bugs and wet conditions.

Do seasons have any influence on the economy?
Seasons deeply affect import and export markets, which in turn
have a significant influence on the economy of an area. An
unanticipated drought or extended frost could alter crop
production and influence market prices drastically.

Extra Questions:
a) What places experience less than four seasons per year?
b) What are the advantages of climates that change?
c) What are the advantages of climates that do not change?
d) Is checking the weather forecast an important daily task for you?


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Topic 6
Extra Questions:

Part 1
TEAMWORK OR COOPERATION
If you meet some difficulty in work, do you work it out by
yourself or with other’s help?
What is the importance of teamwork?
What are the disadvantages of working in groups?
How does working in groups affect the relationship of the
members?

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Do you do group work in university?
Do you cooperate with your colleagues?
Are you more comfortable working alone or in a group?
What characteristics are needed for one to work well in a team?
What adjustments must be made for a person to be able to work
with other people?

Related vocabulary and expressions

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

task (n)
collaboration (n)
team (n)
participation (n)
assign (v)
sense of accomplishment (n)
learning experience (n)
bossy (adj)
irresponsible (adj)
compromise (n/v)

Idiom
work things out – find a solution

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SAMPLE ANSWERS
 If you encounter some difficulty in work, do you work it out

by yourself or with other’s help?
I often solve work problems that I experience with the people
around me rather than try to fix it myself. If it’s a personal
problem, I would personally attend to it. However, since work
often concerns other people, it is important that I ask for their
help in solving it together.

 What is the importance of teamwork?
Teamwork is very important in the workplace, and often has a
positive impact on productivity and efficiency. With more people
working together, more tasks can be accomplished during a
shorter period of time compared to one person working alone.

 What are the disadvantages of working in groups?
Sometimes, group members that are more effective working
alone and cannot express themselves well in groups face
disadvantages working in teams. Other times, some workers have
attitude problems and find it hard to get along with others, thus
affecting productivity.

 How does working in groups affect the relationship of the
members?
Group work can either strengthen or weaken the bond between
the members, depending on their working experiences. If the
experience working together was good, it could have a positive
effect among the members and lead to success and vice versa.

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