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Simone Braverman

Simone Braverman is the founder of IELTS-Blog.com and the author of several renowned IELTS preparation books, including Ace the IELTS, Target Band 7, the High Scorer's Choice practice test series, and IELTS Success Formula. Since 2005, Simone has been committed to making IELTS preparation accessible and effective through her books and online resources. Her work has helped 100,000's of students worldwide achieve their target scores and live their dream lives. When Simone isn't working on her next IELTS book, video lesson, or coaching, she enjoys playing the guitar or rollerblading.

IELTS Speaking test in Canada – July 2023

IELTS Speaking Latest Questions Canada July 2023

Our kind friend FA remembered the following questions from her recent IELTS Speaking test in Canada:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your full name?
– Where are you from?
– Are people in your hometown friendly?
– How long have you lived there?
– Do you like your house?
– Do you like chocolate?
– How often do you eat chocolate?
– Did you eat chocolate when you were a child?
– Why is chocolate popular in many countries?
– What countries are famous for their chocolate?
– Is chocolate important to the economy of those countries? How?

You can find model answers about chocolate here

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Talk about an unusual meal you had. You should say

– when you had it
– where you had it
– what kind of meal it was
– and explain why it was unusual.

Follow-up question: Would you have the same meal again?

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Why do people like to eat out in restaurants?
– What things attract customers to a restaurant?
– What difference is there between home-made and restaurant food?
– Do you prefer home-cooked food or restaurant food?
– Do you believe that home cooked meals are healthier than restaurant food?
– How has restaurant dining changed in your country in the last 10 years?

You can model answers about restaurants here

IELTS essay, topic: Some people argue that sports are essential, while others view sports as a leisure time activity (discuss + opinion)

IELTS Model Essay Sample Band 8 July 2023

This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in Pakistan

Some people argue that sports are essential for us. Others think of sports as an activity for leisure time. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Band 8 Essay

Sports have always been an integral part of human society, dating back to ancient times. Today, the importance of sports is still widely debated. Some people argue that sports are essential for our physical and mental wellbeing, while others view sports as a leisure activity. Personally, I think of sports as a very important aspect of life and make an effort to be active on a daily basis.

Those who argue that sports are essential for us believe in the numerous benefits that sports offer. Firstly, sports help us to maintain a healthy lifestyle. By engaging in sports regularly, we can keep our bodies in good shape, improve our cardiovascular health, and gain muscle strength. Physical exercise helps reduce the risk of diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Moreover, sports can provide relief from stress and anxiety and contribute to better mental health. The social aspect of sports also promotes teamwork, leadership, and communication skills, which are valuable in personal and professional life.

On the other hand, some people see sports as an activity for leisure time. They believe that sports should not be overly emphasised in one’s life because of the limited value they provide, and that people should engage in sports only as a form of entertainment. In their opinion, sports should not be considered as a necessity but rather as an option for enjoyment.

Although there is some truth in both views, I believe that sports are essential for us. Firstly, the physical and mental benefits of sports cannot be ignored. A healthy body and mind are fundamental to the overall well-being of an individual, and sports provide an effective means of achieving both. Moreover, sports can teach us important life skills such as teamwork and communication, which are crucial in both personal and professional life.

In conclusion, sports can be seen as essential for our physical and mental well being, as well as a means of personal growth and development. While some may view sports as a leisure activity, I strongly believe that individuals should engage in sports in order to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

Teacher’s feedback:

This essay is a solid example of a Band 8 level writing.

Task Response: Band 8
You’ve effectively addressed the task by discussing both views on the importance of sports and clearly stating your own opinion. Well done for arguing that sports are essential for physical and mental well-being, and providing a balanced discussion before concluding with your stance. This approach demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
You’ve organised your essay well, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for each viewpoint, and a conclusion that summarises your opinion. Your use of transition phrases like “Firstly,” “On the other hand,” and “In conclusion” effectively guides the reader through your argument, enhancing the essay’s overall coherence and cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 8
You’ve demonstrated a strong command of vocabulary, with terms such as “integral part,” “cardiovascular health,” “muscle strength,” and “overall well-being.” This varied and precise vocabulary helps to convey your ideas clearly and effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
You’ve showcased a wide range of grammatical structures accurately. Complex sentence structures, such as “By engaging in sports regularly, we can keep our bodies in good shape,” contribute to the clarity and sophistication of your writing. Your grammatical accuracy is consistently high, which supports the effectiveness of your argument.

Submit your essay for correction and find out how to improve your Writing score.

Click here to see more IELTS essays of Band 8