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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, Part 3 questions with model answers (Talking to strangers)

IELTS Model Speaking Answers Band 9, 2023

Here are some high-scoring Part 3 model answers for the Speaking Test that was shared by a student from Nigeria. The answers below show a good way to respond to these questions. You can find the answers in the other parts here: Part 1, Part 2.

NEW! In this podcast episode you can LISTEN to all the questions and answers. It’s great to improve your pronunciation, intonation and overall fluency!

Or you can listen on YouTube (turn subtitles on):

 

Speaking test

Part 3 (Discussion)

We’ve been talking about conversations with strangers, and now, in the third part of the test, I would like to ask you a few more questions related to this.

1. Is there a difference between discussions with friends and strangers?

Yes, I think there is a fundamental difference between conversations with friends and conversations with strangers. When we talk to our friends, the conversation is usually more relaxed and we feel more comfortable, because we already have a bond of familiarity and trust. We can open up more freely to our friends, compared to talking to someone we don’t know. On the other hand, talking to someone you don’t know takes an effort to feel comfortable with each other, and find some common ground for conversation.

2. What do you think is a typical topic of discussion between strangers?

Well, I think this can range from light-hearted topics, such as hobbies or travel plans, to more serious issues, like news headlines or politics. Depending on how well two people get along, they may also discuss their families or past experiences that are relevant to current circumstances. It is also possible that strangers will touch on contentious topics, such as religion or government policies, if they feel strongly about them, or want to learn more about each other’s beliefs and opinions.

3. What do you think are the benefits of being able to have a conversation with a stranger?

Thinking about this, there could be several benefits. For starters, engaging in dialogue with people we just met can help break down barriers caused by shyness and awkwardness. Also, meaningful dialogue encourages us to become more open-minded towards different perspectives and new information, and it does that by exposing us to fresh ideas and viewpoints that we may not have encountered before.

4. During a debate, can people with contrary views come to an agreement?

From personal experience, people engaged in heated debates often find it difficult to agree when there are differences of opinion. When those differences are rooted deeply in ideology or history, agreeing becomes even harder. Still, I think it is possible to reach an understanding, if the opponents enter the debate well informed and willing to listen thoughtfully, instead of just trying to win over the other person’s point-of-view at any cost.

5. Do you think it is hard for motivational speakers to talk to strangers?

My guess would be that due to their vast experience coaching people and talking to large crowds, they probably don’t have much trouble speaking to new people. However, I do believe that they might face some challenges when speaking to unfamiliar audiences, because they need to create rapport quickly, if they want to deliver their message effectively.

6. What is a good way to overcome nervousness when giving a speech?

I wish I knew the answer to this. Unfortunately, public speaking is something that I have always struggled with. I’ve found that it helps to be well prepared. I make little cards with bullet points, and I practice my speech multiple times before I actually have to deliver it. Another trick that I’ve found useful in the past, is to focus on friendly faces in the crowd.

7. What type of personality is best suited, to become a public speaker?

Public speaking requires strong interpersonal skills and self-confidence, so people who are outgoing and energetic should be a good fit. I also think that anyone can become a public speaker, if they are passionate enough about the subject that they need to talk about.

Read more model answers on the VIP Club website

IELTS test in India – March 2023 (General Training)

IELTS General Training Latest Questions India March 2023

One of our subscribers, J.P. from India, recently took a General Training IELTS test and remembered the following questions:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

Your local newspaper wants to reward people who have contributed a lot to the community. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper recommending someone in your community. In your letter

– explain who the person is and how you know them
– describe their contributions to the community
– explain why you think they deserve the reward

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people say that no one should work after the age of 65, others say that anyone should be able to continue working for as long as they wish. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your full name?
– Where is your hometown?
– How long have you lived there?
– What do you like most about your hometown?
– Do you think your hometown has changed much since you were a child?
– Do you like sharing things with others?
– How do you feel when someone refuses to share with you?
– In your country, is sharing a common practice?
– What is the most valuable thing you have ever shared with someone?
– Would you share with a stranger, or only with a friend?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a piece of good news you heard from others. You should say:

– what it was
– when you heard the news
– how you received the news
– and explain why you feel it was good news.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– How do people share good news?
– Why do you think people like to hear good news?
– How does social media affect the way people share and receive good news?
– What kind of good news people wouldn’t share on social media?
– Can you think of a type of good news that is widely celebrated or enjoyed in your country or society?
– How does good news affect people’s emotions and well-being?
– Can good news sometimes have a negative impact on people? In what way?