IELTS Academic Module Paper 4 Speaking Practice Test 2 with Answers
Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
Examiner: Good morning. My name is [Examiner's Name]. Could you tell me your full name, please?
Candidate: Good morning. My full name is Chris Wong.
Examiner: Can I see your identification?
Candidate: Of course, here it is. [Show your ID/passport.]
Examiner: Thank you. Now, in this first part, I'd like to ask you some questions about yourself. Let's talk about your hometown. Where is your hometown?
Candidate: My hometown is Hong Kong, a vibrant and densely populated city. It's a special administrative region of China, known for its impressive skyline and deep natural harbour.
Examiner: What do you like most about your hometown?
Candidate: What I appreciate most about Hong Kong is its incredible mix of tradition and modernity. You can find ancient temples just a short walk from towering skyscrapers. Also, the food scene is fantastic – from street food stalls to high-end restaurants, there's always something new and delicious to try.
Examiner: What is your hometown famous for?
Candidate: Hong Kong is famous for its bustling markets, luxurious shopping malls, and for being an international financial hub. It's also known for iconic attractions like Victoria Peak, which offers stunning views of the city, and its many festivals and celebrations, such as the Chinese New Year.
Examiner: Would you say it's a good place to live? Why?
Candidate: Absolutely, despite its fast pace, Hong Kong offers a high quality of life. There's efficient public transport, a high standard of healthcare, and a strong sense of community. Moreover, the city's diverse and international character makes it a culturally enriching place to live.
Examiner: Now let's talk about what you do. Are you a student or do you work now?
Candidate: I'm currently a final-year secondary school student studying at King's College in Hong Kong.
Examiner: What subjects are you studying?
Candidate: I'm focusing on a broad curriculum, but my major subjects include Mathematics, English Literature, and Biology. I am particularly fascinated by Biology as it helps me understand the living world around us.
Examiner: What do you enjoy about your studies?
Candidate: I enjoy the intellectual challenge they present. Each subject requires a different set of skills and ways of thinking. For example, Literature broadens my perspective through different texts and eras, while Maths sharpens my problem-solving abilities.
Examiner: Let's move on to talk about free time. What do you like to do in your free time?
Candidate: In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball with my friends. It's a great way to stay active and unwind after a week of studies. I'm also an avid reader and find that diving into a good book is a perfect escape.
Examiner: Are there any new activities you would like to try?
Candidate: I've always been interested in learning to play a musical instrument, particularly the guitar. Music has a way of conveying emotions that words cannot, and I'd love to be able to express myself through melodies.
Examiner: How important is it for people to have free time?
Candidate: I believe free time is essential for a balanced life. It allows individuals to pursue their interests and hobbies, which can lead to personal growth and happiness. Free time also provides a necessary break from work or studies, which can reduce stress and increase productivity.
Examiner: Do you think people nowadays have more or less free time compared with the past?
Candidate: It's a bit of a paradox. Technological advancements have automated many tasks, theoretically freeing up time. However, the same technology often leads to an expectation of constant availability, blurring the lines between work and personal life. So, in many ways, I think people might experience less quality free time nowadays.
Part 2: Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
Examiner: Now, I'm going to give you a topic, and I'd like you to talk about it for one to two minutes. Before you talk, you'll have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes if you wish. Here's some paper and a pencil for making notes.
[The examiner hands over the task card.]
Task Card:
Describe an important event in your life.
You should say:
- what the event was
- when and where it took place
- how you felt
- why it was important in your life
Candidate: Last year, one of the most significant events I experienced was representing King's College in the inter-school mathematics competition here in Hong Kong. This event was not just about mathematical prowess; it was a journey of personal and academic growth.
The competition was hosted in a local community centre, buzzing with some of the brightest students from all over the city. The build-up to the event involved weeks of intense preparation, with our Maths teacher providing invaluable guidance and support.
On the day of the competition, the excitement was palpable. Despite the nerves, I felt a sense of camaraderie with my team. Each round of the competition was challenging, but also thrilling. Solving complex problems under time pressure and working collaboratively with my peers were intense learning experiences.
The moment our team was announced as the champions was unforgettable. The victory was more than just a win for us; it was a milestone for King's College. This success was a collective effort, and it brought a sense of pride to our entire school community.
The competition also had a profound impact on my personal aspirations. It affirmed my passion for mathematics and my desire to pursue it further, possibly at the university level. It taught me the value of hard work, the importance of teamwork, and the thrill of academic challenges.
Reflecting on this, the maths competition was a defining moment in my life. It was an event that not only celebrated academic achievement but also fostered personal development and highlighted the joy of learning. It's an experience that I believe will influence my future career and educational goals.
Examiner: Thank you. Now, we'll move on to Part 3.
Part 3: Discussion (4-5 minutes)
Examiner: We've been talking about an important event in your life, and I'd now like to ask you some questions related to this. Let's consider celebrations and events. What types of events are important in your country?
Candidate: In Hong Kong, we place great importance on traditional festivals such as the Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Dragon Boat Festival. These are times for family reunions, honouring our customs, and celebrating our cultural heritage. Apart from that, public holidays commemorating historical events and achievements in our city's development are also significant.
Examiner: How do people in your country celebrate these events?
Candidate: Celebrations often include a lot of traditional activities. For example, during the Chinese New Year, people decorate their homes with red lanterns, exchange red packets containing money, and enjoy lion and dragon dances. The Mid-Autumn Festival is marked by family gatherings, moon gazing, and eating mooncakes. Dragon Boat races are the highlight of the Dragon Boat Festival.
Examiner: Do you think it's important for nations to have national celebrations? Why?
Candidate: Yes, I believe national celebrations are vital. They foster a sense of unity and shared identity among the citizens. These occasions allow us to reflect on our collective history and pass down important traditions and values to younger generations. They also serve as a reminder of the struggles and achievements that have shaped our nation.
Examiner: Now, let's talk about personal and public events. Do you think people have lost interest in personal events such as birthdays?
Candidate: Not necessarily. People in Hong Kong still value personal events, but the way they celebrate might have become less traditional and more influenced by Western culture. For instance, birthday celebrations can range from intimate family dinners to large parties with friends. The personal touch might sometimes be less apparent, but the significance remains.
Examiner: Are public events more important than personal ones? Why might that be?
Candidate: I wouldn't say more important, but they do serve different purposes. Public events bring communities together and can affect society at large, while personal events are significant to individuals and their immediate social circles. Both are important in their own right and contribute to the social fabric in different ways.
Examiner: What role do you think social media plays in how people celebrate events?
Candidate: Social media has a huge role in celebrations today. It allows people to share their experiences with a wider audience, which can be especially meaningful for those who cannot attend due to distance. It also influences how events are perceived and celebrated, as there's often a desire to showcase one's participation in or observance of an event.
Examiner: Finally, let's talk about changes in events and celebrations. In what ways have celebrations changed in your country over the years?
Candidate: In Hong Kong, while we still hold on to many of our traditions, globalisation and technology have introduced new ways of celebrating. For example, Western holidays like Halloween are now widely celebrated. Furthermore, the scale and grandeur of events have increased with advancements in technology, such as fireworks and light shows.
Examiner: Do you think these changes are positive or negative? Why?
Candidate: They can be both. On the positive side, the inclusion of global festivities promotes cultural exchange and diversity. However, there can be a downside if such celebrations overshadow our own traditions and lead to commercialisation that detracts from the original meanings of events.
Examiner: How do you think events and celebrations might change in the future?
Candidate: I believe they will continue to evolve with technology and social trends. Virtual reality could play a part in how we experience public events, allowing for participation from the comfort of one's home. There might also be a push towards sustainability in celebrations as environmental concerns become more pressing. Regardless, I hope that the core traditions that define our cultural events will be preserved and cherished.
Examiner: That is the end of the speaking test. Thank you, Chris.
Candidate: Thank you.
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