IELTS Academic Module Paper 4 Speaking Practice Test 4 with Answers
Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
Examiner: Good morning. My name is [Examiner's Name]. Can you tell me your full name, please?
Candidate: Good morning. My full name is Chris Wong.
Examiner: Can you show me your identification?
Candidate: Yes, 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 your home. Do you live in a house or an apartment?
Candidate: I currently live in an apartment in the city centre. It's a convenient location with easy access to public transport and amenities.
Examiner: Which is your favourite room in your home?
Candidate: My favourite room would have to be the living room. It's where I relax, read books, and sometimes entertain friends. It has a large window that lets in plenty of natural light, which I absolutely love.
Examiner: How would you improve your home?
Candidate: If I could, I'd like to add more greenery, perhaps some indoor plants or even a small herb garden in the kitchen. It would not only purify the air but also add a touch of nature to the space.
Examiner: Let's move on to talk about walking. Do you enjoy walking?
Candidate: Yes, I do. Walking is a great way to stay active and clear my mind, especially after a long day of work or study. I also find it's a good opportunity to explore new areas of my city.
Examiner: Where do you usually walk to?
Candidate: I often walk to the local park because it's peaceful and allows me to enjoy a bit of tranquility amidst the city's hustle and bustle. At weekends, I might venture further to hike on trails that are a short drive away.
Examiner: Would you say that your city is a good place for walking?
Candidate: Generally, yes. There are plenty of pedestrian areas, parks, and walking paths. However, some parts of the city could benefit from better pavements and more pedestrian crossings for safety.
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. You 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 a book that you have read recently.
You should say:
- what the book was about
- why you decided to read it
- what you liked or disliked about it
- how you felt about the book
[The candidate has one minute to prepare.]
Candidate: The book I'd like to talk about is Educated by Tara Westover. This memoir recounts the author's incredible journey from a childhood in a survivalist family in rural Idaho to earning her PhD from the University of Cambridge. Her story is not just about academic achievement but about self-discovery and the struggle for a sense of identity.
I was drawn to this book after a friend recommended it, highlighting its raw honesty and the author's resilience. The idea of someone transforming their life through education was deeply compelling to me, and I was curious to learn about the obstacles Westover faced.
What struck me most about Educated was Westover's powerful prose and her ability to convey complex emotions. She explores themes of family loyalty, personal belief, and the quest for knowledge. Each chapter added a new layer to my understanding of her world, contrasting sharply with my own experiences. The book didn't hold back on the darker aspects of her life either, including conflicts with her family and the challenges of adapting to mainstream society.
Despite the occasionally distressing content, I appreciated the book's unflinching look at the power dynamics within a family that's skeptical of formal education. It made me grateful for my own opportunities and more aware of the diverse forms that education can take.
I felt heartened after finishing Educated. It was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the transformative power of education. The emotional journey it took me on was profound, and it left me with a renewed appreciation for the privileges and challenges of learning.
Examiner: Thank you. Now, we'll move on to Part 3.
Part 3: Discussion (4-5 minutes)
Examiner: We've been talking about a book you have recently read, and I'd like to discuss with you a few more general questions related to this. Let's consider first the importance of reading. Why do you think reading is important?
Candidate: Reading is vital not only as a foundational skill for learning but also as a means to expand our horizons. It allows us to live multiple lives, experience different eras, and understand diverse viewpoints. For instance, reading about historical events can give us a better appreciation for the present, and diving into fictional worlds can teach us empathy by allowing us to experience life through someone else's eyes.
Moreover, reading stimulates the brain, which can help prevent cognitive decline as we age. It's also been shown to reduce stress, improve mental health, and even increase lifespan. For children, it's indispensable for language acquisition. A child who reads or is read to regularly will often have a larger vocabulary and better comprehension skills than one who doesn't.
Examiner: Do you think reading habits have changed in recent years?
Candidate: Absolutely, there's been a noticeable shift in reading habits. The digital revolution has brought a wealth of information to our fingertips. For example, many people now prefer to read news, books, and articles online or listen to them through audiobooks. Social media platforms have also introduced new forms of micro-literature, such as storytelling through tweets or captions.
However, this shift has its drawbacks. The sheer volume of available content can be overwhelming and can lead to superficial reading rather than deep engagement. I've noticed that even I tend to skim articles instead of reading them thoroughly. Also, the preference for digital screens before bedtime has been shown to affect sleep quality, which can impact overall health.
Examiner: Finally, let's talk about literature in education. How can literature be beneficial in a person's education and development?
Candidate: Literature can profoundly benefit education and personal development. It teaches us to question and analyse, rather than just consume information passively. Take, for example, the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It's more than just a story; it's a vehicle for discussing ethics, justice, and the human condition. Such books encourage readers to think critically about moral complexities, fostering a deeper understanding of societal issues.
In a more practical sense, literature enhances language proficiency. It showcases rich vocabulary and varied sentence structures, serving as a model for effective communication. Students who engage with literature often find themselves better equipped to articulate their thoughts and feelings, which is crucial in both personal and professional contexts.
Examiner: Do you believe that studying literature should be compulsory in schools?
Candidate: Yes, I strongly believe that literature should be an integral part of the school curriculum. It exposes students to a variety of cultural and historical contexts, broadening their understanding of the world. For instance, reading Shakespeare can not only enhance language skills but also provide insights into Elizabethan society.
However, the key is to make the study of literature engaging. Rote learning of facts about books or authors is less effective than discussions that allow students to form their own interpretations and connections. By making literature relevant to students' lives, educators can ignite a passion for reading that will serve them throughout their lives.
Examiner: That's all for today. Thank you for your time.
Candidate: Thank you.
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