IELTS Free Online Speaking Practice
Part 1: Introduction and Warm-up Questions
1. What is your full name?
2. Where are you from?
3. Do you work or study?
4. What do you do in your spare time?
5. Have you been to any other countries? Which one(s) and when did you go there?
6. How would you describe the weather in your country today/now, and how does it usually feel this time of the year?
7. What are some popular places to visit in your hometown/country or a place you know well?
8. Do you prefer to read books, magazines, newspapers, or watch TV news to get information about current events? Why?
9. How do you usually spend your weekends or days off from work/school? What are some activities that you enjoy doing during this time?
10. Some people prefer to listen to music while they are working or studying. Others don't like it at all. Which group do you belong to, and why?
Part 2: Cue Card Topic - A Special Occasion You Celebrated Recently
Describe a special occasion you celebrated recently. You should say:
- when the celebration took place
- where it was held
- who attended the celebration
- what activities or events were part of the celebration
- and explain why this occasion was special to you.
Part 3: Follow-up Questions
1. What are some common customs or traditions in your country related to celebrations or special occasions, especially the one you just described?
2. How do these customs or traditions differ from those in other countries that you know about?
3. Are there any cultural aspects that you would like people from other cultures to understand and appreciate more about your own culture? Why is this important to you?
4. In what ways can global events affect the way a specific celebration is observed in your country, especially if it is related to traditions or customs? Give an example based on your experience or knowledge of such an occasion.
IELTS Free Online Writing Practice
Topic: Should students be grouped by ability in schools?
Model Answer:
In recent years, there has been an ongoing debate regarding the most effective method of organizing students within a school setting. Some argue that students should be grouped based on their abilities, while others contend that mixed-ability classes are more beneficial. This essay will examine both perspectives and provide a conclusion based on the advantages and disadvantages of each system.
On one hand, grouping students by ability offers several potential benefits. Firstly, it allows for a tailored approach to education, as teachers can deliver lessons at an appropriate pace and level of difficulty for each group. This personalized learning experience may lead to improved academic performance and greater satisfaction among both students and educators. Secondly, students in the higher-ability groups can benefit from working with peers who are equally capable and motivated, fostering a competitive atmosphere that encourages academic excellence. Lastly, it is argued that this system helps to prevent the underachievement of high-ability students in lower-ability classes, as they may become disengaged or bored due to the slower pace.
However, there are also valid reasons to argue against ability grouping. One key concern is the potential for social segregation and stigmatization among students. The formation of distinct groups based on academic abilities can inadvertently create a divide between those perceived as âsmartâ and those considered less so. This could result in a negative impact on self-esteem, particularly for those students placed in lower-ability groups. Additionally, mixed-ability classes offer opportunities for peer learning and collaboration, which can be valuable experiences for students to learn from one another's strengths and weaknesses.
In conclusion, while there are benefits to both grouping students by ability and maintaining mixed-ability classes, it is crucial to strike a balance between the two approaches. A combination of ability-based groups for specific subjects or skills alongside mixed-ability classes for other subjects can provide an optimal learning environment that caters to individual needs while promoting a sense of community among students.
Score: Band 7.5 - The candidate demonstrates a clear understanding of both perspectives and presents a balanced argument, with some relevant examples provided. However, the essay could be improved by more thoroughly analyzing each perspective or providing stronger evidence for the conclusion.
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