Ielts speaking--how to improve your bandscore

How do we give reasons for part 1 questions?
Reasons are necessary to strengthen your claim on a certain issue. If you are
asked to give an opinion, it’s always wise to present two or three reasons.
In a casual conversation, we always want reasons for anything. We love asking.
Even on trivial matters, the interrogative word why is prevalent.
Activity
Referring back to the questions in lesson 1, expound your initial answer by
providing either reasons or an example. One to three more sentences would
do. Note: When neither reasons nor examples are a suitable support to your
initial answer, a free discussion is another option.
Answers
Hobbies
Do you have a favorite hobby?
Yes, I do. Actually, it is reading. I feel much fulfillment after finishing a novel or
any piece of writing. But my favorite is fiction.
How much time do you usually spend on your hobby?
Well, I don’t really have enough time for my hobby, but I always make sure I get
to enjoy it for a couple of hours. For instance, when I’m busy, I just read books
right before I sleep.
Why do people have different hobbies?
I think everyone is unique, and so are our individual interests. Some love
outdoor activities, while others prefer to be inside their houses. What is common
among people is the enjoyment they get out of them.
Is your hobby different from those of your friends?
Well yes, it is. In fact, you do it by yourself. Sometimes, though, we enjoy

---

hanging out together or doing some activities, but when it comes to what I
usually enjoy doing, they never really bother me at all. So I’m just lucky to have
understanding friends.
What makes your hobby interesting?
I believe the main reason why I’m into it so much is the sense of fulfillment. For
example, every novel I read automatically becomes part of my life. I mean, its
characters and even the settings always have a great impact on me. That’s why I
love doing it regularly.
Do you think your hobby will remain the same 10 years from now?
Absolutely! I will never ever get tired of reading. In fact, I can imagine myself
building a small library at home—or maybe having a bookstore. As long as my
eyes are in good condition, this favorite pastime of mine will live on.

Answers
Family
What is your family like?
I have a big happy family. I have five brothers and seven sisters. Most of them
are married, so I have plenty of nephews and nieces as well. What’s funny is that
I haven’t actually met some of them.
What can you say about your family?
Right at this moment, the only thing I can say about them is they are the best.
More than the joy and fun we share in happy times, our support for one another
in trying times is so fantastic. I always pray that we’ll stay strong and united
through the years.
How important is family to you?
Family is next to God. And I’m very blessed to have a supporting one. As a form
of gratitude, I always try my best to respect everyone.
Would you prefer a big or a small family?
I don’t really mind whether my family is big or small. What matters most is how
we love and take care of one another.
Is family very important in your culture?

---

Definitely! We are known to be family oriented. As a matter of fact, many people
have an extended family, and the elders are much respected. For me, it’s really
important to value family, as it is a very simple way to keep oneself on the right
track.
How does your family usually spend a long holiday?
We often go to the beach during a long holiday. It’s also the right time to gather
and discuss family concerns. I think it is one great way that bonds us as well.
Apart from the fun we have, we get to wind down a little bit and reflect on many
things.

Answers
Hometown
Can you tell me something about your hometown?
My hometown is a very rural one. It’s actually a valley, so the main part of the
land area is agricultural. At the same time, its soil is rich in minerals, like gold
and copper.
Are there tourist attractions in your hometown?
There are only few tourist spots in my place. As of now, I believe our tourism is
not really booming yet. But I hope local officials will explore more of our virgin
forests, as I believe they could be potential destinations for adventurous people.
What are the things you like about your hometown?
First of all, it’s very peaceful. It’s ideal for people like me who love to read and
observe nature. Another thing is the people’s warmth. We are known to be very
accommodating and generous.
Is there anything you don’t like about your hometown?
If I were to bring up a negative aspect of my place, it would be our transport
system. We only have one bus company. As a result, we do not have our
complaints addressed right away. Worse is the irregular schedule of trips. For
me, it’s really frustrating. So I hope one day, this kind of monopoly will
disappear.
Is your hometown big or small?
Based on the land area, it must be big. But because it’s mountainous, I think the

---

inhabited part is really small. In fact, there are only few residents, and they are
mostly farmers.
Have you ever invited any friends to visit your hometown?
Oh, it’s something I have been planning to do. There have been a lot of times
when my friends would bother me about it. I guess I just have to keep refusing
because I know our transport system would ruin the entire trip.

Answers
Pets
Do you have a pet?
Yes, I have a puppy at home. Its name is Chekhovy. I got the name from Anton
Chekhov, who is the author of ‘The Lady with a Pet Dog’. Since it’s one of my
favorite short stories, I want Chekhovy to remind me of the very special feeling I
had after reading it.
What are the most common pets in your country?
Pet dogs are very popular in my country. In fact, in my city alone, almost all
families have more than one pet. In the afternoon, people get together in parks to
walk their pets.
What do you think the advantages and disadvantages of having pets are?
One great thing about having pets is the emotional satisfaction we get out of
loving and looking after them. Another is that they make good companions in
life. Unlike humans, they never contradict your ideas, nor do they argue with
you at all. On the downside, it’s really expensive to take care of pets. Even their
food costs a lot of money. That’s why I have decided to have only one.
Is it expensive to have a pet?
Yes, it’s very costly to have a pet. You need to spend money mainly on their food
and medicine. Sometimes, they need even more than we do. More importantly,
we are totally responsible for them. There are also rules for pet owners to follow.
Looking after them and making sure they don’t bother anyone, especially in
public places, are just some instances that we need to anticipate.

Do you think more people will have pets in the future?
That’s very possible. I believe more people will have reasons to adopt animals.

---

At present, having a pet is becoming a trend not only among the rich but also the
ordinary people.

Answers
Food
Do you have a favorite food?
I love Italian food! Its distinct flavor makes me drool even just by the thought of
it. On very special occasions at home, I always make sure my mother prepares
some Italian delicacies.
What are some delicacies in your town?
My hometown is famous for rice cakes and cassava pies. We usually prepare
them for local celebrations like the town’s founding anniversary and birthdays.
It’s best to serve them with ripe mangoes or coffee, by the way.
Do you believe that food is generally expensive in big cities?
I think so. It’s a known fact that major cities have a high cost of living. Food,
being a basic need, is one of the first items that would increase in price if there
was demand for it.
Do you cook or buy ready-made food?
I wish I had the luxury of time to enjoy cooking. It’s something that I want to
master because it’s really advantageous to be a good cook. If I had the chance, I
would surely enroll in a culinary class. For the time being, I just have to be
satisfied with what those small restaurants in our neighborhood have to offer.
Are there certain kinds of food you don’t like?
I’m not really picky, but those with a strange smell put me off. I’m the kind of
person who smells first whatever I eat or drink. And I have a very sensitive nose.
For instance, the smell of durian fruit just gives me a headache no matter how
much I try to condition my mind that it’s delicious.
What was your favorite food when you were a child?
Let me think. I used to devour every piece of fried chicken my mom would
prepare. Being a child, I thought fried chicken was the best food there was.
Nowadays, I think I don’t really like chicken that much anymore. I prefer
vegetables and fruits most of the time.

---