IELTS Speaking Topics with Model Answers from September – December 2018

Topic 2 – Describe an important stage of the plant’s growth

Part 1 (Introduction and Interview):

1. Do you like gardening?

Yes, I enjoy gardening. It’s very relaxing and rewarding to see plants grow and flourish with proper care. Gardening allows me to connect with nature and unwind.

2. What are the benefits of having plants around?

Plants have numerous benefits, such as improving air quality, reducing stress, and adding aesthetic value to a space. They also provide a sense of tranquility and contribute to a healthier environment.

3. Do you prefer indoor or outdoor plants?

I enjoy both, but I particularly like indoor plants because they can brighten up a room and improve the indoor atmosphere. However, outdoor plants allow me to enjoy fresh air and engage in physical activity while gardening.

4. What kind of plants do you like to grow?

I like growing a variety of plants, especially flowers like sunflowers and roses, as well as herbs like basil and mint. These plants are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance.

5. How often do you water your plants?

The frequency of watering depends on the type of plant. For example, succulents need watering less frequently, while plants like tomatoes or sunflowers need to be watered regularly, especially during hot weather.

6. What do you think is the most important part of caring for plants?

The most important part of caring for plants is ensuring they get the right amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients. Understanding the specific needs of each plant is also crucial for their growth and health.

Part 2 (Long Turn):

Model Answer:
One of the most important stages of a plant’s growth is the germination stage. This is when the seed begins to sprout and develop into a young plant. I experienced this when I planted some sunflower seeds in my garden last spring.

The germination process began about a week after planting the seeds. I noticed tiny green shoots pushing through the soil. This stage is crucial because it marks the beginning of the plant’s life cycle and sets the foundation for its future growth. During this time, the seed absorbs water from the soil, which causes it to swell and break open, allowing the sprout to emerge.

This stage is essential for the plant because it determines how well it will develop in later stages. If the seed doesn’t germinate properly, the plant will struggle to grow and may not survive. I carefully monitored the sunflowers during this time, ensuring they had enough water and light, which helped them grow strong.

Overall, germination is a key step in the plant’s life cycle because it determines the health and growth potential of the plant. Without successful germination, the plant cannot progress to the next stages, such as flowering or producing fruit.

Vocabulary for Cue Card:

• Germination: The process by which a seed develops into a new plant. Example: The germination of the sunflower seeds took about a week.
• Sprout: A young shoot or plant that begins to grow from a seed. Example: After a few days, the sunflower seeds began to sprout.
• Cycle: A series of events that repeat in a particular order. Example: The plant’s growth cycle starts with germination.
• Absorb: To take in or soak up something, like water or nutrients. Example: The seed absorbs water from the soil during germination.
• Foundation: The base or support for something. Example: Germination provides the foundation for the plant’s future growth.
• Monitor: To observe or check something regularly. Example: I monitored the sunflowers to ensure they received enough sunlight and water.

Part 3 (Discussion):

1. Why is it important to take care of plants?

Taking care of plants is important because they provide essential benefits to the environment, such as purifying the air and supporting biodiversity. Proper care ensures plants thrive and continue to contribute to a healthier ecosystem.

2. How can plants help the environment?

Plants help the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and providing habitats for wildlife. They also help prevent soil erosion and improve water retention in the ground.

3. Do you think people should plant more trees in cities?

Yes, planting more trees in cities is crucial for improving air quality, providing shade, and creating green spaces for relaxation. Trees also help to combat climate change by absorbing carbon emissions.

4. How can modern technology help improve plant growth?

Modern technology can improve plant growth through innovations like smart irrigation systems, temperature control, and hydroponics. These technologies allow for more efficient water use and better monitoring of plant health.

5. How important is it for people to understand plant growth stages?

It is very important because understanding the growth stages helps people provide the right care for plants at each stage. Knowing when to water, prune, or protect the plant ensures its healthy development.

6. What role does climate change play in plant growth?

Climate change can negatively impact plant growth by altering temperatures, rainfall patterns, and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events. These changes can affect plant development, growth rates, and crop yields.

7. What are some challenges people face when growing plants at home?

Some challenges people face include pests, poor soil quality, inadequate sunlight, and overwatering or underwatering plants. Lack of knowledge about plant care can also lead to poor growth.

8. How do plants affect people’s mental health?

Plants can have a positive effect on mental health by reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and creating a calming environment. Caring for plants can also provide a sense of accomplishment and boost well-being.

Vocabulary for Part 3:

• Purifying: The process of making something clean or free from impurities. Example: Plants play an important role in purifying the air.
• Habitat: The natural environment where an organism lives. Example: Trees provide a habitat for various animals.
• Innovation: A new method or idea. Example: Smart irrigation systems are an innovation in modern gardening.
• Hydroponics: A method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions. Example: Hydroponics is becoming a popular method for growing plants indoors.
• Prune: To trim or cut back parts of a plant to improve its growth. Example: I prune my plants to remove dead leaves and encourage new growth.
• Well-being: A state of being healthy, happy, and comfortable. Example: Taking care of plants can contribute to your overall well-being.

Topic 21 – Describe something you own that you want to replace

Part 1 (Introduction and Interview):

1. Do you like to buy new things?

Yes, I enjoy buying new things, especially when I need them. It’s always refreshing to replace something old with something new, especially if it improves my lifestyle or convenience.

2. What kind of things do you like to replace most often?

I tend to replace electronic gadgets like my phone or laptop more often because they get outdated quickly, and technology advances rapidly. I also like to replace items that are heavily used, like clothes and shoes.

3. Is it common for people to replace things in your country?

Yes, in my country, people often replace items like phones and gadgets because of the fast technological advancements. People also like to replace things like furniture or clothes when they become worn out or outdated.

4. Do you think people today buy more than in the past?

Yes, people today tend to buy more due to easy access to online shopping, affordable prices, and the constant introduction of new products. The desire for the latest trends and technologies also drives more consumption.

5. Do you prefer buying things online or in physical stores?

I prefer buying things online because it’s more convenient, and I can compare prices easily. However, I still like to visit physical stores for certain items, such as clothes, where I can try them on before purchasing.

6. How often do you buy things you don’t really need?

Occasionally, I might buy something I don’t really need, especially if it’s on sale or if it catches my eye. However, I try to be mindful and only purchase things that are useful or essential to me.

7. What do you think about the habit of replacing things often?

While replacing things often can keep things fresh and functional, it can also contribute to waste and overconsumption. It’s important to balance replacing things with sustainability, reusing, and recycling.

Part 2 (Long Turn):

Model Answer:
One of the things I own that I want to replace is my old laptop. I’ve had it for about five years now, and while it has served me well, it’s become increasingly slow and prone to crashing. It’s also unable to handle the latest software updates and applications, which makes it frustrating to use for work and personal tasks.

The laptop was a gift from my parents when I started university, and at that time, it was perfect for my needs. However, as technology has advanced, my laptop has fallen behind. The battery life has decreased significantly, and I have to keep it plugged in most of the time. The screen resolution is also not as sharp as newer models, which makes it less enjoyable to use for entertainment purposes.

I would like to replace it with a more powerful and modern laptop that has better performance, longer battery life, and a higher resolution screen. I need a laptop that can handle more demanding tasks, such as video editing and multitasking, without lagging or freezing.

Once I replace it, I would feel relieved and excited. I would be able to work more efficiently, enjoy better performance, and have a more reliable device. It would also give me a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I made an upgrade to improve my productivity and comfort.

Vocabulary for Cue Card:

• Frustrating: Causing annoyance or stress due to difficulty or delay. Example: The slow performance of my laptop is frustrating when I need to complete tasks quickly.
• Prone: Likely or inclined to something. Example: My laptop is prone to crashing whenever I try to run multiple applications.
• Fall behind: To become less advanced or slow compared to others. Example: My laptop has fallen behind in terms of performance due to outdated technology.
• Multitasking: The ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time. Example: I need a laptop that can handle multitasking without slowing down.
• Resolution: The sharpness or clarity of an image. Example: The laptop’s screen resolution is not as sharp as newer models.
• Reliable: Dependable or trustworthy. Example: I need a more reliable laptop that I can count on for work and entertainment.

Part 3 (Discussion):

1. Why do people tend to replace their old items?

People replace old items because they often become outdated or inefficient over time. Advances in technology, changes in fashion, or wear and tear can make older items less desirable or functional. People replace them to keep up with trends, improve performance, or simply to enjoy something new.

2. Do you think it’s a good idea to replace things frequently?

It depends on the item and its functionality. Replacing things frequently can be good if they are no longer serving their purpose or are inefficient. However, it’s important to consider sustainability and avoid overconsumption. Sometimes, repairing or reusing things can be a more environmentally friendly option.

3. How do you think advertising affects people’s decision to replace items?

Advertising plays a significant role in influencing people to replace items. Ads often highlight the latest features or trends, making consumers feel the need to upgrade to the newest product. Advertising creates a sense of urgency or desire, pushing people to buy things they might not need right away.

4. How can people avoid wasting money when replacing things?

People can avoid wasting money by carefully evaluating whether they really need to replace an item or if it can still be used with some maintenance. It’s also important to research products before purchasing, comparing prices and considering the long-term value rather than simply being influenced by trends.

5. Do you think some people become attached to their belongings and find it hard to replace them?

Yes, some people develop emotional attachments to their belongings, especially if they have sentimental value or have been with them for a long time. These items can remind people of important memories, and the thought of replacing them might make them feel like they are letting go of something valuable.

6. What are the environmental impacts of frequently replacing things?

Frequently replacing things contributes to environmental waste, as old items often end up in landfills. The production of new items requires resources and energy, leading to pollution and increased carbon emissions. It’s important to consider recycling and reusing items to reduce the environmental impact.

7. Do you think people are more or less materialistic now compared to the past?

People are generally more materialistic now due to the influence of advertising, social media, and the desire for instant gratification. However, there is also a growing movement toward minimalism and sustainability, where people are becoming more conscious of their consumption habits.

8. How can people make better choices when replacing items?

People can make better choices by considering the long-term value of the item, its environmental impact, and whether it truly meets their needs. It’s important to do thorough research, choose quality over quantity, and prioritize sustainability when making purchases.

Vocabulary for Part 3:

• Minimalism: A lifestyle focused on simplicity and reducing unnecessary possessions. Example: Minimalism encourages people to buy only what is essential.
• Consumerism: A social and economic order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services. Example: In modern society, consumerism is often fueled by the constant release of new products.
• Durability: The ability of an item to last over time. Example: I look for durability when buying new items, as they are a better investment.
• Reusability: The ability to use something multiple times. Example: Reusability is an important feature in items like containers or bags, which help reduce waste.
• Overconsumption: The excessive use or purchase of goods. Example: Overconsumption leads to waste and unnecessary environmental impact.
• Second-hand: Used items that can be reused or resold. Example: Buying second-hand products is an environmentally friendly choice and can be much cheaper.