IELTS Speaking Part 2 November 2026
band 8 sample–
### 1\. Describe a person who always encourages you.
Oh, that's an easy one! I'd say my older sister is the person who always manages to lift my spirits, especially when I'm having one of those days when absolutely nothing seems to go right.
She's not someone who gives you a big motivational speech or starts quoting famous people. She's much more practical than that. I remember once I was working towards something important, but things kept going wrong. I'd spent months putting in the effort, and honestly, I was ready to throw in the towel. I called her one evening and spent nearly half an hour complaining about everything!
She listened without interrupting and then said, "Hang on a minute. Do you remember how nervous you were when you first started? Look how far you've come!" I don't know why, but that really hit home. I'd been so focused on what wasn't working that I'd completely overlooked my progress.
She helped me look at things differently and encouraged me to take one step at a time instead of worrying about the whole journey.
What I love about her is that she never sugar-coats things. If I'm wrong, she'll tell me straight, but she'll never make me feel small. She's always in my corner, even when I don't believe in myself.
Honestly, having someone like that in your life is priceless. She gives me the push I need without making me feel pressured.
### 2\. Describe a place in your city that has changed a lot.
Actually, there's a shopping area not too far from my home that I sometimes struggle to recognise now! I used to visit it quite often when I was younger, and back then, it was a fairly quiet neighbourhood with small shops, street vendors and a couple of little cafés.
I remember going there with my mother to buy groceries. We'd stop at the same shops, chat with the shopkeepers and sometimes grab a quick snack before heading home. It had that lovely old-fashioned neighbourhood atmosphere where everybody seemed to know everybody.
I went there a few weeks ago, and goodness, what a transformation! Some of the old shops have disappeared, and there are now supermarkets, branded stores, modern cafés and several new buildings. Even the roads look different. There's so much traffic that getting through the area can be a bit of a nightmare!
I have to admit, the changes have made life more convenient. There's more choice, better facilities and plenty of places where people can spend time. But at the same time, I do miss the old charm. It's strange walking past a place where you have so many childhood memories and finding that almost nothing looks familiar.
I suppose cities have to move forward, but I hope they don't lose their character in the process. Progress is good, of course, but a little bit of the old charm never hurts!
### 3\. Describe a skill you would like to learn.
I've had my eye on pottery for quite some time, actually. There's something oddly satisfying about watching someone turn a lump of clay into a beautiful little bowl or vase. I've seen a few videos online, and every time I watch them, I think, "I'd absolutely love to give that a go!"
I'm not particularly artistic when it comes to working with clay, so I imagine my first attempt would be a complete disaster! I'd probably end up with something that looked more like a squashed pancake than a proper bowl. But that's half the fun, isn't it?
I'd love to learn how to shape clay, use a pottery wheel and decorate the finished pieces. I'm especially interested in making little cups and planters because I love handmade things. They have a certain charm that mass-produced products just don't seem to have.
Another reason I'm drawn to it is that it sounds incredibly relaxing. Most of the time, we're glued to our phones, rushing around or thinking about the next thing on our to-do list. Sitting down and concentrating on one creative activity sounds like a lovely change of pace.
If I get the chance, I'd like to join a weekend workshop with a proper instructor. I'd rather learn the basics first than jump straight into something complicated.
Who knows? I might discover a hidden talent! And even if my creations turn out a little wonky, at least I'll have had a good time making them.
### 4\. Describe a book you recently read.
Actually, I recently read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and I can see why so many people recommend it. I'd heard about it for years, but somehow it had never made its way onto my reading list. I finally picked up a copy from a bookstore, mainly because I was curious about all the fuss surrounding it.
The story follows a young shepherd called Santiago, who sets off on a journey in search of treasure. Now, I don't want to give away too much, but the journey turns out to be about much more than finding something valuable.
What really caught my attention was how the story explores dreams, fear and the choices we make in life. There were moments when I actually stopped reading for a while because a particular line made me think about my own decisions. You know when a book somehow says exactly what you need to hear? I had that feeling a few times.
I also liked the writing style. It's simple, easy to follow and doesn't feel like hard work. I managed to finish it over a few evenings, and I was genuinely a little sad when I reached the end.
I wouldn't say a single book can magically change your life, but this one certainly gave me food for thought. It reminded me that sometimes we spend so much time worrying about what could go wrong that we forget to take the first step.
I'd happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys a meaningful story.
### 5\. Describe a family tradition in your culture.
One tradition I absolutely love is getting together with family during Eid. It's something I've grown up with, so for me, the celebration just wouldn't feel complete without those family gatherings.
The excitement usually starts a few days beforehand. There's shopping to do, clothes to prepare and, of course, plenty of cooking. The kitchen can get incredibly busy, with everyone helping out, tasting the food and occasionally getting in each other's way!
On the actual day, we dress up, exchange greetings and visit relatives. The house gradually fills with people, and before you know it, there's laughter and conversation coming from every corner. Someone is always asking whether you've eaten enough, while someone else is insisting that you try another dish. Honestly, there's no escaping the food!
My favourite part is catching up with relatives I haven't seen for a while. We talk about everything under the sun, share family news and laugh over old stories. Sometimes the older members of the family tell us how they celebrated Eid when they were young, and it's lovely hearing those memories.
Of course, the occasion has a deeper meaning too. It reminds us to be grateful, show kindness and make time for the people who matter.
Life gets so hectic that we often put family time on the back burner. This tradition gives us a reason to slow down and reconnect.
I hope we carry it forward for generations because those shared moments are worth holding on to.
### 6\. Describe a time when you helped someone.
I remember an elderly woman I helped outside a supermarket, and although it was a very small thing, her reaction genuinely made my day.
It happened on a scorching afternoon. I'd just finished shopping and was heading towards my car when I noticed an elderly woman struggling with two heavy bags. She kept changing hands because the handles were digging into her fingers. She looked absolutely exhausted!
I hesitated for a moment because I didn't want to make her uncomfortable, but then I walked over and asked if she needed a hand. She looked at me with such relief and said, "Oh, that would be wonderful!"
It turned out that she lived in an apartment building just a short walk away. I offered to carry the bags to her place, and we started chatting along the way. She told me that her daughter usually helped her with shopping, but she hadn't been available that day.
When we reached her building, she thanked me repeatedly and even offered me a glass of water. I told her it was really no trouble, but she seemed genuinely touched.
What stayed with me wasn't the fact that I'd carried a couple of shopping bags. It was how much such a simple gesture meant to her. She'd been struggling on her own, and someone had taken a few minutes out of their day to help.
I went home feeling surprisingly happy. It reminded me that kindness doesn't have to be grand or expensive. Sometimes, just being there for someone is more than enough.
### 7\. Describe a memorable trip you took.
One trip that I still talk about is a family holiday to Ooty. We'd been planning to get away for ages, but somehow something or the other always came up. Eventually, we decided to stop putting it off and booked a few days there.
The journey itself was half the fun! As we drove towards the hills, the weather gradually became cooler, the roads started winding through the mountains and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking. I remember opening the car window just to enjoy the fresh air. It felt like a much-needed break from the usual noise and rush of city life.
We visited a few popular attractions, took plenty of photographs and tried some local food. But honestly, my favourite moments weren't necessarily the sightseeing ones. They were the little things, like sitting together with a cup of tea, enjoying the misty weather and having nowhere in particular to rush off to.
There was one morning when the hills were covered in mist, and the whole place looked almost unreal. I just stood there for a while, taking it all in. I remember thinking how badly I needed that kind of break.
What made the trip special was having everyone together without constantly worrying about work, deadlines or daily responsibilities.
It wasn't a luxurious holiday, but it was exactly what we needed. Sometimes, you don't need an elaborate travel plan. A change of scenery and a little quality time with family can do wonders.
### 8\. Describe a hobby you enjoy in your free time.
One thing I've really got into recently is sketching, particularly pencil drawings. I wouldn't call myself an artist by any stretch of the imagination, but I genuinely enjoy sitting down with a pencil and creating something.
I first became interested in it after watching a few drawing videos online. I was amazed by how people could turn a simple pencil sketch into something so detailed. I thought I'd give it a try, although my first few attempts were, to put it mildly, rather embarrassing!
I started with simple things like trees, little houses and landscapes. Sometimes I'd spend ages getting one small detail right, only to smudge the whole thing by accident. Honestly, I've had moments when I've wanted to throw the pencil across the room!
But gradually, I started improving, and that's what keeps me going. I particularly enjoy drawing peaceful scenes, like a little house surrounded by trees, a moonlit sky or a quiet riverside. There's something calming about working on those details and watching the picture come together.
I usually do it when I have some time to myself, especially after a busy day. It helps me switch off and forget about everything else for a while.
I'm still learning, and I've got a long way to go, but I'm not in a hurry to become an expert. For me, the whole point is to enjoy the process. If I end up with a drawing I'm proud of, that's a lovely bonus!
### 9\. Describe a challenge you faced and how you dealt with it.
One challenge that really tested my patience was organising an important family event while dealing with several last-minute changes.
We'd planned everything well in advance. The venue was booked, the food arrangements were sorted and invitations had already gone out. I thought we had everything under control. Famous last words!
A few days before the event, we found out that the original venue was suddenly unavailable because of an unexpected maintenance issue. I was absolutely taken aback. I remember thinking, "You've got to be kidding me! Why now?"
For a little while, everyone was panicking and throwing suggestions around, but nobody seemed to have a clear plan. I decided to stop worrying about what had gone wrong and focus on what we could actually do. I started contacting alternative venues, checking availability and speaking to the caterer to see whether the arrangements could be changed.
It wasn't straightforward. One place was too expensive, another was too far away, and a third didn't have enough space. After quite a few phone calls, we finally found a suitable venue.
There were a couple of adjustments along the way, but we managed to get everything sorted before the day.
Looking back, the whole experience was stressful, but it taught me not to lose my head when things don't go according to plan. Sometimes, you just have to roll with the punches and deal with one problem at a time.
In the end, the event went beautifully, and nobody even knew how close we came to cancelling it!
### 10\. Describe a piece of technology that makes life easier for you.
Honestly, my smartphone is probably the one gadget I wouldn't want to be without. I know that sounds a bit predictable, but when I think about how much I rely on it throughout the day, it's hard to imagine managing without one.
I use it for practically everything. I check messages, make calls, attend online meetings, read the news, take photographs and even manage my daily tasks. If I need to look something up, I don't have to switch on my laptop or search through books. I can find the information in a matter of seconds.
One feature I particularly appreciate is online banking and digital payments. I remember the days when even a simple payment meant carrying cash or making a trip to the bank. Now I can pay bills, transfer money and check transactions while sitting at home. It's incredibly convenient.
I also use my phone to keep in touch with family members who live elsewhere. A quick video call makes the distance feel a little less significant, doesn't it?
Having said that, I'm not completely comfortable with how dependent we've become on these devices. Sometimes I pick up my phone to check one message and end up scrolling for twenty minutes without even realising it! That's something I need to keep in check.
Still, I can't deny that it's made everyday life considerably easier. As long as I use it sensibly, it's one piece of technology I genuinely appreciate.
Vocabulary and expressions worth learning: throw in the towel, lift someone's spirits, hit home, in someone's corner, old-fashioned charm, a change of pace, food for thought, under the sun, put something on the back burner, make someone's day, take something in, get into something, roll with the punches, lose your head, keep something in check.
### 11\. Describe a course or training you would like to take.
Actually, I'd love to take a professional photography course. I've always enjoyed taking pictures, but I feel there's so much more to it than simply pointing a camera at something and pressing a button!
I became interested in photography after noticing how some people manage to capture even the most ordinary things in such a beautiful way. A simple street, a cup of coffee or a sunset can look absolutely stunning in the right hands. I often wonder how they get the lighting, angles and composition just right.
I'd particularly like to learn about portrait photography, natural lighting and editing. I'd also love to understand how professional photographers tell a story through their pictures rather than simply taking attractive photographs.
Ideally, I'd prefer a hands-on course where I could practise instead of sitting through hours of theory. Learning from someone experienced would be brilliant because they could point out my mistakes and show me how to improve.
I haven't signed up for anything yet, mainly because I haven't found a course that fits my schedule. But it's definitely something I'd like to pursue when I get the opportunity.
I don't expect to become a professional overnight, obviously! I just want to develop a skill that I genuinely enjoy. It would be lovely to look back at my photographs a year from now and realise how far I've come.
### 12\. Describe a time when you received good advice.
One piece of advice that has stayed with me came from my mother, and funnily enough, she gave it to me when I was getting worked up over something quite minor.
A few years ago, I was trying to manage several things at once. I had made a long list of tasks, but instead of getting through them, I kept jumping from one thing to another. I was getting frustrated because nothing seemed to be moving forward. I remember complaining to my mother that I simply didn't have enough time.
She listened for a while and then said something I'll never forget: "You don't have to do everything today. Just do what matters most."
At the time, I thought it sounded a little too simple to be useful. But then she explained that constantly worrying about unfinished tasks was draining my energy without actually helping me get anything done.
I decided to follow her advice and started prioritising things instead of trying to tackle everything at once. Surprisingly, I became much more productive and less stressed.
What I liked most was that she wasn't telling me to work harder or push myself beyond my limits. She was reminding me to work sensibly and give myself some breathing room.
Even now, whenever I feel overwhelmed, those words come back to me. It's amazing how a simple piece of advice can completely change the way you approach everyday problems.
### 13\. Describe a place where you go to relax and feel calm.
There's a quiet stretch of beach not too far from where I live that I absolutely love visiting whenever I need to clear my head. It's nothing particularly fancy, and it isn't one of those tourist spots packed with activities. That's actually what makes it special.
I usually prefer going there in the evening, when the sun isn't too harsh and the weather starts cooling down. I like finding a relatively quiet spot, sitting for a while and watching the waves roll in. Sometimes I walk along the shore, and other times I simply sit there doing absolutely nothing.
You know, there's something about the sound of the sea that makes everyday worries feel a little less overwhelming. Even if I've had a particularly hectic day, spending half an hour there helps me slow down.
I occasionally take my phone out to capture the sunset, but I try not to spend the entire time looking at a screen. What's the point of going somewhere peaceful if I'm going to spend the whole visit scrolling?
I also enjoy watching families walking around, children playing and people chatting with their friends. There's a lovely, laid-back atmosphere.
For me, it's not about escaping life completely. It's more about pressing the pause button for a little while. I usually return home feeling lighter, calmer and much more refreshed. Sometimes, that's all you need to get back on track.
### 14\. Describe a change you would like to see in your neighbourhood.
If I could change one thing about my neighbourhood, I'd definitely improve the pedestrian facilities. At the moment, walking around isn't particularly pleasant because many roads are crowded with vehicles, and the pavements are either too narrow or poorly maintained.
I notice this especially when older people or parents with young children are trying to get around. In some places, people have to walk close to moving traffic because there simply isn't enough space on the footpaths. Honestly, it's quite frustrating, and it can be dangerous too.
I'd love to see wider, properly maintained pavements, safer pedestrian crossings and more street lighting. It would also be wonderful to have a few more trees along the roads. They would provide shade and make the whole area feel much more welcoming.
Another thing I'd like is a small public park where residents could walk, exercise or simply spend some time outdoors. Not everyone has access to a private garden, so having a shared green space would make a real difference.
I understand that improving an entire neighbourhood takes money, planning and cooperation from local authorities. It won't happen overnight. But even a few practical improvements would be a good starting point.
I think a neighbourhood should be more than just a place where people sleep and park their vehicles. It should be somewhere people can actually enjoy living. A safer, greener environment would benefit everyone, regardless of age.
### 15\. Describe a public transport experience you had.
I remember taking a local train during a particularly busy evening, and it turned into quite an experience!
I'd gone out to meet a friend, and by the time I was ready to head home, the roads were absolutely packed. Traffic was barely moving, and I knew that taking a taxi would probably mean spending ages stuck on the road. So I decided to use the train instead.
When I reached the station, I realised I wasn't the only person who'd had that idea! It was crowded, and people were rushing towards the platform. I managed to get onto the train, although finding a comfortable place to stand was another story altogether.
At first, I found the whole thing a little overwhelming. People were talking, phones were ringing and someone nearby was trying to squeeze into an already packed compartment. But after a few minutes, I settled down and started observing what was happening around me.
What surprised me was how quickly the train covered the distance. By the time I would probably have reached halfway in a taxi, I was already close to my destination.
I wouldn't say it was the most comfortable journey I've ever had, but it certainly saved me a lot of time and money.
That experience made me realise how important reliable public transport is in a busy city. If services are frequent, clean and well-connected, more people might leave their cars at home. And honestly, that would make life easier for everyone.
### 16\. Describe a person from a different generation you admire.
Someone I genuinely admire is my grandmother. She's from a completely different generation, and although we sometimes have very different opinions, there's so much I can learn from her.
One thing that always amazes me is how she manages to stay calm even when things don't go according to plan. She's lived through difficult periods, dealt with unexpected situations and taken on responsibilities that I can only imagine. Yet she rarely complains about life.
I particularly enjoy listening to her stories about her younger days. She often talks about how people managed without smartphones, online shopping or all the conveniences we take for granted today. Sometimes I find myself wondering how they managed to get so much done with so little!
She's also incredibly resourceful. If something breaks or a household problem comes up, she usually tries to find a practical solution rather than immediately replacing it. I've picked up quite a few useful habits just by watching her.
Of course, we don't always see eye to eye. She sometimes thinks younger people depend too much on technology, while I feel certain modern conveniences genuinely make life easier. But we usually end up laughing about our differences.
What I admire most is her resilience and the way she treats people. She's taught me that being strong doesn't mean being harsh, and that kindness never goes out of fashion.
I hope I can carry some of those qualities with me as I grow older.
### 17\. Describe an occasion when you celebrated with your family.
One family celebration that I remember particularly fondly was my parents' wedding anniversary. We'd decided to organise a small surprise for them because they rarely make a fuss about their own special occasions.
The planning was a little chaotic, to say the least! Everyone had a different idea about what we should do, and keeping the whole thing a secret wasn't easy. We eventually settled on decorating the house, arranging their favourite food and inviting a few close relatives.
On the day, we told my parents that we were having a normal family dinner. They had absolutely no idea what was waiting for them. When they walked into the room and saw everyone standing there, they were genuinely taken aback.
My mother was particularly emotional. She kept asking how we'd managed to arrange everything without her finding out! My father, on the other hand, was trying to act surprised while smiling from ear to ear.
We spent the evening eating, chatting, taking photographs and remembering funny incidents from their married life. Some of the stories had been told dozens of times before, but somehow they were just as entertaining.
What made the evening special wasn't the decoration or the food. It was seeing my parents so happy and having everyone together under one roof.
Life gets busy, and family members don't always get the chance to spend quality time together. That evening reminded me how precious these simple gatherings are. I'd love to organise something like that again.
### 18\. Describe a product you recently bought and were satisfied with.
One purchase I've been particularly happy with recently is a pair of wireless earbuds. I'd been thinking about buying them for quite some time because I was getting tired of dealing with tangled wires and constantly adjusting my old earphones.
I finally decided to get a reasonably priced pair after comparing a few models online. I didn't want to spend a fortune, but I also didn't want something that would stop working after a couple of weeks.
When they arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. They were lightweight, comfortable to wear and surprisingly good at blocking out background noise. The sound quality was also much better than I expected for the price.
I use them quite regularly, especially when I'm listening to podcasts, watching videos or attending online meetings. They're also handy when I'm doing household chores because I don't have to keep reaching for my phone.
What I particularly like is the convenience. I can put them in their charging case, pop the case into my bag and take them wherever I go.
Of course, they're not perfect. The battery doesn't last forever, and occasionally the connection takes a moment to settle. But those are fairly minor issues considering how useful they've been.
Overall, I feel I got good value for money. It's one of those purchases that makes you wonder how you managed without it before! I'm glad I didn't rush into buying the first model I came across.
### 19\. Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
One difficult decision I remember making was turning down an opportunity because I felt it wasn't the right time for me.
A few years ago, I was offered an opportunity that sounded quite attractive. It promised professional growth, a chance to learn new things and the possibility of moving in a different direction. Naturally, I was tempted. I kept thinking about how much I could gain from it.
However, accepting it would have meant making some significant changes to my daily routine and giving up a few commitments that were already important to me. I spent days going back and forth, weighing up the advantages and disadvantages.
I even discussed it with a couple of people I trust. Some felt I should take the risk, while others thought I needed to consider the practical side of things.
Eventually, I realised that I was focusing too much on how exciting the opportunity sounded and not enough on whether it actually suited my circumstances. So, after a lot of thought, I decided to turn it down.
It wasn't an easy choice. For a while, I kept wondering whether I'd missed out on something worthwhile. But gradually, I became comfortable with my decision.
Looking back, I don't regret it. It taught me that not every good opportunity is necessarily the right opportunity for you. Sometimes, saying no takes just as much courage as saying yes. I've become much more careful about making decisions based on what genuinely matters to me.
### 20\. Describe a movie or web series that you found interesting.
A web series I watched recently and really enjoyed was The Queen's Gambit. I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started watching it, but after the first couple of episodes, I was completely hooked.
The story revolves around a young girl called Beth Harmon, who discovers an extraordinary talent for chess. What makes it interesting is that the series isn't just about winning chess matches. It also explores her personal struggles, relationships and determination to succeed in a world where she constantly has to prove herself.
I particularly enjoyed watching how her character develops throughout the story. She's incredibly talented, but she isn't portrayed as someone who has everything figured out. She makes mistakes, faces setbacks and sometimes gets in her own way. That made her feel much more realistic.
Another thing that caught my attention was the cinematography and the costumes. The whole series has a distinctive atmosphere, and even though I don't know much about competitive chess, the matches were surprisingly gripping.
I remember telling myself I'd watch just one episode before going to bed, only to end up watching another because I wanted to know what happened next! I suppose that's the sign of a good series.
What I liked most was the way it showed that talent alone isn't always enough. Discipline, patience and the ability to learn from mistakes matter just as much.
I'd definitely recommend it, even to someone who has absolutely no interest in chess. It's much more than a story about a board game.
Useful expressions from this set: have my eye on something, give something a go, food for thought, clear my head, press the pause button, see eye to eye, go out of one's way, save a lot of time, from a different generation, smile from ear to ear, taken aback, get good value for money, go back and forth, weigh up the options, miss out, completely hooked, get in one's own way.
21\. Describe a natural place you would like to visit.
A place I’ve had my eye on for quite some time is Switzerland, particularly the countryside around Lauterbrunnen. I’ve seen countless pictures of it online, and honestly, it looks almost too beautiful to be real!
What draws me to that place is the combination of towering mountains, lush green valleys, crystal-clear lakes and those charming little villages tucked away between the hills. I’m not particularly adventurous, so I’m not looking for anything like extreme hiking or mountain climbing. I’d much rather take a slow walk, sit beside a lake, enjoy the scenery and simply soak it all in.
I’d love to go there with my family because I think experiences like that are even more special when you share them with people you love. We could take photographs, try some local food and explore the little villages without rushing from one tourist attraction to another.
I imagine the peaceful atmosphere would be a welcome change from the noise and traffic of everyday life. Sometimes, you just need to get away from the hustle and bustle and give yourself a chance to breathe.
I haven't made any concrete plans yet, but it's definitely on my wish list. I hope I get to see it with my own eyes one day rather than just admiring it through a screen!
### 22\. Describe a goal you want to achieve in the next few years.
One thing I’m genuinely determined to achieve over the next few years is building a successful online learning platform for English language learners. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for quite a while, and I’d love to turn that idea into something substantial.
I’ve always enjoyed teaching, especially when I see someone go from struggling with a language to speaking confidently. That feeling is hard to put into words! However, I also realise that traditional classes have their limitations. People have different schedules, learning speeds and commitments, so I’d like to create something more flexible that students can access from anywhere.
I’ve already started exploring different teaching formats, creating learning materials and experimenting with online content. There’s still a long way to go, though. I need to improve the technical side, organise the lessons properly and find a way to make the platform stand out.
I know it won't happen overnight. There'll probably be financial challenges, technical issues and moments when things don't go according to plan. But I'm prepared to roll up my sleeves and work through them.
For me, this isn't just about earning money. It's about creating something useful that can genuinely make a difference to people's lives. If I can look back in a few years and see thousands of learners benefiting from it, I'd consider that a huge achievement.
### 23\. Describe a time when you learned something new.
One experience that immediately springs to mind is when I learned how to edit videos for social media. I'd always been comfortable creating written content, but video editing was a completely different ball game!
It happened when I realised that short educational videos could help me explain complicated language concepts more effectively. I wanted to give it a go, but initially, I had absolutely no idea where to start. Even simple things like adding subtitles, adjusting the timing and putting clips together seemed unnecessarily complicated.
I started watching tutorials online and practising with a basic editing app. At first, my videos looked rather amateurish. I'd spend ages trying to get one transition right, only to mess up the audio in the process! It was frustrating, but I kept at it.
After a few weeks, I began getting the hang of it. I learned how to trim unnecessary footage, add captions, use background music and keep the videos engaging without making them look cluttered.
I remember finishing one of my first properly edited videos and feeling ridiculously proud of myself. It wasn't anything extraordinary, but it was a big step for me.
What I took away from that experience is that you don't have to be naturally good at something to learn it. Sometimes, you just need to be willing to start from scratch, make mistakes and keep practising.
### 24\. Describe a service that you think has improved in your area.
One service that has improved quite noticeably in my area is online grocery delivery. A few years ago, getting groceries delivered to your doorstep wasn't something everyone relied on, but now it's become part of everyday life.
I remember how inconvenient it used to be to make a shopping list, drive to the supermarket, find a parking spot and then spend ages walking around the aisles. If I forgot even one item, I'd have to make another trip. It could be a real headache, especially on a busy day.
These days, things are much easier. I can open an app, browse through different products, compare prices and place an order without stepping outside. The best part is that I can choose a convenient delivery slot and get everything brought straight to my door.
Of course, the service isn't perfect. Occasionally, an item is unavailable, or the delivery arrives later than expected. But overall, the convenience makes up for these little inconveniences.
I particularly appreciate it when I'm caught up with work and don't have time to go shopping. It saves me a considerable amount of time and effort.
I think the biggest improvement is that the service has become more reliable and user-friendly. It's one of those everyday conveniences that you don't fully appreciate until you imagine going back to the old way of doing things!
### 25\. Describe an event in your life that made you feel proud.
One moment that genuinely made me proud was when one of my students achieved a much higher IELTS score than they had initially expected. It might sound like a small thing to some people, but it meant a great deal to me.
When this student first joined my classes, they struggled particularly with speaking and writing. They had plenty of ideas but found it difficult to organise them, and they were constantly worried about making grammatical mistakes. In fact, they sometimes hesitated so much that they couldn't finish a sentence!
We worked on their weaknesses gradually. I encouraged them to speak more naturally, develop their answers and stop trying to memorise complicated expressions. It wasn't an overnight transformation, and there were days when they felt completely discouraged.
I remember one particular class when they told me they were thinking of giving up. I told them to trust the process and focus on improving one thing at a time.
A few weeks later, I received a message from them with their test results. They had achieved the score they needed, and I was absolutely thrilled! I must have read that message several times before it actually sank in.
What made the moment special wasn't just the score. It was knowing how much effort had gone into achieving it. Seeing someone overcome their self-doubt and finally get what they've been working towards is incredibly rewarding. That's the kind of moment that reminds me why I love teaching.
### 26\. Describe a person who is a good problem-solver.
My sister Riya is probably the first person who comes to mind because she has a knack for finding practical solutions, even when everyone else is losing their heads.
I noticed this quality in her quite early on. Whenever something goes wrong at home, she rarely makes a fuss. Instead, she takes a moment to understand what's happening and then figures out what needs to be done.
I remember one family dinner when my mother accidentally added far too much salt to a curry. Dinner was almost ready, and there was no time to start cooking everything again. My mother was completely stressed, and everyone was suggesting different things, but nobody had a proper solution.
Riya walked into the kitchen, took one look at the dish and calmly suggested dropping a few small balls of dough into it for a while. I'd never heard of that trick before, so I honestly wasn't convinced. But she tried it, removed the dough after some time, and the curry tasted much better!
What impressed me wasn't just the little trick itself. It was how quickly she assessed the situation without getting carried away by the panic.
She's also very resourceful in everyday situations. Whether it's fixing something around the house or sorting out a last-minute arrangement, she usually thinks on her feet.
I admire that quality because staying calm under pressure isn't easy. She has taught me that sometimes the best solution is the simplest one.
### 27\. Describe a time when you worked in a team.
One experience that comes to mind is when I worked with a small group to organise an educational event for students. It was quite a while ago, but I still remember how much coordination it involved.
We were responsible for arranging the venue, preparing the learning materials, inviting participants and making sure everything ran smoothly on the day. Initially, everyone had different ideas about how the event should be organised, so agreeing on a plan took longer than expected.
Once we divided the responsibilities, things became much easier. I was in charge of preparing the educational content, while the others handled the arrangements, communication and technical side.
There was one moment when we nearly ran into trouble because some of the presentation materials weren't ready on time. For a while, it looked as though we'd have to postpone part of the programme. Thankfully, two team members stepped in to help, and we managed to get everything sorted before the participants arrived.
What I enjoyed most was seeing how everyone's contribution fitted together. Some people were good at planning, others were creative, and a few were particularly good at handling unexpected situations.
By the end of the event, we were exhausted, but we were also pleased with how everything had turned out. It made me realise that working together can take a lot of pressure off one person. More importantly, it taught me to listen to different opinions and be willing to compromise.
### 28\. Describe an activity you do to stay healthy.
One activity I try to fit into my routine is walking. It's nothing particularly exciting, but I find it one of the easiest ways to stay active without having to make a big commitment.
I usually prefer walking in the evening, when the weather is a little cooler and the streets aren't quite as busy. If I've spent most of the day sitting indoors, even a short walk makes me feel much better.
I don't follow a strict exercise schedule or count every step, to be honest. I simply put on a comfortable pair of shoes, take my phone or listen to something interesting and head outside. Sometimes I walk alone, while on other days I go with a family member and we end up chatting about absolutely everything.
What I like most is that it clears my head. After a long day of work, I can feel mentally drained, and a little fresh air helps me switch off for a while. I also notice that I sleep better when I've been reasonably active during the day.
I'm not particularly keen on intense workouts, so walking suits my lifestyle much better. It's easy to maintain, doesn't require expensive equipment and can be done almost anywhere.
I wouldn't say I'm extremely disciplined about it, and I do miss a day now and then. Still, I believe small, consistent habits are more useful than making ambitious plans that you give up after a week.
### 29\. Describe a place you would like to live in the future.
A place I'd seriously consider living in someday is a quiet town in Switzerland, preferably somewhere surrounded by mountains and greenery. I've always been drawn to places that offer a slower pace of life, and that kind of setting sounds ideal to me.
I don't necessarily want to live in the middle of nowhere. I'd still like to have supermarkets, healthcare facilities, good transport links and other everyday conveniences nearby. But I'd love to wake up to mountain views instead of traffic noise and spend my evenings somewhere peaceful.
What appeals to me most is the lifestyle. I imagine being able to go for a walk, enjoy the fresh air, visit local cafés and spend more time with my family. I'm not someone who needs a packed social calendar or a busy nightlife. A comfortable home and beautiful surroundings would be more than enough.
Of course, moving to another country isn't as simple as it sounds. There would be practical issues such as finding suitable work, understanding the local culture and adjusting to a different way of life. The cost of living would also be something I'd have to think carefully about.
Still, it's a dream I'd love to work towards. I think living somewhere that gives you a better balance between work and personal life would be wonderful. For now, it's more of a long-term plan than an immediate decision, but who knows what the future holds?
### 30\. Describe a way you like to spend time with your friends.
One thing I really enjoy doing with my friends is meeting up for a meal and having a proper catch-up. It sounds quite ordinary, but honestly, some of the best conversations happen when there's good food and no particular agenda!
We usually choose a café or a restaurant where we can sit comfortably without feeling rushed. Sometimes we plan the meeting in advance, but quite often it starts with a simple message in our group chat saying, "Are you all free this weekend?"
Once we're together, we talk about just about everything — work, family, funny incidents, old memories and whatever else happens to come up. We often end up laughing over things that happened years ago, and it's amazing how one silly story can bring back so many memories.
What I enjoy most is being able to relax and be myself. There's no need to impress anyone or think too much about what I'm saying. We can tease each other, share our problems and offer advice when someone needs it.
Of course, everyone's busy with their own responsibilities, so getting the whole group together isn't always easy. That's why I really value these little get-togethers.
I don't think spending time with friends has to involve expensive outings or elaborate plans. Sometimes, a cup of coffee and a couple of hours of uninterrupted conversation are all you need to feel connected. It's these simple moments that make friendships last.
