SET 1 SAMPLE
READING — PASSAGE 1
The Architecture of Termite Mounds
Termite mounds may appear to be little more than piles of soil rising above the ground, but their internal architecture is surprisingly sophisticated. Some species construct structures several metres high, containing chambers, tunnels and ventilation passages that help regulate the conditions inside the colony.
The most remarkable feature is the mound's ability to moderate temperature. Termites cannot rely on mechanical heating or cooling, yet the interior of a large colony can remain considerably more stable than the outside environment. Researchers have found that air moves through different sections of the structure as temperature and pressure change. Warm air can rise through larger passages while cooler air enters through lower channels.
Construction is also highly collaborative. Individual termites have limited knowledge of the entire structure, yet thousands of insects collectively produce complex architecture. They respond to local signals, including humidity, temperature, chemical traces and the presence of other termites. Rather than following a central blueprint, they modify the structure according to immediate conditions.
The mound's outer surface is equally important. Its thickness and orientation can influence how much solar energy reaches the interior. In some species, the structure is built with particular attention to the movement of the sun during the day. This means that the mound functions not simply as a shelter but as a passive environmental-control system.
Architects and engineers have become interested in such structures because they demonstrate how buildings might regulate temperature and airflow while consuming less energy. Several experimental buildings have incorporated principles inspired by termite ventilation. However, copying a biological system directly is not always straightforward. Termite colonies operate under conditions that differ considerably from those of human buildings, and their structures develop gradually rather than being constructed from a fixed architectural plan.
Questions 1–6
Choose the correct answer, A, B, C or D.
What is the main purpose of the mound's internal passages? A. To protect termites from predators
B. To regulate air and temperature
C. To provide food-storage areas
D. To increase the height of the mound
How do termites collectively construct their mounds? A. By following a single central blueprint
B. By copying neighbouring colonies
C. By responding to local environmental signals
D. By using underground machinery
What can influence the mound's outer surface? A. The age of the colony only
B. The movement of the sun
C. The availability of food
D. The number of predators
Why are architects interested in termite mounds?
Complete the sentence.
Termite colonies do not construct their homes according to a fixed ________.
True / False / Not Given:
Termite mounds always remain at exactly the same temperature throughout the year.
Questions 1–6 — Answers
1. B — To regulate air and temperature
2. C — By responding to local environmental signals
3. B — The movement of the sun
4. They can inspire energy-efficient ventilation and temperature-control systems.
5. architectural plan / blueprint
6. False
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READING — PASSAGE 2
The Psychology of Digital Boredom
Boredom was once associated with empty rooms, long journeys and periods in which little was available to occupy the mind. Smartphones have transformed this experience. A person waiting for a bus can instantly access messages, videos, games or news. Yet researchers increasingly argue that constant digital stimulation has not eliminated boredom; instead, it may have changed people's tolerance for it.
Digital boredom often occurs when a person repeatedly switches between sources of stimulation without becoming deeply engaged with any of them. A user may open a social-media application, scroll for several seconds, move to a video platform and then return to a messaging application. Although the individual is continuously consuming information, none of these activities may provide sustained satisfaction.
Psychologists distinguish between boredom caused by a lack of stimulation and boredom caused by an inability to become meaningfully engaged. The latter may be particularly relevant in digital environments. When people become accustomed to immediate novelty, ordinary activities can appear unusually slow. Reading a difficult article, learning an instrument or simply sitting quietly may feel uncomfortable because these activities do not provide instant rewards.
This does not mean that digital technology is inherently harmful. Online platforms can support education, creativity and social connection. The concern arises when digital stimulation becomes the automatic response to every moment of inactivity. Short periods of waiting, for example, could provide opportunities for reflection, observation or creative thought. Replacing every such moment with scrolling may reduce opportunities to practise sustained attention.
Some researchers therefore recommend deliberate periods of low stimulation. This does not necessarily require abandoning technology. Instead, people might establish device-free intervals, disable unnecessary notifications or resist the urge to fill every pause. Such strategies may gradually increase their ability to tolerate quiet periods and concentrate on demanding activities.
Questions 7–12
Complete the sentences using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
Smartphones allow people to access information while they are ________.
Digital boredom can involve repeatedly ________ between different applications.
Difficult activities may feel uncomfortable because they do not provide ________.
Technology can be beneficial for education, creativity and ________.
Researchers suggest creating periods of ________.
One recommended strategy is to disable unnecessary ________.
Questions 7–12 — Answers
7. waiting
8. switching
9. instant rewards
10. social connection
11. low stimulation
12. notifications
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READING — PASSAGE 3
Deep-Sea Mining in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone
The Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a vast region of the Pacific Ocean between Mexico and Hawaii, contains mineral-rich deposits on the seabed. Among these are polymetallic nodules containing metals such as nickel, cobalt, manganese and copper. Because many of these minerals are used in batteries, electronics and renewable-energy technologies, interest in deep-sea mining has increased.
Supporters argue that seabed deposits could provide additional sources of minerals needed for the global transition to cleaner technologies. They also suggest that mining the ocean floor could reduce pressure on some terrestrial mining regions. However, these arguments remain controversial because scientists know relatively little about the ecological consequences of disturbing deep-sea environments.
The nodules themselves provide surfaces on which small organisms live. Removing them could therefore eliminate habitats that may have developed over extremely long periods. Mining machines would also disturb sediment on the ocean floor, potentially creating plumes that could travel beyond the immediate mining area.
Another concern is the difficulty of monitoring ecosystems at great depths. Deep-sea environments are remote, dark and difficult to observe continuously. Some organisms may recover after disturbance, whereas others could take decades or centuries to return, if they recover at all. The uncertainty makes it difficult for policymakers to determine acceptable levels of environmental damage.
International regulation has therefore become an important part of the debate. The International Seabed Authority is responsible for developing rules governing mineral-related activities in international seabed areas. Supporters of mining argue that clear regulations could permit responsible extraction, while environmental groups and some researchers favour greater caution until more scientific evidence becomes available.
The central question is not simply whether the minerals exist, but whether they can be extracted without causing irreversible ecological damage. As demand for critical minerals grows, governments and industries must weigh economic benefits against environmental uncertainty.
Questions 13–18
Choose the correct answer, A, B, C or D.
Why is the Clarion-Clipperton Zone attracting interest? A. It contains large fishing grounds.
B. It contains valuable mineral deposits.
C. It is close to major cities.
D. It contains large oil reserves.
Supporters believe deep-sea mining could: A. eliminate all land-based mining
B. reduce demand for renewable energy
C. provide additional mineral supplies
D. restore damaged marine habitats
What role do polymetallic nodules play in the ecosystem?
What could mining machines create? A. Coral reefs
B. Sediment plumes
C. Freshwater channels
D. Artificial islands
Why is environmental recovery difficult to predict?
What is the central issue in the debate?
Questions 13–18 — Answers
13. B — It contains valuable mineral deposits
14. C — Provide additional mineral supplies
15. They provide habitats/surfaces for small organisms.
16. B — Sediment plumes
17. Scientists have limited knowledge of deep-sea ecosystems and recovery rates.
18. Whether minerals can be extracted without causing irreversible ecological damage.
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WRITING — SET 1
Academic Writing Task 1 — Map
Sample Band 8/9 Answer
The two maps illustrate how a regional maritime shipping port was transformed between 2018 and 2025, with the original manually operated facility being replaced by a largely automated and environmentally oriented terminal.
Overall, the port underwent extensive modernisation. Manual equipment and conventional storage facilities were replaced by automated infrastructure, while renewable-energy features were introduced. The access road and shipping facilities were also expanded.
In 2018, the northern part of the site contained an administration building, while several storage warehouses and a cargo yard occupied the western side. Two manual cranes stood beside the shipping dock, where a cargo vessel was positioned. The site was connected to an access road running along its eastern side.
By 2025, the administration building had effectively been replaced by a larger control centre, and the former warehouses had been converted into automated storage facilities equipped with solar panels. The cargo yard also became automated, with robotic equipment handling containers. In addition, the manual cranes were replaced by remote-controlled automated cranes.
Several environmental improvements were added. Wind turbines were installed on the eastern side, while the shipping dock was redesigned as an eco-friendly facility. The access road was also expanded, allowing more efficient movement around the terminal.
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GENERAL TRAINING WRITING TASK 1
Formal Letter
Sample Answer
Dear Operations Manager,
I am writing to enquire about the facilities and group arrangements available at your remote work hub and digital retreat centre, which I am considering for a professional development seminar.
I am planning to organise a weekend event for approximately 30 international freelancers and would therefore appreciate some information about your conference facilities. In particular, could you confirm the maximum seating capacity of your private meeting rooms and explain what technical equipment is available, such as projectors, microphones, video-conferencing systems and reliable power backup?
I would also like to know whether you provide customised packages for groups. Ideally, the package would include accommodation, high-speed satellite internet and catered meals throughout the weekend. Please let me know what options are available and whether these services can be adapted to specific dietary requirements.
Finally, could you clarify your cancellation terms and advise me whether you offer discounts for early bookings during off-peak weekends?
I would appreciate it if you could provide a detailed quotation and the relevant terms at your earliest convenience.
Yours faithfully,
[Name]
GT Task 1 is a letter of at least 150 words, and the appropriate register depends on the relationship with the recipient.
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WRITING TASK 2
E-Scooter and Electric Mobility Lanes
Sample Band 8/9 Answer
The conversion of conventional vehicle lanes into segregated routes for electric mobility devices has become increasingly common in urban areas. Although this policy can create certain difficulties, I believe its advantages outweigh its disadvantages when it is implemented with appropriate planning.
One significant benefit is that dedicated lanes can make short-distance travel safer and more efficient. E-scooters and electric unicycles are considerably smaller than cars and produce no direct exhaust emissions. If commuters can use clearly separated routes instead of sharing roads with motor vehicles, the likelihood of collisions may decrease. Moreover, convenient infrastructure could encourage residents to replace short car journeys with cleaner forms of transport. For example, an employee who normally drives two kilometres to a railway station might choose an e-scooter if a protected route provides a safe and direct connection.
Nevertheless, the policy can create pressure on already limited road space. Removing vehicle lanes may increase congestion, particularly in areas where public transport is inadequate. There is also a potential conflict between different forms of mobility if pedestrians, cyclists and electric-device users are not provided with clearly defined spaces.
Overall, I consider the environmental and safety benefits more substantial than these drawbacks. However, authorities should introduce such lanes gradually, improve public transport simultaneously and establish clear rules concerning speed, parking and user behaviour.
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SPEAKING — SET 1
PART 1 — WEATHER
Do you like the weather in your city?
Warm and tropical weather is something I have become quite accustomed to. Most of the year is fairly hot, but I particularly enjoy rainy days because they cool everything down and make the atmosphere much more pleasant.
What kind of weather do you prefer?
Mild and slightly cool weather is ideal for me, especially when there is a gentle breeze. Extremely hot conditions can be exhausting, whereas cooler weather makes it easier to work, travel and spend time outdoors.
Does the weather affect your mood?
Bright and pleasant weather definitely makes me feel more energetic. On the other hand, several consecutive days of heavy rain can make me feel less motivated, especially if I have outdoor plans.
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PART 1 — FOOD
What kind of food do you enjoy?
Traditional Indian food is probably my favourite because it is so flavourful and varied. I particularly enjoy dishes that combine rice, vegetables, spices and different textures.
Do you prefer eating at home or restaurants?
Home-cooked food is my preference because I can control the ingredients and prepare everything according to my taste. Restaurants are enjoyable from time to time, particularly when I want to try something new.
Have your food preferences changed?
Lighter and healthier meals appeal to me more nowadays. I used to prefer rich and heavily spiced food, but I have gradually become more conscious of how different foods affect my energy levels.
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PART 2 — CUE CARD
Describe a traditional food you admire.
You should say:
what it is
what it contains
when you first tried it
and explain why you admire it.
Sample Answer
A traditional food that I genuinely admire is biryani, particularly the kind that is prepared slowly with fragrant rice, carefully marinated meat and a blend of aromatic spices.
I first became familiar with it as a child because it was often prepared for family gatherings and special occasions. What I find fascinating is that it is much more than an ordinary rice dish. The flavour comes from layering ingredients rather than simply putting everything into a pot. The rice has to be cooked properly, the meat needs time to absorb the spices, and ingredients such as saffron, mint and fried onions can completely transform the aroma.
I admire biryani mainly because it represents both culinary skill and cultural tradition. Different regions have their own versions, so the same basic dish can taste remarkably different depending on where it is prepared.
For me, it also has an emotional connection because family celebrations and large gatherings often revolved around food. Whenever I eat a well-prepared biryani, it takes me back to those memorable occasions.
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PART 3 — TRADITIONAL FOOD
Why are traditional foods important?
Cultural identity is one of the main reasons traditional food matters. It connects younger generations with their heritage and preserves recipes, customs and stories that might otherwise disappear.
Why are young people attracted to international food?
Global exposure has made international cuisine much more accessible. Social media, food-delivery platforms and international travel allow young people to discover unfamiliar dishes easily, so many are naturally interested in experimenting with new flavours.
Do you think traditional food will disappear?
Complete disappearance is unlikely. Some traditional dishes may become less common, but popular foods usually survive by adapting to modern lifestyles. Restaurants may also give traditional recipes a contemporary twist.
Should schools teach children about traditional food?
Practical cultural education could be very valuable in schools. Children could learn about local ingredients, nutrition and cooking while also understanding the history and traditions connected with different dishes.
IELTS 12 SEPTEMBER 2026 — SET 2 SAMPLE ANSWERS
Indonesia
READING — PASSAGE 1
The Mechanical Evolution of Kinetic Timepieces
Mechanical clocks have fascinated engineers for centuries because they transform simple physical forces into measurable intervals of time. Early mechanical timepieces depended heavily on weights, gears and escapement mechanisms. Their accuracy, however, was limited by environmental conditions and imperfections in manufacturing.
One major development occurred with the introduction of the pendulum clock. A pendulum provided a relatively consistent oscillation, allowing clockmakers to regulate the movement of gears more accurately. Pendulum clocks nevertheless remained sensitive to temperature because materials could expand or contract, altering the length of the pendulum and therefore its rate.
Later innovations focused on reducing these sources of error. Improved alloys, temperature-compensating mechanisms and more sophisticated escapements gradually increased accuracy. At the same time, manufacturers sought to make timepieces smaller and more portable.
The twentieth century brought another significant development: quartz technology. Quartz watches replaced many mechanical components with electronic systems and became extremely accurate. Despite this, mechanical watches did not disappear. Instead, they increasingly became objects associated with craftsmanship, engineering and luxury.
Recent mechanical timepieces have incorporated miniature rotors, advanced bearings and lightweight materials. A rotor can convert the movement of the wearer's wrist into energy that winds the mainspring. This allows some watches to operate without a battery.
The modern mechanical watch therefore represents an unusual combination of old and new technology. Its basic principles remain rooted in centuries-old mechanical engineering, while contemporary manufacturing allows components to be produced at extraordinary levels of precision.
Questions 1–6
What was one limitation of early mechanical clocks? A. They had no moving parts.
B. Their accuracy was affected by environmental conditions.
C. They required electricity.
D. They were impossible to repair.
What advantage did pendulums provide?
Why could temperature affect pendulum clocks?
What technology replaced many mechanical components in the twentieth century?
How can a modern rotor help a mechanical watch?
Why have mechanical watches continued to be popular?
Questions 1–6 — Answers
1. B — Their accuracy was affected by environmental conditions.
2. They provided a relatively consistent oscillation for regulating the clock.
3. Temperature could change the length of the pendulum.
4. Quartz technology.
5. It converts wrist movement into energy to wind the mainspring.
6. They are valued for craftsmanship, engineering and luxury.
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READING — PASSAGE 2
The Cognitive Mechanics of Deep Work
Modern workplaces have increasingly adopted open-plan offices and digital collaboration systems. These arrangements can encourage communication, but they may also create difficulties for employees whose work requires prolonged concentration.
Deep work refers to periods in which an individual concentrates intensely on a demanding task without frequent interruption. Activities such as writing, programming, research and complex analysis often require this form of attention.
Digital workplaces can interfere with deep work in subtle ways. A notification may take only a few seconds to read, yet the cognitive cost can be considerably greater because the brain must shift away from the original task and later reconstruct its previous mental state.
Open-plan environments can create similar problems. Conversations, movement and unexpected questions may interrupt concentration even when workers are not directly involved in the interaction. Noise-cancelling headphones may reduce some distractions, but they cannot eliminate every interruption.
Neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to adapt through repeated activity—is relevant to this discussion. Regularly practising sustained concentration may strengthen an individual's ability to maintain attention. Conversely, repeatedly switching between short tasks may reinforce a habit of fragmented attention.
This does not mean that offices should become completely silent or that digital communication should be eliminated. Collaboration is essential for many forms of work. The challenge is to distinguish between periods when communication is valuable and periods when uninterrupted concentration is necessary.
Some organisations have therefore introduced focus periods, meeting-free mornings and notification-free working blocks. These measures attempt to preserve the advantages of collaboration while protecting employees' capacity for concentrated work.
Questions 7–12
Complete the sentences using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
Deep work involves prolonged ________ on a demanding task.
Notifications can cause the brain to ________ away from an original task.
Open-plan offices can create distractions through conversations and ________.
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to ________.
Repeated task-switching may encourage ________ attention.
Some companies have introduced ________ mornings to protect concentration.
Questions 7–12 — Answers
7. concentration
8. shift
9. movement
10. adapt
11. fragmented
12. meeting-free
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READING — PASSAGE 3
Marine Cloud Brightening
Marine cloud brightening is a proposed form of climate intervention designed to increase the reflectivity of certain low-level clouds above the ocean. The basic idea is to introduce tiny particles into the atmosphere that could provide additional surfaces for water droplets to form.
If clouds become brighter, they may reflect a greater proportion of incoming sunlight back into space. This could temporarily reduce the amount of solar energy reaching the Earth's surface. Some researchers have suggested that such an effect might help protect vulnerable ecosystems, including coral reefs, during periods of extreme heat.
However, the technique remains highly experimental. Scientists do not yet have complete certainty about how clouds would respond to large-scale particle release. Atmospheric systems are interconnected, meaning that an intervention designed to cool one region could potentially influence weather patterns elsewhere.
There are also technological challenges. Any operational system would require the production and transport of enormous quantities of suitable particles. Researchers must determine the appropriate particle size, concentration and release altitude while monitoring atmospheric conditions continuously.
The geopolitical implications may be even more complicated. Climate interventions could affect multiple countries even if only one government or organisation initiated the project. A country experiencing an unexpected change in rainfall might consider the intervention harmful, while another country could view the same project as beneficial.
Critics therefore argue that technological feasibility should not be confused with political acceptability. International agreements, monitoring systems and clear responsibility would be necessary before any large-scale deployment could be considered.
Supporters counter that climate change itself creates risks that may eventually justify carefully controlled interventions. They argue that research should continue so that policymakers understand both the potential benefits and dangers.
The debate therefore centres on a difficult question: should societies develop emergency climate technologies before they know precisely when, where or whether those technologies should be used?
Questions 13–18
Choose the correct answer.
What is the purpose of marine cloud brightening? A. To increase rainfall everywhere
B. To make certain clouds more reflective
C. To eliminate ocean clouds
D. To increase ocean temperatures
How could brighter clouds potentially protect coral reefs?
Why could the effects extend beyond the targeted region?
What is one technological difficulty?
Why could marine cloud brightening create international disagreements?
What do critics say should accompany technological development?
Questions 13–18 — Answers
13. B — To make certain clouds more reflective
14. By reducing the amount of solar energy reaching the Earth's surface and potentially lowering temperatures.
15. Atmospheric systems are interconnected and can influence weather elsewhere.
16. Producing, transporting and accurately dispersing enormous quantities of particles.
17. One country's intervention could affect weather conditions in other countries.
18. International agreements, monitoring systems and clear responsibility.
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WRITING — SET 2
Academic Writing Task 1 — Table
Sample Band 8/9 Answer
The table compares the proportions of a metropolitan city's municipal budget allocated to seven urban sectors in 2018, 2022 and 2026, together with projected figures for 2030.
Overall, education, healthcare, housing and environmental spending are expected to receive progressively larger shares of the budget, whereas transport and other services are projected to decline. Public safety, in contrast, is expected to remain unchanged throughout the period.
Transport accounted for the largest proportion in 2018, at 24%, but this figure fell to 22% in 2022 and 20% in 2026. It is projected to decline further to 18% by 2030. Education followed the opposite trend, increasing from 18% in 2018 to 20% in 2022 and 22% in 2026, with a further rise to 24% anticipated in 2030.
Healthcare is similarly expected to increase steadily, from 16% to 18%, then 20%, before reaching a projected 22%. Housing rises from 12% in 2018 to 14% in 2022 and 16% in 2026, with 18% forecast for 2030. Environmental spending also doubles from 8% to a projected 14%.
Public safety remains stable at 10% across all four periods. By contrast, other services experience the sharpest overall reduction, falling from 12% to 6% in 2022 and remaining there before reaching just 4% in 2030.
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GENERAL TRAINING WRITING TASK 1
Formal Complaint
Sample Answer
Dear Principal,
I am writing to express my serious concern regarding the conditions my child experienced during the recent mandatory outdoor science camp organised by the school.
Although the camp was presented as a carefully supervised educational programme, the accommodation fell well below an acceptable standard. Most importantly, the heating systems in the student cabins were not functioning despite freezing temperatures at night. This created an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe environment for the students. In addition, several planned educational field trips were cancelled without an alternative programme being provided.
The situation had a noticeable physical and emotional impact on my child. They experienced difficulty sleeping because of the cold and returned home exhausted and disappointed. More importantly, they felt that the school had failed to provide the level of care and supervision that parents had reasonably expected.
I would therefore ask the administration to review the camp provider's safety procedures immediately and ensure that all accommodation is inspected before future trips. I also expect the school to provide appropriate compensation, such as a partial refund, and to establish a contingency plan for cancelled activities.
I look forward to your prompt response.
Yours faithfully,
[Name]
GT Task 1 requires at least 150 words and asks the candidate to respond appropriately to a situation, such as writing a letter.
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WRITING TASK 2
Financial Education
Sample Band 8/9 Answer
Many governments are considering compulsory financial education in secondary schools because young people increasingly need to manage money in a predominantly cashless economy. I largely agree that financial literacy should form part of the high-school curriculum, although it should complement rather than replace other essential subjects.
One of the first reasons is that young people are exposed to increasingly complex financial decisions at an early age. Online shopping, digital banking, subscription services and instant payment systems make spending extremely convenient. Without an understanding of budgeting and responsible borrowing, teenagers may develop poor habits before they become financially independent. For instance, a student who understands compound interest and credit charges is more likely to recognise the long-term consequences of making unnecessary purchases through borrowed money.
Financial education could also prepare students for practical responsibilities that traditional academic subjects may not address directly. Lessons could cover household budgeting, taxation, insurance, saving, investment and identifying online financial scams. These skills would be particularly valuable for young adults entering employment or moving away from home for the first time. Notwithstanding, schools already have demanding curricula, and parents also have an important role in teaching children about money. However, not every household has the knowledge or financial circumstances necessary to provide consistent guidance.
In conclusion, I majorly support compulsory financial education because it equips young people with practical skills needed to make informed decisions. Properly designed courses could reduce financial vulnerability while helping students become more independent and responsible adults.
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SPEAKING — SET 2
PART 1 — WEATHER
What kind of weather do you like?
Cool and moderately sunny weather is ideal for me. Extremely hot conditions can be draining, whereas mild weather makes it much easier to concentrate, travel and spend time outdoors.
Does the weather affect your plans?
Unpredictable weather can definitely affect my plans. If there is heavy rain, I tend to postpone outdoor activities, whereas pleasant weather makes me much more willing to go out or meet friends.
Do you check the weather forecast?
A reliable forecast is quite useful, particularly when I have to travel or organise an outdoor activity. I usually check it the night before so that I can plan accordingly.
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PART 1 — CASHLESS SHOPPING
Do you often pay for things with cash?
Digital payments are my usual choice, so I rarely carry much cash. They are quick, convenient and particularly useful for everyday purchases.
Do you think cashless shopping is convenient?
Extremely convenient, especially when I am in a hurry. I can make a payment within seconds without having to find an ATM or carry a wallet full of cash.
Are there any disadvantages?
Reduced spending awareness is one major disadvantage. When people simply tap a phone or scan a code, they may not feel that they are actually spending money. There are also concerns about technical failures, privacy and online fraud.
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PART 2 — CUE CARD
Describe a time you had to save up money for a highly specific, expensive item over a long period.
You should say:
what you wanted to buy
why you wanted it
how long you saved
and explain how you felt when you finally bought it.
Sample Answer
A time that comes to mind was when I decided to save up for a high-end laptop that I specifically wanted for creative and professional work.
At the time, I already had an older laptop, but it was becoming painfully slow whenever I was editing videos, working with large files or running several applications simultaneously. Rather than buying the first affordable model I found, I decided to save for a particular laptop with a powerful processor, sufficient memory and a high-quality display.
It took me roughly eight months to reach my target. I created a separate savings fund and transferred a fixed amount into it every month. I also cut back on unnecessary online purchases and postponed a few leisure expenses. It was surprisingly difficult because there were several occasions when I was tempted to use the money for something more immediately enjoyable.
Eventually, I reached the required amount and bought the laptop. I remember feeling a mixture of relief and satisfaction because the purchase represented months of discipline rather than simply an impulse decision.
Looking back, the experience taught me that saving for something specific is much easier when there is a clear goal and a realistic deadline.
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PART 3 — MONEY & SAVING
Why do people find it difficult to save money?
Immediate gratification is a major reason. People are constantly exposed to advertising, online shopping and convenient digital payment systems, so spending money can happen almost instantly. As a result, short-term enjoyment may take priority over long-term financial goals.
Is it easier for young people to save today than in the past?
Better financial technology makes saving easier in certain respects. Banking apps allow young people to track expenses, set budgets and automate transfers into savings accounts. However, they also face constant pressure to spend on technology, entertainment and experiences.
Should parents teach children about saving?
Early financial education is extremely important. Children can begin with simple habits, such as dividing their money between spending and saving. Learning about delayed gratification at a young age can help them develop responsible financial habits later.
Has cashless shopping changed people's spending habits?
Frictionless spending has certainly changed behaviour. Digital payments make purchases so easy that people may not fully register how much they are spending. On the positive side, payment applications provide detailed records, allowing consumers to monitor their habits if they use those tools responsibly.
