IELTS Cam 15 Speaking Test 4
Note: This is an Official IELTS Academic and General Speaking Practice Test 04 With Sample Answers From Cambridge Book 15.
PART 1: Questions and Sample Answers
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies and other familiar topics.
Example Questions about Jewellery
1. How often do you wear jewellery? [Why/Why not?]
I don’t wear jewellery very often, mainly because I prefer to keep my style simple and comfortable. I usually reserve jewellery for special occasions, like weddings or formal events, when I feel it adds an extra touch to my outfit. On a day-to-day basis, I find that jewellery can be a bit distracting or uncomfortable, especially if I’m busy with work or other activities.
2. What type of jewellery do you like best? [Why/Why not?]
I like simple, elegant jewellery the best, particularly items like stud earrings or a delicate bracelet. I think minimalist pieces are versatile and can complement any outfit without being too flashy. Also, they tend to be more comfortable for everyday wear. I’m not a big fan of large or overly intricate pieces because they don’t match my personal style.
3. When do people like to give jewellery in your country? [Why?]
In my country, people often give jewellery during special occasions like weddings, engagements, or significant anniversaries. Jewellery is seen as a valuable and meaningful gift, symbolizing love, respect, or even status. It’s especially common in wedding traditions, where families exchange jewellery to mark the importance of the occasion. Festivals like Diwali are also times when jewellery is gifted as a token of good fortune.
4. Have you ever given jewellery to someone as a gift? [Why/Why not?]
Yes, I have given jewellery as a gift once. It was for my mother’s birthday, and I wanted to give her something special and long-lasting. I chose a pair of gold earrings because I know she loves wearing jewellery and gold holds a lot of sentimental value in our culture. She was very happy with the gift, and it felt great to give her something that she could cherish.
PART 2: Speaking Cue Card Topic
Describe an interesting TV programme you watched about a science topic.
You should say:
- what science topic this TV programme was about
- when you saw this TV programme
- what you learnt from this TV programme about a science topic
- and explain why you found this TV programme interesting.
You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. And you have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.
Sample Answer:
One of the most interesting TV programmes I watched about a science topic was a documentary called Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey. It focused on astronomy and the origins of the universe, explaining how planets, stars, and galaxies formed over billions of years. I watched this programme about a year ago, and it completely captivated me.
The programme was visually stunning and made complex concepts easy to understand. I learned a lot about black holes, the Big Bang theory, and the evolution of life on Earth. What I found particularly fascinating was the explanation of how small changes in the universe’s early stages have led to the formation of galaxies and, eventually, life on our planet.
I found this programme interesting because it connected science with everyday life in a way that was both educational and entertaining. It made me realize how vast and mysterious the universe is, and it sparked my curiosity to learn more about space and the role it plays in our existence.
PART 3: Follow Up Questions and Sample Answers
Discussion Topics
Science and the public
1. How interested are most people in your country in science?
In my country, interest in science varies among different groups of people. Many younger individuals, especially students, are quite fascinated by science due to the integration of technology and innovative ideas into everyday life. However, among the older generation, the level of interest might be lower because they are often more focused on practical day-to-day matters. Overall, science is viewed positively, especially when it comes to advancements in healthcare and technology.
2. Why do you think children today might be better at science than their parents?
I believe children today have access to better resources and tools for learning science compared to their parents. With the internet, interactive learning platforms, and more engaging science curricula, children are exposed to scientific concepts at a younger age and in a more interesting way. Additionally, technological advancements like virtual labs and educational apps make learning science more accessible and enjoyable, giving them an advantage over previous generations.
3. How do you suggest the public can learn more about scientific developments?
I think the public can learn more about scientific developments through various platforms. Educational TV programmes, documentaries, and podcasts are great ways to make science more engaging and understandable. Additionally, social media can play a big role in spreading scientific knowledge, as many organizations and experts share updates on new research and discoveries. Science museums and public lectures are also excellent for hands-on learning and discussions.
Scientific discoveries
4. What do you think are the most important scientific discoveries in the last 100 years?
There have been several groundbreaking discoveries in the last 100 years, but I would say the development of the internet, advancements in medical science such as vaccines and antibiotics, and the discovery of DNA are among the most important. The internet has revolutionized communication, education, and access to information, while medical advancements have saved countless lives. The discovery of DNA has transformed our understanding of genetics and opened the door to developments like gene therapy and personalized medicine.
5. Do you agree or disagree that there are no more major scientific discoveries left to make?
I strongly disagree with the idea that there are no more major scientific discoveries left to make. While we’ve made incredible progress, science is an ever-evolving field. There are still many mysteries about the universe, human health, and the environment that remain unsolved. For example, we’re still trying to fully understand dark matter and dark energy, and there’s much more to learn about the human brain. As technology advances, I believe more major discoveries will continue to emerge.
6. Who should pay for scientific research – governments or private companies?
I think both governments and private companies should contribute to funding scientific research. Governments play a crucial role in financing research that benefits society as a whole, such as healthcare, environmental protection, and basic scientific exploration. On the other hand, private companies can fund research that has commercial potential, driving innovation in technology and industry. A combination of both sources ensures that a wide range of research can be conducted for the public good and economic growth.
