IELTSCast | Weekly shadowing exercises for IELTS Speaking Ryan Higgins

Get access to all lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join
Are your daily routines similar to other people from your country?
Yes, my daily routines are similar to those of others in my country. We generally follow a consistent pattern of activities throughout the day, such as morning routines, work or school commitments, designated break times, recreational activities, and evening preparations for sleep.
Are routines easy to change?
Routines can be both easy and challenging to change. It depends on factors like personal motivations, external circumstances, flexibility of commitments, and individual adaptability. Some find it easier to adjust to new routines, while others may struggle. For example, someone with a more structured work schedule may find it harder to modify their routine compared to someone with a more flexible lifestyle. Ultimately, the ability to change routines varies from person to person.
At what time of the day do you prefer to carry out your routines?
Personally, I prefer morning routines. Starting the day early allows me to be productive, energised, and focused. After waking up, I engage in my morning hygiene routine and have a nutritious breakfast to fuel my body and mind. This helps me feel energised and ready to tackle the tasks and responsibilities that lie ahead. I find the peaceful atmosphere in the early hours further enhances my concentration and sets a positive tone for the day.
How do people in your country spend their free time?
People in my country engage in various activities during their free time. These include pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, personal development through reading or attending workshops, and utilising technology for entertainment or information.
What did people do in their free time in the past?
In the past, people engaged in traditional forms of entertainment. Activities such as socialising, playing traditional games, reading books, writing letters, and outdoor pursuits were common. People connected on a personal level and appreciated simpler pleasures.
How have current leisure activities changed compared to the past?
Leisure activities have significantly changed due to technology and societal shifts. Digital entertainment, such as streaming movies, playing video games, and social media, has become prevalent. Traditional hobbies and outdoor activities still exist but have taken a backseat. Efforts are being made to promote balance between digital engagement and real life experiences, encouraging physical fitness, social interaction and personal growth.

Join for full lessons at YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join
Describe a daily routine in your life. You should say:
-what you do
-when you started doing it
-why you do this routine
-and explain whether you will change it in the future and why
I would like to talk about my daily exercise routine, which has become an integral part of my life. Every morning, without fail, I dedicate a significant amount of time to physical exercise, helping me maintain a healthy lifestyle.
I started this routine approximately five years ago when I realised the importance of regular exercise for both physical and mental well-being. Initially, it was a challenge to incorporate exercise into my daily schedule, but with time and perseverance, it has become an essential habit. I usually engage in a combination of cardiovascular exercises, such as jogging or cycling, followed by strength training exercises using weights or resistance bands.
There are several reasons why I adhere to this routine religiously. Firstly, physical exercise helps me stay fit and energetic throughout the day. It boosts my metabolism, improves my stamina, and enhances my overall physical endurance. Further, exercise also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight, which is essential for preventing lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Moreover, regular exercise has been proven to have positive effects on mental health, reducing stress and anxiety while promoting a sense of well-being and happiness.
Considering the immense benefits I have experienced over the years, I have no plans to change this routine in the foreseeable future. The positive impact it has had on my overall health and well-being is too significant to overlook. Because the benefits I have gained from this routine have greatly exceeded my expectations, I firmly believe that daily exercise will remain a vital aspect of my life.

Describe a person who dresses well. You should say:
-who the person is
-how you know him or her
-how often you see him or her
-and explain why you think this person dresses well

I would like to talk about my friend Jack who I believe has a great sense of fashion and dresses exceptionally well. Jack is a friend of mine from university, and we have known each other for over five years. We met during our freshman year, and since then we have been good friends.

I see Jack quite often, as we are still in touch even after graduating from university. We usually hang out together every couple of weeks, and I always look forward to seeing him.

The thing that sets Jack apart from others when it comes to fashion is his ability to mix and match different styles and create a unique look. He always seems to know what's trendy and fashionable, but he doesn't blindly follow trends. Instead, he adapts them to his own personal style and makes it work for him. He also pays attention to the little details, such as matching the colour of his shoes with his belt.

Moreover, Jack's clothes are always well-fitted, which I think is crucial for a person to dress well. His outfits are neither too tight nor too loose, and they always seem to flatter his body type. He also experiments with different colours and patterns and manages to pull them off effortlessly.

I think Jack dresses well because he has a great sense of style, pays attention to details, and knows how to dress for his body type. He inspires me to be more adventurous with my own fashion choices, and I'm always excited to see what he'll be wearing the next time we meet.

Thank you for leaving a 5 star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ieltscast-weekly-shadowing-exercises-for-ielts-speaking/id1070129363
Talk about a person you know from another culture, such as a friend or a teacher. You should say
-who the person is
-how you met him/her
-where you met
-and explain what you learnt about their cultural background
I would like to talk about my friend Hiro, who is from Japan. I met Hiro in my first year of university, where we both took a course on international relations. We were assigned to work on a group project together, and that's how we became friends.
We met at a coffee shop near campus, where we discussed the project and got to know each other. As we worked on the project, we learned a lot about each other's culture. Hiro shared many interesting things about Japan with me, and he opened my eyes to traditions from his homeland.
One of the things I learned from Hiro is the importance of respect in Japanese culture. He explained how respect is a fundamental value in all aspects of life in Japan, from family and relationships to business and politics. Hiro also told me about the tradition of bowing as a sign of respect, which is something I found really interesting.
Another thing I learned from Hiro is the importance of food in Japanese culture. He introduced me to some delicious Japanese dishes and explained the significance of certain ingredients and cooking techniques. I also learned about the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, which I found fascinating.
Overall, I feel very fortunate to have met Hiro and to have learned so much about Japanese culture from him. It has given me a greater appreciation for the diversity of cultures in the world, and I feel more open-minded and eager to learn about other cultures.

Thanks for tuning in! Leave your 5 star review at iTunes (thanks!) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ieltscast-weekly-shadowing-exercises-for-ielts-speaking/id1070129363
Visit my website for more: https://www.ieltsielts.com/
Here is a transcript of the model from today's episode:
Do you study or work?
I am currently pursuing a higher education at a well-renowned university. I am studying a multidisciplinary field which is a balanced combination of my diverse interests.

Where do you study?
My university is located in the bustling city centre, providing a perfect combination of academic rigor and cultural diversity. It's a supportive learning environment that I find motivates me to achieve my goals.

What type of shoes do you wear?
I am quite meticulous when it comes to footwear, as it plays a crucial role in my daily comfort. I usually wear premium sneakers made from high-quality materials, which offer excellent cushioning and support.

What is your favourite colour for shoes?
My favourite shoe colour is navy blue. I find it to be a timeless and stylish colour that can be easily paired with a wide range of other clothing.

Do you often buy shoes in this colour?
Yes, I often purchase shoes in this particular shade as I find it to be a reliable choice for various occasions. Moreover, because it is a darker colour, any scuffs or other signs of wear and tear are difficult to see.

How often do you buy new shoes?
I believe in the philosophy of investing in quality over quantity, which is why I don't buy shoes frequently. I usually purchase a new pair of shoes every 8 to 10 months, or when my current pair starts to show clear signs of age.

When did you last buy a pair of shoes?
I actually bought my last pair of shoes just a few weeks ago. They are navy blue sneakers made from premium materials, and I am thoroughly impressed with their comfort and performance. I can confidently say that they are among the best shoes I have ever owned.

100 Episodes! 20,000+ listeners per month! It has been a great ride so far, and I'm so happy to hear these resources have been helpful to those of you pursuing the IELTS!
If you haven't yet done so, please leave this show a 5 star review at iTunes!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ieltscast-weekly-shadowing-exercises-for-ielts-speaking/id1070129363
Here is a transcript of the band 9 sample from the episode:
Is it easy to communicate with people from another culture?
No. Communicating with people from another culture can be challenging, but it is not impossible. I guess the key precursor to this is that both speakers share a want to achieve successful communication. If this is a shared goal, I think communication between cultures is much more easily attained.
What difficulties do we face when we talk to a person from another culture?
There are several difficulties that people face when communicating with someone from a different cultural background, including language barriers and differences in customs. Certain gestures or wording can be endearing in one culture and offensive in another, for example.
Is language barrier the main problem or are there other difficulties?
The language barrier is a significant challenge in cross-cultural communication but it is not the only difficulty, and I wouldn’t necessarily say it is the “main” difficulty. I already mentioned differences in customs, but I would add that contrasting values or social norms can also make it challenging for people to understand each other's perspectives.
Do you think if there were just one language in the world, people from different cultural backgrounds could communicate more easily?
Having just one language in the world could make cross-cultural communication easier, but it would not solve all the difficulties that arise. Cultural differences could still create misunderstandings and difficulties in communication. So, in the event there were just one language in the world, I would presume healthy communication would still need people to be open-minded, respectful of others' cultures, and willing to learn and understand others’ perspectives.