In this lesson, you will learn collocations to talk about living in the countryside. You can use them to describe a place that you enjoy visiting, especially if it is in a rural area. 

A DESCRIPTION OF A RURAL AREA 

I visit my grandparents once in a while. They live in a valley surrounded by rolling countryside. It's a small village within easy reach of the nearest big town - only a 20-minute drive away. While driving in the surrounding area, you get to see a lot of farm fields with colourful stripes of windflowers. 

I enjoy visiting this place because of the relaxed way of life there and the absolutely breathtaking scenery. You can walk through the unspoilt countryside and play games on the village green. I don't think the village has changed much since my first visit as a child. There aren't many young people in the surrounding countryside because they have already moved to the cities. To be honest, I think there isn't much to do in the area apart from climbing a hill and hill walking. Perhaps people who visit the area could have a picnic on the green hills surrounded by nature. 

In my opinion, one of the best things about village life is that you get the chance to buy local produce at the farmers' market. Another thing is that villages, in general, have a very peaceful atmosphere and it's a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, especially for those who prefer the peaceful life of the countryside to cities. 

VOCABULARY 

• rolling countryside - with hills 
• a small/little/tiny village 
• within easy reach of the nearest big town/city 
• farm fields 
• in the surrounding area 
• way of life 
• unspoilt countryside - with natural beauty not spoilt by buildings 
• the village green - an area of grass for everyone to use 
• the surrounding countryside 
• climb a hill - walk or drive up a hill 
• hill walking - the activity of walking on hills 
• have a picnic | go for a picnic 
• green hills - covered with grass 
• local produce 
• farmers' market - where farmers sell their produce directly to the public 
• peaceful atmosphere | peaceful life 
• the hustle and bustle of the city - all the noise and activity there 

​

TASK:

• What do you think about countryside life? 
• Can you think of some negative aspects of living in a rural area? [What?] 

Exercise
​
Replace the phrases below with collocations from the text. 

1. gentle, rounded slopes 
2. incredible view 
3. style of living 
4. around a place 
5. a beautiful place that has not been changed or built on 

​
Answers: 
1. rolling hills; 2. breathtaking scenery; 3. way of life; 4. surrounding area; 5. unspoilt countryside; 


Other lessons: 
City Life - Going out 
Cities - Talk about your area 
Cities - Advantages and Disadvantages of Urban Life 
Countryside - Advantages and Disadvantages of Rural Life 

Other lessons with English collocations: 
Collocations for Urban Life 
Collocations for Success 
Collocations for Feelings 

Click below to read some of our IELTS related lessons: 
Discourse Markers for IELTS Speaking and Everyday English 
Causes and Effects of Migration from Rural Areas to Cities 
IELTS Speaking Test: Means of Transport (We give answers to five questions from Part 3 of the speaking test.) 
IELTS Speaking Test: Arriving Early and Being Patient (We give answers to six questions from Part 3 of the speaking test.) 
IELTS Speaking Test: Places That Tourists Visit and Being a Tourist (We give answers to six questions from Part 3 of the speaking test.) 


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In this lesson, you will learn collocations to talk about the area where you live. You can use them to describe your neighbourhood and what you like or dislike about living there. 

Notice how the choice of words can make a place sound attractive or unattractive. 


A DESCRIPTION OF AN URBAN AREA 

I've lived in this city all my life. I really like the area where I live because of the unique atmosphere and friendly neighbours. Also, there are plenty of green spaces for children, and actually people of all ages, to enjoy. I'd say it's one of the most pleasant residential areas of the city. Apart from having lots of parks, there are also lots of local amenities such as convenience stores, sports facilities, and so on.
My apartment is within easy reach of the city centre - just about a 15-minute walk. I find it quite refreshing when I walk along the tree-lined streets in my area, especially early in the morning. It's a pretty good place to live because it's extremely safe and also clean. 

VOCABULARY 

• friendly neighbours | friendly neighbourhood - an area of a city with people who are pleasant and helpful to each other 
• green spaces - areas covered with grass and trees and there are no buildings (e.g. community gardens, parks, and so on) 
• a residential area - a part of a town where people live 
• local amenities - places such as stores, swimming pools or other sports facilities that make it convenient and enjoyable for people to live in an area 
• sports facilities - places and things for doing sports (e.g. gym, stadium, swimming pool, tennis court, ice-skating rink, and so on) 
• within easy reach of - a short distance away from a place so that you can go there easily 
• tree-lined streets - a road in a city with a lot of trees 

NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF AN URBAN AREA 

Having lived in my area for many years now, I've noticed a few things which in my opinion should be improved. First of all, I think that more recycling facilities should be installed. Currently, I cannot find any near my apartment building. Secondly, the parking facilities are poor and a lot of people leave their cars on every available pavement. Another thing is that once it becomes darker, I feel a bit unsafe walking along the dimly lit streets. 

VOCABULARY 

• recycling facilities - large containers in public places where people put used paper, bottles, etc. so that 
• an apartment building (also an apartment block) (BrE) / an apartment house (AmE)
• parking facilities - parking places where you can leave a vehicle 
• dimly lit streets - roads with little light 

​

TASK:

• What do you like about living in your area? 
• What changes do you think would improve the area where you live? 

​

Exercise
​
There are important factors to consider before you decide where to live. Look at the key things listed below and rewrite the information using collocations from the texts. 

1. near to the city centre
2. an area with nice people 
3. parking spaces available 
4. lots of parks for walks  
5. lots of trees by the road 
6. no dark roads at night 
7. a pharmacy, a post office, lots of stores, etc. nearby 

Answers: 
1. within easy reach of the city centre; 2. friendly neighbourhood; 3. parking facilities; 4. green spaces; 5. tree-lined streets; 6. no dimly lit streets; 7. local amenities; 


Other lessons: 
City Life - Going out 
​Cities - Talk about your area 
Cities - Advantages and Disadvantages of Urban Life 
Countryside - Advantages and Disadvantages of Rural Life 

Other lessons with English collocations: 
Collocations for Rural Life 
Collocations for Success 
Collocations for Feelings 

Click below to read some of our IELTS related lessons: 
Discourse Markers for IELTS Speaking and Everyday English 
Causes and Effects of Migration from Rural Areas to Cities 
IELTS Speaking Test: Means of Transport (We give answers to five questions from Part 3 of the speaking test.) 
IELTS Speaking Test: Places That Tourists Visit and Being a Tourist (We give answers to six questions from Part 3 of the speaking test.) 


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In this lesson, we are going to focus on the words 'crowded' and 'congested'. You will learn how to use these two adjectives correctly through examples. 

CROWDED 

If a place is crowded, it means it is full of people. It is also difficult to move or to find a place to sit or stand. 

Now, let's look at some examples of places that can be crowded. 

Examples: 

• The train was really crowded, and we had to stand. 
• Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo is the most crowded intersection in the world with hundreds of people crossing at a time, and coming from all directions at once. 
• Oxford Street in London attracts millions of people every year. The street is lined with bars, hotels, and shops, but because it is such a crowded place, authorities were forced to double the amount of pavement. 
• Mong Kok is a major shopping area in Hong Kong with an extremely high population density of 130,000 per square km, which makes it the most crowded district in the world, according to the Guinness World Records. 

PREPOSITION 

• Florence turned out to be a complete disappointment for her. She was that type of traveller who would seek out the authentic. She found the city not only expensive, but also crowded with tourists. This made it difficult for her to spend too much time waiting in line to get into the museums and galleries, so she skipped all that. 
• A lot of European cities are usually crowded with visitors in the summer.  

VERBS + crowded 

• be crowded  
• become crowded 
• get crowded 

Note: What can be crowded? This could be a city, street, train, bus, boat, station, airport, subway, room, shop, shopping centre, restaurant, swimming pool, stadium, car park, etc. Any place where there are a lot of people. 

​
CONGESTED 

If a place is congested, it means it is full of traffic, so everybody moves very slowly. 
'Congested' is used to talk about traffic in terms of vehicles. Think about 'traffic congestion' or 'traffic jam'. We can even say 'air traffic' to refer to the number of planes landing and taking off.

Now, let's look at some examples of places that can be congested. 
​
Examples: 

• At rush hour in Bangkok, thousands of motorcycles hit the streets and the centre's really congested. 
• I think we need to plan our journey in advance to avoid any congested areas. 
• Beijing is considered (to be) the most congested city in China. 
• Many airports in Europe are heavily congested. (= with a lot of air traffic) 
• I try to avoid congested roads in the city as much as I can, and I also tend to switch to less congested times of day, or make fewer journeys. 
• The city centre has become heavily congested in recent years due to the increase of car ownership. 

​
PREPOSITION 

• Some areas are congested with both cars and people. 

VERBS + congested 

• be congested 
• become congested 
• get congested 

Note: What can be congested? This could be a city, a road, a street, an area, etc. 
​

Other lessons:
Confusing words: Know someone vs. Meet someone, Alone vs. Lonely, To feel cold vs. To have a cold, Desert vs. Dessert 
Confusing words: Begin vs. Start, End vs. Finish 
Confusing words: Come vs. Go 
Confusing words: Bring vs. Take 
Phrases with HAVE and TAKE 
Confusing words in English: Fast, Quick or Quickly 
Confusing words in English: Slow or Slowly 
Confusing words in English: Famous vs. Popular 


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The words 'famous' and 'popular' are very close in meaning, but are not interchangeable because they are used differently. 

In this lesson, we explain the difference between these two adjectives and give you examples to show you how to use them correctly. There is a short exercise at the end of the lesson to practise what you have learned. 

FAMOUS 

When we say that people, places, books, films, etc. are famous, it means they are known about and talked about. 

Examples: 

• The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, is one of the most famous buildings in the world. 
• When we went to Paris, we visited some of the famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and the Louvre. 
• Are there any famous people you would like to meet in person? 
• Many Hollywood celebrities have famous parents. A good example is Angelina Jolie who was born to actors. 
• The Rio de Janeiro Carnival is a famous festival held every year. 
• Mona Lisa is one of the most famous paintings in the world. 
• Oxford and Cambridge are the UK's oldest and most famous universities. 
• Many people around the world have heard about sushi as it is the most famous Japanese dish. (= a well-known dish) 

PREPOSITIONS 

• Cambridge is famous for its great university. 
• France is famous for its wine and gourmet food. 

POPULAR 

We can use this adjective to describe people, places or things. If someone or something is popular, it means that many people like them. 

Examples: 

• Spain is a popular tourist destination and one of the most visited countries in the world. 
• When you go to the UK, you should definitely download Trainline UK. It's one of the most popular British transport apps, and is extremely useful if you want to find information about upcoming train journeys. You can even buy tickets before departure. 
• What's the most popular sport in your country? 
• Playing games outdoors was one of the most popular leisure activities when I was a kid. 
• Elle is a popular lifestyle magazine that focuses on fashion, beauty, health and entertainment. It has a French origin and the title means 'she' or 'her'. 
• This hotel is very popular with tourists. 
• Why do you think computer games are so popular? 

PREPOSITIONS 

• Beach holidays are extremely popular with the Germans. 
• Cafés are very popular among university students. 
• I think Justin Bieber is most popular among teenagers. 

​
You can say 'popular among' and 'popular with'. Both are correct. 

Note: If someone or something is famous, it doesn't necessarily mean that people like them. 


Exercise 

Complete the sentences with famous or popular. 

1. Sydney Opera House is one of the most ......................... buildings in the world. 
2. The most ......................... tourist destinations in Thailand are beach resorts. 
3. Starbucks coffee has become extremely ......................... around the world. 
4. Venice is, without doubt, considered one of the most ......................... cities in the world. 
5. Knitting is a relaxing hobby that is more ......................... with older people. 
6. Basketball is one of the most ......................... team sports in the United States. 
7. It's hard to say whether ......................... people have a positive or negative influence on young people. 
8. Nowadays, a lot of young people want to be ......................... and that's why they try their luck and audition for TV shows to showcase their talent, for example. 
9. The Harry Potter book series are ......................... with children and adults alike. 
10. Chinese food is one of the most ......................... cuisines in the world. 

Answers: 
​1. famous; 2. popular; 3. popular; 4. famous; 5. popular; 6. popular; 7. famous; 8. famous; 9. popular; 
10. popular; 


Other lessons:
Confusing verbs: Say vs. Tell 
Confusing verbs: Speak vs. Talk 
Confusing words: Know someone vs. Meet someone, Alone vs. Lonely, To feel cold vs. To have a cold, Desert vs. Dessert 
Confusing words: Breath vs. Breathe, Belief vs. Believe 
Confusing words: Practice vs. Practise, Advice vs. Advise 
Confusing words: Begin vs. Start, End vs. Finish 
Confusing words: Come vs. Go 
Confusing words: Bring vs. Take 
Phrases with HAVE and TAKE 
Confusing words in English: Fast, Quick or Quickly 
Confusing words in English: Slow or Slowly 


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In this lesson, you will learn collocations that will help you express the idea of succeeding in doing something or getting something. They are used in contexts such as work and achieving personal goals. 

ACHIEVE AN AMBITION 
To do what you want to do. 

Examples: 

• I think it's extremely important for young people to have ambitions they want to achieve. 
• I would say I'm an ambitious person. I have many ambitions I want to achieve in my life. For example, I want to learn other foreign languages apart from English and I want to live and work in those countries so that I can practise my language skills. 
• It took me a few years to achieve my ambition of speaking English fluently. 

FULFIL A DREAM 
To do or get what you want. 

Examples: 

• I've always wanted to be a doctor, so becoming a specialist in this field was a chance for me to fulfil my dream. 
• I really want to fulfil my dream of visiting as many countries as I can. 
• I helped my student prepare for her job interview and I'm proud of her because she fulfilled her dream and became an interpreter.  

GET RESPECT | EARN RESPECT 
To be treated with respect. | To start to be respected. 

Examples: 

• People make assumptions based on your appearance so you are more likely to get respect if you are dressed appropriately for the occasion. 
• He earned his boss's respect by working hard and effectively. 
• Earning respect may sound simple, but it takes a lot of work. 

CAPTURE SOMEONE'S INTEREST 
To make someone interested in or excited about something. 

Examples: 

• What I find difficult about my job is giving presentations to my colleagues at work because I need to be well prepared and able to capture their interest. 
• This is the best film I've ever seen. It definitely captured my interest from the beginning. 
• When you're telling a story, you have to start with something that will really capture the listener's interest. 

PROVIDE (SOMEONE WITH) AN OPPORTUNITY | GIVE SOMEONE AN OPPORTUNITY 
To have a chance to do something. 

Examples: 

• Without doubt, big cities provide better educational opportunities. 
• My university provides opportunities for a number of extracurricular activities such as sport and fitness, volunteer work, and more. 
• Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to learn more about a new culture and experience a completely new way of life.  

REAP THE BENEFIT | REAP THE REWARD  
To get something good as a result of your own actions or something that you have done. 

Examples: 

• I know that I need to work hard now if I want to reap the benefits later. 
• She studied hard every day and reaped the benefit at the exam. 
• I made a few attempts to get the job I wanted but it was worth it. I'm now reaping the rewards of all my hard work in the last few months. 

BOOST SOMEONE'S CONFIDENCE | BUILD UP SOMEONE'S CONFIDENCE 
To make someone feel more confident. | To gradually increase it. 

Examples: 

• I prefer to have make-up on because it really boosts my confidence. 
• If you focus on your passion, you will feel unique and accomplished and will definitely boost your confidence. 
• I'm not experienced in public speaking and I always feel quite nervous when speaking in front of others. What really helps me build up my confidence is writing my content in advance and improvising when giving a presentation. 

GET INTO A ROUTINE | SETTLE INTO A ROUTINE 
To have a fixed order of doing things. 

Examples: 

• When I was at school, I didn't think about my study habits at all, but once I entered university, I got into a study routine. I wanted to study effectively and to be organised, so that I could enjoy my free time without having to worry about my studies. 
• Parents should get their children into a routine of doing their homework after school. 
• Being a university student can be quite challenging, especially when revising for exams, but once you settle into a routine, it gets easier. 

TASK:
Think about your achievements and experiences. Write sentences about them using the collocations you have learned in this lesson. 


Click below to read some of our IELTS related lessons:
Causes and Effects of Migration from Rural Areas to Cities 
IELTS: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using the Internet 
Discourse Markers for IELTS Speaking and Everyday English 


Other lessons:
Business English: Working in an office 
Business English: How to Talk about Your Job Responsibilities 
English Lesson: Jobs and Skills 
Collocations with Job (Part 1) 
Collocations with Job (Part 2) 
Phrasal Verbs: Phones and Technology 
Commonly Used Phrases in Spoken English 

​
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As an English learner, you are probably familiar with many words connected with feelings. In this lesson you will learn collocations that will help you express how you feel in more interesting ways. 

We have selected different types of feelings and collocations that best describe them. 

ADMIRATION | RESPECT 

Examples: 

• I have nothing but admiration for people whose job involves helping others. 
• I'm full of admiration for what my parents have done for me throughout the years. (= be full of admiration) 
• I have a high regard for talented people. (= to respect and admire a lot) 
• I don't like people who have no regard for others' feelings. 

COURAGE | DETERMINATION | HOPE 

Examples: 

• Studying for my exams can be difficult at times but I try not to lose heart. (= I won't give up because I believe that I can succeed and pass my exams.) 
• I was doing a research on a specific topic for one of my school subjects. It was challenging for me to find and read all the information. My teacher actually supported me a lot and told me not to lose heart because I was doing really well. This motivated me and kept me going. 
• It takes courage to move abroad far from family and friends. 
• I didn't have the courage to tell my parents the truth. 

HAPPINESS | EXCITEMENT 

Examples: 

• I remember I was quite nervous before the test but when I got the results two weeks later my heart leaped with joy. I passed the exam with flying colours. (= with a very high mark/grade) 
• ​I was thrilled to bits when I got a pay rise. (= extremely excited and pleased) 
• I passed all my exams and I'm really thrilled with the results. 
• I think I would be blissfully happy if I didn't have any neighbours. 

SADNESS 

Examples: 

• I told him the bad news with a heavy heart. 
• I had been working as a teacher for 10 years before I decided to change career. I left my job with a heavy heart. 
• He was sick at heart about having to live far away from his family. (= very unhappy) 
• It breaks my heart to see her unhappy. (= makes me feel sad) 

FEAR 

Examples: 

• When I saw the lake we would jump in, my courage failed me. (= I was scared to do it.) 
• I've always been afraid of heights so I couldn't do a bungee jump. My courage failed me. 
• If your courage fails you, don't do it. (= If you're scared, don't do it.) 
• I've tried a few extreme sports as a way to overcome fear.  

ANGER 

Examples: 

• If I saw someone hit an animal, I don't think I would be able to contain my anger. 
• There are some situations where you just have to contain your anger. 
• It is not healthy to suppress your anger. 
• It's really shocking how many people express their anger through violence. 

DISLIKE 

Examples: 

• To be honest, I don't do any sport because I have an intense dislike of any form of exercise. I usually watch my weight and I try to eat a balanced diet. ('dislike' as a noun) 
• I really like having a tidy home but I have an intense dislike of household chores. 
• There are very few vegetables that I actively dislike. ('dislike' as a verb) 
• I simply dislike going to crowded places. I feel extremely tired after that. 

​
Exercise 1 

Rewrite the sentences using the collocations in brackets. 

1. I'm not a big fan of shopping. I don't like going to shopping malls. (intense dislike) 
2. I feel extremely happy every time my boyfriend calls me. (heart leaps) 
3. I really hate spicy food. (simply dislike) 
4. I think I have a really good English teacher. (high regard) 
5. ​Even if I'm angry, I try to hide it. (contain anger) 

Exercise 2 

Complete a short sentence about the situations, using the collocations you have learned in this lesson. Make sure you use the correct form of the verbs. 

1. For my sister's birthday, I bought her a book she really wanted to read. She was really excited when she opened her present. 
   She was .................................................. 
2. I've been learning English for many years now but I've always found it difficult to speak. I'm afraid of making mistakes. Once I saw a foreigner in my city and I really wanted to practise my English, but I was afraid of starting a conversation. 
   My .................................................. 
3. She had been with the company for five years when she decided to move on and change career. It was a difficult decision to make because she loved working with her colleagues. 
   She did it with .................................................. 
4. I feel sad when when I see injured animals or when my pets are sick. I always do my best to help them. 
   It .................................................. 
5. She's my best friend and I've always been honest with her but when I saw her boyfriend with another girl, I just couldn't tell her. 
   I didn't .................................................. ​​

Answers to exercise 1 

1. I have an intense dislike of shopping.
2. My heart leaps every time my boyfriend calls me. 
3. I simply dislike spicy food.
4. I have a high regard for my English teacher.
5. I try to contain my anger. 

Answers to exercise 2 

1. She was thrilled to bits.
2. My courage failed me.
3. She did it with a heavy heart.
4. It breaks my heart.
5. I didn't have the courage. 

​Click below to read some of our IELTS related lessons:
Causes and Effects of Migration from Rural Areas to Cities 
IELTS: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using the Internet 
Social Media Addiction: Causes, Effects and Possible Solutions 


Other lessons:
Business English: Working in an office 
Business English: How to Talk about Your Job Responsibilities 
English Lesson: Jobs and Skills 
Collocations with Job (Part 1) 
Collocations with Job (Part 2) 
Phrasal Verbs: Phones and Technology 
Commonly Used Phrases in Spoken English 
​

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In this lesson, we will focus on eight phrasal verbs which are extremely common in English when we talk about phones and technology. Phrasal verbs need to be learned in phrases. We have included real-life examples so that it is easier for you to fix in your mind how they are used.

Try to understand phrasal verbs, but also use them in your own speaking and writing. 

Whenever you are reading anything in English, make notes of any phrasal verbs you find and write them down in complete phrases or sentences. 


PULL SOMETHING OUT | PULL SOMETHING OUT OF SOMETHING 
to take something out of somewhere by pulling 

Examples: 

• My hands are dirty. Can you please pull my phone out of this pocket and call Jessica? 
• She wasn't sure how to find the store so she pulled her phone out of her handbag and found the address on the map.  

PICK UP | PICK SOMETHING UP 
to answer a phone 
to receive an electronic signal (radio) 

Examples: 

• I couldn't pick up my phone because I was carrying too many shopping bags and I was on my way home. 
• You can pick up hundreds of stations 24 hours a day. 

CUT SOMEBODY <-> OFF 
to interrupt somebody who is speaking on the telephone by breaking the connection 

Example: 

• We were cut off in the middle of the call. 
• Sorry we were cut off. I took the lift and lost signal. 

PUT SOMEBODY/SOMETHING THROUGH TO SOMEBODY 
If you put a person or call through, you connect someone to the person they want to speak to on the telephone. 

Examples: 

• Can you put me through to the HR department, please? 
• Could you put me through to the manager, please? 

GET THROUGH 
to make contact with somebody by telephone

Examples: 

• I was trying to call you this morning but I couldn't get through - the line was engaged. 
• I finally got through to my mother after getting three busy signals. 
• After calling twice, I finally got through, but they told me they didn't have the book in stock. 
• Her colleagues tried to reach her on her mobile but they didn't manage to get through to her. 
• I couldn't get a signal on my cell phone while travelling so no one could get through to me for a few hours. 

HANG UP - HUNG UP - HUNG UP 
to end a telephone conversation by putting the telephone receiver down or switching the telephone off 

Examples: 

• I received a phone call from an unknown number so I hung up on it. 
• I called my Internet service provider to report a problem, but after saying he would check and call me back, he hung up on me without saying goodbye. 
• If you receive any unwanted calls, you can hang up or silent the call. 

PLUG INTO | PLUG SOMETHING INTO SOMETHING 
to connect a computer to a computer system 
to connect a piece of equipment to an electricity supply or to another piece of equipment 
​​
Examples: 

• All our computers are plugged into the main network. 
• When you buy a printer, you need to install it. To do that, you need to plug your printer into your computer using a USB cable. Make sure that the printer is close enough so that the cable can easily reach your computer. 

TOP UP 
to increase the amount of something (e.g. money) to the level you want or need 

Examples: 

• ​I need to top up my mobile phone. (= pay more money so you can make more calls) 
• I'm using a prepaid mobile service so when I need to recharge, I top up my credit over the phone or via text. 

Exercise 

Complete the sentences with a phrasal verb from the list below. Use the correct form of the verb: 
pull out, cut off (x2), get through (x2), hang up (x4), put through, plug into, top up (x2), pick up (x2) 
​

1. Sorry, I have to .................... now. I need to buy a train ticket. 
2. I was .................... for not paying my phone bill. 
3. It's rude to .................... the phone without saying goodbye.  
4. Every time I try to get through to my friend, his phone goes to voicemail. 
5. I .................... my phone and took a few pictures while I was travelling by taxi. 
6. Please hold the line, I'm .................... you .................... 
7. Your printer must be .................... a power source. 
8. My mobile is pay-as-you-go so I have to .................... my credit from time to time. 
9. Let me speak to her before you .................... 
10. Hi again. Sorry we were .................... I was calling you to ask you about tomorrow's meeting. 
11. I tried calling you several times this morning but I couldn't .................... 
12. Sorry, I couldn't call earlier. I forgot to .................... my credit. 
13. I called them on the landline but nobody .................... 
14. My friend .................... the phone without saying goodbye. 
15. We were able to .................... radio stations from far away. 

Answers:
1; hang up; 2. cut off; 3. hang up; 4. get through; 5. pulled out; 6. putting ... through; 7. plugged into; 
​8. top up; 9. hang up; 10. cut off; 11. get through; 12. top up; 13. picked up; 14. hung up; 15. pick up; 


​Click below to read some of our IELTS related lessons:
Causes and Effects of Migration from Rural Ares to Cities 
IELTS: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using the Internet  
Social Media Addiction: Causes, Effects and Possible Solutions 

​
Other lessons: 
Business English: Working in an office  
Business English: How to Talk about Your Job Responsibilities
English Lesson: Jobs and Skills 
Collocations with Job (Part 1) 
Collocations with Job (Part 2) 
Commonly Used Phrases in Spoken English 


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Nowadays, there seems to be one common problem among kids and young adults and this is called social media addiction. Social networking sites look so appealing to youngsters that they spend roughly two hours per day scrolling through digital news feed, photos and videos. They try to keep up with their friends mostly online and it seems hard for them to put all their digital devices aside. 

Let's look at some main causes of social media addiction and its negative effects on people's lives. We will also give some possible solutions to this problem at the end of the lesson. 

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SHORT NOTES (More info below.) 


Causes 

• socialising on the Internet 
• the excitement of receiving notifications from social media 

Negative effects 

• fear of missing out (FOMO) 
• isolation and lower self-esteem 
• online harassment 
• insomnia 

Possible solutions 

• limited screen time 
• attending real-life events (People should attend more real-life events.) 
• social interactions face to face 

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​
Causes 

• The most important cause of this problem is the excitement of receiving notifications when someone 'likes' and 'shares' what you posted on social media. People tend to feel good and excited about being liked online.  
• Youngsters are raised in a society where the Internet is such an important aspect of socialising. Children look at the Internet as an extension of their current social life. This is the main reason why they are so much dependent on their cell phones as a means of communication. Social networking sites like Facebook, for example, are a popular way for people to keep in touch with their friends. 

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Negative effects 

• People's social interactions tend to happen online instead of in the physical world and at the end of the day they feel isolated. As a result, they have lower self-esteem and feel dissatisfied with their self-worth. 
• The fear of missing out results in people constantly checking their accounts for any updates and looking at others' profiles for hours. This is an actual social anxiety from the fear that you are missing a potential connection, event or opportunity. 
• Consuming too much digital technology and using social networking could lead to childhood development problems. Children are constantly distracted by their digital devices and this leads to short attention spans. 
• Addiction to social networking can distract students from their studies. As a result, students may feel guilty about not being able to control themselves and they may feel frustrated with falling behind academically. 
• When people engage with their phones or something external, they stop thinking about their dreams and feelings. Nowadays, kids are constantly engaged with technology and the Internet, and they don't reflect on other people and are unable to empathise with others. 
• People miss the chance of developing real-life skills such as social engagement, talking to people face to face, gaining competence, and so on. 
• Because people are spending many hours a day online, they are using their creativity less. 
• Many youngsters may suffer from insomnia due to staying up late so that they can be online. As a result, not getting enough sleep may lead to anxiety and poor performance at school. Too much time online affects not only students' grades, but their health as well. 
• A lot of adults have experienced online harassment. As a result, victims may suffer from stress and that may lead to a decline in mental health. 

Possible solutions 

• Parents need to ensure that their children have adequate social interactions face to face. 
• Schools and parents need to teach children human interaction and to encourage them to make human connections. This can be achieved by playing games in real life and taking place in contests as well as other engaging activities. 
• Screen time should be limited as much as possible so that children and teenagers can spend more time with their family and real-life friends. 
• Schools and universities should establish a strict policy on cell phone use. 
• The important thing for parents is to maintain communication with their children to remind them how precious they are. 

VOCABULARY

• appealing - attractive or interesting | OPP. unappealing 
• youngster - a young person or a child 
• put something <-> aside (phrasal verb) - to ignore or forget something 
• means of communication - computer, cell phone, newspaper, magazine, television, radio, etc. 
• be / keep in touch with somebody / something 
• result in something (phrasal verb) - to make something happen 
• self-esteem - a feeling of being happy with your own character and abilities 
• high/low self-esteem 
• self-worth (Synonym: self-esteem) - a feeling of confidence in yourself that you are a good and useful person 
• engaged with something 
• empathise (with somebody / something) - to understand another person’s feelings and experiences, especially because you have been in a similar situation 
• stay up (late) (phrasal verb) - to go to bed later than usual
• have/establish/maintain communication 
• precious - loved or valued very much 

Click below to read some of our IELTS related lessons: 
Discourse Markers for IELTS Speaking and Everyday English 
Causes and Effects of Migration from Rural Areas to Cities 
IELTS Speaking Test: Means of Transport 
IELTS Speaking Test: Arriving Early and Being Patient 
IELTS Speaking Test: Places That Tourists Visit and Being a Tourist 
IELTS: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using the Internet 


Other lessons: 
City Life - Going out 
Cities - Talk about your area 
Cities - Advantages and Disadvantages of Urban Life 
Countryside - Advantages and Disadvantages of Rural Life 


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Get access to 97+ Part 2 topics given between January and December 2019. Click here. 

​
Let's talk about Internet access and its advantages and disadvantages. 

This lesson will help you expand your vocabulary as well as prepare for the IELTS Speaking and Writing test. Take notes of new phrases and brainstorm some other ideas how people can benefit from using the Internet and possible disadvantages of that. 

​
ADVANTAGES 

• One of the main advantages of using the Internet is being able to look for information online. Most people nowadays have Internet access and they can easily do an Internet search to find the type of information they need for their job or studies. 
• Students can benefit enormously from taking online courses and e-learning in general. Online education is easily accessible to people of all ages and cultural background. The Internet is changing the way people learn because its users have access to a variety of online sources of information such as e-books, blogs, video and audio lessons, and so much more. 
• The Internet can be of benefit to people in many different ways. For example, they can buy books, clothes and food online, book their holidays online, pay their bills, and so on. Not only is this convenient, but it also saves a lot of time. 
• Other benefits of the Internet for most people are that they can send unlimited amounts of emails and files as attachments. 
• The Internet has enabled us to interact with others through instant messaging, Internet forums, and social networking. All that can be of benefit to people to some extent. It is easy to be in touch with the people you care about, especially when you live some distance away. 

VOCABULARY

• search/look for information 
• have Internet access | have access to the Internet 
• do an Internet search - look for information on the Internet 
• Internet users 
• ​be of benefit to someone/something 
• accessible to somebody (Example: The course is accessible to students all around the world.) 
• to enable somebody to do something - to make it possible for somebody to do something
• distance away (= quite far away) 
• spend time doing something (spend time surfing the net = navigating around the Internet) 

DISADVANTAGES 

• One main disadvantage of using the Internet is that people can spend too much time surfing the net in search of the information they need. It is easy for people to lose track of time when they go online, and besides that there are plenty of distractions such as links to other pages or advertisements.  
• The drawback of e-learning is that it is not the same as learning in the classroom. As a result, e-learners may miss a 'live' teacher as well as face-to-face interaction with other students. Similarly, e-books don't feel the same as real books, and that's why some people prefer to read paperback books instead. 
• The Internet can be really convenient when it comes to shopping online, but one disadvantage is that people don't actually see the product until it's delivered to their home and they might find it different from what their expect. That's quite a common problem, especially for clothing, but I guess for other things as well. 
• One main drawback of the Internet is that you get much spam. As it is not relevant to you, it requires you to get rid of it regularly, which means deleting emails day after day. It can be quite annoying for most people. 
• There are a number of drawbacks to Internet use. For example, there is a high risk of fraud online because criminals try to get access to people's personal data. Apart from that, there are other threats online such as viruses, phishing, and so on. 

VOCABULARY

• in search of something - looking for something 
• lose track - to no longer know what is happening 
• go online - use the Internet 
• drawback (of/to something) / (drawback of/to doing something) - a disadvantage or problem that makes something a less attractive idea (drawback of e-learning | drawback of learning online) 
• a paperback book/edition 
• day after day (Idiom) - each day repeatedly (used especially when something is boring or annoying) 

Exercise 

Complete the sentences by writing the correct preposition (from, to, over, of) in each gap. 

1. People of all ages can benefit ............... using the Internet. 
2. One of the advantages ............... shopping online is that it it cost effective. 
3. Let's talk about the benefits ............... e-learning. 
4. For an e-learner, it is a significant advantage ............... have a reliable Internet connection. 
5. Being able to work at your own pace is one of the main advantages ............... online education. 
6. People can benefit a lot ............... e-learning, and there are obvious advantages ............... online study. 
7. Learning with a teacher has many advantages ............... self-study. 
8. There are several drawbacks ............... online shopping. 
9. Since technology has become a major part of our daily life, the Internet can be of benefit ............... anyone interested in learning online. 
10. One disadvantage ............... young people using the Internet is the number of websites which contain offensive materials. 

​

Answers: 
1. from; 2. of; 3. of; 4. to; 5. of; 6. from, to; 7. over; 8. to; 9. to; 10. of 


Click below to read some of our IELTS related lessons: 
Discourse Markers for IELTS Speaking and Everyday English 
Causes and Effects of Migration from Rural Areas to Cities 
IELTS Speaking Test: Means of Transport 
IELTS Speaking Test: Arriving Early and Being Patient 
IELTS Speaking Test: Places That Tourists Visit and Being a Tourist 


Other lessons: 
City Life - Going out 
Cities - Talk about your area 
Cities - Advantages and Disadvantages of Urban Life 
Countryside - Advantages and Disadvantages of Rural Life 


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In this lesson, we will focus on English for describing festivals, more specifically, New Year. 

Let's look at how people in Sydney, London and New York City celebrate the New Year. There is a list of useful vocabulary below each text and example sentences to help you remember the words. 


New Year in Sydney 

People in Sydney welcome the new year with spectacular fireworks at Sydney Harbour. They can watch the fireworks from various public viewing areas. Some of the vantage points are free of charge while others require you to get a ticket.

In Sydney, they have a special event programme which starts with a pre-show entertainment at 6 p.m. This includes aerial and water displays. At 9 p.m. there is 'Family fireworks' for families with younger children. After that, it's the Harbour of Light Parade with illuminated vessels gliding across the water. Finally, at midnight, there's a fireworks display which lasts for about 15 minutes. 

New Year's Eve in Sydney is considered to be one of the best celebrations in the world and that's a special event for many tourists who have it on their bucket list and travel long distances to be there. 
​

VOCABULARY 

• to watch the fireworks 
• public viewing areas 
• vantage point BrE /ˈvɑːntɪdʒ pɔɪnt/ ​- a position from which you watch something 
• display - a show for people to watch 
• New Year's Eve - 31 December, especially the evening of that day 
• spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks  

Examples: 

• The fireworks display is held every year on New Year's Eve. 
• People tend to line up much in advance waiting for the arrival of the new year. 
• We took great photos from our vantage point. 
• I was on the east side of Sydney Harbour Bridge. 
• We got excellent views of the harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 
• It was a night to remember. 

​
New Year in London 

Before 2014 people could attend London New Year's Eve fireworks display for free, but it has been ticketed ever since. If you miss the chance to buy a ticket, you can watch the event live on television. Even if you can't get a ticket for New Year's Eve fireworks, don't get your plans fizzle out. There are still loads of other ways to celebrate the beginning of the new year. For example, you can see London light up at midnight from the river on a New Year's Eve fireworks cruise or you can watch the fireworks at a restaurant with an amazing view. You can welcome the new year at a party or in a club. There are various New Year's Eve parties in London and lots of things to do on New Year's Day.  

Central London is typically busy at this time of year, so people need to plan ahead how they are going to get around and what kind of public transport they are going to use. 

People can start off the new year with a New Year's Day Parade which takes place in central London. You can go shopping to pick up some bargains in the January sales or tick off some of London top attractions. 


VOCABULARY 

• miss the chance 
• to fizzle out (phrasal verb) (informal) - to gradually become less successful and end in a disappointing way 
• to get around - to move from place to place 
• to light up (phrasal verb) - to become or to make something become bright with light or colour 
• to take place - to happen, especially after previously being organised 

​Examples: 

• The NYE tickets have been sold out, but don't let your plans fizzle out. 
• There's a special London New Year's Eve playlist. 
• The night sky was lit up with fireworks. 

New Year in New York City 

As you may probably know, NYC's biggest celebration takes place in Times Square. Interestingly, this special event first began in 1904 with a fireworks display set off from the roof of the New York Times Building at midnight. 

Nowadays, revellers start arriving in Times Square late in the afternoon at about 3 p.m. They gather in separate viewing sections. When one section fills up, people are directed by police to the next one. The celebration begins at 6 p.m. with the lighting and raising of the New Year's Eve Ball. It is located on the roof of One Times Square and is referred as the ball drop. There are hours of live entertainment, including performances by famous singers, confetti release and colourful pyrotechnic effects atop One Times Square. The Ball leads the final sixty-second countdown to the New Year. 

At the stroke of midnight, the lights on the New Year's Eve Ball are turned off and a sign shows up greeting people for the New Year. There is confetti release throughout Times Square accompanied by colourful fireworks which last for about 15 minutes. 


VOCABULARY 

• reveller (US English reveler) - a person who is having fun in a noisy way, usually with a group of other people and often after drinking alcohol 
• New Year's Eve Ball | Times Square Ball | the ball drop 
• One Times Square | The New York Times Building | The New York Times Tower 
• confetti release and colourful pyrotechnic effects 
• atop (preposition) - on top of, at the top of 

Examples: 

• The ball drops at midnight on December 31st.  
• Lots of people gather in Times Square to watch the crystal ball drop and ring in the new year. 

English Collocations with YEAR 

last | past 

Examples: 

• I didn't improve my English as much as I wanted last year, but I will do my best this year. 
• We travelled a lot over the past year. 

coming | future 

Examples: 

• People have high hopes for the coming year. 
• I want to have a higher salary in future years. 

all year long | all year round | early/late in the year | a time of year 

Examples: 

• I've been waiting for this moment all year long. | I've been waiting for Christmas all year long. 
• The museum is open all year round. 
• I have a few business trips early in the year. 
• Shops are usually crowded at this time of year. | It's usually cold at this time of year. 

​
Answer the following questions in the comment section below! 

TASK: 

1. How did you spend New Year's Eve? 
2. Do you usually reflect back on the year at the end of December or move on to the next year? 
3. Did you make New Year's Resolutions? 

Other lessons: 
English Conversation: Travel opinions  
English Conversation: Travel experience  
English Conversation: Travelling in Europe and Asia  
Commonly Used Phrases in Spoken English  

​
Some of our IELTS lessons: 
Discourse Markers for IELTS Speaking and Everyday English  
IELTS Speaking Test: Places That Tourists Visit and Being a Tourist (We give answers to six questions from Part 3 of the speaking test.) 


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In this lesson, we are going to focus on six questions you might be asked in Part 3 of the IELTS speaking test. These are 'opinion' and 'ideas' questions which focus on places that tourists visit and being a tourist. 

Read our answers below and take notes of the new vocabulary.

PLACES THAT TOURISTS VISIT 

What areas of a town or city do tourists often like to visit? 

In general, most people like to see the sights when they visit a place. They tend to go sightseeing and have a look round the museums and historic monuments the city is famous for. Tourists always explore the main attractions in a city and that's the reason why most of them are absolutely packed. Buying a guidebook of a city gives you an overview of all the places that are worth visiting and all the things to do there. For instance, exploring the local markets and shopping areas are common tourist activities. 

Note: This is an ‘ideas’ type of question. It tests your ability to give ideas in depth. 


VOCABULARY 

• explore | visit 
• go sightseeing | see the sights - visit famous places 
• have a look round - to explore a place, often on foot 
• tourist attractions | attractions | sights 
• worth + noun/-ing - We use it to say that it is a good idea to do something or go somewhere. 
• worth visiting | worth seeing 

How important is it for local governments to look after popular tourist attractions? 

Well, even though economies are dependent on tourism as a source of income, governments need to consider the negative impact it has on historic landmarks. For the most part, tourists visit the main attractions in a city to enjoy the scenery and to take photos, but at the same time there are people who will scratch and destroy the structures. One thing that local governments can do to prevent landmarks from vandalism is to hire security. Setting up new rules of visitation is another way to preserve the most popular tourist attractions. This means that entrance will be limited to a certain number of visitors per day. All these measures can help protect the attractions so that they will last far into the future. 

Note: This is an ‘ideas’ type of question. It tests your ability to give ideas in depth. 


VOCABULARY 

• to be dependent on something 
• a source of income 
• historic landmarks 
• vandalism - the crime of destroying or damaging something, especially public property, on purpose 
• vandalise (British English) / vandalize (American English) (verb) 
• to prevent from vandalism 
• to set up rules 

Should people pay to visit tourist attractions such as museums and art galleries? [Why? / Why not?] 

I think tourist attractions should be more accessible to children, students and elderly people by giving them the chance of visiting museums and art galleries at a lower price. There could also be discounts for families and free admission days. On the other hand, more visitors would make museums more crowded and this would result in a less enjoyable experience. I think prices should apply to foreign visitors, for the most part, because they are actually the people most interested in exploring the cultural heritage of other countries. An entrance charge is necessary in order to protect institutions such as museums and art galleries. After all, we pay for every other cultural activity, for instance theatre, cinema, and so on. It seems quite reasonable to contribute to the financial needs of museums as well. 

Note: This is an 'opinion' type of question. You need to share your opinion of the topic. 
(What is your opinion? You can use some of our examples and vocabulary provided to help you express your point of view.) 

​
VOCABULARY 

• accessible to somebody (Example: These buildings are not accessible to the public.)  
• chance of doing something (Example: Is there any chance of getting tickets for the concert?) 
• free admission days 
• to apply to someone / something (Example: What I am saying doesn't apply to you.) 
• heritage (noun, usually singular) - the art, buildings, traditions, and beliefs that a society considers important to its history and culture 
• cultural / national / musical heritage 
• an entrance charge - a fee charged for entry 
• to protect institutions 
• to contribute to something - to give something, especially money, to help someone/something

​
BEING A TOURIST 

How should tourists behave when they are in a different country? 

First of all, I think that tourists should do as much research about their destination as they can before their departure. This will help them learn more about the culture and what is considered polite as well as rude. It is important for tourists to uphold local customs and to consider laws with respect. They need to be mindful of religious and cultural beliefs. Being aware of what is illegal and socially unacceptable will be beneficial for tourists during their stay in another country. Overall, when on holiday, people need to behave appropriately and they need to know what can get them into trouble. 

Note: This is an 'opinion' type of question. You need to share your opinion of the topic. 
(What is your opinion? You can use some of our examples and vocabulary provided to help you express your point of view.) 


VOCABULARY 

• to do research 
• to uphold something - to support something that you think is right 
• to uphold local customs | to uphold the law 
• ​to be mindful of something - to remember something and consider it when you do something 
• religious and cultural beliefs 
• to be beneficial (to/for somebody or something) 
• to get someone into trouble - a situation in which you can be punished  
• to keep yourself out of trouble 

What can local people do to help tourists enjoy their visit? 

Meeting local people is an important part of any travel experience. Interacting with the locals is a great way to experience the culture and the lifestyle people have. Local people can make your trip special and memorable, especially by sharing more about their authentic local cuisine and traditions they have. Being hospitable to tourists is a great way to make them feel comfortable during their trip. Another thing that locals can do is sharing more about their culture and customs as this will help tourists understand local etiquette and as a result they will enjoy and appreciate their trip even more. 

Note: This is an ‘ideas’ type of question. It tests your ability to give ideas in depth. 


VOCABULARY 

• authentic local cuisine 
• hospitable (to/towards somebody) (of a person) - pleased to welcome guests; generous and friendly to visitors (Synonym: welcoming) 
• local etiquette 

What can tourists learn from visiting new places? 

For the most part, people can get a general understanding of a country's history by visiting museums and monuments. Besides that, travelling allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture. It also gives you a new perspective because you learn to appreciate other places and people, and you learn more about what the local customs are. In addition to this, exploring new places makes tourists more curious and open to new experiences. In general, I would say that travelling helps tourists learn how to adjust to new situations and how to be creative as well as more independent. 

Note: This is an ‘ideas’ type of question. It tests your ability to give ideas in depth. 


VOCABULARY 

• to immerse yourself/somebody (in something) - to become or make somebody completely involved in something 
• local custom(s) - the way people behave in a community 

Click below to read some of our other IELTS related lessons: 
Causes and Effects of Migration from Rural Areas to Cities 
Discourse Markers for IELTS Speaking and Everyday English 
IELTS Speaking Test: Means of Transport 
IELTS Speaking Test: Arriving Early and Being Patient 
​IELTS: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using the Internet 

Other lessons: 
City Life - Going out 
Cities - Talk about your area 
Cities - Advantages and Disadvantages of Urban Life 
Countryside - Advantages and Disadvantages of Rural Life 


Please LIKE and SHARE with friends! 
​

Get access to 97+ Part 2 topics given between January and November 2019. Click here. ​

​In this lesson, we are going to focus on six questions you might be asked in Part 3 of the IELTS speaking test. These are 'opinion' and 'ideas' questions which focus on arriving early and being patient. 

Read our answers below and take notes of the new vocabulary. 

ARRIVING EARLY

In what kinds of situations should people always arrive early? 

I think people tend to arrive early when they have an important meeting or an exam. In these kinds of situations, people are under pressure and they feel nervous and because of that, they want to make sure they arrive in time. I believe job interviews are a good example why people arrive early as this not only shows they are professional but also that they have good time management skills. There are other situations such as arriving at the airport where people are required to be there early in order to check in and board without any problems. 

Note: This is an 'opinion' type of question. You need to share your opinion of the topic. 
(What is your opinion? You can use some of our examples and vocabulary provided to help you express your point of view.) 


VOCABULARY 

• in time – having enough time to be able to do something, early enough, not late 
• essential (adj.) (Synonym: vital) - completely necessary; extremely important in a particular situation 
• to check in (at ...) (phrasal verb) 
• to board - to get on a plane (bus, train, ship, etc.) 

How important is it to arrive early in your country?  
​
In my country, China, being punctual for formal events is considered extremely important. Not only does it show respect, but it also makes a very good impression on other people. Being punctual is seen as good manners, especially when it comes to business meetings as they always begin on time. However, when you are invited for dinner, you should never arrive early as this implies that you are hungry. 
​
Note: This is an ‘ideas’ type of question. It tests your ability to give ideas in depth. 


VOCABULARY 

• formal events 
• business meetings 
• do business with somebody / something (without ‘a’) 
• be punctual 
• be trustworthy 
• be reliable 
• to invite somebody (to / for something) 

How can modern technology help people to arrive early? 

Nowadays, people can use different apps on their phones to take notes of important events and to plan their time. Modern technology can help us arrive early in many different ways. For example, you can easily coordinate your schedule with other people by using online calendars and important events could easily be shared. As a result, people will have access to the same schedule as well as the time arranged. You can also set a reminder so that the app notifies you of every upcoming event in advance, for example, an hour earlier. It is also easy to check the weather forecast and this way you can leave home early when the weather is bad. 

Note: This is an ‘ideas’ type of question. It tests your ability to give ideas in depth. 


BEING PATIENT 
​
What kinds of jobs require the most patience? 

There are certain jobs which require extreme patience. For instance, working in a call centre and dealing with angry customers can be quite challenging and this type of job is suitable for people who can stay calm in stressful situations and are willing to help others. Another example could be any sales-related job where employees need to be patient, outgoing and able to interact with difficult or frustrated customers. Teaching can also be given as an example because this job includes interaction with problem students. In general, not all students obey rules. Teaching to these kinds of students could be quite stressful, but as a teacher, you need to do your job regardless of the situation. Teachers also need to be patient with students and their learning abilities as well as any discipline issues which can cause extra pressure. 

Note: This is an ‘ideas’ type of question. It tests your ability to give ideas in depth. 
(Jobs that require more patience than others: call centre representatives, managers, administrative jobs, surgeons, and so on.) 


VOCABULARY 

• extra patience | extreme patience 
• outgoing (Synonym: sociable) 
• (to handle) problem students 
• disobedient BrE /ˌdɪsəˈbiːdiənt/ - failing or refusing to obey 
• a disobedient student – doesn’t obey rule or don’t listen to what the teacher is saying 
• to obey rules 
• discipline issues 

Is it always better to be patient in work (or studies)? 

In my opinion, being patient has plenty of benefits. For example, a patient person has more time to consider different solutions to a problem as well as put more efforts to achieve high-quality results. Being patient in the workplace is essential when concentrating on tiny details for a long period of time or when dealing with challenging colleagues. When it comes to studying, I think patience can help you study more effectively and as a result, one can get higher grades. In contrast, impatient people are more likely to finish their job faster without considering all aspects of a certain task. Students, on the other hand, may find it difficult to study consistently before exams or they may end up making mistakes when they try to complete the test quickly. 

Note: This is an 'opinion' type of question. You need to share your opinion of the topic. 


VOCABULARY

• one – a person, someone; this could be anyone 
• challenging co-workers | challenging colleagues | difficult people at work 
• patience (noun) 
• patient (adjective) ​
• to attempt a test 
• to complete a test 
• to make mistakes due to time constraints 
• meet a deadline – You need to finish your work before a certain period of time. 

Do you agree or disagree the older people are, the more patient they are? 

In my opinion, people tend to lose patience regardless of their age and there might be various reasons for that. For example, many people become impatient due to physical factors such as hunger or fatigue. In general, people complain when there is a delay or something annoying happens. I feel both young and old people express their anger either verbally or their body language shows how tense and upset they are. Impatient people are often seen as arrogant and impulsive. In order to be patient, people need to practise this ability and to find out the causes of being impatient. Otherwise, their lack of patience is likely to affect not only their relationships and daily performance, but also their career prospects. 

Note: This is an 'opinion' type of question. You need to share your opinion of the topic. 


​VOCABULARY

• to lose patience - You become annoyed about something. 
• be / become / feel impatient  (collocations with 'impatient') 
• physical factors - hunger, dehydration, fatigue, and so on. 
• arrogant (adjective) - behaving in a proud, unpleasant way, showing little thought for other people 
• impulsive (adjective) - (used for people and their behaviour) acting suddenly without thinking carefully about what might happen afterwards 
• job / employment / career prospects - the chance for future success in a profession 

Click below to read some of our other IELTS related lessons: 
Causes and Effects of Migration from Rural Areas to Cities 
Discourse Markers for IELTS Speaking and Everyday English 
IELTS Speaking Test: Means of Transport 
IELTS Speaking Test: Places That Tourists Visit and Being a Tourist 
​
Other lessons: 
City Life - Going out 
Cities - Talk about your area 
Cities - Advantages and Disadvantages of Urban Life 
Countryside - Advantages and Disadvantages of Rural Life 

​
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Get access to 97+ Part 2 topics given between January and November 2019. Click here. ​

In this lesson, we are going to focus on five questions you might be asked in Part 3 of the IELTS speaking test. These are 'opinion' and 'ideas' questions which focus on travelling by car, improving public transport systems as well as the future of transport. 

Read our answers below and take notes of the new vocabulary. 


Do you think too many people are dependent on cars as a means of transport? 

Well, in some countries people rely on cars as their main form of transport, especially in countries like the USA and Canada. People there do need a car if they want to travel around or even if they want to go to shops because they often live far away and need to drive long distance. Driving a car is necessary for some cities and countries where people don't have access to metro systems or the public transport is not reliable. At the same time, there are countries where people simply cannot afford a car, so they use other types of transport such as motorbikes or buses. 

Note: This is an 'opinion' type of question. You need to share your opinion of the topic. 
(What is your opinion? You can use some of our examples and vocabulary provided to help you express your point of view.) 


VOCABULARY 

• means of transport | forms of transport | modes of transport | types of transport 
• drive long distance 
• necessary (for somebody / something) (to do something) 
• commute long distance(s) 
• metro systems 
• reliable - able to operate for long periods 
• to travel by bus, train, car, etc. 
• to get around - to move from place to place 

Why do people prefer to travel by car? Is there a way of changing this attitude? 

Driving a car is considered to be a convenient way to travel around. I imagine this is the main reason why car users are very much dependent on their vehicles. In general, the car is more attractive than public transport because of its comfort, flexibility, and freedom. For example, drivers do not rely on any transport schedule and this makes them much more independent. I suppose the best way to encourage people to use other means of transport is by making them pay every time they park their vehicle in the city or when they travel on highways. 

Note: This is an 'ideas' type of question. This question tests your ability to discuss ideas in depth. 
(When you hear a question starting with 'why', it means you need to give reasons in your answer.) 


VOCABULARY 

• car use (noun) 
• car users 
• advantages of car use: convenience, independence, flexibility, comfort, speed, pleasure
• ​(adjectives: convenient, independent, flexible, comfortable, pleasurable) 
• toll - money that you pay to use a particular road or bridge
• motorway tolls 
• to make someone do something (make someone pay) 
• fine (noun) - a sum of money that must be paid as punishment for breaking a law or rule
• a speeding fine 
• a parking fine 
• motorway (British English) / highway (North American English) 

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How could public transport systems be improved? 

Public transport systems could be improved with the help of technology. The use of speed and trip data can help optimise the entire transport system in a country. The collected data can be used to plan the transport schedule, which has already been implemented in a city like Seoul. Traffic flow can easily be predicted and the information can be used to improve on-time performance as well as expected waiting time. Riders, for example, want to know that a bus will arrive soon and they rely on frequent services. On the other hand, collected data could be used to reduce traffic congestion in the network. An easy way to collect data would be by developing an online system to evaluate the service quality of public transport systems. 

Note: This is an 'ideas' type of question. This question tests your ability to discuss ideas in depth.
(You can use the vocabulary we have provided below.) 


VOCABULARY

• speed data - It provides data on traffic speeds. 
• trip data - It is used to understand the real journeys that drivers make throughout a region.  
• collected data 
• transport schedule 
• to implement - to make something that has been officially decided start to happen 
• to implement changes / decisions / policies / reforms 
• traffic flow - continuous movement of traffic in one direction 
• to predict traffic flow 
• to improve traffic flow (= make it move faster) 
• on-time performance 
• expected waiting time 
• bus riders 
• frequent (adjective) | frequency (noun) 
• service quality 
• way to do something | way of doing something 

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How can the amount of air travel be reduced throughout the world? 

Well, flying is the only realistic way to travel long distances, but the number of flights could be reduced within a country or short distances. High-speed rail network seems to be one of the possible solutions to reduce air travel. People should be running high-speed trains when travelling between cities or countries rather than getting on a plane. Of course, it would be much easier to switch to trains if the railway provided the long distance services that we need. For instance, putting into place a high-speed rail network between countries would definitely reduce the amount of air travel throughout the world. 

Note: This is an 'ideas' type of question. This question tests your ability to discuss ideas in depth. 

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VOCABULARY

• to travel long distances 
• ​high-speed rail | high-speed trains 
• high-speed rail network 
• to run high-speed trains - to travel a particular distance by high-speed trains 
• to get on a plane 
• to provide long distance services 

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How will people travel in the future? 

I imagine the vehicles of the future will be energy efficient and emission-free. A lot has been said about travelling by driverless cars, which I believe would be incredibly convenient as a means of transport. Another option could be to travel by electric buses able to recharge when necessary. There are different ideas how technology can be used to assist drivers and to help them navigate through bad weather, for example. Other ways of travelling in the future may include sharing vehicles or folding them so that people can save space. 

Note: This is an 'ideas' type of question. This question tests your ability to discuss ideas in depth. 


VOCABULARY

• energy efficient 
• emission-free (adjective) 
• driverless cars 
• electric buses 
• to assist drivers 
• folding vehicles (e.g. folding bikes) 

Tips: 
​Do not try to memorise answers. Instead, try to increase your vocabulary and learn phrases that can help you express yourself better in English. Play with words and make nouns from adjectives and vice versa. 


Click below to read some of our other IELTS related lessons: 
Causes and Effects of Migration from Rural Areas to Cities 
IELTS: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using the Internet 
Discourse Markers for IELTS Speaking and Everyday English 
IELTS Speaking Test: Arriving Early and Being Patient 
IELTS Speaking Test: Places That Tourists Visit and Being a Tourist 

Other lessons: 
City Life - Going out
Cities - Talk about your area 
Cities - Advantages and Disadvantages of Urban Life 
Countryside - Advantages and Disadvantages of Rural Life 

​
​Please LIKE and SHARE with friends! 
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Get access to 97+ Part 2 topics given between January and November 2019. Click here. 

​
Today, more than half of the world's population lives in an urban area. 

In this lesson, we are going to focus on the push and pull factors of migration, the challenges people face when moving to cities as well as the effects on cities and existing city dwellers. 


PUSH FACTORS 

Push factors are the reasons people leave the countryside. 

Here are some main reasons why people leave rural areas. 

Causes of mass migration are the push factors which include: 

• It is quite challenging for people to make a fixed monthly income in rural areas as crops are easily affected by the seasons and natural disasters. 
• Social services such as health care and education for country dwellers are generally of poor quality. 
• Rural residents have limited access to health care. 
• In the poorest areas, people lack basic necessities such as water and electricity. 
• Rural people experience social isolation due to poor infrastructure and limited access to information. 
• Rural dwellers could be forced to leave their homes in the countryside due to natural disasters such as drought, flooding or rising sea levels which affect their main source of income. 

PULL FACTORS  

Pull factors are the reasons people move to the city. 

Let's look at some key points why people are attracted to urban areas. 

Causes of mass migration are the pull factors which include: 

• One of the pull factors of living and working in the city could be making a steady monthly income. People move to cities in search of work and a better life.  
• Children can get a better education which will help them build a more secure future, and perhaps join a profession. 
• Urban residents have access to high quality health care. 
• Urban dwellers have access to safe water and sanitation. 
• Modern cities provide convenient transport systems which make commuting more accessible and reliable. 

CHALLENGES WHICH PEOPLE FACE WHEN MOVING TO CITIES: 

• People no longer belong to their rural hometowns, and yet, they don't quite fit into urban life either. 
• Migrants find it hard to assimilate into urban society.  
• Building relationships can be difficult because low wages make young male migrants reluctant to approach potential partners. 
• Long working hours make finding and maintaining a relationship difficult. 
• Loneliness is a major complaint of the new generation of migrants. 
• People feel frustrated at the gap between expectation and reality as well as inability to assimilate into a city. 
• In general, migrants tend to face high pressure from work, low satisfaction in terms of their wages, and an overall lack of happiness. 

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Rapid urbanisation can come at a cost for cities, let alone to the people who live there. 

SOME OF THE EFFECTS OF MIGRATION ON EXISTING CITY DWELLERS: 

• Due to the significantly high numbers of population in the city, housing can be a problem. The higher demand makes housing prices increase. 
• Crime and violence are typically more severe in urban areas. 
• Traffic congestion remains the most visible and frequent problem which urban citizens face. 
• Another widespread problem is urban air pollution which can have a number of negative effects on people's health. 
• Large cities are overcrowded, especially in low- and middle-income countries. 

VOCABULARY 

• country dwellers | rural dwellers | rural residents | villagers | rural citizens 
• city dwellers | urban dwellers | urban residents | urban citizens 
• a new generation of city residents
• rural settings | rural environment 
• urban settings | urban environment 
• migrant workers 
• go into / enter / join a profession 
• health facilities (hospitals, clinics)  
• health care | health services 
• transport systems | transport facilities 
• challenge - a new or difficult task that tests somebody’s ability and skill 
• assimilate someone into something 
• reluctant (SYNONYM: hesitant) 
• frustrated at/with something 
• low- and middle-income countries 
• high-income countries 

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Click below to read some of our IELTS related lessons: 
Discourse Markers for IELTS Speaking and Everyday English 
IELTS Speaking Test: Means of Transport 
IELTS Speaking Test: Arriving Early and Being Patient 

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Other lessons: 
City Life Going out
Cities - Talk about your area 
Cities - Advantages and Disadvantages of Urban Life 
Countryside - Advantages and Disadvantages of Rural Life 

​
Please LIKE and SHARE with friends! 

Get access to 97+ Part 2 topics given between January and December 2019. Click here. 

​
Let's start this lesson by explaining what a discourse marker is and why it is important to use it in spoken English. 

A discourse marker is a word or phrase we use to organise spoken language into different parts. 
Here are some examples of discourse markers: basically, apparently, actually, honestly, obviously, otherwise, besides, anyway, and many more. 

You already know and use discourse markers in your own native language. They help you connect and organise what you say as well as change or manage a topic. 

It is important to remember that discourse markers make you sound more natural in a language. 

Now, let's focus on why it is difficult to use them correctly in spoken English. 

Discourse markers are difficult to use accurately because: 

• they lack a specific meaning - they express attitudes and what the speaker is thinking 
• they may not translate easily between languages, and are not used in exactly the same way 
• they can go at the beginning, end or in the middle of a sentence 

In this lesson, we will focus on discourse markers which you can use in everyday English as well as in a speaking part of an exam (IELTS, for example). We have provided really good examples with vocabulary and structures used in C1 and C2 levels of English. 


Well 
We can use 'well' as a discourse marker at the beginning of what we say. By doing so, we show that we are thinking about the question that we have been asked. 

Examples: 

• ​'Can you tell me about your hometown?' 'My hometown, well, I grew up in a small town in the north part of China.' 
• 'Do you think that climate change is affecting the lives of local people in Brazil and how? 'Well, I think the main problem has been the effect of drought on food supplies. The majority of people there are farmers and they have already lost animals and crops. Farming is essential in an area like that.' 
• 'What do you think about Prague?' 'Well, I think it's a beautiful city. It's actually on my bucket list. I want to visit it one day because I'm interested in history and there are a lot of places there I would like to explore and learn more about.' 
• Well, I remember I didn't have a map of the city when I arrived there, so I didn't know where to go first. 
• Well, I've always been fascinated by plants and animals. 

Of course 
It is often used to show that what you are saying is obvious or already known. 

Example: 

• I'd never really thought about exercise and keeping fit until a couple of months ago. I was in a hurry and I had to run to catch an early morning bus - just a couple of hundred metres. By the time I got to the bus stop, I was completely exhausted. On the bus I started thinking that I didn't really do much with my free time - just reading magazines, watching movies and sitting at my computer for hours. I realised that it was time to take up an activity. I started running in the local park - just a few hundred metres at first, and gradually building up. Now I run more, a few kilometres a day. Of course, that takes up quite a lot of time, but I certainly feel a lot fitter than before. 

Actually 
​We use it to indicate a new topic of conversation or a change or contrast in what is being talked about. We also use actually to give more detail about a topic. 

Examples: 

• He was actually very helpful. 
• The restaurant itself is actually not that old, but what it's built on is over a century old. 
• I actually read a lot about food and health, and what I should be eating. 
• 'What are your plans for the future? What do you want to do after university?' 'Actually, I'd like to go into teaching.' (go into something = to join an organization, especially in order to have a career in it) [go into teaching / politics / journalism, etc.] 
• Some parents will actually discourage their children from taking up a sport on the basis that they might get distracted from their studies. 
• 'How much recycling do people in your country do?' 'I think that recycling is getting better in my country. Actually, in the town where I live we have a very strong recycling programme.' 

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I mean 
As we talk, we listen to what we are saying. We often rephrase or change the information depending on our listener. We use discourse markers to make what we say clearer for the listener. 
We can use words and phrases such as well, I mean, in other words, the thing is, what I mean is, etc. 

Example: 

• 'Why do people like shopping during sales?' 'I think people tend to look for some kind of bargain because they can save some money, and get what they want at the same time. This is probably the main reason. To be honest, another reason could be the feeling of following the crowd. I mean, during promotion periods people usually head to the shops because they don't want to miss this opportunity and we immediately have an urge to do the same. It feels like a competition for a number of certain products at lower prices. I think those are the two main reasons. 

Besides 
It means 'in addition to', 'also' or 'apart from'.  
We use this word when we want to add more information to support what we are saying as well as give another reason or argument for something.  

Examples: 

• 'What are the main advantages of online shopping?' 'I think one big advantage is that shopping on the Internet tends to be cheaper and that's a huge attraction when it comes to prices and saving money. Besides that, using the Internet is more convenient, because online shopping stores are available 24/7, all year round. We don't need to travel or spend time in shopping centres, because online shopping is much quicker and saves us energy. Another advantage is the ability to compare products and prices. We can easily determine which online store offers the most affordable item as well as whether they have it in stock.' 
• My best friend and I have lots of things in common besides music. 
• Besides working as a TV host, he is also a model. 
• I don't have any other family members in the city besides my parents. 

Click below to read some of our IELTS related lessons: 
Causes and Effects of Migration from Rural Areas to Cities 
IELTS Speaking Test: Means of Transport (We give answers to five questions from Part 3 of the speaking test.) 
IELTS Speaking Test: Arriving Early and Being Patient (We give answers to six questions from Part 3 of the speaking test.) 
IELTS Speaking Test: Places That Tourists Visit and Being a Tourist (We give answers to six questions from Part 3 of the speaking test.) 
IELTS: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using the Internet 


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