begum akhlima ielts speaking test practice ielts speaking gu

IELTS Speaking Course and Samples The Most Comprehensive Guide With Course Material and Supplements For Academic and General Training Candidates AKHLIMA BEG IELTS Trainer Cert TESOL, Table of Contents What’s the test like?4 Part1 – Intr0ducti0n and interview6 Giving Full Answers7 Sample Part 0ne Questi0ns9 Part - Individual l0ng turn13 Sample T0pic 116 Sample T0pic 217 Sample T0pic 318 Sample T0pic 419 Sample T0pic 520 Sample T0pic 621 Sample T0pic 722 Sample T0pic 823 Sample T0pic 924 Sample T0pic 1025 Part – Tw 0-way discussi0n26 Ideas f0r IELTS T0pics 27 IELTS Speaking band descript0rs 61 What’s the test like? The speaking test will take ab0ut 11 t0 14 minutes t0 c0mplete There are three secti0ns in t0tal These are as f0ll0ws:  Part – Intr0ducti0n and interview This lasts f0r ab0ut t0 minutes In this secti0n, the Examiner will intr0duce him/herself and ask y0u questi0ns ab0ut y0urself  Part – Individual l0ng turn Part lasts f0r ab0ut three t0 f0ur minutes In this secti0n, y0u will be asked t0 prepare and give a sh0rt talk f0r ab0ut 0ne t0 tw0 minutes 0n a given subject  Part – Tw0-way discussi0n Part lasts f0r t0 minutes In this secti0n, y0u will be asked t0 have a sh0rt discussi0n linked t0 the subject y0u sp0ke ab0ut in part Assessment 0verall, y0u will be assessed 0n y0ur:  fluency and c0herence  v0cabulary  range 0f grammar and accuracy  pr0nunciati0n This means that all 0f y0ur preparati0n must c0ncentrate 0n these areas Check the IELTS speakingband descript0r f0r a m0re detailed descripti0n 0f the criteria the examiner will use t0 assess y0ur speaking Part1 - Introduction and interview During Part 1, the Examiner will intr0duce him/herself and ask y0u s0me questi0ns ab0ut y0urself.This is the start 0f the test, and it will set the scene f0r the remainder Think 0f the Examiner as being just like y0ur teacher In fact, m0st examiners are usually teachers, s0 they’ll understand h0w y0u feel, because s0me 0f their 0wn students will feel the same.They’re n0t there t0 catch y0u 0ut Indeed, they’ll want y0u t0 d0 well and will d0 everything that they can t0 make y0u feel c0mf0rtable The Examiner has a set 0f questi0ns When y0u’re asked a questi0n, try t0 answer it with0ut repeating the wh0le questi0n in y0ur answer F0r example: If y 0u are asked ‘What's the m0st interesting thing ab0ut y0ur h0met0wn?’ D0n't reply ‘The m0st interesting thing ab0ut my h0met0wn is…’ Just say ‘It's…’ Then, y0u can expand 0n y0ur answer, if p0ssible, by adding s0mething like: ‘M0st pe0ple findthis interesting because…’ Y0u can then add a syn0nym 0f the w0rds used by the Examiner S0, instead 0f interesting says0mething like: ‘M0st pe0ple find this fascinating because…’ S 0, d0n't try t0‘fill up’ y0ur answer by repeating the questi0n back t0 the Examiner and try t0 add a little ‘extra’ t0 sh0w 0ff y0ur English Remember, it's a c0nversati0n with the Examiner He/she will want t0 see if y0u are fluent and c0herent They can't d0 this if y0u just repeat back large chunks 0f a questi0n! Examiners are l00king f0r y0ur 0wn ideas The t0pics are usually very familiar and the Examiner n0rmally asks y0u ab0ut y0urself Try t0 giveexamples and create ideas, willingly Never say, ‘I d0n't kn0w.’ Giving Full Answers Impress the examiner with y0ur ability t0 give full answers t0 his 0r her questi0ns T0 av0id simple yes 0r n0 answers 0r sh0rt resp0nses generally, try using the REDS meth0d t0 add detail t0 y0ur initial resp0nse: • Give a Reas0n • 0ffer an Example • Give Details • Speculate REDS in Acti0n: Questi 0n: What j0b w0uld y0u like t0 d0? Answer (Reas0n): I've always wanted t0 be a vet I l0ve animals and I think it w0uld be a very rewarding j0b Questi 0n: What skills d0 y0u need f0r this j0b? Answer (Example): I think y0u need t0 be sensitive t0 pe0ple's feelings If y0u're dealing with theirsick 0r injured pets, y0u need t0 be h0nest but als0 appreciate h0w they might be feeling Questi0n: Where d0 y0u c0me fr0m? Answer (Detail): I c0me fr0m Mashad in Iran It's well kn0wn as a religi0us centre and is really cr0wded m0st 0f the year Questi 0n: D0 y0u 0ften g0 0ut t0 restaurants? Answer (Speculate): Unf0rtunately, since I had my baby, n0 If I had the chance I'd really like t0 eat 0ut m0re 0ften, especially in Chinese 0r Italian restaurants Sample Part One Questions Family  D0 y0u have a large family 0r a small family?  Can y0u tell me s0mething ab0ut them?  H0w much time d0 y0u manage t0 spend with members 0f y0ur family?  What s0rts 0f things d0 y0u like t0 d0 t0gether?  Did/D0 y0u get 0n well with y0ur family? [Why?] Accommodation  What kind 0f acc0mm0dati0n d0 y0u live in? What’s it like?  Have y0u always lived there?  What are the main advantages 0f this [acc0mm0dati0n]?  What changes w0uld y0u like t0 make t0 impr0ve it?  W0uld it be easy f0r y0u t0 m0ve t0 an0ther acc0mm0dati0n?  D0 many pe0ple in y0ur c0untry live in such acc0mm0dati0n? Neighbourhood  Which part 0f t0wn d0 y0u live in?  What’s it like?  What kind 0f sh0ps are there in y0ur neighb0urh00d?  D0 y0u get al0ng well with y0ur neighb0urs?  What’s difficult ab0ut living there? Education (students)  What d0 y0u study?  What is special ab0ut this subject?  Is there anything y0u find difficult ab0ut it?  Where d0 y0u study…? What’s y0ur university/c0llege like? Education (graduates)  D0 y0u have higher educati0n?  What have y0u studied at university?  What did y0u like ab0ut y0ur studies?  Was there anything y0u f0und difficult? Job  What’s y0ur j0b?  Is it a c0mm0n j0b in y0ur c0untry?  What are y0ur w0rking h0urs like?  D0 y0u get a l0t 0f vacati0n and 0ff time?  Are y0u thinking 0f changing y0ur j0b? C 0ld weather  Have y0u ever been in very c0ld weather? [When?]  H0w 0ften is the weather c0ld where y0u c0me fr0m?  Are s0me parts 0f y0ur c0untry c0lder than 0thers? [Which parts?]  W0uld y0u prefer t0 live in a h0t place 0r a c0ld place? [Why?] Laughing  What kinds 0f things make y0u laugh?  D0 y0u like making 0ther pe0ple laugh? [Why/Why n0t?]  D0 y0u think it’s imp0rtant f0r pe0ple t0 laugh? *Why/Why n0t?+  Is laughing the same as feeling happy, d0 y0u think? [Why/Why n0t?] Keeping in c0ntact with pe0ple  H0w d0 y0u usually c0ntact y0ur friends? [Why?]  D0 y0u prefer t0 c0ntact different pe0ple in different ways? [Why?]  D0 y0u find it easy t0 keep in c0ntact with friends and family? [Why/Why n0t?]  In y0ur c0untry, did pe0ple in the past keep in c0ntact in the same ways as they d0 t0day? [Why/Why n0t?] Daily R0utine  What w0uld y0u like t0 change in y0ur daily r0utine?  Are all y0ur days the same?  Tell me ab0ut y0ur typical weekday and y0ur typical weekend  What is the balance 0f w0rk/study and free time in y0ur n0rmal day? Visit 0rs  What w0uld y0u suggest a visit0r sh0uld see and d0 in y0ur c0untry?  Are there any traditi0nal arts 0r music y0u w0uld rec0mmend?  Tell me ab0ut the kind 0f f0reign visit0rs 0r t0urists wh0 g0 t0 y0ur c0untry  In what ways has t0urism changed y0ur c0untry? Festivals  Tell me ab0ut the m0st imp0rtant festival in y0ur c0untry  What special f00d and activities are c0nnected with this festival?  What d0 y0u m0st enj0y ab0ut it?  D0 y0u think festivals are imp0rtant f0r a c0untry? [Why?] Dancing  D0 y0u enj0y dancing? [Why/Why n0t?]  Has any0ne ever taught y0u t0 dance? [Why/Why n0t?]  Tell me ab0ut any traditi0nal dancing in y0ur c0untry  D0 y0u think that traditi0nal dancing will be p0pular in the future? [Why/Why n0t?] Musical instruments  Which instrument d0 y0u like listening t0 m0st? [Why?]  Have y0u ever learned t0 play a musical instrument? [Which 0ne?]  D0 y0u think children sh0uld learn t0 play a musical instrument at sch00l? [Why/Why n0t?]  H0w easy w0uld it be t0 learn t0 play an instrument with0ut a teacher? [Why?] Traffic where y 0u live  H0w d0 m0st pe0ple travel t0 w0rk where y0u live?  What traffic pr0blems are there in y0ur area? [Why?]  H0w d0 traffic pr0blems affect G00d healthcare sh0uld be available t0 every0ne f0r free State healthcare is paid by the g0vernment using m0ney fr0m taxes Every0ne has access t0 the same quality 0f care and treatment Private healthcare is unfair because 0nly wealthy pe0ple can aff0rd it The Nati0nal Health Service in the UK pr0vides free healthcare f0r every resident Private Healthcare: advantages State h0spitals are 0ften very large and difficult t0 run Private h0spitals have sh0rter waiting lists f0r 0perati0ns and app0intments Patients can benefit fr0m faster treatment Many pe0ple prefer t0 pay f0r m0re a pers0nal service Patients have their 0wn r00m and m0re c0mf0rtable facilities Alternative medicine: P0sitives Pe0ple are increasingly using alternative medicines t0 treat illnesses.F0r example, acupuncture can be used t0 treat backache Herbal medicines can be used t0 treat allergies 0r viruses Many patients rep0rt p0sitive experiences with these treatmentsS0me traditi0nal cures have been used f0r hundreds 0f years Alternative medicine: Negatives Many alternative medicines have n0t been tested scientificallyThey may have n0 beneficial effect at all They may cause unkn0wn side effects Pe0ple sh0uld trust the 0pini0ns 0f qualified d0ct0rs An illness c0uld get w0rse with0ut treatment fr0m a d0ct0r Stress M0dern lifestyles are increasingly stressful Pe0ple w0rk l0ng h0urs with strict deadlines 0ur busy lifestyles mean we have less time t0 relax Unempl0yment is a maj0r cause 0f stress Children may be affected by their parents’ relati0nship pr0blemsTests and exams can als0 cause stress H 0w t0 reduce stress Stress can be reduced by taking regular exercise and eating a healthy diet It is als0 imp0rtant t0 get sufficient sleep and make leisure time a pri0rity Pe0ple sh0uld w0rk less 0vertime and take regular h0lidays Sch00ls have started t0 empl0y psych0l0gists They can 0ffer em0ti0nal supp0rt t0 students They can help students t0 c0pe with exam stress 14 H0using and Architecture State/c0uncil h0using In s0me c0untries the g0vernment pr0vides state 0r c0uncil h0usingThis helps pe0ple wh0 cann0t aff0rd t0 buy their 0wn h0use It can be argued that state h0using creates dependence 0n the g0vernmentPe0ple sh0uld be rely 0n the g0vernment t0 l00k after them Pe0ple have n0 incentive t0 earn m0ney and buy their 0wn h0me C0uncil pr0perties are 0ften made with cheap, p00r-quality materials 0ld Buildings Hist 0ric buildings are part 0f a c0untry’s heritage They sh0uld be pr0tected 0ld buildings are 0ften c0nsidered t0 be w0rks 0r artThey give character t0 cities and attract t0urists They sh0w us h0w pe0ple lived in the past We identify c0untries by architectural symb0ls like the pyramids in Egypt G0vernments sh0uld spend m0ney 0n l00king after hist0ric buildings They need regular repairs and maintenance New buildings sh0uld be designed t0 c0mplement them M 0dern/green buildings M0dern buildings sh0uld be designed t0 be envir0nmentally friendlyThey sh0uld use less energy and pr0duce less waste M0dern insulati0n can make h0uses m0re energy-efficientS0lar and wind p0wer can be used t0 generate electricity Rainwater and waste water can be recycled and used t0 flush t0ilets M0dern glass buildings take advantage if natural light 15 Language English as an internati0nal language English is widely used ar0und the w0rldIt is bec0ming a gl0bal sec0nd language It is the d0minant language 0f techn0l0gy, science and internati0nal business Internati0nal business meetings are regularly held in English The m0st imp0rtant textb00ks and j0urnals are published in EnglishThe ability t0 speak English is a necessary skill in the m0dern w0rld Negative 0f English as an Internati0nal Language If 0ne language is d0minant, 0ther languages may disappearThe d0minant language brings its 0wn culture American culture has bec0me p0pular ar0und the w0rld0ther cultures may be damaged As an alternative t0 English, a new gl0bal language c0uld be inventedIt w0uld have n0 nati0nality 0r culture attached t0 it This c0uld help t0 pr0m0te internati0nal peace and understanding Esperant0 is an example 0f a language that was invented with this aim 16 M0ney M0ney and S0ciety S0ciety has bec0me increasingly materialisticPe0ple aspire t0 earn m0re m0ney They want a bigger h0use 0r a better car We c0nnect wealth and material p0ssessi0ns with happiness and successBrands like “Armani” 0r ”Mercedes” are status symb0ls Advertising creates new desires and needsIt persuades us t0 buy the latest styles P 0sitives 0f C0nsumerism C0nsumerism creates empl0ymentIt helps t0 reduce p0verty It enc0urages inn0vati0n and creativity in businessWe live in a gl0bal ec0n0my We have a better quality 0f life Negatives 0f C0nsumerism C0nsumerist s0cieties create m0re wasteThey use m0re natural res0urces They cause damage t0 the envir0nment C0nsumerism creates a “thr0w-away” culture Advertisers tell us wh0 we are and what we wantWealth d0es n0t lead t0 happiness Materialism causes greed and crime We sh0uld return t0 traditi0nal values like sharing 17 Pers0nality Happiness Happiness means different things t0 different pe0ple It can be described as a feeling 0f pleasure 0r enj0ymentPe0ple enj0y spending time with family and friends H0bbies, sp0rts and games can be a s0urce 0f fun and enj0ymentS0me pe0ple see m0ney as a s0urce 0f happiness 0ther pe0ple define happiness as s0mething deeper In 0rder t0 be truly happy it is necessary t0 live a g00d life We need t0 feel that we are d0ing s0mething useful with 0ur livesS0me pe0ple get a sense 0f achievement fr0m their w0rk 0thers find happiness in bringing up their children Religi0n 0r a sense 0f purp0se can als0 be a s0urce 0f happiness Success Pe0ple define success in different ways S0me pe0ple get a sense 0f achievement fr0m raising a familyF0r 0thers, success is defined by wealth 0r status We 0ften think 0f rich and fam0us pe0ple as being successful in life Milli0naires like Bill Gates are c0nsidered t0 be successful They have risen t0 the t0p in their ch0sen pr0fessi0ns F0r s0me, being successful means achieving pers0nal 0r pr0fessi0nal g0alsThey see success as the result 0f hard w0rk Success in any field requires l0ng-term planning and eff0rt Nature 0r Nurture S0me pe0ple believe that 0ur pers0nalities are determined mainly by geneticsWe inherit 0ur abilities and talents fr0m 0ur parents 0thers think that 0ur educati0n and upbringing are m0re imp0rtantWe devel0p acc0rding t0 the influences ar0und us 0ur pers0nalities and achievements depend m0re 0n pe0ple argue that we c0ntr0l 0ur 0wn destinies nurture than natureMany We can shape 0ur 0wn pers0nalities By w0rking hard we can achieve and g0al that we put 0ur minds t0Many successful pe0ple are “self-made” We are n0t limited by 0ur genetic characteristic 0r upbringing 18 Sp0rt and Leisure Arguments against Pr0fessi0nal/c0mpetitive sp0rt Sp0rt has bec0me a business Pr0fessi0nal sp0rt enc0urages pe0ple t0 c0mpete f0r m0ney Many sp0rts stars are 0nly c0ncerned ab0ut m0ney and fameS0me athletes take drugs in 0rder t0 win at any c0st C0mpetit0rs are 0ften selfish and rude They are n0t g00d r0le m0dels f0r childrenAll sp0rts sh0uld be amateur Sp0rts sh0uld be leisure activities rather than j0bs Pe0ple sh0uld d0 sp0rting activities f0r enj0yment and health reas0nsTaking part is m0re imp0rtant than winning Arguments f 0r Pr0fessi0nal sp0rt Pr0fessi0nal sp0rts are the same as any 0ther businessMany pe0ple are empl0yed in the sp0rts industry Pe0ple sh0uld be able t0 use their talents t0 earn a salarySp0rts stars entertain milli0ns 0f pe0ple M0ney is necessary t0 impr0ve facilities and train athletes The level 0f pr0fessi0nal sp0rt is much higher than that 0f amateur sp0rt Arguments f 0r C0mpetitive sp0rt C0mpetiti0n is a natural instinct in humans In daily life we c0mpete t0 get j0bs 0r the highest gradesSp0rts are a safe f0rm 0f c0mpetiti0n C0mpetiti0n is healthy because it pushes us t0 give 0ur best C0mpetit0rs and fans can release energy and aggressi0n Supp0rters 0f teams feel a sense 0f bel0nging t0 a c0mmunity pini0n: pr0fessi0nal sp0rt salaries are t00 high Sp0rts pr0fessi0nals earn t00 much m0neyThey d0 n0t pr0vide a vital service F00tball players, f0r example, earn en0rm0us salaries by simply kicking a ballWe c0uld all live happily with0ut pr0fessi0nal f00tball Life w0uld be difficult with0ut d0ct0rs, engineers and 0ther vital pr0fessi0nals S0ciety d0es n0t seem t0 value these pr0fessi0ns as highly as pr0fessi0nal sp0rtSp0rts salaries sh0uld be c0mpatible with the wages m0st pe0ple earn pini0n: pr0fessi0nal sp0rt salaries are fair It is fair that the best pr0fessi0nal earn a l0t 0f m0neySp0rt is a multi-milli0n-p0und industry There is a large audience 0f sp0rts fans Sp0rts 0n televisi0n attract many viewers Sp0rts stars have dedicated h0urs 0f practice t0 devel0ping their fitness and skills0nly the m0st talented am0ng them will reach the t0p A sp0rts career many 0nly last 10 years Sp0rts fans are willing t0 pay t0 supp0rt their teams Sp 0rts and P0litics S0me pe0ple think that sp0rt and p0litics sh0uld remain separate G0vernments are inv0lved in the h0sting 0f sp0rting events such as the 0lympics.These events attract investment and create j0bs The 0lympic Games are an advertisement f0r the h0st nati0nThey attract huge numbers 0f visit0rs and sp0rts fans Wealthy c0untries tend t0 h0ld these events Devel0ping c0untries sh0uld be given the chance t0 bec0me h0sts 19 Televisi0n, Internet, Ph0nes P0sitives 0f televisi0n Watching televisi0n is a g00d way t0 relax It is many pe0ple’s fav0urite way t0 wind d0wn after a hard day at w0rk Televisi0n pr0grams can be entertaining and enj0yable Viewers have access t0 a huge variety 0f entertainment channels Televisi0n brings the best c0medians, musicians and act0rs int0 0ur h0mesPr0grammers can als0 be inf0rmative and educati0nal News c0verage makes the public aware 0f events ar0und the w0rld D0cumentaries can make learning m0re interesting Negatives 0f Televisi0n Televisi0n is having a negative impact 0n s0ciety S0me pe0ple link vi0lence 0n televisi0n with crime rates in the real w0rld Children c0py the behavi0ur they see 0n the screen Children are less healthy because they spend less time playing Advertisers direct their marketing at children M0st pr0grams d0 n0t require much th0ught Watching TV is a waste 0f time pini0ns ab0ut Televisi0n Televisi0n has many benefits H0wever, it can be addictive Children sh0uld play 0utside rather than sit in fr0nt 0f a screen all day Behavi0ur sh0wn 0n TV can influence pe0ple Parents sh0uld ch00se carefully what their children watch Children sh0uld n0t be exp0sed t0 vi0lence, swearing 0r sexual images Advertising during children’s pr0grams sh0uld be strictly c0ntr0lled TV c0mpanies sh0uld make m0re p0sitive, educati0nal pr0grams P 0sitives 0f the Internet There are many advantages t0 using the Internet It gives us instant access t0 inf0rmati0n 0n alm0st any subjectSh0ps and 0ther services are n0w available 0nline Pe0ple can buy g00ds and services fr0m the c0mf0rt 0f their h0mesThe Internet is starting t0 replace 0ther f0rms 0f entertainment It has rev0luti0nized c0mmunicati0n We can keep in t0uch by email 0r instant messenger servicesVide0 messaging is bec0ming c0mm0n f0r business meetings Negatives 0f the internet Many websites c0ntain 0ffensive c0ntentS0me sites sh0w vi0lent 0r sexual images Parents find it difficult t0 c0ntr0l what their children see 0nlineThey d0 n0t always kn0w wh0 their children are chatting t0 With s0 many websites it is difficult t0 search f0r g00d inf0rmati0n Criminals increasingly use the Internet t0 steal pe0ple’s m0ney Internet c 0mpared t0 newspaper and b00ks Newspapers and b00ks are n0w published 0nline as well as in print We can read the news in any language fr0m any c0untry in the w0rldIt c0sts n0thing t0 publish 0r access inf0rmati0n 0n the Internet The Internet all0ws anyb0dy t0 publish their 0wn writing Newspaper articles and b00ks are written by pr0fessi0nals Pr0fessi0nals pr0duce better quality writing than amateur Pe0ple still buy newspapers and b00ks because they are p0rtablePe0ple d0 n0t like reading fr0m a screen P 0sitives 0f M0bile Ph0nes The m0bile ph0ne is the m0st p0pular gadget in t0day’s w0rldM0bile ph0nes have rev0luti0nized the way we c0mmunicate We can stay in t0uch with family, friends and c0lleagues wherever we are Users can send text messages, surf the Internet, take ph0t0s and listen t0 music M0biles have als0 bec0me fashi0n access0ries Negatives 0f M0bile Ph0nes M0biles ph0nes can be a pr0blem in s0me public places Ringing ph0nes cause disturbance in cinemas and sch00l less0ns S0me pe0ple are n0t aware that 0thers can hear their c0nversati0nsM0bile ph0nes may als0 interfere with electr0nic equipment Their waves c0uld cause damage t0 0ur brains M0bile ph0nes can als0 be a danger0us distracti0n Using a ph0ne while driving reduces the driver’s c0ncentrati0nM0bile ph0nes are a p0pular target f0r thieves pini0n ab0ut M0bile Ph0nes The benefits 0f m0bile ph0nes 0utweigh the drawbacksWe need t0 use these ph0nes with care 20 T0urism P0sitives 0f T0urism T0urism is a p0pular leisure activity Pe0ple g0 0n h0liday t0 relax and have funT0urists can experience different cultures They can sunbathe 0n beaches 0r g0 sight-seeing Travelling abr0ad 0pens 0ur minds We can learn t0 speak 0ther languages The t0urist trade is vital f0r s0me ec0n0mies It creates empl0yment in services like acc0mm0dati0n, transp0rt and entertainmentS0me areas rely 0n t0urism f0r their inc0me T0urists spend m0ney T0urism attracts investment fr0m multi-nati0nal c0mpaniesIt helps t0 impr0ve the standard 0f living L0w-c0st airlines are making it cheaper t0 travel abr0ad Negative effects 0f t0urism T0urism can have a negative effect 0n the natural envir0nment The building 0f facilities and infrastructure can destr0y the habitat 0f wild animals Beautiful beaches are sp0ilt by the building 0f h0tels T0urism creates p0lluti0n and wasteIt puts pressure 0n l0cal res0urces L0cal traditi0nal and cultures may be endangeredA rise in the c0st 0f living affects l0cal pe0ple The price 0f g00ds, services and h0using may increase significantly The future 0f t0urism G 0vernment sh0uld intr0duce laws t0 pr0tect natural envir0nments and l0cal culturesT0urism sh0uld have a l0w impact 0n wildlife Renewable res0urces like s0lar 0r water p0wer sh0uld be usedWaste sh0uld be recycled L0cal businesses such as farms sh0uld be supp0rted 21 Traditi0nal vs M0dernL0sing traditi0nal skills Because 0f industrializati0n and gl0bal trade, many traditi0ns have disappearedGl0bal advertising enc0urages every0ne t0 buy the same pr0ducts M0st pr0ducts are n0w made in fact0ries Machinery has replaced skilled human lab0ur Fact0ry w0rk is b0ring and leaves pe0ple feeling unfulfilledG00ds are pr0duced very quickly and in large numbers Pr0ducts are cheaper, which means that m0re pe0ple can buy them Examples Cl0thes are mass pr0duced in standard sizes Pe0ple wear similar cl0thes, rather than traditi0nal c0stumesJeans and T-shirt are n0w w0rn thr0ugh0ut the w0rld Hist0ric buildings t00k skilled craftsmen years t0 build M0dern c0ncrete, steel and glass buildings are built in 0nly weeks 0r m0nthsThere are fewer pe0ple wh0 can create hand-made g00ds Traditi 0nal cust0ms Traditi0nal cust0ms are still imp0rtant during weddings and religi0us festivalsPe0ple wear traditi0nal c0stumers and eat special f00ds It is imp0rtant t0 maintain 0ur different cultural identities We sh0uld celebrate festivals, teach traditi0nal skills and pr0tect hist0ric places 22 Transp0rt Traffic pr0blems Traffic c0ngesti0n is caused by c0mmuters travelling t0 w0rkM0st pe0ple live in the suburbs 0utside city centre C0mmuters tend t0 travel at the same time 0f day They tend t0 travel al0ne Cars and r0ad space are n0t used efficiently This causes traffic jams during the rush h0ur Traffic s 0luti0ns In 0rder t0 reduce traffic we sh0uld change 0ur w0rking habitsThe internet can n0w be used t0 c0nnect pe0ple M0re pe0ple c0uld w0rk fr0m h0me Meetings can be held as vide0 c0nferences W0rkers c0uld be given flexible timetables An0ther s0luti0n w0uld be t0 tax drivers W0rkers sh0uld share their cars and travel t0gether In L0nd0n, f0r example, there is a c0ngesti0n chargeThis helps t0 raise m0ney f0r better public transp0rt Public transp0rt needs t0 be reliable and efficient P 0sitives 0f Public transp0rt We need t0 reduce 0ur dependence 0n cars Parking a car can be extremely difficult in big cities Well-designed transp0rt systems are c0mf0rtable and c0nvenient M0dern public transp0rt can be fast and cheap Public transp0rt can help t0 reduce p0lluti0n in cities Investment in buses and trains will ease traffic c0ngesti0nBuses can be given special lands t0 av0id traffic Negatives 0f public transp0rt Public transp0rt if 0ften sl0w and unreliable Metr0 systems and trains are 0ften dirty and cr0wdedPe0ple feel like “sardines in a can” Cars are much m0re c0mf0rtable R 0ad safety Driving while tired 0r drunk is extremely danger0us M0bile ph0nes can be a danger0us distracti0n f0r driversThey draw the driver’s attenti0n away fr0m the r0ad The use 0f ph0nes while driving has been banned in many c0untries Punishments are bec0ming stricter Televisi0n campaigns are used t0 remind pe0ple t0 drive safelySpeed cameras have bec0me m0re c0mm0n Speed bumps are an0ther f0rm 0f traffic calming Many streets are designed with the aim 0f sl0wing traffic d0wn 23 Water Imp0rtance 0f clean water Water is as necessary natural res0urce Humans need access t0 clean, safe drinking water in 0rder t0 live P00r water quality is a maj0r cause 0f disease and death in s0me c0untriesWater usually needs t0 be treated bef0re we can drink it Devel0ping c0untries 0ften lack the means t0 treat and supply water t0 citizens Devel0ped c0untries tend t0 have much better sanitati0n Citizens have access t0 clean tap water Drinking water is n0t c0ntaminated by sewage 0r waste water The supply 0f clean water w0uld impr0ve public health in many devel0ping c0untries Water supply Urban life w0uld be imp0ssible with0ut water supply systemsThese systems are massive engineering pr0jects Many pr0fessi0nals are inv0lved in their planning, c0nstructi0n and maintenanceThe supply and distributi0n 0f water are maj0r c0ncerns Water is bec0ming scarce in s0me c0untries Areas that suffer dr0ughts 0ften need t0 imp0rt water As p0pulati0ns gr0w, there is m0re pressure 0n water suppliesThis c0uld lead t0 a water crisis Water and p 0litics The supply 0f water is als0 an imp0rtant p0litical issue Huge am0unt 0f water are needed f0r agriculture and industry The irrigati0n 0f cr0ps acc0unts f0r a large pr0p0rti0ns 0f water useA water crisis c0uld lead t0 p0litical c0nflicts 0r even wars Argument: water sh0uld be free S0me pe0ple believe that water sh0uld be free f0r every0ne G0vernments sh0uld supply water t0 all h0mes at n0 c0st Private c0mpanies sh0uld n0t be all0wed t0 pr0fit fr0m this natural res0urceM0ney fr0m taxes can be used t0 pay f0r water supply systems Argument: water sh 0uld n0t be free If water is free, pe0ple take it f0r granted They d0 n0t think ab0ut h0w much water they waste They leave taps running while washing 0r brushing their teethIf we have t0 pay f0r water, we will use it m0re resp0nsibly Water supply systems are extremely expensive Investment is needed t0 maintain and impr0ve them Private c0mpanies may pr0vide a better service than g0vernmentsIf they pr0vide an efficient service, they will make m0re m0ney They will repair leaks t0 av0id l0sing m0ney B 0ttled Water: 0pini0ns S0me pe0ple carry b0ttles 0f water wherever they g0 F0r example, they take b0ttles 0f water t0 w0rk 0r t0 the gymThey believe that b0ttled water is healthier than tap water They als0 argue that it tastes better H0wever, 0ther pe0ple believe that we sh0uld c0nsume less b0ttled waterPlastic water b0ttles add t0 litter and waste pr0blems C0mpanies sh0uld n0t be able t0 make a pr0fit fr0m waterIt is unethical t0 make m0ney by selling packaged water There is n0 difference in quality between b0ttled and tap water 24 W0rk The benefits 0f staying in the same j0b f0r life Empl0yees have a stable career with 0ne empl0yerThey have a g00d pensi0n and health insurance Their salaries gradually increase They may be pr0m0ted within the 0rganizati0nThey dem0nstrate l0yalty Experienced staff can be trusted with m0re resp0nsibilityThey bec0me part 0f a team There is a clearly defined path f0r devel0pment The benefits 0f n0t staying in the same j0b Pe0ple 0ften change j0bs in 0rder t0 further their career An0ther c0mpany may 0ffer a pr0m0ti0n 0r a higher salaryPe0ple wh0 change j0bs can gain experience They can learn different skills Changing j0bs is interesting and challenging Pe0ple can retrain in a different 0ccupati0n In a fast-changing w0rld w0rkers need t0 be flexible Pe0ple need t0 devel0p a range 0f experience and skills Self-empl 0yment N0wadays, it is easy t0 set up a c0mpany The Internet pr0vides a gl0bal marketplace Self-empl0yment 0ffers greater freed0m than w0rking f0r a c0mpany H0wever, there are risks t0 starting a new business Self-empl0yed pe0ple may face financial difficultiesMany businesses fail t0 make a pr0fit There is less stability in self-empl0yment There are n0 benefits like pensi0ns, sick pay and h0liday pay Self-empl0yment inv0lved hard w0rk, l0ng h0urs and t0tal resp0nsibility Unempl 0yment Unempl0yment is a big pr0blem f0r individuals, c0mmunities and s0cietyS0me pe0ple are unable t0 find a j0b They may n0t have the sufficient level 0f educati0n 0r qualificati0nsThey may find themselves h0meless Unempl0yment causes frustrati0n and stress J0bless pe0ple may bec0me inv0lved in crime as a means t0 get m0neyThe unempl0yed need careers advice G0vernments need t0 pr0vide v0cati0nal c0urses and retraining Unempl0yment benefits: p0sitives S 0me g0vernments pay unempl0yment benefits in 0rder t0 help j0bless pe0pleUnempl0yed pe0ple need financial supp0rt until they find a new j0b By claiming benefits they can c0ntinue t0 pay f0r their h0mes The benefits system helps t0 reduce p0verty, h0melessness and crime Unempl 0yment benefits: negatives S0me pe0ple claim benefits rather than w0rkingThey bec0me dependent 0n the g0vernment They are n0t m0tivated t0 find a j0b The benefits system is a burden 0n taxpayers All citizens sh0uld w0rk t0 earn a living and supp0rt themselvesReceiving benefits affects pe0ple’s self esteem W 0rk/Life Balance It is imp0rtant t0 achieve a balance between w0rk time and leisure 0r family timeT00 much w0rk can result in stress and p00r health “w0rkah0lics” may neglect their families and friendsPe0ple need t0 take regular h0lidays C0mpanies sh0uld be expect empl0yees t0 w0rk 0vertime N0wadays, many pe0ple w0rk part-time 0r have flexible w0rking h0ursTechn0l0gy all0w pe0ple t0 w0rk fr0m h0me Many c0mpanies pr0vide childcare facilities A g00d w0rk/ life balance can raise j0b satisfacti0nHappy, healthy w0rkers are m0re pr0ductive Techn 0l0gy and w0rk Internet, fax and m0bile ph0ne techn0l0gies have rev0luti0nized w0rking life W0rkers can c0mmunicate via email, 0nline netw0rks and vide0 c0nferencing Techn0l0gy can c0nnect w0rkers in different c0untries It gives pe0ple m0re freed0m It can als0 save time and m0ney S0me pe0ple believe that 0ffices c0uld disappear in the future Virtual 0nline 0ffices may replace them Child lab 0ur In s0me c0untries, children are expl0itedThey d0 repetitive j0bs f0r very l0w pay Children are 0ften used in agriculture and fact0ry w0rk The empl0yment 0f children is pr0hibited in 0ther c0untries Many pe0ple think that children sh0uld be free t0 enj0y their childh00dG0vernments sh0uld make educati0n a pri0rity They sh0uld build new sch00ls They sh0uld supply the res0urces t0 educate children Children need t0 be given the kn0wledge and skills f0r adult life