IELTS SPEAKING
A Collection of Common Topics
Unit 1 People
Lesson 17 Someone you would like to
study or work with
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Unit 1 people
Now in the first part, I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself.
Part 1
This part lasts for 4-5 minutes.
Handwriting：
[Link] you think typewriting might one day replace handwriting?
[Link] you think handwriting is very important nowadays?
[Link], how do most people write things?
3
TI: Act as the examiner and keep the time. Then comment on student’s performance.
Unit 1 people
Sample Answer to PART 1
1. Do you think typewriting might one day replace handwriting?
Well, I don’t think so. I admit that nowadays there are fewer occasions when we have to write
things by hand, but handwriting is still of great importance. For example, if you want to send a
postcard to your best friends while you are travelling, it would be better if you write the card by
hand.
2. Do you think handwriting is very important nowadays?
I think handwriting still plays an important role nowadays. For example, students need to have
good handwriting to get good grades in exams, and people need to sign contracts by hand. In a
broader sense, handwriting is a reflection of our culture. So, it is very important.
3. Nowadays, how do most people write things?
I think now the majority prefer to type on the phones or computers, like sending messages,
editing documents or writing memos, for it’s faster and more convenient. In addition, not many
people have a good handwriting, and they are not so confident to show it to others.
Unit 1 people
You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have
Part 2 one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some
notes to help you if you wish.
Describe someone you would like to study or work with.
You should say:
• who this person is;
• how long you have known this person;
• what you have done together;
• explain why you would like to work/study with this person.
4
TI: Act as the examiner and keep the time. Then ask 1-2 questions about S’s statement.
Unit 1 people
Sample Answer to PART 2
The person I’d like to work with is my classmate whose name is Christine. I studied with her for two
years and we have been close to each other over the past three years. Even though we have worked
in different cities for one year, we still stay in touch. She is a very approachable and conscientious
girl. When studying, she always pays attention to every single detail. She is also very considerate
and thoughtful. That’s why I get along well with her.
We did a lot of things together. When we had classes, we always sat together so that we could
discuss some questions. After class, we often did our assignments together in school library or
discussed the assignments online, because she was a quick learner and willing to share her
knowledge. When we had free time we just hung out together. For example, going to the beach,
watching movies or going shopping.
I would be very happy if I have a chance to work with her, because she has solid professional
knowledge and is very helpful. In school, she always finished the tasks in advance and never delayed.
When I had some problems in grasping some concepts, she always went through the problems and
explained the reason to me. If I can work with her, I think I will still learn many things from her just
like when we were in school and we can help each other in work.
Unit 1 people
Part 3 Discussion Topics. This part lasts for 4-5 minutes.
PART 3
1. What kinds of people do you like to work with?
2. Which one is more important to you at work, development in
work related skills or the recognition from your supervisors?
3. Do you think managers can be friends with their subordinates?
TI: Act as the examiner and keep the time. Then comment on student’s performance.
Unit 1 people
Sample Answer to PART 3
1. What kinds of people do you like to work with?
I’d like to work with people who are efficient, innovative and helpful. If a person is
efficient, they can complete their tasks on time and with high quality. Innovation can
help to improve efficiency in work and help the company to develop rapidly. Offering
help is also very important. In a team, if everyone is willing to help, all problems will be
solved quickly and the work atmosphere will be good.
2. Which one is more important to you at work, development in work related skills
or the recognition from your supervisors?
I find development in work related skills is more important. Firstly, I think only when
you have excellent work skills can you get recognition from your supervisors. At the
same time, being praised is not the uppermost objective in work. It is more important
to help the team and company make progress, and developing work related skills is a
good way to do so.
Unit 1 people
Sample Answer to PART 3
3. Do you think managers can be friends with their subordinates?
Yes, I do believe so. If managers have a good relationship with their subordinates, then the latter
will be more willing to work and communicate with their managers. Communication between
managers and subordinates is critical. It can help to solve problems, improve working efficiency
and create a relaxing and happy working environment. The relationship between managers and
subordinates is not just to give orders and to obey. They can also help each other in daily life. For
example, my manager once helped me rent a house near the company and I used to teach her
how to make up.
Unit 1 people
End of the Speaking Test
Tutor should comment on the following criteria:
Fluency and coherence
Lexical resource
Grammatical range and accuracy
Pronunciation
S’s overall speaking score is: ________