IELTSCast | Weekly shadowing exercises for IELTS Speaking

Please excuse the quality of my voice in this episode. I was a little sick.🤧

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In your culture, what are some traditional celebrations or events that are widely celebrated?

In Indonesian culture, there are several traditional celebrations that hold significant importance. One of the most prominent festivals is the International Jazz Festival of Jakarta, which typically involves live performances by renowned jazz artists from around the world. Another noteworthy celebration is Independence Day, which provides an opportunity for the entire Indonesian community to come together. It is a time for family gatherings and various cultural activities.

How have these traditional celebrations changed over the years?

I think one of the most notable changes is the modernisation of customs and traditions. For instance, the International Jazz Festival of Jakarta has incorporated modern music technologies and global jazz trends into its performances. Independence Day has seen an increase in community engagement through social media and digital platforms.

Do you think it's important to preserve cultural traditions in today's fast-paced world?

Absolutely. I believe it's essential to preserve cultural traditions in today's fast-paced world. These traditions serve as a link to our heritage and help us maintain our cultural identity. Furthermore, cultural traditions often impart valuable life lessons, instill a sense of respect for diversity and foster a deep appreciation for our roots.

Do you think celebrations and events have become more globalised in recent years?

Yes, I do. With the advancement of technology and increased connectivity, the world has become a smaller place. As a result, people from different cultures and backgrounds have greater exposure to celebrations and events from around the globe, and this helps to highlight some common values between all cultures on Earth. For instance, Teachers' Day is now celebrated in most countries around the world. This globalisation of celebrations can foster a sense of global unity among people from diverse backgrounds. While this global trend is positive in many ways, I think it's also important to strike a balance between global influences and the preservation of local traditions.

Thank you.

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Here is a transcript of the band 9 response heard in this episode:

Do people become friends because they have a similar personality?

While this can be true, I don’t believe this is always the case. I think there need to be some similarities like common interests or a similar sense of humour, but looking at my friends I would say that our personalities are actually quite different. There are other things that bond us: mutual understanding, shared experiences and the things I previously mentioned. However, on the whole I would not say our personalities are the same.

How do people in your country behave to a new person when they meet for the first time?

Well, in my country, we generally try to make the new person feel at ease. We definitely try to make them feel welcomed and so we show an interest in him or her. If the meeting is at our home, then we go to great lengths to make the newcomer feel honoured. So, we repeatedly offer food and drinks and make sure the guest knows that we value their presence.

How can we make people feel comfortable the first time we meet them?

In my experience, humour is the best way. People who use self-deprecating humour always seem to make others around them feel comfortable because it shows the other person they can relax and are free to be casual. When you show you can laugh at yourself you exhibit self-confidence while also breaking the ice with the people around you.

How do people maintain social contact with coworkers or colleagues?

I think social media goes a long way toward fostering personal relationships. Many of us don’t know our colleagues’ birthdays but apps like Facebook offer reminders so you can send someone wishes or even plan a mini celebration at work. Social media also lets you see who your co-workers are outside of work so you can see if you have similar interests or hobbies. This can be a starting point for a friendly relationship that extends beyond a simple acquaintance.

Do you think it is a good idea for companies to give breaks to their employees?

I think that even if companies don’t give them employees will find a way to take them! Few people can work without interruption or break for eight hours or more. The mind needs to unwind, the body needs to move – or not move – but no work activity can or should be sustained for many hours without a short break. This leads to burnout and exhaustion, which leads to lowered productivity...so short-sighted thinking can potentially have long-lasting results. That is why I think it is a tragic mistake to not allow employee breaks.

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What kinds of TV shows do you find interesting?

Personally, I find a wide range of TV shows interesting, but I am particularly drawn to thought-provoking documentaries and gripping crime dramas. Documentaries provide me with valuable insights into various subjects, expanding my knowledge and understanding of the world. On the other hand, crime dramas captivate me with their intricate plotlines and suspenseful storytelling.

Why do TV shows resonate differently in different countries?

TV shows resonate differently in different countries due to cultural, social, and historical factors. Each country has its unique values, traditions, and preferences, which influence the viewers' tastes and perceptions. Additionally, local TV shows often reflect the specific issues and concerns of a particular society, making them more relatable and engaging for the local audience. Thus, cultural context plays a vital role in shaping the resonance of TV shows in different countries.

How are TV shows different from movies?

TV shows differ from movies in several ways. Firstly, TV shows are typically episodic, consisting of multiple episodes that form a series and allow for character development and complex storylines. In contrast, movies are self-contained narratives presented within a limited timeframe. Secondly, TV shows have a longer duration, often spanning multiple seasons, while movies are typically confined to a single instalment. Additionally, TV shows have the flexibility to delve deeper into their narratives and explore diverse plotlines, whereas movies often focus on delivering a concise and compact story within a limited timeframe.

Have TV shows from your country changed compared to the past?

Yes, TV shows from my country have certainly changed compared to the past. In the past, there was a more limited variety of TV shows, with a heavy emphasis on traditional sitcoms, dramas, and news programmes. However, with advancements in technology and evolving viewer preferences, there has been a significant shift in content. Nowadays, we witness a surge in reality TV shows, talent competitions, and streaming platforms offering a wide range of genres and formats. This change has allowed for more diversity, creativity, and audience engagement in the television landscape of my country.

Thank you. This marks the end of the speaking exam.

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Describe an event in your life that changed it in a positive way. You should say: -what the event was -when it happened -how it changed your life and explain why this change was positive for you

Well, I would have to say my decision to learn a new language changed my life in a positive way.

This significant turning point occurred around three years ago during my summer break. I had always been intrigued by the different cultures of Spanish-speaking people, so deciding to study Spanish was a natural choice for me. The journey began with enrolling in an intensive language course and immersing myself in Spanish literature and media. Doing these two things helped me to improve my understanding and abilities rapidly.

I'll now speak about the multifaceted ways in which studying Spanish impacted my life. Firstly, the mental challenge of mastering a new language stimulated my cognitive abilities and significantly improved my memory and problem-solving skills. Moreover, the decision to learn Spanish opened up a world of cultural richness - exciting literature, films and music. I also found myself connecting both in-person and online with a global community of language learners, and this was extremely rewarding.

The most significant change, however, was the unexpected boost it gave to my career. The ability to speak Spanish fluently became a valuable skill, and it opened up new job opportunities for me in Europe, the Americas and even Asia. Today, my work involves facilitating trade between my country and Spanish speaking countries. It's an extremely rewarding role that I wouldn't have been capable of doing otherwise.

In summary, the decision to learn a new language, Spanish in particular, was a transformative event that positively influenced various aspects of my life.