IELTSCast | Weekly shadowing exercises for IELTS Speaking - Episode 123 | Part 1: Meeting new people and making friends🫂

Episode 123 | Part 1: Meeting new people and making friends🫂

10/03/23 • 7 min

1 Listener

IELTSCast | Weekly shadowing exercises for IELTS Speaking

Access FULL exercises at YouTube!👉 https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join

Do you work or study?

I'm a full-time university student, studying Business Management.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy reading, playing the guitar and staying active by going for walks and doing yoga.

Do you enjoy meeting new people?

Yes, I do. Meeting new people broadens my horizons and allows me to learn from their experiences.

What sort of people do you most easily make friends with?

I find it easiest to make friends with people who share similar interests and values. When we have common hobbies or beliefs, it provides a strong foundation for building a meaningful connection. Additionally, those who are open-minded, friendly and good listeners tend to be the people I naturally click with.

Where is a good place to meet new people?

There are several great places to meet new people, but I think community events and social gatherings are excellent opportunities. Whether it's a local festival, a charity event or even a hobby club, these settings tend to attract like-minded individuals who are open to socialising and making new friends.

In what situations is it difficult to make new friends?

It can be challenging to make new friends when people are busy with work or studies. Also, in larger cities like Jakarta, busy lifestyles and cultural differences can make it harder to establish connections with strangers.

Thank you.

Access FULL exercises at YouTube!👉 https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join

Do you work or study?

I'm a full-time university student, studying Business Management.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy reading, playing the guitar and staying active by going for walks and doing yoga.

Do you enjoy meeting new people?

Yes, I do. Meeting new people broadens my horizons and allows me to learn from their experiences.

What sort of people do you most easily make friends with?

Where is a good place to meet new people?

In what situations is it difficult to make new friends?

Thank you.

Previous Episode

Episode 122 | Part 3: Board games and society🃏

Get FULL exercises! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join

Why do you think games are popular at social gatherings and family events?

I think they are popular because of their ability to foster a sense of camaraderie and engagement. They act as icebreakers, encouraging people to interact and bond over shared experiences...thereby breaking any initial awkwardness. Furthermore, games inject an element of fun and excitement into these gatherings, making them enjoyable for everyone involved.

In what ways do games contribute to improving social skills and communication among people?

I would say games encourage effective verbal and non-verbal communication, as players must explain rules and strategies. This enhances interpersonal communication skills by encouraging people to speak clearly and listen actively. Games also often involve teamwork and collaboration, which fosters a sense of cooperation and trust among participants. I would say these are the main ways in which games improve a person's social skills.

Some people argue that board games can be educational. What are your thoughts on this?

I wholeheartedly agree with the notion that board games can be highly educational. Board games often incorporate various cognitive skills, including critical thinking, problem solving and strategic planning, and they often are explicitly designed for educational purposes, covering topics such as mathematics, history and language acquisition. For example, my nephew's geography improved dramatically while playing the game Risk, which involves intercontinental battle between players on a world map.

What types of board games do you believe will be popular in the future?

Hmm I imagine future board games will integrate augmented reality or even virtual reality. Additionally, I think games could do a lot to promote themes of social responsibility, such as the importance of sustainability and environmental awareness. Ultimately, the future of board games will likely be shaped by the evolving interests and values of society, but I don’t think they’ll ever lose their appeal as a source of social interaction and entertainment.

Thank you. That is the end of the speaking exam.

Read More Quick LinksGet Embed PlayerShare on SocialDownload Audio File

Next Episode

Episode 124 | Part 2: A traditional celebration or event in your culture🌠

Access FULL exercises at YouTube!👉 https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join

Describe a traditional celebration or event in your culture. Please say:

-what the event is

-when and where it takes place

-why it is important

-and share your personal experiences or memories related to this celebration or event

I'd like to talk about a traditional celebration in my culture, which is known as Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Indonesia, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

The exact date of Eid al-Fitr varies each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar, and it's a nationwide celebration in Indonesia. Families and communities come together to observe this festive occasion.

The importance of Eid al-Fitr in Indonesian culture is immense. It signifies the spiritual and personal growth achieved during Ramadan. People focus on prayer, self-reflection and acts of charity, and the holiday is considered a time when families and friends come together to celebrate and strengthen their bonds. Additionally, it's customary to carry out almsgiving to help those in need, ensuring that everyone can join in the celebrations.

Personally, Eid al-Fitr holds a special place in my heart as well. I have fond memories of the preparations leading up to the festival. My family and I would start by cleaning our house, purchasing new clothes and preparing delicious traditional dishes. On the morning of Eid, we would attend a special prayer at the mosque, after which we would visit relatives and neighbours to exchange warm greetings and small gifts.

To my mind, this festival exemplifies the rich cultural diversity and religious traditions of Indonesia and remains a vibrant and meaningful celebration in the country.

Thank you.