Question: Why is it that some people don’t make plans?
Sample Answer: Well, I suppose some people just prefer to be more spontaneous and go with
the flow.
They might feel that having a strict schedule is a bit restrictive and takes the fun out of things.
Also, I
guess some individuals aren't naturally very organised, so the whole process of planning things
out might
just seem like a hassle to them.
Question: What are the benefits of making plans?
Sample Answer: Oh, there are quite a few benefits. The most obvious one is probably better
time
management. When you have a clear plan, you know exactly what you need to do, which helps
you stay
on track and be more productive. I also think it reduces a lot of stress because you're not
constantly
worrying about forgetting something important.
Question: Do you use paper or your cellphone to make plans?
Sample Answer: I almost always use my cellphone, hands down. I rely on my digital calendar for
everything, from work appointments to social events. It's just so much more convenient
because I can set
reminders, share events with others, and everything is synced automatically. I find paper
planners a bit
impractical for my lifestyle.
Question: Do you like making plans?
Sample Answer: To be honest, I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with it. On the one hand, I
really
appreciate having a plan because it gives me a sense of control and clarity. But on the other
hand, I
sometimes find the actual process of sitting down and mapping everything out a little tedious.
So, I’d say
it’s a necessary evil for me.
Topic 2: Praise/Encouragement
Question: Have you ever been praised or encouraged by your teacher?
Sample Answer: Oh, definitely. I vividly remember my high school literature teacher who once
told me
I had a real knack for creative writing after reading one of my essays. That little piece of
encouragement
honestly stuck with me for years and gave me a huge confidence boost. It really meant a lot at
that age.
Question: Do you think parents should often praise and encourage their children?
Sample Answer: Absolutely, I think it’s crucial for a child's development. Positive reinforcement
helps
build their self-esteem and motivates them to try new things. However, I also believe there’s a
fine line.
Praise should be genuine and focus on effort rather than just results, so children learn the value
of hard
work.
Question: When was the last time you praised someone?
Sample Answer: Let me think... just the other day, actually. A colleague of mine gave a
presentation
that she was really nervous about, and she did a fantastic job. So after the meeting, I went over
and told
her she was brilliant and all her preparation had clearly paid off. She seemed really happy to
hear it.
Question: How do you feel when you are praised?
Sample Answer: Honestly, it feels great. It's always nice to know that your hard work has been
noticed
and appreciated by others. I can be a little shy about it sometimes, especially if it’s in front of a
lot of
people, but deep down it’s very motivating and it encourages me to keep putting in the effort.
Question: Have you had any achievements recently?
Sample Answer: Yes, I suppose so! It might not be a huge achievement, but I recently managed
to
complete a very challenging data analysis project at work that had a really tight deadline.
Finishing it on
time and getting good feedback from my manager felt like a big win for me. I was quite proud
of that.
Self-study IELTS Material
Topic 3: Being Busy
Question: Are you busier now than when you were a child?
Sample Answer: Oh, without a doubt. It’s a night and day difference. As a kid, my main
responsibilities
were just school and a bit of homework, but life was generally pretty carefree. Nowadays, as an
adult, I
have to juggle a full-time job, household chores, and trying to maintain a social life, so I’m
definitely much
busier.
Question: When are you busy?
Sample Answer: Typically, my weekdays are the most hectic. I work a standard 9-to-5 job, so
from
Monday to Friday, my schedule is usually packed with tasks, meetings, and deadlines. The
mornings are
particularly intense, just trying to get everything organised for the day ahead.
Question: Why are you busy?
Sample Answer: Well, the main reason is my job, which is quite demanding and requires a lot of
my
time and energy. On top of that, I’m also trying to stay active, so I make it a point to go to the
gym a
few times a week. It’s really just a combination of my work commitments and personal goals
that keeps
me on my toes.
Question: Are you often busy?
Sample Answer: Yes, I’d say so. For the most part, I have a pretty full schedule during the week.
While
I try to keep my weekends free to unwind and recharge, the reality is there’s always something
to do. I
don't mind it too much though; I think I prefer being busy to being bored.
