IELTS Speaking Mock Exam | Clothes and Photos
Are you preparing for the IELTS speaking test and aiming for a Band 9 score? Look no further! Join us as we delve into a simulated speaking exam focusing on the themes of 'Clothes and Photos.' In this article, we present a student as she expertly navigates through questions, showcasing how fluency, accurate grammar, and diverse vocabulary can help you achieve your desired score.
Understanding the Importance of Fashion and Photography
Fashion and photography are not just about clothing and pictures; they are expressions of identity and creativity. In our daily lives, we use clothes to express ourselves and capture moments through photography. These elements play a significant role in how we communicate with the world.
Learning from Real-Life Examples
In this simulated exam, our student shares personal experiences that highlight the importance of fashion and photography. From discussing her favorite clothing items to sharing stories behind her photos, she demonstrates how these elements can be seamlessly integrated into our conversations.
Exam Transcript:
- Examiner: What is your favourite item of clothing?
Student: Given my practical nature, my favourite would have to be a comfy pair of jeans. They're so versatile because you can combine them with anything, and they are just right for my weekend hikes. Not to mention, they remind me of my favourite pair from a beloved brand like Gucci. - Examiner: Are there any traditional clothes in your country?
Student: Oh yes, indeed! South Korea has a traditional outfit called the 'Hanbok'. It's usually composed of a colourful blouse and a broad skirt for women, or loose trousers for men. What I find very charming about them is how they're worn during special occasions or holidays. Actually, my daughters and I have worn them during our harvest festival, a few times! - Examiner: Where do you usually purchase your clothes?
Student: At home, I liked going to local boutiques or large department stores, which provided a wide range of choices. But here in London, Zara has become my go-to, particularly because they strike a nice balance between quality and price. Occasionally I also shop on Amazon, especially when I am looking for something specific. - Examiner: Have you ever bought clothes online?
Student: On occasion, yes. Amazon, for instance, has been my virtual shopping platform of choice for certain items. They usually have a wide variety and the convenience is priceless, especially given my busy schedule between work and family. - Examiner: Who do you usually take photos of?
Student: I love photographing everything that catches my eye, but my favourite subjects have to be my lovely family. I enjoy capturing our day-to-day moments and adventures together. On weekends, when we go to park, I take my camera with me to snap photos of the children playing in the fields or my husband enjoying a book under a tree. - Examiner: How do you keep your photos?
Student: I've found that it's best to keep digital copies on my laptop or cloud storage for safekeeping. There's also something about printed photos that I find nostalgic, so some of my prized shots get printed and stored in scrapbooks or photo albums, not unlike the ones I used to flip through as a child. - Examiner: Do you keep your photographs on your computer?
Student: Yes, absolutely! I believe in having a backup of everything just to be safe. And the good thing about the digital era is that we can store thousands of photos without worrying about physical space. Plus, it makes it easier for me to show off my work to my friends or utilise photos in my classroom for teaching. - Examiner: Have you framed any of your photos?
Student: Yes indeed, I have framed quite a few of our family photos. There's this one lovely picture of my entire family at Holland Park that now sits proudly on our living room wall. It somehow makes the place a lot more like 'home'. - Examiner: Do you prefer to send postcards to people or to send photos that you took yourself?
Student: 'Personal touch' is my motto when it comes to sharing memories with friends and family. Therefore, I prefer to send photos that I've taken myself, especially photos from our trips where there's a story behind the image. Besides, who doesn't love receiving a personal snapshot over a generic postcard?
