IELTS Free Online Speaking Practice
Part 1: Introduction and General Topics
1. What is your hometown like?
2. How would you describe the weather in your country?
3. What kind of activities or sports do people enjoy in your country?
4. Do you prefer to read books, magazines, or newspapers? Why?
5. How often do you watch TV or movies? What type of programs do you like to watch?
6. Can you describe a time when you had to work with someone you didn't get along with?
Part 2: Cue Card - A Time When You Had to Work With Someone You Didn't Get Along With
- Talk about the situation where you had to collaborate with someone you didn't get along with. What was your role in this situation?
- Describe the person you had to work with and explain why you didn't get along with them initially.
- Explain how this person's attitude or behavior affected the progress of the project or task.
- What measures did you take to improve the situation and work effectively with the person despite the differences?
- Reflect on what you learned from this experience, both personally and professionally, and how it has impacted your approach to teamwork in the future.
Part 3: Follow-up Questions
1. How do people in your country typically handle conflicts at work or in other settings? Can you give an example from your own experience?
2. In what situations do you think it's important for people to set their personal feelings aside and focus on the task at hand?
3. Do you believe that strong communication skills can help resolve conflicts between team members, even if they don't get along personally? Why or why not?
4. How important is adaptability in a professional setting, especially when working with people from different backgrounds or cultures?
5. Can you think of a time when overcoming a personal disagreement led to a better outcome for the project or task you were working on together?
IELTS Free Online Writing Practice
Task: Should governments provide subsidies for cultural organizations?
Model Answer:
In recent years, there has been an increasing debate over whether or not governments should provide subsidies for cultural organizations. This essay will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this proposal and ultimately argue in favor of such financial support.
On one hand, providing subsidies to cultural organizations can be seen as a beneficial investment in the long term. Firstly, by financially supporting these institutions, governments can help them maintain their stability, ensuring that they continue to contribute to the cultural richness and diversity of the nation. This is particularly important for smaller, local organizations that may not have the resources to compete with larger, more established groups.
Secondly, cultural organizations often play a vital role in promoting social cohesion and understanding among diverse communities. By offering affordable access to art, music, and other cultural experiences, they help to break down barriers between different groups and foster a sense of shared identity. This social benefit can lead to increased tolerance and mutual respect among citizens, which is essential for the functioning of a harmonious society.
On the other hand, some critics argue that providing subsidies to cultural organizations may not be the most effective use of public funds. Instead, they believe that this money could be better spent on more pressing issues such as healthcare, education, or infrastructure development. In addition, it has been argued that if governments are funding these institutions, there is a risk that they may become overly reliant on this support and lose their sense of creative independence.
In conclusion, while there are valid concerns about the allocation of public funds, the long-term cultural, social, and economic benefits of providing subsidies to cultural organizations far outweigh these drawbacks. By supporting these institutions, governments can help to maintain a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape that enriches the lives of citizens and contributes to the overall wellbeing of society.
Overall score: Band 8.5
This answer demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic and presents a well-structured, coherent argument in favor of providing subsidies to cultural organizations. The discussion of both sides of the debate is balanced, and the conclusion effectively summarizes the main points made throughout the essay.
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