IELTS Free Online Speaking Practice
Part 1
1. What is your full name?
2. Can you tell me a bit about where you're from?
3. What do you do for a living or are you currently studying?
4. How would you describe your ideal weekend?
5. Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work or school?
6. Have you traveled to many places in the world, or not really?
7. In what way(s) do your family members differ from each other in personality and interests?
8. What are some benefits of living where you live now, or in your home country if you're currently away from it?
9. Do you prefer to go out with a group of friends, or spend time alone in your free time?
10. How do you feel about public transportation compared to private transportation like cars and bicycles?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Title: A piece of advice you received that was helpful
You will have one minute to talk about this topic. You should say:
- What the advice was
- Who gave you the advice
- When and where you received the advice
- How the advice has helped you in your life or affected a situation
For example, "I once received some helpful advice from my high school teacher regarding effective time management. The teacher explained the importance of prioritizing tasks and setting realistic goals for each day. Since following this advice, I have been able to manage my workload more effectively and reduce stress."
Part 3
1. How important is it to follow someone's advice? Why do you think so?
2. What kind of people would you trust to give you useful advice on different topics in life? Why?
3. In your opinion, what is the role of a mentor or an advisor in helping people achieve their goals?
4. How has technology impacted the way people seek and receive advice from others?
5. What are some potential consequences if someone does not take the advice they receive seriously?
6. Do you think it's necessary for everyone to have a support network of friends or family members that can provide advice in times of need? Why or why not?
7. How do different cultures view the concept of seeking and following advice from others, especially elders and authority figures?
8. Are there any situations where you would avoid taking someone's advice even if they are an expert in the field?
9. In your own experience, have you ever given advice to someone who needed it, and what was the outcome of that situation?
10. How can one distinguish between genuine and useful advice versus misleading or harmful advice?
IELTS Free Online Writing Practice
Topic: The role of philanthropy in addressing social issues
Task: Write an essay on whether philanthropy is an effective means of tackling social problems. You should use relevant reasons and examples to support your argument.
Model Answer:
In recent years, the rise of philanthropy has been a significant development in the global effort to address social issues. While some argue that philanthropy is an essential part of solving these problems, others maintain that it can be ineffective or even counterproductive. This essay will discuss the role of philanthropy in addressing social issues and evaluate its effectiveness in this context.
On one hand, philanthropy has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in combating various social issues such as poverty, education, health, and environmental conservation. For instance, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has funded numerous programs aimed at improving global health outcomes, including the development of vaccines and the provision of healthcare to underserved communities. Similarly, initiatives like the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria have been successful in reducing the prevalence of these diseases in affected regions.
Furthermore, philanthropy has the potential to catalyze change by attracting attention to pressing social issues and mobilizing resources to address them. The Giving Pledge, for example, encourages billionaires to commit at least half of their wealth to charitable causes, thereby creating a ripple effect in terms of funding and awareness. This can lead to sustainable long-term solutions that may not be possible through governmental or non-governmental organizations alone.
On the other hand, there are potential drawbacks to relying on philanthropy to address social issues. One criticism is that it may perpetuate existing power imbalances and inequality. The vast majority of philanthropic funding comes from wealthy individuals or foundations, which may inadvertently skew decision-making towards the interests of these donors. Additionally, philanthropy can be fickle, with funding often withdrawn when a particular cause falls out of favor or when more pressing issues emerge.
Moreover, there are concerns about the effectiveness and accountability of philanthropic organizations. The lack of transparency in some cases makes it difficult to assess the impact of their work, while others may be overly focused on short-term outcomes rather than long-lasting solutions. This raises questions about whether philanthropy is genuinely helping to alleviate social problems or simply providing a temporary band-aid.
In conclusion, philanthropy has played an essential role in addressing various social issues and can be a powerful force for change. However, it is crucial to recognize the potential pitfalls and ensure that funding is allocated in a transparent, accountable manner that genuinely benefits those most affected by social problems. While philanthropy may not be the sole solution to these issues, it has the potential to make a significant impact when combined with other efforts, such as government policies and community-based initiatives.
Score: Band 8.5 (The essay provides a clear, well-structured response, supported by relevant reasons and examples, but could have been slightly more analytical in discussing the counterarguments.)
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