IELTS Academic Module Paper 4 Speaking Practice Test 1 with Answers
Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
Examiner: Good morning. My name is [Examiner's Name]. Can you tell me your full name, please?
Candidate: Good morning. My full name is Chris Wong.
Examiner: Can you show me your identification, please?
Candidate: Sure. Here is my identification. [Show your ID/passport.]
Examiner: Thank you. Now, in this first part, I'd like to ask you some questions about yourself. Can you tell me where you're from?
Candidate: I'm from Hong Kong.
Examiner: Okay. Let's talk about your hometown. What do you like most about your hometown?
Candidate: What I appreciate most about Hong Kong is its vibrant mix of Eastern and Western cultures. It's a city where you can find traditional Chinese temples next to modern skyscrapers, and where both Cantonese and English are spoken fluently. It's this unique blend that gives the city its distinctive character.
Examiner: Now let's talk about food. What is your favourite dish and why?
Candidate: My favourite dish is dim sum, a signature dish of Cantonese cuisine. It's a variety of bite-sized food served in small steamer baskets or on a small plate. I love it not just because of its delicious taste, but also for the social aspect of eating dim sum. It's typically enjoyed in a relaxed, communal setting, which provides an opportunity to catch up with family and friends.
Examiner: Finally, let's discuss hobbies. What do you like to do in your free time?
Candidate: In my free time, I enjoy hiking. Hong Kong has some exceptional hiking trails that offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding natural beauty. I find it a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, as well as keeping myself physically fit.
Part 2: Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
Examiner: I'm going to give you a topic and I'd like you to talk about it for one to two minutes. Before you talk, you'll have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes if you wish. Here's some paper and a pencil for making notes.
[The examiner hands over the task card.]
Task Card:
Describe a successful small business that you know.
You should say:
- what this business is
- when and where it started
- who the owner is
- why you think it is successful
Examiner: All right? Remember you have one to two minutes for this, so don't worry if I stop you. I'll tell you when the time is up. Can you start speaking now, please?
Candidate: A successful small business I'd like to talk about is a local bookshop in my neighbourhood of Hong Kong, called The Paper Trail. This bookshop was started by Mrs Lee, a retired school principal with a deep love for literature, about 15 years ago.
Despite the rise of e-books and online shopping, The Paper Trail thrives, and I believe it's due to Mrs Lee's understanding of her customer base and her ability to curate a diverse range of books. She has a knack for recommending the perfect book to every customer, and her bookshop houses everything from contemporary novels and classic literature to graphic novels and non-fiction.
What's equally important is the ambience of her bookshop. It offers a warm and inviting environment that encourages customers to linger, browse, and discover new books. Rustic wooden shelves, the comforting smell of paper, and cosy reading corners all contribute to this unique atmosphere.
Furthermore, Mrs Lee's regular initiatives like book signings, reading clubs, and story-telling sessions have fostered a sense of community among local book lovers, making her bookshop a cultural hub in our neighbourhood. This blend of personal customer understanding, a welcoming environment, and community engagement is, in my opinion, the secret behind the success of The Paper Trail.
Examiner: Do you think the personal touch that Mrs Lee provides could be replicated in a larger, chain bookshop?
Candidate: In my view, while larger bookshops might have the resources to provide a wide range of books, the personal touch that Mrs Lee provides is something truly unique. It comes from her personal passion for literature and her deep understanding of her local community. While staff in larger shops can certainly be helpful and knowledgeable, the level of personalisation and community connection that a small bookshop owner like Mrs Lee can provide is hard to replicate on a larger scale.
Examiner: How do you think businesses like The Paper Trail can continue to thrive in the digital age?
Candidate: I believe that businesses like The Paper Trail can continue to thrive in the digital age by leveraging their unique strengths. The personal customer service, the curated selection of books, the inviting physical space, and the sense of community that Mrs Lee has built are all things that online retailers can't replicate. At the same time, businesses like The Paper Trail can also embrace digital tools to expand their reach, such as by maintaining an active social media presence or offering online orders for local delivery or pickup. Essentially, it's about blending the best of both the physical and digital worlds.
Examiner: Thank you. Now, we'll move on to Part 3.
Part 3: Discussion (4-5 minutes)
Examiner: We've been talking about a successful small business, and I'd now like to ask you some questions related to this. Why do you think some businesses become successful while others do not?
Candidate: I believe the success of a business often hinges on several factors. First, identifying a unique selling proposition is crucial to differentiate oneself from competitors. Second, understanding customer needs and preferences can help a business tailor its products or services. Lastly, effective marketing and customer engagement can play a significant role in building customer loyalty.
Examiner: In your opinion, what role does customer service play in the success of a business?
Candidate: Customer service is paramount to the success of a business. It's not just about solving problems but also about enhancing the overall customer experience. Businesses that excel in customer service can build strong relationships with their customers, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Examiner: How do you think the internet has affected the way we do business?
Candidate: The internet has revolutionised the way we do business. It has broken down geographical barriers, allowing businesses to reach customers globally. It's also made it easier for businesses to understand customer behaviour and preferences through data analytics. However, it's also increased competition and made customer retention more challenging.
Examiner: Do you think it's more important to have a good product or good marketing?
Candidate: It's difficult to say which is more important as they both play integral roles. A good product is the foundation of any successful business. However, without effective marketing, even the best product might not reach its intended audience. So, I would say a balance of both is necessary for a business to succeed.
Examiner: That's all for today. Thank you for your time.
Candidate: Thank you. Have a nice day!
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