IELTS Academic Module Paper 4 Speaking Practice Test 6 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 name is Chan Tai Man.
Examiner: What should I call you?
Candidate: You can call me Tai Man.
Examiner: Can you show me your identification, Tai Man?
Candidate: Yes, here is my passport.
Examiner: Thank you. Now, in this first part, I'd like to ask you some questions about yourself. Let's talk about your hometown. Can you describe your hometown a little?
Candidate: Certainly. I'm from Hong Kong, a vibrant and bustling city known for its impressive skyline and deep natural harbour. It's a place where East meets West, offering a unique blend of cultures, cuisines, and traditions.
Examiner: What do you like most about Hong Kong?
Candidate: I love the dynamism of Hong Kong. There's always something happening, whether it's a festival, a market, or a new restaurant opening. The energy is palpable, and it's amazing how the city balances modernity with tradition.
Examiner: Is there anything you dislike about it?
Candidate: The one thing that can be overwhelming is the density of the population. It can make the city feel very crowded, especially during rush hour on public transport or in popular shopping districts.
Examiner: Let's talk about the weather. What's the weather like in Hong Kong?
Candidate: Hong Kong has a subtropical climate, so we experience hot and humid summers and mild, dry winters. Typhoons are also common in the summer and early autumn, which can disrupt daily life quite a bit.
Examiner: Does the weather affect people's lives in Hong Kong?
Candidate: Yes, the weather greatly influences life in Hong Kong. The hot and humid summers and cool winters dictate everyday activities and clothing choices. During typhoon season, extreme weather can even halt public life altogether.
Examiner: Does bad weather ever affect transport in Hong Kong?
Candidate: Bad weather, particularly during typhoons, can severely disrupt transport in Hong Kong, leading to the suspension of public services like buses and ferries, and causing flight delays or cancellations.
Part 2: Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
Examiner: Now, I'm going to give you a topic and I'd like you to talk about it for one to two minutes. You 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, and here is your topic.
[The examiner hands over the task card.]
Task Card:
Describe an advertisement that persuaded you to buy a product.
You should say:
- what the product was
- where you saw the advertisement
- what the advertisement was like
- why this advertisement made you want to buy the product
[The candidate has one minute to prepare.]
Examiner: All right, Tai Man, please begin speaking.
Candidate: I'd like to talk about a compelling advertisement for a smartwatch that caught my attention online. The product, which combined traditional watch aesthetics with modern technology, was advertised on a popular social media platform known for short, impactful videos.
The advertisement was a mini-narrative featuring a day in the life of a young professional in Hong Kong. It began with him waking up to the watch's gentle vibration alarm, tracking his morning workout, getting notifications during his commute, and even making a payment with just a tap of his wrist. The scenes were slick, fast-paced, and set against the backdrop of Hong Kong's iconic skyline, which made it very relatable to me.
The reason this ad made me want to purchase the smartwatch was its emphasis on convenience and the seamless integration of the watch into everyday life. It suggested that with this watch, I could stay connected and organised without being tethered to my phone. The fact that it was stylish was the cherry on top; it didn't look out of place with a business suit or casual wear.
Moreover, the advertisement leveraged a powerful mix of aspirational lifestyle and practical functionality, which resonated with me deeply. They also had a limited-time discount offer mentioned at the end, which created a sense of urgency to make a purchase. Overall, it was the combination of emotional appeal, practical benefits, and a timely discount that persuaded me to buy the product.
Examiner: Thank you. Now, we'll move on to Part 3.
Part 3: Discussion (4-5 minutes)
Examiner: We've been talking about an advertisement that persuaded you to buy a product, and I'd like to discuss with you a few more general questions related to this. To start, what are some popular types of advertising in today's world?
Candidate: In today's fast-paced digital environment, social media advertising has become increasingly predominant. Many brands create targeted content for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, where they can engage directly with their audience. There are also video ads on platforms like YouTube, which can be skipped after a few seconds, so they need to be very engaging right from the start. In Hong Kong, we also see a lot of outdoor digital billboards, especially in high-traffic areas like Causeway Bay or Mong Kok, which are quite eye-catching.
Examiner: What type of media advertising do you think is the most effective?
Candidate: In my opinion, video advertising is the most effective type of media, especially when it's shared on social media. A well-crafted video can tell a story that resonates with the viewer and creates an emotional connection to the product or brand. This format also allows for the use of music, dialogue, and visuals to create a powerful and memorable message. For instance, the smartwatch ad I mentioned earlier used these elements effectively to show the product's features in a real-life context, which I found very persuasive.
Examiner: Do you believe advertising influences what people choose to buy?
Candidate: Absolutely, advertising has a considerable influence on consumer behaviour. It not only introduces new products to people but also shapes their perceptions of what's desirable or necessary. For example, advertisements that highlight environmental sustainability can make consumers more likely to choose eco-friendly products. However, the impact of advertising also depends on the individual's values, needs, and prior experiences with the brand or product.
Examiner: What factors should advertisers consider when creating an advertisement?
Candidate: When creating advertisements, companies should consider the product's unique selling points and how to communicate them effectively to the target audience. They should also keep in mind cultural sensitivities, especially in diverse markets like Hong Kong, to ensure the message is received positively. Additionally, the timing and placement of the ad are crucial – for instance, an ad for a seasonal product should be timed appropriately. Advertisers also need to be aware of the legal and ethical implications of their campaigns, avoiding false claims and respecting privacy concerns.
Examiner: Is advertising necessary in modern society?
Candidate: While some may argue that advertising is an intrusive form of marketing, I believe it is necessary. It plays a pivotal role in a competitive economy, helping businesses to differentiate their products and communicate with potential customers. It also provides valuable information that allows consumers to make informed choices about what they buy. However, advertising should be done responsibly and not exploit consumers' vulnerabilities.
Examiner: How does advertising influence children?
Candidate: Advertising can have a profound influence on children, who may not yet have the critical thinking skills to evaluate what they are seeing. Advertisements can shape children's preferences from a young age, encouraging materialism and creating brand loyalty before they understand the concept of choice. This is why it's crucial for advertisements directed at children to be closely monitored and regulated to ensure they promote positive and healthy messages. For instance, ads for toys should not only entice children by showing how fun the toy is but also promote educational or social values that contribute to children's development.
Examiner: Thank you, Tai Man. That is the end of the speaking test.
Candidate: Thank you for your time. It was a pleasure speaking with you.
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