IELTS Academic Module Paper 4 Speaking Practice Test 7 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 Leo Chan.
Examiner: Can you please show me your identification?
Candidate: Certainly, here is my ID card.
Examiner: Thank you. Now, in this first part, I'd like to ask you some questions about yourself. Let's talk about your hometown. Where are you from?
Candidate: I'm from Hong Kong, born and raised in Kowloon. It's a vibrant and densely populated area where there's always something happening.
Examiner: What do you like most about your hometown?
Candidate: What I love most about Kowloon is its blend of tradition and modernity. You can find historic temples alongside contemporary shopping malls, which makes living there a unique experience.
Examiner: Is there anything you dislike about your hometown?
Candidate: Well, if I had to pick something, it would be the overcrowding. Sometimes it feels like there's not enough space, and during peak hours, it can be quite overwhelming.
Examiner: I can imagine that's quite a challenge. It must be quite a contrast with the environment at work or university. Speaking of which, are you currently working, or are you a student?
Candidate: I'm currently working. I recently graduated and secured a position at a bank here in Hong Kong where I'm a junior financial analyst.
Examiner: Why did you choose to work at a bank?
Candidate: I've been fascinated by economics and finance since secondary school, and working at a bank seemed like the perfect opportunity to apply my knowledge and also to gain practical experience in the financial industry.
Examiner: What are the main responsibilities of your job?
Candidate: My main responsibilities involve analysing financial statements and market trends, as well as assisting senior analysts in making investment decisions.
Examiner: Do you enjoy your work?
Candidate: Yes, I do. It's challenging and fast-paced, but it's also rewarding to see how my work contributes to the bank's investment strategies. Plus, I enjoy the continuous learning aspect of my job.
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 a positive change in your life.
You should say:
- what the change was about
- when it happened
- details of how the change happened
- how it affected you later in life
[The candidate has one minute to prepare.]
Examiner: All right, Mr Chan, please begin speaking.
Candidate: A positive change that stands out in my life was the transition from university to professional work. This change was not only about starting a new job but also about the personal growth that came with it. It happened just last year, upon my graduation, when I was offered a position at a bank as a financial analyst.
The process was quite challenging; it involved a lot of preparation, from attending numerous interviews to adapting to the corporate culture. I had to learn to apply my theoretical knowledge from university to real-world scenarios, which required a steep learning curve. Balancing my part-time job while completing my degree had set a foundation for this, teaching me key skills such as time management and resilience.
The details of this change were both exciting and daunting. On the one hand, I was thrilled to embark on a new career path, but on the other hand, there was the anxiety of meeting expectations in a competitive industry. I remember the late nights spent studying financial models and practising my presentation skills to ensure I could contribute effectively from the start.
This change has had a profound effect on me later in life. It's instilled a newfound confidence in my abilities and has provided a clearer sense of direction for my career. Gaining financial independence has also been a significant benefit, allowing me to support my family and plan for the future. Professionally, it's opened doors to networking opportunities and has laid the groundwork for my aspirations in the financial sector. Now, I feel more confident in making important life decisions and am excited about the opportunities ahead.
Examiner: Thank you. Now, we'll move on to Part 3.
Part 3: Discussion (4-5 minutes)
Examiner: We've been talking about a positive change in your life, and I'd like to discuss with you a few more general questions related to this. To start, how do you think changes affect people's lives?
Candidate: Changes are instrumental in shaping people's lives, serving as catalysts for growth and self-improvement. They often force us to adapt to new circumstances, which can foster resilience and creativity. For instance, a person who relocates for a job opportunity might initially struggle with the move but eventually find that the change leads to personal growth, new social connections, and professional advancement. The impact of change, whether positive or negative, can be long-lasting and often extends beyond the immediate effects, influencing one's world view and future decisions.
Examiner: Do you believe that some people are afraid of change? Why is that so?
Candidate: Yes, many people exhibit a fear of change, which can be attributed to several factors. Primarily, there is a psychological preference for the familiar, as it provides a sense of security and predictability. Change disrupts this familiarity, leading to uncertainty and potential stress. The fear can also stem from past experiences; if previous changes have led to negative outcomes, a person may develop an aversion to future changes. Moreover, there's a fear of loss associated with change—be it loss of routine, status, or relationships—which can be daunting to confront.
Examiner: What can people do to adapt to change more easily?
Candidate: Adapting to change can be facilitated by several strategies. Maintaining a positive outlook is fundamental, as it enables one to view change as an opportunity rather than a setback. Proactive planning and preparation can also ease the transition by reducing uncertainty. Developing coping skills, such as stress management and problem-solving, allows people to better navigate the challenges that come with change. Additionally, seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can provide emotional comfort and practical advice.
Examiner: Do you think changes are more difficult to cope with at different stages of life?
Candidate: Absolutely! The impact of change can vary significantly depending on one's stage in life. During youth, there's often more flexibility and resilience to adapt to new situations due to fewer established responsibilities. As one ages, changes in career or personal life can be more challenging due to increased commitments and potentially less energy to deal with transitions. Additionally, one's capacity to deal with change can be influenced by previous experiences; a wealth of past changes can either build resilience or, conversely, lead to a sense of fatigue when faced with new alterations.
Examiner: That's very insightful. Do you think change is always beneficial?
Candidate: Change is not always beneficial in the short term, as it can bring about discomfort and require significant adjustment. However, in the long term, it often leads to benefits by opening up new possibilities that would not have been available otherwise. The outcome is highly dependent on the context of the change and the individual's response to it. For example, technological advancements can make certain jobs obsolete, which is a negative change for those affected. Yet, such advancements can also create new industries and opportunities. It is the way in which change is managed and responded to that ultimately determines its benefit or detriment.
Examiner: Thank you, Mr Chan. That will be all for the speaking test.
Candidate: Thank you, it's been a pleasure discussing these topics with you.
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