IELTS Academic Module Paper 4 Speaking Practice Test 8 with Answers
Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
Examiner: Good afternoon. My name is [Examiner's Name]. Could you tell me your full name, please?
Candidate: Good afternoon. My full name is James Tai Man Wong. Please call me James.
Examiner: Can I see your identification, James?
Candidate: Certainly, here is my passport.
Examiner: Thank you. Now, in the first part, I'd like to ask you some questions about yourself. Let's talk about travelling by car. Do you often travel by car?
Candidate: No, actually, in Hong Kong, we don't travel by car that often. The public transport system here is very efficient, so most people prefer using the MTR or buses. However, my family does own a car for times when we need to get to places that are less accessible by public transport.
Examiner: What do you enjoy about travelling in this way?
Candidate: Although it's rare, I do enjoy the comfort and convenience when we travel by car. It offers a private space for my family and me to relax and not worry about the crowds, especially during peak hours. We also use the car for trips to the New Territories, where we can enjoy the change of scenery and take a break from the bustling city life.
Examiner: Now let's move on to talk about school. Can you tell me about your secondary school?
Candidate: My secondary school is a fairly large school situated on Hong Kong Island. It's known for its strong emphasis on both academic excellence and moral education. The school has a diverse student body and offers a range of extracurricular activities, which I find very enriching.
Examiner: What is your fondest memory from secondary school?
Candidate: My fondest memory is participating in the annual school festival. It's an event where students get to showcase their talents and take part in various activities. I've always enjoyed the sense of community it brings and the opportunity to collaborate with classmates on different projects.
Part 2: Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
Examiner: Now, I’m going to give you a task card and I’d like you to talk about the topic 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 your paper and pencil.
[The examiner hands over the task card.]
Task Card:
Describe an important decision you have made.
You should say:
- what the decision was
- why you made that decision
- who helped you make the decision
- why the decision was so important
Examiner: All right, James, please begin speaking.
Candidate: An important decision that I've made in my life as a secondary school student in Hong Kong was to take part in an international exchange programme. I chose to apply for this programme to broaden my horizons and gain exposure to different cultures and educational systems.
This decision came after much contemplation and discussion about my academic path and personal growth. I've always been intrigued by the diversity of cultures and ideas beyond what I'm used to in Hong Kong. I wanted to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone and learn in a completely new environment.
My family and a few of my teachers played pivotal roles in helping me make this decision. My parents always instilled in me the value of global citizenship, and my teachers provided insights into the benefits of experiencing education in a different setting. Their support and advice were fundamental in my decision-making process.
This decision was critical because it marked the first significant step I took on my own towards shaping my future. It was not just about education; it was about personal development and independence. The programme helped me develop a more mature perspective on life and education, and it instilled in me a sense of confidence and self-reliance that I had not experienced before.
The exchange programme ultimately influenced my aspirations; it inspired me to consider a career that would enable me to work in an international context. This decision has had a profound impact on both my academic and personal life, and it's one that I believe will continue to benefit me for years to come.
Examiner: Thank you. Now, we'll move on to Part 3.
Part 3: Discussion (4-5 minutes)
Examiner: We've been talking about an important decision you made, and I'd like to discuss with you some more general questions related to this. Do you think young people are ready to make important decisions about their future?
Candidate: Well, in Hong Kong, young people face a lot of academic pressure, and from a young age, we are taught to think about our future. I feel that many of my peers are quite mature and capable of making significant decisions regarding their future, particularly because we are encouraged to be independent. However, the readiness can vastly differ depending on the individual's experiences and the guidance they receive.
Examiner: How important is it to have support when making these decisions?
Candidate: It's incredibly important to have support when making significant decisions, especially as a young person. The support can come from family, friends, or teachers. It provides a safety net and a sounding board for ideas and concerns. For instance, in my case, discussing my options with my family and teachers gave me different perspectives and helped reassure me that I was making a well-informed choice. Support can also come in the form of advice, encouragement, or even sharing experiences, all of which can be crucial in making a decision that would shape one's future.
Examiner: Are there any decisions you believe young people should not be allowed to make on their own?
Candidate: While I advocate for the independence of young people, I also believe that there are certain life-altering decisions where the involvement of a responsible adult is necessary. For example, decisions that have legal or financial implications or those that could affect one's health should not be made without proper guidance. Young people might lack the experience and full understanding of the long-term consequences of these choices. Therefore, it’s essential to have adult supervision in such scenarios to prevent potential adverse outcomes.
Examiner: Thank you. That is the end of the speaking test.
Candidate: Thank you for your time.
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