Sign up for full 'repeat after me' lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join

Talk about a significant personal achievement you had. You should say:

-what the achievement was
-when and where it happened
-the steps you took to accomplish it
-and say why it is significant to you

Well, one of the most significant personal achievements I had was winning the National Science Fair during my final year of high school. It was a remarkable experience that left a lasting impact on my life.

The achievement occurred back in May of 2015 at the state-of-the-art convention center in our city. The National Science Fair is an annual event that attracts top young minds from all over the country to showcase their innovative projects and research.

Accomplishing this achievement required months of rigorous research, experimentation, and countless hours of hard work. My project focused on finding an eco-friendly alternative to plastic packaging materials, aiming to reduce environmental pollution caused by plastic waste.

The first step I took was extensively researching scientific papers and academic journals, and I sought advice from experts in the field. Then came the testing phase, which involved designing a series of experiments, carrying out numerous trial runs, and recording my findings meticulously. I encountered many sleepless nights, but the support of my family, teachers, and peers kept me motivated.

Finally, the day of the National Science Fair arrived. Standing alongside other brilliant young minds, I presented my project to a panel of esteemed judges and visitors. The experience was nerve-wracking, but my passion for my research helped me articulate my findings confidently. When the results were announced, I couldn't believe it—I had won the first prize!

This achievement is incredibly significant to me because it reinforced my passion for science and the environment, shaping both my academic and career trajectory. It also solidified my decision to pursue a degree in Environmental Science, which I am currently doing in university.

Sign up for FULL lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join

Learn more about these lessons: https://youtu.be/eIX5y1Mq5hA

Talk about an unusual meal you had. You should say
– when you had it
– where you had it
– what kind of meal it was
– and explain why it was unusual.

I'd like to talk about a rather extraordinary meal I had during my trip to Japan last year. It was an unforgettable experience that took place in a traditional Japanese inn located in the quaint town of Takayama.

The meal itself was a traditional Kaiseki dinner, which is a multi-course dining experience renowned for its artistic presentation and use of seasonal ingredients. The meal began with a series of beautifully arranged appetisers, which included some familiar items like sashimi and tempura. But as the courses progressed, I was introduced to a variety of uncommon dishes. One of the most peculiar delicacies was Hoba Miso, a regional specialty where miso paste, wild mushrooms, and vegetables were cooked over a magnolia leaf. The earthy aroma and rich flavours were unlike anything I had tasted before.

Furthermore, the chef proudly served a platter which I believe was called Seki-saba, a local delicacy of fermented mackerel. While its intense pungent smell might have deterred some, I decided to embrace the experience fully. To my surprise, the taste was surprisingly complex and utterly delightful.

Another dish that added to the uniqueness of the meal was Kuro-udon, which was black udon noodles made with bamboo charcoal. The dramatic colour contrast against the traditional white tableware was visually striking and added an artistic element to the dining experience.

What truly made this meal unusual was the combination of the serene surroundings, the artistic presentation, and the rare ingredients. I unfortunately don't think I'll have an experience like this again anytime soon. Trying these unfamiliar and rare dishes opened my eyes to the vast diversity of Japanese cuisine and its strong connection to regional traditions and culture.

Get the full lessons! https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join

Leave a 5 star review! (Thanks!) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ieltscast-weekly-shadowing-exercises-for-ielts-speaking/id1070129363

Talk about a trustworthy person you know. You should say:
-how you met this person
-how long you've known this person
-why you feel they are trustworthy
and say what they did to gain your trust

Well, I would like to talk about a person whom I consider to be extremely trustworthy. His name is John, and I first met him during my freshman year of college, which was about five years ago.

To provide some background, John and I were assigned as roommates in the college dormitory. From the very beginning, he exhibited qualities that made me feel I could trust him completely. For example, during our first or perhaps second week of living as roommates, I accidentally misplaced my wallet containing important identification documents, credit cards and a considerable amount of cash.

Naturally, I was overwhelmed and stressed, fearing the consequences of losing such crucial items. However, without any hesitation, John assured me that we would search for the wallet together. We retraced my steps meticulously and eventually found my wallet tucked away in a jacket pocket I had forgotten about.

What truly touched me was John's selfless behavior throughout the process. We did not yet know each other very well, and he could have easily ignored my predicament or even taken advantage of the situation, but instead, he stood by me as a loyal friend. His commitment to helping me, without expecting anything in return, solidified my trust in him.

Moreover, John's dedication to maintaining confidentiality further strengthens my belief in his trustworthiness. On numerous occasions, I have shared my personal struggles and concerns with him, knowing that he would keep them in utmost confidence. 

In summary, through his consistent honesty, reliability and willingness to go above and beyond, John has proved himself to be an incredibly trustworthy person.

Sign up for the FREE newsletter! https://www.ieltsielts.com/

What kinds of TV shows do you find interesting?

Personally, I find a wide range of TV shows interesting, but I am particularly drawn to thought-provoking documentaries and gripping crime dramas. Documentaries provide me with valuable insights into various subjects, expanding my knowledge and understanding of the world. On the other hand, crime dramas captivate me with their intricate plotlines and suspenseful storytelling.

Why do TV shows resonate differently in different countries?

TV shows resonate differently in different countries due to cultural, social, and historical factors. Each country has its unique values, traditions, and preferences, which influence the viewers' tastes and perceptions. Additionally, local TV shows often reflect the specific issues and concerns of a particular society, making them more relatable and engaging for the local audience. Thus, cultural context plays a vital role in shaping the resonance of TV shows in different countries.

How are TV shows different from movies?

TV shows differ from movies in several ways. Firstly, TV shows are typically episodic, consisting of multiple episodes that form a series and allow for character development and complex storylines. In contrast, movies are self-contained narratives presented within a limited timeframe. Secondly, TV shows have a longer duration, often spanning multiple seasons, while movies are typically confined to a single instalment. Additionally, TV shows have the flexibility to delve deeper into their narratives and explore diverse plotlines, whereas movies often focus on delivering a concise and compact story within a limited timeframe.

Have TV shows from your country changed compared to the past?

Yes, TV shows from my country have certainly changed compared to the past. In the past, there was a more limited variety of TV shows, with a heavy emphasis on traditional sitcoms, dramas, and news programmes. However, with advancements in technology and evolving viewer preferences, there has been a significant shift in content. Nowadays, we witness a surge in reality TV shows, talent competitions, and streaming platforms offering a wide range of genres and formats. This change has allowed for more diversity, creativity, and audience engagement in the television landscape of my country.

Thank you. This marks the end of the speaking exam.

Get access to the full 'repeat after me' exercises directly through YouTube! Sign up here: https://www.youtube.com/c/IELTSRyan/join

Talk about a TV show that is popular in your country. You should say
-what show it is
-what the show is about
-why this show is popular in your country
-how you feel about this TV show

I would like to talk about a popular TV show in my country, the Philippines, called 'Brothers'. It is a widely acclaimed action-drama series that has garnered immense popularity among viewers nationwide. The show centers around the life of 'Cardo', a courageous police officer, as he fights crime and seeks justice in the bustling city of Manila.

Brothers captivated audiences in the Philippines for several reasons. Firstly, the show offers a compelling narrative that combines elements of action, suspense, and heartfelt drama. Each episode presents a new challenge for Cardo, who fearlessly battles corrupt officials, criminal syndicates, and personal adversities. The series keeps viewers hooked with its fast-paced plotlines, intense action sequences, and emotional character arcs.

Further, I think Brothers resonates with Filipino viewers due to its relatable themes and portrayal of societal issues. The show sheds light on the struggles faced by ordinary citizens, highlighting the complexities of urban life and the day-to-day challenges ordinary citizens face. It also captures the resilience and hard-working nature of the Filipino people, creating a strong emotional connection with local audiences as well as international audiences that are interested in Filipino pop culture. 

The success of Brothers can also be attributed to the exceptional performances of the cast. For example, Coco Martin's portrayal of Officer Cardo has become iconic, earning him widespread praise for his dedication and versatility as an actor. Such performances as well as the show's gripping storyline are what kept me on the edge of my seat while I was watching the show, and I am thus hardly surprised that the show gained such legacy in my country.

It is for these reasons that Brothers has secured itself as a significant part of the Filipino television landscape.