the past few weeks - IELTS all skills practice

In Speaking, we learned about dividing the topic into two sides and express opposing ideas.

For this question: Why do people like to visit historical places?,

we can divide into "history lovers", opposing with which group of people?

If you can, give a very short plan of your answer (in Vietnamese is okay).

Answer explanation

- casual people: to take cool photos >< history lovers: to learn about the past

- local residents: familiar get-together spot >< history lovers: a chance to travel

- geography lovers: to view landscape >< history lovers: to be informed about the events

- students: forced by the curriculum >< history lovers: because they're passionate

Choose the most relevant answer opening to match the answer content.

Q: What would people normally consider when they rent or buy a house or an apartment?

A: [...]. Young university students probably prioritize the cost, or in other words, they have to compare prices between places so they can choose the cheapest option. On the other hand, successful CEOs would care much more about whether or not there are the most modern appliances available.

• In my view, this question centers around how much the buyer makes.

• In my view, this question centers around the quality of the building.

• In my view, this question centers around how many people are staying there.

• In my view, this question centers around the topic of buildings.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that the question revolves around the buyer's financial situation. Young students focus on cost, while affluent individuals prioritize luxury, indicating that income influences housing decisions.

In Speaking, we learned about strategies to give yourself time to think.

What strategy is this?

Q: Should parents teach their children to behave well in public?

A: Parents can have a really strong influence on their children, and ...

• repeat the question in a different way

• comment on the question

• show you're thinking as you answer

Answer explanation

When you comment on the question, you provide context or express your thoughts before diving into the main answer. In this case, starting with "Parents can have a really strong influence on their children..." serves to acknowledge the importance of the topic. This approach engages the listener and shows that you’re considering the implications of the question, which helps set the stage for a more thoughtful response.

In Listening, we learned about visualizing the listening context. Choose one visual that best match this general context.

Questions 31–40

Complete the notes below.
Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

Kakapo, the endangered bird

The History

• The Maori people used its feathers and 31 __________ to make clothes.

• Early times - it was hunted by both man and the 32 __________.

• From 1934, kakapo was mostly seen only in 33 __________.

• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

it's endangered => lonely, not crowded

was hunted by => a little, weak bird, not strong

early times, 1934 => ancient bird, not newly discovered

Which is the most suitable prediction for this answer?

32. 32. Early times - it was hunted by both man and the ____________.

• another group of humans, like "woman" or "boys"

• sth environmental, like "climate" or "storms"

• another animal, like "lions" or "falcons"

• sth technological, like "tools" or "machines"

Answer explanation

1. Another group of humans, like "woman" or "boys": While this could make sense, it doesn't add variety since "man" already refers to humans. Using another term for humans isn't as compelling in this context.

2. Something environmental, like "climate" or "storms": These factors do not actively hunt, so they wouldn't fit well in the sentence. The focus is on entities that hunt the bird.

3. Another animal, like "lions" or "falcons": This is the most suitable choice because it aligns with the context of hunting. Both lions and falcons are predators, making this option logical and relevant.

4. Something technological, like "tools" or "machines": While tools can assist in hunting, they are not living entities that hunt on their own. This option would not fit the structure of the sentence.

Thus, "another animal" is the best fit, as it maintains the theme of predation.

Make your prediction on the meaning of this blank.

33. From 1934. kakapo was mostly seen only in ....................................

(the blank requires ONE word only, but the prediction can be as long as you want).

Answer explanation

the answer should mention something along the lines of a plural noun or uncountable noun or proper noun mentioning a place or something related like a country or a city, can be a month or a year but unlikely, or even a state like "in pairs" or "in distress", in conservation, in captivity

In Writing, we learned some phrases for an essay introduction and conclusion. Fill in the blank.

Q: Large companies use sports events to promote their products. Some people think this has a negative impact on sports. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

A: [...] In my opinion, I would mostly disagree with this _______________.

In Writing, we learned about focusing on keywords to generate ideas.

Write at least two groups of individuals relevant to the question.

In many parts of the world, children and teenagers are committing more crimes. Why is this happening?

Answer explanation

(bad) friends of the children, parents, teachers, celebrities or even strangers on the Internet, but not something like the children themselves or police, authority

Which of the following is the best recommendation part for an essay conclusion to this question?

Leaders and directors in organizations are normally older people. Some people think having a younger leader would be better. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

• I would try my hardest to become a youthful gen Z leader in my own company.

• I suppose that companies should really consider what this new, modern world needs before choosing a leader.

• In conclusion, different generations of leaders can contribute to a company in distinct ways.

• Elderly citizens can choose to do something else, such as caring for their house and community.

Answer explanation

• I would try my hardest to become a youthful gen Z leader in my own company: This is more personal and doesn't directly address the broader recommendation for organizations.

• I suppose that companies should really consider what this new, modern world needs before choosing a leader: This option effectively emphasizes the importance of adapting leadership choices to current societal needs, making it relevant and insightful.

• In conclusion, different generations of leaders can contribute to a company in distinct ways: While this is a valid statement, it doesn't provide a clear recommendation or actionable insight.

• Elderly citizens can choose to do something else, such as caring for their house and community: This statement is off-topic and doesn't relate to the main focus of leadership in organizations.

Thus, the second option best addresses the need for thoughtful leadership selection in today’s context.

In Reading, we learned about sentences with many reference words. Here's a test. Choose the correct answer (TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN):

The Importance of Business Cards

The exchanging of business cards is as close to a universal ritual as you can find in the business world

The ritual may be universal. but the details of business cards and how they are swapped vary across countries. Americans throw their cards casually across a table; the Japanese make the exchange of cards a formal ceremony. While there are cards that are discreet and understated, others are crammed full of details and titles. Some businesspeople hand out 24-carat gold cards, and there are kindergarten children who have cards with not only their own contact details, but also with the job descriptions of their parents and even grandparents. This practice has become so common in parts of New York, for example, that the use of such cards is now prohibited by some of these institutions.

1. 1. Children's business cards have been banned in some kindergartens.

• TRUE

• FALSE

• NOT GIVEN