Mat Clark – IELTS Speaking

– one of the most important aspects of the marking system is uncommon and idiomatic
vocabulary.)
Most of the idioms have been explained in simple English, but the vocabulary has
not been translated into Chinese.
You should use these topic pages as a learning tool. Select one or two topics per
day and use a good dictionary to translate the words yourself; in this way you will be
actively learning the new vocabulary. You will find it easier to remember the words if you
have translated them yourself.

1.9. Part one topic list

Topic 1: Where you live

Tell me about your hometown/street/apartment.

What do you like about your hometown/street/house/apartment?

Tell me the good things about your house.

Is there anything you don’t like about it?

Would you like to move to another city/street/house/apartment?

What would you change about your city?

Would you recommend your area/street as a good place to live?

 Nouns
Winding street suburb architecture
The locals (= people) local cuisine shopping
Residential area estate neighbourhood
Apartment complex capital
 Adjectives
Sprawling regionally important commercial
Unique distinctive built-up
Industrial provincial
 Idioms
run down (= in bad condition) some areas are run-down
up-market/ chic (= fashionable) some neighbourhoods are very up-market/ chic

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Topic 2a: What you do—your job

Tell me about your job./ What job do you do?

Why did you choose this job?
What do you like about your job?
How long have you been doing this job?
Is there anything you don’t like?

 Nouns
profession line of business occupation line of work
 Verbs
be involved in share responsibility for work within a team
 Adjectives
hectic exhausting taxing intricate
undemanding
 Idioms
work flat out (= work very hard) Sometimes I have to work flat out.

on the go (= very busy) I'm always on the go.

get to the bottom of(= solve) I have to get to the bottom of problems
related to...

pull out all the stops(=make a When it's busy I have to pull out all the
special effort) stops.

take charge of(= manage) I often have to take charge of the whole
department.

pick up the pieces(= take When there's a problem I have to pick up

responsibility) the pieces.

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Topic 2b: What you do- your studies

What are you studying?

Where are you studying?
Why did you choose this college I university?
What's good about where you're studying?
What would you like to do after your studies?

 Nouns
schoolwork branch of learning field of study discipline
lecturer theory

 Verbs
revise comprehend succeed in
become skilled in

 Adjectives
hands-on (=practical) job-related theoretical reputable
highly regarded compulsory optional

 Idioms
Pass with flying colours (= pass with a high score)
I pass my entrance exam with flying coulours.
Sail through (= finish sth. Easily and quickly)
I can usually sail through all my assessments.
To flunk (= to fail/ perform badly)
I always seem to flunk my compulsory maths tests.
Cross that bridge when sb. come to it (= deal with a problem when it arrives)
I’m not worried about that now—I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.

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Topic 3: Hobbies/ Free-time activities

Do you have any hobbies?

What do you do in your free time?
What hobbies/ free-time activities are popular in your country?
Is it important to have a hobby?
Why is it important for people to have free-time activities?
Is it harmful to spend too much time on a hobby?
What free-time activities would you like to try in the future?

 Nouns
leisure pursuit spare time pastime

 Verbs
amuse oneself by unwind by kill time by

 Adjectives
fascinating cativating time-consuming appealing

 Idioms
take up (= start) I’ve recently taken up swimming.
take part in I frequently take part in group activities like..
get into (= enjoy) Recently I’ve been getting into fishing.
have a go at (= try) I’d really like to have a go at scuba diving.
idle away the hours (= spend In my time off I often idle away the hours by playing guitar.
time)

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Mat Clark – IELTS Speaking

Topic 4: Sports

Do you like playing sports?

How often do you play sports?
What sports are the most popular in your country?
Do you think it is important to play a sport?
What sports would you like to try in the future?
Do you prefer watching or playing sports?

 Nouns
team game spectator spost physical activity squad
solo sport

 Verbs
compete challenge get fit lose weight
stay healthy

 Adjectives
strenous physical energizing revitalizing

 Idioms
have a crack at (= had a try at) I had a crack at baseball but it was too strenuous
for me.
get into shape I’ve been trying to get into shape by going to the
gym.

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Topic 5: Televison

Do you like watching TV?

How much time do you spend watching TV?
When do you usually watching TV?
What types of TV programme do you like watching?
What types of TV programme are popular in your country?
Why do children like watching TV?

 Nouns
telly (= TV) episode series soap opera
documentary mainstream sitcom audience
viewer

 Verbs
turn on/ off/ over tune in sit in front of theh telly
repeat produce telesise broadcast
 Adjectives
witty enlightening mind-numbing (= boring)
televised live-broadcast attention-grabbing (= interesting)
pre-recorded
 Idioms
watch the box (= watch TV) I often watch the box at weekends
channel surf(=change TV I usually sit in front of the telly and
channels frequently) channel surf

Topic 6: Music

Do you like listening to music?

What types of music do you like listening to?
Where do you usually listen to music?
Can you play any musical instruments?
Do you think it’s important for children to learn to play a musical instrument?
Do you prefer listening to live performances or recorded music?

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 Nouns
harmony melody lyric synthesizer
concert gig (= concert) album tune
portable CD player MP3 player a hit record

 Verbs
download( MP3’s) burn CD’s put on CD/ piece of music

 Adjectives
funky catchy soothing atmospheric

 Idioms
blow one’s mind The music was so amazing it blew my mind
set sth. to music The composer managed to set the lyrics to music
chill out to (= relax) I often chill out to atmospheric ambient music

Topic 7: Reading

Do you like reading?

How often do you read?
What do you like to read?
Where do you usually read?
Do you read for pleasure or to get information?

 Nouns
a work of fiction biography novel novelist
poetry author literatune best-seller

 Verbs
scan skim browse flick through
flip through

 Adjectives
fictional gripping contemporary classical

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 Idioms
read up on (=read about) I often read up on modern literatune.
have one’s nose in a book (= read a book) I always have my nose in a book.
a coffee-table book (= a large book I sometimes flick through a coffee-
that one leaves on the table, often table book.
with photos etc.)

Topic 8: Email

How often do you use email?

What do most people in your country use email for?
What are the advantages of email?
Are there any disadvantages?
Do you think that email will replace letter-writing?

 Nouns
email account electronic message attachment spam (= junk mail)
commercial correspondence (= business communication) cyberspace

 Verbs
send out deliver delete

 Adjectives
web-based prompt speedy virtual
time-consuming

 Idioms
snail mail (= sending letters through the post) Snail mail is extremely time-
consuming
lost in cyberspace (= lost somewhere on the Sometimes emails get lost in
internet) cyberspace
At the push of a button With email you can send a
message at the push of a
button

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Topic 9: Learning English

How long have you been learning English?

What do you find difficult about learning English?
What advice would you give to someone starting to learn English?
Would you like to learn another language in the future?

 Nouns
expression irregularity syntax learning
strategy

 Verbs
become skilled at sth. make progress recall

 Adjectives
tough (=difficult) effortless (= easy) intricate

 Idioms
learn by heart It’s quite tough to learn expressions by
(= remember) heart
swot up on (=learn) I find it effortless to swot up on the irregular
verbs.
block out (= ignore) It’s a good idea to block out your first
language

Topic 10: Writing

How often do you write something by hand?

What types of things do you usually write by hand?
Do you think it is important to have good handwriting?
What are the advantages of writing something by hand?

 Nouns
handwriting calligraphy correspondence script
diary journal

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 Verbs
scrawl scribble sth. down (= write sth. quickly) keep a diary

 Adjectives
hand-written illegible sloppy (=untidy) clear (= tidy)
personal

 Idioms
put pen to paper (= write I don’t put pen to paper very often.
by hand)
put…in writing A diary is a cool way to put your thoughts
in writing.
jot down (= write quickly) I might jot down a new idea in my
notebook.

Topic 11: Clothes

What types of clothes do you like wearing?

Where do you usually buy your clothes?
Did you wear a school uniform when you were younger?
What can we learn about a person from the clothes that they wear?

 Nouns
clothing garment trend Clothes
boutiquite

 Verbs
flaunt show off dress up

 Adjectives
stylish chic well-made hard-wearing

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 Idioms

the in thing (= fashionable) This summer, baggy jeans are the in the
thing.
at the height of fashion (= Sports clothing is at the height of
fashionable) fashions.
up-to the-minute (= the most I don’t really follow up-to-the-minute
recent) fashions.
dressed to the nines (= If a person is dressed to the nines, then
wearing very formal clothes) it usually means they want to impress
someone.

Topic 12: School (that you went to when to when you were younger—NOT
your current school)

Telll me about a school that you went to when you were younger.
What did you like about that school?
What subject did you like best at that school?
What would you like to change about that school?

 Nouns
Rules & regulations Subject matter curriculum Tutor

 Verbs
Cram (=remember a lot of information in a short time Clarify

punish reward Assess

 Adjectives
monotonous Thought-provoking authoritarian Easy-going
 Idioms
Off by heart (=remember 100%)
We had to learn all our lessons off by heart.
Off the top of one’s head (=without any help)
We had to recite famous stories off the top of our heads.
Come down like a ton of bricks (=punish severely)
My maths teacher used to come down on us like a ton of bricks if we couldn’t work out
some problems.

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Topic 13: Restaurants

How often do you eat out in restaurants?

What types of restaurants do you like best?
What types of restaurant are common in your city?
What are the advantages of eating out in restaurants?

(See Topic 31: Cooking and Topic 36: Food)

 Nouns

eatery cuisine meal speciality dish

delicacy service décor setting
 Verbs

eat out dine out feast on sample

 Adjectives

regional swanky posh low-cost

unsophisticated
 Idioms

Not as good as it’s/they’re cracked up to be (=not as good as people say)

Lots of the posh restaurants are not as good as they’re cracked up to be.
Run of the mill (=average, typical)
In my neighbourhood there are quite a few run of the mill eateries.
Set sb, back (=cost sb, an amount of money)
The swanky restaurants will set you back quite a lot of money.

Topic 14: Friends

How much time do you spend with your friends?

What do you usually do with your friends?
Do you prefer spending time with your family or friends?
Is friendship important to you?

 Nouns

companion acquaintance best-buddy (US) best-mate

company sibling shared interests (=similar hobbies)

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 Verbs

get together hang out with socialize

 Adjectives

sociable gregarious out-going chummy

extrovert introvert
 Indioms

own flesh and blood (=family, relative)

Obviously my siblings are my own flesh and blood so I love them very
much.
soul mate (=best friend)
I usually hang out with my soul mate.
a sounding board (=a good person to talk to)
I can use my best mate as a sounding board when I have problems.

Topic 15: Festivals

Do you often celebrate festivals in your culture?

What do people usually do during festivals?
Which is your favourite festival?
Do you think festivals are important?

 Nouns

celebrate festivity reunion family get-together

ceremony ritual legend folklore
 Verbs

celebrate reunite revisit pay one’s respects to

 Adjectives

cheerful customary long-established time-honoured

 Idioms

Push the boat out (= have a party)

We really push the boat out during spring festival celebrations.
Make merry (= drink and eat)
People always make merry on New Year’s Eve.
Slap-up meal (= big meal)

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There is usually a customary slap-up meal.

In high spirits (= happy)
Everyone is in high spirits just before midnight.

Topic 16: Meeting new people

Do you often meet new people?

In your country where can you meet new people?
How easy is it to meet new people in your city?
Is it possible to meet people from other countries where you lives?

(See vocabulary for Topic 14: Friends)

 Nouns

individual meeting point gathering place nightclub

 Verbs

congregate flock meet for the first time

crowd together
get acquainted befriend
 Adjectives

approachable antisocial
 Idioms

Bump into (= meet)

It’s quite easy to bump into someone from another country.
Make somebody’s acquaintance (= get to know somebody)
It’s possible to make somebody’s acquaintance online.

Topic 17: The sea

Have you spent much time near the sea?

What do people usually do when they visit the sea?
Why do people like spending time near the sea?
Would you like to live near the sea?

 Nouns

coast shoreline seashore water’s edge

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wave scuba diving marine wildlife sea breeze

beach resort

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 Verbs

sunbathe get a suntan paddle go for a swim

 Adjectives

marine rocky sandy pebbly

tropical exotic coastal (water)
crystal-clear
 Idioms

Go for a dip (= go swimming)

You can go for a dip in the crystal-clear water.
Get one’s sea legs (= get used to being on a ship/boat)
I went sailing but it took me a while to get my sea legs.

Topic 18: Computers

How often do you use computers?

In what ways do people use computers in your country?
How did you learn to use a computer?
How much have computers changed your life?

(See vocabulary for Topic 8: Email)

 Nouns

laptop worldwide web online shopping chat room

forum online gaming
 Verbs

surf (the net) browse (website) sit in front of (the computer)

 Adjectives

digital electronic virtual computer-literate

 Idioms

Technophobe (=someone who can’t use a computer)

I used to be a technophobe but now I am computer-literate.
Call up (= find and read) I can use the Internet to call up current news items.
Conk out on (= break) My old computer conked out on me.
Do … by hand Some tasks I prefer to do by hand, like writing letters.

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Topic 19: Collecting things

Have you ever collected anythings?

What things do people collect in your country?
Why do people like collecting things?
Would you like to start collecting something new in the future?

 Nouns

collection postage stamp autograph album

person value
 Verbs

hoard accumulate classify collecting

have an obsession for collecting have a fixation with
 Adjectives

antique vintage rare valuable high sought-after

worthless
 Idioms

A one-off (= only one of its kind) I have a very rare stamp, in fact it’s
a one-off.
Here and there (= in different places) I sometimes find valuable stamps
here and there.
Once in a blue moon (= not very often) Once in a blue moon you can find a
really rare example.

Topic 20: Dancing

Do you like dancing?

What kinds of dancing are popular in your country?
Is traditional dancing popular among young people in your country?
What kind of dancing do people like watching?

 Nouns

ballet ballroom dancing salsa break-dancing

ethnic minority

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 Verbs

boogie twist twirl

 Adjectives

rhythmic ritual ceremonial

 Idioms

Two left feet (describing someone who cannot dance) I can’t dance at all, in
face I’ve got two left feet.
All the rage (= fashionable) Nowadays break-
dancing is all the rage.

Topic 21: Learning languages

What languages do you speak?

Do you think it’s important to learn a foreign language?
What languages are spoken in your country?
Would you like to learn another language in the future?
(see vocabulary for Topic 9: learning English)

 Nouns
Native tongue Dialect Verbal communication
 Verbs
Be fluent in Converse Chat
 Adjectives
Understandable Unintelligible Meaningless
 Idioms
Have a chinwag (= have a conversation)
When I travelled to France, I tried to have a chinwag with the locals.
All Greek (= a language that one doesn’t understand)
When I went to Korea, I tried to converse with some people but the
native tongue was all Greek to me.

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Topic 22: Weather

What’s the weather like where you live?

What do you do when the weather is bad?
What type of weather do you like best?
Would you like to have that type of weather all year round?

 Nouns
Climate Blizzard Average temperature Shower Spell
 Verbs
Drizzle Shift Vary
 Adjectives
(rain) torrential Balmy (=warm) Sunny Sun-drenched
Sweltering (=hot) Muggy (=humid) Chilly (=cold)
Clammy (=humid) Nippy (=cold)
 Idioms
Chuck it down (=rain heavily): In spring it usually chuck it down for days
on end
Rain or sunshine (=in all weather): Rain or sunshine – I love to be outdoors
Like a sauna (= a hot and humid place): My city is like a sauna in summer

Topic 23: Happiness

What kinds of things make you happy?

What do you do if you feel unhappy?
Is unhappiness always a bad thing?

 Nouns
Pleasure Satisfaction Depression Frame of mind
 Verbs
Cheer up Brighten up Go through (a bad time)
 Adjectives
Contented Gloomy Overjoyed Dejected

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 Idioms
In high spirits (=happy): I am always in high spirits when I go out with my friends.
On cloud nine (=happy): After I win at basketball I feel like I’m on cloud nine.
Down in the dumps (=sad): I usually feel down in the dumps if my football team
loses.

Topic 24: Shopping

Do you like shopping?

How often do you go shopping?
What kind of shops are there in the area you live?
What’s the worst thing about shopping?

 Nouns
Essential Store Luxury Market stall Independent retailer
Chain
 Verbs
Purchase Flog (slang for ―sell‖) Haggle Pick out
 Adjectives
Inexpensive Low-priced Pricey Over-priced Fake Genuine Posh
Classy
 Idioms
The real McCoy (=genuine, not fake)
Most chain stores only stock the Reak McCoy goods.
Going for a song (=offered at a low price)
If I see some classy products going for a song – I might me tempted.
Rip sb. Off (=cheat sb.)
Some market stalls rip you off – they always flog fake stuff.

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Topic 25: Films

Do you like watching films?

What types of film do you like watching?
How often do you watch films?
Do you prefer watching films at home or at the cinema?
Would you like to be in a movie

 Nouns
Big name Star Director Current release DVD release
Oldie (=old movie) Soundtrack Blockbuster Flick (slang for movie)
The pictures (= the cinema)
 Verbs
Produce Direct Star in Act in Play the lead role
 Adjectives
Unforgettable Avant- garde Tear-jerking Spellbinding
Thrilling Samey Action-packed Big-budget
 Idioms
Film buff (=someone who loves films): I wouldn’t describe myself as a film buff.

Box-office smash (=a very successful film): I find most box-office smashes to be a
bit samey.

Topic 26: Weekends

What do you usually do at the weekend?

What do people usually do at weekends in your country?
Do you think your weekends are long enough?
How important do you think it is to have free tome?
(Use the same vocabulary for Topic 3 Hobbies/Free-time activities)

 Nouns
Leisure pursuit Spare time Pastime Time off
 Verbs
Amuse by Unwind by Kill time by
 Adjectives
Soothing Pleasing Engaging

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 Idioms
Let one’s hair down (=relax): At weekends I usually let my hair down.
Take it easy (=relax): On Saturdays I take it easy.
Slip by (= (time) passes quickly): I feel like the weekend slips too quickly.

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Topic 27: Going out in the evening

How often do you go out in the evening?

Who do you usually spend for evening with?
When you go out in the evening what do you usually do?
Do you think there is enough to do in the evening in your city?

 Nouns
dusk nightlife nightspot discotheque
café
 Verbs
go for a stroll wander around pay a visit
 Adjectives
invigorating happening(=fashionable) late-night
 Idioms
Regular haunt My regular late-night haunt is a
(=a place one regularly goes to) trendy little café.
Drop in on (=visit) I sometimes drop in on my
neighbors.
The wee hours (= very early in the I usually have to get home before
morning – after midnight) the wee hours.
In the dead of night (=very late at night) Occasionally, I go for a stroll in the
dead of night.

Topic 28: Animals

Do you like animals?

What types of animals do people keep as pets in your country?
How do most people feel about animals in your country?

What are animals used for in your country?

 Nouns
wildlife species domestic animal mammal
reptile dairy farming
 Verbs
protect conserve raise (farm animals)

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 Adjectives
endangered extinct domesticated
Idioms
Flora and fauna (=all animals People in cities don’t really care about flora and
and plants fauna.
Like one of the family People treat their dogs like one the family.
Make a fuss over(= care very People often make a fuss over their pets.
much for)

Topic 29: Routines

What time do you usually get up in the morning?

Are your weekday and weekend routines different?
What’s your favorite time of day?
What’s the favorite part of the day for you?

 Nouns
habit hixed schedule agenda houtine
 Verbs
wake up get out of bed retire (=go to bed)
 Adjectives/adverbs
later than usual earlier than normal flexible inflexible
rigid habitual
 Idioms

The daily grind (=everyday work At the weekend I can forget about the
routine) daily grind.
Get away from it all (= get away from It’s a good idea to get away from it all
the daily work routine) at least once a month.
Get into the swing of (=get used to) I find it quite easy to get into the swing
of my study routine.
Early bird (= someone who gets up I’m not much of an early bird.
early)

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Topic 30: Family

Tell me about your family.

What kind of things do you and your family do together?
Who hoes the housework in your family?
Would you prefer to have a larger or smaller family?

 Nouns
family unit relative household chore
family circle family connection
 Adjectives
affectionate intimate distant
 Idioms
It’s in the blood (= it’s a natural part of one’s character).
All my family are really fond of reading – I guess it’s in the blood.
Run in the family (= be shared family characteristic).
My brothers and I have big ears – it runs in the family.
Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth (= born into a rich family).
I wasn’t exactly born with a silver spoon in my mouth – my family is quite normal.

Topic 31: Cooking

Can you cook?

Who usually does the cooking in your home?
How do people usually learn to cook in your country?
What are the advantages of being able to cook?

 Nouns
cookery cuisine ingredient recipe
home economics bite to eat (=snack) oven
 Verbs
become skilled at prepare entertain (= have guests)

 Adjectives
yummy full of flavor nourishing hot from
home-cooked famished

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 Idioms
Lip-smacking (=delicious)
When I entertain guests I try to some lip-smacking recipes.
Burn to a crisp (= burn food)
Once I tried to prepare steak for my friends but is came out burn to a crisp.
Rustle up (= cook sth, quickly without a recipe)
It’s good to be able to rustle up a quick bite to eat when you’re famished.

Topic 32: Weddings

Have you ever been to a wedding?

What do people usually do at weddings in your country?
What clothes do people usually wear at weddings in your country?
Which people are usually invited to weddings?

 Nouns
marriage ceremony bride groom honeymoon
bridal gown banquet best man bride’s maid
 Verbs
get married give presents drink a toast
 Adjectives
conventional customary ceremonial
 Idioms
Tie the knot (= get married)
When people decided to tie the knot, they usually want to lead a steady life.
Get hitched (=get married)
My cousin got hitched when she was 21 years old.
Raise a glass (= drink a toast)
The bride and groom have to raise a glass with all the guests.
Give (the bride) away (part of a traditional wedding ceremony)
The bride is given away by her father or mother.

Topic 33: Public transport

What types of public transport can be found in your city?

What types of public transport do you use most?
Are there any public transport problems in your city?
How would you improve the public transport system in your country?

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 Nouns
transport network bus system minicab traffic
congestion delay fare commuter
journey Rush hour
 Verbs
commuter catch (a bus/ train)
 Adjectives
old-fashioned inefficient well-organized government
subsidized
 Idioms
Packed like sardines/ jam – packed (=very crowded)
During rush hour the buses are always jam-packed- actually the passengers are
packed like sardines.
Pile-up (=traffic accident)
Sometimes there are serious pile ups on the main roads.
Get stuck in traffic (= get stuck in a traffic jam)
Buses always get stuck in traffic during rush hour.

Topic 34: Travelling

How much travelling have you done?

Do you prefer travelling alone or in a group?
When you visit new places, what do you like to do?
What places would you like to visit in the future?

 Nouns
package tour independent travel tourism tourist
tourist trap sightseeing holiday-maker travel agent
 Verbs
go backpacking go sightseeing
 Adjectives
touristy tacky overdeveloped exclusive
luxurious
 Idioms
Off the beaten track (= to a place not usually visited by tourists)
When I go backpacking I prefer to go off the beaten track.

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Rough it (= live in uncomfortable conditions, eg, camping)

When we went camping we had to rough it two days on the mountain.
See the sights (= visit the famous places)
I always try to see the sights.

Topic 35: Names

Do you like your name?

Does your name have any special meaning?
Who usually chooses babies’ names in your country?
Would you ever change your name?

 Nouns
Surname Last name Middle name Nickname
Meaning
 Verbs
Christen Settle on Signify Pick out
 Adjectives
Conventional Insignificant Auspicious
 Idioms
Be named after (= have the same name as someone else)
My father named me after my great-grandfather.
Nothing out of ordinary (= common, ordinary)
My name is nothing out of ordinary – it’s quite common.
Run of the mill (=typical, ordinary)
My name is actually very run of the mill.

Topic 36: Food

What food do you like eating?

Is there any food that you don’t like?
What food is popular in your country?
(See Topic 13: Restaurants and Topic 31: Cooking)

 Nouns
Cuisine Regional dish Calory Flavour

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 Verbs
Eat out Dine out Eat at home

 Adjectives
Scrumptious Appetizing Revolting Fattening
Wholesome Peppery Sugary Vinegary

 Idioms
Wolf down (= eat very quickly)
When I’m in a hurry I wolf down some fat food
Sink one’s teeth into (= eat (some special food))
I love to sink my teeth into a juicy steak.
Something about it (=something strange or special)
I can’t stand seafood. There’s just something about it I’m not sure
about.

Topic 37: Birthdays

How are birthdays usually celebrated in your country?

What gifts so people receive on their birthdays in your country?
Do people eat special food on their birthdays in your country?
Which birthday is most important in your culture?

 Nouns
Get-together Shindig Greeting card Surprise

 Verbs
Get older Grow older Crack open a bottle of wine

 Adjectives
Unexpected Customary

 Idioms
- Throw a party (= have a party)
Most people throw a party on their 21st birthday
- Let one’s hair down (=enjoy oneself)
People can really let their hair down on their birthday
- Push the boat out/paint the town red (= have a big celebration)
On their 21st birthday most people really push the boat out/paint the
town red.

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Topic 38: Seasons

Tell me about the seasons in your country?

What is your favourit season?
Do the seasons affect people’s behavior?
Do you wear different clothes in different seasons?

 Nouns
Time of year Climate Average temperature Variability

 Verbs
Vary Fluctuate Differ

 Adjectives
Seasonal Erratic Unpredictable Constant

 Idioms
In blossom (= many flowers opening)
When you see the cherry trees in blossom you know spring is on its way.
Down south (= in the southern part of a country)
Down south the winters are much milder
Up north (=in the northern part of a country)
Up north the winters can be quite harsh

Topic 39: Birds

Are there many birds where you live?

How do people in China feel about birds?
Do birds have any special meaning in your culture?
Should we protect birds?

 Nouns
Poultry Domestic fowl (=farm birds) Species
Habitat Migratory bird Resident bird Pest

 Verbs
Symbolise Offer protection Provide food for

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 Adjectives
Rare Endangered Widespread Commonplace
Mythical Fairy - tale Symbolic

 Idioms
On the wing (=flying)
In my city you can often see pigeons on the wing.
Dart in and out (= move quickly between two things, eg, trees)
Almost every day I catch a glimpse of a woodpecker darting in and out of the
pine trees near my house
In one’s own backyard (=near where one lives)
You never really see rare birds like owls in your own backyard.
Ten a penny/ dime a dozen (=very common)
Sparrows are ten a penny in my city – you can see them everywhere

Topic 40: Photography

Do you like taking photographs of new places?

Is photograph popular in your country?
What kinds of photographs do you like looking at?
Would you prefer to buy a postcard or take a photograph of a new places?

 Nouns
Snapshot Likeness Landscape shot Studio print

 Verbs
Get (photos) Develop Pose for the camera

 Adjectives
Photogenic Camera – friendly Picturesque Photographable

 Idioms
Do justice to…(= represent or illustrate… accurately)
Photographs don’t do justice to the beauty of natural places
Touch…up (= repair… on the surface)
The good thing about digital photos is that you can touch them up afterwards
Strike a pose (= position oneself in a certain way)
I never strike a pose in front of camera – I’m not really photogenic
Zoom in on (=use a zoom lens to get a closer view on a camera)
My camera has a zoom lens so I can really zoom in on things and get fine detail
in my shots.
I never strike a pose in front of the camera—I’m not really photogenic.

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zoom in on (= use a zoom lens to get a closer view on a camera)

My camera has a zoom lens so I can really zoom in on things and get fine detail in my
shots.

Topic 41: Flowers

Do you like flowers?

On what occasions do people give flowers in your culture?
Do any flowers have a special meaning in your culture?

 Nouns
flora petal lotus flower a bunch of ( roses etc.)
florist hay fever a bouquet of flowers
artificial flower (= silk flower)

 Verbs
cultivate sneeze

 Adjectives
fragrant sweet-scented

 Idioms
in bloom (= when flowers are opening)

give off (= smell)

Roses give off a sweet fragrance when they are in bloom.

reminiscent of (= reminding sb. of)

The fragrance of flowers in blossom is reminiscent of spring.

Topic 42: Buildings

What types of buildings are there in your city?

Do you prefer old or new buildings?
Are historical buildings important?
Would you like to live in an old building?
 Nouns

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architecture structural design skyscraper office

block residence

 Verbs
construct erect renovate demolish

 Adjectives
elegant well-designed unsightly
contemporary

 Idioms
put up (= build)
They are putting up loads of unsightly office blocks.

do up (= repair)
They should do up some of the old-fashioned residences.

pull down (= demolish)

They are pulling down older neighbourhoods to make way for the new skyscrapers.

Topic 43: Rains

Do you like rains?

What do you usually do when it rains?
How do people feel about rain where you live?
What do you think is worse, too much rain or not enough rain?
 Nouns
drizzle shower torrential rain
downpour

 Verbs
pour down spit (= rain lightly)

 Adjectives
showery damp waterlogged (clothing)
waterproof
soaked

 Idioms

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chuck it down (=rain heavily)

In spring it often chucks it down.

get well
I really hate getting wet.

put off (= cancel a planned activity)

If it’s pouring down with rain I will usually put off any

clear up (= stop raining)

outdoor activities until it clears up.

Topic 44: Museums

Do you like museums?

How often do you visit museums?
What types of museum can be found in your country?
Why are museums important?
 Nouns
Natural History Museum antique artifact
fossil

 Verbs
put on display put on show exhibit

 Adjectives
rare antique prehistoric
primitive

 Idioms
take sth. in (= look at sth.)
It takes about a full day to take in all the museums.

make a day of sth. (= spend a whole day doing sth.)

I’m quite into making a day of walking around the science museum.

on view / on display
There are loads of prehistoric fossils on view.

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Topic 45: Relaxation

What do you usually do to relax?
How much time do you usually have to relax?
What do people usually do to relax in your company?
Do you think it’s important for people to relax?
( Note: Most sporting activities are not ―relaxing‖, so do not talk about sport for
this topic.)

 Nouns
break rest

 Verbs
unwind recuperate

 Adjectives
soothing comforting calming

 Idioms
take a breather (= relax)
I’ve mowed the front lawn, and I’m just taking a breather before taking the back lawn.

chill out (= relax)

Stop working; let’s chill out.

take it easy (= relax)

Don’t worry; take it easy.

put one’s feet up (= relax)

On weekends, we always put our feet up.

Topic 46: Cycling

Do you like cycling?

Is cycling popular in your country?
What are the advantages of cycling?
How often do you walk to places

 Nouns
pushbike mountain bike biking bike-riding
 Verbs
peddle slow down speed up

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 Adjectives
invigorating energetic environmentally-friendly

 Idioms
had it (= broken)
My old pushbike has had it so I’m saving up to buy a new mountain bike.

run the risk of

If you leave your bike in public place, you run the risk of having it stolen.

Topic 47: Healthy eating

Do you like eating healthy food?

Do you think it is important to eat healthy food?
Is fast food popular in your country?
Do you think people eat healthier food nowadays compared with people in the
past?
 Nouns
calory cholesterol vitamin mineral

 Verbs
munch (= eat) lose weight put weight on

 Adjectives
nutritious nourishing wholesome
harmful (to one’s health)

 Idioms
in good shape/ in good condition (= having a healthy body)
She’s in good shape after months of training.
pig out (= eat a large amount of food, usually unhealthy food)
We pigged out on pizza last night.
a Big Mac Attack (modern slang for eating Macdonald’s fast food)
The Child is having a Big Mac Attack.
junk food (= un healthy fast food)
Junk food has little or no nutrition.
a fast-food joint (= a restaurant which serves fast food)
There’s a fast-food joint in the strect corner.

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Topic 48: Hotels

Do you like staying in hotels?

How often do you stay in hotels?
What types of hotels can be found in your city/ country?
What are the advantages of staying in a hotel?

 Nouns
Hostel hotel-chain (= holiday inn) room service
 Verbs
In English we do not usually ―live in a hotel‖. The common verbs are:
Reside in a hotel stay in a hotel be a good guest or resident
 Adjectives
Spartan (= basic and simple) luxurious exclusive
 Idioms
Get the royal treatment (= be treated as if one is a king or queen)
If you stay in an exclusive hotel, you usually get the royal treatment
At one’s beck and call (= ready serve sb.)
In most luxury hotels there are loads of staff at your beck and call
Creature comforts (= things that make people comfortable)
In 5-star hotels there are usually loads of creature comforts

Topic 49: Outdoor activities

Do you like doing outdoor activities?

How often do you do outdoor activities?
What outdoor activities are popular in you country?
Do you think it’s important for people to spend time outdoors?
(Use the same vocabulary as Topic 3: Hobbies/ Free-time activities and Topic 4:
Sports.)

 Nouns
Outdoor interest leisure
pursuit
 Verbs
Breath fresh air feel the wind in other’s face

 Adjectives
Bracing refreshing revitalising

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 Idioms
Out in the open air We always have a picnic out in the open air.

Topic 50: Memories of the past

Do you like to think about the past?

How do you feel when other people talk about their memories?
Do you keep photographs to remind you of past events?
What can people learn from the past?

 Nouns
Recollection childhood early years
 Verbs
Reminisce muse over recall

 Adjectives
Reminiscent (memories) amusing
 Idioms
Hang on to old memories (= remember sth. for a long time)
I’m not really the sort of person who likes to hang on to old memories – I
prefer to look to the future.
Hark back to (= remember sth. in the past)
Some of my friends often hark back to out childhood memories.
The here and now (= the present day)
I think that the past is history; I prefer to live for the here and now.
Rake up old memories (= remember past events. Usually bad memories)
Some people often rake up old memories.\

Topic 51: Childhood

Did you have a happy childhood?

What party of your childhood do you remember most?
What makes a happy childhood?
What would you like to change about your childhood?
(Use the same vocabulary as Topic 50: Memories of the past.)

 Nouns
Early years infancy formative years

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adolescence
 Verbs
Grow develop
 Adjectives
Childish adolescent
 Idioms
In the prime of one’s life (= in one’s early years)
In the prime of my life, I gained lots of prizes

Vim and vigour (= energy)

During my adolescence I used to always have so much vim and vigour.

Topic 52: Colours

What’s your favourite colour?

What can we learn about a person from the colours they wear?
Do any colours have a special meaning in your culture?

 Nouns
Vibrant colours (= vivid colours) dull colours hue (= shade of a
certain colour)
 Verbs
Signify symbolize
 Idioms
Give sb. The red carpet treatment (= treat sb. like a VIP)
Last night, we were given the red carpet treatment at the banquet.
Red tape (= official rule)
He hated red tape.
See red (= become angry)
Her criticisms were enough to make anyone see red.
In the red (= owing money)
My bank account is 50 dollars in the red.
In the black (= not owing money to any one)
A business must stay in the black to keep on.
Green with envy (= jealous)
The other boys were green with envy when Joe bought a car.

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Summary of Part One Topics

All of these Part One topics are the authentic topics that have been used in the
speaking test for the last 5 years.
The speaking test recycles these topics but generally speaking, there will be 10
topics in use for around 3 months. After 3 months these topics will be changed to a
different set of 10.
The speaking test does not introduce new Part One topics very often. On average 8
totally new topics are introduced in a year. These new topics are introduced gradually; so
you will not suddenly encounter new topics in Part One. It is more likely that you will see
one or two new topics introduced in each set of 10 topics.

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