PART 1
A PEN OR A PENCIL
ANSWERS
Do you usually use a pen or a pencil?
(Answer 1)
As an artist, I often use pencils than pens because they’re ideal for sketching. Most of the time I use graphite pencils whenever I sketch or draw, however, I sometimes use grease pencils for drawing especially when I need to draw in broad strokes without getting finicky.
(Answer 2)
Oh wow, that’s a surprising question! Actually, I don’t use any of them lately as I don’t have any opportunity to use one. I’m a digital nomad so most of the time I use my laptop or tablet computer to write or sign some documents – as you know, digital signature is common nowadays and for me, it’s more convenient than using a pencil or a pen.
(Answer 3)
I usually use the latter most of the time. As a student, I need to jot our lessons down on my notebook. And there’s no way I can do that quickly if I use the former. That’s the most convenient way to take down notes.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Sketch [verb] – make a rough drawing
Graphite pencil [noun] – another term for lead pencil; a kind of pencil that is used for writing or drawing with a thin graphite core that is embedded in a wooden or plastic shell
Grease pencil [noun] – a kind of pencil that is made of grease colored with a pigment especially used for marking glossy surfaces
Finicky [adj.] – requiring great attention to detail
Digital nomad [noun] – a person who uses telecommunications technologies to earn a living and works remotely
Digital signature [noun] – an electronic type of signature that encrypts documents with digital codes in order not to easily get duplicated
Latter [adj.] – last mentioned; second mentioned; second of the two
Jot something down [phrasal verb] – to write quickly on a piece of paper
Former [adj.] – first mentioned; opposite of latter
Take down (notes) [phrasal verb] – to write down
TIPS
i.) ANSWER 1: Here, the speaker talked about his profession as an artist which is a very good way to start his answer. By doing that, he’s able to use some topic vocabulary words about pencils in his answer. Also, if you notice, he mentioned some specific types of pencils in relation to his profession that helped him express his answer in an extraordinary way.
ii.) ANSWER 2: The speaker expressed his surprise at the question. That is really good and natural! Then, he gave a negative answer to the question and provided a clear explanation. He also shared about his profession as it’s the main reason why he didn’t use a pen or pencil in his everyday life. Because of that, he’s able to use advanced vocabulary words which is surely helpful to get a better mark in the criterion, Lexical Resource.
iii.) ANSWER 3: The speaker gave a non-traditional answer which is stating the specific subject of his choice, instead, he used the expression ‘the latter’. This kind of expression is really good to use when you are given choices. Try using ‘the former’ or ‘the latter’ expression!
Which do you prefer using a pen or a pencil? (These answers are independent from the previous answers to the first question So these are not related to what the speaker said in the first question.)
(Answer 1)
Well, I need to sign some pertinent documents at work every now and again, so I usually use a pen. We aren’t allowed to use a pencil for signing because it can be altered or changed.
(Answer 2)
I’m always for convenience so I use pens more often. As we know, using a pencil for writing is a bit of a hassle since you need to sharpen the tip of it when it becomes blunt over and over again, and doing so is a waste of time.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Pertinent document [noun] – a very important document such as a finance document, contract, tax, and the like
Alter [verb] – to change something
Hassle [noun] – inconvenience
Blunt [adj.] – not sharp
TIPS
i.) ANSWER: The speaker immediately talked about his responsibility at work which is signing documents, then gave his choice of answer. That’s a good alternative to answering that kind of question than starting his answer with “I prefer/I choose”… Make sure to be flexible when answering questions.
ii.) ANSWER 2: The speaker chose a pen and then gave his main reason – convenience. Then, he talked about the inconvenience of using a pencil to extend his answer a little bit longer. It’s a great way to express his answer longer.
When was the last time you bought a pen or a pencil?
Well, I just bought it this morning because I had to take the three sections of the IELTS exam and I needed to use a pencil. Seriously, I bought 4 pieces of pencils since I was really anxious that I might break one or two during the exam. I wanted to feel secure so having extra pencils was the best assurance I could give for myself, and that helped me stop thinking of problems that I might encounter while taking the exam.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Anxious [adj.] – worried; fearful
Secure [adj.] – free from worry
Assurance [noun] – self-confidence
Encounter [verb] – experience
TIP
i.) The speaker talked about his experience – his reality of taking the IELTS written exam. This helped him sound very realistic and natural. With this kind of answer, the examiner would surely realize how confident and comfortable the speaker was in using the English language.
What do you think if someone gives you a pen or a pencil as a gift?
(Answer 1)
Without a doubt, I’d be astounded especially if I get a Parker fountain pen. You know that kind of pen costs an arm and a leg, so I don’t think I can contain my happiness if I get one. But anyway, I don’t mind if the pen is not expensive, the fact that the person gives me a present is what I care about the most.
(Answer 2)
For me that’s a strange present to give, I’ve never tried giving a pen or a pencil as a present to my loved ones or friends. However, if I could receive one, I would be glad and grateful. Well, I always believe that it’s the thought that counts!
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Without a doubt [phrasal verb] – indisputably
Astounded [adj.] – surprised
Fountain pen [noun] – a pen with a reservoir or cartridge from which the ink flows continuously to the nib
Cost an arm and a leg [idiom] – very expensive
Can’t contain one’s happiness [idiom] – cannot hide one’s happiness
Strange [adj.] – weird; unusual
It’s the thought that counts [saying] – used to say that good or kind intentions are the most important thing, even if the material you give is not perfect at all
TIPS
i.) ANSWER 1: The speaker described his feelings right away and provided an example of a particular type of pen. He equipped his answer with very good expressions that would help him express his answer naturally.
ii.) ANSWER 2: Here, the speaker stated his opinion first about having pens or pencils as a gift. Then, he transitioned by expressing his feelings about how he could receive that kind of gift by using a conditional tense. That’s really helpful in making his mark in Grammar & Accuracy high. Also, he ended his answer by stating a very good saying. It’s a great way to end his answer!
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IELTS Speaking PART 1 Topic
about WATER SPORTS.
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Meaning of Words and Phrases Sources: Collins, Macmillan, Cambridge, Oxford
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