PART 1
MATHEMATICS
ANSWERS
Do you like math? (Is math your favorite subject?)
(Answer 1)
It’s such a shame to say never. I’m not into numbers, I’m the dumbest when learning mathematics. I remember when I was a high school student I always got a D+ or D- mark in major exams and no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t improve my grades, especially in Trigonometry and Statistics.
(Answer 2)
Definitely! I don’t want to blow my own trumpet but to be honest with you, I got very good grades in mathematics from primary school to secondary school. And that’s the main reason why I’m currently majoring in statistics in at my university, I want to be a statistician someday. I believe I inherited my dad’s mathematical and analytical skills and I’m so grateful for that.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
It’s such a shame [expression] – it means it’s very unfortunate
Be into (I’m not into) [expression] – to be interested in
Dumbest [adj. in superlative form] – stupid; lack of intelligence
D mark [noun] – it’s a grading system that means less unsatisfactory performance [A is the highest grade]
Blow one’s trumpet [expression]– to crow, brag, boast
Statistician [noun] – an expert in doing analysis of statistics
Inherit [verb] – derive [behavior/characteristics] genetically from one’s parents or ancestors
Grateful [adj.] – thankful; blessed
TIPS
i.) ANSWER 1: The speaker started his answer with a very good expression expressing his negative answer. That expression was a good start instead of just saying ‘no’. And he used some good topic vocabulary words related to math study.
ii.) ANSWER 2: The speaker gave a straightforward positive answer then he proceeded to his explanation. Then he related his main reason to what he wanted to have as a profession. Also, he used some topic vocabulary words or expressions. His answer was direct with good expressions and very natural.
When did you start learning mathematics?
If my memory serves me well, I learned that subject when I was in the first grade of primary school. I learned basic arithmetic, but only addition and subtraction. Like counting how many apples or candies and subtracting the apples if I ate one or two, something like that. That was a piece of cake!
LEXICAL RESOURCE
If my memory serves me well/right/correctly [expression] – used for saying that you think you have remembered something correctly
Basic arithmetic [noun] – the basic calculation such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
A piece of cake [idiom] – very easy
TIP
i.) The speaker opened his introduction with a very good expression. Use that expression when you’re trying to remember something that happened in the past. Using that makes you sound very natural. Notice how he answered it well – he talked about areas in math and added some very good examples of the situation. Brief answer and a well-composed answer.
Do you use a calculator?
(Answer 1)
Yes, I do! I often use my phone’s calculator when I go shopping at the grocery store. I always make sure to keep track of my expenses as I don’t want to go beyond my budget. My phone’s calculator is a big help for me to not overspend.
(Answer 2)
No, I don’t since I’m not a student anymore. If I need to calculate something I just do it in my mind or if the numbers are just too huge for me to handle, I just do a manual calculation using a pen and a piece of paper.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Keep track [phrase] – to make sure that you know what is happening
Beyond (my) budget [expression] – another way to say over the budget; out of budget
Manual calculation [noun] – to calculate without using a calculator
TIPS
i.) ANSWER 1: The speaker provided an affirmative short direct answer to the question. In order to make his answer longer, he talked about his routine of shopping and how he used a calculator during that time. This kind of example made his answer more detailed.
ii.) ANSWER 2: The speaker developed a negative straightforward answer. In order for him to extend his answer, he simply talked about his technique for calculating numbers without relying on a calculator. It’s a realistic answer and organized.
Do you think mathematics is important?
Yes, it is very essential in our everyday lives since everything in this world is interconnected with math. From reading the time and dates to counting money and budgeting, not to mention understanding the prices of goods and how much we need to pay. If we’re all ignorant of basic math, we surely can never survive.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Essential [adj.] – very important
Interconnected [adj.] – all parts connected to one another
Not to mention [phrase] – used to introduce an additional fact
Ignorant [adj.] – uneducated; lack knowledge
TIP
i.) Here the speaker started his answer by giving a paraphrased introduction and then immediately provided his answer. He provided a very good explanation for his answer by mentioning instances of how important math is in every person’s life. He ended his answer by using a conditional tense, which would surely make his Grammar mark better.
Develop a story better in Part 2 for
the recent IELTS Speaking CUE
CARD about
Describe An Occasion When You Enjoyed Your Free Time.
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Meaning of Words and Phrases Sources: Collins, Macmillan, Cambridge, Oxford
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