Speaking Sample

RECENT PART 1 QUESTIONS:

Hometown

1. What do you like most about your hometown?

What I like most is the friendly atmosphere and the sense of community. Although it isn’t the biggest or busiest place, people are always willing to help one another, which makes it feel welcoming. It’s one of the places where I feel most comfortable because I’ve spent so much of my life there.

Useful phrases:

  • What I like most is… → the thing I enjoy the most is…
  • sense of community → feeling of belonging among local people
  • willing to help → happy to offer assistance
  • feel welcoming → make people feel comfortable
  • spent so much of my life there → lived there for many years 

Yes, it has changed quite a bit. Ever since new housing developments and shopping centres were built, the area has become much busier than it used to be. While some of those changes have improved people’s quality of life, others have made the town feel less peaceful.

Useful phrases:

  • Ever since → from that time until now
  • housing developments → newly built residential areas
  • used to be → was in the past
  • quality of life → overall well-being and standard of living
  • less peaceful → quieter than before

It depends on what stage of life I’m at. If I had the chance, I’d probably spend a few years living somewhere else before deciding where to settle down permanently. It’s not that I dislike my hometown; it’s just that I’d enjoy experiencing a different lifestyle for a while.

Useful phrases:

  • It depends on… → it varies according to
  • If I had the chance → if I had the opportunity
  • settle down → start living permanently in one place
  • It’s not that…, it’s just that… → polite way to explain an opinion
  • for a while → for a period of time

Generally speaking, yes. One of the reasons many young people enjoy living there is that there are plenty of cafés, sports facilities, and entertainment options. Whether they’re interested in outdoor activities or spending time with friends, there’s usually something for everyone.

Useful phrases:

  • Generally speaking → in general
  • One of the reasons… → one explanation for something
  • sports facilities → places where people can play sports
  • Whether…or… → regardless of which option
  • something for everyone → activities suitable for all kinds of people 

Buildings

1. Do you take photos of buildings?

Yes, I do, especially when I’m travelling. Whenever I come across a building with unusual architecture or an interesting history, I’ll almost always stop to take a few photos. One of the reasons I enjoy doing that is that the pictures remind me of the places I’ve visited long after the trip has ended.

Useful phrases:

  • Whenever → every time that
  • come across → find or see by chance
  • unusual architecture → distinctive building design
  • One of the reasons… → one explanation for something
  • long after → well after a particular time

Yes, if I had the chance, I’d definitely like to visit the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. What makes it special is not only its incredible height but also the engineering behind its design. Although I’ve seen countless photos and videos of it, I think experiencing it in person would be unforgettable.

Useful phrases:

  • If I had the chance → if I had the opportunity
  • What makes it special is… → the thing that makes it unique is…
  • engineering behind its design → the technical achievement involved
  • countless → too many to count
  • in person → with your own eyes

I’d probably say I prefer modern buildings that combine attractive design with practical features. While I can appreciate historic architecture, what I like most is seeing creative designs that are also functional. It’s not that I dislike old buildings; it’s just that modern architecture often feels more innovative to me.

Useful phrases:

  • combine…with… → bring two qualities together
  • While… → showing contrast
  • What I like most is… → the thing I enjoy the most is…
  • functional → practical and useful
  • innovative → new and original  

Yes, there are a few that are well known. Some of them have been standing for hundreds of years, while others have been designed more recently and are famous for their modern architecture. Looking back, I’ve probably taken those landmarks for granted because they’ve always been part of the city, but I can understand why visitors find them so impressive.

Useful phrases:

  • have been standing → have existed for a long time
  • have been designed → passive form showing the building was designed
  • Looking back → reflecting on the past
  • take something for granted → fail to appreciate something because it’s familiar
  • landmark → a famous or important building or place 

TRAVELLING

1. Did you enjoy travelling by car when you were a child?

Yes, I did. Looking back, those family road trips are some of my happiest childhood memories. Although the journeys sometimes felt quite long, I always enjoyed chatting with my family and watching the scenery go by.

Useful phrases:

  • Looking back → reflecting on the past
  • road trip → a long journey by car
  • childhood memories → memories from when you were a child
  • watch the scenery go by → look at the changing landscape while travelling
  • feel quite long → seem to take a long time 

I’d much rather be a passenger. What I like most is being able to relax, listen to music, or simply enjoy the journey without having to concentrate on the road. It’s not that I dislike driving; it’s just that being a passenger is usually far less stressful.

Useful phrases:

  • I’d much rather… → I strongly prefer…
  • What I like most is… → the thing I enjoy the most is…
  • concentrate on the road → pay attention while driving
  • far less stressful → much more relaxing
  • enjoy the journey → appreciate the travel experience 
  • Generally speaking, SUVs and compact cars are probably the most popular. While families often choose larger vehicles because they offer more space, younger people tend to prefer smaller cars, especially if they live in busy cities where parking can be difficult. Electric cars have also become much more common in recent years.

    Useful phrases:

    • Generally speaking → in general
    • While… → showing contrast
    • offer more space → provide more room inside
    • tend to → usually
    • compact car → a small, practical car 

Unfortunately, they do, especially during rush hour. Whenever there’s an accident or roadworks, the traffic can come to a complete standstill, which is incredibly frustrating. The reason why I try to avoid driving at those times is that it usually saves both time and stress.

Useful phrases:

  • rush hour → the busiest time for traffic
  • Whenever → every time that
  • roadworks → road construction or repairs
  • come to a complete standstill → stop moving completely
  • The reason why… → the explanation is that… 

Food

1. What kinds of food do you like?

I’d probably say I enjoy a wide variety of food. One of the reasons I like trying different cuisines is that I enjoy experiencing new flavours and cooking styles. Although I eat almost anything, I tend to prefer homemade meals because they usually taste fresher and healthier.

Useful phrases:

  • a wide variety of → many different kinds of
  • One of the reasons… → one explanation for something
  • different cuisines → foods from different countries
  • new flavours → different tastes
  • homemade meals → food cooked at home

Yes, quite a lot. I used to be quite a picky eater, but now I’m much more willing to try foods that I’ve never had before. Looking back, I probably missed out on a lot of great dishes simply because I wasn’t adventurous enough.

Useful phrases:

  • I used to…, but now… → contrast between the past and the present
  • picky eater → someone who is fussy about food
  • be willing to → be happy to do something
  • Looking back → reflecting on the past
  • miss out on → fail to experience something enjoyable  
  • It depends on the occasion. While I enjoy eating out with friends or family from time to time, what I like most is having a home-cooked meal because it’s usually healthier and more relaxing. Whenever possible, I try to cook for myself.

    Useful phrases:

    • It depends on… → it varies according to
    • While… → showing contrast
    • What I like most is… → the thing I enjoy the most is…
    • home-cooked meal → food prepared at home
    • Whenever possible → whenever I have the opportunity 

Yes, there are quite a few dishes that are well known. The reason why they’re so popular is that they’re closely connected to our culture and are often shared with family and friends on special occasions. Whether it’s a traditional meal or a simple street food, it’s something that most people grow up eating.

Useful phrases:

  • The reason why… → the explanation is that…
  • be closely connected to → have a strong relationship with
  • special occasions → celebrations or important events
  • Whether…or… → regardless of which option
  • grow up eating → eat regularly throughout childhood 

RECENT PART 2 + 3 QUESTIONS:

DESCRIBE A TIME WHEN YOU WORKED IN A GROUP

You should say:

What you did

Who you worked with

What problems you faced

And explain why you worked in the group 

I’d like to talk about a time when I worked in a group to organise a charity event at my workplace.

This happened about a year ago when several colleagues and I volunteered to organise a fundraising event for a local charity. There were six of us altogether, and each person was responsible for a different task. Although we all had busy work schedules, we met every week to discuss our progress and divide the remaining work. I was responsible for promoting the event, so I designed posters, shared updates on social media and contacted people who might be interested in attending. What impressed me most was how willing everyone was to help whenever someone fell behind or needed extra support.

There are two main reasons why I think the group worked so well. First, everyone contributed different skills. The reason why we were successful is that we communicated openly and respected each other’s ideas instead of trying to do everything individually. Second, we learned how to deal with unexpected problems. Whether it was finding extra volunteers or making last-minute changes to the schedule, we always managed to find a solution by working together. In the end, the event attracted far more people than we had expected and raised a significant amount of money for charity.

If I had the chance to work on another project like that, I’d definitely say yes because it taught me a lot about teamwork and communication. I also think I’d feel much more confident taking on additional responsibilities next time. Looking back, working in that group was a really valuable experience. The more I work with other people, the more I realise that successful teamwork depends on trust, good communication and a willingness to support one another. It reminded me that people can often achieve much more together than they can on their own.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • work as a team — cooperate with other people

  • divide the work — share tasks between people

  • fundraising event — an event to collect money for a good cause

  • contribute ideas — offer suggestions

  • solve problems — find solutions

  • support one another — help each other

  • fall behind — make slower progress than others

  • meet a deadline — finish work on time

  • last-minute changes — changes made just before something happens

  • work towards a common goal — cooperate to achieve the same objective

Examiner Follow-up Questions

Do you enjoy working in a team?

Yes, I do, especially when everyone is motivated and communicates well. I think teamwork often leads to better ideas because different people bring different experiences and perspectives.

I’d probably prefer being a team leader, although it depends on the situation. I enjoy organising tasks and helping people work together, but I also know it’s important to listen to everyone’s opinions before making decisions.

PART 3:

1. Why do some people prefer working alone?

I’d say it largely depends on their personality and the type of work they’re doing. One of the reasons some people prefer working alone is that they can concentrate better without interruptions or having to compromise with others. Another reason is that they have complete control over how the task is completed and can work at their own pace. Although teamwork has many benefits, some people simply feel more productive when they can make decisions independently. Ultimately, the best working style depends on the individual and the situation.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • work independently — complete tasks without help from others

  • concentrate without distractions — focus without interruptions

  • work at your own pace — work as quickly or slowly as you want

  • have complete control — make all the decisions yourself

  • make independent decisions — decide without relying on others

  • personal working style — the way someone prefers to work

I think communication is probably the most important skill. The reason why good communication matters is that it helps everyone understand their responsibilities and avoid misunderstandings. Team members also need to be reliable, willing to listen and able to resolve disagreements respectfully. If people cooperate instead of competing with one another, the whole group usually performs much better. For this reason, teamwork depends just as much on attitude as it does on ability.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • communication skills — the ability to share ideas clearly

  • resolve conflicts — solve disagreements

  • cooperate with others — work well with other people

  • listen actively — pay careful attention to others

  • reliable team member — someone others can depend on

  • shared responsibility — responsibility divided among a group

Yes, I think they should. Group projects help students develop practical skills that they may not learn through individual assignments alone. For example, they learn how to negotiate, solve problems together and respect different opinions. However, teachers should make sure that everyone contributes fairly because some students may otherwise rely on others to do the work. As such, group work can be an excellent way to prepare students for their future careers.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • group project — an assignment completed by several students

  • practical skills — useful real-life abilities

  • negotiate — discuss to reach an agreement

  • contribute equally — do a fair share of the work

  • prepare for the workplace — develop skills needed for future jobs

  • collaborative learning — learning by working with others

I’d say one of the biggest advantages is that people can combine different skills and experiences. Not only does this often lead to better ideas, but it also allows tasks to be shared, making large projects much easier to complete. Another benefit is that team members can support each other when problems arise or deadlines become stressful. What I find particularly valuable is the opportunity to learn from other people’s perspectives. Because of this, teamwork often produces better results than working alone.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • combine different skills — use a variety of abilities together

  • exchange ideas — share opinions and suggestions

  • divide responsibilities — share the workload

  • solve problems together — work together to find solutions

  • different perspectives — different ways of thinking

  • achieve better results — produce higher-quality outcomes

Yes, definitely. One of the main reasons group work can become ineffective is that not everyone contributes equally, which may frustrate the more hardworking members. It can also take much longer to make decisions because everyone wants their opinion to be heard. Although teamwork has many advantages, poor communication or weak leadership can easily slow a project down. Consequently, the success of a team often depends on how well it is managed.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • unequal contribution — when some people do more work than others

  • make decisions — choose what to do

  • poor communication — ineffective sharing of information

  • weak leadership — ineffective management

  • slow down progress — reduce the speed of development

  • team conflict — disagreement within a group

I think a good leader needs a combination of communication skills and emotional intelligence. The reason why these qualities are so important is that a leader has to motivate people, solve problems and make fair decisions, even under pressure. A strong leader should also be approachable and willing to listen because team members are more likely to share ideas when they feel respected. Whether they’re leading a small project or managing a large organisation, good leaders create an environment where everyone can perform at their best. In the long run, this builds trust, confidence and a stronger team.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • lead by example — demonstrate the behaviour you expect from others

  • motivate team members — encourage people to perform well

  • emotional intelligence — the ability to understand and manage emotions

  • approachable — friendly and easy to talk to

  • make fair decisions — choose objectively and impartially

  • build trust — develop confidence and reliability among people

DESCRIBE A TALL BUILDING YOU LIKE OR DISLIKE

You should say:

What it is used for

Where it is

What it looks like

And explain why you like or dislike it

I’d like to talk about the Burj Khalifa, which is one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world and a building that I really admire.

 

The Burj Khalifa is located in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and it’s mainly used as a mixed-use building. It contains luxury apartments, offices, restaurants and even a hotel. There are also observation decks where visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the city. Although I’ve only seen it in photos and travel documentaries, it’s always impressed me because of its incredible size and modern design. The building is extremely tall, with a sleek, silver exterior made almost entirely of glass. As the tower rises, it gradually becomes narrower until it ends in a sharp spire. What caught my attention most was how elegant it looks despite its enormous height.

 

There are two main reasons why I like this building so much. First, it represents human ambition and engineering excellence. The reason why so many people visit it is that it isn’t just a skyscraper but also a symbol of what modern architecture can achieve. Second, I think it has transformed Dubai into an even more recognisable city. Whether people admire its design or simply enjoy the breathtaking views from the top, it offers a memorable experience for almost every visitor.

 

If I ever have the opportunity to visit Dubai, seeing the Burj Khalifa will definitely be one of my top priorities. I’d love to go up to the observation deck, especially around sunset, to see the city from above. Looking back, I think buildings like the Burj Khalifa show how creativity and technology can work together to create something extraordinary. The more I learn about modern architecture, the more I appreciate the skill and innovation behind remarkable structures like this one.

 

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • skyscraper — a very tall modern building

  • observation deck — a platform where visitors can enjoy the view

  • mixed-use building — a building with different purposes, such as homes, offices and shops

  • sleek design — a smooth, modern and stylish appearance

  • engineering achievement — an impressive technical accomplishment

  • iconic landmark — a famous place that represents a city or country

  • breathtaking view — an extremely beautiful view

  • modern architecture — contemporary building design

  • transform a skyline — dramatically change the appearance of a city’s buildings

  • architectural masterpiece — an exceptionally impressive building 

Would you like to work in a very tall building?
Yes, I think it would be quite exciting, especially if the office had large windows overlooking the city. However, I’d probably need some time to get used to being so high above the ground.
I believe they will. As cities become more crowded and technology continues to improve, constructing taller buildings could be an effective way to make better use of limited space while accommodating growing populations.

PART 3:

1. Why are tall buildings becoming more common?

I’d say the main reason is that cities are becoming more crowded. One of the reasons developers build taller buildings is that land in urban areas is both limited and expensive, so building upwards makes better use of the available space. Another factor is that modern engineering has made it much easier and safer to construct skyscrapers than it was in the past. Although these buildings require significant investment, they can accommodate thousands of people and businesses in one location. Ultimately, they’re a practical solution for growing cities.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • urban area — a town or city

  • limited space — not much land available

  • property developer — a company that builds buildings

  • build upwards — construct taller buildings instead of expanding sideways

  • growing population — an increasing number of people

  • make efficient use of space — use land effectively

I think it depends largely on where they live. In large cities, many people choose apartments because they’re usually closer to workplaces, schools and public transport. In smaller towns or rural areas, however, houses are often more popular because they provide more space, privacy and sometimes a garden. Whereas younger professionals often value convenience, families with children may prefer larger homes. As a result, both types of accommodation remain popular for different reasons.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • residential area — a place where people live

  • public transport — buses, trains and other transport services

  • detached house — a house that isn’t joined to another

  • living space — the area inside a home

  • convenient location — an easy place to reach

  • suburban neighbourhood — an area outside the city centre

I think tall buildings offer several important benefits. Not only do they allow more people to live or work in a relatively small area, but they also reduce the need for cities to expand into the surrounding countryside. Another advantage is that many modern skyscrapers include shops, offices and leisure facilities, making them very convenient. What I find particularly impressive is how efficiently they use valuable urban land. Because of this, they’re becoming increasingly common in major cities.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • high-density housing — homes built for many people in a limited area

  • commercial space — offices and businesses

  • mixed-use development — buildings with homes, shops and offices

  • valuable land — land that is expensive or important

  • modern infrastructure — contemporary public facilities and systems

  • urban development — the growth and improvement of cities

Yes, I think they can transform a city’s skyline completely. Modern skyscrapers often become landmarks that make a city instantly recognisable, especially if they have unique designs. However, if too many tall buildings are constructed without careful planning, they can make a city feel overcrowded or block natural light. The way I see it, the best cities combine modern architecture with older buildings to create a balanced appearance. Consequently, thoughtful planning is just as important as impressive design.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • city skyline — the outline of a city’s buildings

  • landmark building — a famous or distinctive structure

  • modern architecture — contemporary building design

  • overcrowded — containing too many people or buildings

  • urban landscape — the physical appearance of a city

  • careful planning — thoughtful organisation before construction

I think old buildings are an important part of a city’s identity. The reason why many governments preserve them is that they reflect the history, culture and architectural traditions of the area. They can also attract tourists who want to experience something authentic rather than seeing only modern developments. If historic buildings were replaced by new ones, many cities would lose their unique character. For this reason, preserving heritage is often considered a worthwhile investment.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • historical heritage — important buildings and traditions from the past

  • preserve historic buildings — protect old structures

  • cultural identity — the traditions and character of a place

  • architectural heritage — historically significant buildings

  • tourist attraction — a place visitors like to see

  • unique character — special qualities that make a place different

It depends on how welcoming it is.

I’d say a successful building needs to balance several different factors. The reason why architects have to think carefully is that a building should be safe, practical and visually attractive at the same time. They also need to consider environmental issues, such as energy efficiency and the use of sustainable materials, because these have become increasingly important. Whether they’re designing a family home or a skyscraper, they should always think about the people who will use the building every day. In the long run, good design improves both people’s quality of life and the surrounding environment.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • energy-efficient — using as little energy as possible

  • sustainable materials — environmentally friendly building materials

  • practical design — a design that works well in everyday life

  • structural safety — the strength and stability of a building

  • environmentally friendly — causing little harm to the environment

  • quality of life — the overall standard of people’s daily lives

DESCRIBE A BORING PLACE YOU HAVE BEEN TO

You should say:

Where it is

Who you went there with

What you did there

And explain why you think it is a boring place



I’d like to talk about a place that I found surprisingly boring, even though many people seemed to enjoy it. It was a large shopping mall that I visited while on holiday.

 

The mall was located on the outskirts of a big city, and I went there with my family because they wanted to spend the afternoon shopping. It was enormous, with hundreds of shops, restaurants and cafés spread over several floors. Although it looked modern and luxurious, I wasn’t particularly interested in shopping, so I quickly ran out of things to do. While my family browsed through different stores, I mostly wandered around, sat in a café for a while and checked my phone to pass the time. What disappointed me most was that every part of the mall looked almost identical, so after an hour it felt repetitive and rather dull.

 

There are two main reasons why I thought it was such a boring place. First, there wasn’t anything unique about it. The reason why I lost interest so quickly is that I’d seen similar shopping centres many times before, so nothing really stood out. Second, I prefer places where I can learn something or spend time outdoors. Whether I’m visiting a museum or exploring a historic neighbourhood, I usually enjoy experiences that are more memorable than simply walking past rows of shops.

 

If I ever return to that city, I probably won’t visit the mall again unless I actually need to buy something. Instead, I’d choose to spend my time sightseeing or visiting local attractions. Looking back, I don’t regret going because it helped me realise what kind of places I genuinely enjoy. The more I travel, the more I appreciate destinations that offer culture, history or beautiful scenery rather than endless shopping.

 

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • shopping mall — a large building containing many shops

  • browse the shops — look around without necessarily buying anything

  • pass the time — do something while waiting

  • run out of things to do — have nothing interesting left to do

  • repetitive — repeated so often that it becomes boring

  • stand out — be noticeably different or interesting

  • sightseeing — visiting famous places in a city

  • tourist attraction — a place that visitors like to see

  • kill time — spend time doing something while waiting

  • lose interest — stop finding something enjoyable

Examiner Follow-up Questions

Do you often get bored when shopping?
Yes, especially if I’m not planning to buy anything. I don’t mind shopping for a short time, but after an hour or so I’d much rather be doing something more active or interesting.

I usually prefer historical sites, museums or natural attractions because I like learning about new places and experiencing something different. I also enjoy walking around old city centres since they often have much more character than modern shopping areas.

If you don’t have anyone else to talk to.
I think it’s easy to get bored.

PART 3:

1. Why do people sometimes feel bored?

I’d say people usually feel bored when they aren’t mentally engaged. One of the reasons this happens is that they’re doing something repetitive or unchallenging, so their attention starts to drift. Another reason is that they may have nothing meaningful to do, especially during long periods of waiting. Although everyone feels bored from time to time, the feeling is often temporary. Ultimately, people tend to enjoy activities that keep their minds active and interested.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • mentally engaged — interested and focused

  • repetitive task — an activity that is repeated many times

  • attention span — the length of time someone can concentrate

  • lose interest — stop finding something enjoyable

  • lack of stimulation — not having enough exciting or interesting experiences

  • pass the time — do something while waiting

I think there are several possible reasons. The reason why some students lose interest is that lessons sometimes focus too much on memorising information instead of encouraging discussion or practical activities. In addition, not every subject appeals to every student, so it’s natural that some classes feel less engaging than others. If students don’t understand the material, they may also become frustrated and switch off completely. For this reason, keeping lessons interactive is extremely important.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • memorise information — learn facts by heart

  • practical activity — learning by doing something

  • interactive lesson — a lesson involving student participation

  • switch off — stop paying attention

  • engage students — capture students’ interest

  • learning style — the way someone learns best

Nowadays, I’d say most people turn to technology. Not only do they watch videos or browse social media, but they also play games, listen to music or chat with friends online. Others prefer more active ways of dealing with boredom, such as going for a walk, reading or trying a new hobby. What I find interesting is that boredom often encourages people to look for new experiences. Because of this, it can sometimes lead to creativity.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • browse social media — look through online posts

  • take up a hobby — begin a new leisure activity

  • keep yourself occupied — stay busy

  • pass the time — spend time doing something

  • try something new — experience a new activity

  • relieve boredom — reduce the feeling of being bored

Yes, I think they do. Children often become bored because they have short attention spans and need frequent stimulation or variety. Adults, on the other hand, are more likely to feel bored when they’re stuck in repetitive routines or doing work that they don’t find meaningful. Whereas children usually seek excitement, adults often look for purpose or personal fulfilment. As a result, the causes of boredom tend to change as people grow older.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • attention span — the ability to stay focused

  • repetitive routine — the same daily activities

  • mental stimulation — activities that make you think

  • personal fulfilment — a feeling of satisfaction and purpose

  • daily routine — regular everyday activities

  • sense of purpose — feeling that what you do is meaningful

Yes, surprisingly, I think it can. One of the advantages of boredom is that it gives people time to slow down and reflect instead of constantly being entertained. It can also encourage creativity because people often come up with new ideas when they aren’t distracted by technology. Although boredom may feel unpleasant at first, it can motivate people to learn a new skill or start a new project. Consequently, a little boredom isn’t always something to avoid.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • reflect on something — think carefully about it

  • boost creativity — increase creative thinking

  • constant entertainment — continuous amusement

  • develop new ideas — create original thoughts

  • learn a new skill — acquire a new ability

  • step outside your comfort zone — try something unfamiliar

I’d say the key is to involve students as much as possible. The reason why interactive lessons are usually more successful is that students remember information better when they’re actively participating rather than simply listening. Teachers can also use technology, group discussions and real-life examples to make learning more engaging. Whether students are solving problems or working on projects together, they’re generally more motivated when they’re involved in the learning process. In the long run, this not only improves academic performance but also helps students develop a genuine interest in learning.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

  • interactive activity — an activity involving participation

  • real-life example — an example taken from everyday life

  • classroom discussion — students sharing ideas in class

  • hands-on learning — learning by doing practical activities

  • motivate students — encourage students to learn

  • active participation — taking part rather than simply listening