Speaking IELTS - Part 2 & 3 (Model notes)

PART 2

Describe a time when you complained about something you had paid for (e.g. a restaurant meal, a product in a shop).

You should say:

• Why you complained (faulty product, late service, misleading information etc.)
• How you complained (face-to-face, email, asked to speak to the manager etc.)
• Whether it was useful to complain (problem was resolved, got a refund etc.)
• and explain how you felt after you had complained (satisfied, relieved, stood up for yourself, got what you paid for etc.)

PART 3

COMPLAINING

What are some things people often complain about these days?
(almost everything from not having enough money, the weather, bad decisions, delayed public transport)

What is more effective – complaining by writing an email or by talking face to face with the person responsible? (face to face is faster, direct and can solve the problem immediately but written communication might lead to greater compensation)

Are there situations when it’s better not to complain? (when something is too small to matter or make a difference, when complaining will not change anything)

BEING PATIENT

Could you describe some situations in daily life when people need to be patient?
(when waiting in a queue to be served, waiting for exam results, waiting for a bus or train to arrive)

Do you think technology such as email and mobile phones have made people less patient?
(yes as people expect an immediate response to everything)

What are some benefits of being impatient? (you get what you want sooner than expected, you get taken seriously)

BEING SATISFIED IN LIFE

Would you say most people are satisfied with their lives? (people compare themselves with others and look for ways to improve their situation in life, so are never satisfied)

Do rich people tend to be more content than poor people? (rich people do not have to worry about money but material products lose their value when they can be bought easily)

Do you agree that, in general, humans tend to be dissatisfied rather than satisfied? (most people are pessimistic and have a negative outlook to life. Very few are content with what they have)


Questions taken from Focusing on IELTS Academic Practice Tests p.115