Speaking (Science)

 

Idioms & Expressions:

the bane of my existence (something in your life that greatly stresses or challenges you)

Calculus is a very hard subject for me. It’s the bane of my existence.

 

burning the midnight oil (to stay up late working on something)

I have an exam tomorrow morning so I’m going to be burning the midnight oil tonight.

 

up to your eyeballs in _____ (an expression that means someone is dealing with a lot of something; generally a negative connotation)

I am up to my eyeballs in homework tonight.

 

it’s not rocket science (an expression used to signify that something is not difficult to understand)

Don’t worry about learning your grammar; it’s not rocket science.

 

have it down to a science (an expression that means someone has found the most efficient way to do something)

I have my morning commute down to a science – I can get from my home to the office in 20 minutes.

 

lightyears ahead (to have achieved significantly more progress than your competitors

Apple used to be lightyears ahead of Samsung in the smartphone market.

 

it stands to reason that ______ (an expression used to explain cause and effect)

It stands to reason that many children are so tired because they have so much homework to do.

 

a method to your madness (this refers to the reason that people do things that seem unusual or strange)

I park my bike outside so the rain will clean it – there is a method to my madness.

 

Part I: Group Discussion

1. Do students in your country like studying science in school?

I think the majority of students in America don’t really enjoy science – they don’t enjoy most subjects, actually. Our public school system is not very well-funded and our teachers don’t really inspire children to learn.

2. In your opinion, how important is it to teach science to school children?

I think it’s just as valid as math or English. It’s good for students to have a general awareness of how the physical world around them works.

Part II: Individual Presentations

Describe a science class that you studied in (high) school (such as biology, chemistry or physics). You should say:

          When you studied this subject

          Where you studied it

          What you learned (and what branch of science it was)

          And explain how you learned it (or, how it was taught).

When I was a senior in high school, I took physics. I really enjoyed it because we did a lot of real-life experiments. For example, we had to build a ramp which we rolled a marble off of, and we had to use formulas to predict where it would land. I liked that physics was a hands-on subject, rather than being abstract, like chemistry or biology.

 

Part III: Class Discussion

Science in General

1. Which do you think is more important, science or the liberal arts (or social studies)?

I would have to say liberal arts, but this is only because I think it’s more important to teach people how to think critically. This is not to say that science is unimportant, though.

2. Which do you think is more important, science or language?

Again, not to disregard science, but I think teaching language is more vital. Learning a language stretches and challenges your brain and helps you function in different cultures.

3. Which branch of science do you think is the most important?

I’m not sure. Perhaps biology, so that you understand your body and your health a little better. Maybe a good understanding of biology will help you live longer.

Scientific Research

1. What is “scientific research”?

This is just the process of conducting studies and collecting data to enhance our knowledge in certain areas. Without scientific research, it’s hard to evolve as a society.

2. Do you think that research scientists should share their research with other scientists?

Absolutely – if scientists pool their findings and collaborate with each other, they can achieve breakthroughs at a faster rate.

 

 

 

 

 

IELTS SPEAKING Practice

Part 1

Your school days

1. What do you remember about your first school, when you were a child?
2. In what ways has life at school changed when you become older?

 

Going abroad

3. What experience do you have of travelling to other countries?
4. Which country would you especially like to visit? Why?

 

Part 2

Describe a place that has a special meaning to you.

You should say:

• What kind of place it is and where it is
• What it looks like
• What sounds you associate with it
• And explain why you particularly like the place.

 

Part 3

Leaving the family home

1. Why do many people leave home when they are still quite young?
2. What personal qualities do you feel are required for a young person to live on their own?