Shadowing Practice: IELTS Speaking Part 1 Running Practice | Band 9 Model Answers | IELTS English Podcast - Learn English Speaking with YouTube
B2
Hello and a massive welcome to English Simple Hub.
455 sentences
If sentences are too short or too long, click Edit to adjust them.
1
Hello and a massive welcome to English Simple Hub.
2
You're listening to The Deep Dive and we are absolutely thrilled to have you with us today.
3
It is great to be here.
4
Whether you're stuck in traffic,
5
hitting the treadmill, or you know just avoiding your chores,
6
we're about to take you on a journey through the mechanics of the English language.
7
And today we have a very specific mission.
8
I mean we aren't just looking at general conversation skills.
9
We are cracking the code for a specific beast, the IELTS speaking test.
10
Specifically, getting that elusive band nine score.
11
Now, I have to be honest with you.
12
When I hear band nine,
13
I immediately think of someone like reciting Shakespeare or discussing geopolitical implications.
14
It just feels like you need to be a walking encyclopedia to get that top score.
15
And that is probably the most common misconception we see.
16
People think complexity of topic equals complexity of language.
17
They think, oh, if I talk about quantum physics,
18
I'll get a high score.
19
Right.
20
But that is a myth that we are absolutely going to bust today.
21
Because the topic we're diving into is running.
22
Running.
23
Just simple, you know, putting one foot in front of the other, getting sweaty, running.
24
Which, let's be real, is about as basic as it gets.
25
It's a part one topic, right?
26
The warm up.
27
Exactly.
28
It's part one.
29
This is that rapid fire round where the examiner is just trying to,
30
well, get to know you.
31
And because the questions are simple.
32
Do you like running?
33
How often do you run?
34
Candidates often get lazy.
35
Oh, sure.
36
They give simple answers because the question feels simple.
37
Right.
38
Like, yes, I like running.
39
It is good.
40
And that is a band six answer.
41
It's accurate, but it's so boring.
42
So here is the twist.
43
And this is what really caught my attention in the source material we're looking at today.
44
Yeah.
45
We aren't analyzing a sample answer from like a marathon runner who loves the sport.
46
No. We are looking at how to score a band nine while talking about how much you absolutely hate running.
47
And that is actually a brilliant strategy for the exam. Is it?
48
Yeah.
49
I mean, it feels a bit risky to be negative.
50
Doesn't the examiner want to hear happy, positive vibes?
51
The examiner wants to hear English.
52
That's it.
53
And psychologically, it is often easier to show off advanced vocabulary
54
and complex grammar when you are complaining or explaining why you avoid something.
55
Rather than just saying, yes,
56
I run every day, it is fun.
57
I mean, fun is a very limited concept linguistically.
58
Avoidance opens up a whole world of conditional sentences and justifications.
59
I guess that makes sense.
60
Anger and laziness are great motivators for complex speech.
61
You'd be surprised.
62
So the approach today is breaking down these specific answers.
63
We're going to look at the grammar traps,
64
the vocabulary upgrades, and the structural tricks that turn a lazy answer into a high-scoring one.
65
Okay, let's get into it.
66
So let's get into it.
67
Imagine the examiner looks at you,
68
clipboard in hand, and asks the most basic question possible.
69
Do you like running?
70
Okay, classic opener.
71
My instinct, if I want to be polite,
72
which I usually do in high-pressure situations,
73
is to waffle a bit.
74
Well, you know, sometimes I go, but not really.
75
But our source material takes a totally different, much punchier approach.
76
The answer given is, in a word,
77
no. In a word, no. It is abrupt,
78
it is honest, and linguistically.
79
It is a minefield.
80
A minefield.
81
It's four words.
82
How can that be a minefield?
83
Because of the phrase, in a word.
84
This is a classic grammar trap that catches so many students out.
85
the source material explicitly warns about how this phrase is misused.
86
Okay, so play the teacher for a second.
87
If I say, in a word,
88
I hate running because it makes me tired, did I pass?
89
You failed, well, you didn't fail the exam,
90
but you failed that specific grammar structure.
91
Why?
92
I used the phrase.
93
You treated in a word as a filler,
94
like basically or actually, but the phrase is literal, in a word.
95
You literally have to follow it with just one word,
96
usually yes or no. And then,
97
and this is the absolute key,
98
you need a full stop or a significant dramatic pause.
99
That it has to be.
100
In a word, no. And then I continue.
101
Precisely.
102
That pause tells the examiner,
103
I know exactly how to use this idiomatic structure.
104
If you run it all together,
105
in a word, no hater running,
106
it just sounds like you've memorized a chunk of text you don't really understand.
107
That is such a subtle detail,
108
but I can see how it makes a huge difference.
109
It shows control.
110
It does.
111
Control is everything in speaking.
112
So the speaker says, in a word, no. Pause.
113
And then they go on to explain why.
114
And this is where the vocabulary gets really interesting.
115
Listen to this sentence.
116
I occasionally have to run for the bus when I've slept in.
117
Okay, slept in.
118
I use that all the time.
119
But is that formal enough for an exam?
120
It's a phrasal verb.
121
And phrasal verbs are gold dust in the speaking test.
122
They show natural, native-like fluency.
123
But there is a nuance here that the source material points out.
124
You have to distinguish sleeping in from sleeping late.
125
Wait, aren't they the same thing?
126
If I sleep until 11 a.m.,
127
I slept late and I slept in.
128
Not exactly.
129
I slept late is ambiguous.
130
It could mean I went to bed late.
131
Like, I slept late last night because I was watching a movie.
132
Oh, right.
133
I see.
134
But to sleep in specifically means you woke up later than you intended to or later than you usually do.
135
Now, here's the really subtle part.
136
Sleeping in can be a luxury.
137
It's Saturday.
138
I'm going to sleep in.
139
Best feeling in the world.
140
Agreed.
141
But it can also be an accident.
142
I slept in and missed my alarm.
143
Compare that to overslept.
144
Overslept is almost always negative.
145
Right.
146
I overslept and missed the meeting.
147
Slept in has a softer, more colloquial feel.
148
Using it for the bus implies this chaotic morning routine,
149
which fits our lazy persona perfectly.
150
So by saying slept in,
151
you're painting a picture of someone who isn't disciplined,
152
which explains why they don't run.
153
Like character building.
154
Exactly.
155
And then the speaker contrasts this forced running with voluntary running, they say.
156
But going for a run for pleasure or to keep fit is not something I do as a rule.
157
Not something I do as a rule.
158
Ooh, that sounds so much better than I usually don't do it.
159
It does.
160
It sounds authoritative.
161
When you say as a rule,
162
you are establishing a standard pattern of behavior.
163
It's a fixed expression.
164
Usually is band six.
165
As a rule pushes you towards band nine because you're using idiomatic phrasing correctly.
166
And we shouldn't just skip over for pleasure and to keep fit.
167
No, absolutely.
168
For pleasure is just a lovely, sophisticated synonym for fun.
169
And to keep fit is the standard collocation.
170
You don't make fit.
171
You don't do fit.
172
You keep fit.
173
Using that right verb-noun pair is crucial.
174
So putting it all together,
175
the speaker has basically admitted they are lazy and only run when they mess up their alarm.
176
But they've done it using,
177
in a word, no. slept in for pleasure,
178
keep fit, and as a rule.
179
They have turned a negative personality trait into a positive linguistic display.
180
And that really is the secret.
181
You don't have to be a perfect person.
182
You just have to be a perfect speaker.
183
I love that.
184
Okay, so you've established you're not a runner,
185
but the examiner isn't done.
186
They have a script.
187
So they ask, how often do you go for a run?
188
Now, if you just said,
189
I don't, you're dead in the water.
190
You have to expand.
191
The answer in our source is never, ever.
192
Okay, I have to challenge this one.
193
never ever yeah it's not like a five-year-old refusing to eat broccoli I will never ever do it is
194
that really band-dine I get why you'd say
195
that it sounds emphatic almost childishly so
196
but in the context of a speaking test emphasis is a tool the expert in our source points out
197
that adding ever to never just intensifies the meaning
198
so it's about emotion it's about range
199
if you speak in a monotone factual way I never run I do not like it you sound like a robot.
200
By saying never ever, you are showing the examiner that you can use language to convey strong feelings.
201
It adds personality.
202
So it wakes the examiner up a bit.
203
Exactly.
204
But you can't just stop there.
205
You can't just shout never ever and stare at them.
206
You have to back it up with structure.
207
And this is where the speaker pulls a really smart move with grammar.
208
The grammar complexity part.
209
Yes.
210
The speaker says, the last time I went for a run was when I was studying in high school.
211
I noticed that.
212
That's specific tense when I was studying.
213
Past continuous.
214
Why do you think they use that instead of just say,
215
when I was in high school?
216
Well, when I was in high school is just a fact.
217
It's simple past.
218
It's flat.
219
Correct.
220
And simple past is fine, but it's basic.
221
Part one answers are very short.
222
You have maybe 10, 15 seconds.
223
You don't have time to tell a long,
224
rambling story to show off your grammar.
225
You have to condense it.
226
So by saying, when I was studying,
227
you're slipping a complex structure into a really simple sentence.
228
Precisely.
229
You are demonstrating to the examiner,
230
look, I can handle multiple timeframes.
231
I can use the past continuous to set a background action.
232
It's a little grammar flex hidden in a casual sentence.
233
It's like hiding vegetables in a kids meal.
234
It is.
235
You're hiding the complex grammar in a simple anecdote about high school.
236
That is a perfect analogy.
237
You are feeding the examiner the grammar they need to tick
238
the band 9 box without making it sound like a textbook exercise.
239
Okay, so we've established we don't run and we never ever run.
240
But the examiner is relentless.
241
They ask, where do you usually go running?
242
This is a total trap question for our lazy persona.
243
If you say, I don't run, you're repeating yourself.
244
If you lie and say,
245
the park, you might get tripped up later.
246
So you have to pivot.
247
And the source material uses this brilliant bit of wordplay here that I actually laughed at when I read it.
248
The answer is, I only run when I'm running late.
249
This is my favorite part of the entire transcript.
250
It pivots the entire meaning of the word run.
251
It's so good.
252
But wait, playing devil's advocate here.
253
Isn't that cheating?
254
If the examiner asks about the sport and you talk about being late for a bus,
255
are you answering the question?
256
That is a valid fear.
257
But in IELTS, provided the link is clear,
258
humor and wordplay are rewarded.
259
You aren't ignoring the question, you are subverting it.
260
You are acknowledging the word run and showing you know its idiomatic uses.
261
Okay, so let's unpack running late.
262
Doesn't mean you are physically jogging to a meeting, right?
263
Strictly speaking, no. Running late simply means you are behind schedule.
264
You could be driving, sitting on a train, whatever.
265
If you are behind schedule, you are running late.
266
It's purely about time management.
267
Exactly.
268
But the joke works because usually when you are running late,
269
you do end up physically rushing.
270
So it bridges that gap between the idiom and the physical act.
271
It shows a really high level of fluency to be able to make a joke like that in a second language.
272
It does.
273
It shows you aren't translating in your head.
274
You're thinking in English.
275
And then, to make sure they stick the landing,
276
the speaker piles on the physical vocabulary to explain why they avoid real running.
277
They say, I get out of breath.
278
Get out of breath.
279
That's a key phrase for health topics.
280
It is.
281
It's so specific.
282
It means gasping for air, that tight chest feeling.
283
It's much better than just saying, I get tired.
284
And they finish with, so I try to avoid it.
285
Avoid.
286
Simple but effective.
287
It implies active choice.
288
But look at the cluster of vocabulary we have now.
289
Running late.
290
Get out of breath.
291
Avoid it.
292
You are painting this very vivid picture of someone who is chaotic,
293
unfit, and, you know, honest about it.
294
And honesty, or at least perceived honesty,
295
makes you sound so much more natural.
296
Natural is the goal.
297
If you sound like a robot reciting a script about how much you love the local park,
298
you'll get a band six.
299
If you sound like a real person making a joke about being late,
300
you're hitting band nine.
301
I really like that distinction.
302
Now, we move to the final question.
303
This is where things get a bit more intellectual.
304
It feels less like a part one get to know you question.
305
It does bridge that gap, yeah.
306
The question is, do you think running is a good way to stay healthy?
307
This asks for an evaluation.
308
It asks for an opinion.
309
And given our speaker hates running,
310
has admitted to being lazy,
311
and only runs when they're late,
312
you can probably guess they aren't going to give a glowing review.
313
The answer starts with, actually,
314
no, which is so bold.
315
It is bold.
316
Most candidates are terrified of disagreeing with the premise.
317
They think the correct answer is, yes, exercise is good.
318
But there is no correct answer in IELTS, right?
319
There is no truth in IELTS.
320
There is only language.
321
You can argue that the sky is green as long as your grammar is perfect,
322
saying, actually, no, signals a counterintuitive argument.
323
It wakes the examiner up again.
324
They think, oh, why not?
325
But you can't just say no and stop.
326
You need to back it up.
327
You need structure.
328
This is where we see the transition from casual chat to a structured argument.
329
The source material highlights two specific linking phrases.
330
On the plus side and however.
331
I like on the plus side.
332
It feels a bit more conversational than one advantage is.
333
Exactly.
334
It fits the part one tone better.
335
It's slightly informal but very structured.
336
So on the plus side introduces the concession, the good part.
337
And what is the good part?
338
They acknowledge.
339
On the plus side, it is aerobic exercise.
340
Ooh, now we're getting technical.
341
Aerobic.
342
This is where you spike your lexical resource score.
343
Aerobic exercise is a specific medical and fitness term.
344
It refers to exercise that oxygenates the blood so.
345
Cardio, basically.
346
Running, swimming, cycling, that stuff.
347
And just to clarify for everyone,
348
the opposite would be anaerobic exercise.
349
Like weightlifting.
350
Exactly.
351
Yeah.
352
Short bursts of power, sprinting, lifting heavyweights.
353
So if I just said running is good for your heart, that's okay.
354
But running is aerobic exercise is better.
355
Much better.
356
It shows precision.
357
Band 9 is all about precision.
358
So the speaker admits it's aerobic.
359
That's the plus side.
360
Then comes the pivot.
361
However.
362
However, there is a lot of strain on the body.
363
Strain.
364
That's the word that does a lot of heavy lifting here, isn't it?
365
It is.
366
Strain means pressure, demand, or tension.
367
Here, it refers to the physical impact on your knees, your joints.
368
But what's fascinating is that strain is a high-utility word.
369
It's not just for sports.
370
Right.
371
I feel like I hear it in the news all the time,
372
like strain on the health service.
373
You do.
374
You hear about strain on the health care system,
375
strain on the economy, strain on diplomatic relations.
376
Or strain on my eyes after reading this script for too long.
377
Exactly.
378
So learning a word like strain isn't just learning a running word.
379
It's learning a tool you can use in almost any topic.
380
That is where the strategy really pays off.
381
You're building a toolkit, not just memorizing answers.
382
That is the definition of deep learning.
383
So let's look at the full argument.
384
On the plus side, it's aerobic.
385
However, it puts strain on the body.
386
So actually, no. It's a balanced, reasoned argument.
387
It's not just an emotion I hate running.
388
It's an evaluation.
389
Even though it's a short answer,
390
it has the structure of an essay.
391
And that's what gets the band nine.
392
That is what gets the band nine.
393
This has been such an eye-opener.
394
I honestly feel like we've taken a topic
395
that most people would just leapwalk through and found a goldmine of language underneath it.
396
We certainly have.
397
And that's the thing about English.
398
The depth is always there if you look for it.
399
So before we wrap up,
400
let's do a quick high-speed recap for everyone listening.
401
if you are sitting in
402
that waiting room sweating what are the big takeaways from our
403
running deep dive first don't be afraid of the negative answer
404
it's often easier to explain why you don't do something but
405
if you use in a word no remember the trap you
406
must pause after the no you must pause in a word
407
no got it second emotion is good emotion is good never ever is a valid emphatic structure that shows personality.
408
But pair it with complex grammar.
409
Use the past continuous when I was studying to show you can handle time frames.
410
Don't just tell a story.
411
Use the story to showcase grammar.
412
Third, be clever with meaning.
413
Running late is a fantastic idiom that pivots the topic.
414
It shows you understand the flexibility of English.
415
And finally, structure your opinions on the plus side versus however.
416
And use precise vocabulary like aerobic and strain to show you have specific knowledge.
417
It sounds so manageable when you break it down like that.
418
It's not about being a genius.
419
It's about having a strategy.
420
It is strategy 100%.
421
You don't need to memorize the dictionary.
422
You just need to master these patterns and apply them to whatever topic the examiner throws at you.
423
And here is a final provocative thought for you to mull over today.
424
We've just spent all this time talking about how to speak eloquently about a hobby you don't do.
425
We've built a whole persona around being lazy and sleeping in.
426
A charming slob, hopefully a very articulate slum.
427
But ask yourself this, if you can speak this eloquently with this much detail and sophistication about something you don't care about,
428
how much easier will it be to talk about the things you actually love?
429
That is the key.
430
If you have the tools to describe avoiding something,
431
you definitely have the tools to describe embracing something.
432
The structure is the same.
433
The vocabulary of passion is just the flip side of the vocabulary of aversion.
434
Exactly.
435
The skills transfer.
436
It's about confidence and strategy,
437
not just the subject matter. And practice.
438
It's always about practice.
439
Go out there, talk to yourself in the mirror,
440
record yourself, try to be the lazy expert.
441
Speaking of practice, if you want to keep sharpening those skills and discovering more strategies like this,
442
we have a simple request.
443
Please subscribe to the channel for more IELTS podcasts.
444
We are dedicated to helping you get that score you deserve,
445
and we have so many more deep dives planned.
446
We do.
447
We're just getting started.
448
So hit that subscribe button,
449
leave us a comment about what topic you hate the most,
450
and let's keep learning together.
451
Thank you so much for listening to English Simple Hub today.
452
Good luck with your preparation.
453
Go practice that, in a word,
454
no, and we will catch you in the next deep dive.
455
Goodbye, everyone.
Download App
AI scoring for every sentence you speak
TRENDING
Popular
Context & Background
In the video "IELTS Speaking Part 1 Running Practice," hosted by English Simple Hub, the discussion revolves around mastering the IELTS speaking test, specifically aiming for that coveted band nine score. The speaker emphasizes a common misconception: that complex topics necessitate complex language. Instead, they advocate for a more straightforward approach, using the example of running—a topic many find too simplistic. The host's engaging conversational style sets the stage for learners, whether they are commuting or exercising, to understand how to elevate their English speaking skills to new heights. This lesson highlights that even mundane topics can be transformed into compelling conversations that captivate examiners.
Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication
- “I absolutely love running, but…” - Great for introducing a contrasting opinion.
- “Running helps me clear my mind.” - A positive takeaway from a seemingly negative experience.
- “I think running is boring.” - A candid opinion that opens up conversation.
- “I only run when I need to.” - A phrase that shows limited engagement yet can be elaborately explained.
- “I prefer other forms of exercise.” - A way to pivot discussion towards alternative activities.
Step-by-step Shadowing Guide
To effectively use this video for improving your English speaking and shadowing skills, follow these steps:
- Watch and Listen: Begin by watching the video attentively, focusing on the pronunciation and intonation of each phrase. Pay attention to how the host emphasizes certain words for impact.
- Repeat After the Speaker: Utilize the shadowspeak technique by pausing the video after each sentence or phrase. Mimic the speaker, noting their cadence and rhythm. This practice will enhance your fluency and confidence.
- Record Yourself: Use your phone or a recording device to capture your voice while shadow speaking. This will provide you with insights into your pronunciation and areas for improvement.
- Reflect on Content: Analyze the context of the discussion. Ask yourself how you could express a dislike for running while still maintaining a conversational flow. This technique can be useful for various topics during the IELTS exam.
- Engage with Others: Try to find a language partner and practice using these phrases in casual conversations. This not only reinforces the vocabulary but also builds your speaking confidence in real-life scenarios.
By using this shadow speech approach along with the engaging content of YouTube, you can refine your English speaking skills and be well-prepared for not just the IELTS speaking test, but for daily interactions as well. Remember, practice makes perfect!
What is the Shadowing Technique?
Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.
☕ Buy us a coffee
ShadowingEnglish remains 100% free thanks to your support. Server and AI costs are high — your coffee keeps us going! 🙏