IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic & Questions: Photos with Band 9 Model Answers

1. Do you like to take photographs? Why?

If it were 3 to 4 years ago the answer would be a big no. But now it has become one of my hobbies and I’m actually thinking of learning more about it. I had no idea what I can do with my iPhone until I learned to make use of its wonderful camera as well as some miracle apps. Unlike some people, I indeed want my photos to look unique, lively and a little bit professional.

Vocabulary

To make use of (v) to use someone or something for a particular purpose, especially one that brings a benefit to you

2. Do you prefer to take photos yourself or to have other people take your photos? Why?
It would be way more comfortable taking photos myself, as I can see crystal-clear how ridiculous my face expression looks like or if there’s something on my hair or stuck between my teeth. And in case it’s a scenery photo, I can apply the techniques I’ve learned to produce stunning photos.

Vocabulary

Crystal-clear (adj) absolutely clear

3. How long have you liked taking photographs?

Just recently. As a final year student, I no longer can spend hours on drawing, reading or singing. Only photography which is way more instant suits me now to document my life. And as I enjoy my life on this campus, for example the road I walk to school everyday, the sunset, the rainbow, the trees, photography is the best way to store my memories.

Vocabulary

Document one’s life (expression) record the detail of one’s life

4. In what situations do you take photographs?

As I’ve mentioned, I snap a photo of anything that catches my eyes when I’m in a good mood. So I take photos when my friends and I hang out or when I participate in social activities of the university and meet amazing people. However, when it comes to practicing for professional photography, I prefer taking photos of scenery and foods.

Vocabulary

In a good mood (idiom) a cheerful, well-disposed state of mind

When it comes to Sth/V-ing (adv) as for something; speaking about something

5. What kind of photos do you like to take? Why?

Food and scenery are definitely my inspiration. I just can’t sit still when beautiful breakfasts and stunning landscape keep appearing on my Instagram everyday. What is more, it is my natural instinct that helps me to go find the simple uniqueness of my university, namely the sunset, the lake, the trees and flowers and show people how beautiful my university is. However, I’m not good at taking photos of people so activities or street-life is not my style.

Vocabulary

Sit still (idiom) to remain seated

Natural instinct (collocation) the way people or animals naturally react or behave, without having to think or learn

6. How (why) did you become interested in photography?

The situation was quite all of a sudden. I posted some scenery photos I took on the spur of the moment on Instagram and received lots of compliments, even from those whom I’m not following. Then I realized I should develop this skill, you know, should take it seriously and keep up the good work. And the more I learn about it, the more passionate I become.

Vocabulary

On the spur of the moment (idiom) do without planning, suddenly

All of a sudden (idiom) suddenly

To keep up the good work (phrase) used to encourage SO for continuing what they are doing well

7. How often do you take photographs?

Not too often I must say. Since I really don’t like posting boring photos with the same object all the time, so timing is everything. I believe my guts will know exactly when and how I should flick to produce high-quality photos.

Vocabulary

Guts (n) to be used in reference to a feeling or reaction based on an instinctive emotional response rather than considered thought.

8. Do you prefer to take pictures of people or of scenery?

I think I’m gonna go for taking scenery photos. As a beginner, the knowledge of human facial expression, the part that needs focus, the harmonization between them and their surroundings are a bit too advanced for me. I can’t really make the person in my photo become lively as I do with the scenery. Besides, looking at the beauty of nature and capturing it is kind of mind-purifying to me and is a good way to escape from the artificial world. So yeah, scenery is safer and more enjoyable.

Vocabulary

Mind-purifying (adj) make your mind naturally pure, free from negative thoughts

9. Who do you take photos of?

Although I’m not good at taking photos of people, I do take selfies with new friends whom I meet when I participate in social activities. To me it’s more like a reminder or something to look back, reminding me that yeah, this time last year I went out, I met amazing people and had lots of fun.

Vocabulary

To look back (v) to think about a time or event in the past

10. How do you keep your photos?

Printing the photos out, making an album or sticking them on the wall for decoration sound so common and also interesting. But I don’t think photos are worth that much time and budget, unless what I captured is apparently important to me, otherwise I only keep them in my iPhone.

11. Do you keep your photographs on your computer?

I don’t think I need to do so. Firstly, because my memory is somewhat similar to goldfish memory, storing in different devices would drive me crazy. Plus, my iPhone has large memory storage so I think I won’t need computer for storage.

Vocabulary

Goldfish memory (n) SO who quickly forgets things

12. Are there any photos on the walls of your house?

Since my parents love decorating our house, putting photos nicely on the walls of my house is an essential part of their decoration style. Some photos go with frame or plastic cover, some are sticked directly onto the wall in heart-shaped. However, it’s quite ridiculous for me to see myself grinning everywhere in the house so I told them to let me decorate my room on my own.

Vocabulary

To see one’s-self doing Sth (n) to have an eye on SO doing Sth

On my own (adv) do Sth alone

13. Do you frame (or have you framed) any of your photos? yes, which?& why?
Although I don’t usually print my photos out, I think I would store some photos of me with my high school friends or me with my family. And framing helps preventing scratching and is good for long-term storage, so this is probably a good alternative beside albums.

14. Do you prefer to send postcards to people or to send photos that you took yourself? (Why?)

Firstly, the postcards are made of thicker paper, which makes it way more convenient for long-term storage as well as decoration. Secondly, the process of sending and receiving postcards appeared to be simpler and faster compared to photos. For those reasons I think I probably go with sending postcards.