IELTS Speaking Practice 13 Test 04

I'm studying graphic design at college. My course includes typography, digital illustration, branding and some basic photography, so most of the work is quite practical and project-based.

I chose it because I've always enjoyed visual work and using software to create things. I wanted a subject where I could combine creativity with skills that might lead to a practical career.

The hardest part is coming up with an original idea under a deadline. Using the software is usually manageable, but deciding what a design should communicate can take much longer than expected.

Yes, of course. I think most people feel jealous occasionally. I remember feeling that way when a classmate won a design competition I had also entered, although I knew she deserved it.

I try to identify why I'm feeling it instead of pretending it isn't there. Usually it tells me that I want something another person has, so I focus on what I can improve myself.

Yes, I think it's completely natural. The problem isn't feeling jealous for a moment; it's how people respond to it. It can become unhealthy if it turns into resentment or affects relationships.

Yes, sometimes. I follow short dance workouts online when I don't feel like going to the gym. They're more enjoyable for me than running on a treadmill.

I like simple hip-hop and pop dance routines because the music keeps me interested. I'm not a trained dancer, so I prefer routines that are energetic but not too complicated.

Definitely. A fast dance session can raise your heart rate and work several muscle groups at once. It also feels less repetitive than some other forms of exercise, which can make it easier to stay motivated.

Friends often teach useful things because they know each other's interests and everyday problems. Advice can therefore be very practical, such as showing someone how to use software, cook a dish or prepare for an interview. People may also feel more comfortable asking basic questions around friends because there is less fear of looking foolish. Of course, friends aren't experts in everything, so for complex or high-risk subjects, informal advice should sometimes be checked against a professional source.

One advantage is that communication is usually more relaxed. Someone who knows you well may understand how you learn, what you already know and where you normally get confused. They can adapt their explanation without making the interaction feel formal. It's also easier to ask follow-up questions or admit that you didn't understand. However, close friends can sometimes become impatient with each other, so knowing someone well doesn't automatically make them a good teacher.

Friendship reduces some of the pressure that comes with formal assessment. When learners know they won't be graded or embarrassed for making a mistake, they're often more willing to experiment and ask questions. Friends can also use humor and encouragement, which makes difficult tasks feel less intimidating. That said, learning with friends can become distracting if they spend more time chatting than practicing. A relaxed atmosphere helps most when there is still a clear goal.

Some people learn more easily from peers because peers often explain things in language that feels closer to the learner's own level. A student who recently understood a difficult idea may remember exactly what was confusing and can explain the step that helped them. Teachers usually have deeper knowledge, but their explanations can sometimes assume background knowledge beginners don't have. Ideally, learners benefit from both: professional guidance for accuracy and peer support for practice, confidence and alternative explanations.