IELTS Speaking Practice 12 Test 03

I work as a marketing assistant for a small software company. I help prepare social media posts, update website content and collect basic data from our online campaigns.

I like the variety. Some days I’m writing content, while on other days I’m looking at campaign results or helping with a product launch, so the work rarely feels completely repetitive.

Clear writing, organization and basic data skills are important. You also need to communicate well with designers and sales staff because marketing projects usually involve several people.

I try to walk every day, exercise three times a week and get enough sleep. I also cook at home quite often because it’s easier to control what I eat.

Mostly, yes. I eat plenty of vegetables, eggs, rice and fruit, although I still order fast food occasionally when I’m busy. I try to focus on balance rather than being extremely strict.

Starting small is probably best. People can walk more, prepare a few simple meals at home and improve one habit at a time. If the plan is too strict, it’s harder to maintain.

The most expensive thing I’ve bought myself is my laptop. I use it for work and personal projects every day, so I spent more than usual to get one that would last several years.

Sometimes. I think paying more is reasonable when the quality, reliability or lifespan is clearly better. A high price alone doesn’t guarantee value, though, so I usually compare products carefully.

I prefer saving for something good if I know I’ll use it for years. For simple everyday items, I’m happy to buy cheaper options because I don’t need premium quality for everything.

They are often more important professionally because people may have limited time to demonstrate that they are reliable, prepared and respectful. An interviewer or client might form an opinion within one short meeting, and that can influence a real decision. In personal relationships, there is usually more time to correct a weak first impression. Someone who seems shy or distant at first may become warm and funny once they feel comfortable, so early judgments matter less when repeated contact is possible.

Not always. First impressions can capture useful signals such as politeness, confidence or preparation, but they are also affected by mood, nerves and appearance. A person may seem unfriendly simply because they are tired or anxious. On the other hand, someone can make an excellent first impression and later prove unreliable. I think first impressions are useful as an initial clue, but people should be willing to revise them when they get more information rather than treating the first judgment as permanent.

Some people have more practice in social situations, so they know how to start conversations and do not panic during short silences. Personality also matters; naturally outgoing people may feel energized rather than threatened by meeting strangers. Confidence can also come from preparation, especially in professional settings where someone can think about likely questions beforehand. However, confidence does not always mean strong social skills. A quieter person may communicate very well once the conversation begins, even if they look nervous at first.

Listening is probably one of the most useful skills because people usually respond well when they feel heard. Asking open but not overly personal questions can keep a conversation moving, and remembering someone’s name also helps. Clear eye contact and a friendly tone matter, although cultural expectations differ. It is also useful to notice whether the other person wants to continue talking rather than dominating the conversation. Good social interaction is not just about speaking confidently; it is about making the exchange comfortable for both people.