Here are my sample answers to the questions that I shared last week.
1. What advantages does living in the countryside have, compared to living in a city?
I think there are some clear advantages to living in the countryside. First, with the clean air and lack of traffic or industry, countryside areas are much healthier places than the average city. Another benefit would be the sense of community that comes with living in a small village where everyone knows each other. Finally, it seems to me that the pace of life in the countryside is slower, and the people are more laid back and friendly, compared to the hustle and bustle and the stress of city life.
2. Have areas of countryside in your country changed since you were a child?
No, they haven’t changed very much where I live. The reason for this is that countryside areas close to Manchester tend to be protected, and so construction is not allowed. For example, I live quite close to an area called the Peak District, and nothing seems to have changed there since I was young; the hills, paths and woodland areas are just as they were.
3. Do you think that visits to the countryside should be something that schools offer to their children?
Yes, I think it’s a great idea for schools to take children on trips to the countryside, especially if those children live in a large town or city. A visit to the countryside can be both relaxing and educational; children can go for walks in the fresh air, and at the same time see animals and plants that they may never have seen before. If schools don’t offer this opportunity, some children will never see life outside the city.
"I think there are some clear advantages to living in the countryside"
Is it "live" that should be used here instead of "living"? I'm confused.
Appreciate it if you can explain.
Posted by: tim | October 21, 2017 at 10:46
Tim,
"to living" is correct in this situation, even though it might seem strange to you.
Here's an explanation:
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2017/05/ielts-grammar-to-with-ing.html
Posted by: Simon | October 24, 2017 at 16:14
Hi dear Simon
Today I had speaking test and unfortunately it was compeletly different from what I had practiced before. I feel every thing has changed considerebly. Warm up was like part 3.and qcard was so dofficult unlike all 200 one I had memorized before😢😭😭😢
Posted by: Mina | October 25, 2017 at 18:50
Hi Simon,
"The reason for this is that countryside areas close to Manchester tend to be protected, AND SO construction is not allowed. "
I'm wondering is there any difference if we just use "SO" instead of "AND SO".
Posted by: Felicia | October 29, 2017 at 20:36
Dear Simon ,
I have improved my English greatly,how can i donate to you?
Posted by: Alice | October 31, 2017 at 08:28
Felicia,
Yes, you could just use "so", and the meaning would be the same.
...
Alice,
That's a kind offer. I don't have a donation system, but you're welcome to buy my ebook :)
Posted by: Simon | October 31, 2017 at 14:22
Please in my speaking tests part2 ,the card was about businesses person and I talked about famous heart surgeon..is that wrong and I will get low score? 😢😢
Posted by: Yasmin Nour | November 01, 2017 at 10:11