Noise (Part 1--IELTS Speaking)

Before we start, it is important to understand that 'sound' and 'noise' mean different things. 'Noise' is a sound that is unpleasant or irritating or too loud. That is why we have the term 'Noise Pollution' and not 'Sound Pollution'.

1. Do you live in a noisy area?
   
   Sample Answer 1:
   I do. And it is one of the reasons that I want to move out. My house is right on the main road. So, day or night, there's always the disturbing sounds of vehicles and horns being blown.
   
   Sample Answer 2:
   Thankfully, I don't. I live in a residential society which is a gated apartment building. So, there are not too many outsiders. Better still, my apartment is not facing the main gate, so it's all the more better.
   
   Sample Answer 3:
   Not too noisy. There's certainly the normal sounds of cars coming and going, or kids playing. These sounds do disturb sometimes but usually these are pleasant.
   
   Points to note in the above answers:
• All the more better: Even better
  
  
2. Are there many noisy areas in your country?
   
   Sample Answer 1:
   Certainly yes. My country is quite notorious for having plethora of noisy areas. In most markets and tourist destinations, there's a lot of chitter-chatter to be heard.
   
   Sample Answer 2:
   Not really. Most regions in my country are rather quiet, something that I especially adore about my country. I think silence is peaceful.
   
   Points to note in the above answer:
   
   
• Notorious: Popular/Famous for something bad/negative
  
  
• Chitter-chatter: Informal conversation
  
  
  
3. How often do you overhear conversations?
   
   Sample Answer 1:
   Never ever. Actually, it's the other way round. My neighbours recently complained about being disturbed by me talking loudly. The thing is I have noise-cancelling headphones. So, when I am playing games, I talk loudly into them. 
   
   Sample Answer 2:
   Not too often but still more often than I'd like. People these days talk so loudly on their phones without a care of where they are are who may overhear them. I try my best not to eavesdrop though.
   
   Sample Answer 3:
   Quiet often actually. I use public transport quite a lot and overhearing conversations is a part and parcel of traveling by public transport. What is more, I have to confess that if I find what I overhear interesting, I have been known to eavesdrop too.
   
   Points to note in the above answers:
   
   
• Noise-cancelling headphones: Headphones by which you can't hear the outside noise at all
  
  
• Without a care of: Without any concern/worry
  
  
• Overhear: Hear someone by chance
  
  
• Eavesdrop: To listen to something secretly
  
  
• Part and parcel of: A basic or necessary part of
  
  
• I have to confess: This phrase is used when one is talking about something that is wrong
  
  
• I have been known to: I have done this sometimes in the past
  
  
4. Where would you hear such conversations?
   
   Vocabulary and content ideas and suggestions:
• Public transport (Trains, Metro)
• Crowded areas (Markets)
• Restaurants/Eateries
   
5. Are there any other disadvantages of noise besides the fact that it disturbs us?
   
   Vocabulary and content ideas and suggestions:
• Can lead to hearing impairment or loss
• Prolonged exposure to high pitch can cause psychological issues
• Industries
• Crowded markets