Skip to main content

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

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Consumerism (Part 3--IELTS Speaking)

- For IELTS Writing content,   click here - For IELTS Speaking content,   click here The culture of consumerism (Part 3--IELTS Speaking) Meaning of consumerism and materialism (explained in detail with examples--click for video) Question: Why do many people today keep buying things which they do not need? (Question from Cambridge IELTS Book 15) Sample Answer 1: It is just a reflection of the society that we live in. There are too many choices, so one may buy more and more things for variety. Also, sometimes, the only reason is to show off how many things one owns. Owning things has become a status symbol .  Question: Do you believe the benefits of a consumer society outweigh the disadvantages?  (Question from Cambridge IELTS Book 15) Sample Answer 1 (Yes): I think so. As a result of consumerism , there are more choices. So, we get great deals and discounts because of competition. Also, since people buy more, it is beneficial for the economy. There may be some iss...
Post a Comment
Read more

A time when you taught a friend or relative (Part 2/Cue Card--IELTS Speaking)

- For more IELTS Speaking content,   click here IELTS Part 2/Cue Card Question Describe a time when you taught a friend or relative something. You should say:     who you taught     what you taught     how the result was and explain how you felt about the experience. Sample Answer 1 I'm gonna talk about the experience of teaching my younger cousin how to ride a bicycle. My cousin, who was then 8 years old, had been hesitant to learn how to ride a bicycle for quite some time . One summer day, I decided to take the initiative to teach her. I commenced by explaining the basics of balancing and the necessary safety measures. I then helped her get onto the bicycle and began teaching her how to pedal and balance. At first, my cousin was quite nervous and kept falling off the bike. However, I was patient and encouraging , telling her to keep trying and reassuring her that she could do it. I gave her some tips on how to maintain her balance and control t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Morning/Evening; Different times of the day (Part 1--IELTS Speaking)

- For more IELTS Speaking content,   click here Morning/Evening; Different times of the day (Part 1--IELTS Speaking) Question: Do you like morning or evening? Sample Answer 1 (Evening): I certainly prefer the evening. I feel I'm more active in the evenings-- say , after 5 or so. I'm not really a morning person . Actually, I'm kinda cranky in the mornings. Sample Answer 2 (Morning): I'd say, mornings. I feel the first few hours after one wakes up are the most productive ones . Sometimes, I go out of my way to wake up early to enjoy the sunrise. Evenings are great too, but by then the day is winding up . So, of the two , I'd choose mornings. Sample Answer 3 (No preference. It depends): I don't really have a preference. It varies from one day to another . If I get enough sleep at night and wake up feeling fresh, then mornings are great. But sometimes, when I've not had enough sleep, I feel like I hate mornings. Similarly , if I have plans for the evening, t...
Post a Comment
Read more