A WEBSITE

In this lesson you will review IELTS speaking part 2 tips and learn some key vocabulary by listening a sample answer for a part 2 question related to 'A Website'. Make sure to take note of any phrases or words you want to remember!

01 Vocabulary

Read the below definitions. Then complete the quiz that follows.

• To be up to (v)– to be doing. Eg.’ What are you up to?’ = ‘What are you doing?’
• User-friendly (adj) – easy to use (technology). 
• To keep in touch (n)–to contact regularly/to stay up-to-date. 
• Banner ads (n)– adverts that are placed at the top or along the side of a website. 
• Spare time (n) – free time. 
• Not much use – not very useful. 

Now, take the quiz. More than one answer may be possible. Choose the most appropriate answer.

02 Listening - Fill in the blanks

Listen to the audio recording of the sample answers. Use a notebook to take note of the answers. Then check your answers.

03 Practice

Now it's your turn! Prepare and practice answering the above questions. Remember to get a high score you need to to the following.

• Answer the question by paraphrasing.
• Use different tenses/structures.
• Include fluency markers.
• Use some idiomatic vocabulary and phrasal verbs.
• Make a complex opener.
• Use linking words to organise your answer.

Describe a website you often use.

You should say:

• What kind of website it is. 
• How often you use it.
• Why you like it.
• If there is anything you would like to change about it.

(Opener)

Although, I visit many websites regularly, I’m going to talk about one of the most-used websites on the planet; Facebook. 

(Basic Information)

As you probably know, Facebook is a social networking site with millions of users worldwide. It was created by Mark Zuckerberg more than a decade ago and since then, has become the most popular networking sites in the world. Users are able to share photos, post statuses and send private messages to friends and relatives. 

Honestly, I probably go on Facebook too much ! I’d say I spend at least an hour a day on the site. I don’t tend to post particularly often, though I enjoy scrolling through my newsfeed. It’s a good way to see what my friends are up to. It’s also a useful tool for keeping in touch with relatives. In fact, I send messages to my siblings, who live abroad, on a weekly-basis via Facebook. 

I guess, I’m a fan of the site because everyone is on Facebook. I’ve tried various other sites but my loved ones haven’t joined those, so they’re not much use! It’s also particularly convenient as it is easy to download the app on one’s phone and other devices. This saves time logging in and, actually makes it quite user-friendly. 

(Two Reasons)

I really appreciate the platform, though there are two things I'd like to change. 

Firstly, I think there are too many advertisements. Nowadays, when I check my newsfeed, I am bombarded by banner ads and local business promotions. If I could talk to Mark Zuckerberg, I would definitely ask him to put a limit on the number of advertisements.

Additionally, lately I've noticed that people have been posting 'fake' news. I mean news articles that are not trustworthy and contain inaccurate information. Even though people argue that this would limit free speech, I think it would be great if information was fact-checked before being allowed to be uploaded.