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IELTS Speaking for Success

The ultimate IELTS Speaking toolkit: 900+ audio lessons, transcripts, model answers, vocabulary, and AI-graded mock tests designed to turn passive listening into active speaking and help you achieve your target band.

September 2026 · 1 episodes

📙 Part 2: Describe a plan that you've changed recently

Find out how Rory's 'uncharacteristic lack of foresight' nearly ruined a reunion with friends! He shares top-tier vocabulary to describe when plans don't pan out and how to make up for your mistakes.

Episode tags

Buying TimeSelf-Correction
Narrative TensesCause & Effect
IdiomsPhrasal Verbs

August 2026 · 11 episodes

📕 Part 1: Dreams and ambitions

Rory reveals he's achieved everything he wanted in life and is now more "chilled out." Listen as he and Maria discuss grand designs, dream jobs, and whether being ambitious is really a good thing.

Episode tags

Making GeneralizationsParaphrasing
Cause & EffectComparing Things
IdiomsPhrasal Verbs

📘 Part 3: Advertising

Rory tackles the good, the bad, and the 'meh' of modern marketing. Learn high-level idioms like 'down the drain' and master how to soften your opinions when discussing business strategy.

Episode tags

Softening OpinionsSpeculating
Cause & EffectPassive Voice
IdiomsFormal vs. Casual

📙 Part 2: Describe an advertisement with a famous person in it

Can't remember that celebrity ad you just saw? Rory breaks down how to describe something you've forgotten, using advanced language for topics like endorsements and branding. A masterclass in IELTS strategy!

Episode tags

Buying TimeSoftening Opinions
Adding Strong EmphasisComplex Sentences
IdiomsPhrasal Verbs

📕 Part 1: Music

Can sad music be therapeutic? Maria and Rory explore everything from pop to niche opera, teaching you key idioms like 'play by ear' and what to say when the fine details escape you on exam day.

Episode tags

Buying TimeSelf-Correction
Adding Strong EmphasisRelative Clauses
IdiomsPhrasal Verbs

📘 Part 3: Stories with animals

Ever wondered why Peter Rabbit is so cool? Rory explains the high-level word 'anthropomorphic' and discusses if keeping a crocodile in your city apartment is a good idea. Plus, learn idioms to cushion the blow!

Episode tags

Softening OpinionsMaking Generalizations
Expressing CertaintyComplex Sentences
IdiomsFormal vs. Casual

📙 Part 2: Describe a story or a book with animals in it

Join Rory as he dives into a nostalgic tale of woodland creatures, differentiating between venomous and poisonous animals for a Band 9 vocabulary boost. Can a children's story secure a top score?

Episode tags

Making GeneralizationsSoftening Opinions
Passive VoiceRelative Clauses
Phrasal VerbsDescriptive Language

📕 Part 1: Going to the Cinema

Is going to the cinema a thing of the past? Rory explains why he prefers watching films at home and shares some high-level vocabulary to describe movies that are a 'complete shambles'!

Episode tags

Making GeneralizationsChallenging Views
Comparing ThingsAdding Strong Emphasis
IdiomsCollocations

📘 Part 3: Recycling and Waste

Think your old coat is 'threadbare'? Rory explains why second-hand clothes are great, but what should we do with all our waste? Discover key phrasal verbs for recycling and managing your stuff!

Episode tags

Buying TimeSpeculating
Cause & EffectComplex Sentences
Phrasal VerbsFormal vs. Casual

📙 Part 2: Describe a website or an app you've used to buy or sell second-hand or recycled items

Ever had to buy a used book? Rory shares his secret for finding second-hand gems online without shelling out for pristine copies. Discover Band 9 phrases to describe your own savvy shopping experiences!

Episode tags

SpeculatingMaking Generalizations
Complex SentencesAdding Strong Emphasis
IdiomsPhrasal Verbs

📕 Part 1: Sports Programs

Rory absolutely hates watching games, but his answers are still Band 9! Discover how to ace topics you find boring, learn idioms like 'bored to tears', and find out why Maria is talking about cheese rolling.

Episode tags

Making GeneralizationsSpeculating
Complex SentencesNarrative Tenses
IdiomsPhrasal Verbs

📘 Part 3: Friendship and social relationships

Is technology a 'double-edged sword' for our friendships? Rory explains why keeping in touch has gotten both easier and less valuable, and how to discuss these complex changes for a high band score.

Episode tags

SpeculatingShowing Both Sides
Comparing ThingsCause & Effect
IdiomsPhrasal Verbs

July 2026 · 9 episodes

📙 Part 2: Describe your favorite childhood friend

Rory shares a hilarious story about a childhood friend and their 'healthy disregard for authority.' Learn how to use advanced grammar and idioms to describe the inseparable bonds that shaped you.

Episode tags

Buying TimeUsing Transitions
Narrative TensesComplex Sentences
IdiomsPhrasal Verbs

📕 Part 1: Watches

Maria and Rory discuss why a simple accessory can be an investment, a status symbol, or just a tool for teachers. Find out why your phone just "won't cut it" in certain situations.

Episode tags

Self-CorrectionSpeculating
Complex SentencesPassive Voice
Phrasal VerbsIdioms

📘 Part 3: Boredom

Are teachers 'terminally boring'? Rory explains why young people might have a short attention span and shares idioms like 'dull as dishwater' to help you describe things that send you to sleep.

Episode tags

Softening OpinionsRhetorical Questions
Cause & EffectComparing Things
IdiomsDescriptive Language

📙 Part 2: Describe a boring place

Rory describes a museum he found incredibly dull. Listen to him masterfully use vocabulary for being bored and explain why a place lacks excitement, giving you the perfect model for your own Part 2 answer!

Episode tags

Softening OpinionsMaking Generalizations
Narrative TensesComplex Sentences
IdiomsPhrasal Verbs

📕 Part 1: Parks and Public Gardens

Ever been asked about the outdoors? Listen as Maria prompts Rory to describe his ideal tranquil spot, revealing how to use phrases like 'peace and quiet' and 'off the top of my head' for a Band 9 answer.

Episode tags

Buying TimeMaking Generalizations
Narrative TensesComplex Sentences
IdiomsBinomials

📘 Part 3: Buildings and architecture

Why does Rory detest modern styles like Brutalism? Listen as he explains the pros and cons of skyscrapers, why people love remodeling, and how to discuss a topic even when you're not 'in the know'!

Episode tags

SpeculatingSoftening Opinions
Comparing ThingsCause & Effect
Phrasal VerbsIdioms

📙 Part 2: Describe a tall building you like or dislike

Rory describes a building he hates! Learn how he uses strong descriptive language and clever idioms to explain why a new office block is a total eyesore and has ruined the views in his hometown.

Episode tags

Buying TimeSpeculating
Passive VoiceAdding Strong Emphasis
IdiomsDescriptive Language

📕 Part 1: Shopping

Rory claims he isn't a shopaholic, but he just bought three pairs of trousers in one go! Listen as he explains how to use Band 9 idioms and phrasal verbs to describe your own shopping habits for the IELTS exam.

Episode tags

Making GeneralizationsSoftening Opinions
Comparing ThingsComplex Sentences
IdiomsPhrasal Verbs

📘 Part 3: Video Content and Media Habits

Rory dives into what's 'all the rage' right now, comparing media habits of different generations. Can you handle the cognitive load of his C2 vocabulary? This one is packed with high-level language!

Episode tags

Softening OpinionsSpeculating
Comparing ThingsComplex Sentences
IdiomsPhrasal Verbs