IELTS Speaking for Success

Rory recounts a hilarious evening watching an off-the-wall music video with friends. Find out how he uses vivid adjectives and handy idioms like 'the name escapes me' to tell a compelling story.

Hate being behind the wheel? Rory reveals he's a 'passenger princess' and finds driving a 'nerve-wracking' experience. Find out why car color matters for safety and how to talk about transport you don't care for.

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Rory explains why it's good form to be 'ahead of schedule' and when showing up early might 'throw a spanner in the works'. Listen for Band 9 idioms and phrasal verbs!

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Rory shares his story about a 6:20 a.m. yoga class, revealing how to use Band 9 idioms like 'at the crack of dawn' and 'full of beans' to sound like a native!

Is Rory a stickler for tidiness or will he have a nervous breakdown in a messy room? Maria reveals the best idioms and polite phrases to describe your living space, even if it's a 'creative mess'!

Is using your phone at dinner the height of bad manners? Rory thinks so! Dive into this chat about modern etiquette, Scotland's most famous (and awful) dish, and why we have to shell out so much for a meal.

How can Rory describe a cake he barely remembers? Join us as he talks about his birthday, from joint parties and fire hazards to why these small gestures are still a big deal for your IELTS Speaking Part 2 score.

Rory confesses he isn't a "raging narcissist" but still checks his appearance. Find out how to discuss personal items and habits using advanced vocabulary and strategies for your IELTS Speaking test.

Is pop music truly 'the in thing' everywhere? Rory explains why you're 'at the mercy of' the crowd at live concerts and how musical education can enhance our cognitive abilities. Tune in for top-tier vocab!

Rory recounts a disastrous lunch where the music was so loud he couldn't think! Discover the advanced vocabulary and grammar he uses to turn a bad experience into a top-scoring IELTS answer with Maria's help.

Feeling anxious about the IELTS topic of age? Maria and Rory explore how to answer questions about your life stage with positivity, humor, and a philosophical approach, turning a tricky subject into a chance to shine.

Rory thinks rewards encourage people, but Maria argues for punishment! Listen to hear them debate the best ways to tackle tough issues, from recycling and city parks to high-level government policy.

Listen as Rory describes his mum's 'green thumb' using C1 vocab like 'dab hand' and 'pottering about.' Maria then reveals how to adapt this perfect Band 9 story for any person you want to talk about!

Are you 'fussy' about where you stay? Rory discusses seeing the galaxy and why Scottish scenery is on a par with the world's best, while Maria reveals why she's a very 'choosy' traveller these days!

Can you persuade anyone? Rory reveals what gives someone 'gravitas' and why hovering over kids might backfire. Plus, Maria introduces a new slang word you definitely shouldn't use in your IELTS exam!

Rory recalls a time he had to convince a chaotic student to take her IELTS homework seriously. Find out how he navigated her 'poker face' and why Maria thinks you should just steal his entire story for your own exam!

Remember playing hide and seek? Rory struggles to recall his childhood pastimes but shares brilliant language for talking about then vs. now. Discover advanced vocab for your hobbies, from loathing exercise to home brewing!

Curious about the dark side of childhood stardom? Rory explores the psychological toll on young celebrities and reveals how they can wind up on a destructive path, from racking up convictions to prying paparazzi.

Why does Rory say you should 'never meet your idols' but then choose Paris Hilton? Listen as he unpacks her notorious persona using Band 9 idioms and strategies to soften his opinions for a fluent, natural answer.

Is 5:30 AM an ungodly hour? Rory defends his early bird habits while Maria offers wilder ways to start your day, from petting cats to 'energizing' showers. Discover key idioms for your daily schedule.

Are selfies a waste of time? Can you have too many apps? Rory tackles tough questions about our digital lives, revealing Band 9 vocabulary you can use to talk about your own screen time habits and friendships.

What happens when Rory has to give up his phone for his IELTS test? He shares a story packed with Band 9 vocabulary and grammar for a common Part 2 topic that you can make your own. Listen and learn!

Is a page-turner keeping you up all night? Rory explains how he went from a haphazard reader to finishing two books a month, and why he'll always choose a paper book over a portable e-reader. Listen now!

Are you born smart or do you build it? Rory and Maria debate what makes us intelligent, from school meals and leafy greens to the dangers of doomscrolling. Find out how to realize your full potential!

What happens when a simple paint job goes horribly wrong? Rory shares a hilarious story about his dad saving the day, revealing top-tier vocabulary for describing problems and smart solutions at home.