The #1 IELTS Podcast in the World
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.
Rory recounts a chaotic 90s interview he saw on Instagram featuring a pop diva and a gate-crasher. Maria breaks down how to use this Band 9 vocabulary and grammar to talk about celebrities and media.
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Did Rory really make origami hand puppets in class? Find out as he and Maria discuss everything from handwritten letters to the joy of doodling, and why a physical letter has more emotional impact.
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How do you discuss major global issues without sounding too extreme? Rory shows how to use advanced vocabulary like 'wreck' and 'reckless' while discussing corporate responsibility and individual actions.
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Rory describes a world-famous environmentalist who's nearly 100! Learn how he uses advanced tenses and idioms to talk about protecting the planet, and find out which other celebrities Maria mentions.
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Why does Rory refuse to sit through an entire opera? Find out which music genres he can't stand and discover high-level phrases to talk about your own tastes, from fancying an idea to watching a show from home.
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Ever lent something and never got it back? Rory shares killer phrases for when a 'gentle reminder' isn't enough. Maria even jokes about borrowing your dog! Is it okay to borrow money from a friend? Find out.
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Find out how Rory 'borrowed' a laptop stand from his flatmate and made it his own! Maria breaks down his clever use of idioms and transition phrases to tell a memorable story that scores high.
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Find out why Rory thinks going to the cinema alone is 'morbid and sad'! He also shares why he rarely goes anymore and reflects on the 'big releases' he saw as a kid when his family wasn't made of money.
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Is teamwork always a good thing? Rory dives into the pros and cons of collaboration, explaining why some people are 'dead weight' and why being tech-savvy is the new key to good leadership.
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Ever been forced into a team-building exercise? Rory recounts a bizarrely fun training session where teachers threw rocks, revealing top-tier idioms and grammar to describe working with others.
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Rory absolutely hates shopping and just wants to 'nip in and flee'! Discover why he thinks he was traumatized as a child and learn the REAL way to pronounce 'clothes' with Maria. Are you making this mistake?
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Is being a doctor more prestigious than a nurse? Rory dives into the immense pressure and indispensable nature of medical staff, sharing top-tier vocabulary to describe their incredible work and challenges.
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Rory describes his friend the nurse practitioner, but admits he doesn't have the 'brain power' to grasp the details! Learn how to talk about a job you don't fully understand and still score a Band 9.
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Rory admits our own podcast site isn't his favorite! Discover which websites he can't live without, from news and language apps to the one that simply keeps him entertained with video essays.
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Is it okay to just float through life? Rory argues that having direction is key to living on your own terms. Tune in to grab top-tier vocabulary for talking about ambition and what societies value!
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Feeling stuck on a goal? Rory shares his 7-year struggle with a diploma, revealing top-tier vocabulary for talking about procrastination and motivation. Learn phrasal verbs to describe why you can't get things done!
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Rory explains why chunky devices just get in the way, but Maria reveals a C1 word that describes the opposite. Is everything really portable these days? Listen in for key phrasal verbs and collocations!
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Rory discusses the fine line between being a law-abiding citizen and flouting the rules. Can society function without etiquette, or will it descend into anarchy? Listen for high-level vocabulary to impress the examiner!
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Rory proposes a wild new law: making all lying illegal! Discover the advanced idioms and grammar he uses to explore this revolutionary idea and learn how to argue both sides of any IELTS topic.
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Can a joke 'bomb' in the IELTS test? Rory reveals a mortifying story from his stand-up comedy debut, sharing essential idioms to describe what's funny... and what definitely isn't. Listen to learn more!
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Rory explains why money isn't everything when choosing a career. He discusses how to find a job that fits your personality and why you might need to reinvent yourself just to keep up with the times.
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Ever get 'stuck in a rut'? Rory describes his ideal flexible career, packed with idioms and advanced grammar. Listen to see how he avoids boredom and creates a 'win-win' work-life situation for himself!
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Is it a pain to work late? Rory, our resident early bird, feels groggy and irritable, but what about night owls? Learn high-level idioms and phrasal verbs to describe your own daily energy levels and habits.
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Rory discusses why changing plans can make you untrustworthy. Listen as Maria unpacks advanced idioms like "pull the rug out" and "willy-nilly" for a high-scoring answer on plans and personality.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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?
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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'!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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