Thursday, 19 June 2025

Some people encourage watching sports as a way of learning about teamwork and strategy, while others believe that one can learn these skills only through playing sports. Discuss both views and give your opinion. | Real exam ielts writing task 2 | ielts onestop |

❖ Question:

Some people encourage watching sports as a way of learning about teamwork and strategy, while others believe that one can learn these skills only through playing sports.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

❖ Ideas Used

View 1 (Watching Sports):
- Observation builds understanding of tactics and coordination.
- Strategic thinking can be learned by analyzing professional games.
- Example: Chess players or football fans learning from matches.
View 2 (Playing Sports):
- Real-time experience builds practical teamwork.
- Skills like communication, decision-making develop through actual participation.
- Example: Playing cricket in a team teaches role distribution.
Opinion: Playing sports provides deeper and more practical learning, although watching can still be beneficial.

✦ Sample Answer

➤ Introduction

In contemporary discussions, it is often debated whether teamwork and strategic skills can be developed by merely watching sports or whether these qualities are best acquired through direct participation. While both perspectives are acknowledged, this essay will argue that although observing sports can offer some theoretical understanding, real learning is more effectively achieved by actively engaging in the sport.

➤ Body Paragraph 1 – Watching Sports

On the one hand, watching sports is considered by many as a valuable method of learning coordination and tactics. When games are observed, especially those involving complex strategies such as football or basketball, individuals are exposed to real-time decision-making and structured teamwork. For instance, fans who regularly watch football can begin to understand formations, passing strategies, and the importance of player positioning. Additionally, sports such as Formula 1 or cricket also offer viewers insights into planning and cooperation under pressure. Therefore, through repeated observation, learners can develop a foundational awareness of strategic and team-oriented behavior.

➤ Body Paragraph 2 – Playing Sports

On the other hand, many people argue that true teamwork and strategy are best learned through actual participation in sports. When individuals physically play a sport, they not only make decisions in real time but also experience communication, coordination, and trust within a team. For example, someone playing volleyball must constantly adapt to the movements of teammates, understand their roles, and respond swiftly to dynamic situations. This hands-on experience fosters a deeper level of understanding that passive observation cannot provide. Hence, engaging directly in sports offers practical development of soft skills such as leadership, collaboration, and tactical awareness.

➤ Conclusion

In conclusion, while watching sports can provide a theoretical understanding of teamwork and strategy, these skills are far more effectively developed through direct involvement in sporting activities. In my opinion, active participation not only strengthens physical abilities but also cultivates essential life skills through lived experience.

❖ Vocabulary Used

Word/Phrase	Usage/Meaning
Contemporary discussions	Modern-day debates or commonly debated topics
Acknowledged	Recognized or accepted
Real-time decision-making	Making decisions while an activity is ongoing
Foundational awareness	Basic level of understanding
Tactical awareness	Understanding of strategic positioning or decisions
Coordination	Working together in a smooth, efficient manner
Communication	Exchanging information effectively
Collaboration	Working jointly with others
Passive observation	Watching without direct involvement
Cultivates	Develops or nurtures over time

Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Describe a film that made you laugh | makkar may to august new cue cards 2025 | New cue cards 2025 |

Describe a film that made you laugh
You should say:

What it is
When you watched it
Who you watched it with
And explain why it made you laugh

✅ Sample Answer:

Honestly speaking, I’m a huge fan of light-hearted and comedy movies as they help me escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. One such film that really made me laugh out loud was Jatt & Juliet 3, a Punjabi movie starring none other than Diljit Dosanjh. I’m someone who follows his work closely because of his amazing sense of humor and natural acting skills.

I watched this film quite recently when it was released in cinemas. In fact, I went to watch it on the first day first show with my childhood friend Rahul, who is also a die-hard fan of Diljit. We had already made up our minds to watch this movie together, and we were super excited as we both had seen the trailers and knew it would be a laughter ride.

The movie had a hilarious storyline with some unexpected twists and turns. But what made it truly entertaining was the dialogue delivery and comic timing of the actors, especially Diljit. His expressions, body language, and witty punch lines kept us laughing throughout the film. One particular scene where he tries to impress the heroine with broken English had everyone in splits, including me.

I believe movies like these are not just for entertainment but also a great stress buster. I felt so refreshed and happy after watching it, and the best part was sharing those moments with my friend. All in all, it was a memorable experience and definitely one of the funniest films I’ve ever watched.

✅ Vocabulary (with meanings):

Light-hearted – not intended to be serious (e.g., a light-hearted comedy)
Hustle and bustle – busy and noisy activity
Die-hard fan – a very passionate and loyal follower
Laughter ride – something very funny and entertaining
Dialogue delivery – the way an actor delivers his/her lines
Comic timing – sense of timing in making people laugh
Stress buster – something that relieves stress

✅ Idioms and Phrases:

Laugh out loud – to laugh a lot
In splits – laughing uncontrollably
Made up our minds – decided
Witty punch lines – smart and funny lines
Kept us laughing throughout – maintained the laughter continuously

✅ Connectors Used:

Honestly speaking
One such film
In fact
What made it truly entertaining was...
But the best part was...
All in all

✅ Template (Paragraph Style – Customizable)

Honestly speaking, I’m a huge fan of [genre of movies] as they help me [how they affect you emotionally or mentally]. One such film that really stood out to me was [film name], a [language or regional] movie starring [actor/actress name]. I came across this movie [mention when or how you heard about it].

I watched it [mention when you watched it] with [mention who you watched with], and we were extremely excited because [reason why you wanted to see it].

The storyline was [briefly describe], and what made it even more interesting was the [highlight specific aspect like acting/dialogues/comedy/music]. One scene that still makes me laugh is when [describe funny moment].

Overall, I felt [mention feeling] after watching it and it turned out to be a perfect [mention benefit like stress-buster/mood-lifter]. I’ll surely recommend it to others who are looking for a good laugh.

Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Describe an outdoor sport you would like to do | Makkar may to august 2025 cue cards | New cue cards 2025 |

1. Describe an outdoor sport you would like to do

You should say:

- What it is

- When/where you would like to do it

- With whom you would like to do it

- And explain why you would like to do it

Sample answer

Honestly speaking, I’ve never been a hardcore athlete, but I’ve always been fascinated by outdoor games. One sport that has recently caught my attention is tennis. I came to know about it through a sports documentary that aired on a TV channel a few weeks ago. It featured some of the greatest players and gave a detailed insight into how the game is played, the strategies involved, and the level of physical and mental dedication required to succeed in it.

What really sparked my curiosity was the speed and precision with which the players were hitting the ball and how they maintained their focus even during intense rallies. I found it incredibly engaging and, to be honest, quite inspiring.

If I ever get a chance, I would love to try this sport with one of my closest friends. He also watched the same documentary and was equally thrilled by it. We've actually talked about enrolling in a beginner’s tennis class in our city. We are currently looking for a good coach or sports club where we can get proper training.

I feel this sport would not only help me stay fit and active but would also teach me patience, teamwork, and focus. Overall, learning tennis is something I look forward to, and I hope to try it soon and maybe even make it a regular hobby.

🧠 Vocabulary with Meanings

1. Hardcore athlete – A very serious or committed sportsperson

2. Caught my attention – Made me interested

3. Insight – A deep understanding

4. Precision – Accuracy and exactness

5. Engaging – Interesting and captivating

6. Enrolling – Joining a course or program

7. Beginner’s tennis class – A training class for newcomers

8. Coach – A professional who teaches the sport

9. Hobby – A regular activity for enjoyment

10. Rallies – Continuous play between players in a game

🧩 Idioms and Phrases with Meanings

1. Honestly speaking – Used to express truthfully

2. Sparked my curiosity – Aroused my interest

3. To be honest – A natural and genuine phrase

4. Equally thrilled – Just as excited

5. Looking forward to – Eagerly waiting for something

6. Make it a regular hobby – Turn it into a routine activity

7. Stay fit and active – Remain healthy and energetic

8. Quite inspiring – Very motivating

9. Shared the same interest – Liked the same thing

10. Step out of my comfort zone – Do something challenging

🔗 Useful Connectors

1. Honestly speaking...

2. What really caught my attention was...

3. If I ever get a chance...

4. To be honest...

5. Apart from this...

6. Overall...

7. At the same time...

8. Eventually...

9. In fact...

10. So due to all these reasons...

📝 Paragraph-Style Template (Customizable Blanks)

To be honest, I’ve always been quite fascinated by outdoor sports, even though I haven't had many chances to try them myself. One particular sport that caught my attention recently is [insert sport name, e.g., tennis]. I came across it while [mention how you discovered it – TV show / online / friend’s recommendation / local event], and ever since then, I’ve been curious to explore it more.

What really impressed me was [describe the unique aspect of the sport – speed, strategy, coordination, intensity, etc.]. It looked like a sport that not only keeps you physically active but also sharpens your focus and mental strength. That’s something I truly admire.

If I get an opportunity, I’d love to try it with [insert who – e.g., one of my best friends / my cousin / my sibling], because we both share a similar passion for trying new things. In fact, we’ve already talked about [insert plan – e.g., finding a local coach / joining a weekend class / visiting a sports academy], but we’re just waiting for the right time to begin.

I think engaging in such a sport will not only help me stay fit, but also allow me to disconnect from the daily routine and enjoy some quality time doing something meaningful. It would be a refreshing way to challenge myself and create lasting memories.

Sunday, 15 June 2025

Termite Mounds | ielts reading passage | 14 June ielts exam | 14 June ielts reading passage | 14 June ielts exam prediction | 14 June ielts reading prediction

Reading Practice

Termite Mounds

Could the vast towers of mud constructed by insects in sub-Saharan Africa hold the key to our energy-efficient building of the future?

A. To most of us, termites are destructive insects which can cause damage on a devastating scale. But according to Dr Rupert Soar of Loughborough University’s School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, these pests may serve a useful purpose for us after all. His multi-disciplinary team of British and American engineers and biologists have set out to investigate the giant mounds built by termites in Namibia, in sub-Saharan Africa, as part of the most extensive study of these structures ever taken.

B. Termite mounds are impressive for their size alone; typically they are three metres high,and some as tall as eight metres by found. They also reach far into the earth, where the insects ‘mine’ their building materials, carefully selecting each grain of sand they use. The termite's nest is contained in the central cavity of the mound, safely protected from the harsh environment outside. The mound itself is formed of an intricate lattice of tunnels, which spilt into smaller and smaller tunnels, much like a person’s blood vessels.

C. This complex system of tunnels draws in air from the outside, capturing wind energy todrive it through the mound. It also serves to expel spent respiratory gases from the nest to prevent the termites from suffocating, so ensuring them a continuous provision of fresh, breathable air. So detailed is the design that the nest stays within three degrees of a constant temperature, despite variations on the outside of up to 50o C, from blistering heat in the daytime to below freezing on the coldest nights. The mound also automatically regulates moisture in the air, by means of best its underground ‘cellar’, and evaporation from the top of the mound. Some colonies even had ‘chimneys’ at a height of 20m to control moisture less in the hottest regions of sub-Saharan Africa.

D. Furthermore, the termites have evolved in such a way as to outsource some of theirbiological functions. Part of their digestive process in camera out by a fungus, which they ‘farm’ inside the mound. This fungus, which is found nowhere else on earth, thrives in the constant and optimum environment of the mound. The termites feed the fungus with slightly chewed wood pulp, which the fungus then breaks down into a digestible sugary food to provide the insects with energy, and cellulose which they use for building. And, although the termites must generate waste, none ever leaves the structure, indicating that there is also some kind of internal waste-recycling system.

E. Scientists are so excited by the mounds that they have labelled them a ‘super organism’because, in Soar’s word. “They dance on the edge of what we would perceive to cool down, or if you’re too cold you need to thrive: that’s called homeostasis. What the termites have done is to move homeostatic function away from their body, into the structure in which they live. ‘As more information comes to light about the unique features of termite mounds, we may ultimately need to redefine our understanding of what constitutes a ‘living’ organism.

F. To reveal the structure of the mounds, Soar’s team begins by filling and covering theirplaster of Paris, a chalky white paste based on the mineral gypsum, which becomes rocksolid when dry. The researcher's hen carves the plaster of Paris into half-millimatre-thick slices, and photograph them sequentially. Once the pictures are digitally scanned, computer technology is able to recreate complex three-dimensional images of the mounds. These models have enabled the team to map termite architecture at a level of detail never before attained.

G. Soar hopes that the models will explain how termite mounds create a self-regulatingliving environment which manages to respond to changing internal and external conditions without drawing on any outside source of power. If they do, the findings could be invaluable in informing future architectural design, and could inspire buildings that are self-sufficient, environmentally, and cheap to run. ‘As we approach a world of climate change, we need temperatures to rise, he explains, there will not be enough fuel to drive air conditioners around the world. It is hoped, says Soar, ‘ that the findings will provide clues that aid the ultimate development of new kinds of human habitats, suitable for a variety of arid, hostile environments not only on the earth but maybe one day on the moon and beyond.’

QUESTIONS 1-7

Reading Passage 3 has seven paragraphs A-G.

Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below.

Write the correct number, i-ix, in boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet.

List of heading i methods used to investigate termite mound formation ii challenging our assumptions about the nature of life iii reconsidering the termite’s reputation iv principal functions of the termite mound v distribution of termite mounds in sub-Saharan Africa vi some potential benefits of understanding termite architecture vii the astonishing physical dimensions of the termite mound viii termite mounds under threat from global climate change ix a mutually beneficial relationship

1..................... Paragraph A

2..................... Paragraph B

3..................... Paragraph C

4..................... Paragraph D

5..................... Paragraph E

6..................... Paragraph F

7..................... Paragraph G

QUESTIONS 8-11

Label the diagram below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 8-11 on your answer sheet.

-network of 8..................... helps to give the termites a constant

-9..................... supply and to maintain a limited temperature range -cellar to aid control of 10..................... levels in mound -top of the mound permits 11.....................

QUESTIONS 12-14

Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in Reading Passage? In boxes 12-14 on your sheet, write

YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer

NO if the statement contradicts with the claims of the writer

NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this

12..................... The termite mound appears to process its refuse material internally.

13..................... Dr Soar’s reconstruction involves scanning a single photograph of a complete mound into acomputer.

14..................... New information about termite architecture could help people deal with future energy crises.

Solution:

1. iii 8. TUNNELS

2. vii 9. AIR

3. iv 10. MOISTURE

4. ix 11. EVAPORATION

5. ii 12. YES

6. i 13. NO

7. vi 14. NOT GIVEN

PASSWORD: 14MAYINDIA

Dirty River But Clean Water | ielts reading passage | 14 June ielts exam | 14 June ielts reading passage | 14 June ielts exam prediction | 14 June ielts reading prediction

Reading Practice

Dirty River But Clean Water

Floods can occur in rivers when the flow rate exceeds the capacity of the river channel, particularly at bends or meanders in the waterway. Floods often cause damage to homes and businesses if they are in the natural flood plains of rivers. While riverine flood damage can be eliminated by moving away from rivers and other bodies of water, people have traditionally lived and worked by rivers because the land is usually flat and fertile and because rivers provide easy travel and access to commerce and industry.

A Fire and flood are two of humanity’s worst nightmares. People have,therefore,alwayssought to control them. Forest fires are snuffed out quickly. The flow of rivers is regulated by weirs and dams. At least, that is how it used to be. But foresters have learned that forests need fires to clear out the brash and even to get seeds to germinate. And a similar revelation is now – dawning on hydrologists. Rivers – and the ecosystems they support – need floods. That is why a man-made torrent has been surging down the Grand Canyon. By Thursday March 6th it was running at full throttle, which was expected to be sustained for 60 hours.

B Floods once raged through the canyon every year. Spring Snow from as far away asWyoming would melt and swell the Colorado river to a flow that averaged around 1,500 cubic metres (50,000 cubic feet) a second. Every eight years or so, that figure rose to almost 3,000 cubic metres. These floods infused the river with sediment, carved its beaches and built its sandbars.

C However, in the four decades since the building of the Glen Canyon dam, just upstreamof the Grand Canyon, the only sediment that it has collected has come from tiny, undammed tributaries. Even that has not been much use as those tributaries are not powerful enough to distribute the sediment in an ecologically valuable way.

D This lack of flooding has harmed local wildlife. The humpback chub,for example, thrivedin the rust-redwaters of the Colorado. Recently, though, its population has crashed. At first sight, it looked as if the reason was that the chub were being eaten by trout introduced for sport fishing in the mid-20th century. But trout and chub co-existed until the Glen Canyon dam was built, so something else is going on. Steve Gloss, of the United States’ Geological Survey (USGS), reckons that the chub’s decline is the result of their losing their most valuable natural defense, the Colorado’s rusty sediment. The chub were well adapted to the poor visibility created by the thick, red water which gave the river its name, and depended on it to hide from predators. Without the cloudy water the chub became vulnerable.

E And the chub are not alone. In the years since the Glen Canyon dam was built, severalspecies have vanished altogether. These include the Colorado pike-minnow, the razorback sucker and the round-tail chub. Meanwhile, aliens including fathead minnows, channel catfish and common carp, which would have been hard, put to survive in the savage waters of the undammed canyon, have move din.

F So flooding is the obvious answer. Unfortunately, it is easier said than done. Floodswere sent down the Grand Canyon in 1996 and 2004 and the results were mixed. In 1996 the flood was allowed to go on too long. To start with,all seemed well. The floodwaters built up sandbanks and infused the river with sediment. Eventually, however, the continued flow washed most of the sediment out of the canyon. This problem was avoided in 2004, but unfortunately, on that occasion, the volume of sand available behind the dam was too low to rebuild the sandbanks. This time, the USGS is convinced that things will be better. The amount of sediment available is three times greater than it was in 2004. So if a flood is going to do some good, this is the time to unleash one.

G Even so, it may turn out to be an empty gesture. At less than 1,200 cubic metres asecond, this flood is smaller than even an average spring flood, let alone one of the mightier deluges of the past. Those glorious inundations moved massive quantities of sediment through the Grand Canyon,wiping the slate dirty, and making a muddy mess of silt and muck that would make modern river rafters cringe.

Questions 1-7

Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage?

In boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet, write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information

FALSE if the statement contradicts the information

NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

1..................... Damage caused by fire is worse than that caused by flood.

2..................... The flood peaks at almost 1500 cubic meters every eight years.

3..................... Contribution of sediments delivered by tributaries has little impact.

4..................... Decreasing number of chubs is always caused by introducing of trout since mid 20th century.

5..................... It seemed that the artificial flood in 1996 had achieved success partly at the very beginning.

6..................... In fact, the yield of artificial flood water is smaller than an average natural flood at present.

7..................... Mighty floods drove fast moving flows with clean and high quality water.

Questions 8-13

Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 8-13 on your answer sheet.

The eco-impact of the Canyon Dam

Floods are people’s nightmare. In the past, canyon was raged by flood every year. The snow from far Wyoming would melt in the season of 8..................... and caused a flood flow peak in Colorado river. In the four decades after people built the Glen Canyon dam, it only could gather 9..................... together from tiny, undammed tributaries.

Humpback chub population on reduced, why?

Then, several species disappeared including Colorado pike-minnow, 10..................... and the round-tail chub. Meanwhile, some moved in such as fathead minnows, channel catfish and 11...................... The non-stopped flow leaded to the washing away of the sediment out of the canyon, which poses great threat to the chubs because it has poor 12..................... away from predators. In addition, the volume of 13..................... available behind the dam was too low to rebuild the bars and flooding became more serious.