IELTS Speaking Part 1: Fixing things
1. What things can you fix?
Ideas:
- Personal skills in fixing common household items.
- Examples of items repaired successfully.
- Willingness to learn and attempt fixing various things.
Useful expressions:
- Listing skills: “I can fix common household items such as,” “Some of the things I am good at fixing include,” “Over time, I’ve learned to repair items like.”
- Giving examples: “I have successfully fixed items like,” “There have been instances where I repaired,” “Fixing things has become a skill I’ve developed in areas like.”
- Willingness to learn: “I am always open to learning and attempting to fix,” “Even if I haven’t fixed something before, I am willing to give it a try,” “I believe in the satisfaction of being able to repair.”
Sample answer:
I can fix common household items such as leaky faucets, simple electrical issues, and minor furniture repairs. Some of the things I am good at fixing include repairing loose hinges on doors or cabinets and troubleshooting small electrical problems. Over time, I’ve learned to repair items like a broken chair leg or a malfunctioning kitchen appliance. While I may not be an expert, I am always open to learning and attempting to fix various things around the house.
2. Did anybody teach you to fix things when you were a child?
Ideas:
- Influence of family members or mentors.
- Specific skills or items learned to fix.
- Impact of childhood learning on current fixing abilities.
Useful expressions:
- Influence of family members: “My parents taught me basic skills in fixing,” “There were family members who guided me in repairing,” “I learned a lot about fixing things from.”
- Specific skills or items: “I was taught how to fix common household items like,” “My mentor showed me techniques for repairing,” “The skills I learned as a child have been valuable in fixing.”
- Impact on current abilities: “Learning to fix things as a child influenced my current abilities in,” “The foundation laid in childhood has been beneficial in,” “I appreciate the practical skills I gained from early lessons in fixing.”
Sample answer:
Yes, my parents played a significant role in teaching me basic skills in fixing things around the house. They taught me how to handle simple repairs such as fixing a leaky faucet, tightening loose screws, and troubleshooting minor electrical issues. Learning these skills from an early age had a lasting impact on my ability to fix things independently. The foundation laid in childhood has been beneficial in approaching various fixing tasks with confidence.
3. Do you think it is necessary for people to learn to fix things?
Ideas:
- Importance of self-sufficiency.
- Financial and environmental benefits.
- Empowerment through practical skills.
Useful expressions:
- Highlighting self-sufficiency: “Learning to fix things promotes self-sufficiency,” “It empowers individuals to handle,” “Being able to fix items independently enhances.”
- Financial and environmental benefits: “Fixing things oneself can lead to cost savings,” “There are environmental benefits to repairing instead of replacing,” “It contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle.”
- Empowerment through skills: “Practical skills in fixing enhance a person’s capabilities,” “Knowing how to fix things instills a sense of confidence,” “It is a valuable life skill that empowers individuals in.”
Sample answer:
Yes, I believe it is necessary for people to learn to fix things. Learning to fix things promotes self-sufficiency and empowers individuals to handle various challenges at home. It also leads to cost savings, as fixing items oneself can eliminate the need for professional help. Additionally, there are environmental benefits to repairing instead of replacing, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. Practical skills in fixing enhance a person’s capabilities, instill confidence, and are valuable life skills that empower individuals in their day-to-day lives.
4. What do you do when a thing is broken and cannot be fixed?
Ideas:
- Assessing the severity of the damage.
- Seeking professional assistance.
- Repurposing or recycling broken items.
Useful expressions:
- Assessing damage: “I assess the severity of the damage to determine,” “If the item is beyond repair, I consider,” “It’s important to evaluate whether the damage is.”
- Seeking professional assistance: “In cases where I cannot fix it myself, I seek,” “Professional help becomes necessary when the damage is,” “There are situations where the expertise of a professional is needed to address.”
- Repurposing or recycling: “If an item cannot be fixed, I explore options for,” “I try to repurpose or recycle components of broken items,” “It’s essential to consider environmentally friendly ways of disposing of.”
Sample answer:
When a thing is broken and cannot be fixed, I assess the severity of the damage to determine whether it is beyond repair. If the damage is extensive or requires specialized knowledge, I seek professional assistance. There are situations where the expertise
