IELTS Speaking Part 1
1. Do you write many letters or emails?
2. Who do you usually write to?
3. Do you prefer to write letters by hand or to use a computer?
4. How often do you write an email or a letter?
5. What are the differences between emails and letters?
6. Is it hard to think of what to write?
7. What kinds of letter/email do you think is the hardest to write?
8. How do you feel when you receive a letter or email?
9. What sorts of letters or emails are the most difficult to reply to?
10. What kinds of emails (or letters) do you receive that make you feel excited?
11. Which do you prefer to make a phone call or write an email?
12. Do you think people will still write letters in the future?
13. How do you communicate with others at work – by emails or is it more convenient to communicate face-to-face?
Sample Recording
Sample
Yes, I almost write emails for my clients as part of my job on a daily basis. There are many things I have to write, for example, I usually write end user training for my clients to teach them how to use the system, or I write the development guide for my technical staffs to tell them how to code. If I were to choose between the two, I’ll probably go with writing things with a computer. I believe that in the age of fast living and a culture of convenience, writing things with computers can bring people convenience and efficiency. Whereas, hand writing is really time consuming and hard to share.
Well, between the two, a letter is printed or handwritten on actual paper and sent through the mail while an email is typed on a computer, tablet or smartphone and sent electronically. While emails have become a more popular way of communication for individuals and businesses, traditional letters still have a place in today’s modern, tech-oriented society.
Normally it seems like a daily routine for me to write emails to my clients about how to use the system; but if they complain to me about the poor user experience, I sometimes really find myself getting stuck in explaining to comfort them. I would be feeling both honoured and excited to receive a letter or email from other because the sender has spent time writing it. Especially when someone writes to me to appreciate me or compliment me about my responsible work.
Well, if I were to choose between the two, I will probably go with writing an email because I can have plenty of time thinking about how to express my opinion correctly and clearly, besides, the whole conversation can be tracked in the mail list; whereas, you know, making a telephone call usually leads to misunderstanding because sometimes it is not very accurate and obscure.
I believe that as a major method of communication between people, letter writing has a vast and interesting history; besides, handwritten letters are personal. They show the receiver that someone has spent time and effort in communicating with them. They are a way of connecting two people that cannot be achieved through the impersonal use of texts or instant messages. Therefore, I feel that the handwriting letters are irreplaceable in the future.