Hello everyone, and welcome back to IELTS TIME. Today, we’re focusing on IELTS Speaking Part 1, looking at the topic “being happy.”You’ll hear two mock interviews with different candidates, so listen carefully to how naturally they answer, how ideas are developed, and how personal examples are used.
Let’s start with Joseph.
Are you generally a happy person?
Yes, I’d say I am, most of the time. I’m not happy every single day, obviously, but overall I’m quite positive and I try not to stress too much about things I can’t control.
What usually makes you feel happy?
Simple things, really. Spending time with people I’m close to, listening to music, or even just having a productive day makes me feel happy. I also feel good when I achieve small goals because it gives me a sense of progress.
Do you think happiness is important in life?
Definitely. I think happiness gives life meaning. Without it, even success or money wouldn’t feel worthwhile. Being happy also affects your mental health and how you treat other people.
What do you do when you feel unhappy?
Usually, I try not to keep it to myself. I might go for a walk, listen to music, or talk to a close friend. If I understand why I’m unhappy, it becomes much easier to deal with it.
Does spending time with family or friends make you happy?
Yes, very much. I feel most relaxed when I’m around people who know me well. Even doing nothing special, like chatting or watching something together, can really lift my mood.
Are you happier now than you were in the past?
I think so. As I’ve grown older, I’ve become more confident and less worried about other people’s opinions. That’s made me feel more comfortable with myself, which definitely increases my happiness.
What kind of activities make you feel relaxed and happy?
I enjoy exercising, especially going to the gym or playing sports. It helps me clear my head. I also like watching films or listening to podcasts when I want something more relaxing.
Do you think money can make people happy?
To some extent, yes. Money can reduce stress and give people more freedom, which helps with happiness. However, I don’t think it guarantees happiness, especially if someone doesn’t have good relationships or purpose in life.
Is it easy for you to feel happy?
I’d say it’s fairly easy, as long as things are balanced. If I’m healthy, busy in a good way, and surrounded by supportive people, I don’t need much to feel happy.
What makes people happy in your country?
I think people are happiest when they have job security, strong family connections, and time to relax. Socialising and enjoying free time seem to be really important for happiness here.
So, that was Joseph. In his answers, there are several useful spoken expressions worth noticing. He uses phrases like “feel worthwhile” to talk about meaning, and “keep it to myself” when describing how he deals with unhappiness. There are also very natural expressions such as “lift my mood” and “clear my head”, which are common collocations in everyday English and work well in Part 1 answers.
Now let’s hear from Blondie.
Are you generally a happy person?
Yeah, I’d say so. I’m naturally quite optimistic, so I tend to focus on the positives rather than dwelling on things that go wrong. I have my moody moments like everyone else, but my default state is usually pretty cheerful.
What usually makes you feel happy?
It’s usually the little things, honestly. Like, getting a seat on a crowded train, or when a song I love comes on the radio. But on a deeper level, I’m happiest when I feel like I’ve actually accomplished something, even if it’s just finishing a book I’ve been meaning to read.
Do you think happiness is important in life?
Definitely. I think it’s the whole point of everything we do, isn’t it? If you aren’t happy, it’s hard to find the energy to be productive or be a good friend. It’s basically the fuel that keeps us going.
What do you do when you feel unhappy?
I usually need some downtime. I’ll put my phone away, grab a coffee, and just go for a walk. If I’m really feeling down, I’ll call my best friend and vent for a bit. Just getting those feelings out in the open usually makes them feel much smaller.
Does spending time with family or friends make you happy?
For sure. I’m quite close with my circle, so hanging out with them is my favorite way to recharge. Whether we’re doing something exciting or just sitting around talking, that sense of connection is really important to me.
Are you happier now than you were in the past?
I think I am, actually. When I was younger, I used to worry way too much about what people thought of me. Now that I’m a bit older, I’m more comfortable in my own skin, which makes life a lot more enjoyable and less stressful.
What kind of activities make you feel relaxed and happy?
I love anything that lets me unplug. Cooking a nice meal while listening to a podcast is a big one for me. It’s a great way to switch off my “work brain” and just focus on something tactile and creative.
Do you think money can make people happy?
I think it makes life easier, which definitely helps. It takes away the stress of bills and lets you afford experiences like traveling. But I don’t think it’s a guarantee of happiness—I’ve known people with plenty of money who still seemed quite miserable.
Is it easy for you to feel happy?
I try to make it easy! I’m a big believer in finding silver linings. Even if I’m having a rough day, I can usually find one or two things to be grateful for, which keeps me from spiraling into a bad mood.
What makes people happy in your country?
I think food and family are the big ones. People here love a good celebration, and any excuse to get together for a big meal usually brings out the best in everyone. There’s a real community spirit that makes people feel supported and happy.
That was Blondie answering the same Part 1 questions on the topic. In her responses, there are several useful everyday expressions worth noticing. She talks about “accomplishing something” and describes happiness as “the fuel that keeps us going”, which are natural ways to talk about achievement and drive.
She also uses common spoken phrases like “downtime”, “recharge”, and “unplug” when talking about rest and switching off, as well as “comfortable in my own skin” to describe confidence. Towards the end, expressions such as “spiraling into a bad mood” and “silver linings” add colour and sound very natural in spoken English.
That brings us to the end of today’s episode on being happy.
As you listen back, pay attention to the phrases and expressions that sound natural and reusable in everyday speaking, rather than trying to memorise full answers.
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Thanks for listening, and see you next time.
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