The Sky

Hello, and welcome to the IELTS TIME Podcast. I’m your host, Archer, and today, we’re diving into a part 1 topic: the sky.

In just a moment, you’ll hear Joseph answer a series of questions about the sky, like ‘Do you like to watch the sky?’ and ‘What’s the sky like at night in your hometown?’ His responses will give us a great example of how someone living in a city might approach these questions.

After Joseph’s answers, I’ll share a few quick thoughts on how he approaches the questions. Then we’ll hear a model response from Ivanna, someone who lives far from the city and absolutely loves stargazing. This second voice will help you hear how personal experience—like living far from city lights—can shape your speaking style. Whether you live in a busy city or a quiet town, you’ll see how to make your own answers feel real and grounded.

Let’s dive in and hear Joseph’s responses!

Do you like to watch the sky?

Honestly, I don’t spend much time just looking at the sky, but I do enjoy it when I get the chance. Sometimes, on weekends or when I’m just hanging out, I like to look up during the evening and watch the sunset or the clouds moving by. It’s pretty relaxing. But I don’t actively go outside to watch the sky unless I’m on vacation or if I’m out somewhere with a nice view.

What is the sky like at night in your hometown?

In my city, the sky at night is usually quite dull because of all the artificial lights from the buildings and streetlights. You can see a few bright stars if you’re lucky, but they’re hard to make out because the light pollution makes the sky look kind of cloudy or hazy. It’s not great for stargazing, to be honest. On rare nights when the weather is clear and the air feels crisp, you might be able to see a few more stars, but it’s nothing like the dark, starry skies you’d find somewhere away from the city.

Do you like to watch stars?

I think stars are cool, but I’m not super into it. I’ll notice them when I’m outside, especially if I’m somewhere quiet or out of the city, like on a trip or at the beach. But most of the time, I don’t really pay much attention to them. I guess they’re pretty to look at when you’re in a nice spot with clear skies, but I don’t actively go stargazing or anything.

Have you ever taken a course about stars?

No, I haven’t taken a course about stars, and to be honest, it’s never really crossed my mind. I learned a little about them in school, like how they’re formed and stuff, but that’s about it. I’ve watched some documentaries online about space, but I wouldn’t say I’ve ever really studied stars in-depth.

Is it important to study stars?

I think it is important to study stars and space in general, even if it’s not something everyone focuses on. Space exploration helps us learn more about where we come from and what’s out there, and it’s also connected to a lot of technology we use every day, like GPS. But for most people, it’s probably not something they think about too much unless they’re really into science. So, while it’s interesting, I’m not sure it’s something that everyone needs to study in detail.

What’s your favorite star?

To be honest, I don’t know the names of many stars. I can’t really pick a favorite. I guess I like the one that’s the brightest in the sky, or maybe the one that stands out the most when I’m looking up, but I wouldn’t be able to tell you what it’s called. I think it’s more about the experience of being outside at night and seeing the stars rather than having a specific favorite.

“Alright, so we just heard Joseph’s responses, and overall, his answers are great! They’re relatable, clear, and reflect what many people would say if they live in a typical city environment. He described how city skies are often dull due to light pollution, and how it’s hard to see many stars. This is totally true—especially in big cities where the lights drown out the stars.

He also mentioned that he enjoys looking at the sky, but only occasionally, especially when he has the time to relax on a weekend or during a trip. And you know what? That’s perfectly fine! It’s realistic, and most people are probably in the same boat. How many of us really take time out of our busy lives to sit and watch the sky? But when we do, it’s always nice to just be in the moment, looking up.

Now, let’s shift gears a little and explore how these same questions might be answered by someone with a very different lifestyle. Imagine living far away from city lights—maybe on a quiet farm or in a small rural village—where the night sky is truly a part of everyday life.

To help you visualize that, let’s hear from Ivanna, who lives in the countryside and has a deep appreciation for the stars. I’ll ask the same questions, and you’ll hear how someone with a rural background might respond.

Do you like to watch the sky?

Oh, I absolutely love watching the sky! Where I live, the sky is always changing, and I find it so calming. I can’t go a day without looking up. Whether it’s in the early morning when the sky’s painted with pink and orange hues, or late at night when the stars are out, it’s always a peaceful experience. It’s something I do almost daily, just standing outside and taking a moment to appreciate the view.

What is the sky like at night in your hometown?

Where I live, the night sky is incredibly clear, and it’s completely different from city life. There’s almost no light pollution, so you can see thousands of stars scattered across the sky. On a moonless night, it’s so dark, you can actually see the Milky Way, and sometimes you can spot shooting stars or constellations like Orion or the Big Dipper. The sky is truly magical here, and I feel really lucky to have that view every night.

Do you like to watch stars?

Oh yes, I love stargazing! I’ve always been fascinated by the stars. Ever since I was a kid, I would lie on the grass with my friends and try to spot constellations. Now, I do it alone sometimes just to relax. It’s amazing how many stars you can see when you’re away from the city lights. I even keep a star map on my phone to help me identify them.

Have you ever taken a course about stars?

I haven’t taken an official course, but I’ve read a lot about the stars. I’ve bought a few astronomy books and watched documentaries. I’ve also gone to some local stargazing events where amateur astronomers gather with their telescopes. I’m always learning new things about the night sky, and it’s something I’d love to explore further in the future.

Is it important to study stars?

I think it’s important to study stars, yes. Not just because of the science behind them, but because they’ve been a part of human culture for thousands of years. They’ve helped us navigate, told stories, and even inspired poetry and art. And scientifically, studying stars can help us understand our universe and maybe even discover planets where life could exist. It’s just fascinating!

What’s your favorite star?

Hmm, that’s a tough one, but I’d say my favorite star has to be Sirius, also known as the Dog Star. It’s the brightest star in the night sky, and it always catches my attention. It’s been important in many cultures as a symbol of guidance, and I think it’s kind of magical to think about how ancient civilizations saw it as something special. Every time I spot it, I feel like I’m connecting with the past.

Isn’t that a completely different perspective? Ivanna’s answers show how much your environment and personal interests can shape the way you respond to IELTS questions. If you live in the countryside—or even if you just love nature and stargazing—this kind of response could feel more natural and authentic for you.

And if you’re from the city? No worries. You can still give great answers by reflecting on what you notice in your daily life—or even sharing your desire to experience clearer skies in the future. That personal connection is what makes your speaking answers stand out.

Whether you’re in the hustle and bustle of the city or enjoying the quiet, starry nights of the countryside, your personal experience is what brings your IELTS answers to life. Just speak from the heart—and show that you can express your thoughts clearly and confidently.

Thanks for listening to IELTS TIME. If you found today’s episode helpful, please leave us a five-star review. It really helps others find the show. I’ll catch you next time!