Topic: Enigma | IELTS Speaking Part 1 Model

Questions for IELTS Speaking Part 1 Enigma

1. Did you do puzzles in your childhood?2. When do you do puzzles, during a trip or when you feel bored?3. Do you like doing word puzzles or number puzzles? Which is more difficult for you?4. Do you think it is good for old people to do puzzles?

Model Answer (Sample Answer)

1. Did you engage in puzzles during your childhood?

Example 1: Given my natural curiosity and focused nature as a child, puzzles have always captivated me. Therefore, I was intrigued by various puzzles such as jigsaw and crossword. It was a great way to pass the time and relax in my younger days.

• single-minded: quyết tâm
• jigsaw: ghép hình

Example 2: I did occasionally, but at that time, collecting Pokemon cards was the craze. However, I enjoyed playing Scrabble with friends. We were not very good at it, but it was a fun game to play when bored or unsure what to do.

• all the rage (noun group) – phổ biến

2. Do you prefer doing puzzles during a trip or when you are bored?

Example 1: These days, life has become increasingly busy, leaving me little time for work and studies, let alone puzzles. That being said, whenever I travel with friends, I choose to do some picture puzzles just to relax and unwind during free time.

• let alone: huống chi là
• unwind: thư giãn

Example 2: It's been a while since I last engaged with a puzzle set. Balancing school, work, and everything else has made it difficult to find time for puzzles. However, when I was younger, I enjoyed doing puzzles as a way to relax and unwind after a long school day.

• wind down (phrasal verb) – thư giãn

3. Do you prefer word puzzles or number puzzles? Which do you find more challenging?

Example 1: Both types are equally captivating to me. However, since I'm not particularly strong in mathematics, I would find word puzzles easier. As a child, I used to enjoy unraveling various puzzling challenges, which gave me a great sense of achievement.

• enthralling: thú vị
• perplexing: khó hiểu

Example 2: Because I struggle with math and anything involving numbers, I gravitated towards word puzzles over number puzzles. Moreover, I find it particularly satisfying to solve intricate puzzles with misleading clues.

• validating (adj) – hài lòng / thoã mãn

4. Do you believe it's beneficial for elderly people to engage in puzzles?

Example 1: Undoubtedly, puzzles offer benefits to people of all ages, but they are particularly advantageous for older adults. Solving puzzles can greatly enhance the memory and mental agility of seniors. Engaging in various complex puzzles stimulates their brains, promoting cognitive function and providing opportunities for social interaction.

• boon: thứ có lợi
• agile: nhanh nhạy

Example 2: Certainly. I believe puzzles are a valuable way for seniors to maintain cognitive function, as they encourage the use of memory and critical thinking skills. Additionally, puzzles can help seniors stay engaged and ward off boredom.

• cognition (n) – trí thức
• keep someone occupied (phrasal verb) – bận rộn
• stave off (phrasal verb) – ngăn cản