Students' Questions: describe a newspaper

A few people have asked me for advice about this IELTS speaking question:
Describe a newspaper or magazine that you like to read.

Here are some quick tips:

Newspaper
If you read a particular newspaper every day, choose that. Explain why you like that newspaper more than others. Say what type of stories you usually read (politics, education, science, sport etc.) and give an example of a recent article that you read. Explain why it's important for you to read the paper e.g. to keep up-to-date with world events, or because you find it interesting or mentally stimulating.

Magazine
If you don't read a newspaper, tell the examiner that you read a magazine (even if you don't). Choose/invent a magazine about one of your hobbies or interests. This allows you to talk about something you know about. It might be a good idea to have a look at the magazines in your local shop; choose one that interests you, buy it, and use it to prepare some ideas.

Comments

[Trung Nguyen]

Simon.
I have a question. If the question asks me to describe a piece of electronic equipment. Can I talk about computers? I think it is a piece of electronic equipment.

[Pete01]

Hi Simon!
If I got a topic"Describe something in home that stopped working"

But I can't remember it and feel uncomfortable to speak. Can I directly tell the examiner to describe about Mobile phone instead?

[Mohaned]

Hello Teacher,
I'd like to ask you a question about Speaking part 2. Should I keep Eye contact in this part? Because I find it difficult to continue talking if I look at someone. I've tried this with my friend and I lost some ideas.
Thanks

[Jay]

Hi Simon,
I Had a new topic in speaking part 2. I was little bit confused what I have to speak on this topic?
here is the topic !!!!

Talk about a law which you would like to propose in your area. Please say

- What would that law be?
- Why do you think it is important?
- How would you enforce this law?

Can please give me some ideas?
Your help would be appreciated !!!!

Thanks !!
Jay

[Salih]

Thanks Simon for your tips, I have applied them here in order to prepare what I would say if I was asked this question in the exam:

My favorite magazine is called ( Medical Updates). As the name implies, it contains information, news and reports about the latest developments in medicine. I usually pick it up from the campus of Medical Association. It is distributed freely, and published on monthly bases.

I find it interesting because it keeps me updated with the most recent discoveries in medicine such as stem cell therapies. These therapies are expected to revolutionize the way for treatment of many diseases like cancers and Diabetes mellitus.

Recently, I read an awesome article about the potential role of an enzyme called ( telomerase) in slowing down of aging process, and extension of our life span. I was totally fascinated by it. Such a thing was mentioned only in fictions , and for long time people couldn’t even dream of it. Now it is becoming true. What sublimity!

[budaha]

Hi, nguyen trung.
are you vietnamese? i know a person who get 8.5 ielts in your countries.this is his email,maybe he can help you a bit.
his yahoo is traitimbinhyen.

[budaha]

sorry it is traitimbinhyen1112

[Trung Nguyen]

Hi, Budaha.
Thanks for your help! I have already added him into my friend list. How about you? My yahoo is oscar.nguyen89@yahoo.com. whether you want to have a chat to exchange the tips?

[Simon]

Hi Trung,

Yes, you can definitely talk about a computer.

...

Hi Pete,

Yes, I think that would be fine.

...

Hi Mohaned,

No, you don't need to worry about eye contact in part 2. Just focus on what you are saying.

...

Hi Jay,

Maybe you should choose something easy like "a fine for dropping litter (rubbish) on the floor". Then you can talk about protecting the environment and making your local area more attractive to live in.

...

Hi Salih,

You've got the right idea!