Speaking vocabulary · Topic 39 of 46
Headphones
Model answers to every Part 1 question on this topic, with natural B2–C1 vocabulary and idiomatic phrasal verbs to help you answer in your own words.
In this lesson you will
- read and listen to model answers to 5 Part 1 questions about headphones
- learn 10 natural phrases, including idiomatic phrasal verbs
- practise them in a gap fill, drag-the-word, multiple-choice and crossword
- answer the questions yourself and record your answers
Step 1
Key vocabulary
- noise-cancellingable to block out sounds around you
- block outstop a sound or light from reaching you
- plug inconnect a device to a power supply or another device
- lightweightnot heavy
- wirelessworking without a cable
- tanglebecome twisted together in an untidy way
- tune outstop paying attention to what is around you
- crystal clearvery clear and easy to hear
- glued togiving all your attention to something
- socially awkwarduncomfortable or rude in a social situation
Step 2
Model answers
Read and listen. The highlighted phrases are the vocabulary for this topic: hover over or tap them to see what they mean. Notice how each answer gives a reason or an example, not just “yes” or “no”.
Do you find headphones comfortable?
It depends on the type, because big over-ear headphones can feel heavy after a while. I prefer lightweight earbuds when I'm wearing them for long periods, since I hardly notice them.
Do you use headphones?
Yes, every day, usually when I'm commuting. I use wireless earbuds now, because my old wired ones used to tangle in my bag all the time.
What kind of headphones do you use?
I have a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds, which really block out the noise on the metro. The sound is crystal clear, even when the train is very loud.
When do you use headphones?
Mostly when I'm studying in a café, because they help me tune out what's going on around me. At home, I also plug them in to my laptop when I have online classes.
In what situations would you not use headphones?
I'd never wear them while I'm cycling, because it's dangerous if you can't hear the traffic. I also take them off when someone talks to me, since it's a bit socially awkward to stay glued to your music during a conversation.
Step 3
Practise the vocabulary
Match the meanings
Choose the phrase that matches each meaning.
- giving all your attention to something
- not heavy
- stop a sound or light from reaching you
- uncomfortable or rude in a social situation
- working without a cable
- able to block out sounds around you
- very clear and easy to hear
- become twisted together in an untidy way
- connect a device to a power supply or another device
- stop paying attention to what is around you
Gap fill: use the right form
Complete the answers with phrases from the box. You may need to change the form (e.g. drag on → dragged on, struggle with → struggling with).
Do you find headphones comfortable?
It depends on the type, because big over-ear headphones can feel heavy after a while. I prefer earbuds when I'm wearing them for long periods, since I hardly notice them.
What kind of headphones do you use?
I have a pair of earbuds, which really the noise on the metro. The sound is , even when the train is very loud.
In what situations would you not use headphones?
I'd never wear them while I'm cycling, because it's dangerous if you can't hear the traffic. I also take them off when someone talks to me, since it's a bit to stay your music during a conversation.
Drag the words
Drag each phrase into the right gap. On a phone, tap a phrase and then tap the gap. Tap a filled gap to empty it.
Do you use headphones?
Yes, every day, usually when I'm commuting. I use earbuds now, because my old wired ones used to in my bag all the time.
When do you use headphones?
Mostly when I'm studying in a café, because they help me what's going on around me. At home, I also to my laptop when I have online classes.
Choose the right phrase
Which phrase completes each sentence?
- I prefer ______ earbuds when I'm wearing them for long periods, since I hardly notice them.
- I use ______ earbuds now, because my old wired ones used to tangle in my bag all the time.
- I have a pair of ______ earbuds, which really block out the noise on the metro.
- The sound is ______, even when the train is very loud.
- Mostly when I'm studying in a café, because they help me ______ what's going on around me.
- At home, I also ______ to my laptop when I have online classes.
Crossword
Write the phrases without spaces or hyphens. The numbers in brackets show the length of each word, e.g. kill time (4,4) → KILLTIME.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |||||||||||
| 4 | |||||||||||||
| 5 | 6 | ||||||||||||
| 7 | 8 | ||||||||||||
| 9 | |||||||||||||
| 10 | |||||||||||||
Across
- 4 stop a sound or light from reaching you (5,3)
- 7 very clear and easy to hear (7,5)
- 9 not heavy (11)
- 10 working without a cable (8)
Down
- 1 able to block out sounds around you (5-10)
- 2 giving all your attention to something (5,2)
- 3 uncomfortable or rude in a social situation (8,7)
- 5 connect a device to a power supply or another device (4,2)
- 6 become twisted together in an untidy way (6)
- 8 stop paying attention to what is around you (4,3)
Step 4
Now you answer
Pick a question, then answer it out loud in two or three sentences. Try to use at least two phrases from this lesson, and give a reason or an example. Record yourself and listen back: did you sound natural? Did you extend your answer?
Press Record, answer out loud, then listen back.
Questions: frequently reported IELTS Speaking Part 1 topics. Model answers and exercises written for Tips4IELTS.