English at Home

Sunday, 20 July 2025

✦ IELTS Topic: Boats & Sailing – 10 Useful Phrases

Set sail
e.g., We set sail just after sunrise for a day trip around the islands.
Calm waters
e.g., The boat moved smoothly across the calm waters.
Rough seas
e.g., The ferry was delayed due to rough seas and strong winds.
Sailing trip
e.g., We booked a weekend sailing trip along the coast.
Anchor the boat
e.g., We anchored the boat near a small beach and went for a swim.
Crew members
e.g., The crew members helped us get settled and explained the safety rules.
Luxury yacht
e.g., They rented a luxury yacht for their honeymoon cruise.
Fishing boat
e.g., The harbour was filled with colourful fishing boats returning at dawn.
On board
e.g., There were around twenty passengers on board the tour boat.
Dock at the harbour
e.g., We returned to dock at the harbour just before sunset.

✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Boats & Sailing

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

Have you ever travelled by boat?
Are boats common in your area?
Would you enjoy going on a sailing trip?
Have you ever experienced rough weather at sea?
Do you prefer travelling on water or on land?

Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a time you travelled by boat or ship.
You should say:

where you went
what kind of boat it was
what you did on the journey
and explain how you felt about the experience.

✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. Yes, I once took a sailing trip while on holiday in Greece.
2. Not really — we’re far from the coast, but there are a few fishing boats on the local river.
3. Definitely! I love the idea of being on board a small yacht in calm waters.
4. Yes, we hit rough seas on a ferry once. It was a bit scary!
5. I prefer land travel, but boats give a unique perspective.

Part 2 Sample Answer

A few years ago, I went on a half-day sailing trip while visiting Croatia. We set sail from a small town and spent the day exploring nearby islands.

The boat was a small luxury yacht, and there were about ten people on board. The crew members were helpful and told us about the local area.

The water was beautiful — completely calm — and we even stopped to anchor the boat so we could swim and have lunch.

At the end of the day, we docked at the harbour just as the sun was setting. It was peaceful, beautiful, and truly memorable.

✦ Comprehension Test: Boats & Sailing

1. "We set sail just after sunrise for a day trip around the islands."
Q: When did they leave?

2. "The boat moved smoothly across the calm waters."
Q: What was the water like?

3. "The ferry was delayed due to rough seas and strong winds."
Q: Why was the ferry delayed?

4. "We booked a weekend sailing trip along the coast."
Q: What kind of holiday did they choose?

5. "We anchored the boat near a small beach and went for a swim."
Q: What did they do with the boat?

6. "The crew members helped us get settled and explained the safety rules."
Q: Who assisted the passengers?

7. "They rented a luxury yacht for their honeymoon cruise."
Q: What kind of boat did they choose?

8. "The harbour was filled with colourful fishing boats returning at dawn."
Q: What kind of boats were in the harbour?

9. "There were around twenty passengers on board the tour boat."
Q: How many people were on the boat?

10. "We returned to dock at the harbour just before sunset."
Q: When did they finish the trip?

✦ Answer Key

In the early morning.
Smooth and peaceful.
Bad sea conditions.
A boat trip along the coast.
Stopped it near a beach.
The boat staff.
A very comfortable, high-end boat.
Boats used for catching fish.
Twenty.
At sunset

🧛 Dracula – Chapter 5: Letters from England

Mina Murray’s Journal – July 26th
Today, I received a letter from Jonathan. He is in Budapest, in a hospital. He says he has been very ill, but is slowly recovering. His handwriting is weak, and his words are strange.

He writes, “Come quickly. I need you.”

I showed the letter to Mrs. Westenra, Lucy’s mother. She was very kind and helped me prepare for my journey. I am nervous, but I love Jonathan deeply. I must go to him.

Letter from Lucy Westenra to Mina – August 1st
My dearest Mina,
I miss you already! But I know you must be with Jonathan.

Strange things have been happening here in Whitby. I’ve been sleepwalking again. The first time, Mother found me outside by the old church on the cliff. I had no memory of it.

Last night, I woke up with tiny wounds on my neck. Two small dots. Mother says I must have been bitten by a bug. But I feel very tired, and cold—even in the sun.

Also, there’s a shipwreck! A Russian boat called the Demeter crashed into the harbor during a storm. The whole town watched as it sailed in with no crew—only the captain, found tied to the wheel, dead.

There was only one other thing onboard: a large dog that jumped off the boat and ran away. No one has seen it since.

Whitby is full of mystery.

With love,
Lucy

Mina’s Journal – August 6th
I am now in Budapest. I have seen Jonathan at last.

He looks thinner, pale, but his eyes lit up when he saw me. We cried together. He told me he cannot remember everything that happened in Transylvania, only that it was terrifying.

The doctors say he may recover faster if he is happy. So—we are getting married tomorrow.

I will stay by his side forever.

📖 Glossary

Word / Phrase	Meaning
Sleepwalking	Walking while asleep, without knowing it
Wound	An injury or cut on the body
Harbor	A place where ships dock near the shore
Terrifying	Extremely scary
Recover	To get better after being sick or injured

❓ Comprehension Questions

Where is Jonathan when Mina hears from him?
What does Jonathan ask Mina to do?
What strange things are happening to Lucy in Whitby?
What does Lucy find on her neck?
What happened to the ship called the Demeter?
What mysterious animal was seen on the ship?
What decision do Mina and Jonathan make in Budapest?

✅ Answers

He is in a hospital in Budapest.
He asks her to come quickly.
She is sleepwalking and feels tired and cold.
Two small wounds like bites.
It crashed into the harbor during a storm, with no living crew.
A large dog jumped off the ship and disappeared.
They decide to get married.

Friday, 18 July 2025

✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – Flights & Flying

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

Do you enjoy flying?
Have you ever taken a long flight?
Do you prefer the window or aisle seat?
What do you usually do during a flight?
How do you feel about airports?

Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a memorable flight you have taken.
You should say:

where you were going
what the flight was like
what you did during the flight
and explain why it was memorable.

✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. Yes, I find flying exciting, especially when I get a window seat.
2. I’ve taken several long-haul flights, and I always bring something to read.
3. I prefer the window because I like watching the smooth landing and take-off.
4. I watch the in-flight entertainment and sometimes chat with the cabin crew.
5. Airports can be stressful, especially when airport security takes a long time.

Part 2 Sample Answer

Last year, I took a long-haul flight from London to Singapore for a holiday. I checked in early and passed through airport security, which took longer than expected.

Once on board, I found my window seat, which gave me a great view during take-off. The cabin crew were professional and offered drinks and snacks.

I spent most of the time watching in-flight entertainment, but I still felt jet lag when we landed.

The best part was the smooth landing after a 13-hour flight — I was impressed by the pilot’s skills. It was a memorable journey because it was my first time flying that far.

✦ Comprehension Test: Flights & Flying

1. "I showed my boarding pass at the gate and walked onto the plane."
Q: What was the speaker doing?

2. "I always bring a book and headphones for a long-haul flight."
Q: Why does the speaker prepare in advance?

3. "I prefer a window seat so I can look at the view during take-off."
Q: Where does the speaker like to sit?

4. "The cabin crew were friendly and offered snacks during the flight."
Q: What did the cabin crew do?

5. "After flying from London to Tokyo, I had terrible jet lag."
Q: What was the result of the long journey?

6. "The flight delay meant we arrived three hours later than planned."
Q: Why did they arrive late?

7. "Airport security was strict — we had to remove shoes and electronics."
Q: What made the process strict?

8. "I packed everything into my carry-on luggage to avoid checking a bag."
Q: Why did the speaker avoid checking luggage?

9. "The in-flight entertainment included movies, games, and music."
Q: What was available on board?

10. "Despite the bad weather, the pilot made a smooth landing."
Q: What made the landing impressive?

✦ Answer Key

Getting ready to board the flight.
To stay entertained or comfortable.
By the window of the plane.
Gave snacks and were polite.
Felt tired or out of sync after flying.
The flight was delayed.
Extra security checks.
To travel more easily.
Movies and other activities.
The pilot landed safely despite challenges