IELTS Speaking Part 1: Dental Health
Teeth, dentists and healthy smiles
Answers and an explanation for each question appear once you add this activity to your own library.
Teeth, Dentists and Healthy Smiles
Let's learn key words and patterns for talking about your teeth and oral habits!
📋 How to use this lesson
For Teachers:
1. Guide learners through Module 1 vocabulary and patterns in 10 minutes.
2. Check speaking recordings and give quick feedback in Module 2.
For Learners:
1. Complete the vocabulary exercises and practice the 3 patterns first.
2. Record your spoken answer for each of the 8 speaking questions and view the model answers.
1 Vocabulary Review
Fill in each blank with the correct word from the word bank.
Word Bank:
1. A pain in your tooth is called a ____ (type here...).
2. Remember to put some ____ (type here...) on your brush before cleaning your teeth.
3. The dentist fixed my small hole by putting in a metal ____ (type here...).
4. You should use string to ____ (type here...) between your teeth every night.
5. You need to ____ (type here...) your food slowly before you swallow it.
2 Collocation Matching
Match each phrase on the left with its correct meaning on the right.
3 Useful Sentence Patterns
Study these 3 sentence patterns. You can use them in Module 2.
Before going to bed, I always...
Use this to talk about your evening habits.
Example:
"Before going to bed, I always floss my teeth."
I try to ... instead of ...
Use this to show healthy choices you make.
Example:
"I try to drink water instead of soda."
I think it is good to ... because ...
Use this to give an opinion with a reason.
Example:
"I think it is good to visit the dentist often because it keeps my smile healthy."
2 Module 2: IELTS Speaking Part 1 Practice
Now it's time to answer 8 IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions out loud!
Do you like going to the dentist?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
"Well, to be honest, not really! I get a bit nervous, but I know it's important. I went last month for a quick check-up, and my dentist was super nice."
• to be honest: useful phrase when sharing your real feeling
• get a bit nervous: feel slightly worried or afraid
• I know it's important: understand that something is necessary
• a quick check-up: a short visit to inspect your health
How often do you brush your teeth?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
"Well, I make sure to brush twice a day. It's usually right after breakfast and before going to bed. I use a soft toothbrush and mint toothpaste every single night."
• make sure to: remember to do something reliably
• twice a day: two times in twenty-four hours
• right after breakfast: immediately after your morning meal
• before going to bed: just before sleeping at night
What do you do after eating a big meal?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
"Um, I usually drink a big glass of water first. Then I try to rinse my mouth or use dental floss, especially when I've eaten a big dinner like steak."
• I usually: what I normally do in this situation
• try to: make an effort to complete an action
• rinse my mouth: wash inside the mouth with water
• I've eaten: I have finished eating
Do you eat sweet things between meals?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
"Well, I try not to, but I have a sweet tooth! So, now and then, I'll eat a small piece of chocolate around 3 PM when I study."
• try not to: attempt to avoid doing something
• have a sweet tooth: love eating sweet food like candy
• now and then: sometimes, but not very often
• around 3 PM: at a specific afternoon time
What do you drink instead of coffee when you are tired?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
"Well, I'm not a fan of coffee, so I prefer to drink iced green tea. It gives me energy when I feel sleepy in class, and it tastes great too."
• not a fan of: do not like something very much
• prefer to: like doing one thing more than another
• iced green tea: cold tea with a fresh taste
• gives me energy: helps me feel active and awake
Who first showed you how to clean your teeth?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
"Um, my mom taught me when I was five. She bought me a tiny yellow toothbrush, and she'd show me how to brush in small circles every night."
• my mom taught me: my mother showed me how to do it
• I was five: at 5 years old
• bought me: paid money to get something for me
• she'd show me: she used to demonstrate to me
Is it hard for you to stop eating sweets?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
"Honestly, yes! It's really hard because I love candy. But I'm trying to eat less sugar now so I don't get cavities like I did last year."
• It's really hard: it is difficult for me to do
• I love candy: I enjoy eating sweet treats very much
• I'm trying to: I am attempting to make a change
• don't get cavities: avoid getting holes in my teeth
Do you think children should see a dentist at school?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
"Yes, I definitely think so! It's a great idea because some kids don't go to private clinics. A school dentist can keep their smiles healthy early on."
• I definitely think so: I strongly agree with this opinion
• It's a great idea: it is a very good suggestion
• don't go to: do not visit a certain location
• keep their smiles healthy: help teeth stay clean and strong
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