Module 2: IELTS Speaking Part 3 Simulation

Answer the following 6 discussion questions. Record your response for AI evaluation, then review the sample response.

Should governments run lotteries, or is gambling better left to private companies?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

"Well, honestly, it's hard to say. I'd lean towards state control, but, um, it really depends on how revenues are used. If a government runs the lottery, at least a chunk of profits goes straight back into public funds, like local schools or infrastructure. Private firms, on the other hand, exist purely for profit, which might lead to aggressive marketing. That said, public lotteries can feel like an indirect tax on low-income groups. My uncle buys a ticket every weekend, expecting the state to benefit, but he rarely wins. So, I would sooner see strict state regulation than a totally free market."

Is buying a lottery ticket now and then harmless fun, or does it do some damage?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

"Well, I think for most people, buying a ticket occasionally is just light entertainment. You spend a couple of dollars, dream for five minutes, and move on. Like, my co-worker buys one ticket when the prize gets big, just for the thrill. It doesn't ruin her budget or disrupt her week. But, um, there is every likelihood that casual play can slip into a habit for vulnerable individuals. When someone starts spending cash they need for bills, it's no longer innocent fun. So, while it's harmless fun on the surface, it definitely has a dark side if left unchecked."

Why do some people keep betting even after they have lost a lot?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

"Honestly, it's a mix of psychological traps and emotional desperation. When people lose money, they often feel a strong urge to chase their losses. They convince themselves that a win is just around the corner, so you might as well keep playing to get even. I remember a friend who lost his phone in a poker game; instead of quitting, he kept playing to win it back and ended up losing his watch too. Plus, gambling venues design games to trigger dopamine hits, so gamblers can't help hoping for a sudden turn of fortune. It really becomes a vicious cycle that is hard to break."

Who should protect people from gambling harm: the gambling companies, the government or the players themselves?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

"Well, in my view, it has to be a shared responsibility, though the government should take the lead. Regulators need to enforce strict rules, like mandatory spend limits or self-exclusion options. Meanwhile, betting companies should actively monitor risky behavior rather than just profiting off vulnerable players. But, um, at the end of the day, individuals also need personal accountability. My neighbor set a weekly budget on his betting app so he wouldn't overspend, which works well for him. However, expecting players to resist addictive designs alone is unrealistic, so government oversight remains essential to beat the odds of widespread social harm."

Should lottery tickets be advertised on television during the evening, when families are watching?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

"Well, personally, I don't think lottery ads belong on evening TV. During prime time, young kids and impressionable teenagers are watching, and seeing glamorous commercials makes gambling look like easy money. It normalizes risk-taking at an early age. I remember sitting with my younger brother last night and seeing an ad featuring joyful winners popping champagne, which gives a totally false impression. Instead of enticing ads, channels should broadcast warnings or helpline contacts. So, I would sooner see evening slots reserved for wholesome family content than flashy lottery promotions that downplay the realistic odds of winning."

If you won a very large prize tomorrow, would you tell everybody or keep it secret?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

"Um, honestly, if I ever hit the jackpot, I'd definitely keep it quiet! Revealing a sudden fortune often attracts unwanted attention, strain on relationships, and endless requests for financial favours. Like, I once read about a man who lost all his friends after winning cash because everyone expected hand-outs. I'd only share the news with my immediate family and a trusted financial adviser. That way, I could invest wisely and claim my winnings without turning my everyday life upside down. So yeah, I'd definitely prefer to play it safe and stay silent about it."