English 箭头
Podcast Cover

[Exploring the World of Sound: IELTS Vocabulary and Insights on Noise]-[😵 Noise (S05E24) + Transcript]

IELTS Speaking for Success · B1 · 2021-05-10

LanguageIELTS
Or study on the web version

📋 Summary

The Impact and Perception of Noise in Daily Life

In this episode, the hosts of IELTS Speaking for Success explore the multifaceted topic of noise, providing high-level vocabulary and practical examples suitable for Band 9 English proficiency. The discussion moves from personal preferences regarding sound to the broader societal implications of a noisy modern world.

Defining and Filtering Noise

When asked about personal sensitivity to noise, Rory clarifies that he does not mind sounds unless they are "overly intrusive." An intrusive sound is one that is disturbing and prevents one from focusing on a specific task. To handle such environments, one must be adept at "filtering out distractions," which means actively removing or ignoring background noise to maintain concentration. The hosts highlight that sudden, sharp sounds, such as a "loud bang," can easily "jolt them out" of their current state, causing a moment of shock or interruption.

Categorizing Sounds: From Chattering to Grunting

To excel in an IELTS speaking test, the hosts emphasize the importance of using precise vocabulary to describe various auditory experiences:

  • Human-generated sounds: Rory mentions that teaching children exposes him to constant "screaming" and "loud chattering." He also notes the "grunting" sounds heard in gyms, which refers to the guttural noises people make during physical exertion.
  • Mechanical and Environmental sounds: Daily commutes involve "normal traffic sounds," while gym environments are defined by the "clattering" and "crashing" of equipment.
  • Unpleasant sensations: Certain sounds, like "nails being dragged across a blackboard" or "smashing glass," are described as universally bothersome, often inducing "goosebumps”—the small bumps on the skin caused by discomfort, nervousness, or extreme cold.

The Annoyance of Public Disruptions

When describing a noisy place, Rory points to the school’s modern languages department, particularly when younger students are "acting up" (misbehaving). He expresses a strong dislike for this, noting it signifies a lack of supervision. Furthermore, he mentions that cinemas in Russia are particularly frustrating due to the prevalence of patrons "talking to the theatre," which he finds to be an unwelcome feature of the experience. These interruptions are a significant "bother," often involving "foul language" and constant commentary that ruins the viewing process.

Noise in Modern Society

Ultimately, the hosts agree that there is an excess of noise in modern society. They attribute this to several factors:

  • Technological encroachment: The constant presence of devices where "phones go off" or alarms ring incessantly.
  • Societal growth: A "growing population" and "increased levels of development" inevitably lead to more construction and mechanical activity.

In conclusion, while silence—or even the "gentle crashing of the waves"—is often preferred, noise is an unavoidable side effect of modern life. By utilizing specific descriptive verbs like clattering, grunting, and chattering, learners can more effectively articulate their environment and improve their band score.

🎯Key Sentences

1
Not if they aren't overly intrusive, no.
2
But generally, I'm quite good at filtering out distractions.
3
That's quite pleasant, isn't it?
4
I don't like it when I'm being talked over
5
any interruption like that is always a bother
Expand All

📝Key Phrases

1
overly intrusive
2
jolt someone out of something
3
filter out distractions
4
go about one's routine
5
talk over someone
Expand All

📖 Transcript

It's the circle of pain.
Hello, Sunshine.
I'm Maria.
And my name is Rory.
And we're the hosts of the IELTS Speaking for Success podcast.
The podcast is aimed to help you improve your speaking skills, as well as your listening skills along the way.

ListenLeap Brings You Into Real Context Learning

🎨 Interesting Content
🌍 Real Materials
📱 Listen Anytime
Or study on the web version