IELTS Speaking Part 2
Talk about a noisy environment you experienced
You should say:- where it was
- what type of noise it was
- what you were doing at the time
and explain if it affected you negatively or not.
A Noisy Environment
Sample Answer
The last time I was in a really noisy environment was last month. In reality, it wasn’t my choice to be in a noisy place – what happened was that my neighbors next to me were having some construction work done on their house.
So for about three weeks, I had to put up with constant noise coming from jackhammers, drills, banging, and other such things.
I suppose I can’t complain because it was only during the day, and everybody has the right to improve their home or where they live, right?
Unfortunately, I was working from home during that time; otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have noticed it at all – but as I was at home all day, every day, I soon became a little irritated by the constant noises coming from next door.
I was trying to study, so it was even more frustrating than it would have been if I had just been relaxing at home.
The worst times were when the construction workers were drilling or using the pneumatic jackhammer – the noise would start and then stop, start and then stop again – and just when I thought they had finished – it would start again.
It really became intrusive after a while.
In the end, you know what I did? I started to study after they had finished work for the day and then slept later than normal – it was the only way I could really get anything done - and it worked for a while. But then I got really tired and grumpy because I was trying to sleep sometimes during the day, and the noise would wake me up.
Finally, they finished, and things got back to normal. I guess it’s not something they’ll be doing again soon, so hopefully things will be nice and peaceful now.
Examples of noisy places many people generally don't like
- Airports: The combination of loud aircraft engines, overhead announcements, and large crowds make airports noisy places that can be difficult to tolerate for extended periods.
- Construction sites: The sound of hammers pounding, drills drilling, saws cutting, and machinery operating at construction sites can be disruptive and unpleasant for those nearby.
- Nightclubs: Even the most avid music fans can find nightclubs too loud for comfort, thanks to sound systems that often exceed recommended decibel levels.
- Sports stadiums: Whether it's a roaring crowd or booming loudspeakers, sports stadiums can be extremely loud and chaotic places to spend time in if you're not a fan of the sport.
- Concerts: With large crowds, powerful amplifiers, and plenty of singing and cheering, concerts can be extremely loud and difficult to tolerate for an extended amount of time.
- Crowded streets: Streets filled with cars honking horns, people shouting, and barking dogs can become overly noisy, making it difficult to focus or have a conversation.
What are some common sources of noise that irritate people daily?
- Traffic noise: Whether it's the sound of cars, buses, or motorcycles passing by, traffic noise can be excessively loud and irritating.
- Airplanes: Low-flying planes can make a tremendous amount of noise that can be heard inside buildings and homes.
- Construction sites: With an array of loud machinery and tools, construction sites can be especially noisy.
- Neighbors: From dogs barking to TVs blaring, noise from neighbors can make it difficult to relax in your own home.
- Industrial areas: Areas near factories, power plants, and other manufacturing centers can often have high levels of noise pollution.
- Music venues: Concerts, clubs, and other music venues can be incredibly loud and distracting for those living in the vicinity.
What are some less common sources of noise that might annoy people?
- Thunder: Thunderstorms can produce loud booms that often reverberate throughout entire neighborhoods.
- Fireworks: Fireworks displays are often conducted late at night and can be incredibly loud.
- Appliances: Appliances such as vacuum cleaners, washing machines, and air conditioners can generate significant noise when used.
- Animals: Domestic pets such as dogs and cats can bark, yowl, or meow when excited or frightened. Wild animals such as birds and squirrels may also contribute to the noise in residential areas.
- Music: Music from speakers, radios, or televisions played at high volume levels can be intrusive for people nearby.
- Events: Parades, sporting events, or other large gatherings often generate a lot of noise that may disturb neighbors in the area.
- Industrial activities: Manufacturing plants, airports, and other industrial activities generate substantial noise that can be heard in residential areas.
- Emergency vehicles: Fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars often have loud sirens that can be disruptive to people living nearby.