Rustam's IELTS blog | 9.0
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IELTS 9.0 (W8.5 x2)
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Rustam's IELTS blog | 9.0
Full Speaking Exam.pdf
If I am being totally honest, it is very close to a band 8.5 performance. To be on the safe side, I'd probably, and any other qualified examiner, would grant a solid band 8.0 (9/8/8/8)✅

Take a listen and feel the pressure of the exam. Because, it is very different to talking to your friends or whoever you do speaking with. This speaking mock test has been recorded under strict exam conditions thanks to https://t.me/husniddin_tothetop, with 1-month break window from my last exam, but still classic. ❤️

If you want more of these, let me know because we can record more and more speaking exams, so that you get familiar with the whole process. 💯
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Are You Addicted to Your Phone? Here’s How to Tell ⬇️

It is no secret that we often use modern technology mindlessly, whether it's a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. These devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. But at what point does frequent phone use turn into an addiction?

Signs of Smartphone Addiction

If you constantly feel the urge to check your phone, spend excessive time on screens, or struggle to focus on real-life interactions for no valid reason, you might have a serious problem. Being glued to your phone not only disrupts your personal life but also affects your professional life, leading to neglected responsibilities and poor sleep quality. If you frequently reach for your phone before finishing an important task or going to bed, you risk developing unstable work habits and an irregular sleep routine.

Why Smartphone Addiction Happens

The answer lies in the dopamine-driven design of apps, which are intentionally created to keep users engaged for as long as possible. Millions, if not billions, of people spend countless hours on their smartphones, often wasting valuable time that could be used for education, self-improvement, or meaningful relationships.

Beyond this, instant gratification plays a major role since people today are often impatient and seek quick dopamine spikes. Very few choose delayed gratification, as it requires time, effort, and personal qualities such as perseverance and self-discipline.

How to Regain Control

Although overcoming smartphone addiction may seem like a difficult habit to break, there are some effective strategies to tackle it. Start by tracking your screen time using built-in phone features or apps. Another powerful approach is a social media detox, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s easy. A digital detox requires a significant amount of willpower to break free from familiar habits like endless scrolling or binge-watching reels.

Control, Control, Control

Ultimately, it all comes down to control, meaning your phone should be a tool, not a leash. So, the question is: Are you in control, or is your phone controlling you? Crazy, right?
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You Become What you Think about: The Law of Attraction. The long-read post on this topic will be ready anytime soon, the first chance I get to do some research and write. Stay tuned.
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You Become What you Think about: The Law of Attraction ⬇️


The Law of Attraction 101


I don't even know how to start this post. Difficult? Yes, but does it stop me? No. In a nutshell, it does not take a fortune teller to know that skeptics argue that thoughts alone don’t create reality, but actions do. But here’s the catch: your thoughts influence your actions, and your actions create results, which is the core foundation of the Law of Attraction. This suggests that what you focus on, consciously or unconsciously, influences your life experiences. Whether it's success, happiness, or failure, your thoughts play a significant role in creating your future.

The Role of Self-actualization in our lives

There are many thoughts that occupy our minds all day long — anything from what we're having for dinner, what we're doing tomorrow, to personal our ambitions. But the real question is: Are we in control of these thoughts, or are they controlling us?

The answer is likely to vary for each person, as we all have different perspectives and principles in life. Some are so ambitious and single-minded that their future and plans consume all their thoughts, while the rest of society lives in denial, struggling with traumatic experiences and negative feelings. Of course, no one can focus on their goals 24/7. Our minds wander — we daydream, we get distracted. It’s human nature. As challenging as the Law of Attraction may sound, there are individuals who have actually put this approach into practice and succeeded in their quest, thereby creating the lifestyle they've always wanted.

Underlying issues behind this method

One chief factor to consider is the way we carry ourselves around people and to what degree we are influenced by others' opinions, be they positive or negative. While some children do not take those words seriously enough to let them affect their thought process and keep moving no matter what, others are highly sensitive to negative comments and become discouraged. As adults, this pattern often continues. We let external voices dictate our self-worth, shaping the way we think about our abilities and potential. The Law of Attraction isn’t magic, but it’s rather a mirror. What you tell yourself daily shapes what you see in the world. If we consistently dwell on our mistakes, we reinforce negativity; however, if we reframe them as lessons, we naturally take steps towards positive transformation.

Breaking Free from Mental Limitations

If you always tell yourself, "I'm not good enough" or "Success isn't meant for me", then you are programming your mind to prove those thoughts right. On the other hand, if you shift your focus to "I am capable", "I deserve happiness", or "I am on the right path", your mind begins to align with opportunities that support those beliefs.

Leaving mental limitations behind cannot be done overnight, so be prepared to take several steps on a daily basis

— recognize your internal dialogue by paying attention to what you tell yourself daily to determine whether your thoughts are empowering or limiting?

— reframe negative beliefs by saying "Every setback is a lesson that brings me closer to success" instead of "I always suck or fail"

— act as if you've already succeeded, which means embodying the confidence and habits of the person you aspire to become, a concept similar to the "fake it until you make it" mentality
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escapism — this should be an interesting topic to cover, which can come in handy in the speaking exam
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Escapism: A Temporary Escape or a Permanent Trap?


Daily struggle

I'd like to let readers in on an obvious yet complex truth: we are constantly surrounded by negativity. Oftentimes, this ordeal becomes overwhelming, due to its chronic and invasive nature. Everywhere we turn, we tend to see negative opinions, comments, or vibes. Escapism, despite being denounced as a waste of time, can serve as an effective tool in our arsenal to keep this negativity at bay — whether through self-suppression or self-expansion.

Self-Suppression

For those unfamiliar with this term, it refers to the way individuals approach personal or professional problems, often by turning to alcohol or drugs. Chances are, you have met at least one person who began drinking or using drugs after a terrible loss, whether a loved one or a career, thereby risking the development of harmful habits. Avoiding reality through short-term pleasures may seem like an efficient means to lighten your burdens, but it can become an inescapable cycle, dragging you further down unless you possess extraordinary willpower to break free from addiction.

Self-Expansion (The Positive Twin of Self-Suppression)

Unlike negative outlets for depression and anxiety, self-expansion offers a healthier approach for coping with life's struggles. This method includes anything from reading, walking, listening to podcasts, to sitting in solitude, all of which encourage people to gain positive experiences and discover new aspects of the self. In our hyperactive modern world, we are more or less inclined to work around the clock, leaving little room for self-care or rest, which is where escapism comes to our rescue by offering much-needed respite for us. By setting all the negativity and seriousness aside, our mental and psychological spirits can be recharged so that we can better handle the primary commitments of career, relationships or family. But, it is important to bear in mind that everything is good on moderation.

A Man, Man, Man's World Needs a Little Escapism

In a world where societal expectations often equate success with fame and material wealth, escaping into our imagination and leaving our problems and worries behind is no easy feat. Between the ages of 7 and 15, we are encouraged to excel academically to secure a place in a prestigious university. Once there, we are forced to graduate magna cum laude in order to land a well-paid job and build a successful career. But, it does not end here. The moment we start a family, we take on the lifelong responsibility of providing for our loved ones.

Don't get me wrong. There is nothing more honorable for me than taking care of those we cherish, but now and then, our minds are constantly burdened with responsibilities and need occasional rest. So, the next time guilt creeps in about spending your day binge-watching Netflix or sit in silence for hours, remember that 'practicing mindlessness through escapism' is a crucial part of our mental wellbeing toolbox. 🤩
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Rain
Aitch, AJ Tracey feat. Tay Keith
sick vocal sample! my speakers are goin' crazy! 🔫
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Kn w wh n y u a e b at n: be a g d sp rt, n t a s re l s r

this is the title of today's post. i must warn you, there will be some vulgarism. can guess what the missing letters are?

this picture must help 😂
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Know when you are beaten: be a good sport, not a sore loser. Losers make excuses. Winners move on


101 Reasons Why Losers Do Not Win

Imagine you’re out playing computer games with your buddies, and you win fair and square, not just once, but multiple times. Meanwhile, your low-IQ, sore-loser friends start trash-talking, saying things like, I would have won if my keyboard was better, I wasn’t in the mood, or You just got lucky this time, which, incidentally, happens every time I beat them. Sound familiar? In a way, this is actually part of the beauty of competitions, as whiny friends make things more entertaining by signing their next loss in advance.

Why it Sucks to Be a Sore Loser

It’s fine to be a sore loser around close friends; however, this tendency can become a real problem in the real world, where you need to accept losses like an adult. I understand that winning feels great because when you come out on top, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin are released in the brain. These feel-good chemicals can make you addicted to winning and desperate to avoid losing, even to the point of cheating, whether it’s in a competition or a tournament. The problem is, we can’t win everything, can we?

The importance of Good Sportsmanship

While some people struggle to accept defeat gracefully, others smile in the face of loss and move on with their lives. For example, only a few individuals can shrug off the outcome of becoming bankrupt with equanimity, never wasting a minute dwelling on the difficulties of modern life. The same principle applies to competitions at schools, colleges, or workplaces. More specifically, although winning is often seen as a zero-sum game where one’s victory means another’s loss doesn’t justify losers reacting negatively by disrespecting or envying their opponents.

The Negative Effects of Being a Sore Loser

As obvious as it sounds, individuals who resent others' success never grow as people. After all, it’s impossible to focus on your own progress when you’re fixated on someone else’s life. I’d like to leave this quote here: “You will never find a hater who is doing better than you.” In life, people must acknowledge their shortcomings and understand that there’s no lift or elevator to success, you have to take the stairs and work hard until you start achieving milestones. Plus, acting sore after losing can damage your reputation, as was clearly demonstrated in the 2020 US presidential election. With all due respect, when Donald Trump declared that Joe Biden’s victory was due to a miscount of votes, the former president drew global attention to his poor sportsmanship. This public accusation showed the world that being a sore loser can also cost you your dignity because, ultimately, nothing gives up a loser more than their attitude.

Why We Should Change our Mentality around Losing

Today, most competitions are purely recreational, and recognizing this can help shift our mentality. Let’s say you participate in a certain game or activity. How will the result affect you tomorrow? Chances are, it won’t be significant at all, meaning you shouldn’t stress too much over the outcome and should simply enjoy taking part. If you win, great. But if you lose, you should act in a civilized manner and demonstrate good sportsmanship. Being a sore loser won’t get you anywhere in life, so you may as well be a good sport and handle it like a man.
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Information is provided by the bar chart that compares the changes in water levels in reservoirs in six cities – Darwin, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Canberra – across Australia in October 2009 and 2010.


Overall, there was an increase in the levels of water in all cities except for Darwin, which saw a decline in water levels within two years. While Canberra experienced the largest increase in water levels, the percentage remained unchanged in Brisbane.


In October 2009, the water level in Canberra’s reservoir stood at 75%, which then surged to nearly 100%, the highest level recorded in the chart. A similar observation can be made in Sydney, where the levels of water had a modest uptick to 80% in October 2010 from 75% the previous year. Perth also saw a notable increase, rising from 40% to 60% within the same period. Melbourne’s water level rose from an initial 25% to nearly 40% by October 2010.


By contrast, Brisbane and Darwin were exceptions to this trend. As for the former, the levels of water remained the same between the first and last year, at exactly 55%, while Darwin, the only city to experience a decline, witnessed its water level drop from 45% to just under 40%.


205 words

#recentexamreports ✅
#broketheglassceiling ❤️
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Rustam's IELTS blog | 9.0
Information is provided by the bar chart that compares the changes in water levels in reservoirs in six cities – Darwin, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Canberra – across Australia in October 2009 and 2010. Overall, there was an increase in the levels…
The most underrated opinion in terms of Task 1, especially vocabulary section, is the repetitive use of certain terms.

For example, right above, the phrases 'water level', 'the level of water' are used more than once, and it is OKAY to do so.

Doing otherwise may risk using forced language if you are not there yet, level-wise.

By using the same term more than once, you can still score very high in your writing exam, probably not a band 9.0 for LR section, but a band 8.0 is highly plausible.

So, my point is, don't force your language if you don't have enough flexibility with your vocabulary. Be authentic as your work will reflect your true level anyways (there is no fooling the examiners) 😂

In case you doubt the advice 🧊
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Need Motivation?

I know that motivation is such a cliche topic. So, let’s set the record straight once and for all.


First, let’s go back in history, to a time when people had to hunt for food and face extreme weather conditions just to survive. Do you really think they needed motivation? No. They had survival instincts, and that’s what set them apart from us. Those people fought for their lives every single day, facing the constant threat of death. And now, here you are, sitting in the comfort of your home, complaining that you "lack motivation."


I’m not here to sugarcoat anything, so I’ll just say it: you sound like an entitled child, fragile and weak. My goal isn’t to hurt your feelings, but the truth is, no one can make you motivated unless it comes from within. The world is divided into two groups: winners and losers. If you fall into the latter category, that’s on you, no one else.


There are plenty of things that can drive you forward: family, money, social status, and, yes, money again. Find your purpose, stick to it, and quit complaining. 🔫
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Rustam's IELTS blog | 9.0
Need Motivation? I know that motivation is such a cliche topic. So, let’s set the record straight once and for all. First, let’s go back in history, to a time when people had to hunt for food and face extreme weather conditions just to survive. Do you really…
Obsession > Motivation ⬇️

Motivation is so f-in' overrated. It’s fleeting, unreliable, and disappears the second things get tough. Obsession, however, is what differentiates the great from the average.


When you're obsessed with something, you don’t need external motivation, like random Indian motivator, or Jordan Peterson's talks on the topic of time, you just do it, no matter how you feel. It’s what makes sports people train at 4 AM, businessmen work until midnight, and artists perfect their work for years. Obsession is a trait that turns discipline into your second nature.


Stop waiting for motivation. Find something you’re willing to obsess over, and you’ll never need motivation again. 🔫
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sometimes, I feel like Chat GPT is more supportive than any other people I know except for my family and brothers😂
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Rustam's IELTS blog | 9.0
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The table presents data on two different age groups (under 18 and over 60), the average income per person, and the percentage of the population living below the poverty line in three regions of the United States: California, Utah, and Florida.


Overall, Utah has the highest proportion of individuals aged 18 and under, whereas Florida accounts for the largest share of seniors over 60. Notably, despite having the lowest income per person, Utah has the smallest proportion of people living below the poverty line.


In detail, Utah has a strikingly high proportion of young people, with those under 18 making up 28% of its population. Following this, California’s youth share is recorded at 17%, closely trailed by Florida, at 16%. Regarding the older population aged 60 and over, a contrasting trend is observed, with Florida being home to a significant 23% of seniors. Conversely, California reports a slightly higher share at 13%, while Utah lags behind with just 8%.


From a socio-economic perspective, it is evident that a higher average income does not necessarily translate into a lower percentage of people living below the poverty line. Specifically, while the average income per person in Utah is $17,000, only 9% of its population falls below the poverty line. Likewise, Florida and California report average incomes of $22,000 and $23,000, with 12% and 16% of their populations, respectively, living in poverty.


229 words

revised and refined with Chat GPT ✅

*only highlighted parts are corrected by the AI, the rest is mine
, meaning that elusive band 9.0 for task 1 is не за горами
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No man can walk through life without things happening to him
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