Let's talk about sleep! An important IELTS speaking topic

من معمولا قبل هر کلاس، طرح کلی از مطالب (outline) را مشخص می‌کنم. جلسه امروز در مورد خواب حرف می‌زنیم. چون هر جلسه به انگلیسی‌ست، از اینجا به بعد انگلیسی می‌نویسم.

Each session I have a kind of outline for my class. At the beginning, we usually review what we learnt so far. Students may have some questions or simply they are unable to connect the dots. We go through all questions and hesitations. After I feel sure that everybody has a clear picture, the next step begins.

We continue our class with a discussion for around half an hour. The upcoming discussion is about sleep. To arrange my material to manage it, first I prepare a few pertinent questions like:

• How many hours do you usually sleep at night?
• What time do you go to bed?
• Do you go to bed at the same time every day?
• Do you ever have a nap during the day?
• Do you think sleep is important?
• Should older people sleep more than children?

I have some ideas and model answers in my mind.

It help students to consolidate the relevant knowledge and experience, as well as relating to the subjects better.

Q. Do you often take a nap during the day?

A. To be honest, I hardly ever nod off during the day but, I suppose, if I’ve had a really exhausting day, which is pretty rare, I may take a short nap after lunch

• nap (a short sleep): Grandpa usually has/takes a nap after lunch.
• snooze (a short sleep)

The dog's snoozing in front of the fire. I snoozed through the whole film. Dad likes to snooze in front of the TV. The old man was snoozing in the shade. People like to spend the afternoon hours snoozing.

• nod off (go to sleep – often used for daytime sleeping) He nodded off during the sermon.
• drift off to sleep (slowly go off to sleep) She drifted off while I was still talking. He gradually drifted off to sleep.

• deep sleep (It's best to avoid exercise and heavy meals in the 3 hours prior to bedtime.)
• struggle to get to sleep
• sleeping pill (medication to help someone get to sleep)
• 40 winks (short sleep of a few minutes) - take a nap for a short period of time, or to take a short sleep during the day.
• siesta (short sleep after lunch – Spanish in origin) - an afternoon rest or nap, especially one taken during the hottest hours of the day in a hot climate. "everyone had a siesta for a few hours"

There are also thousands of useful photos and videos that help you to have a fruitful session.