Just like Describe a person who is very supportive of your ambitions, describing a local news story requires careful preparation and proper structure to achieve a high band score.
IELTS Speaking Examiner interviewing candidate about local news
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions you may encounter:
- Do you often read local news?
- How do you usually get local news?
- What kind of local news interests you most?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I regularly follow local news through various platforms, primarily through news apps and social media. I’m particularly drawn to stories about community development and environmental initiatives in my area, as they directly impact our daily lives.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a local news story that people were interested in
You should say:
- What the news was about
- Where you heard about it
- Why people were interested in it
- And explain how you felt about this news
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share a compelling local news story that captured public attention last month. It was about a community-led initiative to transform an abandoned warehouse into a cultural center.
I first came across this story through our city’s news website, and it quickly gained traction on social media platforms. The project garnered significant interest because it represented a grassroots movement to revitalize our downtown area.
What made this story particularly noteworthy was how it brought together various segments of our community. Local artists, businesses, and residents all pitched in with their resources and expertise.
I felt thoroughly impressed by this demonstration of community spirit. It resonated deeply with me because it showed how collective effort can bring about meaningful change in our immediate environment.”
Community members discussing local news story impact
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about a local news story about changing an old building into an art center. I read about it on our city’s website and Facebook.
People were interested because it was going to help make our city better. Many people from our area wanted to help with the project.
I thought it was a good idea because we need more places for art and culture in our city. It made me happy to see people working together.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How has local news reporting changed in recent years?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Local news reporting has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. The shift towards digital platforms has revolutionized how news is delivered and consumed. Traditional newspapers have adapted by incorporating multimedia content and real-time updates. However, this evolution has also posed challenges, particularly in terms of fact-checking and maintaining journalistic standards.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Breaking news /ˈbreɪkɪŋ njuːz/ (n): The first report of an important event
- Make headlines (idiom): To receive a lot of attention in the news
- Coverage /ˈkʌvərɪdʒ/ (n): The way news is reported
- Public interest /ˈpʌblɪk ˈɪntrəst/ (n): Information important to the general public
- Go viral (phrase): To spread rapidly through social media
Expert Tip: Focus on using descriptive language and providing specific details. Practice incorporating these key phrases naturally into your responses to achieve higher band scores.
