Learning about historical events helps us understand our past and shapes our perspective of the present. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2, as it allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to narrate and describe past events with proper vocabulary and grammar structures.
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions you might encounter include:
- Do you like learning about history? Why/why not?
- What type of historical events interest you the most?
- How do you usually learn about historical events?
Similar to how people describe a documentary you watched recently, you should provide detailed responses while maintaining natural conversation flow.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m absolutely fascinated by history, particularly because it helps us understand the root causes of present-day situations. I mainly learn about historical events through comprehensive documentaries and scholarly articles, as they provide in-depth analysis and multiple perspectives.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Your task: Describe a historical event that you find fascinating.
You should say:
- What the event was
- When it happened
- How you learned about it
- And explain why you find it fascinating
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about World War II, which happened between 1939 and 1945. I first learned about it in my high school history classes and through movies. What makes it fascinating is how it changed the world completely. The war involved many countries and had a huge impact on technology and politics. I think it’s important because it shows us why we need peace.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share my profound interest in the Renaissance period, particularly its pivotal moment in Florence during the 15th century. I initially developed a deep fascination with this era while describing a historical figure you would like to learn more about, specifically Leonardo da Vinci.
This transformative period marked humanity’s remarkable transition from medieval times to the modern era. What particularly captivates me is how this movement revolutionized art, science, and philosophy simultaneously. The unprecedented fusion of classical learning with innovative thinking catalyzed numerous breakthroughs in various fields.
I’ve extensively researched this period through academic sources and even visited describe a famous building you would like to see in Florence. The Renaissance fundamentally altered human perspective and continues to influence contemporary thought.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How do you think the study of history has changed with modern technology?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Modern technology has revolutionized historical research through digital archives and advanced archaeological techniques. Artificial intelligence now helps historians analyze vast amounts of data and uncover patterns that might have been missed before. Additionally, virtual reality reconstructions allow us to immerse ourselves in historical environments, making the learning experience more engaging and comprehensive.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Pivotal moment (adj + n): A crucial point in time
- Profound impact (adj + n): Deep, significant effect
- Revolutionary breakthrough (adj + n): An important discovery that changes things completely
- To catalyze (v): To cause or accelerate change
- Paradigm shift (n): A fundamental change in approach or assumptions
IELTS Speaking Advanced Vocabulary Practice Session
Examiner’s Tips:
- Structure your response clearly with an introduction, main points, and conclusion
- Use a mix of simple and complex grammatical structures
- Include specific details and examples to support your points
- Show enthusiasm through appropriate intonation and stress
- Practice speaking about various historical events to build confidence and vocabulary
Remember, just as with describe a food market you visited in a different city, providing vivid descriptions and personal insights will help you achieve a higher score.
