As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless students grappling with the Speaking section of the test. A frequent question that arises is how to tackle topics that seem simple on the surface, like “What makes you tired?” While it might appear straightforward, this question offers a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your English fluency and vocabulary. Let’s delve into how you can turn a seemingly mundane topic into a speaking test triumph.

Understanding the Question’s Intent

The examiner isn’t simply interested in a list of things that exhaust you. They are assessing your ability to:

• Use a range of vocabulary: Can you move beyond basic words like “tired” and incorporate synonyms like “exhausted”, “drained”, “worn out”, or “fatigued”?
• Provide detailed explanations: Can you elaborate on why certain activities or situations drain your energy?
• Structure your response logically: Can you present your ideas in a coherent and organized manner?

Mastering the Art of Elaboration

The key to excelling in this part of the IELTS Speaking test is to provide detailed and engaging answers. Consider these approaches:

1. Connect to Personal Experiences:

Instead of just stating “Studying for long hours makes me tired”, paint a picture for the examiner. You could say, “I find that after about three hours of intense studying, my concentration begins to waver. My eyes feel strained, and I start making careless mistakes.”

2. Highlight Contrasting Situations:

You might say, “While I generally feel energized after a good workout, exercising in the heat completely wipes me out. The humidity makes it difficult to breathe, and I just feel depleted afterwards.” This showcases your ability to use comparative language.

3. Incorporate a Range of Causes:

Don’t limit yourself to physical tiredness. Discuss mental exhaustion, emotional fatigue, or even boredom. For instance, you could say, “I find that dealing with constant interruptions throughout the day really drains my mental energy. I struggle to stay focused, and it leaves me feeling mentally drained.”

tired-man-on-crowded-bus|exhausted commuter|A photo of a tired man on a crowded bus during rush hour, struggling to stay awake with his eyes half-closed.

Example IELTS Speaking Question & Response

Let’s analyze a potential IELTS Speaking test scenario:

Examiner: “What kind of things make you tired?”

Candidate: “Well, several things can leave me feeling exhausted. One of the main culprits is definitely a lack of sleep. If I don’t get my eight hours, I feel sluggish and my concentration is just shot. Another thing that takes a lot out of me is commuting during rush hour. The traffic, the crowds, the noise – it’s all incredibly draining. On a different note, I find that spending too much time on social media can also be mentally tiring. It’s stimulating, but in a way that leaves me feeling strangely empty and unmotivated afterwards.”

Analysis:

This response is strong because it:

• Provides a variety of reasons for tiredness: Physical (lack of sleep), situational (commuting), and mental (social media).
• Uses descriptive language: “Sluggish,” “concentration is shot,” “crowds,” “noise,” “draining,” “mentally tiring,” “stimulating,” “empty,” “unmotivated.”
• Demonstrates clear organization: The ideas are presented in a logical order, with transitions like “Another thing” and “On a different note” ensuring coherence.

Top Tips for Success

• Practice speaking about everyday topics: Don’t underestimate the importance of being able to discuss seemingly simple subjects.
• Expand your vocabulary: Use a thesaurus or vocabulary-building apps to find synonyms for common words like “tired”.
• Record yourself speaking: This will help you identify areas where you can improve your fluency, pronunciation, and vocabulary usage.
• Don’t be afraid to use humor (appropriately): A touch of humor can make your response more engaging, as long as it’s relevant and appropriate for the context.

Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is about demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively in English. By preparing thoroughly, using a wide range of vocabulary, and providing thoughtful responses, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your desired score!