Describe a Recent Experience That Had a Lasting Impact on You

Understanding the Speaking Test Format

The IELTS Speaking test is divided into three main parts:

1. Introduction and Interview (Part 1): Basic questions about yourself, your home, family, studies, work, and interests.
2. Long Turn (Part 2): You will be given a cue card with a topic. You have 1 minute to prepare and then speak for up to 2 minutes.
3. Two-way Discussion (Part 3): A discussion with the examiner related to the topic in Part 2, but at a more abstract level.

Key Assessments For High Scores

Examiners evaluate:

• Fluency and Coherence: Ability to speak smoothly and logically.
• Lexical Resource: Use of a wide range of vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use of complex sentence structures correctly.
• Pronunciation: Clarity and variety in pronunciation.

“Describe a recent experience that had a lasting impact on you” is a common question that gives candidates a chance to showcase storytelling, vocabulary, and personal insight.

Recent Experience Lasting Impact

Content Overview

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Common Questions

1. Can you tell me about an important event in your life?
2. What was the most memorable experience of your childhood?
3. Have you ever had an experience that changed your perspective on life?

Sample Answer

Question: Can you tell me about an important event in your life?

Answer: Certainly. One of the most important events in my life was when I moved to a new city for university. It was a transformative experience because it not only required me to adapt to a completely new environment but also taught me self-reliance and improved my social skills as I met people from diverse backgrounds.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a recent experience that had a lasting impact on you.
You should say:

• What the experience was
• When and where it happened
• Who was involved
• Why it had a lasting impact on you

Sample Answer

Let me tell you about a recent experience that had a lasting impact on me. A few months ago, I embarked on a solo backpacking trip across Southeast Asia. This journey took place during the summer holidays, and I traveled through Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

During this trip, I met a lot of incredible people and immersed myself in different cultures. For example, in Vietnam, I participated in a community service project that focused on building homes for underprivileged families. This segment of my trip was particularly impactful because it opened my eyes to the challenges** that many people face daily and how a small effort from us can bring about significant change in their lives.

Having to navigate through unfamiliar surroundings on my own also boosted my confidence and made me more resourceful. The whole experience instilled in me a sense of gratitude and a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways of life. Even now, months after returning, I find myself approaching challenges with the lessons I learned during this trip in mind.**

Follow-up Questions

1. How did this experience change your outlook on life?
2. Would you recommend a similar experience to others? Why or why not?

Sample Follow-up Answers:

(1) This experience has fundamentally changed my outlook on life by making me more empathetic and compassionate. I’ve realized the importance of being grateful for what I have and the impact of contributing positively to society.

(2) I would definitely recommend a similar experience to others because it not only broadens one’s horizon but also fosters personal growth and self-awareness. Traveling solo challenges you in ways that are incredibly beneficial for developing resilience and adaptability.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner’s Possible Questions

1. In what ways can experiences like this one shape an individual’s future?
2. Do you believe that impactful experiences are necessary for personal growth?

Sample Answer

(1) Experiences like the one I had can shape an individual’s future in several profound ways. They can refine personal values and aspirations, teach resilience, and enhance our understanding of different cultures and lifestyles. Such experiences can also improve one’s ability to adapt to new situations and think critically about various life circumstances.

(2) I firmly believe that impactful experiences are essential for personal growth. They force individuals out of their comfort zones, providing opportunities to encounter and overcome challenges. These experiences pave the way for self-discovery and build character. Without such experiences, personal development may be stagnant or limited.

Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores

Key Vocabulary

1. Transformative – (adj) /trænsˈfɔːrmətɪv/ – Causing a marked change in someone or something.
2. Self-reliance – (n) /ˌsɛlf rɪˈlaɪəns/ – Reliance on one’s own powers and resources rather than those of others.
3. Immersed – (adj) /ɪˈmɜːrst/ – Deeply engaged or involved.
4. Empathetic – (adj) /ˌɛmpəˈθɛtɪk/ – Showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
5. Resilience – (n) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
6. Adaptability – (n) /ˌædæpˈtæbɪlɪti/ – The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.

Sample Sentences

1. The solo trip was a transformative experience that changed my life.
2. Living alone in a new country fostered a sense of self-reliance within me.
3. I was immersed in the local culture and it brought a new perspective to my daily life.
4. The project work made me more empathetic towards others’ hardships.
5. Facing different challenges during my journey boosted my resilience.
6. The experience enhanced my adaptability to various environments and situations.

Tips From An Examiner

• Practice Regularly: The more you speak, the better your fluency and coherence will be.
• Expand Your Vocabulary: Use a range of vocabulary and practice applying them in context.
• Focus on Pronunciation: Record yourself speaking and work on aspects of pronunciation that need improvement.
• Engage in Discussions: Participate in discussions on various topics to develop your ability to express ideas clearly and coherently.
• Stay Relaxed: Confidence can significantly enhance your performance, so practice staying relaxed during the speaking test.

By focusing on these key insights and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.