How to Ace an IELTS Speaking Topic: “Describe a Time When You Visited a Friend or Family Member in the Hospital”

The IELTS Speaking part of the exam is designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in English. Part 2 of the test, in particular, requires you to speak at length on a given topic for up to two minutes. This part tests your ability to organize your thoughts, use appropriate vocabulary, and speak coherently and fluently.

One commonly featured topic is “Describe a time when you visited a friend or family member in the hospital.” In this article, we will dive into this topic, providing sample questions, answers, and tips to help you achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions

In Part 1, the examiner will ask you questions about yourself and general topics, such as your hobbies, background, and interests. Here are some example questions related to the hospital visit topic:

Example Questions:

1. Have you ever been to a hospital?
2. How do you feel when you visit someone in the hospital?

Sample Answer:

Question: Have you ever been to a hospital?

Answer: Yes, I have been to the hospital several times. The most memorable visit was when I went to see my grandmother who had undergone surgery. It was a stressful time for my family, but seeing the dedicated doctors and nurses made us feel reassured.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe a time when you visited a friend or family member in the hospital.

You should say:

• Who it was you visited
• Why they were in the hospital
• How you felt about the visit
• And explain what happened during the visit

Sample Answer:

Who it was you visited and why they were in the hospital:
About a year ago, I visited my best friend, Sarah, in the hospital because she had been in a serious car accident. She suffered multiple fractures and required immediate surgery.

How you felt about the visit:
At first, I felt extremely anxious and worried for her well-being. The thought of seeing her in pain was overwhelming, but I knew that my visit would offer her some much-needed comfort and support.

What happened during the visit:
When I arrived at the hospital, I found Sarah in a recovery room with numerous medical devices attached to her. Despite her physical pain, she managed to give me a weak smile. We talked about the accident and how it happened, and I tried my best to keep the conversation light-hearted to uplift her spirits. We reminisced about happy memories, which seemed to make her smile more. I stayed with her for a couple of hours until visiting hours were over.

Follow-up Questions:

1. How did you feel when you saw your friend in that condition?
2. How has the experience affected your outlook on health and safety?

Sample Answers:

Question: How did you feel when you saw your friend in that condition?

Answer: Seeing Sarah in such a vulnerable state was heart-wrenching. It was difficult to hold back tears, but I had to stay strong for her. The experience taught me to cherish every moment with loved ones and to always prioritize safety.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract and analytical questions related to the topic.

Example Questions:

1. Why do you think visiting someone in the hospital is important?
2. How can hospitals improve the experience for visitors and patients?

Sample Answers:

Question: Why do you think visiting someone in the hospital is important?

Answer: Visiting someone in the hospital is immensely important because it provides emotional support and helps the patient feel less isolated. Studies have shown that having loved ones around can significantly improve a patient’s recovery rate. It fosters a sense of belonging and reassurance, which is crucial for mental well-being.

Question: How can hospitals improve the experience for visitors and patients?

Answer: Hospitals can improve the experience by implementing more family-friendly policies and creating a more comfortable atmosphere. For instance, providing more spacious and private rooms can help. Additionally, they could offer more holistic care options such as therapy animals and companionship programs to uplift patients’ spirits.

Vocabulary and Phrases to Boost Your Score

Here are some critical vocabulary and phrases to leverage during your IELTS Speaking test:

• Anxious /ˈæŋkʃəs/: experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness.
  • Example: “I felt extremely anxious when I saw her in pain.”
• Reassure /ˌriː.əˈʃʊr/: to comfort someone and stop them from worrying.
  • Example: “The doctors reassured us that she would recover soon.”
• Heart-wrenching /ˈhɑːrtˌrentʃ.ɪŋ/: extremely distressing or upsetting.
  • Example: “It was heart-wrenching to see her in such a vulnerable state.”
• Holistic care /hoʊˈlɪs.tɪk keər/: treatment addressing the comprehensive needs of a patient.
  • Example: “Hospitals should offer more holistic care options.”

Expert Tips: Maximizing Your IELTS Speaking Score

1. Practice Fluency and Coherence: Aim to speak continuously and logically. Avoid long pauses and use linking words to connect your ideas.
2. Expand Your Vocabulary: Use a variety of words and expressions to avoid repetition.
3. Work on Pronunciation: Ensure your pronunciation is clear. You can practice by listening to native speakers or using online resources.
4. Be Descriptive: In Part 2, give detailed answers and include specific examples to illustrate your points.
5. Stay Calm and Composed: Keep your anxiety in check by practicing mindfulness techniques before the test.

Visiting a Friend in Hospital

By preparing thoroughly and practicing diligently, you can significantly improve your speaking skills and achieve a high band score on your IELTS Speaking test. Focus on giving detailed, coherent answers, and don’t forget to employ a rich variety of vocabulary and precise pronunciation. Good luck!