In the IELTS Speaking Test, your ability to communicate effectively using a wide range of vocabulary, coherent sentence structures, and fluency is crucial. One common prompt you may encounter is “Describe a situation when you had to wait for something.” This prompt is often used in Part 2 of the test and can be challenging, especially if you’re unprepared. Let’s break down how to tackle this question with precision and attain a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Examiner Questions
In Part 1, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself to ease into the conversation. These questions are straightforward and set the stage for more complex questions later.
Sample Question and Suggested Answer:
Question: “Do you often have to wait for things?”
Answer: “Yes, I frequently find myself waiting, particularly when it involves public transportation or customer service. For example, just last week, I had to wait nearly an hour for a delayed bus. I try to use waiting time productively by reading or catching up on messages.”
This answer is effective because it uses specific instances, enhancing its authenticity. The use of the adverb “frequently” and the conjunction “particularly” shows flexibility in language use.
Part 2: The Long Turn
Cue Card Example
Here’s a sample cue card that you might encounter:
Describe a situation when you had to wait for something.
You should say:
- What you were waiting for
- How long you had to wait
- What you did while waiting
- Explain how you felt about the wait
Model Answer
Sample Answer:
“One memorable instance when I had to wait was at an airport. I was waiting for a flight to London that had been delayed due to severe weather conditions. The waiting period was almost six hours.
Airport Waiting Lounge
During this extended wait, I did various activities to pass the time. Firstly, I took advantage of the airport’s free Wi-Fi to catch up on some work emails and chat with friends. Then, I read a book I had packed, which not only kept me occupied but also allowed me to stay calm. Lastly, I wandered around the terminal, exploring different shops and cafes.
Although the delay was frustrating initially, I managed to stay patient by keeping myself busy. In the end, I felt a sense of accomplishment for utilizing my time effectively despite the unexpected circumstances.”
In this answer, the use of temporal markers such as “Firstly,” “Then,” and “Lastly” enhances the coherence and structure. Phrases like “took advantage of,” “occupied,” and “accomplishment” add depth to vocabulary.
Follow-Up Questions and Sample Answers:
1. How do you usually stay patient when waiting?
“I usually try to keep myself engaged, either through reading, listening to music, or chatting with friends. Distractions help make the waiting period feel shorter.”
2. Do you think waiting is a waste of time?
“Not necessarily. Waiting can be productive if used wisely. For example, it’s an opportunity to catch up on reading, plan your day, or even relax and decompress.”
3. How have our attitudes towards waiting changed over time?
“In the past, waiting was an accepted part of life. However, with the advent of technology and instant gratification, people today are less tolerant of delays and often seek ways to minimize waiting time.”
Here, the answers incorporate diverse sentence structures and vocabulary, such as “engaged,” “gratification,” and “tolerant.”
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
In-depth Analysis and Questions
In Part 3, the examiner will ask abstract questions related to the topic in Part 2. These questions aim to assess your ability to analyze and express opinions.
1. Why do you think some people are more patient than others?
“Patience often depends on a person’s upbringing and life experiences. People who have grown up in environments where patience was stressed as a virtue tend to exhibit more patience. Additionally, individuals who have had to wait frequently in the past may develop higher tolerance levels.”
2. What are the benefits and drawbacks of having to wait?
“One significant benefit is that it teaches patience and resilience. It also offers an opportunity for self-reflection or accomplishing small tasks. However, the drawbacks include stress and frustration, which can negatively impact one’s mood and productivity.”
3. How does technology impact our attitude towards waiting?
“Technology has significantly reduced waiting times in various aspects of life, from instant messaging to rapid transportation. While this increases efficiency, it can also lead to impatience and a diminished ability to handle delays when they occur.”
These responses effectively use complex sentence structures and advanced vocabulary, such as “upbringing,” “resilience,” and “diminished.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases to Boost Your Score
Essential Vocabulary
Tolerant (adj.): [ˈtɒlərənt] – Showing willingness to endure patiently.
- Example: “She is very tolerant of waiting long periods without complaint.”
Resilience (noun): [rɪˈzɪliəns] – The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
- Example: “Waiting has taught me resilience and patience.”
Engaged (adj.): [ɪnˈgeɪdʒd] – Busy or occupied.
- Example: “Keeping yourself engaged while waiting can make the time pass faster.”
Utilize (verb): [ˈjuːtəˌlaɪz] – To make practical use of something.
- Example: “I utilized the waiting time to catch up on reading.”
Sample Sentence Structures
- Complex Sentences:
- “Although the delay was frustrating initially, I managed to stay patient by keeping myself busy.”
- Compound Sentences:
- “The waiting period was almost six hours, but I found several ways to occupy my time.”
Conclusion and Tips
Achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking Test requires not only good language skills but also effective strategies. Here are a few tips:
- Practice Regularly: Frequent practice helps improve fluency and confidence.
- Use Variety: Incorporate a mix of complex, compound, and simple sentences.
- Engage in Conversations: Regularly speaking English in diverse contexts can enhance your spontaneous speaking skills.
- Expand Vocabulary: Continuously learn and use new words and phrases.
By implementing these insights and practicing with sample questions and answers, you’re well on your way to mastering the IELTS Speaking Test.