Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Recent News Story That Caught Your Attention

The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to current events and news stories. One common question that examiners may ask is to describe a recent news story that caught your attention. This topic allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to discuss current affairs, express opinions, and use vocabulary related to news and media. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and maximize your IELTS Speaking score.

IELTS Speaking Test Room

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask some general questions about news and media consumption. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. How often do you read or watch the news?
2. What types of news stories interest you the most?
3. Do you prefer to get your news from television, newspapers, or the internet?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I try to stay up-to-date with current events by checking the news daily. I usually browse news websites or use news apps on my smartphone during my morning commute. It’s become a habit for me to skim through headlines and read articles that catch my interest. I find it essential to be well-informed about what’s happening both locally and globally.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

In Part 2, you may be given a cue card related to describing a recent news story. Here’s a sample cue card:

Describe a recent news story that caught your attention.

You should say:

• What the news story was about
• Where and when you heard or read about it
• Why it caught your attention
• And explain how you felt about this news story

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a recent news story that really grabbed my attention. It was about the successful landing of NASA’s Perseverance rover on Mars, which occurred in February 2021.

I first came across this story while scrolling through my news feed on social media, and I immediately delved deeper into it by reading several articles from reputable science websites. The story captivated me because it represented a significant milestone in space exploration and our quest to understand the Red Planet.

What particularly struck me about this news was the incredible technological feat it represented. The fact that we can send a robotic explorer millions of kilometers through space and land it precisely on another planet is truly mind-boggling. The rover’s mission to search for signs of ancient microbial life on Mars also piqued my curiosity about the possibilities of extraterrestrial life.

I felt a sense of awe and excitement when reading about this achievement. It reminded me of humanity’s potential for innovation and discovery when we set our minds to ambitious goals. The news also gave me a glimmer of hope during a time when much of the world news was focused on the challenges of the pandemic. It served as a welcome reminder that scientific progress continues even in difficult times, and that we’re capable of accomplishing extraordinary things through collaboration and perseverance.

Overall, this news story left me feeling inspired and optimistic about the future of space exploration and scientific discovery. It’s the kind of news that makes me eager to keep up with developments in the field and sparks my imagination about what other breakthroughs might be on the horizon.”

Additional questions the examiner might ask:

1. Do you think space exploration is important? Why or why not?
2. How do you think this discovery might impact our understanding of the universe?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for question 1:
“I firmly believe that space exploration is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it pushes the boundaries of our scientific and technological capabilities, leading to innovations that often have practical applications on Earth. Secondly, it helps us gain a deeper understanding of our place in the universe and the potential for life beyond our planet. Lastly, I think space exploration inspires people, especially younger generations, to pursue careers in science and technology, which is vital for addressing global challenges like climate change and sustainable energy.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. How has the way people consume news changed in recent years?
2. Do you think social media is a reliable source of news? Why or why not?
3. What impact do you think fake news has on society?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for question 3:

“The proliferation of fake news has had a profound and largely detrimental impact on society. It has eroded trust in traditional media outlets and made it increasingly difficult for people to discern fact from fiction. This confusion can lead to misinformed decision-making, particularly in areas like politics and public health.

Moreover, fake news often spreads like wildfire on social media platforms, where sensationalism tends to garner more attention than nuanced, fact-based reporting. This can exacerbate social divisions and polarize public opinion, as people retreat into echo chambers that reinforce their existing beliefs.

The consequences of this phenomenon are far-reaching. In extreme cases, fake news has fueled social unrest, influenced election outcomes, and even led to violence. It has also undermined scientific consensus on critical issues like climate change and vaccinations, potentially hampering our ability to address global challenges effectively.

To combat this issue, I believe we need a multi-faceted approach. This could include improving digital literacy education, implementing stricter regulations on social media platforms, and supporting quality journalism. Ultimately, cultivating critical thinking skills and encouraging people to verify information from multiple reputable sources is crucial in mitigating the negative effects of fake news on society.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. To grab/catch one’s attention (phrasal verb) – to become very interesting to someone
   Example: The headline about the new scientific discovery really grabbed my attention.

2. To delve deeper (phrasal verb) – to research or investigate something thoroughly
   Example: After reading the initial report, I decided to delve deeper into the subject.

3. Mind-boggling (adjective) – extremely surprising and difficult to understand or imagine
   Example: The complexity of quantum physics is truly mind-boggling.

4. To pique one’s curiosity (phrase) – to arouse interest or curiosity
   Example: The mysterious circumstances of the event piqued my curiosity.

5. Glimmer of hope (noun phrase) – a faint sign of a positive outcome
   Example: The new treatment offers a glimmer of hope for patients with this rare disease.

6. To keep up with (phrasal verb) – to stay informed about
   Example: It’s challenging to keep up with all the rapid developments in technology.

7. To spark one’s imagination (phrase) – to stimulate creative thinking
   Example: Science fiction often sparks my imagination about future possibilities.

8. To push the boundaries (phrase) – to extend the limits of what is possible or acceptable
   Example: Space exploration continues to push the boundaries of human achievement.

Tips from an IELTS Examiner

1. Stay informed: Regularly read or watch news from reputable sources to familiarize yourself with current events and expand your vocabulary.

2. Practice describing news stories: Choose a news article each day and practice summarizing it orally, focusing on key points and your personal reactions.

3. Develop your opinions: Think critically about news stories and form well-reasoned opinions that you can articulate clearly.

4. Use a variety of language: Incorporate idiomatic expressions, phrasal verbs, and advanced vocabulary to demonstrate your language proficiency.

5. Structure your answers: Use discourse markers and linking phrases to organize your thoughts coherently.

6. Show enthusiasm: Demonstrate genuine interest in the topic through your tone of voice and body language.

7. Be prepared to elaborate: Practice expanding on your initial answers with examples, explanations, and personal anecdotes.

By following these strategies and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss recent news stories in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to express your ideas clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and demonstrate your ability to analyze and reflect on current events.

For more tips on acing the IELTS Speaking test, check out our articles on describing a person with a strong sense of justice and discussing social media campaigns.