Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Expertly Describe a Workshop Experience

IELTS Speaking examiners frequently ask candidates to describe experiences related to learning or personal development. One such topic that often appears is describing a workshop you attended. This article will guide you through answering questions about this topic effectively, helping you achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about workshops and learning experiences. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Examiner: Do you enjoy attending workshops?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely. I find workshops to be incredibly enriching experiences. They provide a unique opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge and interact with experts in various fields. I particularly enjoy the collaborative atmosphere and the chance to network with like-minded individuals.”

Describe a time when you were part of a club or organization can be another interesting topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test. It shares similarities with describing a workshop, as both involve group activities and learning experiences.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe A Time When You Attended A Workshop
You should say:

• What the workshop was about
• Where and when you attended it
• Who else attended the workshop
• And explain how you felt about the workshop

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a fascinating workshop I attended last summer on sustainable urban gardening. It was held at our local community center in downtown Toronto and lasted for two full days over a weekend in July.

The workshop was expertly led by Sarah Thompson, a renowned horticulturist with over 20 years of experience in urban farming. What made it particularly engaging was the diverse group of attendees – there were about 30 of us, ranging from curious beginners like myself to seasoned gardeners looking to expand their knowledge.

The content was incredibly comprehensive, covering everything from soil preparation and composting techniques to maximizing yield in small spaces. What I found most valuable were the hands-on sessions where we actually got to practice the techniques we learned.

I felt thoroughly inspired by the end of the workshop. It was eye-opening to realize how much food can be grown in urban environments with the right knowledge and techniques. The interactive nature of the sessions and the passion of both the instructor and fellow participants were truly infectious.

Overall, I left feeling not only more knowledgeable about urban gardening but also part of a community of like-minded individuals committed to sustainable living. It was an enriching experience that has significantly impacted my approach to food and sustainability.”

Sustainable urban gardening workshop in action

Follow-up questions:

Examiner: How did this workshop differ from others you’ve attended?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“This workshop stood out due to its highly interactive nature. Unlike more lecture-based workshops, this one prioritized hands-on learning. We spent a significant portion of time actively practicing the techniques we learned, which greatly enhanced our understanding and retention of the material. Additionally, the diverse backgrounds of the participants led to rich discussions and unique perspectives that you don’t often find in more homogeneous groups.”

Examiner: Do you think workshops are an effective way of learning new skills?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely. Workshops offer a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application that can be highly effective for skill acquisition. They provide an immersive environment where learners can focus intensively on a specific topic, free from daily distractions. The opportunity to learn directly from experts and immediately apply new concepts can significantly accelerate the learning process.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think workshops compare to traditional classroom learning?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Workshops and traditional classroom learning each have their distinct advantages. Workshops tend to be more focused and intensive, often covering a specific topic in great depth over a short period. They’re typically more hands-on and interactive, which can be particularly beneficial for learning practical skills.

On the other hand, traditional classroom learning offers a more structured, long-term approach to education. It allows for a broader coverage of topics and provides more time for information to be absorbed and reinforced over an extended period.

I believe the effectiveness of each method depends largely on the subject matter and the learner’s goals. For instance, a workshop might be ideal for learning a specific technique or skill, while classroom learning might be better suited for subjects that require extensive theoretical understanding or long-term practice.”

Describe a time when you learned a new skill quickly is another topic that often comes up in IELTS Speaking tests. It’s related to attending workshops, as both involve acquiring new knowledge or abilities.

Examiner: Do you think the rise of online workshops will replace in-person workshops in the future?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“While online workshops have certainly gained popularity, especially in recent times, I don’t believe they will completely replace in-person workshops. Online workshops offer undeniable advantages such as accessibility, convenience, and often lower costs. They allow participants from diverse geographical locations to come together without the need for travel.

However, in-person workshops provide unique benefits that are difficult to replicate online. The face-to-face interaction, networking opportunities, and the ability to engage in hands-on activities are often more effective in person. There’s also an energy and focus that comes from being in a physical space dedicated to learning.

I think we’ll likely see a hybrid model emerge, where some workshops are held online for broader reach, while others remain in-person for more intensive, practical learning experiences. The choice between online and in-person will likely depend on the subject matter, learning objectives, and participant preferences.”

Comparison of online and in-person workshops

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Engaging /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒɪŋ/ (adjective): Very interesting and holding one’s attention.
   Example: “The workshop was incredibly engaging, with interactive activities that kept everyone involved.”

2. Hands-on /ˌhændz ˈɒn/ (adjective): Involving practical experience and participation rather than just theory.
   Example: “I prefer hands-on learning experiences where I can practice what I’m being taught.”

3. Comprehensive /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ (adjective): Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
   Example: “The workshop provided a comprehensive overview of sustainable gardening techniques.”

4. Collaborative /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ (adjective): Involving two or more people working together for a special purpose.
   Example: “The collaborative atmosphere of the workshop encouraged participants to share ideas freely.”

5. Immersive /ɪˈmɜːsɪv/ (adjective): Providing, involving, or characterized by deep absorption or immersion in something.
   Example: “The two-day workshop was an immersive experience that transformed my understanding of urban gardening.”

Describe a public event you attended recently is another topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Like describing a workshop, it involves discussing a specific event and your experiences there.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a workshop or similar experience:

1. Be specific: Provide detailed information about the workshop, including the topic, location, duration, and participants.

2. Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate a range of advanced words and phrases relevant to the topic.

3. Discuss your feelings and opinions: Explain how the workshop impacted you and why you found it valuable or interesting.

4. Use appropriate tenses: Ensure you use past tenses correctly when describing the event, and present tenses when discussing your current thoughts about it.

5. Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly and confidently, without long pauses or hesitations.

6. Develop your answers: Don’t just give short responses. Elaborate on your points and provide examples to support your statements.

7. Stay on topic: Ensure your answers are relevant to the questions asked and the overall topic of the workshop.

By following these tips and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss attending a workshop in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice is key to improving your speaking skills and confidence.

Describe a time when you traveled to a new city is another topic that could be relevant to your IELTS Speaking preparation. Like attending a workshop, traveling to a new city involves new experiences and learning opportunities.