Mastering the IELTS Speaking Test: How to Describe a Puzzle You Have Played

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about leisure activities and hobbies, including puzzles. Describing a puzzle you have played is a common topic that can appear in Part 1, 2, or 3 of the test. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about puzzles. Here are a few examples:

1. Do you enjoy solving puzzles?
2. What kinds of puzzles do you like?
3. When was the last time you solved a puzzle?

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

Examiner: Do you enjoy solving puzzles?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I absolutely love solving puzzles. I find them to be a great way to unwind after a long day and keep my mind sharp. There’s something incredibly satisfying about finally cracking a challenging puzzle after putting in the effort. It’s not just a hobby for me; it’s almost like a mental workout that I look forward to regularly.”

Describe a movie you want to watch again is another topic that might come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared for various subjects will help you feel more confident during the exam.

Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you might receive a cue card asking you to describe a puzzle you have played. Here’s an example:

Describe a puzzle you have played

You should say:
- What kind of puzzle it was
- When and where you played it
- Who you played it with (if anyone)
- And explain why you enjoyed playing this puzzle

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a jigsaw puzzle I played recently. It was a 1000-piece puzzle featuring a beautiful landscape of the Swiss Alps. I started working on this puzzle about two weeks ago in my living room.

I mainly worked on it by myself, but occasionally my roommate would join in and help for a bit. It took me about a week to complete, working on it for an hour or two each evening after work.

I really enjoyed this puzzle for several reasons. Firstly, the image itself was stunning, with snow-capped mountains and a crystal-clear lake. It was challenging enough to keep me engaged but not so difficult that I got frustrated.

Moreover, I found the process of putting the puzzle together to be very relaxing. It helped me unwind after busy days at work and gave me a sense of accomplishment as I saw the picture slowly coming together.

Overall, it was a rewarding experience that combined visual appeal with mental stimulation, making it a perfect way to spend my free time.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d be delighted to describe a puzzle I recently tackled – a mind-bending 3D mechanical puzzle called the Hanayama Cast Infinity. This intricate puzzle consists of two interlinked pieces that you need to separate and then reassemble.

I stumbled upon this puzzle at a specialty store about a month ago and was instantly captivated by its sleek design and the promise of a good challenge. I primarily worked on it in the evenings, usually in my study where I could focus without distractions.

While I predominantly solved it solo, I did rope in my partner occasionally to brainstorm potential solutions when I felt particularly stumped. It took me the better part of a week to finally crack it, with several moments of frustration interspersed with eureka moments.

What I found particularly enthralling about this puzzle was its deceptive simplicity. At first glance, it seemed straightforward, but as I delved deeper, I discovered layers of complexity that required out-of-the-box thinking. The puzzle demanded a combination of spatial awareness, logical reasoning, and persistence.

The process of solving it was incredibly gratifying. Each small progress felt like a victory, and the final moment when the pieces separated was nothing short of exhilarating. It wasn’t just about reaching the solution; the journey itself was a valuable learning experience.

This puzzle served as a poignant reminder of the importance of perseverance and approaching problems from multiple angles. It also rekindled my childhood fascination with puzzles, prompting me to explore more challenging brain-teasers. In essence, it wasn’t merely a pastime but a cognitive workout that left me feeling mentally invigorated and eager for the next challenge.”

Puzzle solving techniques for IELTS Speaking

Follow-up questions:

1. How did solving this puzzle make you feel?
2. Would you recommend this puzzle to others? Why or why not?

Sample answers (Band 8-9):

1. “Solving this puzzle was an emotional rollercoaster. Initially, I felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. As I progressed, there were moments of frustration when I hit roadblocks, but these were outweighed by the sheer elation I experienced with each breakthrough. The final moment of solving it was incredibly rewarding, giving me a significant boost in confidence and a profound sense of accomplishment. It reminded me of the satisfaction that comes from perseverance and the joy of intellectual discovery.”

2. “I would wholeheartedly recommend this puzzle to others, particularly those who enjoy a good mental challenge. It’s an excellent tool for developing problem-solving skills and enhancing spatial awareness. However, I’d caution that it requires a considerable amount of patience and persistence. It’s ideal for individuals who derive pleasure from the process of solving complex problems and don’t mind investing time in a challenging pursuit. The puzzle also serves as a great conversation starter and can be a fun activity to tackle with friends or family, fostering collaboration and shared achievement.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to puzzles and problem-solving. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Examiner: How do you think puzzle-solving skills can be applied in real life?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe puzzle-solving skills are incredibly valuable in real life. They help develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that can be applied in various situations. For instance, in the workplace, complex projects often require breaking down big problems into smaller, manageable parts – much like solving a jigsaw puzzle.

Moreover, puzzles enhance patience and persistence, which are crucial traits in overcoming challenges in both personal and professional life. They also improve pattern recognition and logical reasoning, skills that are essential in fields like data analysis, programming, and strategic planning.

Additionally, puzzle-solving can boost creativity by encouraging us to look at problems from different angles. This out-of-the-box thinking can lead to innovative solutions in real-world scenarios. Overall, I think the mental agility and analytical skills honed through puzzle-solving are transferable to many aspects of life, making us more effective problem-solvers in general.”

Examiner: Do you think schools should incorporate more puzzle-solving activities into their curriculum? Why or why not?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m a firm believer that schools should indeed incorporate more puzzle-solving activities into their curriculum, and there are several compelling reasons for this.

Firstly, puzzle-solving activities can significantly enhance students’ cognitive abilities. They promote critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills – all of which are crucial in today’s rapidly evolving world. By engaging with puzzles, students learn to approach challenges systematically and consider multiple perspectives, skills that are invaluable across various academic disciplines and in real-life situations.

Secondly, puzzles can serve as an excellent tool for teaching patience and perseverance. In an age of instant gratification, learning to work through complex problems and maintain focus over extended periods is an increasingly important life skill. Puzzle-solving inherently teaches students that not all solutions are immediate and that persistence often leads to success.

Moreover, integrating puzzles into the curriculum can make learning more engaging and enjoyable. It introduces an element of play into education, which can increase student motivation and participation. This approach aligns well with the concept of gamification in education, which has shown promising results in improving learning outcomes.

Puzzle-solving activities also promote collaborative learning. Many puzzles can be solved in groups, encouraging teamwork, communication, and the sharing of ideas – all essential skills in the modern workplace.

However, it’s important to note that the integration of puzzles should be done thoughtfully and in balance with other educational activities. They should complement rather than replace traditional learning methods and be appropriate for different age groups and learning styles.

In conclusion, incorporating more puzzle-solving activities into school curricula can offer a myriad of benefits. It not only enhances cognitive skills but also fosters important personal qualities and makes learning more enjoyable. As education evolves to meet the demands of the 21st century, puzzle-solving could play a pivotal role in preparing students for future challenges.”

Describe a childhood toy you remember fondly is another interesting topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being able to draw connections between different subjects, such as childhood memories and problem-solving skills, can demonstrate your ability to think critically and speak coherently on various topics.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases related to puzzles and problem-solving:

1. Mind-bending (adjective) /maɪnd ˈbendɪŋ/: Extremely challenging or difficult to understand.
   Example: “The escape room presented us with a series of mind-bending puzzles.”

2. Intricate (adjective) /ˈɪntrɪkət/: Very complicated or detailed.
   Example: “The puzzle had an intricate design that required careful observation to solve.”

3. Eureka moment (noun phrase) /jʊəˈriːkə ˈməʊmənt/: A moment of sudden, triumphant discovery.
   Example: “After hours of trying, I finally had a eureka moment and solved the Rubik’s cube.”

4. To brainstorm (verb) /ˈbreɪnstɔːm/: To produce an idea or way of solving a problem by holding a spontaneous group discussion.
   Example: “We often brainstorm different approaches when faced with a difficult puzzle.”

5. Out-of-the-box thinking (noun phrase) /aʊt əv ðə bɒks ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/: Creative thinking that goes beyond conventional ideas.
   Example: “Solving this puzzle required some serious out-of-the-box thinking.”

6. Cognitive workout (noun phrase) /ˈkɒɡnətɪv ˈwɜːkaʊt/: An activity that exercises and challenges the mind.
   Example: “Solving crossword puzzles gives me a good cognitive workout every morning.”

Infographic: Benefits of puzzle solving

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing puzzles or any other topic, keep these tips in mind:

1. Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate synonyms and idiomatic expressions to demonstrate your language range.

2. Provide detailed responses: Elaborate on your answers with examples and personal experiences.

3. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length about various topics to improve your ability to speak continuously and coherently.

4. Show enthusiasm: Convey genuine interest in the topic through your tone and body language.

5. Use appropriate tenses: Pay attention to your use of past, present, and future tenses when describing experiences and opinions.

6. Practice active listening: Ensure you fully understand the examiner’s questions before responding.

7. Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short, simple answers. Explain your thoughts and provide reasons for your opinions.

Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try to incorporate these strategies into your daily English conversations to prepare effectively for your IELTS Speaking test.

Describe an activity you enjoyed in your free time when you were young could be another relevant topic to practice, as it allows you to combine memories with descriptive language, much like describing a puzzle you’ve played.

IELTS Speaking practice session

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss puzzles and a wide range of other topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!