Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe an Event Where You Met New People

Meeting new people is a common experience that often occurs at various events. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2, where candidates are asked to describe a specific event or situation. Being prepared to discuss such experiences can significantly boost your confidence and performance in the exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about meeting new people. Here are a few examples:

1. Do you enjoy meeting new people?
2. How do you usually introduce yourself to strangers?
3. What kind of events do you attend where you can meet new people?

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

Examiner: Do you enjoy meeting new people?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find meeting new people to be incredibly rewarding. It’s always fascinating to learn about different perspectives and experiences. While I can be a bit shy at first, I quickly warm up to new acquaintances and often find myself engrossed in stimulating conversations. Meeting new people not only broadens my horizons but also helps me develop my interpersonal skills.”

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s an example related to our theme:

Describe An Event Where You Met New People

You should say:

• What the event was
• Where and when it took place
• Who you met
• And explain how you felt about meeting these new people

Here are sample answers for different band scores:

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a networking event I attended last year for young professionals in my city. It was held at a local community center on a Friday evening in September. The organizers had set up various activities to encourage interaction, which made it easier to approach people.

During the event, I met several interesting individuals, including Sarah, a graphic designer, and Mark, a software engineer. We had some engaging conversations about our careers and shared experiences of starting out in our respective fields.

I felt a bit nervous at first, as I’m not always comfortable in large social gatherings. However, as the evening progressed, I became more relaxed and found myself enjoying the opportunity to connect with new people. It was refreshing to exchange ideas with professionals from different backgrounds, and I left feeling inspired and energized by the new connections I had made.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to describe a pivotal moment in my social life when I attended an international food festival in my city last summer. This vibrant event took place in the central park on a balmy Saturday afternoon in July, drawing food enthusiasts from all walks of life.

The festival was a melting pot of cultures, with stalls representing cuisines from around the globe. As I navigated through the aromatic maze of food stands, I found myself striking up conversations with fellow attendees who shared my passion for culinary exploration.

One memorable encounter was with Elena, a charismatic Italian exchange student, who regaled me with stories of her grandmother’s secret pasta recipes. I also met Raj, a local chef with a flair for fusion cuisine, who enlightened me about the intricacies of blending different culinary traditions.

Initially, I felt a tinge of apprehension about approaching strangers, but the convivial atmosphere quickly dispelled my reservations. As the day unfolded, I found myself immersed in fascinating discussions about food, culture, and travel. The experience was profoundly enriching, as it not only broadened my culinary horizons but also fostered unexpected friendships.

What struck me most was the effortless camaraderie that developed among strangers united by a common interest. This event reaffirmed my belief in the power of shared experiences to bridge cultural divides and create meaningful connections. I left the festival feeling invigorated and with a renewed appreciation for the diversity in my community.”

IELTS Speaking: International Food Festival

Follow-up questions:

1. How did this event differ from other social gatherings you’ve attended?
2. Did you stay in touch with any of the people you met? Why or why not?

Sample answer for follow-up question 1 (Band 8-9):

“This event was distinctly different from typical social gatherings I’ve attended in several ways. Firstly, the diverse array of international cuisines served as a natural icebreaker, providing an immediate topic of conversation and shared experience among attendees. Unlike more formal networking events, the relaxed, outdoor setting fostered a sense of ease and openness among participants.

Moreover, the event’s focus on food transcended usual social barriers, bringing together people from various age groups, professions, and cultural backgrounds who might not typically interact. This eclectic mix of attendees led to more dynamic and unpredictable conversations, a stark contrast to gatherings where people often stick to their familiar social circles.

Lastly, the interactive nature of the festival, with live cooking demonstrations and tasting sessions, created numerous opportunities for organic interactions. This hands-on approach facilitated connections in a way that felt more genuine and less forced compared to traditional social events, making the entire experience more memorable and impactful.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

Examiner: How has technology changed the way people meet and interact?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Technology has revolutionized social interactions in numerous ways. Social media platforms and dating apps have made it easier than ever to connect with people who share similar interests, regardless of geographical barriers. This has expanded our social circles and provided opportunities to meet people we might never have encountered otherwise.

However, there’s a flip side to this technological advancement. While it’s easier to make initial connections online, some argue that these interactions can be more superficial. The convenience of digital communication might lead to a decrease in face-to-face interactions, which are crucial for developing deeper, more meaningful relationships.

Despite these concerns, I believe technology has overall enhanced our ability to meet and interact with new people. It’s given us tools to maintain long-distance friendships, reconnect with old acquaintances, and even find romantic partners. The key is to use these tools as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, in-person interactions.”

Examiner: Do you think it’s important for people to actively seek out opportunities to meet new people? Why or why not?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that actively seeking opportunities to meet new people is crucial for personal growth and social development. Engaging with diverse individuals broadens our perspectives, challenges our preconceptions, and fosters empathy and understanding. These interactions can lead to unexpected opportunities, both personally and professionally.

Moreover, in our increasingly globalized world, the ability to connect with people from various backgrounds is becoming an invaluable skill. It enhances cultural competence and adaptability, traits that are highly prized in many fields.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that this process can be daunting for some, particularly those who are naturally introverted or struggle with social anxiety. In such cases, it’s about finding a balance and pushing one’s boundaries gradually. The benefits of expanding one’s social network often outweigh the initial discomfort.

Furthermore, actively meeting new people can serve as a buffer against social isolation, which has been linked to various mental and physical health issues. It helps build a support system and can lead to a more fulfilling social life.

In essence, while it may require effort and sometimes push us out of our comfort zones, the rewards of actively seeking new connections are manifold. It contributes to personal development, professional growth, and overall well-being, making it a worthwhile endeavor for most individuals.”

IELTS Speaking: Diverse Social Connections

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and expressions. Here are some key terms and phrases from the sample answers, along with their meanings and example sentences:

1. Melting pot (noun) – /ˈmeltɪŋ pɒt/ – A place where different peoples, styles, theories, etc. are mixed together.
   Example: New York City is often described as a melting pot of cultures.

2. Strike up a conversation (phrasal verb) – /straɪk ʌp ə ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃn/ – To begin talking to someone, especially someone you don’t know.
   Example: He has a talent for striking up conversations with strangers at parties.

3. Regale (verb) – /rɪˈɡeɪl/ – To entertain someone with talk, stories, etc.
   Example: She regaled us with amusing anecdotes from her travels.

4. Dispel (verb) – /dɪˈspel/ – To make a feeling or belief go away.
   Example: The warm welcome dispelled any fears I had about attending the event alone.

5. Effortless camaraderie (noun phrase) – /ˈefortləs ˌkæməˈrɑːdəri/ – A natural and easy feeling of friendship and trust among people.
   Example: Despite being strangers, there was an effortless camaraderie among the volunteers.

6. Bridge cultural divides (idiom) – /brɪdʒ ˈkʌltʃərəl dɪˈvaɪdz/ – To connect or reconcile differences between cultures.
   Example: Food has a unique ability to bridge cultural divides and bring people together.

To improve your IELTS Speaking score, practice incorporating these terms into your responses. Remember to use them naturally and in the appropriate context.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing events where you met new people, consider the following tips:

1. Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of experiences ready to discuss, from formal events to casual encounters.

2. Use descriptive language: Employ vivid adjectives and adverbs to bring your story to life.

3. Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze your feelings and the impact of the experience.

4. Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly without long pauses. Use fillers judiciously if needed.

5. Expand your vocabulary: Continuously learn new words and phrases related to social interactions and emotions.

6. Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, ensure your responses sound natural and personal.

7. Develop your answers: Provide reasons and examples to support your statements.

8. Show enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the topic through your tone and body language.

9. Practice with variety: Try describing different types of events and social situations to broaden your range.

10. Listen carefully: Pay close attention to the examiner’s questions to ensure your answers are relevant and on-topic.

By following these tips and regularly practicing, you can improve your ability to articulate your experiences effectively, leading to a higher score in the IELTS Speaking test.