Describing a time when you shared good news is a popular topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and use appropriate vocabulary. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively and maximize your score.
Describe a conversation that made you think differently can be another interesting topic to prepare for your IELTS Speaking test. However, let’s focus on sharing good news for now.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about sharing news or good experiences. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Do you enjoy sharing good news with others?
Band 6-7 Answer: “Yes, I do. It’s always nice to share happy moments with friends and family. It makes me feel good too.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “Absolutely! I find great joy in sharing positive experiences with others. It not only amplifies my own happiness but also spreads positivity to those around me.”
How do you usually share good news with your friends and family?
Band 6-7 Answer: “I usually call them or send a message. Sometimes, if it’s really big news, I might visit them in person.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “My approach varies depending on the significance of the news and the recipient. For close family and friends, I prefer face-to-face conversations or video calls to fully convey my excitement. For less momentous news or distant acquaintances, I might opt for a well-crafted message or social media post.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you shared good news with someone
You should say:
- What the good news was
- Who you shared it with
- How you shared it
- And explain how you felt when you shared the news
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I remember when I got my first job offer after graduation. It was for a position at a well-known company in my field. I was really happy and wanted to tell my parents right away. I called them on the phone because they live in another city. I told them about the job, the company, and when I would start. They were very proud and excited for me. I felt really good sharing this news with them. It made the achievement feel more real and special.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to recount a particularly memorable occasion when I shared some exhilarating news. It was the moment I received confirmation of my acceptance into a prestigious graduate program at a renowned university abroad. The gravity of this achievement was not lost on me, as it represented the culmination of years of dedicated study and perseverance.
Naturally, the first people I wanted to share this momentous news with were my parents. Given the significance of the announcement, I decided that a simple phone call wouldn’t suffice. Instead, I orchestrated a surprise visit to their home, which is in a neighboring city.
Upon arrival, I strategically steered the conversation towards my academic aspirations before dramatically revealing the acceptance letter I had tucked away in my bag. The look of unbridled joy and pride that washed over their faces was truly priceless.
The experience of sharing this news was profoundly emotional and uplifting. It felt as though I was not only celebrating my own success but also acknowledging the unwavering support and encouragement my parents had provided throughout my academic journey. The shared moment of triumph created a palpable sense of unity and accomplishment within our family. It reinforced the notion that personal achievements can have a ripple effect, bringing happiness to those closest to us and strengthening our bonds.”
Follow-up Questions:
Do you think it’s important to share good news in person?
Band 6-7 Answer: “Yes, I think it’s nice to share important news in person. You can see the other person’s reaction and it feels more special.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “While technology offers numerous ways to communicate, I believe there’s immense value in sharing significant news in person. Face-to-face interactions allow for a more nuanced exchange of emotions and provide an opportunity to fully gauge the recipient’s reaction. This personal touch can enhance the emotional impact of the news and create lasting memories for both parties involved.”
How has social media changed the way people share news?
Band 6-7 Answer: “Social media has made it easier to share news with many people at once. People can post updates about their lives quickly and get responses from friends right away.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “Social media has revolutionized the dissemination of personal news. It has democratized information sharing, allowing individuals to broadcast their experiences to a wide audience instantaneously. This shift has led to a culture of constant updates and oversharing in some cases. While it facilitates rapid communication, it can also dilute the impact of truly significant news and reduce the intimacy of personal interactions. Moreover, it has created new social norms around how and when to share life events, sometimes leading to social pressure or anxiety about online presentation.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to sharing news. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
How has the way people share news changed over the years?
Band 6-7 Answer: “People used to share news mainly in person or by phone. Now, with the internet and smartphones, we can share news instantly through social media and messaging apps. It’s much faster and reaches more people.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “The evolution of news sharing has been nothing short of revolutionary. Historically, news dissemination was a relatively slow and localized process, relying on face-to-face interactions, letters, or at best, telephone calls. The advent of the internet and subsequent proliferation of smartphones have dramatically accelerated and globalized this process. We’ve transitioned from a world of delayed gratification in sharing experiences to one of instant, widespread communication. This shift has profound implications for how we process information and maintain relationships. While it has undoubtedly increased connectivity, it has also led to concerns about information overload and the potential dilution of meaningful interactions.”
Do you think there’s too much pressure to share news on social media?
Band 6-7 Answer: “Yes, I think there can be pressure to share everything online. Some people feel like they need to post about all the good things in their lives to show they’re doing well. This can be stressful and maybe not always honest.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “The pressure to share news on social media is indeed a complex and pervasive phenomenon in our digital age. This compulsion stems from a variety of factors, including the desire for social validation, fear of missing out, and the curated nature of online personas. While social media platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for connection and self-expression, they also create an environment where individuals feel compelled to constantly broadcast their experiences, often prioritizing the shareability of a moment over its genuine enjoyment. This pressure can lead to anxiety, unrealistic comparisons, and a distorted view of others’ lives. It’s crucial to maintain a balanced perspective and remember that offline experiences and private joys are equally, if not more, valuable than those shared publicly.”
Describe a memory from a school trip is another topic you might encounter in your IELTS Speaking test, which also involves sharing personal experiences.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Exhilarating /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Very exciting and enjoyable.
Example: “Sharing the news of my promotion was an exhilarating experience.”Momentous /məˈmentəs/ (adjective): Very important or significant, especially in having great influence on future events.
Example: “Graduating from university was a momentous occasion in my life.”To orchestrate /ˈɔːkɪstreɪt/ (verb): To plan or coordinate an event or situation carefully and sometimes secretly.
Example: “I orchestrated a surprise party to share the good news with my family.”Palpable /ˈpælpəbl/ (adjective): Able to be touched or felt; very noticeable.
Example: “The excitement in the room was palpable as I shared my good news.”To disseminate /dɪˈsemɪneɪt/ (verb): To spread information widely.
Example: “Social media allows us to disseminate news quickly to a large audience.”
Effective Communication in IELTS Speaking
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing experiences like sharing good news:
Practice narrating personal stories: Regularly recount your experiences to friends or record yourself speaking. This will help you organize your thoughts and speak more fluently.
Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of descriptive words and idiomatic expressions. This will make your speech more engaging and demonstrate language proficiency.
Focus on natural delivery: While it’s important to use advanced vocabulary and grammar, ensure your speech sounds natural and conversational.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts. Explain your thoughts, feelings, and the reasons behind your actions to showcase your ability to communicate complex ideas.
Use appropriate body language: Maintain eye contact, use hand gestures naturally, and show enthusiasm through your facial expressions and tone of voice.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Describe a goal you have set for yourself this year could be an excellent topic to practice these skills.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss sharing good news and other topics in your IELTS Speaking test, increasing your chances of achieving a high score.