In recent years, the IELTS Speaking test has increasingly featured questions about online events, reflecting the growing prominence of digital experiences in our daily lives. This topic is likely to remain relevant in future exams, making it essential for test-takers to prepare effectively. Let’s explore how to excel when asked to Describe An Online Event You Enjoyed Attending.

Describe a subject in school that challenged you can be another interesting topic to discuss in your IELTS Speaking test. However, let’s focus on online events for now.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

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

1. Do you often attend online events?
2. What types of online events do you enjoy the most?
3. How do online events differ from in-person events?

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

Examiner: Do you often attend online events?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do attend online events quite frequently. In fact, I’d say I participate in at least one or two virtual gatherings every month. These range from webinars related to my field of study to online concerts and even virtual art exhibitions. I find them incredibly convenient, especially given my busy schedule, as I can easily access them from the comfort of my home.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing an online event:

Describe an online event you enjoyed attending
You should say:

• What the event was
• When and where you attended it
• Who you attended it with
• And explain why you enjoyed it

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a fascinating online event I attended last month – a virtual astronomy conference hosted by NASA. This cutting-edge symposium was held over three days and brought together renowned astrophysicists and space enthusiasts from around the globe.

I participated in this event from the comfort of my home office, using my laptop and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones to fully immerse myself in the experience. Although I attended alone, I felt a strong sense of community with the thousands of other participants who were tuning in from various corners of the world.

The conference was a cornucopia of captivating content, featuring live lectures, interactive Q&A sessions, and even virtual tours of NASA facilities. What truly captivated me was a presentation on the latest discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope. The speaker’s enthusiasm was palpable, even through the screen, as he unveiled breathtaking images of distant galaxies and explained their significance.

I thoroughly enjoyed this event for several reasons. Firstly, the seamless integration of technology allowed for an incredibly immersive experience. The organizers utilized a state-of-the-art platform that enabled smooth transitions between sessions and facilitated real-time interactions with the speakers.

Secondly, the caliber of the presenters was exceptional. Each speaker was a luminary in their field, and their passion for space exploration was contagious. Their ability to break down complex concepts into digestible information for a diverse audience was truly impressive.

Lastly, the event’s global reach was awe-inspiring. It was exhilarating to be part of a worldwide community of space enthusiasts, all united by our shared curiosity about the cosmos. The chat feature buzzed with questions and comments from participants across different time zones, creating a vibrant atmosphere of intellectual exchange.

In conclusion, this online astronomy conference was a stellar example of how virtual events can be both educational and engaging. It reinforced my belief in the power of technology to connect people and ideas across vast distances, making the wonders of the universe accessible to all.”

Online Astronomy Conference: NASA Virtual Event

Follow-up questions:

1. How did the online format enhance your learning experience?
2. Were there any challenges you faced during the virtual conference?

Sample answers:

1. (Band 8-9): “The online format significantly augmented my learning experience in several ways. Firstly, it allowed for seamless access to a wealth of resources. During presentations, I could easily look up unfamiliar terms or concepts without disrupting the flow of the lecture. Additionally, the platform’s features, such as real-time closed captioning and the ability to revisit recorded sessions, enhanced my comprehension and retention of the material. The interactive elements, like live polls and Q&A sessions, also fostered active engagement, making the learning process more dynamic and participatory.”

2. (Band 7-8): “While the overall experience was positive, I did encounter a few challenges. The main issue was occasional technical glitches, such as momentary lag in video streaming or audio distortions. These disruptions, although minor, sometimes interrupted the flow of presentations. Another challenge was maintaining focus for extended periods in a home environment, where distractions can be more prevalent than in a traditional conference setting. However, I found that taking short breaks and using the conference’s mobile app to stay connected during these intervals helped me overcome this obstacle.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to online events. Here are some examples with sample answers:

Examiner: How do you think online events will evolve in the future?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe the future of online events lies in the realm of immersive technologies. We’re likely to see a significant integration of virtual and augmented reality, transforming the way we experience these digital gatherings. Imagine attending a conference where you can ‘walk’ through a 3D environment, interact with holographic displays, and engage in networking sessions that feel almost as real as face-to-face interactions.

Moreover, AI is poised to play a crucial role in personalizing these experiences. We might see AI-powered matchmaking algorithms that connect attendees with similar interests or AI assistants that help navigate complex event schedules. The potential for real-time language translation could also break down linguistic barriers, truly globalizing these events.

However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks of this technological advancement. Issues such as digital fatigue and the widening gap between those with access to high-end technology and those without will need to be addressed. Balancing the benefits of these innovations with inclusivity and accessibility will be a key challenge for event organizers in the future.”

Describe a live sports match you attended can be another engaging topic for your IELTS Speaking test, showcasing a different type of event experience.

Examiner: Do you think online events can completely replace in-person events?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“While online events have certainly proven their worth, especially during the recent global pandemic, I don’t believe they can entirely replace in-person events. Each format has its unique strengths and weaknesses.

Online events offer unparalleled convenience and accessibility. They allow participants from around the world to connect without the need for travel, which can be both time-consuming and expensive. They’re also more environmentally friendly, reducing the carbon footprint associated with large gatherings.

However, in-person events provide a level of human connection and networking opportunities that are challenging to replicate virtually. The spontaneous conversations that occur during coffee breaks or the energy of a live audience are difficult to capture in an online setting. Additionally, some events, particularly those that involve hands-on experiences or require specialized equipment, are better suited to physical presence.

In my opinion, the future likely lies in hybrid events that combine the best of both worlds. This approach would allow for wider participation through online access while still providing the option for in-person attendance for those who value face-to-face interactions.”

Hybrid Events: Combining Online and In-Person Experiences

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Immersive (/ɪˈmɜːsɪv/) (adj): Providing, involving, or characterized by deep absorption or immersion in something.
   Example: “The virtual reality component of the online event created an immersive experience.”

2. Cutting-edge (/ˌkʌtɪŋ ˈedʒ/) (adj): Very modern and advanced.
   Example: “The conference showcased cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence.”

3. To facilitate (/fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/) (v): To make an action or process easy or easier.
   Example: “The online platform facilitated seamless interactions between participants.”

4. Engaging (/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒɪŋ/) (adj): Charming and attractive.
   Example: “The speaker’s engaging presentation style kept the audience captivated throughout the webinar.”

5. To augment (/ɔːɡˈment/) (v): To make something greater by adding to it.
   Example: “The use of interactive polls augmented the learning experience during the online workshop.”

Describe a live concert you attended is another topic that can help you practice describing event experiences, albeit in a different context.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing an online event:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary, including less common words and phrases related to technology and events.
2. Demonstrate your ability to speak at length by providing detailed descriptions and explanations.
3. Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences.
4. Maintain fluency by speaking confidently and naturally, without long pauses.
5. Show your ability to discuss abstract ideas, especially in Part 3 of the test.
6. Practice describing different types of online events to broaden your vocabulary and ideas.

Remember, the key to success is not just knowing what to say, but how to say it effectively and confidently.