As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered numerous intriguing Speaking prompts. “Are you keen on looking at the sky?” is a question that often throws test-takers off guard. It might seem simple at first glance, but it offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase your English fluency and vocabulary in a conversational setting. Let’s delve into how to tackle this question effectively and impress your examiner.

Understanding the Intent: More Than Meets the Eye

While it might seem like a casual inquiry about your hobbies, the examiner is evaluating much more than just your interest in stargazing. This question taps into several key assessment criteria:

• Fluency and Coherence: Can you respond naturally and keep the conversation flowing smoothly?
• Lexical Resource: Do you possess a wide range of vocabulary to express yourself beyond basic terms?
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Can you use various grammatical structures accurately?
• Pronunciation: Is your speech clear and understandable?

Crafting Your Response: From Simple to Stellar

1. A Direct and Engaging Start:

Begin by directly addressing the question. Instead of a flat “yes” or “no,” try:

• “Absolutely, I find gazing at the sky incredibly calming and awe-inspiring.”
• “To be honest, I haven’t spent much time studying the sky, but I do appreciate its beauty.”

2. Expanding Your Answer: Show, Don’t Just Tell

This is where you weave in personal anecdotes, experiences, or opinions to create a captivating narrative:

• Anecdote: “I remember as a child, my grandfather taught me about constellations. It sparked a fascination with the vastness of space.”
• Personal Experience: “Living in a light-polluted city, I cherish opportunities to see the stars when I visit the countryside.”
• Opinion: “I believe contemplating the sky provides a sense of perspective, reminding us of how small we are in the grand scheme of things.”

3. Vocabulary Power-Up:

Ditch the generic words! Here’s your chance to sprinkle in some advanced vocabulary:

• Instead of “beautiful,” try “breathtaking,” “awe-inspiring,” or “mesmerizing.”
• Replace “look” with “gaze,” “observe,” or “contemplate.”
• Instead of “stars,” mention “constellations,” “celestial bodies,” or “the Milky Way.”

4. Grammar for Flow:

Showcase your grammatical range by using a mix of tenses, complex sentences, and connectors:

• Present Perfect: “I’ve always been fascinated by astronomy.”
• Conditional Clauses: “If I had more time, I’d love to learn about astrophotography.”
• Relative Clauses: “One of my most memorable experiences was watching a meteor shower, which lit up the entire night sky.”

night sky

Sample Answer: Putting It All Together

“Yes, I’m quite keen on looking at the sky. I find it incredibly calming, especially after a long day. There’s something mesmerizing about the vastness of space and the countless stars that twinkle above us. I remember as a child, my grandfather would point out constellations and tell me stories about the myths behind them. It sparked a fascination with astronomy that I still hold today. While I haven’t had the opportunity to study it in depth, I do appreciate the beauty and mystery of the night sky.”

Top Tips to Remember:

• Be Authentic: The examiner is interested in your genuine thoughts and feelings.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Record yourself answering the question and analyze your performance.
• Think Outside the Box: Don’t be afraid to be creative and showcase your personality.

Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is an opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills in English. Approach each question with confidence, clarity, and a touch of your unique perspective.