When discussing competitions in IELTS Speaking, this topic frequently appears across all three parts of the test. Similar to describe a sports event you participated in, it requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to narrate personal experiences while showcasing advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions include:
- Do you enjoy participating in competitions?
- What kind of competitions did you join when you were in school?
- How do you feel when you compete with others?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I absolutely thrive on competitive activities. They push me out of my comfort zone and help me discover my potential. During school, I actively participated in various academic competitions, particularly debate contests, which significantly enhanced my public speaking skills.”
Student preparing for IELTS speaking test describing competition experience
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a competition you participated in
You should say:
- What the competition was
- When and where it took place
- Who participated in it
- And explain how you felt about the competition
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share my experience of participating in a national public speaking competition, which relates to describe a memorable experience you had in school. This prestigious event took place at the National Convention Center last spring.
The competition drew participants from universities nationwide, making it an incredibly competitive atmosphere. What made it particularly challenging was that we had to deliver impromptu speeches on various social issues with only 15 minutes of preparation time.
I thoroughly prepared for months, honing my speaking skills and expanding my knowledge base on current affairs. The experience was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. Despite the intense pressure, I managed to maintain my composure and secured second place.
This achievement boosted my confidence tremendously and opened numerous doors for my future career in public speaking. The whole experience taught me that success comes to those who dare to step out of their comfort zone and persistently work towards their goals.”
Student delivering speech at national public speaking competition
Follow-up Questions:
Q: How did you prepare for the competition?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I adopted a systematic approach to preparation, combining intensive practice sessions with constructive feedback from my mentors. I also recorded my speeches regularly to identify areas for improvement.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: What are the benefits of participating in competitions?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Competitions serve as catalysts for personal growth and skill development. They help individuals develop resilience and learn to perform under pressure, much like describe a competition you would like to participate in. Moreover, they provide valuable networking opportunities and exposure to different perspectives.”
Q: Should schools focus more on cooperation than competition?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“While both elements are crucial, schools should strike a balance between competitive and cooperative activities. Competition fosters individual excellence, while cooperation builds team spirit and social skills. The key is to create an environment where students can thrive in both scenarios.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- To thrive on: To enjoy and be successful in particular situations
- Prestigious event: An important and respected occasion
- Draw participants: To attract competitors
- Nerve-wracking: Causing anxiety or stress
- Maintain composure: To stay calm under pressure
- Catalyst for growth: Something that causes development
- Strike a balance: To find a good compromise between different things
Remember to practice these expressions naturally and contextually, similar to how you might prepare for describe an occasion when you had to wake up early to attend a competition.
