Having meaningful conversations with strangers can create lasting impressions and provide rich material for your IELTS Speaking test. Similar to describe a memorable journey by train, these encounters often make for compelling stories that showcase your English proficiency.
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions examiners may ask:
- Do you often talk to strangers?
- What topics do you usually discuss with people you don’t know?
- Is it easy for you to start conversations with strangers?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“While I’m generally selective about engaging with strangers, I do enjoy meaningful interactions when the situation feels appropriate, such as while waiting in line at a café or sitting next to someone on public transport. I tend to start with light-hearted comments about shared experiences or the immediate environment.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a conversation with a stranger that left a positive impression on you
You should say:
- Who this person was
- Where and when you met
- What you talked about
- And explain why this conversation left a positive impression on you
Just as describe an old person you recently met, this topic requires careful attention to detail and emotional depth.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share a particularly memorable encounter I had with an elderly gentleman at an airport bookstore last summer. I was browsing through books when he struck up a conversation about the novel I was holding. He turned out to be a retired literature professor who had extensively traveled across Asia.
We ended up having an incredibly enlightening discussion about various cultures and literary traditions. What made this conversation exceptionally meaningful was his unique perspective on how stories connect people across generations. His profound insights about how literature shapes our understanding of different cultures left me with a renewed appreciation for cross-cultural dialogue.
The conversation resonated deeply with me because it reminded me that wisdom can come from unexpected sources. His genuine enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and his ability to listen attentively made what could have been a mundane airport wait into an enriching experience.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Like describe a time you had to apologize, these questions often explore deeper aspects of human interaction.
Q: How has technology affected the way people interact with strangers?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has fundamentally transformed how we connect with strangers. While social media platforms have made it easier to initiate contact, they’ve also created a paradoxical situation where people might feel more comfortable interacting online but increasingly hesitant to engage in face-to-face conversations. This shift has significant implications for developing genuine interpersonal skills.”
Q: Why do some people find it difficult to talk to strangers?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Various factors contribute to this reluctance. Some people may have inherent social anxiety, while others might have been conditioned by cultural norms that discourage speaking to strangers. Additionally, the growing emphasis on personal privacy and safety in modern society has made many people more cautious about casual interactions.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Strike up a conversation (phrasal verb) /straɪk ʌp/ – to begin talking to someone
- Enlightening (adj) /ɪnˈlaɪt.ən.ɪŋ/ – giving new and useful information
- Profound (adj) /prəˈfaʊnd/ – showing great knowledge or insight
- Resonated (verb) /ˈrez.ə.neɪt/ – to have particular meaning or importance
- Genuine (adj) /ˈdʒen.ju.ɪn/ – sincere and honest
Similar to describe a cultural event or festival you attended, using these sophisticated vocabulary items can help you achieve a higher band score.