Dreams are a fascinating topic that often appears in IELTS Speaking tests. Being able to Describe A Dream You Remember Clearly can showcase your language skills and creativity. This article will guide you through answering questions about dreams in all parts of the IELTS Speaking test, with sample answers for different band scores.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about dreams. Here are some common questions and a sample answer:
Examiner: Do you often remember your dreams?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I’d say I remember my dreams quite frequently, particularly if they’re vivid or emotionally charged. I find that I’m more likely to recall my dreams if I wake up naturally rather than being jolted awake by an alarm. Sometimes, I even jot down key details in a dream journal to help me remember them better.”
Describe a memorable gift you received can be another interesting topic that might come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared for various subjects will help you perform better overall.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a dream:
Describe a dream you remember clearly
You should say:
- What the dream was about
- When you had this dream
- How you felt when you woke up
- And explain why you remember this dream so well
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a dream I had a few months ago that really stuck with me. In this dream, I found myself wandering through an enormous, maze-like library. The shelves seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction, filled with books of all colors and sizes.
As I explored, I realized that each book contained a different person’s life story. I felt an overwhelming urge to find my own book, but no matter how hard I searched, I couldn’t locate it. The dream ended with me standing in front of a blank book, pen in hand, ready to write my own story.
I had this dream shortly after graduating from university, during a time when I was feeling uncertain about my future. When I woke up, I felt a mix of emotions – a bit anxious, but also strangely inspired. The dream left me with a sense of excitement about the possibilities ahead.
I think this dream has stayed with me because it came at such a pivotal moment in my life. The symbolism of writing my own story really resonated with me, as I was just beginning to make important decisions about my career and future. It served as a powerful reminder that I have the ability to shape my own path in life.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to describe a particularly vivid dream that I experienced about six months ago, which has remained etched in my memory ever since. In this dream, I found myself navigating through an intricate, labyrinthine library of colossal proportions. The bookshelves seemed to stretch into infinity, housing an eclectic array of tomes in every conceivable hue and dimension.
As I delved deeper into this literary maze, I made a fascinating discovery: each book encapsulated the life narrative of a different individual. Overwhelmed by an irresistible compulsion, I began searching for my own life’s chronicle. Despite my relentless efforts, my personal volume remained elusive. The dream culminated in a poignant moment where I stood before an unmarked book, poised to inscribe my own story.
This dream occurred during a period of significant transition in my life, shortly after I had completed my university studies. Upon waking, I experienced a kaleidoscope of emotions – a tinge of anxiety intermingled with an unexpected surge of inspiration and anticipation.
The reason this dream has left such an indelible impression on me is multifaceted. Firstly, its timing was impeccable, coinciding with a crucial juncture in my life when I was grappling with uncertainty about my future trajectory. Moreover, the dream’s rich symbolism – particularly the notion of authoring my own narrative – struck a profound chord with me. It served as a powerful metaphor for the agency I possess in charting my life’s course.
This dream has become a touchstone for me, a reminder of the limitless possibilities that lie ahead and the power I hold to shape my own destiny. It has inspired me to approach life’s challenges with a sense of authorship and creativity, viewing each experience as a new chapter in the ongoing story of my life.”
Intricate dream library maze for IELTS Speaking cue card
Follow-up questions:
Examiner: Do you think dreams have any significance in our lives?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe dreams can play a significant role in our lives. They often reflect our subconscious thoughts and emotions, helping us process experiences and feelings we might not fully acknowledge when we’re awake. Sometimes, dreams can provide valuable insights into our fears, desires, or unresolved issues. While I don’t think every dream has a profound meaning, paying attention to recurring themes or particularly vivid dreams can be a useful tool for self-reflection and personal growth.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m of the opinion that dreams can indeed hold substantial significance in our lives, serving multiple functions both psychological and emotional. Primarily, dreams act as a conduit for our subconscious mind, allowing us to process and integrate experiences, emotions, and information that we might not fully address in our waking hours. This nocturnal cognitive processing can be instrumental in problem-solving and creativity, as evidenced by numerous anecdotes of scientists and artists finding solutions or inspiration through their dreams.
Moreover, dreams can function as a form of emotional catharsis, providing a safe space to confront fears, anxieties, or unresolved conflicts. They can also offer valuable insights into our deepest desires and aspirations, sometimes revealing aspects of ourselves that we’ve overlooked or suppressed.
While I wouldn’t advocate for interpreting every dream as a prophetic message, I do believe that paying attention to recurring themes or particularly impactful dreams can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal development. Dreams can serve as a mirror to our inner world, reflecting our current state of mind and potentially guiding us towards areas of our lives that require attention or change.
In essence, dreams can be seen as a bridge between our conscious and unconscious minds, offering a unique perspective on our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. By acknowledging and reflecting on our dreams, we can gain a more holistic understanding of ourselves and potentially unlock new pathways for growth and self-actualization.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Some people believe that dreams can predict the future. What’s your opinion on this?
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“That’s an interesting question. While I understand why some people might believe dreams can predict the future, I’m personally a bit skeptical about it. I think dreams are more likely to reflect our current thoughts and worries rather than foretell events.
Sometimes, dreams might seem predictive because they highlight concerns we have about the future. For example, if someone dreams about failing an exam, it’s probably because they’re anxious about an upcoming test, not because the dream is predicting failure.
However, I do think dreams can sometimes help us process information in ways that make us more prepared for future events. They might help us see connections or solutions we hadn’t noticed before.
Overall, while I don’t believe dreams can literally predict the future, I think paying attention to them can sometimes help us understand ourselves better and maybe even prepare for challenges ahead.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The notion of dreams as prophetic tools is a fascinating one that has persisted throughout human history. While I approach this idea with a degree of skepticism, I believe the relationship between dreams and future events is more nuanced than simple prediction.
From a scientific perspective, dreams are generally understood as the brain’s way of processing information and consolidating memories. They often reflect our current preoccupations, fears, and desires rather than foretelling future events. What might appear as prediction could be our subconscious mind identifying patterns or potential outcomes based on information we’ve absorbed but not consciously processed.
That being said, I believe dreams can sometimes appear predictive due to their ability to tap into our intuition and highlight subtle cues we might overlook in our waking lives. For instance, a dream about a disaster at work might not be predicting an actual catastrophe, but could be drawing attention to underlying issues or risks we’ve subconsciously noticed.
Moreover, dreams can influence future events indirectly by shaping our behavior and decisions. A vivid dream might motivate us to take certain actions or avoid particular situations, thereby affecting our future in a self-fulfilling manner.
In some cultures, the practice of dream interpretation is deeply ingrained and can serve as a powerful tool for community bonding and problem-solving. While this doesn’t necessarily mean dreams are predictive, it illustrates how the act of reflecting on dreams can have tangible impacts on individuals and societies.
Ultimately, while I don’t subscribe to the idea of dreams as literal predictions of the future, I do believe they can offer valuable insights that, when properly considered, might help us navigate future challenges more effectively. The key lies in approaching dreams as a tool for self-reflection and understanding rather than as a crystal ball.”
Describe a natural landscape that you find fascinating is another topic that could potentially come up in your IELTS Speaking test, showcasing the wide range of subjects you might encounter.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Vivid /ˈvɪvɪd/ (adjective): Producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind.
Example: “The dream was so vivid that I could recall every detail upon waking.”Subconscious /sʌbˈkɒnʃəs/ (noun): The part of your mind that notices and remembers information when you are not actively trying to do so, and influences your behavior even though you do not realize it.
Example: “Dreams often reveal thoughts and feelings from our subconscious mind.”To resonate with (phrasal verb): To evoke a feeling of shared emotion or belief.
Example: “The symbolism in the dream really resonated with my current life situation.”Kaleidoscope /kəˈlaɪdəskəʊp/ (noun): A constantly changing pattern or sequence of elements.
Example: “Upon waking, I experienced a kaleidoscope of emotions – anxiety, excitement, and curiosity.”Intricate /ˈɪntrɪkət/ (adjective): Very complicated or detailed.
Example: “The dream featured an intricate maze of bookshelves, each holding countless stories.”
Dream interpretation across different cultures
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a dream:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and less common words related to dreams and emotions.
- Vary your sentence structures, using both simple and complex sentences.
- Speak fluently and coherently, organizing your ideas logically.
- Provide detailed descriptions and explanations, going beyond surface-level answers.
- Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts, especially in Part 3.
- Practice describing different types of dreams to improve your versatility.
Remember, the key to success is not just in memorizing answers, but in developing the ability to express your thoughts clearly and creatively on a variety of topics. Regular practice and exposure to English through various media can significantly enhance your speaking skills.
Describe a piece of good news you heard about someone you know well is another topic that can help you practice expressing positive emotions and experiences, which is crucial for a well-rounded IELTS Speaking performance.
