The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about historical periods, making it essential for candidates to be prepared to discuss this topic. In recent years, questions related to historical periods have become increasingly common, and this trend is likely to continue in future exams. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about a historical period you would like to learn more about.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about history and historical periods. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Q: Do you enjoy learning about history?

A: Absolutely. I find history fascinating because it helps us understand how our world has evolved over time. In particular, I’m intrigued by the way historical events have shaped modern societies and cultures. Learning about the past gives us valuable insights into human nature and can even help us anticipate future trends.

Student studying historical period books

Part 2: Long Turn

For Part 2, you may receive a cue card like this:

Describe A Historical Period You Would Like To Learn More About.
You should say:

• What period it is
• How you first became interested in it
• What you already know about this period
• And explain why you would like to learn more about it

Here are sample answers for different band scores:

Band 6-7 Answer:

The historical period I’d like to learn more about is the Renaissance. I first became interested in it during my high school art classes, where we studied some famous Renaissance paintings. From what I know, it was a time of great cultural change in Europe, lasting from about the 14th to the 17th century. It was marked by a revival of classical learning and wisdom. Many great artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo lived during this time. I’d like to learn more about it because I think it was a pivotal moment in human history, with many important developments in art, science, and philosophy. Understanding this period better could give me more insight into how our modern world came to be.

Band 8-9 Answer:

The historical period that captivates my interest and which I’m eager to delve deeper into is the Renaissance. My fascination with this era was initially sparked during an art history seminar I attended in my first year of university. The lecturer’s vivid descriptions of the period’s artistic and intellectual revolutions left an indelible impression on me.

From my current knowledge, I understand that the Renaissance was a period of unprecedented cultural efflorescence that swept across Europe from the 14th to the 17th century. It was characterized by a renewed interest in classical antiquity, a surge in humanistic thinking, and groundbreaking advancements in art, science, and literature. Iconic figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo Galilei epitomize the era’s spirit of innovation and creativity.

I’m particularly drawn to learning more about this period because it represents a critical juncture in human history. The Renaissance laid the foundations for many aspects of our modern world, from scientific inquiry to artistic expression. By immersing myself in the study of this era, I believe I can gain a more nuanced understanding of how contemporary ideas and values evolved. Moreover, I’m intrigued by the parallels between the Renaissance and our current age of rapid technological advancement and cultural change. Exploring these connections could provide valuable insights into how societies navigate periods of transformative innovation.

Follow-up questions:

1. How do you think studying the Renaissance could benefit modern society?
2. Are there any specific aspects of Renaissance art or science that you find particularly interesting?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

1. Studying the Renaissance could offer invaluable lessons for modern society. The era’s emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and interdisciplinary knowledge is highly relevant in today’s rapidly changing world. By examining how Renaissance thinkers approached complex problems and fostered innovation, we might glean insights into addressing current global challenges. Furthermore, the Renaissance’s celebration of human potential could inspire a renewed focus on education and personal development in our own time.

2. I’m particularly intrigued by the Renaissance’s contributions to anatomy and perspective in art. The way artists like Leonardo da Vinci seamlessly blended scientific observation with artistic expression is truly remarkable. Their studies of human anatomy not only revolutionized art but also laid the groundwork for advancements in medical science. Additionally, the development of linear perspective fundamentally altered how we represent and perceive space in visual art, a concept that continues to influence various fields, from architecture to virtual reality design.

Renaissance art depicting anatomy and perspective

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner may ask more abstract questions related to historical periods. Here are some example questions with suggested answers:

Q: How do you think studying history can benefit society?

A (Band 6-7): I think studying history is really important for society. It helps us understand how things have changed over time and why our world is the way it is now. By learning about past mistakes, we can try to avoid repeating them in the future. It also gives us a sense of identity and helps us appreciate different cultures.

A (Band 8-9): Studying history offers myriad benefits to society. Firstly, it provides crucial context for understanding contemporary issues, allowing us to trace the roots of current conflicts, ideologies, and social structures. This understanding can inform policy-making and help prevent the repetition of past mistakes. Additionally, historical knowledge fosters critical thinking skills, as it requires us to analyze complex cause-and-effect relationships and evaluate various perspectives. Perhaps most importantly, studying history cultivates empathy and cultural awareness by exposing us to diverse human experiences across time and space, thereby promoting social cohesion in our increasingly globalized world.

Q: Do you think it’s important for individuals to learn about their country’s history? Why or why not?

A (Band 6-7): Yes, I think it’s very important for people to learn about their country’s history. It helps them understand their culture better and feel more connected to their country. Knowing about your country’s past can also help you understand current events and politics. It’s like knowing your family history – it gives you a sense of where you come from.

A (Band 8-9): I firmly believe that learning about one’s country’s history is of paramount importance for individuals. Such knowledge serves as a cornerstone for developing a nuanced understanding of national identity and cultural heritage. By delving into their country’s past, individuals can gain valuable insights into the forces that have shaped their society’s values, institutions, and current challenges. This historical awareness equips citizens with the context necessary to engage meaningfully in civic life and make informed decisions about their country’s future. Moreover, a solid grounding in national history can act as a bulwark against misinformation and foster a more critical approach to contemporary narratives about national identity and progress.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Pivotal moment /ˈpɪvətl ˈməʊmənt/ (adj. + n.): A crucial point in time
   Example: The invention of the printing press was a pivotal moment in European history.

2. To delve deeper into /delv ˈdiːpər ˈɪntʊ/ (phrasal verb): To research or examine something thoroughly
   Example: I want to delve deeper into the social changes that occurred during the Industrial Revolution.

3. Cultural efflorescence /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˌeflɔːˈresns/ (adj. + n.): A period of flowering or abundant growth in cultural activities
   Example: The Enlightenment was marked by a cultural efflorescence in philosophy and science.

4. To lay the foundations /leɪ ðə faʊnˈdeɪʃnz/ (idiom): To create the basis for future development
   Example: The ancient Greeks laid the foundations for modern democracy.

5. To glean insights /ɡliːn ˈɪnsaɪts/ (v. + n.): To gather valuable information or understanding
   Example: By studying primary sources, historians can glean insights into daily life in past centuries.

Student researching in historical archives

Tips from an Examiner

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing historical periods:

1. Develop a broad knowledge base: Read widely about various historical periods to have a range of examples at your disposal.

2. Practice using complex vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated terms and phrases related to history and time periods in your responses.

3. Work on fluency: Practice speaking about historical topics without long pauses or hesitations.

4. Show critical thinking: Don’t just state facts; analyze and interpret historical events and their significance.

5. Make connections: Relate historical events to current issues or personal experiences to demonstrate depth of understanding.

6. Use appropriate tenses: Pay attention to your use of past tenses when discussing historical events.

By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss historical periods in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to demonstrate not just knowledge, but also the ability to analyze and articulate your thoughts on complex historical topics.

For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might also want to describe a place where you would like to live or work temporarily or describe a museum that you would like to visit in the future. These topics can help you expand your vocabulary and improve your ability to discuss various subjects in detail.