The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics that relate to everyday experiences, and describing a memorable conversation with a stranger is a common theme. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to recount personal experiences, express opinions, and discuss social interactions. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this topic and maximize your score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the Speaking test, you may be asked general questions about conversations and interactions with strangers. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. Do you often talk to strangers?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Well, I wouldn’t say I talk to strangers all the time, but I do engage in conversations with new people occasionally, especially when I’m traveling or at social events. It can be quite interesting to meet new people and learn about their experiences.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“While I’m not particularly extroverted, I do find myself striking up conversations with strangers from time to time. I find these interactions can be surprisingly enriching, offering unique perspectives and sometimes even leading to unexpected friendships. Of course, I’m always mindful of the context and ensure it’s appropriate to initiate such conversations.”

2. What kind of topics do you usually discuss with strangers?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“When I talk to strangers, I usually stick to safe topics like the weather, current events, or if we’re at an event, I might ask about their opinion on it. Sometimes, if we share a common interest, the conversation can become more in-depth.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“The topics I discuss with strangers often depend on the context of our encounter. In casual settings, I might start with light-hearted subjects like local recommendations or shared experiences. However, if the situation allows for more substantive dialogue, I’m not averse to delving into thought-provoking topics such as cultural differences or current affairs, always being respectful of differing viewpoints, of course.”

Describe a person you met recently can be a related topic that might come up in your IELTS Speaking test, so it’s worth preparing for both themes.

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our main topic:

Describe a memorable conversation you had with a stranger

You should say:
- Where and when this conversation took place
- Who the stranger was
- What you talked about
- And explain why this conversation was memorable for you

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to share a particularly memorable conversation I had with a stranger about two years ago. It took place on a long-distance train journey from London to Edinburgh, a trip that usually takes around four and a half hours.

The stranger was an elderly gentleman, probably in his late seventies, who sat next to me shortly after the train departed. He had a kind face with deep-set wrinkles that spoke of a life full of experiences, and he carried himself with a quiet dignity that immediately caught my attention.

Our conversation began quite innocuously with a comment about the weather, but it quickly evolved into something much more profound. It turned out that he was a retired history professor, and he began to share fascinating stories about his experiences during World War II as a young boy in London. He vividly described the air raids, the sense of community that developed in the face of adversity, and the resilience of the human spirit.

What made this conversation truly memorable was the way it bridged the gap between textbook history and lived experience. His firsthand account brought the past to life in a way that no documentary or book ever could. I was struck by his ability to recount such harrowing experiences with a sense of perspective and even humor.

Moreover, our discussion extended beyond historical events. We talked about the changes he had witnessed over his lifetime, his views on modern technology, and his hopes for future generations. His insights were both profound and touching, offering a unique perspective that spanned nearly a century of human progress.

This conversation left a lasting impression on me because it underscored the value of intergenerational dialogue and the wealth of knowledge that our elders possess. It reminded me of the importance of listening to and learning from those who have lived through pivotal moments in history. The gentleman’s storytelling was so captivating that the four-hour journey seemed to fly by, and I found myself wishing we had more time to talk.

In essence, this chance encounter transformed a routine train journey into an unforgettable learning experience, highlighting the potential for meaningful connections even in the most unexpected places.”

Elderly gentleman sharing stories on a train

Follow-up Questions:

1. How did this conversation change your perspective on talking to strangers?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“This conversation made me realize that talking to strangers can be really interesting. I learned that older people have a lot of stories to share, and it’s worth listening to them. Now, I’m more open to chatting with people I don’t know, especially on long journeys.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“This encounter profoundly altered my outlook on interactions with strangers. It illuminated the potential for extraordinary connections and learning opportunities that can arise from seemingly ordinary situations. I’ve become more attuned to the wealth of experiences that surround us daily, often hidden behind the facade of strangers. Consequently, I’ve adopted a more open and curious approach to casual interactions, recognizing that each person carries a unique story that could potentially enrich my understanding of the world.”

2. Do you think technology has affected how people interact with strangers?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think technology has definitely changed how we interact with strangers. On one hand, social media and messaging apps make it easier to connect with new people online. But on the other hand, people often use their phones in public spaces, which can make them less likely to start conversations with strangers in real life.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Technology has undoubtedly revolutionized our interactions with strangers, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Digital platforms have expanded our ability to connect with diverse individuals globally, fostering cross-cultural dialogues and relationships that were once improbable. However, this virtual connectivity often comes at the expense of spontaneous face-to-face interactions. The ubiquity of smartphones has created a ‘bubble’ effect in public spaces, where individuals are less inclined to engage with their immediate surroundings. This shift has somewhat diminished the serendipitous encounters that can lead to meaningful conversations with strangers. Nonetheless, I believe we’re in a transitional phase, learning to balance digital and real-world interactions, and there’s potential for technology to enhance rather than replace genuine human connections in the future.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. What are the benefits and risks of talking to strangers?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Talking to strangers can be beneficial because it helps us learn new things and broadens our perspectives. It can also make us more confident in social situations. However, there are risks too, like personal safety concerns, especially in unfamiliar places. It’s important to be cautious and use good judgment when interacting with people we don’t know.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Engaging with strangers offers a multitude of benefits that can significantly enrich our lives. It exposes us to diverse viewpoints, cultures, and experiences, fostering empathy and broadening our worldview. These interactions can lead to unexpected opportunities, both personal and professional, and help develop crucial social skills. Moreover, they contribute to a sense of community and social cohesion, particularly in urban environments where anonymity often prevails.

However, these benefits must be weighed against potential risks. Personal safety is a paramount concern, especially in unfamiliar settings or when interacting with individuals whose intentions are unknown. There’s also the risk of cultural misunderstandings or inadvertently offending someone due to differences in social norms. Additionally, in today’s digital age, we must be mindful of privacy concerns and the potential for personal information to be misused.

Ultimately, the key lies in striking a balance – remaining open to meaningful connections while exercising prudent caution. Developing strong situational awareness and trusting one’s instincts can help mitigate risks while allowing for the enriching experiences that conversations with strangers can bring.”

2. How has the concept of stranger danger evolved in recent years?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“The concept of stranger danger has changed quite a bit recently. When I was younger, we were taught to be very wary of all strangers. Now, I think there’s more emphasis on teaching children to recognize potentially dangerous situations rather than fearing all unfamiliar people. Also, with the internet, the idea of who a stranger is has expanded to include online interactions.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“The evolution of the ‘stranger danger’ concept in recent years reflects broader societal changes and a more nuanced understanding of risk. Traditionally, this concept often promoted a blanket wariness of all unfamiliar individuals, which, while well-intentioned, could foster unnecessary fear and social isolation.

In contemporary approaches, there’s a shift towards educating children and adults about situational awareness and recognizing specific behaviors that may signal genuine threat, rather than categorically labeling all strangers as dangerous. This more balanced perspective acknowledges that the majority of strangers are not inherently harmful and that many positive experiences can arise from new connections.

Moreover, the digital revolution has dramatically reshaped our understanding of ‘strangers.’ Online platforms have blurred the lines between acquaintances and strangers, necessitating new frameworks for assessing trust and safety in virtual interactions. This has led to increased emphasis on digital literacy and online safety education.

Interestingly, in some urban contexts, there’s a growing recognition of the ‘safety in numbers’ principle, where the presence of strangers in public spaces can actually enhance security through natural surveillance. This represents a significant departure from traditional stranger danger narratives.

Overall, the modern approach to stranger interactions seeks to balance caution with openness, promoting discernment and social skills rather than indiscriminate fear. This evolution reflects a more sophisticated understanding of social dynamics and risk assessment in our increasingly connected world.”

Evolution of stranger danger concept

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your responses and aim for higher band scores, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Serendipitous encounter (noun phrase)
   Pronunciation: /ˌserənˈdipitəs inˈkauntər/
   Meaning: An unexpected meeting that turns out to be fortunate or beneficial
   Example: “Our conversation on the train was a serendipitous encounter that left a lasting impact.”

2. To bridge the gap (idiom)
   Pronunciation: /tu brij ðə ɡæp/
   Meaning: To connect two different things or groups of people
   Example: “His stories bridged the gap between historical facts and lived experiences.”

3. Intergenerational dialogue (noun phrase)
   Pronunciation: /ˌintərˌjenəˈreɪʃənl ˈdaɪəlɒɡ/
   Meaning: Communication between different age groups
   Example: “The conversation highlighted the importance of intergenerational dialogue in understanding our shared history.”

4. To foster empathy (verb phrase)
   Pronunciation: /tu ˈfɒstər ˈempəθi/
   Meaning: To encourage the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
   Example: “Talking to strangers can foster empathy and broaden our perspectives.”

5. Situational awareness (noun phrase)
   Pronunciation: /ˌsitʃuˈeɪʃənl əˈweənəs/
   Meaning: The perception of environmental elements and events with respect to time or space
   Example: “Developing strong situational awareness is crucial when interacting with strangers.”

Describe a public transport experience you had recently is another topic where you might use some of this vocabulary, especially when discussing interactions with fellow passengers.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a memorable conversation with a stranger:

1. Practice narrating personal experiences with a clear structure, including a beginning, middle, and end.
2. Use a range of descriptive language to bring your story to life, focusing on sensory details and emotions.
3. Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally throughout your responses.
4. Develop your ideas fully, providing reasons and examples to support your points.
5. Practice speaking on various topics to improve fluency and reduce hesitation.
6. Record yourself and listen back to identify areas for improvement in pronunciation and intonation.
7. Engage with native English content (podcasts, videos, etc.) to familiarize yourself with natural speech patterns and colloquialisms.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high band score.

IELTS speaking practice session

By following these guidelines and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss a memorable conversation with a stranger or any other topic that may arise in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!