Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe an Interesting News Event

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about current events and news stories. Being able to describe a news event that you found interesting is a valuable skill that can help you achieve a high score. In this article, we’ll explore effective strategies and provide sample answers to help you excel in this topic.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about news and current events. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

1. Do you follow the news regularly?
2. How do you usually get your news?
3. What types of news stories interest you the most?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:

Examiner: What types of news stories interest you the most?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I’m particularly drawn to science and technology news. I find it fascinating to learn about groundbreaking discoveries and innovative inventions that have the potential to shape our future. For instance, I recently read an article about advancements in renewable energy that could revolutionize how we power our homes and vehicles. These stories not only keep me informed but also inspire me to think critically about the world around us and how it’s evolving.”

This answer demonstrates a good range of vocabulary, clear organization of ideas, and personal engagement with the topic.

Part 2: Long Turn

Now, let’s look at a potential cue card for this topic:

Describe a news event that you found interesting

You should say:
- What the news event was
- When and where you heard about it
- Why you found it interesting
- And explain how it affected you or others

Here’s a sample answer for Band 8-9:

“I’d like to talk about a fascinating news event that caught my attention recently. It was the successful landing of NASA’s Perseverance rover on Mars, which occurred in February 2021.

I first heard about this groundbreaking achievement through a live stream on NASA’s official website. I was glued to my screen, watching with bated breath as mission control confirmed the touchdown. The moment was incredibly tense, as there’s always a risk of failure in such complex missions.

What made this event particularly interesting to me was the sheer technological marvel it represented. The fact that we can send a robot millions of kilometers through space and land it precisely on another planet is mind-boggling. Moreover, the rover’s mission to search for signs of ancient microbial life on Mars has profound implications for our understanding of the universe and our place in it.

This event affected me deeply on a personal level. It rekindled my childhood fascination with space exploration and served as a powerful reminder of human ingenuity and perseverance. I found myself spending hours researching Mars and previous missions, which broadened my knowledge significantly.

On a broader scale, I believe this event has inspired countless individuals, especially young people, to pursue careers in science and technology. It has also fostered a sense of global unity, as people from all over the world came together to celebrate this remarkable human achievement. In a time of global challenges, it provided a much-needed dose of optimism and showed what we can accomplish when we pool our resources and expertise.”

This response demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and clear organization. The speaker provides detailed information about the event and articulates their thoughts and feelings effectively.

NASA's Perseverance Rover Landing on Mars

Follow-up questions:

1. How do you think this event might impact future space exploration?
2. Do you believe investments in space exploration are justified given Earth’s current challenges?

Sample answer for the first follow-up question (Band 8-9):

“I believe this event will have a profound impact on future space exploration. The success of the Perseverance mission has paved the way for more ambitious projects, potentially including human missions to Mars. The technologies developed for this mission, such as the innovative landing system and the autonomous navigation capabilities, can be adapted and refined for future missions to other planets or moons in our solar system. Moreover, the scientific data collected by Perseverance will likely inform our understanding of Mars’ potential habitability, which could shape the direction of future exploration efforts. This mission has also reignited public interest in space exploration, which could lead to increased funding and support for space agencies worldwide, accelerating the pace of technological advancements in this field.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to news and media. Here’s an example:

Examiner: How has social media changed the way we consume news?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Social media has fundamentally transformed our news consumption habits in several ways. Firstly, it has democratized information sharing, allowing anyone to become a source of news. This has led to faster dissemination of information, particularly during breaking news events. However, it has also blurred the lines between credible journalism and unverified information, making it more challenging for users to discern fact from fiction.

Secondly, social media algorithms have created echo chambers, where users are primarily exposed to news that aligns with their existing beliefs. This can reinforce biases and polarize opinions, potentially hampering balanced public discourse.

On the positive side, social media has made news more accessible and engaging, with interactive features like live videos and real-time updates. It has also given voice to underrepresented communities and issues that might not receive coverage in traditional media.

However, the rapid-fire nature of social media news consumption has arguably led to shorter attention spans and a preference for bite-sized information. This can sometimes come at the expense of in-depth analysis and nuanced reporting.

In conclusion, while social media has revolutionized news dissemination, it has also introduced new challenges that require users to be more discerning and critically engaged with the information they consume.”

This answer demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic, using a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. The speaker provides a balanced view, discussing both positive and negative aspects of the issue.

Social Media's Impact on News Consumption

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex structures. Here are some useful words and phrases related to news and current events:

1. Breaking news (noun) – /ˈbreɪkɪŋ njuːz/ – Very important news that is reported immediately
   Example: “The breaking news about the earthquake interrupted regular programming.”

2. Headline (noun) – /ˈhedlaɪn/ – The title of a newspaper story
   Example: “The headline on the front page caught everyone’s attention.”

3. To keep abreast of (phrasal verb) – /tuː kiːp əˈbrest ɒv/ – To stay informed about
   Example: “I try to keep abreast of international affairs by reading news from various sources.”

4. Groundbreaking (adjective) – /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/ – Innovative; pioneering
   Example: “The scientist’s groundbreaking research could revolutionize cancer treatment.”

5. To make headlines (idiom) – /tuː meɪk ˈhedlaɪnz/ – To be the subject of intense media coverage
   Example: “The celebrity scandal made headlines for weeks.”

6. Fact-checking (noun) – /fækt ˈtʃekɪŋ/ – The process of verifying the accuracy of reported information
   Example: “Rigorous fact-checking is essential in responsible journalism.”

7. To go viral (phrasal verb) – /tuː ɡəʊ ˈvaɪrəl/ – To spread quickly and widely on the internet
   Example: “The video of the politician’s gaffe went viral within hours.”

8. Sensationalism (noun) – /senˈseɪʃənəlɪzəm/ – The use of exciting or shocking stories or language at the expense of accuracy
   Example: “Some tabloids are known for their sensationalism rather than accurate reporting.”

Using these terms accurately in your responses can help demonstrate your language proficiency and knowledge of current affairs.

Describe a person who is very knowledgeable about current events to further enhance your ability to discuss news-related topics in the IELTS Speaking test.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in describing news events in your IELTS Speaking test:

1. Stay informed: Regularly read or watch news from reputable sources to build your knowledge and vocabulary.

2. Practice articulating your thoughts: Try to explain news events to friends or family, focusing on clarity and coherence.

3. Develop personal opinions: Reflect on how news events affect you or society to provide more insightful responses.

4. Use a variety of language: Incorporate idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary related to news and media.

5. Structure your responses: Use clear introductions, body points, and conclusions, especially in Part 2.

6. Engage with the examiner: Show genuine interest in the topic and be ready to elaborate on your answers.

By following these strategies and practicing regularly, you can improve your ability to discuss news events confidently and articulately in your IELTS Speaking test.

Describe a recent news story that caught your attention to further practice your skills in discussing current events.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about memorizing answers, but about developing the ability to communicate effectively on a wide range of topics. Keep practicing, stay curious about the world around you, and you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question that comes your way in the test.