As an experienced IELTS examiner, I understand the importance of being well-prepared for the Speaking test. In this article, we’ll focus on a common topic: describing a person who has encouraged you to be more active online. Let’s explore how to tackle this subject effectively and boost your chances of achieving a high band score.
Understanding the Topic
The topic “Describe A Person Who Has Encouraged You To Be More Active Online” is increasingly relevant in today’s digital age. It’s a subject that combines personal relationships, technology, and personal growth, making it a rich area for discussion in IELTS Speaking tests.
IELTS Speaking Test Preparation
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about your online activities. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: How often do you use social media?
Band 6-7 Answer: I use social media quite frequently, probably a few times a day. I mainly check Facebook and Instagram to stay in touch with friends and family.
Band 8-9 Answer: I’d say I’m a moderate user of social media. I typically allocate about an hour each day to browse through various platforms, primarily focusing on professional networking sites like LinkedIn and content-sharing platforms such as Instagram.
Q: What do you usually do online?
Band 6-7 Answer: I usually browse news websites, watch videos on YouTube, and chat with friends on messaging apps. I also use the internet for work and studying.
Band 8-9 Answer: My online activities are quite diverse. I engage in a range of tasks, from conducting research for my studies to participating in online forums related to my field of interest. Additionally, I utilize various productivity tools and apps to enhance my work efficiency and personal development.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card based on our topic:
Describe a person who has encouraged you to be more active online.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they encouraged you to do online
- And explain how this has affected your online presence
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about my cousin, Sarah, who has been instrumental in encouraging me to become more active online. Sarah is a digital marketing specialist, and I’ve known her since childhood. We’ve always been close, but her influence on my online presence became particularly significant about two years ago.
Sarah recognized the potential of social media for personal branding and professional networking. She encouraged me to create a LinkedIn profile and guided me through the process of optimizing it. She emphasized the importance of sharing industry-relevant content and engaging with professionals in my field.
Moreover, Sarah introduced me to the concept of content creation. She motivated me to start a blog where I could share my expertise and insights about my profession. She provided valuable tips on SEO, content strategy, and audience engagement.
Her encouragement has profoundly impacted my online presence. I’ve gone from being a passive consumer of online content to an active creator and participant in online discussions. My LinkedIn network has expanded significantly, and I’ve secured several professional opportunities through connections I’ve made online. My blog has also gained a modest following, which has boosted my confidence in sharing my ideas publicly.
Overall, Sarah’s guidance has opened up a new dimension in my professional life. It’s enhanced my visibility in my industry and provided me with a platform to showcase my skills and knowledge. I’m deeply grateful for her encouragement and support in navigating the digital landscape.”
Examiner’s Follow-up Questions
- How has being more active online affected your professional life?
- Do you think there are any potential drawbacks to increased online activity?
Band 8-9 Answer for Question 1:
“Being more active online has significantly enhanced my professional life in several ways. Firstly, it has exponentially expanded my network, connecting me with industry leaders and potential collaborators I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. This expanded network has led to numerous opportunities, including speaking engagements at conferences and consultancy offers. Secondly, regularly sharing content online has positioned me as a thought leader in my field, increasing my credibility and visibility. Lastly, engaging in online professional communities has accelerated my learning, keeping me updated with the latest trends and innovations in my industry.”
Band 8-9 Answer for Question 2:
“While increased online activity offers numerous benefits, it’s crucial to acknowledge potential drawbacks. One significant concern is the risk of digital burnout. Constantly staying connected and feeling pressured to maintain an online presence can lead to stress and negatively impact work-life balance. Additionally, there’s the issue of information overload. With the vast amount of content available online, it can be challenging to filter out noise and focus on truly valuable information. Lastly, increased online visibility may lead to privacy concerns, as personal information becomes more accessible. It’s essential to strike a balance and implement strategies to mitigate these risks while leveraging the benefits of online engagement.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: How has social media changed the way people communicate?
Band 6-7 Answer: Social media has made communication faster and easier. People can now stay in touch with friends and family all over the world. It has also changed how we share information, with news spreading quickly online.
Band 8-9 Answer: Social media has revolutionized communication in multiple ways. It has bridged geographical gaps, enabling instant global connectivity. Moreover, it has democratized information sharing, allowing individuals to become content creators and influencers. However, this shift has also led to more superficial interactions in some cases, with the rise of ‘likes’ and short comments replacing deeper conversations. Additionally, the prevalence of visual communication through images and videos has altered the way we express ourselves and consume information.
Q: Do you think people share too much personal information online?
Band 6-7 Answer: Yes, I think many people share too much online. They post about their daily lives, relationships, and personal problems. This can be dangerous because of privacy issues and cybercrime.
Band 8-9 Answer: The oversharing of personal information online is indeed a pressing concern. Many individuals seem to have blurred the lines between public and private spheres, often divulging sensitive details without fully considering the potential ramifications. This tendency can be attributed to several factors, including the desire for validation through likes and comments, and the illusory sense of intimacy that social media platforms create. However, this behavior can lead to serious consequences, ranging from identity theft to reputational damage. It’s crucial to foster digital literacy and promote a more discerning approach to online sharing, emphasizing the importance of privacy settings and the potential long-term implications of our digital footprint.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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To encourage /ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒ/ (verb): To give support, confidence, or hope to someone.
Example: “My mentor encouraged me to pursue further studies in my field.” -
To recognize potential /ˈrekəɡnaɪz pəˈtenʃəl/ (phrase): To identify or acknowledge someone’s or something’s ability to develop into something in the future.
Example: “The coach recognized the young athlete’s potential early on.” -
To emphasize /ˈemfəsaɪz/ (verb): To give special importance or value to something in speaking or writing.
Example: “The speaker emphasized the need for sustainable practices in business.” -
To profoundly impact /prəˈfaʊndli ˈɪmpækt/ (phrase): To have a deep and significant effect on something.
Example: “The new technology profoundly impacted the way we communicate.” -
To enhance /ɪnˈhɑːns/ (verb): To increase or improve in value, quality, desirability, or attractiveness.
Example: “Regular exercise can enhance both physical and mental well-being.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics like online encouragement:
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Practice regularly: Engage in conversations about digital trends and online activities to build your vocabulary and fluency.
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Use specific examples: When describing a person or situation, provide detailed examples to support your points.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and feelings about the topic.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses.
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Focus on fluency and coherence: Aim to speak smoothly, connecting your ideas logically.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and the ability to express complex ideas will significantly boost your performance.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find our article on describing a person who has inspired you to focus on personal growth helpful. Additionally, exploring the role of technology in improving quality of life can provide valuable insights for discussing online activities and their impact.