Similar to describe a piece of local news, this topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests and requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to share personal experiences effectively.
Part 1 Questions Related to News and Friends
Common questions examiners may ask:
- Do you prefer to receive news through social media or traditional media?
- How do you usually share good news with your friends?
- What kind of news do you find most interesting?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I primarily rely on social media platforms for news updates, particularly about my friends, as it offers real-time information and allows for immediate interaction. I find it especially compelling when the news involves personal achievements or milestones.”
Friends sharing good news through social media platforms
Part 2: Cue Card
Your task is to describe a piece of good news you heard about a friend. You should say:
- What the news was
- When you heard it
- How you heard about it
- And explain how you felt about the news
Just as describe a piece of good news you received, this task requires structured narration and emotional expression.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share some extraordinary news I recently heard about my close friend Sarah. She secured a prestigious scholarship for her postgraduate studies at Oxford University. I learned about this remarkable achievement through a video call with her last month.
The news came as a delightful surprise as I knew how arduously she had worked towards this goal, similar to describe a time when you worked hard to achieve something. Sarah had been dedicating countless hours to her research proposal and application materials for nearly a year.
I was absolutely thrilled and felt an overwhelming sense of pride for her accomplishment. This news was particularly meaningful to me because I had witnessed her journey firsthand, including the challenges she overcame. Her success resonated deeply with me as it demonstrated how persistence and dedication can lead to extraordinary outcomes.”
Friend celebrating academic achievement with scholarship announcement
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q1: How has social media changed the way people share good news?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Social media has revolutionized news sharing by making it instantaneous and more interactive. It has fundamentally altered the dynamics of personal communication, allowing people to share their achievements with a broader audience while receiving immediate feedback and support.”
Q2: Why do people enjoy sharing good news with others?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Sharing good news tends to amplify positive emotions and create stronger social bonds. When we share our successes, it often leads to what psychologists call capitalization, where the act of sharing enhances the positive impact of the good news itself.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Secured /sɪˈkjʊəd/ (v): to obtain something important
- Arduous /ˈɑːdjuəs/ (adj): requiring great effort
- Resonated /ˈrezəneɪtɪd/ (v): to have particular meaning or importance
- Capitalization /ˌkæpɪtəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ (n): the act of gaining additional benefit
Like describe a conversation that made you think differently, using these advanced expressions can significantly enhance your speaking performance.
