The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about sharing information or experiences, including describing good news. This topic is particularly common in Part 2 of the speaking test, where candidates are given a cue card and asked to speak for 1-2 minutes on a specific subject. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively and achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about good news or sharing information. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you like sharing good news with others?”
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find great joy in sharing positive news with my friends and family. It’s not just about spreading happiness; I believe that sharing good news can strengthen relationships and create a more optimistic atmosphere. For instance, when I recently got a promotion at work, I couldn’t wait to tell my parents and closest friends. Their excitement and support made the achievement even more meaningful to me.”
Sharing good news with friends and family
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a piece of good news you heard from others.
You should say:
- What the news was about
- Who told you the news
- How you felt when you heard it
- And explain why you think it was good news
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about some fantastic news I received last month. It was about my best friend, Sarah, getting accepted into her dream university.
Sarah called me one evening, and I could tell from her voice that she was incredibly excited. She told me that she had just received an email confirming her acceptance to Oxford University, where she’d applied to study English Literature.
When I heard the news, I felt absolutely thrilled for her. I know how hard she had worked for this opportunity, spending countless hours studying and preparing her application. Her dedication had finally paid off, and I couldn’t have been happier for her.
I consider this good news for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a significant achievement for Sarah, as Oxford is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Secondly, I know that studying there will open up many opportunities for her future career. Lastly, it’s inspiring to see a close friend reach their goals, which motivates me to pursue my own ambitions with equal determination.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share a piece of exhilarating news I received recently, which left me utterly elated. The news revolved around my closest friend, Emma, who had been tirelessly working on a groundbreaking research project in renewable energy.
Emma reached out to me via video call one afternoon, her face beaming with excitement. She enthusiastically announced that her research team had made a significant breakthrough in solar cell efficiency, potentially revolutionizing the field of sustainable energy.
Upon hearing this news, I was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions – pride, joy, and a sense of awe. Emma’s dedication and perseverance over the past few years had been nothing short of inspirational, and to see it culminate in such a monumental achievement was truly heartwarming.
I consider this exceptionally good news for multiple reasons. Primarily, it represents a major leap forward in addressing global energy challenges, which could have far-reaching implications for combating climate change. Additionally, it’s a testament to human ingenuity and the power of collaborative scientific endeavor. On a personal level, witnessing a dear friend realize their potential and contribute significantly to their field is immensely gratifying and serves as a powerful motivator for my own professional aspirations.”
Celebrating a scientific breakthrough in renewable energy
Follow-up Questions:
- How do you usually share good news with others?
- Do you think social media is a good way to share news? Why or why not?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“When it comes to sharing good news, I tend to tailor my approach depending on the nature of the news and the recipient. For close friends and family, I prefer a more personal touch, often opting for a phone call or face-to-face conversation. This allows me to convey my excitement more effectively and share in their reactions. For broader announcements, I might use social media or group messaging apps to reach a wider audience efficiently. I believe that the method of sharing should enhance the impact of the news and strengthen connections with those I’m sharing it with.”
“Social media can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to sharing news. On the positive side, it offers an unparalleled platform for reaching a large audience quickly and easily. It’s particularly effective for spreading awareness about important issues or sharing collective achievements. However, it also has its drawbacks. The impersonal nature of social media can sometimes diminish the emotional impact of good news, and there’s always the risk of information overload or misinterpretation. Moreover, the pressure to present a curated version of our lives on social media can lead to unhealthy comparisons and diminish the genuine joy of personal achievements. In my opinion, while social media has its place in sharing news, it shouldn’t replace more intimate forms of communication, especially for significant personal news.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Let’s talk more about sharing good news. Do you think people share good news differently now compared to in the past?”
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe there’s been a significant shift in how people share good news nowadays compared to the past. With the advent of social media and instant messaging, news travels much faster and reaches a wider audience. In the past, people might have shared good news primarily through face-to-face conversations or phone calls, limiting the speed and reach of the information. Now, a single post on social media can inform hundreds or even thousands of people instantly.
However, this change isn’t without its drawbacks. While we can share news more widely, we might be losing some of the personal touch that comes with sharing news in person. There’s something special about seeing someone’s genuine reaction when you tell them good news face-to-face, which can be lost in the digital space.
Additionally, the ease of sharing on social media has led to an information overload. People now share even minor positive events, which might dilute the impact of truly significant news. It’s a double-edged sword – we’re more connected than ever, but the quality of these connections when sharing news might have decreased in some ways.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The evolution of news-sharing practices is indeed a fascinating phenomenon to observe. In my view, the advent of digital technology has fundamentally transformed the landscape of information dissemination, including how we share good news.
In the pre-digital era, sharing good news was a more intimate and time-consuming process. People would often relay information through face-to-face interactions, phone calls, or even letters. This method, while slower, often fostered deeper personal connections and allowed for more nuanced emotional exchanges.
Fast forward to today, and we’re in the midst of an information revolution. Social media platforms and instant messaging apps have exponentially increased the speed and reach of news sharing. A single post can instantaneously broadcast good news to a global audience, transcending geographical boundaries and time zones.
However, this shift is not without its complexities and drawbacks. The ease and immediacy of digital sharing has led to an oversaturation of information, potentially diluting the impact of truly significant news. Moreover, the pressure to curate our online personas can sometimes lead to performative sharing, where the act of broadcasting good news becomes more about seeking validation than genuine communication.
That being said, I believe we’re witnessing a nuanced adaptation to these changes. Many people are finding ways to strike a balance, using technology to share news broadly while still maintaining more personal channels for significant announcements. This hybrid approach allows us to harness the benefits of wide reach while preserving the depth of personal connections.
In essence, while the methods have drastically evolved, the fundamental human desire to share joy and success remains unchanged. The challenge lies in navigating this new landscape thoughtfully, ensuring that our sharing practices enrich our relationships rather than diminish them.”
Evolution of news sharing in the digital age
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Exhilarating /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ (adj): Causing great excitement and happiness
Example: “The exhilarating news of her promotion filled the office with joy.”Monumental achievement /ˌmɒnjʊˈmentl əˈtʃiːvmənt/ (phrase): A very important or significant success
Example: “Landing on the moon was a monumental achievement in human history.”To be overwhelmed with emotions /tə bi ˌəʊvəˈwelmd wɪð ɪˈməʊʃənz/ (phrase): To be filled with very strong feelings
Example: “When I heard the good news, I was overwhelmed with emotions of joy and relief.”Groundbreaking /ˈɡraʊnd.breɪ.kɪŋ/ (adj): Innovative; pioneering
Example: “Her groundbreaking research in cancer treatment offers new hope to patients.”To relay information /tə rɪˈleɪ ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃn/ (phrase): To pass on information or news to others
Example: “The manager asked me to relay the good news to the rest of the team.”To foster connections /tə ˈfɒstə kəˈnekʃnz/ (phrase): To encourage or promote the development of relationships
Example: “Sharing personal stories can help foster connections within a team.”
Describe an interesting job that you would like to try in the future is another common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. Being prepared for a variety of subjects will help you perform better in the exam.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing good news:
Practice storytelling: Develop your ability to narrate events coherently and engagingly. This skill is crucial for Part 2 of the test.
Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of descriptive words and phrases to express emotions and reactions effectively.
Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate relevant idioms naturally to demonstrate language proficiency.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and feelings in detail.
Work on pronunciation and fluency: Clear pronunciation and smooth delivery are key to achieving a high score.
Stay relevant: Always address the question directly and stay on topic throughout your answer.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Describe a piece of good news you heard about someone you know well can be an excellent opportunity to showcase your language skills and ability to express emotions effectively.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!