The topic of describing good news is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It offers examiners insight into a candidate’s ability to express positive emotions and recount personal experiences. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask questions related to good news. Here are some potential questions and suggested responses:
- 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 a way to spread happiness and strengthen our bonds. I usually can’t wait to tell them about exciting developments in my life, whether it’s academic achievements or personal milestones.”
- How do you usually celebrate when you receive good news?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“My celebration style depends on the magnitude of the news. For significant accomplishments, I might organize a small gathering with close friends, perhaps at a nice restaurant. For more personal achievements, I often treat myself to something special, like a new book or a day trip. I believe it’s crucial to acknowledge and savor these positive moments as they serve as motivation for future endeavors.”
Describe an occasion when you received surprising news can be another interesting topic to explore in this context.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a piece of good news you received recently
You should say:
- What the news was
- When and how you received it
- How you felt about it
- And explain why it was good news for you
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share about a piece of fantastic news I received recently – my acceptance into a prestigious master’s program at a top university in the UK.
I vividly remember the day I got this news. It was a typical Wednesday afternoon, and I was casually checking my emails during my lunch break at work. Suddenly, an email notification popped up with the subject line ‘Admission Decision’. My heart started racing as I opened it, and there it was – the official acceptance letter!
The moment I read the first line confirming my admission, I was overwhelmed with a mix of excitement and disbelief. I had to read it multiple times to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. I felt an immediate surge of joy and pride, knowing that my hard work and dedication had finally paid off.
This news was particularly significant for me for several reasons. Firstly, it represented the culmination of years of academic effort and extracurricular involvement. Secondly, this program is highly competitive, accepting only a handful of international students each year. Being selected validated my capabilities and boosted my confidence immensely.
Moreover, this opportunity will open doors to cutting-edge research in my field and connections with renowned scholars. It’s not just about the degree; it’s about the transformative experience and the potential to make meaningful contributions to my area of study.
In essence, this good news wasn’t just about personal achievement – it represented a turning point in my academic and professional journey, promising exciting challenges and growth opportunities ahead.”
Follow-up questions:
- How did you share this news with your family and friends?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I was so thrilled that I immediately called my parents to share the news. Their reaction was priceless – a mix of pride and excitement. Then, I created a group chat with my closest friends to announce it. We ended up planning a small celebration dinner for the weekend.”
- Do you think social media is a good platform for sharing good news?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Social media can be an effective tool for sharing good news, especially when you want to reach a wider audience quickly. However, I believe in striking a balance. For truly significant news, I prefer personal communication with close friends and family first, before making any public announcements. This approach allows for more intimate celebrations and prevents the dilution of the news’s impact.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Let’s talk about the impact of good news on society. How do you think positive news affects people’s daily lives?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe positive news plays a crucial role in shaping societal attitudes and individual well-being. In our current world, where negative headlines often dominate, good news can serve as a much-needed counterbalance. It has the power to inspire hope, foster optimism, and motivate people to take positive actions in their own lives.
On an individual level, exposure to good news can significantly boost mood and mental health. It can reduce stress levels and provide a sense of perspective, reminding people that positive things are happening alongside the challenges we face. This improved outlook can lead to increased productivity and better interpersonal relationships.
From a broader societal perspective, positive news can catalyze social change. Success stories of individuals or communities overcoming obstacles can inspire others to tackle similar issues. It can also highlight effective solutions to problems, potentially influencing policy decisions and community initiatives.
However, it’s important to maintain a balanced view. While good news is vital, it shouldn’t overshadow serious issues that need attention. The key is to strike a balance between staying informed about challenges and celebrating progress.”
Describe a time when you worked hard to achieve something can provide additional context for discussing personal achievements and their impact.
Examiner: Do you think the media has a responsibility to report more good news?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe the media does have a certain responsibility to report more good news, but it’s a delicate balance. While it’s crucial to keep the public informed about challenges and issues, an overwhelming focus on negative news can lead to a skewed perception of reality and increased public anxiety.
Including more positive stories can provide a more accurate representation of the world. It can highlight progress, innovations, and solutions, which are equally important aspects of our society. This approach could potentially inspire more people to engage in positive actions and contribute to societal improvements.
However, the media’s primary role is to inform, and they shouldn’t artificially inflate positive news at the expense of reporting on significant issues. The key is to strive for a more balanced approach, where both challenges and achievements are given appropriate coverage.”
Balanced news reporting concept
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Elated /ɪˈleɪtɪd/ (adjective): Extremely happy and excited.
Example: “I was elated when I heard the news of my promotion.”Euphoric /juːˈfɒrɪk/ (adjective): Feeling intense excitement and happiness.
Example: “The team was euphoric after winning the championship.”Over the moon (idiom): Extremely happy or delighted.
Example: “She was over the moon when she got accepted into her dream university.”To resonate with (phrasal verb): To have a particular meaning or importance for someone.
Example: “The good news resonated with everyone in the company, boosting morale significantly.”Watershed moment (noun phrase): A turning point or critical moment.
Example: “Receiving that award was a watershed moment in my career.”To disseminate /dɪˈsemɪneɪt/ (verb): To spread information widely.
Example: “Social media has revolutionized how we disseminate good news.”Momentous /məˈmentəs/ (adjective): Very important or significant, especially in having a great influence on future events.
Example: “The discovery of the vaccine was a momentous occasion for the scientific community.”
Describe a dream you remember vividly can be an interesting way to practice using descriptive language, which is also crucial when talking about good news.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing good news:
Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases to describe emotions and impacts of the news.
Provide detailed examples: When describing good news, give specific details to make your answer more engaging and authentic.
Show reflection: Discuss not just what happened, but also its significance and how it affected you or others.
Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly without long pauses, especially when recounting the story of receiving good news.
Develop your answers: In Part 3, try to give extended responses that show depth of thought and analysis.
Use appropriate body language: Smile and show enthusiasm when talking about positive experiences to enhance the impact of your words.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and listen back to identify areas for improvement. With consistent effort, you can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.
Describe an ambition that you have had for a long time is another topic where you can apply these skills, as it often involves discussing positive aspirations and potential good news.