International news is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2 and Part 3. Being able to discuss global events effectively can significantly boost your score. This guide will help you prepare for questions related to international news, with sample answers and expert tips to achieve a high band score.
Describe an online news article you found interesting can be a related topic that may also come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared for various news-related questions will give you an advantage.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about news and media. Here are some common questions with sample answers:
Sample Question: How do you usually get your news?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I usually get my news from social media and news apps on my phone. It’s convenient and quick to scroll through headlines during my commute or break time.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I rely on a diverse range of sources for my news. While I frequently use news apps for quick updates, I also make it a point to read in-depth articles from reputable international newspapers. Additionally, I listen to news podcasts during my commute, which provides a comprehensive overview of global events.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to international news:
Describe a piece of international news that you found interesting
You should say:
- What the news was about
- Where and when you heard/read about it
- Why you found it interesting
- And explain how this news might affect people’s lives
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“The international news I found interesting was about the discovery of water on Mars. I read about it on a news website last year. It caught my attention because it’s a significant scientific breakthrough. The possibility of water on Mars could mean there’s potential for life outside Earth, which is fascinating. This discovery might affect people’s lives by inspiring more interest in space exploration and possibly leading to future Mars missions. It could also change our understanding of the universe and our place in it.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“The piece of international news that captivated my attention was the groundbreaking discovery of water on Mars, which I came across while perusing a reputable scientific journal’s website approximately 18 months ago. This revelation piqued my interest due to its profound implications for our understanding of the universe and the potential for extraterrestrial life.
The presence of water on Mars is a watershed moment in space exploration, as it significantly enhances the possibility of sustaining life on the Red Planet. This discovery could revolutionize our approach to space missions and potentially pave the way for future Mars colonization efforts.
Moreover, this news has the potential to profoundly impact people’s lives in various ways. Firstly, it could spark a renewed interest in STEM fields, inspiring a new generation of scientists and engineers to pursue careers in space exploration. Secondly, it might prompt a philosophical shift in how we perceive our place in the universe, potentially leading to a more unified global perspective as we contemplate our role as a species in a potentially inhabited cosmos.
Lastly, this discovery could accelerate technological advancements in fields such as water purification and resource management, as scientists work to develop systems that could sustain life on Mars. These innovations could have far-reaching applications on Earth, particularly in addressing issues like water scarcity in arid regions.”
IELTS candidate discussing international news
Follow-up questions:
- How do you think this news might influence future space exploration?
- In what ways could this discovery impact scientific research on Earth?
Band 6-7 Sample Answers:
“This news might encourage more countries to invest in space exploration. It could lead to more missions to Mars and maybe even plans for human settlements there in the future.”
“The discovery could inspire scientists to look for new ways to find and use water in extreme conditions. It might also lead to new technologies for detecting life in harsh environments on Earth.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answers:
“This groundbreaking discovery is likely to catalyze a new era of space exploration. It could precipitate a global race to Mars, similar to the Moon landings of the 1960s, but with a focus on establishing sustainable habitats. Moreover, it might spur the development of advanced technologies for water extraction and purification in extreme environments, which could have far-reaching applications both in space and on Earth.”
“The implications for scientific research on Earth are multifaceted. Firstly, it could revolutionize our understanding of astrobiology, potentially leading to new methodologies for detecting and studying microbial life in extreme conditions. Additionally, the technologies developed for Mars exploration could be adapted to address pressing issues on Earth, such as water scarcity in arid regions or the development of more efficient life support systems for use in hostile environments like deep-sea exploration or polar research stations.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
Q1: How has the way we consume news changed in recent years?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“News consumption has become more digital in recent years. Many people now use smartphones and social media to get news updates instead of traditional newspapers or TV. This change has made news more accessible but also created issues like fake news spreading quickly.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The landscape of news consumption has undergone a seismic shift in recent years, primarily driven by technological advancements. We’ve witnessed a dramatic transition from traditional print and broadcast media to digital platforms, with social media and mobile apps becoming predominant sources of news for many.
This shift has democratized information dissemination, allowing for real-time updates and greater accessibility. However, it has also precipitated some challenges, such as the rapid spread of misinformation and the creation of echo chambers where people are exposed primarily to news that aligns with their existing beliefs.
Furthermore, the rise of algorithmic news curation has led to more personalized news feeds, which, while convenient, may inadvertently narrow one’s exposure to diverse perspectives. This evolution in news consumption necessitates a more critical approach to media literacy, as individuals must now navigate a complex information ecosystem to discern credible sources from unreliable ones.”
Q2: What are the potential dangers of relying too heavily on social media for news?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Relying too much on social media for news can be risky because there’s a lot of fake news and biased information. People might only see news that agrees with their opinions, which can create divisions in society. It’s also easy for misinformation to spread quickly on social media.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Overreliance on social media as a primary news source poses several significant risks. Firstly, the algorithmic nature of these platforms tends to create echo chambers, where users are predominantly exposed to information that aligns with their existing beliefs, potentially exacerbating societal polarization.
Secondly, the rapid dissemination of information on social media, while beneficial for breaking news, can also facilitate the spread of misinformation and disinformation at an unprecedented scale. This can lead to public confusion and, in extreme cases, real-world consequences based on false narratives.
Moreover, the brevity often required in social media posts can result in oversimplification of complex issues, leading to a superficial understanding of important topics. This may impede critical thinking and nuanced debate on crucial matters.
Lastly, the monetization model of many social media platforms, which often prioritizes engagement over accuracy, can incentivize sensationalism and clickbait, potentially distorting the public’s perception of newsworthy events and their relative importance.”
Risks of relying on social media for news
Describe a recent online event that you found engaging could be another interesting topic to explore, especially when discussing how technology has changed the way we consume information and participate in events.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, incorporate sophisticated vocabulary and phrases into your responses. Here are some examples:
Watershed moment /ˈwɔːtəʃed ˈməʊmənt/ (noun): A critical turning point
Example: “The discovery of water on Mars was a watershed moment in space exploration.”To pique one’s interest /piːk ˈɪntrəst/ (phrase): To arouse curiosity or interest
Example: “The unusual headline piqued my interest, prompting me to read the full article.”Far-reaching implications /fɑːr ˈriːtʃɪŋ ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃənz/ (phrase): Having important and widely applicable consequences
Example: “This technological breakthrough could have far-reaching implications for various industries.”To precipitate /prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/ (verb): To cause something to happen suddenly or unexpectedly
Example: “The controversial news report precipitated a heated public debate.”To navigate /ˈnævɪɡeɪt/ (verb): To find one’s way through a complex situation or system
Example: “In the digital age, we must learn to navigate the vast sea of online information critically.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing international news:
- Stay informed about current global events and practice discussing them in English regularly.
- Develop your ability to analyze news critically and express your opinions clearly and coherently.
- Use a variety of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
- Practice linking your ideas smoothly and providing relevant examples to support your points.
- Work on your pronunciation and fluency to ensure clear communication throughout the test.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about knowing the facts, but being able to discuss them eloquently and insightfully in English.
Describe a talented person you admire could be another interesting topic to practice, as it allows you to demonstrate your ability to describe and analyze personal qualities, which can be useful when discussing influential figures in the news.