Local news can be a fascinating topic to discuss in your IELTS Speaking test. It allows you to demonstrate your ability to describe events, express opinions, and analyze their impact on your community. This article will guide you through answering questions about local news in all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam, helping you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about local news. Here are some common questions you might encounter:
- Do you often read or watch local news?
- How do you usually get your local news?
- What type of local news interests you the most?
- Do you think local news is important? Why or why not?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you often read or watch local news?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do make an effort to stay informed about local events. I usually browse through local news websites or scroll through social media feeds for updates a couple of times a day. I find it crucial to keep abreast of what’s happening in my community, whether it’s about new developments, local events, or important announcements that might affect my daily life.”
Key phrases that can help you score higher are highlighted in bold. Notice the use of varied vocabulary and sentence structures.
Describe a habit you recently changed can be another interesting topic to discuss in your IELTS Speaking test, especially if you’ve recently changed your news consumption habits.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card related to local news. Here’s a sample cue card:
Describe A Piece Of Local News that affected you
You should say:
- What the news was about
- Where and when you heard about it
- Why it affected you
- And explain how you felt about this news
Here’s a sample answer for this cue card:
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a piece of local news that had a significant impact on me recently. It was about the closure of a historic cinema in my neighborhood, which had been a landmark for over 50 years.
I first came across this news while scrolling through my local newspaper’s website one evening last month. The article caught my eye because I had many fond memories of watching films there during my childhood.
This news affected me deeply because the cinema held a special place in my heart. It was where I watched my first movie with my parents and later enjoyed countless film nights with friends. The closure symbolized the end of an era and made me realize how quickly things can change in our community.
When I read about it, I felt a mixture of nostalgia and sadness. On one hand, I was overwhelmed with memories of the good times I had spent there. On the other hand, I felt disheartened that future generations wouldn’t have the chance to experience the charm of this iconic venue.
This news also made me reflect on the changing nature of entertainment and how digital streaming platforms are reshaping our cultural landscape. It sparked conversations among my friends and family about the importance of preserving local heritage and supporting community institutions.
In conclusion, while the news of the cinema’s closure was sad, it also served as a reminder of the importance of cherishing and supporting local businesses and cultural spots that add character to our communities.”
Historic cinema closure affects community
Follow-up questions:
- How did the local community react to this news?
- Do you think local authorities should have intervened to save the cinema?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The local community’s reaction was quite intense and multifaceted. Many residents expressed their dismay on social media platforms and local forums. There was a sense of collective loss, as the cinema had been a shared cultural touchstone for generations. Some community members even initiated a petition to save the cinema, gathering thousands of signatures in a matter of days.
Regarding local authorities’ intervention, I believe they should have played a more proactive role in preserving this cultural landmark. While I understand that economic factors often drive such decisions, I think the historical and cultural significance of the cinema warranted special consideration. Local authorities could have explored options like designating it as a heritage site, providing tax incentives for its continued operation, or even considering public-private partnerships to keep it running. Such efforts would have demonstrated a commitment to preserving local culture and maintaining the community’s unique character.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to local news. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Examiner: How has the way people consume local news changed in recent years?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The consumption of local news has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, primarily due to the advent of digital technology. Traditionally, people relied on printed newspapers, local TV broadcasts, or radio for their daily dose of local news. However, the proliferation of smartphones and high-speed internet has revolutionized this landscape.
Nowadays, many people opt for online platforms to stay informed about local events. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have become prominent sources of real-time local news updates. News aggregator apps that curate content from various sources have also gained popularity, allowing users to customize their news feed based on their interests and location.
This shift has led to more instantaneous and interactive news consumption. People can now receive breaking news alerts on their phones, participate in discussions about local issues through comment sections or social media posts, and even contribute to news reporting through citizen journalism.
However, this change also presents challenges. The abundance of information available online can sometimes lead to information overload or the spread of misinformation. It’s become increasingly important for consumers to critically evaluate their news sources and fact-check information.
Despite these challenges, I believe this evolution has generally made local news more accessible and engaging for many people, fostering a more informed and connected community.”
Describe a school you attended as a child could be an interesting topic to discuss in relation to how you first learned about the importance of staying informed about local news.
Examiner: Do you think local news is becoming less important in the age of globalization?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“While globalization has certainly broadened our horizons and made international news more accessible, I don’t believe it has diminished the importance of local news. In fact, I’d argue that local news has become even more crucial in this globalized era.
Firstly, local news provides context and relevance that global news often can’t match. It informs us about issues that directly impact our daily lives, such as changes in local infrastructure, community events, or policy decisions by local government. This information is essential for making informed decisions as citizens and community members.
Secondly, in an age where we’re bombarded with information from all corners of the world, local news helps us stay grounded and connected to our immediate surroundings. It fosters a sense of community and shared experience that’s vital for social cohesion.
Moreover, local news often serves as a watchdog for local democracy, holding local officials and institutions accountable. This function is critical and can’t be fulfilled by national or international news outlets.
That being said, the nature of local news is evolving. Many local news outlets are adapting to the digital age, creating online platforms and utilizing social media to reach their audience. Some are even expanding their coverage to include how global events affect the local community, thus bridging the gap between local and global news.
In conclusion, while globalization has changed the media landscape, local news remains indispensable. The challenge lies in finding sustainable models for local news production and distribution in the digital age, ensuring that communities continue to have access to quality, relevant local information.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some useful words and phrases related to discussing local news:
Breaking news (/ˈbreɪkɪŋ njuːz/) – The most recent news, usually about an event that is happening right now.
Example: “The local radio station interrupted their program to report breaking news about a fire downtown.”To keep abreast of (/tuː kiːp əˈbrest ɒv/) – To stay informed about.
Example: “I read the local newspaper every morning to keep abreast of community events.”To spark a debate (/tuː spɑːk ə dɪˈbeɪt/) – To cause people to start discussing a topic.
Example: “The mayor’s proposal to increase property taxes sparked a heated debate among residents.”To make headlines (/tuː meɪk ˈhedlaɪnz/) – To be the main story in the news.
Example: “The local football team’s unexpected victory made headlines in our town.”To shed light on (/tuː ʃed laɪt ɒn/) – To help explain something.
Example: “The investigative report shed light on the corruption in the city council.”To have far-reaching consequences (/tuː hæv fɑː riːtʃɪŋ ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz/) – To have effects that influence many people or things.
Example: “The closure of the factory had far-reaching consequences for our local economy.”
Describe an ambition that you have had for a long time could be related to a career in journalism or local politics, which ties in well with discussing local news.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing local news:
Stay informed about current local events. This will give you plenty of material to discuss.
Practice expressing your opinions on local news topics. Be ready to analyze the impact of local events on your community.
Use a variety of sentence structures and advanced vocabulary. This demonstrates your language proficiency.
Be prepared to discuss both positive and negative local news. Show that you can see different perspectives on an issue.
Link local news to broader themes or global issues when appropriate. This demonstrates your ability to think critically and make connections.
Use specific examples to support your points. This makes your answers more engaging and convincing.
Practice describing your emotions and reactions to news events. This adds depth to your responses.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversational style while showcasing your vocabulary and grammatical range.
Describe a natural landscape that you find fascinating could be an interesting topic to connect with local news, especially if there have been environmental issues or conservation efforts in your area.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss local news confidently in your IELTS Speaking test, helping you achieve the band score you’re aiming for.
