As an experienced IELTS Speaking examiner, I understand the challenges candidates face when describing recent events in their cities. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests and is likely to remain relevant in future exams. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this question and impress your examiner with a high-scoring response.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about your city and recent events. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: “Are there many events happening in your city?”
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “Absolutely. My city, Mumbai, is a vibrant metropolis that’s always buzzing with activity. We have numerous cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and music concerts throughout the year. Just last month, we hosted an international film festival that drew crowds from all over the country. It’s truly a dynamic place to live.”
Describe a place you have visited recently for more practice on discussing locations and experiences.
Part 2: Long Turn
For Part 2, here’s a sample cue card related to describing a recent event in your city:
Describe A Recent Event In Your City That Left An Impression On You.
You should say:
- What the event was
- When and where it took place
- Who you went with
- And explain why it left an impression on you
Here’s a sample response for Band 8-9:
“I’d like to talk about a captivating art installation that recently took place in my city, Chennai. The event, called ‘Ocean of Plastic‘, was held last month in Marina Beach, our city’s most famous coastline.
The installation was a massive sculpture created entirely from plastic waste collected from the ocean. It was the brainchild of a renowned environmental artist, who collaborated with local volunteers to gather the materials and construct the piece over several weeks.
I attended the unveiling ceremony with my college environmental club. As we approached the beach, we were immediately struck by the sheer scale of the artwork. It was a colossal wave-like structure, standing over 20 feet tall and stretching for nearly 100 meters along the shore.
What left the deepest impression on me was how the artist had transformed something ugly and harmful into a thing of beauty, while simultaneously conveying a powerful message. The sculpture vividly illustrated the magnitude of plastic pollution in our oceans, making it impossible to ignore the issue.
The event sparked intense discussions among visitors about environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. It was heartening to see people from all walks of life engaging with the artwork and pledging to reduce their plastic consumption.
Moreover, the installation garnered significant media attention, bringing our city into the global spotlight for a positive reason. It instilled a sense of pride in our community and motivated many local initiatives to clean up our beaches and waterways.
In conclusion, this event left a lasting impact on me because it seamlessly blended art with activism, creating a powerful visual metaphor that resonated deeply with the public. It demonstrated the potential of art to inspire change and unite people around a common cause, making it a truly unforgettable experience.”
Ocean of Plastic art installation on Marina Beach
Follow-up questions:
Examiner: “How do you think events like this impact the community?”
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “Events of this nature can have a profound impact on the community. They serve as catalysts for change, raising awareness about critical issues and inspiring collective action. Such installations can foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility among residents, encouraging them to become more environmentally conscious in their daily lives. Furthermore, these events can boost tourism and enhance the city’s cultural reputation, leading to economic benefits and increased civic pride.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Do you think cities should invest more in cultural events?”
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “Absolutely. I believe that investing in cultural events is crucial for the vitality and development of any city. Such events serve multiple purposes:
Firstly, they enhance the quality of life for residents by providing opportunities for entertainment, education, and social interaction. This can lead to improved mental health and a stronger sense of community.
Secondly, cultural events can be significant drivers of tourism, attracting visitors from other regions or countries. This influx of tourists can boost the local economy, creating jobs and generating revenue for businesses.
Moreover, these events showcase a city’s unique identity and heritage, helping to preserve and promote local traditions. This is particularly important in our increasingly globalized world, where maintaining cultural distinctiveness can be challenging.
Additionally, cultural events can serve as platforms for addressing social issues and promoting dialogue between different groups within society. They can be powerful tools for fostering understanding and tolerance.
However, it’s important to note that investments in cultural events should be balanced with other municipal needs. Cities need to ensure that basic infrastructure and services are not neglected in favor of cultural spending.
In conclusion, while the specific amount of investment may vary depending on a city’s resources and priorities, I firmly believe that allocating funds for cultural events is a wise and necessary strategy for promoting urban development and improving citizens’ quality of life.”
Vibrant cultural festival in city square
Describe a live concert you attended for more practice on discussing events and performances.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases:
Vibrant metropolis /ˈvaɪbrənt mɪˈtrɒpəlɪs/ (noun phrase): A lively and exciting large city.
Example: “Tokyo is a vibrant metropolis known for its unique blend of tradition and modernity.”Brainchild /ˈbreɪntʃaɪld/ (noun): An idea or invention considered to be a particular person’s creation.
Example: “The annual arts festival was the brainchild of our city’s cultural department.”Garner attention /ˈɡɑːnər əˈtenʃn/ (verb phrase): To attract or earn notice or interest.
Example: “The innovative street art project garnered attention from both locals and tourists.”Catalyst for change /ˈkætəlɪst fɔːr tʃeɪndʒ/ (noun phrase): Something that precipitates or accelerates a transformation or development.
Example: “The environmental campaign acted as a catalyst for change in our community’s recycling habits.”Foster a sense of /ˈfɒstər ə sens əv/ (verb phrase): To encourage or promote the development of a particular feeling or attitude.
Example: “Community events help to foster a sense of belonging among residents.”
Describe a thing you complained about to practice using more advanced vocabulary in context.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing events:
Prepare a mental list of recent notable events in your city. This will help you respond quickly and confidently.
Practice describing events using a variety of adjectives and idiomatic expressions to make your account more vivid and engaging.
Focus on your personal experience and feelings about the event. This adds authenticity and depth to your response.
Structure your answer logically, using discourse markers to guide the examiner through your description.
Elaborate on your points with relevant details and examples to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Be prepared to discuss broader topics related to events, such as their impact on society or the economy, especially for Part 3 questions.
By following these strategies and incorporating sophisticated vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to impress your examiner and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.
IELTS candidate practicing speaking skills
Describe an interesting place you visited recently for more practice on descriptive speaking tasks.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about memorizing answers, but about developing the ability to communicate effectively and naturally on a wide range of topics. Regular practice and exposure to English in various contexts will help you achieve this goal.
Describe a memorable road trip you took with family to further enhance your descriptive speaking skills.
