The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. The examiner evaluates your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. A popular topic often included in these tests is “Describe A Recent Medical Breakthrough,” which can appear in both the cue card (Part 2) and the two-way discussion (Part 3).
In this article, we will explore how you can approach this topic effectively, providing sample answers and useful tips to impress the examiner and achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.
II. Main Content
Examiner’s Questions in Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Part 1 typically includes general questions about yourself, your family, work, studies, and interests. Below are a few common questions an examiner might ask:
- “Do you enjoy studying science and health subjects?”
- “Have you ever visited a hospital?”
- “What do you think about the current state of healthcare in your country?”
Sample Answer for Question 1:
“Yes, I do enjoy studying science and health subjects. I find them incredibly fascinating because they directly relate to our well-being and advancements in these fields can significantly improve the quality of life. For instance, understanding how diseases spread and how to prevent them is crucial in today’s world, especially with the ongoing pandemic.”
Part 2: Long Turn
For Part 2, you receive a cue card with a specific topic. You have one minute to prepare and then need to speak for one to two minutes.
Cue Card Example and Suggested Answer
Cue Card: Describe a recent medical breakthrough. You should say:
- What the breakthrough is
- How it was discovered
- Who benefited from it
- And explain why you think it is important
Sample Answer:
“One recent medical breakthrough that comes to mind is the development of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. This innovative approach uses messenger RNA to instruct cells to produce a protein that triggers an immune response, helping the body combat the virus. It was discovered through years of research in the field of genetic engineering and was pushed into rapid development due to the urgency of the pandemic.
Frontline workers and high-risk populations have particularly benefited from it, as the vaccines have substantially reduced the severity of cases and mortality rates. The reason why I think this breakthrough is so important is that it has demonstrated the potential for mRNA technology to be used in other vaccines and treatments, potentially revolutionizing medicine. It also shows the power of global collaboration and rapid scientific progress during a health crisis.”
mRNA Vaccine Technology
Follow-up Questions with Suggested Answers
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“Why is the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine considered a breakthrough?”
“The rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine is considered a breakthrough due to the unprecedented speed at which the vaccine was developed and distributed. Traditional vaccines often take years to develop, but mRNA vaccines became available within a year of the virus being identified. This has set a new paradigm for how quickly the medical community can respond to emergent public health threats.”
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“What other diseases do you think could benefit from similar technological advances?”
“Many chronic and infectious diseases could benefit from similar technological advances. For instance, research is underway to use mRNA technology for vaccines against HIV, cancer, and even some types of flu. If successful, these vaccines could transform how we approach disease prevention and treatment on a global scale.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner may ask more abstract questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2, often requiring you to analyze, discuss, and express your opinion on broader issues.
Examiner’s Questions and Suggested Answers
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“How do you think medical research will change in the next 10 years?”
“I believe medical research will be even more impactful over the next decade. Advancements in technology, particularly in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology, will likely lead to more personalized and effective treatments. Moreover, global collaboration on projects will probably become the norm, enabling faster and more comprehensive research outcomes.”
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“What ethical considerations arise from new medical technologies?”
“New medical technologies often bring about significant ethical considerations. For instance, gene-editing technologies like CRISPR introduce debates over the potential for ‘designer babies’ and genetic modification of humans. There are also concerns about data privacy with the increasing use of digital health records. It is crucial for the medical community to balance innovation with ethical standards to ensure responsible use of technology.”
Vocabulary and Key Phrases
Achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test can benefit from the use of advanced vocabulary and expressions. Here are some key terms and phrases you might find useful:
- mRNA technology /ˈmɛsɪndʒər ɑr ɛn eɪ tɛkˈnɑləʤi/: Messenger RNA technology.
- Genetic engineering /ʤəˈnɛtɪk ˌɛnʤəˈnɪərɪŋ/: The deliberate modification of the characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material.
- Frontline workers /ˈfrʌntˌlaɪn ˈwɜrkərz/: Healthcare workers who are directly involved in patient care.
- Mortality rates /mɔrˈtæləti reɪts/: The frequency of deaths in a particular population.
- Global collaboration /ˈgloʊbəl kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃən/: Cooperation between various countries or organizations worldwide.
- Data analytics /ˈdeɪtə ˌænəˈlɪtɪks/: The process of examining data to derive insights.
Examples of Usage
- “The invention of mRNA technology has revolutionized how quickly we can develop vaccines.”
- “With genetic engineering, scientists are now able to address diseases at their roots.”
- “The mortality rates have significantly decreased due to the efficiency of the vaccines.”
III. Examiner’s Tips and Advice
To perform well in the IELTS Speaking test, here are some additional tips:
- Practice Fluency: Try to speak without long pauses, and do not correct yourself too often.
- Use Advanced Vocabulary: Incorporate high-level vocabulary naturally into your speech.
- Engage in Practice Discussions: Simulate two-way discussions to improve your ability to think on your feet.
- Record Your Speech: Listen to your recordings to assess your pronunciation and coherence.
- Stay Relaxed: Nervousness can hinder performance. Practice relaxation techniques to stay calm during the test.
By following these guidelines and practicing the provided sample answers, you can enhance your ability to describe medical breakthroughs effectively and achieve a higher score on the IELTS Speaking test.
