The Speaking part of the IELTS exam tests candidates on several criteria, including Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. One frequently asked area involves discussing recent events, including political ones. In this guide, we will explore how to answer questions related to describing a recent political event in your country, using structured and rich responses that could help you achieve higher band scores.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner introduces themselves and asks general questions about the candidate.
Common Questions in Part 1
- Can you tell me about any recent political event in your country?
- How does your country select political leaders?
- Are young people in your country interested in politics?
Example Answer
Question: Can you tell me about any recent political event in your country?
Answer: “Certainly! Recently, my country held a general election which saw a significant shift in political power. A new party came into power after nearly two decades, promising various reforms. The election was closely contested, with a high voter turnout and several debates focused on economic and social issues.”
Analysis
- Fluency: The answer flows naturally without unnecessary pauses.
- Lexical Resource: Phrases like “general election,” “shift in political power,” “high voter turnout,” and “closely contested” show a good range of vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range: The response uses complex sentences.
- Pronunciation: Clear and accessible pronunciation is key.
Part 2: Long Turn
This section requires candidates to speak for 1-2 minutes on a given topic.
Example Cue Card
Describe a recent political event in your country.
You should say:
- What the event was
- When and where it happened
- Who was involved
- And explain the significance of this event.
Sample Answer
“One recent political event in my country was the presidential inauguration ceremony held in January. This historic event took place in the capital city, drawing the attention of both national and international audiences. The newly elected president, along with prominent government officials and citizens, attended the ceremony. This event was significant because it marked the beginning of a new administration that promised substantial changes in policy, such as economic revitalization and improved international relations.”
Examiner Follow-up Questions
- How did people in your country react to this event?
- What changes do you think this new administration will bring about?
Suggested Responses
Question: How did people in your country react to this event?
Answer: “The reaction was mixed; while many were optimistic about the new leadership and its plans for economic growth and social welfare, others remained skeptical, concerned about the feasibility of the proposed reforms.”
Question: What changes do you think this new administration will bring about?
Answer: “I believe they will focus on revamping the healthcare system, enhancing educational opportunities, and fostering better trade relations with neighboring countries. These areas have been long-standing issues and key promises during the election campaign.”
Analysis
- Emphasis on key phrases and rich vocabulary such as “presidential inauguration,” “economic revitalization,” “mixed reactions,” “healthcare system,” and “trade relations.”
- Complex sentences to demonstrate grammatical range.
- Conversational tone to maintain fluency.
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
In this part, the examiner and the candidate discuss more abstract ideas related to the topic.
Example Discussion
Examiner Questions
- How important is political awareness among the citizens of a country?
- Do you think media plays a crucial role in shaping political opinions?
Sample Responses
Question: How important is political awareness among the citizens of a country?
Answer: “Political awareness is crucially important for a functioning democracy. Informed citizens are more likely to make educated decisions when voting, hold their leaders accountable, and actively participate in civic life. This ensures that the government reflects the will of the people and works towards the common good.”
Question: Do you think media plays a crucial role in shaping political opinions?
Answer: “Absolutely. Media serves as a primary source of information for most people. It can influence public opinion by highlighting certain issues, shaping narratives, and providing a platform for diverse viewpoints. However, it’s essential for media to remain unbiased and objective to foster a well-informed populace.”
Analysis
- Use of important phrases like “functioning democracy,” “informed citizens,” “will of the people,” and “unbiased media.”
- Complex and grammatically accurate sentences.
- Demonstrating the ability to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively.
Essential Vocabulary and Structures
Below are some significant words, their types, and how to use them in context.
Key Vocabulary
- Inauguration (noun) /ɪˌnɔːɡjʊˈreɪʃən/: The process of being formally sworn into office.
- “The inauguration of the new president was broadcasted nationwide.”
- Revitalize (verb) /ˌriːˈvaɪtəlaɪz/: To give new life or vigor to something.
- “The administration aims to revitalize the economy.”
- Skeptical (adjective) /ˈskɛptɪkəl/: Having doubts or reservations.
- “Many citizens are skeptical about the proposed reforms.”
- Feasibility (noun) /ˌfiːzəˈbɪlɪti/: The state of being possible or practical.
- “The feasibility of the new policies is under scrutiny.”
Usage Example
- “Political awareness and active citizenship are vital for a healthy democracy. The recent election, followed by the inauguration of a new leader, has drawn both optimism and skepticism among the public. The feasibility of promised reforms, especially those aiming to revitalize the economy, remains to be seen.”
presidential inauguration ceremony
Tips for Achieving Higher Scores in IELTS Speaking
- Practice Regularly: Constantly practice speaking on various topics to build fluency and confidence.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Use a wide range of vocabulary pertinent to the topic.
- Speak Clearly and Accurately: Focus on pronunciation and grammatical correctness.
- Use Complex Sentences: Demonstrate your ability to use complex structures and varied sentence types.
- Stay on Topic: Ensure your responses are relevant and address all parts of the question.
- Engage Actively: Treat the interaction with the examiner as a conversation, showcasing your interest and understanding.
By following these strategies and consistently practicing, you can significantly improve your Speaking performance in the IELTS exam. For further reading on related topics, you can refer to articles such as Describe a Famous Building in Your Country and A Perfect Storm to enhance your preparation.