As an IELTS Speaking examiner and experienced English instructor, I’m here to guide you through one of the common topics in IELTS Speaking Part 2: describing a recent trend in your country. This topic not only tests your ability to articulate your thoughts but also showcases your awareness of current events and societal changes. Let’s dive into how you can excel in this task and achieve a high band score.
Understanding the Task
Before we delve into the sample answers, it’s crucial to understand what the examiner is looking for when they ask you to describe a recent trend. They want to assess:
- Your ability to identify and explain a current phenomenon
- Your vocabulary range related to social trends and changes
- Your capacity to structure a coherent response
- Your fluency and pronunciation
Now, let’s break down the task into its components and provide strategies for each part of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner might warm up with some general questions about trends. Here are a few examples:
- Do you follow any trends?
- How do you learn about new trends?
- Do you think following trends is important?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you follow any trends?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do try to keep up with certain trends, particularly in the realm of technology and social media. I find it fascinating to see how quickly new apps or online platforms can gain traction and transform the way we communicate or consume information. For instance, I’ve recently started using TikTok, which has exploded in popularity over the past year or so. It’s interesting to see how it’s shaping content creation and influencing other social media platforms.”
Key phrases that can boost your score are highlighted in bold. Notice the use of specific examples and varied vocabulary related to trends.
Part 2: Long Turn
Now, let’s move on to the main task. Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a recent trend in your country that caught your attention
You should say:
- What the trend is
- When you first noticed it
- Why it became popular
- And explain how you feel about this trend
IELTS Speaking Cue Card
Let’s look at two sample answers, one for Band 6-7 and another for Band 8-9:
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about the recent trend of urban gardening that has gained popularity in my country. I first noticed this trend about two years ago when I saw more and more people in my neighborhood setting up small gardens on their balconies or rooftops.
This trend became popular for several reasons. Firstly, people became more health-conscious and wanted to grow their own organic vegetables. Secondly, during the pandemic, many people found gardening to be a relaxing hobby while staying at home. Lastly, there’s a growing awareness of environmental issues, and urban gardening is seen as a way to make cities greener.
Personally, I think this trend is quite positive. It not only helps people eat healthier but also brings a bit of nature into urban areas. I’ve even started my own small herb garden on my balcony, and I find it very rewarding to use fresh herbs in my cooking.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss the burgeoning trend of urban gardening that has taken root in my country over the past few years. I first became cognizant of this phenomenon approximately two years ago when I observed an increasing number of my fellow city dwellers transforming their balconies, rooftops, and even small patches of land into verdant oases.
This trend has gained traction for a multitude of reasons. Primarily, there’s been a paradigm shift towards healthier lifestyles, with people becoming more discerning about the provenance of their food. The desire to cultivate organic produce has fueled this movement. Moreover, the recent pandemic acted as a catalyst, prompting many to seek out therapeutic activities while confined to their homes. Gardening emerged as a salve for both mental and physical well-being. Additionally, there’s a growing ecological consciousness, and urban gardening is perceived as a tangible way to combat urban heat islands and promote biodiversity within city limits.
From my perspective, this trend is overwhelmingly positive and holds immense potential. Not only does it contribute to food security and promote sustainability, but it also fosters a sense of community as neighbors exchange gardening tips and produce. I’ve personally embraced this movement by cultivating a diverse array of herbs and vegetables on my balcony. The satisfaction derived from nurturing plants and harvesting my own produce is truly unparalleled. It’s my belief that urban gardening is not merely a fleeting trend, but a fundamental shift in how we conceive our relationship with food and nature in urban environments.”
Examiner’s Follow-up Questions:
- Do you think this trend will continue in the future?
- Are there any potential drawbacks to this trend?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for Question 1:
“I’m firmly convinced that the urban gardening trend will not only continue but gain even more momentum in the coming years. As environmental concerns become more pressing and people increasingly prioritize sustainability, urban gardening is likely to evolve from a niche hobby into a mainstream practice. We’re already seeing innovative adaptations like vertical gardens and hydroponics systems that make it feasible for even more city dwellers to participate. Moreover, as local governments recognize the myriad benefits of urban green spaces, we may see more policy initiatives supporting and encouraging this trend. The fusion of technology with gardening, through apps and smart devices for plant care, is also likely to attract younger generations. In essence, urban gardening aligns perfectly with the broader societal shift towards sustainability, health, and community engagement, suggesting its longevity as a trend.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example:
Examiner: How do you think trends impact society?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Trends can have a profound and multifaceted impact on society. On a macro level, they can shape economic patterns, influencing consumer behavior and driving innovation in various industries. For instance, the trend towards sustainability has spurred the growth of eco-friendly businesses and compelled traditional companies to reassess their practices.
Socially, trends can alter the fabric of daily life. They often reflect and reinforce changing values within a society. The rise of social media, for example, has revolutionized how we communicate, form relationships, and consume information. This has led to both positive outcomes, like increased connectivity and democratization of information, as well as challenges such as privacy concerns and the spread of misinformation.
Culturally, trends can serve as a barometer of societal progress or shifts. They can challenge traditional norms and pave the way for greater acceptance of diverse ideas and lifestyles. The growing acceptance of remote work, accelerated by recent global events, is a prime example of how a trend can reshape our concept of work-life balance and professional norms.
However, it’s crucial to note that not all trends have a lasting impact. Some may be fleeting fads that quickly fade, while others can spark significant, long-term changes. The key lies in distinguishing between superficial trends and those that reflect deeper societal shifts. In essence, trends serve as both a mirror and a catalyst for societal change, reflecting our current state while simultaneously pushing us towards new horizons.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, it’s essential to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some that can elevate your responses:
Burgeoning /ˈbɜːdʒənɪŋ/ (adjective): Growing or developing quickly
Example: “The burgeoning trend of sustainable fashion is reshaping the clothing industry.”Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
Example: “The rise of electric vehicles represents a paradigm shift in the automotive industry.”Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features
Example: “The impact of social media on society is multifaceted, affecting everything from personal relationships to political discourse.”Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): Something that causes activity between two or more persons or forces
Example: “The pandemic acted as a catalyst for the rapid adoption of remote work technologies.”Profound /prəˈfaʊnd/ (adjective): Very great or intense
Example: “The trend towards digitalization has had a profound impact on traditional retail businesses.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing trends, keep these tips in mind:
- Stay informed about current events and societal changes in your country and globally.
- Practice identifying and explaining trends in various areas (technology, lifestyle, education, etc.).
- Develop a bank of sophisticated vocabulary related to social changes and trends.
- Work on your ability to analyze trends, discussing both their causes and potential impacts.
- Use specific examples to illustrate your points, as this adds credibility to your responses.
- Practice speaking on various topics for 2-3 minutes to improve your fluency and timing.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about knowing the language, but also about expressing your thoughts clearly, coherently, and confidently. Regular practice and exposure to a wide range of topics will help you achieve the band score you’re aiming for.