In the IELTS Speaking exam, candidates are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English through a series of questions and tasks. The examiner evaluates them on four key criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Among the various types of questions, one frequently asked topic is “Describe a situation when you had to use English.” This article provides comprehensive guidance, including sample answers and strategies, to help you excel in this part of the test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions and Suggested Answers
Examiners often start with simpler, introductory questions to ease candidates into the speaking test. Here are a few common ones:
Where are you from?
- Suggested Answer: “I am from Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. It’s known for its rich history and vibrant culture.”
Do you think learning English is important?
- Suggested Answer: “Absolutely! English is a global language and knowing it opens up numerous opportunities for education, career advancements, and personal growth.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Create a cue card related to the keyword “Describe a situation when you had to use English”:
Describe a situation when you had to use English. You should say:
- When it was
- Where you were
- Why you had to use English
- How you felt about it
Sample Answer
“I recall a notable instance when I had to use English was during a business trip to Singapore last year. I was attending an international conference on digital marketing, held at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre. My role required me to present our company’s new marketing strategy to a diverse audience of professionals from various countries.
international business conference
As the primary language of the conference was English, I had to communicate entirely in English—from delivering my presentation to negotiating with potential business partners. At first, I was quite apprehensive due to the potential language barriers, but I soon found myself becoming more confident as I navigated through different accents and expressions. The experience not only improved my English proficiency but also enhanced my ability to connect with people globally.”
Follow-Up Questions
How did you prepare for the presentation?
- Suggested Answer: “I did extensive research on the topic and rehearsed my speech multiple times. This helped me become more familiar with the vocabulary and confident in delivering the content.”
What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
- Suggested Answer: “One challenge was understanding diverse accents. To overcome this, I paid close attention to the context and occasionally asked for clarification when needed.”
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Examiner’s Questions and Suggested Answers
In Part 3, the examiner discusses more abstract ideas related to the topic of Part 2, requiring deeper analytical skills.
Why do you think English is considered a global language?
- Suggested Answer: “English is deemed a global language primarily due to historical factors like British colonialism and the influence of the United States in contemporary international affairs. This has made English the lingua franca in business, science, and technology.”
How can learning English benefit individuals at a personal and professional level?
- Suggested Answer: “At a personal level, learning English can enhance one’s ability to access information, engage with cultures different from their own, and travel more comfortably. Professionally, it often leads to better job prospects, as many multinational companies require employees to communicate in English.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some high-scoring vocabulary and phrases relevant to the sample answers and questions:
Proficiency (noun) /prəˈfɪʃənsi/: Competence or skill in a given area.
- Example: “His proficiency in English is admirable.”
Navigate through (phrase): To find a way through a complex problem or topic.
- Example: “She can navigate through intricate social situations with ease.”
Lingua franca (noun) /ˌlɪŋɡwə ˈfræŋkə/: A language that is adopted as a common language between speakers whose native languages are different.
- Example: “English serves as the lingua franca in many international conferences.”
Apprehensive (adjective) /ˌæprɪˈhensɪv/: Anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen.
- Example: “He was apprehensive about speaking in public for the first time.”
Conclusion
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking exam, thorough preparation and a good command of English are essential. Practicing with sample questions, focusing on effective communication, and enriching your vocabulary can significantly boost your confidence and performance. Remember, practice makes perfect, so engage in meaningful English conversations as often as possible.
Connect with more topics like Describe a situation when you had to apologize and Describe a situation when you had to work under pressure to diversify your speaking ability and readiness for the exam.