How to Ace the IELTS Speaking Test: “Describe a Time When You Attended a School Reunion”

The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess various aspects of your spoken English, including fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. In the speaking test, candidates often encounter questions that require them to recount personal experiences, which can include topics like school reunions. Understanding how to craft your answers effectively can greatly improve your score.

This post will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to answer the question “Describe A Time When You Attended A School Reunion.” We will break down the question into parts, provide sample answers, and discuss essential vocabulary and phrases to help you excel in the IELTS Speaking test.

II. Main Content

Common Questions in Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, examiners generally ask questions about everyday topics to get you talking. Here’s an example:

Question: “Do you often meet your old school friends?”
Suggested Answer:
“I try to meet up with my old school friends as often as I can. We usually catch up over a meal or coffee and reminisce about our school days. Reconnecting with them brings back fond memories, and it’s always refreshing to see how everyone has progressed in their lives.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:
“Describe a time when you attended a school reunion. You should say:

• When and where it was
• Who you met
• What you did
• And explain how you felt about the reunion.”

Suggested Answer:
“One of the most memorable school reunions I attended was back in the summer of 2019. The event was organized at our old high school, which had undergone some renovations but still felt like home. I met many of my former classmates, some of whom had traveled from different parts of the country to be there. We reminisced about the old times, shared what we’ve been up to, and laughed over many of our past misadventures.

school reunion

During the reunion, we participated in various activities like a nostalgia quiz about our school days, a tour of the new facilities, and a slideshow of old photographs. I even had the chance to speak with some of my old teachers and mentors.

Overall, I felt an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and gratitude. Reconnecting with my past helped me appreciate the journey I’ve been on and the friendships that have stood the test of time. The reunion was a beautiful blend of the past and present, and it left me with warm feelings and a deeper connection to my roots.”

Follow-up Questions

Bullet Points:

1. “Why do you think school reunions are important?”
2. “How have school reunions changed with the advent of social media?”
3. “Can school reunions help in professional networking?”

Suggested Answers:

1. “School reunions are important because they provide an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and teachers, relive cherished memories, and reflect on how far we’ve come since our school days. They serve as a reminder of our formative years and help us maintain those invaluable connections.”
2. “Social media has undeniably changed school reunions. Nowadays, it’s easier to keep in touch with former classmates, so reunions are often more about in-person interactions and rekindling relationships that have been sustained online. However, they can also feel less surprising since people are already updated on each other’s lives through platforms like Facebook and Instagram.”
3. “Absolutely, school reunions can be a great opportunity for professional networking. They allow people to connect with old friends who might be in similar or complementary industries, leading to potential collaborations, job opportunities, or even business partnerships. The trust and camaraderie built during school days can translate into strong professional relationships.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the Examiner will often ask more abstract and discussion-based questions related to the topic of Part 2.

Examiner: “In what ways do you think attending a school reunion can impact a person’s professional life?”

Suggested Answer:
“Attending a school reunion can significantly impact a person’s professional life in multiple ways. Firstly, it can provide networking opportunities that might lead to job offers or collaborative projects. Additionally, sharing experiences and insights with former classmates can offer new perspectives and inspire professional growth. The reunion environment often fosters a sense of trust and familiarity, making it easier to explore potential business ventures or seek advice. In essence, these events can serve as a platform for both personal and professional development, enriching one’s career trajectory.”

III. Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores

Essential Vocabulary:

• Reminisce /ˌrɛmɪˈnɪs/ (verb): To talk or think about past experiences that you remember with pleasure.
  • Example: We spent the evening reminiscing about our adventurous university days.
• Nostalgia /nɒˈstældʒə/ (noun): A feeling of pleasure and sometimes slight sadness at the same time as you think about things that happened in the past.
  • Example: There is a sense of nostalgia that comes with looking through old photographs.
• Rekindle /rɪˈkɪndl/ (verb): To make something become active again.
  • Example: The reunion helped rekindle old friendships that had faded over the years.
• Camaraderie /ˌkæməˈrɑːdəri/ (noun): Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.
  • Example: The camaraderie among the classmates was palpable during the reunion.

Key Phrases for High Scores:

• “Reconnecting with my past helped me appreciate the journey I’ve been on.”
• “The reunion was a beautiful blend of the past and present.”
• “The event served as a reminder of our formative years.”
• “Rekindling relationships that have been sustained online.”

IV. Examiner’s Tips for Success

1. Practice Regularly: Regular practice helps improve fluency and coherence. Use cue cards to simulate exam conditions.
2. Expand Your Vocabulary: Make a habit of learning new words and phrases. Try to incorporate them into your daily conversations.
3. Record and Evaluate: Record your responses and critically evaluate them or get feedback from a teacher or language partner.
4. Stay Calm and Confident: Confidence can greatly impact your performance. Practice relaxation techniques to stay calm during the test.
5. Engage with the Examiner: Make your answers engaging by using variations in tone and displaying genuine interest in your responses.

Combining these strategies with the provided sample answers and vocabulary will put you on the path to achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.