The IELTS Speaking test is a crucial part of the IELTS examination, testing candidates’ speaking skills, such as fluency, coherence, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy. One common topic you might encounter is “Describe a time when you did something new”. Below, we’ll guide you through how to effectively answer this type of question to score high in the IELTS Speaking test.
Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test
The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview – A general conversation about yourself.
- Part 2: Long Turn – You’ll be given a cue card with a topic and you’ll need to speak about it for 1-2 minutes.
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion – A discussion on more abstract ideas and issues related to the Part 2 topic.
Key Evaluation Criteria
- Fluency and Coherence: Speak smoothly and logically.
- Lexical Resource: Use a wide range of vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use various grammatical structures correctly.
- Pronunciation: Speak clearly and with correct pronunciation.
Having understood the test structure, let’s delve into how to answer the question “Describe a time when you did something new” effectively.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Possible Questions
- Can you tell me about your hobbies?
- Do you enjoy trying new things? Why or why not?
Sample Question and Answer
Question: Do you enjoy trying new things?
Answer: “Yes, I absolutely love trying new things. I find it exciting and it allows me to learn and grow as a person. For instance, last month, I tried rock climbing for the first time, and it was a thrilling experience.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you did something new.
You should say:
- What you did
- When and where you did it
- How you felt about it
- And explain what you learnt from this experience
Sample Answer
“I’d like to talk about a time when I tried pottery for the first time. This happened about six months ago at a local arts and crafts studio. I had always been interested in pottery but never had the opportunity to try it. So, when I saw a weekend pottery workshop advertised, I decided to sign up.
On the day of the workshop, I was both excited and a bit nervous. The instructor was very helpful and encouraging. He showed us how to mold the clay and shape it on the potter’s wheel. At first, my attempts were clumsy and the clay would collapse after a few spins. However, with some practice and guidance, I managed to create a small bowl.
The whole experience was very hands-on and therapeutic. I felt a sense of accomplishment when I finally made something that resembled a bowl. This new experience taught me the importance of patience and persistence, and it also sparked a new hobby for me. Now, I often go to the studio to practice and improve my pottery skills.”
Potential Follow-up Questions and Answers
Question: Have you tried any other new activities since then?
Answer: “Yes, after pottery, I also tried calligraphy. It’s another activity that requires a lot of patience, and I found it quite relaxing.”
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Examiner Questions and Model Answers
Question: Why do you think people often hesitate to try new things?
Answer: “I believe people are often afraid of failure or the unknown. There’s a certain comfort in familiarity, and stepping out of that can be daunting.”
Question: How beneficial is it for people to try new activities outside their comfort zones?
Answer: “It’s immensely beneficial. Trying new activities can enhance self-confidence, expand one’s horizons, and provide a sense of achievement. It also helps in developing new skills and can even be therapeutic.”
Vocabulary and Key Structures
To effectively tackle the question “Describe a time when you did something new,” here are some essential words and phrases:
Vocabulary
- Thrilling (/ˈθrɪl.ɪŋ/): Extremely exciting.
- Hands-on (/ˌhændz ˈɒn/): Involving active participation.
- Therapeutic (/ˌθer.əˈpjuː.tɪk/): Having a healing effect.
- Clumsy (/ˈklʌm.zi/): Awkward in movements or actions.
Sample Sentences
- “The pottery workshop was a thrilling experience that I’ll never forget.”
- “It was a very hands-on session, and I enjoyed every moment of it.”
Examiner’s Tips for High Scores
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice will improve your fluency and confidence.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Use varied vocabulary to describe experiences vividly.
- Engage in Mock Tests: Simulate the test environment to build familiarity.
- Focus on Pronunciation: Clear pronunciation ensures you are understood.
By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the IELTS Speaking task confidently and effectively.