The IELTS Speaking test frequently includes questions about personal experiences and emotions. One such topic that has appeared in past exams and is likely to resurface is describing a time when you had to let go of something important. This question allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate complex feelings and situations in English.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask general questions related to the theme of letting go. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you find it easy to let go of things?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Well, it depends on the situation. Sometimes I find it quite challenging to let go, especially if it’s something I’ve had for a long time or if it holds sentimental value. But I try to be practical and understand that we can’t hold onto everything forever.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“To be honest, I’d say it varies considerably depending on the circumstances. While I generally consider myself quite adaptable, there are certainly instances where I find it particularly challenging to let go, especially when it comes to items or relationships that hold deep sentimental value. However, I’ve come to recognize the importance of not becoming overly attached and I actively work on maintaining a healthy balance between cherishing memories and embracing change.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you had to let go of something important to you.
You should say:
- What it was
- Why it was important to you
- Why you had to let it go
- How you felt about it
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about a time when I had to let go of my childhood home. It was a small house in the countryside where I grew up with my family. This house was really important to me because it held so many memories of my childhood and was where I spent time with my grandparents.
We had to let it go because my parents decided to move to the city for better job opportunities. It was a difficult decision for all of us, but we knew it was necessary for our future.
I felt really sad about leaving the house. It was hard to say goodbye to the place where I had spent so many happy years. But I also understood that change is a part of life and we needed to move forward.
In the end, although it was emotional, I accepted the decision and tried to focus on the new opportunities that moving to the city would bring. It taught me an important lesson about adapting to change and valuing memories rather than physical places.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to recount a poignant experience when I had to relinquish my cherished childhood home. It was a quaint, rustic cottage nestled in the picturesque countryside, where I spent my formative years surrounded by the warmth of my family. This dwelling held immense significance for me, as it was a repository of countless treasured memories, from joyous family gatherings to quiet moments of reflection in the garden.
The house was particularly dear to me as it was where I formed an unbreakable bond with my grandparents, who lived with us during their twilight years. Every nook and cranny of the place seemed to whisper stories of my past, making it an integral part of my identity.
The decision to part with our beloved home was precipitated by my parents’ career advancement, which necessitated a relocation to the bustling metropolis. While the move promised enhanced opportunities for our family’s future, it came at the cost of leaving behind a place that had been our anchor for so long.
The process of letting go was undeniably heart-wrenching. I found myself grappling with a maelstrom of emotions – a profound sense of loss, nostalgia, and apprehension about the impending change. The thought of never again waking up to the familiar creaking of the old wooden stairs or the scent of my mother’s cooking wafting through the house was particularly difficult to come to terms with.
However, this experience also became a catalyst for personal growth. It taught me the invaluable lesson of impermanence and the importance of cherishing memories rather than clinging to physical spaces. I learned to appreciate the intangible legacy of love and experiences that I could carry with me, regardless of my geographical location.
Ultimately, while the process was emotionally taxing, I managed to embrace the change with a sense of optimism. I channeled my energy into looking forward to the new adventures and opportunities that awaited us in the city, while still honoring and preserving the precious memories associated with our old home. This experience has significantly shaped my ability to adapt to change and find strength in letting go, skills that have proven invaluable throughout my life journey.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How did letting go of your childhood home change you as a person?
- Do you think it’s important for people to learn to let go of things? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Letting go of my childhood home made me more adaptable. I learned that change can be good and that memories are more important than physical things. I think it’s important for people to learn to let go because it helps them move forward in life and not get stuck in the past.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The experience of parting with my childhood home was truly transformative. It cultivated a sense of resilience and adaptability within me that I hadn’t previously recognized. This pivotal moment taught me the art of cherishing memories while simultaneously embracing change, a skill that has proven invaluable in navigating life’s myriad challenges.
I firmly believe that learning to let go is an essential life skill. It fosters emotional growth, promotes mental well-being, and enables individuals to adapt more readily to life’s inevitable changes. By relinquishing our grip on the past or on material possessions, we open ourselves up to new experiences and opportunities for personal development. Moreover, the ability to let go can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, allowing us to live more fully in the present moment.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to the theme of letting go. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Why do you think some people find it difficult to let go of things?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think people find it hard to let go because they get attached to things. Sometimes, objects or people become a part of our identity, and letting go feels like losing a part of ourselves. Also, change can be scary, so holding onto familiar things feels safer.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The difficulty in letting go often stems from a complex interplay of psychological and emotional factors. Primarily, I believe it’s rooted in our innate desire for stability and our tendency to form strong emotional attachments. Objects, relationships, or even ideas can become intrinsically linked to our sense of identity or self-worth, making the prospect of relinquishing them feel like a personal loss.
Moreover, there’s a strong element of familiarity and comfort associated with long-held possessions or beliefs. The fear of the unknown or the anxiety associated with change can make people cling to the familiar, even when it’s no longer beneficial. This is often exacerbated by our natural inclination towards loss aversion – the psychological principle that suggests we feel the pain of losing something more acutely than the pleasure of gaining something new.
Additionally, in some cases, the inability to let go might be tied to deeper issues such as unresolved past traumas or insecurities. For instance, someone who has experienced significant loss might find it particularly challenging to let go of things, as a subconscious defense mechanism against further loss.”
Q: In what ways do you think modern society encourages or discourages letting go?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think modern society has mixed messages about letting go. On one hand, we’re encouraged to declutter and simplify our lives. There are even popular books and TV shows about it. But on the other hand, consumerism pushes us to keep buying and collecting things. Social media also makes it hard to let go of past relationships or experiences because everything is documented online.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Modern society presents a fascinating dichotomy when it comes to the concept of letting go. On one hand, there’s a growing movement towards minimalism and simplification, epitomized by influential figures like Marie Kondo and the increasing popularity of mindfulness practices. This trend encourages individuals to declutter their physical spaces and, by extension, their mental landscapes, promoting the idea that letting go can lead to greater freedom and happiness.
Conversely, we’re simultaneously bombarded by consumerist messages that equate acquisition with success and fulfillment. The constant stream of advertisements and the pressure to keep up with the latest trends can make it challenging for individuals to let go of material possessions or outdated ideas.
Furthermore, the digital age has added another layer of complexity to this issue. Social media platforms, while connecting us in unprecedented ways, also create a digital archive of our lives that can make it difficult to move on from past relationships or experiences. The constant reminders and the ability to easily access information about people from our past can hinder the natural process of letting go.
However, it’s worth noting that technology also offers tools that can facilitate letting go. Digital storage solutions, for instance, allow us to preserve memories without physical clutter, potentially making it easier to part with physical objects.
In essence, modern society sends mixed signals about letting go, reflecting the complex relationship we have with possessions, memories, and change in the digital age. This contradiction highlights the need for individuals to develop strong personal values and decision-making skills to navigate these conflicting messages effectively.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your IELTS Speaking performance when discussing the topic of letting go, consider incorporating these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
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Relinquish /rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃ/ (verb): To give up or surrender (something)
Example: “It was difficult to relinquish control of the project I had nurtured for so long.” -
Cathartic /kəˈθɑːrtɪk/ (adjective): Providing psychological relief through the expression of strong emotions
Example: “The process of letting go, although painful, was ultimately cathartic.” -
Nostalgia /nɒˈstældʒə/ (noun): A sentimental longing for the past
Example: “Waves of nostalgia washed over me as I packed up my childhood belongings.” -
Attachment /əˈtætʃmənt/ (noun): A strong emotional bond to someone or something
Example: “My attachment to the old family car made it hard to sell, even though it was no longer practical.” -
Pivotal /ˈpɪvətl/ (adjective): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else
Example: “Letting go of my fear of failure was a pivotal moment in my career development.” -
Adapt /əˈdæpt/ (verb): To adjust to new conditions
Example: “Learning to adapt to change is an essential skill in today’s fast-paced world.” -
Sentimental value /ˌsentɪˈmentl ˈvæljuː/ (phrase): The value of an object deriving from personal or emotional associations rather than material worth
Example: “Although the necklace wasn’t expensive, its sentimental value made it priceless to me.” -
To come to terms with (phrase): To accept or become reconciled to something
Example: “It took time, but I eventually came to terms with the fact that I needed to move on.”
By incorporating these words and phrases naturally into your responses, you can demonstrate a rich vocabulary and nuanced understanding of the topic, potentially boosting your IELTS Speaking score.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing a topic like letting go of something important, consider the following tips:
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Practice Storytelling: Develop your ability to narrate personal experiences coherently and engagingly. This skill is crucial for Part 2 of the test.
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Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly learn and practice using sophisticated vocabulary related to emotions and personal experiences. This will help you express complex ideas more effectively.
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Work on Fluency: Aim to speak smoothly and confidently, minimizing hesitations and filler words. Regular speaking practice can significantly improve your fluency.
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Develop Your Ideas: Don’t just give short, simple answers. Expand on your points with examples, explanations, or personal anecdotes to showcase your English proficiency.
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Use a Range of Grammatical Structures: Incorporate various sentence structures and tenses in your responses to demonstrate your command of English grammar.
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Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the examiner’s questions to ensure your answers are relevant and on-topic.
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Stay Calm: Remember that the examiner is interested in your language skills, not judging your personal experiences. Stay relaxed and view the test as an opportunity to showcase your English abilities.
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Reflect on Personal Experiences: Before the test, think about various life experiences that could be relevant to common IELTS topics. This preparation can help you respond more readily to questions.
By following these tips and consistently practicing, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and potentially achieve a higher band score.
If you’re looking for more IELTS Speaking practice, you might find it helpful to describe a garden you have visited and why you liked it. This topic can help you practice describing places and expressing personal preferences, which are valuable skills for the IELTS Speaking test.