The IELTS Speaking test assesses your proficiency in spoken English through a face-to-face interview with an examiner. The test consists of three parts: the Introduction and Interview, the Long Turn, and the Two-way Discussion. For each part, examiners rate your performance based on four criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. The question “Describe a time when you learned something unexpected” is a common task that often appears in the Long Turn (Part 2) of the IELTS Speaking test. This article will provide you with detailed tips, sample answers, and useful vocabulary to help you excel in this task.
Common Questions in IELTS Speaking Part 1
In Part 1, the examiner will introduce themselves and ask you to introduce yourself and confirm your identity. Then, you will be asked questions on familiar topics such as your home, work, studies, and interests.
Sample Question and Answer
Examiner: Can you tell me about a hobby you enjoy?
Candidate: Yes, I enjoy painting in my free time. I find it very relaxing and it allows me to express my creativity. I usually paint landscapes and sometimes portraits.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
For Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and some guiding questions. You will have one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes.
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you learned something unexpected. You should say:
- When and where it happened
- What you learned
- How you found out about it
- And explain why it was unexpected
Sample Answer
During my second year of university, I experienced an unexpected learning moment that has profoundly influenced my perspective on life. It happened during a casual conversation with a classmate in the university library. I was talking with my friend Tom about our future careers and aspirations when he casually mentioned a story about a famous scientist, Louis Pasteur.
According to Tom, Pasteur, who is renowned for his discoveries in microbiology, was not initially a star student. In fact, he struggled with many subjects during his early education. What struck me most was that despite these challenges, he became one of the most influential scientists of all time through sheer determination and a love for learning.
This revelation was unexpected because I had always believed that only naturally gifted students can achieve great things in scientific fields. Learning about Pasteur’s resilience and determination taught me that persistence and passion are just as important as innate talent. It transformed my outlook on my own studies, instilling in me a greater sense of motivation and perseverance.
louis-pasteur-portrait|louis pasteur portrait|A portrait of Louis Pasteur in his lab.
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask questions related to the topic of Part 2 but broader and more abstract.
Sample Questions and Suggested Answers
Examiner: Do you think people learn better when they are surprised by the information?
Candidate: Absolutely, I believe that unexpected information tends to be more memorable because it often challenges our existing beliefs or assumptions. This surprise factor can make the learning experience more engaging and impactful, prompting us to reflect more deeply on the new information.
Examiner: How can educators use unexpected events to enhance learning?
Candidate: Educators can incorporate unexpected elements into their lessons by introducing real-life case studies, sharing unknown facts, or posing thought-provoking questions. By doing so, they can capture students’ attention and stimulate their curiosity, which can lead to a more enriched learning experience.
Useful Vocabulary and Phrases
Below are some important words and phrases that can help you score higher in the IELTS Speaking test:
Proficiency (noun): High degree of competence or skill.
Example: Her proficiency in multiple languages is impressive.Profoundly (adverb): To a profound extent; extremely.
Example: The news profoundly affected him.Resilience (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
Example: Her resilience in the face of adversity is commendable.Determination (noun): Firmness of purpose; resoluteness.
Example: His determination to succeed is evident.
Expert Tips for IELTS Speaking Test
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice will improve your fluency and confidence.
- Use a Variety of Sentence Structures: This demonstrates your grammatical range and accuracy.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: It’s important to use less common and more precise words.
- Speak Clearly: Good pronunciation is crucial for being understood.
- Stay Calm and Composed: Nervousness can affect your performance, so practice deep breathing to stay relaxed during the test.
By focusing on these areas, you can enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and be better prepared for any unexpected questions or topics that may arise.