The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your speaking abilities in English. The examiners focus on four key criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. One common topic that might appear in the test is “Describe a time when you moved to a new place”. In this article, we will dive deep into this theme, offering you a sample answer and tips on how to optimize your responses to score higher.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions
- Can you tell me about your hometown?
- Do you prefer to live in the city or the countryside?
- Have you ever moved to a new place? Why did you move?
Sample Question Answer
Examiner: “Have you ever moved to a new place? Why did you move?”
Candidate: “Yes, I have moved to a new place. About three years ago, my family and I relocated to the city center because of my father’s new job. The move was quite challenging, but it offered us a lot of new opportunities in terms of education and career prospects.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Cue Card Sample
Describe a time when you moved to a new place. You should say:
- Where the new place was
- Why you moved there
- What were your first impressions of the new place
- And explain how you feel about it now
Sample Answer
“When I was 15 years old, my family decided to relocate from our small town to a bustling city. The new place we moved to was in the heart of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
The primary reason for our move was my father’s job transfer. He had received a promotion which required him to work in the company’s head office located in Hanoi. Although the decision was made quickly, it was a necessary step for his career advancement.
Upon our arrival, I remember feeling overwhelmed but excited. The city was vastly different from our quiet town; Hanoi was lively, full of vibrant culture, and opportunities. It took some time to adjust to the new environment, get used to the noise, and make new friends. But eventually, I started to embrace the dynamic lifestyle the city offered.
Now, reflecting on the move, I feel that it was a positive change. Living in Hanoi has opened many doors for me, both academically and socially. I’ve met wonderful people and experienced a multitude of cultural events that have enriched my life.”
Follow-up Questions
- Examiner: “Was it difficult for you to adapt to the new environment?”
Candidate: “Initially, it was quite challenging. The frequency of events, the hustle and bustle were unlike anything I had experienced before. However, I gradually adapted and grew to appreciate the vibrant energy of the city.”
- Examiner: “What do you miss about your old place?”
Candidate: “I definitely miss the tranquility and the close-knit community feeling of my hometown. It’s something the fast-paced life in Hanoi can’t replace.”
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Examiner-Candidate Interaction
Examiner: “Many people move to big cities for better job opportunities. Do you think this is a trend that will continue in the future?”
Candidate: “Absolutely. Urbanization is a continuous trend driven by the prospects of better employment, education, and healthcare facilities in big cities. As the world progresses, more people will likely flock to urban areas for these opportunities.”
Examiner: “In what ways can moving to a new place benefit individuals other than job opportunities?”
Candidate: “Moving to a new place can broaden one’s horizons. It exposes individuals to different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. It can also enhance personal growth by challenging them to adapt to new situations and environments.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for Higher Scores
- Relocate /ˈriː.ləʊ.keɪt/: To move to a new place.
- “My family decided to relocate to a new city.”
- Bustling /ˈbʌs.lɪŋ/: Full of people and activity.
- “The new neighborhood was bustling with energy.”
- Overwhelmed /ˌəʊ.vəˈwelmd/: Feeling sudden strong emotions.
- “I felt overwhelmed but excited.”
- Embrace /ɪmˈbreɪs/: To accept something enthusiastically.
- “I soon embraced the opportunities available in the city.”
- Urbanization /ˌɜː.bən.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/: The process of making an area more urban.
- “Urbanization is creating numerous job prospects.”
- Tranquility /træŋˈkwɪl.ɪ.ti/: The state of being calm and peaceful.
- “I miss the tranquility of my hometown.”
Tips for Practice and Success
- Practice Speaking Fluently: Aim for natural fluency. Practice speaking for at least 2-3 minutes without major pauses.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Use a variety of words. Avoid repetition and incorporate advanced vocabulary.
- Structure Your Speech: Structure your answers clearly. Use linking phrases to ensure coherence.
- Grammar and Pronunciation: Work on your grammatical accuracy and consistent pronunciation.
Conclusion
Moving to a new place is a common topic in the IELTS Speaking test. By practicing the sample questions and utilizing advanced vocabulary, you can increase your chances of achieving a high score. Remember to stay calm, speak clearly, and think logically while structuring your responses.
family moving to a city
For further reading on related topics, consider checking out resources on describe a time when you felt lonely and describe a time when you visited a new country. These materials can provide additional insights and practice opportunities.