The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about memorable experiences, including participation in school events. This topic allows candidates to showcase their ability to narrate past events, express emotions, and reflect on personal growth. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to describing a time when you participated in a school event, with sample answers for different band scores.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about school events and participation. Here are some potential questions:
- Do you enjoy participating in school events?
- What types of school events are popular in your country?
- How often did you participate in school events when you were a student?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do enjoy participating in school events. They’re usually fun and give me a chance to spend time with my friends outside of regular classes. I’ve taken part in a few sports competitions and cultural festivals at my school.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, I find participating in school events to be tremendously rewarding. Not only do they provide an excellent opportunity to foster camaraderie with my peers, but they also allow me to showcase my talents and develop new skills. I’ve been actively involved in various events, ranging from academic symposiums to theatrical productions.”
Students participating in a school event
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a school event:
Describe A Time When You Participated In A School Event
You should say:
- What the event was
- When and where it took place
- Who else was involved
- How you felt about participating in the event
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about a time when I participated in my school’s annual cultural festival. It took place last year in October and was held on our school grounds. The event lasted for three days and involved students from all grades.
I was part of the dance team, and we performed a traditional folk dance on the main stage. We practiced for weeks leading up to the event, staying back after school hours to get our routine perfect. My classmates and teachers were also involved in various other activities like singing, drama, and art exhibitions.
I felt really excited about participating in the event. It was a great chance to show off our hard work and talent. I was a bit nervous before going on stage, but once we started dancing, I felt confident and enjoyed the performance. Overall, it was a fun experience that I’ll remember for a long time.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d be delighted to share my experience of participating in my school’s annual Science and Technology Expo, which took place last spring on our expansive school campus. This prestigious event spanned three days and attracted participants from various schools across the region.
I was deeply involved in organizing and presenting a project on renewable energy sources. Our team, consisting of five members from the senior class, worked tirelessly for months to develop a working model of a solar-powered water purification system. We collaborated closely with our physics teacher, who mentored us throughout the process.
The event was a hive of activity, with students from different grades showcasing their innovative projects. There were interactive displays, live demonstrations, and even a panel discussion with renowned scientists from local universities.
Participating in this event was an incredibly enriching experience. I felt a profound sense of accomplishment in being able to contribute to such a significant event. The opportunity to present our findings to a diverse audience, including industry experts, was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop my public speaking skills.
Moreover, the event fostered a spirit of healthy competition and allowed us to learn from our peers. It was genuinely inspiring to see the creativity and innovation displayed by fellow students. This experience not only boosted my confidence but also ignited a passion for scientific research that continues to drive me today.”
Follow-up Questions
- How did participating in this event impact your academic interests?
- What challenges did you face while preparing for the event?
Band 6-7 Answer for Question 1:
“Participating in the Science Expo really increased my interest in science subjects. I started paying more attention in physics class and even considered taking up engineering in college. It showed me how science can be applied to solve real-world problems.”
Band 8-9 Answer for Question 1:
“The Science and Technology Expo had a profound impact on my academic trajectory. It ignited a fervent passion for scientific research and sustainable technologies. This experience catalyzed my decision to pursue a degree in Environmental Engineering, as I became acutely aware of the pressing need for innovative solutions to global environmental challenges. Moreover, it honed my critical thinking skills and taught me the value of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex scientific problems.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- How important are extracurricular activities in a student’s overall development?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think extracurricular activities are very important for students. They help develop skills that aren’t taught in regular classes, like teamwork and leadership. These activities also allow students to explore their interests and talents outside of academics. Participating in such activities can make students more well-rounded and confident.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Extracurricular activities play a pivotal role in a student’s holistic development. These activities serve as invaluable platforms for nurturing skills that are often overlooked in traditional academic settings. They foster critical soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, time management, and effective communication.
Moreover, extracurricular involvement allows students to explore diverse interests, potentially uncovering hidden talents or passions that could shape their future career paths. This exploration is crucial for self-discovery and can significantly enhance a student’s self-confidence and self-esteem.
Furthermore, these activities often simulate real-world scenarios, providing students with practical experience in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and project management. This experiential learning can be instrumental in preparing students for the complexities of professional life.
Lastly, participation in extracurricular activities can foster a sense of community and social responsibility, as students often engage in volunteer work or community service through these programs. This broadens their perspective and helps them develop into well-rounded, socially conscious individuals.”
- Do you think schools should make participation in events compulsory for all students?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I don’t think schools should make participation in events compulsory for all students. While these events can be beneficial, some students might not be comfortable with public performances or may have other commitments. It’s better to encourage participation but leave the final decision to the students. This way, those who participate will be more enthusiastic and get more out of the experience.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The question of mandatory participation in school events is a nuanced issue that requires careful consideration. While there are undoubtedly benefits to participation, I believe that making it compulsory might be counterproductive.
On one hand, universal participation could ensure that all students gain exposure to diverse experiences and potentially discover hidden talents. It could also foster a stronger sense of school community and shared experiences.
However, mandatory participation fails to account for the diverse needs, interests, and circumstances of individual students. Some students may excel in different areas or have commitments outside of school that demand their time and energy. Forcing participation could lead to resentment, stress, or a superficial engagement that negates the potential benefits of the activity.
Instead, I believe schools should focus on creating a diverse range of engaging events and actively encouraging participation through positive incentives and clear communication of benefits. This approach respects student autonomy while still promoting involvement. Schools could also consider integrating certain events into the curriculum in ways that allow for different types of participation, catering to various strengths and comfort levels.
Ultimately, the goal should be to cultivate a school culture that values and celebrates participation in a way that students are intrinsically motivated to get involved, rather than feeling coerced.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a variety of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can elevate your responses:
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Pivotal role /ˈpɪvətl roʊl/ (adjective + noun): Crucial or of central importance.
Example: “Extracurricular activities play a pivotal role in a student’s development.” -
Foster /ˈfɔːstər/ (verb): To encourage or promote the development of something.
Example: “These events foster a sense of community among students.” -
Invaluable /ɪnˈvæljuəbl/ (adjective): Extremely useful or indispensable.
Example: “The experience gained from participating in school events is invaluable.” -
Holistic development /hoʊˈlɪstɪk dɪˈveləpmənt/ (adjective + noun): The development of a person as a whole, not just in one aspect.
Example: “School events contribute to the holistic development of students.” -
Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To develop or improve by education or training.
Example: “Such activities help cultivate leadership skills in students.” -
Diverse range /daɪˈvɜːrs reɪndʒ/ (adjective + noun): A variety of different things.
Example: “The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities.” -
Intrinsically motivated /ɪnˈtrɪnsɪkli ˈmoʊtɪveɪtɪd/ (adverb + adjective): Motivated by internal factors rather than external rewards.
Example: “Students should be intrinsically motivated to participate in school events.”
Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner
As an experienced IELTS Speaking examiner, I would offer the following advice to candidates preparing for this part of the test:
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Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try to speak English daily, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short, simple answers. Expand on your points and provide examples to support your ideas.
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Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions where appropriate, but ensure you use them correctly.
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Work on your pronunciation: Clear pronunciation is crucial for effective communication. Pay attention to word stress and intonation.
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Stay calm and confident: Remember, the examiner wants you to do well. Stay relaxed and speak confidently, even if you make mistakes.
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Listen carefully to the questions: Make sure you understand what’s being asked before you start your answer.
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Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, avoid memorizing answers. Speak naturally and draw from your own experiences and opinions.
By following these tips and using the sample answers as a guide, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing your participation in school events.
For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might find it helpful to review topics such as describing a person who inspires confidence or discussing a memorable family trip. These additional resources can provide further insights into effectively structuring your responses and using appropriate vocabulary across various topics.
