The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to digital experiences, and “Describe a time when you participated in an online challenge” is a theme that has appeared in recent exams. As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ll provide you with strategies and sample answers to help you excel in this task.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about online challenges. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: Do you often participate in online challenges?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I occasionally take part in online challenges. They can be fun and a good way to connect with friends on social media. I’ve done a few popular ones like the Ice Bucket Challenge a few years ago.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“While I’m not a frequent participant, I do engage in online challenges sporadically. I find them to be an intriguing phenomenon of our digital age, offering a unique blend of entertainment and social connection. For instance, I recently took part in a 30-day fitness challenge that was quite invigorating and helped me establish a consistent exercise routine.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you participated in an online challenge
You should say:
- What the challenge was
- When and where you did it
- Who you did it with
- And explain why you decided to participate in this challenge
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about the time I participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. This was a viral online challenge that took place around 2014. The challenge involved people pouring a bucket of ice-cold water over their heads to raise awareness for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
I did this challenge in my backyard with my sister. We decided to participate because many of our friends had done it, and we wanted to support the cause. It was also a hot summer day, so the idea of getting doused with cold water seemed appealing.
We set up a camera, filled a bucket with ice and water, and took turns pouring it over each other’s heads. It was a shock when the cold water hit, but it was also quite fun. We uploaded the video to Facebook and nominated some of our friends to do the challenge next.
I decided to participate because I thought it was a creative way to raise awareness for a serious disease. It combined social media, fun, and charity in a unique way. Plus, it was a chance to be part of a global trend and do something positive at the same time.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to recount my experience participating in the ’30-Day Minimalism Challenge’, a digital initiative that gained significant traction on social media platforms in early 2021. This challenge entailed systematically decluttering one’s living space and adopting a more minimalist lifestyle over the course of a month.
I embarked on this challenge from the comfort of my home, collaborating virtually with a close friend who lives in another city. We decided to tackle this together as a way to hold each other accountable and share our progress.
The challenge was meticulously structured, with each day focusing on a specific area or concept. For instance, one day involved decluttering our digital files, while another prompted us to reflect on our consumption habits. We documented our journey through daily photos and reflections, sharing them on a dedicated Instagram account.
My decision to participate stemmed from a growing disillusionment with consumerism and a desire to cultivate a more intentional lifestyle. The challenge appealed to me as a structured approach to mindful living, offering a blend of practical tasks and philosophical reflection. Moreover, the online aspect provided a sense of community and motivation, as I could connect with others on similar journeys worldwide.
Ultimately, this challenge proved to be more than just a trend; it catalyzed a significant shift in my perspective on material possessions and lifestyle choices. The digital platform facilitated not only personal growth but also fostered a global conversation about sustainability and mindful living.”
Follow-up questions:
- How did participating in this challenge impact your daily life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“The challenge had a noticeable impact on my daily routine. I found myself being more conscious of my possessions and spending habits. It also freed up some time as I had less clutter to manage.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The challenge profoundly altered my daily existence. It instigated a paradigm shift in how I approach consumption and organization. I found myself allocating time more judiciously, focusing on experiences rather than accumulating possessions. This newfound mindset permeated various aspects of my life, from my work environment to my digital habits, leading to increased productivity and a sense of mental clarity.”
- Do you think online challenges can have a positive impact on society?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I believe online challenges can have a positive impact. They can raise awareness for important causes and bring people together. However, it’s important that they promote safe and beneficial activities.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Online challenges, when thoughtfully conceived and executed, can indeed exert a positive influence on society. They have the potential to galvanize collective action, raise awareness for pressing issues, and foster a sense of global community. However, it’s crucial to approach them with discernment, ensuring they promote constructive behaviors and ethical values. The most impactful challenges often strike a balance between entertainment and meaningful societal contribution, leveraging the viral nature of social media for the greater good.”
Person participating in online challenge
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some sample questions and answers:
Question: How do you think online challenges have changed the way we interact on social media?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Online challenges have made social media more interactive. They encourage people to create content and engage with others. These challenges often spread quickly and can bring people together around a common activity or cause.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Online challenges have fundamentally transformed the dynamics of social media interaction. They’ve ushered in a new era of participatory content creation, where users transition from passive consumers to active contributors. These challenges foster a sense of communal engagement, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural divides.
Moreover, they’ve amplified the viral potential of social media, enabling ideas and causes to proliferate at unprecedented speeds. This phenomenon has redefined digital marketing strategies and revolutionized how information and trends propagate in the digital sphere.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this shift also brings challenges. The pressure to participate in these viral trends can sometimes lead to performative activism or potentially dangerous behaviors. Thus, while online challenges have undoubtedly enriched our digital interactions, they also necessitate a more discerning and responsible approach to social media engagement.”
Question: Do you think there are any potential drawbacks to the popularity of online challenges?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, there can be drawbacks. Some challenges might be dangerous or promote harmful behavior. People might also feel pressured to participate even if they’re not comfortable. Additionally, the focus on viral content might overshadow more important issues.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“While online challenges have their merits, their burgeoning popularity does entail certain risks that warrant consideration. Firstly, there’s the potential for challenges to veer into hazardous territory, promoting activities that could jeopardize participants’ safety or well-being. The viral nature of these challenges can sometimes override critical thinking, leading individuals to engage in risky behaviors without due consideration.
Secondly, the omnipresence of these challenges can create a culture of performative participation, where individuals feel compelled to join in merely to maintain social relevance, rather than out of genuine interest or conviction. This can lead to a superficial engagement with important issues, potentially trivializing serious causes.
Moreover, the rapid turnover of viral challenges can foster a short attention span when it comes to social issues. Complex problems that require sustained attention and action might be reduced to fleeting trends, impeding meaningful, long-term engagement.
Lastly, the competitive aspect of many challenges might exacerbate feelings of inadequacy or exclusion among those who cannot or choose not to participate, potentially impacting mental well-being, especially among younger users.
Thus, while online challenges can be powerful tools for engagement and awareness, it’s crucial to approach them with a discerning eye and to foster digital literacy that enables users to engage meaningfully and safely in this dynamic online environment.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
Galvanize /ˈɡælvənaɪz/ (verb): To shock or excite someone into taking action.
Example: “The online challenge galvanized thousands of people into supporting the cause.”Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “Participating in the minimalism challenge led to a paradigm shift in my approach to consumerism.”Proliferate /prəˈlɪfəreɪt/ (verb): To increase rapidly in number or amount.
Example: “These online challenges tend to proliferate quickly across social media platforms.”Discerning /dɪˈsɜːrnɪŋ/ (adjective): Having or showing good judgment.
Example: “It’s important to be discerning about which online challenges to participate in.”Catalyze /ˈkætəlaɪz/ (verb): To cause or accelerate a reaction.
Example: “The ice bucket challenge catalyzed a surge in donations for ALS research.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing online challenges:
- Develop your ideas fully: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and provide examples.
- Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases naturally into your responses.
- Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on various topics to improve your ability to speak at length without hesitation.
- Show critical thinking: Discuss both positive and negative aspects of online challenges to demonstrate balanced analysis.
- Stay relevant: Always relate your answers back to the question, using the topic as a springboard for broader discussion.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, expand your vocabulary, and develop your ability to discuss complex topics with confidence and clarity.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find our article on describing a recent online discussion that was meaningful to you helpful. Additionally, to broaden your perspective on digital experiences, check out our guide on describing a time when you improved your digital skills.