Getting good news is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. Similar to describe a situation where you felt very emotional, this topic allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to express feelings and narrate experiences.
Part 1: Introduction Questions and Sample Answers
Common Questions:
- Do you prefer receiving good news by phone or in person?
- How do you usually share good news with others?
- What kind of good news have you received recently?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I generally prefer receiving significant news in person because it allows me to fully experience the moment and share the joy with others immediately. Recently, I received news about my university acceptance, and being able to see my parents’ faces light up made the moment even more memorable.”
Happy student receiving university acceptance letter with family
Part 2: Cue Card
Topic:
Describe a time when you received good news from someone. You should say:
- Who told you the good news
- What the news was about
- When you received it
- How you felt about it
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share about the time when I received news about my scholarship acceptance, which is quite similar to describe a piece of good news you received. It was a life-changing moment that occurred last summer.
My professor, Dr. Thompson, personally contacted me via email one Thursday morning. I remember distinctly because I was having my morning coffee when the notification popped up. The scholarship would fully fund my master’s degree studies at Oxford University.
The news caught me completely off guard as I had been anxiously waiting for nearly two months. I immediately broke into tears of joy and had to take a moment to compose myself. My hands were literally trembling as I called my parents to share the news.
What made this particularly special was that it represented the culmination of years of hard work. I felt absolutely elated and overwhelmed with gratitude. This opportunity would fundamentally alter the trajectory of my academic career.”
Student celebrating scholarship acceptance with emotional reaction
Follow-up Questions:
- How do you prefer to celebrate good news?
- Do you think social media is a good platform for sharing news?
Similar to describe a time when you shared good news, your responses should be thoughtful and detailed.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q1: How has technology changed the way people share news?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized news sharing in profound ways. Social media platforms and instant messaging have made news dissemination virtually instantaneous. However, this immediacy can sometimes compromise the authenticity of personal connections. Like describe an occasion when you did something in a hurry, people often rush to share news without proper verification.”
Essential Vocabulary and Phrases
High-scoring Expressions:
- Overwhelmed with emotion /ˌəʊvəˈwelmd wɪð ɪˈməʊʃn/ – Feeling intense emotions
- Life-altering moment /laɪf ˈɔːltərɪŋ ˈməʊmənt/ – An event that changes one’s life
- Break into tears /breɪk ˈɪntə tɪəz/ – Start crying suddenly
- Catch someone off guard /kætʃ ˈsʌmwʌn ɒf ɡɑːd/ – Surprise someone
Examiner’s Tips
- Maintain natural eye contact
- Use varied vocabulary and complex structures
- Include personal examples and specific details
- Express emotions authentically
Just as describe a trip you took that didn’t go as planned, remember to structure your response clearly and include relevant details that showcase your language abilities.
