In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners assess your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. One common question type in Part 2 is a descriptive task such as “Describe a time when you saw something amazing.” This type of task requires you to recount a personal experience in a detailed and engaging manner.
Understanding how to approach this kind of task, and knowing which elements examiners value, can significantly enhance your performance. Let’s delve into how to structure your answers, explore some sample answers, and additional tips to score high in your IELTS Speaking test.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Here are some example questions you might hear and a sample answer to one.
Example Questions:
- What kinds of things do you find amazing?
- Do you think technology can be amazing?
- When was the last time you saw something amazing on the internet?
Sample Answer:
Q: What kinds of things do you find amazing?
A: Well, I find natural phenomena truly astonishing. For instance, witnessing a meteor shower or the Northern Lights is incredibly awe-inspiring for me. There’s something profoundly beautiful about these displays of nature’s power and grandeur.
2. Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you saw something amazing.
You should say:
- what you saw
- when and where you saw it
- what happened
and explain why you think it was amazing.
Sample Answer:
One of the most amazing experiences of my life was when I witnessed a total solar eclipse. This took place on August 21, 2017, and I traveled to a small town in Oregon to get the best view.
The whole day was filled with a sense of anticipation as people began gathering in open fields, setting up telescopes and cameras. When the eclipse started, there was an eerie stillness. As the moon moved to cover the sun, the light changed in a surreal way, making everything look otherworldly. When the eclipse reached totality, there was a collective gasp from the crowd. Seeing the darkened sky and the sun’s corona shining brightly was both humbling and exhilarating. The sheer beauty of the event left me speechless and deeply moved.
This experience was amazing not just because of the celestial event itself but also because it felt like a moment of unity among everyone present. We were all there, sharing this incredible spectacle.
Follow-up Questions:
- What motivated you to see the eclipse?
A: My fascination with astronomy and the rarity of the event made it a must-see for me. It’s not every day that you get to witness such a unique phenomenon. - How did this experience change your perspective on nature?
A: It really broadened my appreciation for the universe and how intricately everything is connected. It made me realize the importance of preserving our natural environment and the incredible beauty it holds.
Stunning Solar Eclipse
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions:
- Do you think that seeing amazing things can bring people together?
- Is it important to seek out amazing experiences in life? Why or why not?
- How do people generally react when they see something amazing?
Sample Answers:
Q: Do you think that seeing amazing things can bring people together?
A: Absolutely. Shared experiences, especially those that are awe-inspiring, can create a sense of unity and camaraderie among people. For example, during the solar eclipse, everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs, was equally captivated by the event. These shared moments can foster a sense of community and collective wonder.
Q: Is it important to seek out amazing experiences in life? Why or why not?
A: I believe it is. Seeking out amazing experiences can enrich our lives, broaden our perspectives, and make us more appreciative of the world around us. Amazing experiences often lead to great stories and memories, which are valuable aspects of a fulfilling life.
Q: How do people generally react when they see something amazing?
A: People often react with awe and excitement. There’s typically an initial moment of amazement where they might gasp or look around to share the moment with others. This is often followed by an eagerness to capture the moment, whether through photos, videos, or simply by talking about it with others.
4. Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Using varied and precise vocabulary is crucial for achieving high scores in the IELTS Speaking test. Here are some key words and phrases that are particularly useful for this topic:
Astonishing (adj.): (astonish-ing) Extremely surprising or impressive.
- Example: The sight of the aurora borealis was truly astonishing.
Breathtaking (adj.): (-taking) Very beautiful or impressive.
- Example: The view from the mountaintop was breathtaking.
Exhilarating (adj.): (eg-zil-uh-ray-ting) Making one feel very happy, animated, or elated.
- Example: The roller coaster ride was exhilarating.
Surreal (adj.): (suh-ree-ul) Having a dreamlike quality; strange and unreal.
- Example: The landscape in the painting was surreal.
Phenomenon (n.): (fi-nom-uh-non) An extraordinary event or circumstance.
- Example: A total solar eclipse is a rare natural phenomenon.
These words, when used correctly, can enhance the descriptive quality of your speaking.
III. Final Tips
As an IELTS Speaking Examiner, here are my top tips for achieving a high score in the Speaking test:
- Practice regularly: Speak English as much as possible in daily life situations.
- Be detailed: Offer specific details and examples in your responses.
- Stay calm and confident: Confidence can significantly improve your speaking performance.
- Use a range of vocabulary: Don’t be afraid to use complex and varied vocabulary.
- Structure your answers: Make sure your answers have a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Good luck with your IELTS preparation, and remember, practice makes perfect!
For more tips on using conjunctions effectively in your IELTS speaking tests, check out How to Use ‘That’ in Sentences for IELTS.