The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about sharing significant moments or information with others. This topic is particularly common in Part 2, where candidates are asked to describe a specific experience. Let’s explore how to tackle this theme effectively to achieve a high score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions related to sharing experiences. Here are some potential questions:
- Do you enjoy sharing your experiences with others?
- How often do you share important information with your friends or family?
- What kind of information do you usually share with others?
Let’s consider a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you enjoy sharing your experiences with others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy sharing my experiences with others. I think it’s a good way to connect with people and learn from each other. When I share something important, it usually makes me feel closer to the person I’m talking to.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I find great pleasure in sharing my experiences with others. It’s not only a means of fostering deeper connections but also an opportunity for mutual growth and understanding. When I share significant moments or insights, it often leads to meaningful discussions and helps me gain new perspectives on my own experiences.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you shared something important with someone
You should say:
- What you shared
- Who you shared it with
- Why you decided to share it
- How you felt about sharing it
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
I’d like to talk about a time when I shared some important news with my best friend. It was about two years ago when I got accepted into my dream university. I was really excited and nervous at the same time.
I decided to share this news with my best friend, Sarah, because we had been friends since childhood and always supported each other. I knew she would be happy for me and understand how much it meant to me.
I chose to share it with her because I wanted to celebrate this achievement with someone who knew how hard I had worked for it. Sarah had been there for me throughout the application process, helping me prepare for interviews and proofreading my essays.
When I told her the news, I felt a mix of emotions. I was thrilled to share my success, but also a bit sad because it meant we would be going to different universities. Overall, though, I felt relieved and happy to have someone to share this important moment with.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
I’d like to recount a pivotal moment when I shared a life-changing decision with my mentor. About 18 months ago, I made the choice to pivot my career from finance to environmental science, a decision that was both exhilarating and daunting.
The person I chose to confide in was Dr. Johnson, my former professor and long-time mentor. His guidance had been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional journey, and I knew his insight would be invaluable in this transition.
My decision to share this information with Dr. Johnson was multifaceted. Primarily, I sought his sage advice on navigating this significant career shift. Additionally, I wanted to express my gratitude for his mentorship, which had instilled in me the courage to pursue my true passion.
The act of sharing this decision evoked a complex array of emotions. There was a palpable sense of liberation in vocalizin g my aspirations, coupled with a tinge of apprehension about the uncertainties ahead. Ultimately, the experience was cathartic and affirming, reinforcing my commitment to this new path and strengthening my bond with a respected mentor.
Examiner’s follow-up questions:
- How did the person react to what you shared?
- Do you think it’s important to share personal information with others?
Band 6-7 Answer for Question 1:
Dr. Johnson reacted very positively to my decision. He was supportive and offered some helpful advice about how to make the transition smoothly. He also shared some of his own experiences of changing career paths, which made me feel more confident about my choice.
Band 8-9 Answer for Question 1:
Dr. Johnson’s reaction was overwhelmingly supportive and insightful. He commended my courage in pursuing a path aligned with my values and passions. Moreover, he offered a wealth of practical advice, drawing from his extensive network to suggest potential avenues for my transition. His unwavering belief in my abilities and his willingness to be a continued source of guidance were incredibly reassuring and motivating.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Why do you think some people find it difficult to share important information with others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think some people find it hard to share important information because they might be afraid of how others will react. They might worry about being judged or misunderstood. Also, some information can be very personal, and people might want to keep it private to protect themselves.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The reluctance to share significant information can stem from a myriad of factors. Primarily, there’s often a fear of vulnerability associated with divulging personal matters. This apprehension can be rooted in concerns about potential judgment, misinterpretation, or the erosion of one’s carefully curated public image. Additionally, in certain cultures or social contexts, there might be a stigma attached to sharing personal struggles or achievements, leading individuals to internalize their experiences. Furthermore, past negative experiences of sharing important information could create a psychological barrier, making people more reticent in future situations. It’s also worth noting that some individuals may simply value their privacy more highly, viewing the act of sharing as an unnecessary exposure of their personal life.
Examiner: How has technology changed the way people share information?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology has made sharing information much easier and faster. We can now share news instantly with people all over the world through social media and messaging apps. This has made communication more convenient, but it also means that information can spread very quickly, sometimes before people are ready for it to be public.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology has revolutionized the landscape of information sharing in profound ways. The advent of social media platforms and instant messaging apps has democratized the dissemination of information, allowing for real-time, global communication. This has led to an unprecedented level of connectivity and has blurred the lines between private and public spheres.
On one hand, this technological shift has facilitated the rapid exchange of ideas and has been instrumental in fostering global communities around shared interests or causes. It has also empowered individuals to share their stories and perspectives on a scale previously unimaginable.
However, this ease of sharing also presents challenges. The viral nature of online content can lead to the rapid spread of misinformation. Moreover, the permanence of digital footprints has created new concerns about privacy and the long-term implications of sharing personal information. This has led to a growing awareness of digital literacy and the need for discernment in what we choose to share online.
Furthermore, the instantaneous nature of digital communication has altered our expectations of information flow, sometimes leading to pressure to constantly share or be ‘in the know’. This can result in information overload and a diminished ability to process and reflect on the information we receive.
In essence, while technology has vastly expanded our capacity to share, it has also necessitated a reevaluation of how we approach the act of sharing itself.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Pivotal moment /ˈpɪvətl ˈməʊmənt/ (adjective + noun): A crucial or decisive point in time.
Example: Sharing my career change decision was a pivotal moment in my relationship with my mentor. -
To confide in /kənˈfaɪd ɪn/ (phrasal verb): To tell someone secret or personal information.
Example: I chose to confide in my best friend about my fears and doubts. -
Multifaceted /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
Example: The decision to share my news was multifaceted, involving both personal and professional considerations. -
Sage advice /seɪdʒ ədˈvaɪs/ (adjective + noun): Wise and experienced counsel.
Example: My mentor offered sage advice that helped me navigate my career transition. -
Cathartic /kəˈθɑːtɪk/ (adjective): Providing psychological relief through the expression of strong emotions.
Example: Sharing my decision was a cathartic experience that helped me come to terms with my choice.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing sharing important information:
- Practice narrating personal experiences with a focus on detailed descriptions and emotional depth.
- Develop a range of vocabulary related to communication, emotions, and relationships.
- Work on your ability to elaborate on your answers, providing reasons and examples to support your points.
- Improve your fluency by regularly discussing various topics with native English speakers or language exchange partners.
- Record yourself answering sample questions and analyze your responses for areas of improvement.
Remember, the key to a high score lies not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.
To further enhance your IELTS preparation, you might find it helpful to explore related topics such as describing a traditional festival celebrated in your country or discussing a special occasion celebrated with your family. These topics can provide additional context and vocabulary that may be useful in your speaking test.
By following these guidelines and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-equipped to handle questions about sharing important information in your IELTS Speaking test.