The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about sharing experiences, making it crucial for test-takers to be well-prepared. One common topic that frequently appears is “describe a time when you shared something valuable with others.” This article will provide comprehensive guidance on tackling this subject, along with sample answers and expert tips to help you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions related to sharing. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer:
- Do you enjoy sharing things with others?
- What kinds of things do you like to share?
- Do you think people share more nowadays compared to the past?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I absolutely love sharing things with others. It’s a great way to build connections and foster relationships. I particularly enjoy sharing my knowledge and experiences, especially when it comes to travel tips or cooking recipes. I believe people are sharing more these days, largely due to social media platforms that make it incredibly easy to share almost anything instantly.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you shared something valuable with others
You should say:
- What you shared
- Who you shared it with
- Why you shared it
- How you felt about sharing it
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a time when I shared my expertise in photography with a group of underprivileged children at a local community center. As an avid photographer, I’ve always believed in the power of visual storytelling, and I wanted to pass on this skill to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn it.
I organized a series of weekend workshops where I taught the basics of composition, lighting, and even some simple editing techniques. The children, aged between 10 and 14, were incredibly enthusiastic and receptive. I shared not only my knowledge but also some of my equipment, allowing them to get hands-on experience with professional cameras.
My motivation for sharing this skill was twofold. Firstly, I wanted to give back to my community and make a positive impact on these children’s lives. Secondly, I firmly believe that photography can be a powerful tool for self-expression and can even lead to potential career opportunities in the future.
The experience of sharing my passion was incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Seeing the children’s eyes light up as they captured their first well-composed shot or successfully edited a photo was truly heartwarming. It reinforced my belief in the importance of sharing our skills and knowledge with others, especially those who may not have easy access to such learning opportunities.
This experience also taught me a valuable lesson about the reciprocal nature of sharing. While I set out to teach these children, I found that I learned a great deal from them as well. Their unique perspectives and unbridled creativity inspired me to look at photography in new ways, ultimately enhancing my own skills.”
Possible follow-up questions:
- How did sharing your knowledge impact the children?
- Did you face any challenges during this experience?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The impact on the children was profound. Not only did they acquire a new skill, but their self-confidence visibly improved. Many of them discovered a hidden talent and a new way to express themselves. As for challenges, the main one was adapting my teaching style to suit different learning paces and keeping everyone engaged. However, overcoming these challenges was incredibly rewarding and helped me grow as both a photographer and a mentor.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think people are generally willing to share valuable things or knowledge?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe that people’s willingness to share valuable things or knowledge varies greatly depending on the individual and the context. In my experience, many people are quite generous when it comes to sharing knowledge, especially in professional settings where collaboration is valued. However, when it comes to material possessions or proprietary information, people tend to be more cautious.
That being said, I’ve noticed a growing trend towards knowledge sharing, particularly online. Platforms like YouTube and educational websites have made it easier than ever for experts to share their knowledge with a global audience. This shift suggests that there’s an increasing recognition of the value of sharing information and skills.
On the other hand, in competitive environments such as certain business sectors or academic fields, there might be more reluctance to share valuable insights or discoveries. This is understandable as people often want to protect their intellectual property or maintain a competitive edge.
Ultimately, I think the willingness to share often comes down to personal values, cultural background, and the potential benefits or risks associated with sharing. It’s a complex issue that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer.”
Examiner: How has technology changed the way we share things?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized the way we share things in numerous ways. Firstly, it has made sharing instantaneous and global. With just a few clicks, we can share photos, videos, or documents with people on the other side of the world. This ease of sharing has led to an explosion of content creation and distribution.
Social media platforms have played a crucial role in this transformation. They’ve created new norms around sharing, where people routinely share details of their daily lives, opinions, and experiences with a wide audience. This has both positive and negative implications, fostering connectivity but also raising concerns about privacy and information overload.
In the realm of knowledge sharing, technology has democratized access to information. Online courses, webinars, and educational YouTube channels have made it possible for anyone with an internet connection to learn from experts in various fields. This has broken down traditional barriers to education and professional development.
The sharing economy, enabled by technology, has also changed how we share physical resources. Platforms like Airbnb for accommodation or car-sharing apps have created new models of collaborative consumption, challenging traditional ownership models.
Moreover, cloud technology has transformed how we share and collaborate on work. Teams can now work on the same document simultaneously from different locations, dramatically increasing efficiency and enabling new forms of remote collaboration.
However, it’s important to note that while technology has made sharing easier in many ways, it has also introduced new challenges. Issues of digital copyright, misinformation, and the need for digital literacy have become increasingly important in this new landscape of sharing.
In conclusion, technology has not just changed how we share things; it has fundamentally altered what we share, who we share with, and the scale at which sharing occurs. It’s an ongoing evolution that continues to shape our social and professional interactions.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Foster relationships (phrasal verb) – to help a relationship to develop over a period of time
Example: “Sharing experiences can help foster relationships between colleagues.” -
Pass on (phrasal verb) – to give something to someone else, especially knowledge or information
Example: “I wanted to pass on my photography skills to the next generation.” -
Give back to the community (idiom) – to help others in your local area, especially by doing voluntary work
Example: “By teaching photography, I was able to give back to my community.” -
Reciprocal nature (adjective + noun) – involving two people or groups who do the same thing for each other
Example: “The reciprocal nature of sharing means we often gain as much as we give.” -
Self-confidence (noun) – a feeling of trust in one’s abilities, qualities, and judgment
Example: “Learning a new skill boosted the children’s self-confidence.” -
Revolutionize (verb) – to completely change the way people do something or think about something
Example: “Social media has revolutionized the way we share information.” -
Break down barriers (idiom) – to remove obstacles or restrictions
Example: “Online education has broken down traditional barriers to learning.” -
Collaborative consumption (noun phrase) – an economic model based on sharing, swapping, trading, or renting products and services
Example: “Car-sharing apps are a prime example of collaborative consumption.”
Tips from an IELTS Examiner
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Practice storytelling: When describing a specific experience, use a clear structure (beginning, middle, end) and include relevant details to make your story engaging.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses. This demonstrates language proficiency.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points with examples, explanations, or personal experiences.
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Stay on topic: While it’s good to elaborate, make sure your answers remain relevant to the question asked.
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Use appropriate tenses: When describing past events, use past tenses correctly and consistently.
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Show critical thinking: In Part 3, demonstrate your ability to analyze topics from different perspectives.
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Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery with minimal hesitation. Regular practice can help improve your fluency.
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Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, avoid memorized answers. Examiners appreciate genuine, spontaneous responses.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and increase your chances of achieving a high band score.
Describe a journey you will never forget can also be an excellent way to practice your storytelling skills, which are crucial for this type of question. Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Good luck with your preparation!