The IELTS Speaking test often challenges candidates to discuss personal experiences, and one common topic is describing a time when you tried something new and unexpected. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate events, express emotions, and use a range of vocabulary. Let’s explore how to excel in this speaking task.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the speaking test, the examiner may ask general questions related to new experiences. Here are some potential questions and suggested answers:

1. Do you enjoy trying new things?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. I think it’s important to try new things because it helps us learn and grow. For example, last year I tried rock climbing for the first time, and it was really exciting.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m quite an adventurous person by nature, and I firmly believe that stepping out of one’s comfort zone is essential for personal growth. Recently, I’ve taken up urban sketching, which has not only improved my artistic skills but also allowed me to see my city from a fresh perspective.

2. What’s the most recent new thing you’ve tried?

Band 6-7 Answer:
The most recent new thing I tried was cooking Thai food. I’ve always liked eating it, but I never tried to make it myself before. It was challenging, but the results were pretty good.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The most recent novel experience I had was participating in a silent retreat. It was a truly transformative experience that pushed me to confront my inner thoughts and develop a deeper sense of self-awareness. The challenge of maintaining silence for three days was both daunting and rewarding.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe A Time When You Tried Something New And Unexpected.
You should say:

• What you tried
• When and where you tried it
• Who you were with
• And explain how you felt about this new experience

Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about the time I tried parasailing for the first time. It happened last summer when I was on vacation with my family in a coastal town. We were walking along the beach when we saw people parasailing, and my brother suggested we give it a try.

At first, I was hesitant because I’m a bit afraid of heights, but I decided to challenge myself. The experience was both exciting and scary. As I was lifted into the air, I felt my heart racing, but once I was up there, the view was breathtaking. I could see the entire coastline and the beautiful blue sea below.

I was with my brother and sister, and we took turns going up. It was great to share this experience with them. We encouraged each other and laughed at our nervous expressions in the photos afterward.

Overall, I felt proud of myself for trying something new and overcoming my fear. It was an unforgettable experience that I would definitely do again. It taught me that stepping out of my comfort zone can lead to amazing adventures.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to recount an experience that was both novel and unexpected – my first attempt at improvisational theatre. This serendipitous adventure occurred about six months ago when a colleague invited me to join her for an improv workshop in the city’s arts district.

Initially, I was rather apprehensive about participating, as public speaking has never been my forte, let alone spontaneous performance. However, I decided to embrace the challenge and step out of my comfort zone.

The workshop was held in a quaint, intimate theatre, creating an atmosphere that was both exciting and slightly intimidating. I was surrounded by a diverse group of individuals, all united by our shared nervousness and curiosity.

From the moment the workshop began, I found myself completely immersed in a world of creativity and spontaneity. The exercises pushed me to think on my feet, collaborate with others, and tap into a wellspring of imagination I didn’t know I possessed. One particularly memorable moment was when I had to improvise a monologue as a talking teapot – a task that would have mortified me in any other context, but in that supportive environment, it felt liberating and exhilarating.

This experience was truly transformative. It challenged my preconceptions about my own abilities and pushed me far beyond my perceived limitations. I felt a potent mix of adrenaline, joy, and a sense of accomplishment. The laughter and camaraderie shared with complete strangers created a unique bond that I still cherish.

In retrospect, this unexpected foray into improv theatre not only boosted my confidence but also enhanced my ability to think creatively and adapt to unpredictable situations. It served as a powerful reminder that some of life’s most rewarding experiences often lie just outside our comfort zones.

Participants engaging in an improvisational theatre workshop

Follow-up questions:

1. How did this experience change your perspective on trying new things?

Band 6-7 Answer:
This experience made me more open to trying new things. I realized that even if something seems scary at first, it can turn out to be really fun and rewarding.

Band 8-9 Answer:
This experience was genuinely eye-opening and served as a catalyst for personal growth. It fundamentally shifted my perspective on stepping out of my comfort zone. I’ve come to realize that embracing new experiences, even those that initially seem daunting, can lead to unexpected self-discovery and personal development. It’s reinforced the idea that growth often lies just beyond the boundaries of our familiar routines.

2. Do you think it’s important for people to regularly try new things?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think it’s very important. Trying new things helps us learn and grow as people. It can also make life more interesting and help us discover new hobbies or talents.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I believe it’s crucial for personal development. Regularly engaging with new experiences fosters adaptability, enhances problem-solving skills, and broadens one’s perspective. It’s a powerful antidote to stagnation and complacency. Moreover, in our rapidly changing world, the ability to embrace novelty and navigate unfamiliar situations is becoming increasingly valuable, both personally and professionally.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Let’s consider the broader implications of trying new things. How do you think society benefits when individuals are open to new experiences?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think society benefits a lot when people try new things. It can lead to new ideas and inventions. For example, if scientists didn’t try new experiments, we wouldn’t have many of the technologies we use today. Also, when people try new things, they often become more understanding of different cultures and ways of life.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The societal benefits of individuals embracing new experiences are multifaceted and far-reaching. Firstly, it fosters a culture of innovation and creativity, which is vital for progress in various fields such as technology, arts, and sciences. When people are willing to experiment and think outside the box, it often leads to groundbreaking discoveries and solutions to complex problems.

Moreover, openness to new experiences promotes cultural exchange and understanding. As individuals engage with unfamiliar cultures, traditions, or perspectives, it breeds empathy and tolerance, which are crucial for social cohesion in our increasingly globalized world.

Additionally, a society composed of adaptable individuals is more resilient in the face of change. Whether it’s technological disruptions or global challenges like climate change, a population accustomed to navigating new situations is better equipped to adapt and thrive.

Lastly, on a collective level, this openness can lead to economic diversification and growth. As people explore new areas, it can result in the emergence of new industries, business models, and economic opportunities, contributing to a more dynamic and robust economy.

Examiner: Some people argue that constantly seeking new experiences can be disruptive to personal and professional stability. What’s your take on this?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I can see both sides of this argument. On one hand, trying new things can help us grow and improve our skills, which can be good for our careers. But on the other hand, if we’re always changing what we do, it might be hard to become really good at one thing. I think the key is to find a balance between trying new things and developing our existing skills.

Band 8-9 Answer:
This is indeed a nuanced issue that warrants careful consideration. While the pursuit of novel experiences can undoubtedly foster personal growth and adaptability, there’s merit to the argument that it could potentially disrupt stability if taken to an extreme.

From a professional standpoint, constantly pivoting to new areas without allowing sufficient time for skill mastery could result in a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none scenario. Deep expertise often requires sustained focus and commitment, which might be compromised by an incessant quest for novelty.

However, I believe this presents a false dichotomy. The key lies in striking a delicate balance between stability and growth. Rather than viewing them as mutually exclusive, we should aim to integrate new experiences in a way that complements and enhances our existing skills and knowledge base.

Moreover, in today’s rapidly evolving job market, the ability to adapt and acquire new skills is increasingly valued. Therefore, judiciously seeking out new experiences can actually contribute to long-term professional stability by ensuring relevance and versatility.

Ultimately, the impact of seeking new experiences on personal and professional stability largely depends on the individual’s approach. When pursued thoughtfully and strategically, it can lead to a dynamic equilibrium that promotes both growth and stability.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. Serendipitous /ˌserənˈdɪpɪtəs/ (adjective): Occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
   Example: “Our meeting was a serendipitous event that changed my life.”

2. Apprehensive /ˌæprɪˈhensɪv/ (adjective): Anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen.
   Example: “I was apprehensive about giving the presentation, but it went well.”

3. Embrace the challenge (phrase): To accept or welcome a difficult task enthusiastically.
   Example: “Instead of avoiding the problem, she decided to embrace the challenge.”

4. Mortify /ˈmɔːrtɪfaɪ/ (verb): To cause someone to feel very embarrassed or ashamed.
   Example: “The thought of speaking in public mortified him.”

5. Potent mix (phrase): A powerful combination of elements or emotions.
   Example: “The film was a potent mix of drama and comedy.”

6. Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
   Example: “The new manager was a catalyst for positive change in the company.”

7. Fundamentally shifted (phrase): To change in a basic or essential way.
   Example: “The invention of the internet fundamentally shifted how we communicate.”

8. Unexpected self-discovery (phrase): The process of learning something surprising about oneself.
   Example: “The journey led to unexpected self-discovery and personal growth.”

9. Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
   Example: “The problem is multifaceted and requires a complex solution.”

10. Resilient /rɪˈzɪliənt/ (adjective): Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
    Example: “The community proved resilient in the face of natural disasters.”

IELTS Speaking vocabulary flashcards

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing new experiences:

1. Practice narrating personal stories regularly. This will help you become more comfortable and fluent when recounting experiences during the test.

2. Expand your vocabulary, especially words and phrases related to emotions and experiences. Use these naturally in your responses to demonstrate language proficiency.

3. Work on your pronunciation and intonation. Clear articulation and appropriate stress can significantly enhance the overall impression of your speaking ability.

4. Develop your ideas fully. Don’t just state what happened, but explain your thoughts, feelings, and the impact of the experience.

5. Use a variety of tenses accurately. When describing past experiences, make sure to use past tenses correctly, but also incorporate other tenses where appropriate.

6. Listen carefully to the questions and address all parts in your response. This is particularly important in Part 2, where you need to cover all the points on the cue card.

7. Stay calm and confident. Remember, the examiner is interested in your language skills, not judging your experiences.

By following these tips and regularly practicing with a variety of topics, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about new experiences in your IELTS Speaking test.

IELTS Speaking practice session with a tutor

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about having interesting experiences to share, but about how effectively you can communicate those experiences in English. Focus on clarity, fluency, and accuracy in your language use, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high score.

For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might want to describe a person who has a talent for public speaking or describe a time when someone gave you something you really wanted. These topics can help you further develop your speaking skills and expand your vocabulary in different contexts.