The IELTS Speaking test evaluates various aspects of a candidate’s speaking ability, including fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and accuracy. One of the frequent topics in the IELTS Speaking test is describing personal experiences, such as “Describe a time when you visited a famous landmark.” Examiners often use this theme to assess your descriptive abilities and how well you can narrate an event.
This article will break down the speaking test structure, offering sample answers and tips to help you perform at your best. Follow our guide to understand what examiners look for, and use our examples to practice and improve your speaking skills.
IELTS Speaking Test Structure
The IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts:
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner asks you general questions about yourself, your life, and your interests. Topics might include your hometown, occupation, hobbies, and general preferences.
Common Examiner Questions:
- “Do you like traveling?”
- “What type of places do you prefer to visit?”
Example Answer:
“I absolutely love traveling. It allows me to explore new cultures, meet new people, and gain new experiences. I particularly enjoy visiting historical sites and nature reserves because they often offer a unique glimpse into the past and the natural beauty of the place.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this part, you will receive a cue card with a topic, and you will have to speak about it for 1-2 minutes. You will be given one minute to prepare your answer.
Cue Card Example:
Describe a time when you visited a famous landmark.
- What was the landmark?
- When did you visit it?
- Why did you go there?
- What was your experience like?
Sample Answer:
“On a balmy summer afternoon last July, I visited the world-renowned Eiffel Tower in Paris. I had always dreamt of seeing this iconic structure, and I finally had the opportunity during a family vacation. We visited it in the early evening to enjoy both the daylight and the sparkling night view. The sight was absolutely breathtaking, and it was surreal to be standing beneath such a majestic and historical landmark. We took a lift to the top, and I was struck by the stunning panoramic views of Paris. It was a memorable experience that left me in awe of the architectural brilliance and the cultural significance of the Eiffel Tower.”
eiffel-tower-paris|Eiffel Tower in Paris|A photo of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, taken from a low angle to emphasize its height and grandeur. The image should be taken during the day and should show the tower against a clear blue sky. There should be a few people in the foreground to give a sense of scale.
Preparation Tips for Part 2:
- Demonstrate fluency and coherence.
- Use a wide range of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.
- Show a good command of grammatical structures.
Follow-up Questions:
- “What other famous landmarks would you like to visit?”
- “How do you think visiting landmarks can be educational?”
Suggested Responses:
“I would love to visit the Great Wall of China next, as it is a monument of historical significance and architectural marvel. I believe visiting landmarks can be extremely educational as it offers firsthand insight into a country’s history, culture, and people. It also provides a tangible connection to the past, which can be more impactful than just reading about it in books.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner asks more abstract and complex questions related to the topic from Part 2 to gauge your ability to discuss and analyze.
Sample Discussion:
Examiner:
“Do you think preserving famous landmarks is important?”
Candidate:
“Absolutely. Preserving famous landmarks is crucial for maintaining our cultural heritage and historical legacy. These sites serve as educational resources and attract tourism, which can have significant economic benefits. Moreover, they stand as symbols of human achievement and should be protected for future generations to appreciate and learn from.”
Examiner:
“How does tourism impact famous landmarks, both positively and negatively?”
Candidate:
“Tourism can have both positive and negative impacts on famous landmarks. On the positive side, it generates revenue that can be used for maintenance and preservation. However, excessive tourism can lead to wear and tear and environmental damage. It is essential to find a balance and implement sustainable tourism practices to protect these sites.”
Important Vocabulary and Structures
Here are some key terms and phrases you should incorporate into your speaking to achieve a high band score:
Iconic (adjective) – Epiphany of a place.
The Eiffel Tower is an iconic landmark in Paris.
Majestic (adjective) – Splendid or grand.
The Eiffel Tower stands majestic against the Parisian skyline.
Panoramic (adjective) – Offering comprehensive view.
From the top, you get a panoramic view of the city.
Cultural significance (noun) – Importance related to culture.
This landmark holds great cultural significance.
Architectural brilliance (noun) – Exceptional architectural design.
The Eiffel Tower is a testament to France’s architectural brilliance.
Advice for Practice
- Practice Speaking Regularly: Engage in mock exams and conversational practice to build confidence.
- Record and Review: Listen to your recorded answers to spot areas for improvement.
- Vocabulary Building: Read extensively and note down new words and phrases.
- Seek Feedback: Practice with a teacher or join a speaking club to get constructive evaluations.
By following these guidelines and practicing consistently, you can enhance your speaking ability and excel in the IELTS Speaking test. Whether you are describing a past visit to a famous landmark or any other personal experience, your objective should always be to provide a clear, coherent, and engaging response.