The IELTS Speaking test aims to assess your English speaking abilities in a range of contexts. Examiners evaluate fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One frequently appearing topic involves discussing personal experiences, such as “Describe a time when you were affected by economic changes.” This article will provide detailed guidance, examples, and expert tips to help you ace this part of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions and Sample Answer
In Part 1, candidates answer questions about themselves and familiar topics. Examiners frequently begin with questions like:
- Do you often follow economic news?
- How do economic changes affect your daily life?
Sample Answer:
Question: Do you often follow economic news?
Answer: “Yes, I make it a point to follow economic news regularly. Understanding economic trends helps me make informed decisions about my finances and investments. For instance, during the global recession, I closely monitored the stock market and adjusted my investment portfolio accordingly.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card and Sample Answer
In this part, you will be given a cue card with a topic to talk about for 1-2 minutes. You are provided with a minute to prepare. Here is an example cue card based on our key topic.
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you were affected by economic changes. You should say:
- When it was
- What economic changes occurred
- How you were affected
- And how you dealt with the situation
Sample Answer:
“I remember being significantly affected by economic changes during the global financial crisis of 2008. At that time, I was working in the real estate sector, which was one of the hardest-hit industries. Suddenly, property values plummeted, and virtually all transactions came to a halt.
As a result, my income was drastically reduced, and it became challenging to meet my financial obligations. To deal with this situation, I had to readjust my budget extensively, cutting down on non-essential expenses and picking up freelance projects to supplement my income. This period taught me the importance of financial resilience and planning.”
Keywords for Band 7/8:
- Global financial crisis
- Property values plummeted
- Drastically reduced
- Financial obligations
- Readjust my budget
- Financial resilience
Follow-Up Questions and Answers
Question: What economic reforms were implemented to stabilize the situation?
Answer: “Various governments introduced stimulus packages and bailout programs to revive the economy. Interest rates were lowered to encourage spending, and regulatory measures were tightened to prevent future financial mishaps.”
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Examiner Questions and Sample Answers
This part involves a deeper discussion related to the topic in Part 2, requiring analytical skills and the ability to express opinions.
Question: How do economic changes influence a community’s social structure?
Answer: “Economic changes can have profound impacts on a community’s social structure. For example, during a recession, the unemployment rate often spikes, leading to increased poverty and social discontent. Families might struggle to make ends meet, resulting in a higher dropout rate among students needing to work and support their households. Conversely, during periods of economic boom, employment opportunities increase, improving the standard of living and fostering greater social cohesion.”
Keywords for Band 7/8:
- Economic changes
- Community’s social structure
- Unemployment rate spikes
- Increased poverty
- Social discontent
- Economic boom
- Standard of living
- Social cohesion
Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Achieving a high band score entails using a rich array of vocabulary and complex grammatical structures effectively.
Key Vocabulary
- Economic downturn (n.) [ɪˈkɑː.nə.mɪk ˈdaʊn.tɜːrn]: A period of economic decline.
- Inflation (n.) [ɪnˈfleɪ.ʃən]: A general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money.
- Subsidize (v.) [ˈsʌb.sə.daɪz]: To support financially.
- Layoff (n.) [ˈleɪ.ɑːf]: The termination of employment.
Example sentences:
- “The economic downturn severely impacted small businesses, leading to multiple closures.”
- “During periods of inflation, consumers often experience a drop in their purchasing power.”
- “The government decided to subsidize the agricultural sector to stabilize food prices.”
- “Numerous employees faced layoffs as the company underwent restructuring.”
Expert Tips for High Scores
Practice Regularly
Consistency is key. Practice speaking about various topics, particularly focusing on complex subjects like economic changes.
Use a Range of Vocabulary
Employ varied vocabulary to express the same concept, avoiding repetition.
Record and Review
Record your speaking practice, then review it to identify areas for improvement in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary usage.
Engage in Mock Tests
Participate in mock tests with friends or mentors to get accustomed to the exam format and receive constructive feedback.
By diligently following this guide, incorporating the given examples, and applying expert tips, you can significantly improve your chances of obtaining a high band score in the IELTS Speaking test.