In the IELTS Speaking Exam, you are evaluated on your ability to communicate effectively in English. Key factors such as fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation are considered. Questions often cover a wide range of topics, including personal experiences. One common theme is describing a time when you felt a particular emotion, such as homesickness. This article will guide you through answering such a prompt, helping you maximize your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
The Examiner may ask you introductory questions to get you comfortable. These questions usually cover familiar topics like your home, work or studies, and daily life.
Example Question and Suggested Answer
Examiner: Do you live near here?
Candidate: Yes, I live about ten minutes away by bus. My apartment is in a quiet neighborhood, which is really nice because it’s a break from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Part 2: Long Turn
The long turn section requires you to speak about a specific topic for 1-2 minutes. Below is a sample cue card related to our main topic.
Cue Card
Describe a time when you were homesick.
You should say:
- When it was
- Where you were
- What caused it
- And explain how you dealt with it
Sample Answer
Candidate:
“I experienced intense homesickness during my first year at university. It was the first time I had ever been away from home for an extended period. I was studying in a city far from my hometown, and initially, I was very excited about the new experiences ahead. However, after a few weeks, the novelty wore off, and I started to miss my family and friends.
One particular night, I remember feeling overwhelmingly homesick. I had just returned to my dorm room after a long day of classes and studying. The room felt unusually quiet, and the weight of loneliness hit me suddenly. The primary cause of my homesickness was the realization that I wouldn’t see my family for months due to the long academic term.
To deal with my homesickness, I decided to call my parents. Hearing their voices and sharing my experiences with them provided a huge amount of comfort. Additionally, I joined a few student clubs, where I met new friends who made me feel more at home. Gradually, I adjusted to my new environment, and the homesickness lessened.”
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: How often do you feel homesick these days?
Candidate: These days, I seldom feel homesick because I’ve grown accustomed to living independently, and I regularly keep in touch with my family through video calls.Examiner: Are there particular events or holidays that make you feel homesick?
Candidate: Yes, I feel especially homesick during traditional holidays like the Lunar New Year when my family gets together to celebrate.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the Examiner will ask questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2 but will aim for more abstract or analytical responses.
Example Questions and Answers
Examiner: Why do you think people feel homesick?
Candidate: Homesickness is often triggered by a combination of stress and the unfamiliarity of a new environment. People miss the comfort and security of home, familiar sights, sounds, and routines. Being surrounded by a new culture or language can exacerbate these feelings.
Examiner: Do you think technology has helped reduce feelings of homesickness?
Candidate: Absolutely. Nowadays, technology, particularly video calling and social media, allows people to stay connected with their loved ones no matter where they are. This connectivity can significantly reduce the feeling of being alone and help people adjust to new environments more easily.
Examiner: Are certain age groups more susceptible to homesickness?
Candidate: I believe that younger people, particularly those who are moving away from home for the first time, such as college students, are more susceptible to homesickness. They are transitioning to a new phase of life and may not have developed the coping mechanisms that come with age and experience.
Advice for Achieving a High Score
- Be Fluent and Coherent: Practice speaking smoothly without too many pauses. Structure your answer logically.
- Use a Range of Vocabulary: Incorporate varied and precise vocabulary related to the topic.
- Be Grammatically Accurate: Use correct sentence structure and verb tenses.
- Pronounce Clearly: Work on your pronunciation to ensure each word is clear and accurately delivered.
- Stay Calm and Composed: Nervousness can affect your performance, so practice staying calm under pressure.
By following these guidelines and practicing using the sample topics and answers provided, you can enhance your ability to perform well in the IELTS Speaking Exam.
Homesick Student on Phone
For more tips on improving your overall IELTS score, you might find this article insightful regarding the writing band requirements in Canada.