Mastering the IELTS Speaking Test: Describe a Time When You Were Impacted by a Global Event

In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates are evaluated on several factors such as fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical accuracy, and pronunciation. One type of common question that may appear in Part 2 of the Speaking test pertains to being impacted by a global event. It is imperative to prepare thoroughly due to the range of topics and the global significance attached.

Global events are influential phenomena that affect large populations and sometimes the entire world. They can include pandemics, natural disasters, political movements, or economic crises. In this article, we will delve into effective strategies for answering the question “Describe A Time When You Were Impacted By A Global Event” through detailed examples, highlighting key vocabulary and phrases that can help you achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Common Examiner Questions

1. Can you tell me about your hometown?
2. What kind of global events do you find most significant?
3. Have you ever been affected by a major global event? If so, how?

Sample Answer for a Common Question

Q: What kind of global events do you find most significant?
A: I find pandemics particularly significant as they can impact every aspect of life from health to the economy. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic changed how we interacted, worked, and studied. It was an eye-opener regarding global health preparedness and the collective response of nations worldwide.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card and Sample Answer

Cue Card:

Describe a time when you were impacted by a global event.

You should say:

• What the event was
• When and where it happened
• How it affected you
• And explain why this event was significant to you

Sample Answer:

One significant global event that deeply impacted me was the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic started in late 2019 and quickly spread globally, affecting countless lives. I was living in Hanoi, Vietnam at the time, and its impact was both immediate and profound.

Initially, the pandemic caused widespread health concerns. Many people around me became very cautious about their health, regularly wearing masks and using hand sanitizers. However, the most significant change for me was the switch from traditional in-person schooling to online learning. This dramatic shift required me to adapt to new technologies and methods of communication almost overnight.

Financially, the pandemic led to a lot of economic uncertainty. My family faced business disruptions, which introduced stress and required us to be more resourceful. Socially, the need for quarantine and lockdowns meant I could only interact with friends and extended family through virtual channels, which was quite isolating.

This event was particularly significant to me because it taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability. Despite the challenges, I learned to manage my time better and became more independent in my studies. It also made me more aware of global issues and the interconnected nature of our world.

COVID-19 Pandemic in Vietnam

Part 2 Follow-up Questions

Q: How did the pandemic change your daily routine?
A: My entire daily routine underwent a transformation. Mornings typically started with online classes instead of commuting to school. I had more time for personal projects but less physical interaction with friends. The need to manage these changes effectively taught me invaluable time management skills.

Q: Do you think the impact of the pandemic will continue to be felt in the future?
A: Absolutely. The pandemic has permanently altered how we perceive health, interact socially, and conduct business. The widespread adoption of remote work and online education is likely here to stay, and these changes may continue to shape our behaviors and priorities for years to come.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner Questions and Model Answers

Q: In your opinion, what are some of the long-term impacts of global events like pandemics on society?
A: Global events like pandemics have long-term impacts such as enhanced public health infrastructure, increased preparedness for future crises, and shifts towards remote work and digital communication platforms. Public habits have also changed with greater emphasis placed on hygiene and health awareness.

Q: How should governments prepare for such events in the future?
A: Governments should invest in robust health systems, ensure timely and transparent communication, and foster international cooperation. Creating emergency response plans and conducting regular drills can also enhance readiness. Moreover, supporting continuous scientific research will be crucial to understanding and tackling future challenges.

Essential Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores

Vocabulary

• Impact: [Verb] /ɪmˈpækt/ – To have a strong effect on.
  • Example: The pandemic impacted every aspect of our lives.
• Resilience: [Noun] /rɪˈzɪlɪəns/ – The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
  • Example: Resilience is key to adapting to new circumstances.
• Uncertainty: [Noun] /ʌnˈsɜːrtənti/ – The state of being unsure about the future.
  • Example: The economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic was widespread.
• Adapt: [Verb] /əˈdæpt/ – To adjust or modify to suit new conditions.
  • Example: We needed to adapt to the new norm of working from home.
• Economic Disruption: [Noun Phrase] /ˌiː.kəˈnɒmɪk dɪsˈrʌp.ʃən/ – A disturbance in economic stability.
  • Example: Many businesses faced economic disruption due to the pandemic.

Phrases

• Health concerns: Issues related to health and well-being.
• Social distancing: Keeping physical space between individuals to prevent disease spread.
• Resourceful: Able to handle challenges effectively.
• Interconnected nature: The way in which different aspects are connected and affect each other.

Expert Tips for Practicing Speaking to Achieve High Scores

1. Practice Fluency and Coherence: Speak clearly and logically. Link your ideas with suitable connecting words and ensure a smooth flow of conversation.
2. Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of vocabulary to discuss different topics effectively.
3. Polish Your Pronunciation: Pay attention to pronunciation, stress, and intonation. Regularly practice with native speakers or use listening tools.
4. Engage in Regular Practice: Use daily scenarios to practice answering speaking questions. Time yourself and record your answers for self-evaluation.
5. Seek Feedback: Participate in speaking clubs or practice with peers and instructors to receive constructive feedback.

By following these guidelines and using the suggested vocabulary and structures, candidates can significantly enhance their performance in the IELTS Speaking test. With consistent practice and attention to detail, achieving a high band score is well within reach.