The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face interview divided into three parts: the Introduction and Interview, the Long Turn, and the Two-way Discussion. The examiner evaluates your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, accuracy, and pronunciation. One increasingly common topic is “Describe a time when you were influenced by social media.” Before diving into sample questions and model answers, let’s break down what makes a compelling response.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask about your personal background, interests, or daily activities. The goal is to make you comfortable and assess your basic conversational skills.
Sample Questions and Answer
Examiner: Do you often use social media?
Candidate: Yes, I use social media quite frequently. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow me to stay connected with friends and family, share moments from my life, and keep up with the latest news and trends.
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a specific topic. You have one minute to prepare and should speak for about two minutes. The examiner will then ask one or two follow-up questions.
Cue Card and Suggested Answer
Cue Card: Describe a time when you were influenced by social media. You should say:
- What the situation was.
- How social media influenced you.
- What you did as a result.
- And explain how you felt about it.
Suggested Answer:
One significant time I was influenced by social media was when I decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle about a year ago. I came across a fitness influencer on Instagram named John Doe, who regularly posted workout routines and healthy eating tips. His content was not only motivating but also highly informative. Seeing the transformation stories and the positive feedback from his followers, I felt inspired to make changes in my own life.
I initially started by following his workout routines, which were both challenging and rewarding. I also began to adopt his meal plans, substituting unhealthy snacks with nutritious alternatives. Within a few weeks, I noticed significant improvements in my energy levels and overall well-being.
As a result, I decided to incorporate these habits into my daily routine permanently. I felt really proud of myself for making such a positive change. Being influenced by social media in this way truly transformed my lifestyle for the better.
Follow-Up Questions
Examiner: How did you feel after adopting the influencer’s tips?
Candidate: I felt incredibly accomplished and healthier. It wasn’t just about the physical changes but also the mental boost from doing something positive for myself.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will engage you in a more abstract discussion related to the topic in Part 2. This assesses your ability to discuss complex issues and express opinions.
Example Questions and Answers
Examiner: Do you think social media has more positive or negative influences on people?
Candidate: I believe social media has both positive and negative influences. On the positive side, it can serve as a platform for education, motivation, and community building. However, it can also lead to unrealistic expectations and comparisons, which may affect mental health.
Examiner: How do you think social media will change in the future?
Candidate: In the future, social media is likely to become even more integrated into our daily lives. I expect to see more advanced technologies, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, making the experience more immersive. However, it’s crucial to address issues like privacy and misinformation to ensure a positive impact.
Key Vocabulary and Structures
Essential Vocabulary for High Scores
Influenced (verb) /ˈɪnfluənst/: affected someone’s behavior or thinking.
- Example: “She was influenced by the motivational posts she saw on social media.”
Incorporate (verb) /ɪnˈkɔːr.pə.reɪt/: include something as part of a whole.
- Example: “He decided to incorporate healthy meals into his diet.”
Transformation (noun) /ˌtræn.sfəˈmeɪ.ʃən/: a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance.
- Example: “The influencer’s story of personal transformation inspired many people.”
Nutritious (adjective) /njuːˈtrɪʃ.əs/: nourishing; efficient as food.
- Example: “Nutritious meals are essential for maintaining good health.”
Key Structures
Complex Sentences: Use subordinating conjunctions such as “because,” “although,” and “while.”
- Example: “Although it was challenging, I continued with the fitness routine because I wanted to see results.”
Passive Voice: Effective for focusing on the action rather than the subject.
- Example: “Significant improvements in my energy levels were noticed.”
Conditional Sentences: Useful for discussing hypothetical scenarios.
- Example: “If social media platforms don’t address privacy issues, they might lose user trust.”
Expert Tips for High Scores
- Practice Fluency: Speak continuously without long pauses.
- Expand Vocabulary: Use a rich and varied vocabulary to express your ideas.
- Show Enthusiasm: Express genuine interest and enthusiasm in your topic.
- Organize Your Thoughts: Keep your answers coherent with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Use Real-Life Examples: Make your responses relatable and credible by incorporating personal experiences.
Conclusion
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics like being influenced by social media, it is essential to demonstrate fluency, coherence, and a wide range of vocabulary. Practice often with real-life examples, and utilize complex sentences to provide a nuanced view. With these strategies, you will be well on your way to achieving a high band score.
Analyzing Social Media Influence in IELTS Speaking
By following these guidelines and practicing diligently, you can harness the power of your own experiences and linguistic skills to stand out in your IELTS Speaking examination. For further reading, you might find these articles helpful:
Good luck with your IELTS preparation!