In the IELTS Speaking test, particularly in Part 2, candidates are often asked to describe personal experiences. One common topic is “Describe a time when you were on stage”.
Understanding how an IELTS Speaking Examiner evaluates responses can help you craft answers that maximize your score. Examiners look for fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Describing a time when you were on stage requires well-organized storytelling and ample relevant vocabulary.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions
- Do you like performing in front of people?
- Have you ever been to a live concert or play?
- How do you feel about public speaking?
Sample Answer
Question: Do you like performing in front of people?
“Yes, I genuinely enjoy performing in front of people. In fact, I find it quite exhilarating. One instance that stands out was when I participated in a school drama competition. The thrill of being on stage, the anticipation of the audience’s reaction, and the sense of accomplishment at the end made the experience incredibly memorable.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you were on stage. You should say:
- When it was
- Where it was
- Why you were on stage
- And explain how you felt about being on stage
Model Answer
“One particular occasion when I was on stage was during my final year in high school, about two years ago. It took place in our school auditorium during the annual cultural fest. I was part of a theater group that had been preparing for months to present a play based on a famous literary work.
The reason we were on stage was to perform this play in front of an audience comprising students, teachers, and parents. I played the leading role, which was both exciting and nerve-wracking.
Being under the spotlight was a surreal experience. At first, I felt a rush of adrenaline and a bit of nervousness as I saw the crowd looking at us with eager eyes. However, as we delved deeper into the performance, my nerves settled, and I started enjoying the interaction with my fellow actors and the audience’s response. The applause at the end was incredibly gratifying, making all the efforts worthwhile. This experience boosted my confidence and got me hooked on the joy of performing.”
Follow-up Questions
Question: Did you face any challenges while preparing for the performance?
“Indeed, we encountered numerous challenges. Memorizing the lines and ensuring that each actor was in sync with the others was quite challenging. However, through persistence and regular rehearsals, we managed to pull off a performance that we were all proud of.”
3. Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Examiner Questions
- How do you think performing on stage affects people’s confidence?
- What makes a good public speaker or performer?
Model Answers
Question: How do you think performing on stage affects people’s confidence?
“Performing on stage can significantly boost an individual’s confidence. It forces one to confront and overcome the fear of public speaking, which is a common anxiety. As performers become more accustomed to presenting in front of others, they build self-assurance and improve their communication skills, which are invaluable in both personal and professional settings.”
Question: What makes a good public speaker or performer?
“A good public speaker or performer exhibits clarity, confidence, and a strong presence. They should be able to connect with their audience through engaging storytelling and expressive body language. Moreover, thorough preparation and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial traits that distinguish great performers from the rest.”
Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
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Exhilarating (adj.) [ɪɡˌzɪləˈreɪtɪŋ]: Making one feel very happy, animated, or elated.
- Example: The roller-coaster ride was exhilarating.
-
Surreal (adj.) [sʊˈriːəl]: Having the qualities of surrealism; bizarre.
- Example: The landscape looked so surreal, like a painting.
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Boost (v.) [buːst]: To increase; to make better or more successful.
- Example: The new program is likely to boost sales.
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Gratifying (adj.) [ˈɡrætɪfaɪɪŋ]: Giving pleasure, especially by satisfying a desire.
- Example: It was a gratifying experience to see my work appreciated.
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Nerve-wracking (adj.) [ˈnɜːvˌrækɪŋ]: Causing stress or anxiety.
- Example: The final exam was extremely nerve-wracking.
Using such advanced vocabulary and clear structures can significantly improve your band score.
III. Tips for High Speaking Scores
Practice Regularly
Regular practice can help you become more fluent and confident. Try to describe different personal experiences, and remember to use a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
Engage in Active Listening
Listening to native speakers and trying to mimic their intonation and pronunciation can greatly enhance your speaking skills.
Seek Feedback
Always seek constructive feedback from teachers or peers to identify areas of improvement.
Use Connectors and Fillers Naturally
Use connectors like “Moreover,” “However,” and fillers like “You know,” “Well,” to make your speech more cohesive and natural.
Stay Calm and Composed
Staying calm helps in better articulation of thoughts, which is crucial in scoring high in the IELTS Speaking test.
Incorporating these strategies and vocabulary can help you describe any event, including a time when you were on stage, effectively and compellingly during your IELTS Speaking test. For further practice, you might find these topics beneficial: Describe a time when you felt excited, Describe a project you worked on, and Describe a time when you were happy.