The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about memorable experiences, and “describe a time when you were pleasantly surprised” is a common topic. This theme allows candidates to showcase their storytelling abilities, vocabulary range, and cultural awareness. As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ll provide insights on how to effectively answer this question and achieve a high band score.
Describe a foreign food you have tried can be a related topic that might also involve pleasant surprises, so keep that in mind as we explore this theme.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions related to surprises or unexpected events. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- Do you like surprises?
- What kind of surprises do you enjoy?
- Have you ever surprised someone?
Let’s focus on the first question:
Examiner: Do you like surprises?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy surprises. They add excitement to life and break the monotony of daily routines. I especially like it when friends or family members surprise me with thoughtful gifts or unexpected visits.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m quite fond of surprises, particularly those that catch me off guard in a delightful way. There’s something inherently thrilling about the unexpected, whether it’s an impromptu gathering with friends or a serendipitous encounter that brightens my day. I find that surprises often inject a sense of wonder and spontaneity into life, making even ordinary moments feel extraordinary.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Now, let’s move on to the main topic. Here’s a sample cue card:
Describe a time when you were pleasantly surprised
You should say:
- What the surprise was
- When it happened
- Who surprised you
- And explain why you found it pleasantBand 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about a time when I was pleasantly surprised by my colleagues at work. It happened last year on my birthday. I didn’t expect anything special, as I hadn’t mentioned it to anyone at the office.
When I arrived at work that morning, I found my desk decorated with balloons and a small gift. My team had organized a surprise party for me during lunch break. They had even baked a cake and bought some snacks.
What made it particularly pleasant was the effort they put into keeping it a secret. I later found out that they had been planning it for weeks, coordinating everything via a group chat that excluded me. It was touching to see how much they cared, especially since we had only been working together for a few months.
This surprise was really enjoyable because it made me feel valued and appreciated in my workplace. It also helped strengthen our team bond, which has had a positive impact on our work relationships ever since.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d be delighted to recount an occasion when I was pleasantly surprised, which occurred during my post-graduate studies abroad. The surprise in question was an unexpected visit from my parents, who had flown halfway across the world to see me.
This heartwarming event took place about six months into my program. I was knee-deep in research and feeling somewhat homesick when I received a call from the university’s international student office. They asked me to come down to sign some paperwork, which I found odd but didn’t question.
Upon arriving at the office, I was utterly flabbergasted to see my parents standing there with beaming smiles. They had orchestrated this surprise in collaboration with the university staff, keeping it under wraps for months. The meticulous planning involved in this surprise was truly impressive.
What made this surprise particularly pleasant was its multifaceted nature. Firstly, it alleviated my homesickness instantly. Secondly, it gave me an opportunity to share my new life and experiences with my parents firsthand. Lastly, it demonstrated the lengths to which my parents were willing to go to support me in my academic endeavors.
The surprise visit was not just a moment of joy but a pivotal experience that reinvigorated my motivation to excel in my studies. It served as a poignant reminder of the unwavering support I had back home, which was incredibly reassuring as I navigated the challenges of studying in a foreign country.
In retrospect, this surprise stands out as one of the most cherished memories of my time abroad, blending the familiar comfort of family with the excitement of my new academic journey.
Pleasant surprise of family visit abroad
Follow-up questions:
- How did this surprise affect your studies?
- Do you think surprises are important in maintaining relationships?
Band 6-7 Answer (Question 1):
This surprise had a positive impact on my studies. It boosted my morale and motivation. Seeing my parents made me feel more supported and confident in my ability to succeed in my program.
Band 8-9 Answer (Question 1):
The surprise visit from my parents had a profound impact on my academic performance. It served as a catalyst for renewed focus and determination in my studies. The tangible support and encouragement from my parents reinvigorated my passion for my research topic. Moreover, their presence allowed me to gain perspective on my academic journey, reminding me of the bigger picture and the reasons why I had embarked on this challenging path in the first place. This recalibration of my mindset led to increased productivity and a more positive outlook on my academic challenges.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some examples:
Examiner: Why do you think people enjoy surprises?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I believe people enjoy surprises because they break the routine of daily life. Surprises can make us feel special and cared for, especially when someone puts effort into planning something for us. They also create memorable moments that we can look back on fondly.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The human affinity for surprises is a fascinating aspect of our psychology. I believe it stems from several factors. Firstly, surprises inject novelty into our lives, providing a welcome break from the predictability of daily routines. This novelty stimulates our brains, triggering the release of dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and reward.
Secondly, pleasant surprises often make us feel valued and appreciated. When someone takes the time to plan a surprise, it demonstrates thoughtfulness and care, which can significantly strengthen interpersonal bonds.
Moreover, surprises have the power to create vivid, lasting memories. The element of unexpectedness makes these experiences stand out in our minds, often becoming cherished recollections that we revisit time and again.
Lastly, surprises can challenge our preconceptions and broaden our perspectives. They remind us that life is full of possibilities beyond our expectations, which can be both exciting and enlightening.
Examiner: Do you think the ability to surprise others is an important skill?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think being able to surprise others is a valuable skill. It shows that you’re thoughtful and care about making others happy. Good surprises require planning and creativity, which are useful in many areas of life. It’s also a way to strengthen relationships and create positive memories with friends and family.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Indeed, I believe the ability to surprise others is a nuanced and valuable skill that extends far beyond mere social niceties. At its core, this ability demonstrates emotional intelligence and empathy, as it requires a deep understanding of another person’s preferences, desires, and current state of mind.
Moreover, orchestrating a successful surprise often involves a complex set of skills. It requires creativity to conceive of something truly unexpected yet appreciated. It demands planning and organizational abilities to execute the surprise flawlessly. Additionally, it calls for discretion and the capacity to maintain secrecy, which are valuable traits in many professional and personal contexts.
In a broader sense, the skill of surprising others positively can be seen as a form of social artistry. It has the power to elevate mundane interactions into memorable experiences, thereby enriching relationships and fostering a sense of connection and community.
In the professional realm, this skill can translate into an ability to exceed expectations and deliver results that go beyond what’s anticipated. This can be particularly valuable in fields such as customer service, event planning, or any role that involves managing and exceeding client expectations.
Ultimately, the ability to surprise others positively is a manifestation of thoughtfulness and consideration in action. It’s a way of demonstrating care and attention that can significantly enhance both personal relationships and professional interactions.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high band score, incorporate sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples used in the Band 8-9 answers above, along with additional suggestions:
Flabbergasted [flæb.əˈɡæs.təd] (adjective): extremely surprised or shocked
Example: I was utterly flabbergasted when I saw my long-lost friend at the airport.Orchestrate [ˈɔː.kɪ.streɪt] (verb): to carefully plan or organize something
Example: She orchestrated a surprise party that went off without a hitch.Meticulous [məˈtɪk.jə.ləs] (adjective): very careful and precise
Example: The meticulous planning ensured that every detail of the surprise was perfect.Multifaceted [ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd] (adjective): having many different aspects or features
Example: The surprise had a multifaceted impact on my life, affecting both my personal and professional spheres.Alleviate [əˈliː.vi.eɪt] (verb): to make something less severe
Example: The unexpected visit alleviated my homesickness significantly.Pivotal [ˈpɪv.ə.təl] (adjective): very important or essential
Example: That surprise party turned out to be a pivotal moment in our friendship.Poignant [ˈpɔɪ.njənt] (adjective): evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret
Example: The surprise reunion was a poignant reminder of how much time had passed.Cherished [ˈtʃer.ɪʃt] (adjective): loved and protected with care
Example: The surprise gift became one of my most cherished possessions.
Key vocabulary for describing surprises
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a pleasant surprise:
Structure your answer: Use the cue card points as a guide to organize your thoughts.
Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases, but ensure you use them correctly and naturally.
Provide specific details: This adds authenticity to your story and demonstrates your ability to communicate complex ideas.
Show enthusiasm: Your tone and facial expressions should reflect the pleasant nature of the surprise.
Practice storytelling: Regularly recount experiences to friends or record yourself to improve your narrative skills.
Develop your ideas: In Part 3, try to analyze the topic from different angles and provide thoughtful insights.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about using advanced vocabulary, but also about communicating your ideas clearly and engaging with the topic in a meaningful way.
Describe a time you answered a phone call from an unknown person could be another interesting topic that might involve surprises, so consider practicing with various scenarios to broaden your speaking skills.
By following these guidelines and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about pleasant surprises in your IELTS Speaking test.