How to Excel in IELTS Speaking: Describe a Time When You Were Very Excited

The IELTS Speaking section is an integral part of the IELTS examination, designed to assess your spoken English skills. This section consists of three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-Way Discussion). Each part aims to evaluate various aspects of your speaking abilities, including fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation.

Questions like “Describe a time when you were very excited” are quite common and require a descriptive yet coherent response. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to effectively tackle such questions, providing you with a detailed example and analysis to help you secure a higher band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this part, the examiner asks personal questions on familiar topics such as your home, family, work, studies, and interests. Let’s focus on a typical question and provide a model answer.

Question Example:

What makes you feel excited?

Sample Answer:

“I feel excited when I’m about to embark on a new adventure, particularly when traveling to a country I’ve never visited before. The anticipation of exploring new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes fills me with a strong sense of excitement and joy.”

Analysis:

• Fluency: The response is smooth and continuous.
• Coherence: The ideas are logically connected.
• Lexical Resource: Use of higher-level vocabulary such as “embark” and “anticipation”.
• Grammatical Range: Correct use of complex sentences.

Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you are given a cue card with a topic and several bullet points to address in your talk. You are expected to speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic.

Cue Card:

Describe a time when you were very excited.

You should say:

• When it happened
• What the occasion was
• Why you were excited
• And describe how you felt

Sample Answer:

“One of the most exhilarating moments in my life happened three years ago when I was informed that I had been accepted into my dream university. It was a Friday afternoon, and I had just returned home from school. My phone buzzed, and there it was—the notification that changed everything.

The occasion was momentous because getting accepted into this prestigious university meant that all my hard work and dedication had paid off. The competitive application process had been arduous and nerve-wracking, so receiving that acceptance letter filled me with a mixture of relief and palpable excitement.

I was excited for several reasons. Firstly, this university was renowned for its excellent academic programs and faculty. Secondly, it signified a new chapter in my life, filled with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and accomplishment. My heart was racing, and I couldn’t stop smiling. I immediately called my family and friends to share the good news, and their excitement and pride for me amplified my own feelings. That day remains etched in my memory as one of my happiest and most exciting moments.”

Analysis:

• Fluency and Coherence: The response flows logically and covers all bullet points comprehensively.
• Lexical Resource: Use of advanced vocabulary like “exhilarating”, “prestigious”, “arduous”, and “palpable”.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Accurate and varied sentence structures, including complex sentences.
• Pronunciation: Clear and understandable pronunciation throughout.

Follow-up Questions (Bullet Points):

1. Do you think excitement is important in life?
   Absolutely, excitement is essential as it provides us with motivation and enthusiasm to pursue our goals and dreams. It also adds vitality and positivity to our daily lives.

2. What do people in your country often get excited about?
   People in my country often get excited about national holidays, major sports events, and family gatherings. These occasions bring people together and create a festive, joyous atmosphere.

Part 3: Two-Way Discussion

In this section, the examiner engages in a more abstract discussion on the chosen topic. This part assesses your ability to express and justify your opinions, analyze issues, and speculate about future trends.

Example Question:

Why do people feel excited about achieving personal goals?

Sample Answer:

“Achieving personal goals induces excitement because it represents the culmination of effort, dedication, and perseverance. This sense of achievement validates one’s hard work, boosting self-esteem and motivation to set and reach further goals. Additionally, accomplishing personal milestones provides a profound sense of satisfaction and often opens new opportunities for personal and professional growth.”

Analysis:

• Fluency and Coherence: The response is well-structured and logically connected.
• Lexical Resource: Use of advanced vocabulary such as “culmination”, “dedication”, “perseverance”, and “milestones”.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Effective use of complex sentences and accurate grammar.
• Pronunciation: Consistent and clear pronunciation.

Useful Vocabulary and Structures

Here are some vocabulary and phrases that can help enhance your speaking and secure a higher band score:

Vocabulary:

• Exhilarating (adj): /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ extremely exciting.
  • Example: “Skydiving is an exhilarating experience.”
• Anticipation (noun): /ænˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃn/ a feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen.
  • Example: “The anticipation of the concert was almost unbearable.”
• Momentous (adj): /moʊˈmen.təs/ very important because of effects on future events.
  • Example: “Graduating from college was a momentous occasion for me.”

Advanced Structures:

• Complex Sentences: Incorporate clauses to add depth to your statements.
  • Example: “Although it was challenging, the experience taught me valuable lessons which I still apply today.”

Image:

A young person celebrating their acceptance into a prestigious university

Tips for Practice

1. Record Yourself: Practice speaking on various topics and record yourself to evaluate your fluency, coherence, and pronunciation.
2. Expand Vocabulary: Regularly read, listen, and practice using new words and expressions to diversify your language.
3. Stay Relaxed: Practice relaxation techniques to stay calm during the test, allowing your thoughts to flow more naturally.

By following these structured approaches and using the given examples, you can effectively prepare for the IELTS Speaking test and aim for a high band score.