The Speaking section of the IELTS exam is designed to assess your pronunciation, fluency, coherence, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy. This part of the exam typically includes questions that require you to describe personal experiences. One common topic is “Describe a time when you were very happy”. In today’s guide, we will explore how to effectively tackle this question to achieve a high band score.
We will delve into the structure of the IELTS Speaking test, look at sample questions, provide model answers, and offer advice for success.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you will be asked about familiar topics such as your hobbies, family, and daily life. Here are some examples of questions you may encounter:
- What do you do in your free time?
- Who do you spend most of your free time with?
- What makes you happy?
- Can you describe a time when you were very happy?
Sample Answer for Part 1
Question: Can you describe a time when you were very happy?
Answer: Sure, one of the happiest moments of my life was when I graduated from university. I had worked extremely hard for four years, and graduating with honors was a significant milestone. My family was there to celebrate with me, which made it even more special. The sense of achievement and the joy of sharing that moment with my loved ones filled me with immense happiness.
Part 2: Long Turn
For Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a specific topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. You’ll have one minute to prepare. Here is an example cue card:
Cue Card
Describe a time when you were very happy
You should say:
- When it was
- What you were doing
- Who was with you
- And explain why you were very happy
Sample Answer for Part 2
Question: Describe a time when you were very happy.
Answer:
One of the happiest times in my life was when I finally got my first job. It was about two years ago, right after I had graduated from college. I had been applying for months and had attended countless interviews, but nothing seemed to work out. Then, one day, I received a call from a company I was really excited about, offering me a position.
At that moment, I was at home with my parents. When I told them the good news, they were incredibly proud and excited for me. We decided to celebrate by going out for a special dinner. What made this moment extra special was the realization that my hard work had finally paid off and I was taking a big step towards my career goals. It was a sense of accomplishment and the anticipation of a new beginning that made me very happy.
Follow-up Questions
-
Do you think happiness is important? Why?
- Answer: Yes, I believe happiness is crucial because it affects our overall well-being and productivity. When we are happy, we tend to be more motivated and positive, which can lead to better outcomes in various aspects of life.
-
What kinds of things make people in your country happy?
- Answer: In my country, people often find happiness in spending time with family, enjoying good food, and celebrating festivals. Achievements such as educational milestones and career successes also bring a lot of happiness.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask questions related to the topic in Part 2 but at a more abstract level. This is to evaluate your ability to discuss and analyze.
Questions and Sample Answers
Question: Why do people feel happy when they achieve something?
Answer: People feel happy when they achieve something because it is a tangible recognition of their hard work and effort. It also boosts self-esteem and provides a sense of fulfillment. Achievement often brings about positive reinforcement, encouraging people to set and accomplish more goals.
Question: Can money buy happiness?
Answer: This is a complex question. While money can certainly provide comfort, security, and access to experiences that can contribute to happiness, it is not the sole factor. True happiness often comes from intangible sources like relationships, personal achievements, and a sense of purpose.
Essential Vocabulary and Phrases
-
Accomplishment: [əˈkɑːmplɪʃmənt] – (n) An act or instance of carrying into effect; fulfillment.
- Example: Graduating from university was a significant accomplishment in my life.
-
Milestone: [ˈmaɪlstəʊn] – (n) A significant point or event in your life.
- Example: Getting my first job was a milestone that brought me immense happiness.
-
Fulfillment: [fʊlˈfɪlmənt] – (n) The achievement of something desired, promised, or predicted.
- Example: The fulfillment of my childhood dream of being an engineer made me very happy.
-
Sense of achievement: A feeling of pride and satisfaction in one’s efforts and accomplishments.
- Example: Completing the marathon gave me a profound sense of achievement.
-
Celebrate: [ˈsɛlɪbreɪt] – (v) Acknowledge (a significant or happy day or event) with a social gathering or enjoyable activity.
- Example: We celebrated my new job by having a dinner party.
Expert Tips for Success
- Practice Regularly: The key to mastering the Speaking test is regular and consistent practice. Try to speak about different topics and record yourself.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Keep learning new words and phrases and try to use them in your answers.
- Understand the Criteria: Knowing what the examiners are looking for can help you focus your practice more effectively.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Your attitude can significantly impact your performance. Stay calm, and remember that the examiner is there to help you do your best.
By following these guidelines and practicing the samples provided, you can improve your chances of achieving a high band score in the IELTS Speaking section.