The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about everyday experiences, and describing a phone call from an unknown person is a topic that has appeared in past exams and is likely to come up again. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate a personal experience, express emotions, and use appropriate vocabulary related to communication and unexpected situations.
Describe a time when you answered a phone call from someone you didn’t know in a public place can be an interesting topic to discuss in your IELTS Speaking test. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively across all parts of the Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about phone calls and communication. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: How often do you receive phone calls from unknown numbers?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I receive calls from unknown numbers fairly infrequently, perhaps once or twice a month. Most of the time, these turn out to be unsolicited marketing calls or occasional wrong numbers. I tend to screen my calls carefully, so I don’t often pick up unless I recognize the number or am expecting a call.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a potential cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time you answered a phone call from an unknown person. You should say:
- When and where this happened
- Who the person was
- What the call was about
- And explain how you felt about receiving this call
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I vividly recall an unexpected phone call I received about six months ago while I was browsing through a bookstore in the city center. It was a quiet Saturday afternoon, and I was engrossed in selecting some new novels when my phone suddenly rang.
Initially, I was hesitant to answer as I didn’t recognize the number, but something compelled me to take the call. To my surprise, it was an elderly gentleman who introduced himself as Mr. Thompson, a distant relative I had never met before.
Mr. Thompson explained that he had recently been going through some old family albums and came across my contact information. He was reaching out to invite me to a family reunion he was organizing, aiming to reconnect with long-lost family members.
The call left me feeling a mixture of emotions. On one hand, I was intrigued by the prospect of meeting relatives I never knew existed and learning more about my family history. It felt like a serendipitous opportunity to expand my understanding of my roots. On the other hand, I couldn’t help but feel a bit apprehensive about meeting a group of strangers, even if we shared a familial connection.
Overall, though, I was pleasantly surprised by this unexpected turn of events. It reminded me of the power of communication to bridge gaps and bring people together, even across generations and geographical distances. The call definitely added an element of excitement to what would have otherwise been an ordinary day of book shopping.”
Follow-up questions:
- How do you usually handle calls from unknown numbers?
- Do you think it’s important to answer all phone calls, even from unknown numbers? Why or why not?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“When it comes to handling calls from unknown numbers, I tend to err on the side of caution. If I’m not expecting an important call, I often let it go to voicemail. This allows me to screen the call and decide whether it warrants a callback based on the message left.
Regarding the importance of answering all calls, I believe it’s a matter of personal discretion and circumstances. In professional settings, it might be crucial to answer unknown calls as they could be potential clients or important business contacts. However, in personal life, I don’t think it’s necessary or always safe to answer every call. With the prevalence of phone scams and unsolicited marketing calls, it’s wise to be selective. That being said, occasionally answering unknown calls can lead to pleasant surprises or important information, as in my experience with Mr. Thompson. It’s about striking a balance between being open to unexpected connections and protecting one’s privacy and time.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to communication and technology. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: How has modern technology changed the way we communicate with strangers?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Modern technology has revolutionized our communication with strangers in numerous ways. Social media platforms and professional networking sites have made it incredibly easy to connect with people we’ve never met in person. This has broadened our horizons significantly, allowing us to form relationships and collaborations across geographical boundaries.
However, this ease of connection also comes with potential drawbacks. The anonymity provided by digital platforms can sometimes lead to inauthentic interactions or even malicious behavior. We’ve seen the rise of catfishing and online scams, which have made many people more cautious about engaging with strangers online.
On the other hand, technology has also provided tools to verify identities and build trust in online interactions. Features like video calls and verified profiles on professional networks have helped mitigate some of the risks associated with connecting with strangers.
Moreover, the ubiquity of smartphones and instant messaging apps has changed our expectations around communication. We now expect to be able to reach anyone, anywhere, at any time. This has both positive and negative implications for our social interactions and work-life balance.
In essence, while technology has vastly expanded our ability to communicate with strangers, it has also necessitated the development of new social norms and digital literacy skills to navigate these interactions safely and effectively.”
Question: Do you think people are becoming more or less willing to talk to strangers on the phone? Why?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe there’s been a noticeable shift in people’s willingness to talk to strangers on the phone, and generally, it seems to be declining. This trend can be attributed to several factors.
Firstly, the rise of text-based communication through messaging apps and social media has made many people, especially younger generations, more comfortable with written communication than voice calls. There’s a perceived sense of control and convenience in being able to craft and edit messages before sending them.
Secondly, there’s an increasing awareness of phone scams and fraudulent calls, which has made people more cautious about answering calls from unknown numbers. This wariness is often reinforced by official advice from banks and government agencies warning about potential phone fraud.
Moreover, the prevalence of spam calls and telemarketing has led many to view unknown calls as an annoyance rather than a potential opportunity for meaningful interaction. This has resulted in a more widespread use of call-blocking apps and features.
However, it’s worth noting that this trend isn’t universal. In professional contexts, people might still be quite willing to engage in phone conversations with strangers, recognizing the efficiency and personal touch that voice communication can provide.
In conclusion, while there seems to be a general decrease in willingness to talk to strangers on the phone in personal contexts, the situation is more nuanced in professional settings. This shift reflects broader changes in communication preferences and privacy concerns in our increasingly digital world.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
-
Compelled (verb) /kəmˈpeld/ – Forced or strongly encouraged to do something
Example: “I felt compelled to answer the call despite not recognizing the number.” -
Serendipitous (adjective) /ˌserənˈdɪpɪtəs/ – Occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way
Example: “The unexpected call turned out to be a serendipitous opportunity to reconnect with family.” -
Apprehensive (adjective) /ˌæprɪˈhensɪv/ – Anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen
Example: “I was initially apprehensive about meeting a group of strangers, even if they were relatives.” -
Err on the side of caution (idiom) – To act in the most careful or safest way
Example: “When it comes to unknown callers, I prefer to err on the side of caution and let it go to voicemail.” -
Ubiquity (noun) /juːˈbɪkwəti/ – The state of being everywhere, especially at the same time
Example: “The ubiquity of smartphones has changed our expectations around communication.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing experiences like answering a call from an unknown person:
- Practice narrating personal experiences in detail, focusing on describing your emotions and thoughts.
- Develop a wide range of vocabulary related to communication, technology, and emotions to express yourself precisely.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, to demonstrate your language proficiency.
- Speak fluently and coherently, connecting your ideas logically and using appropriate discourse markers.
- Show critical thinking in Part 3 by considering different perspectives and providing balanced arguments.
- Stay relevant to the question while elaborating on your answers with examples and explanations.
Remember, the key to success is not just in memorizing answers, but in developing the ability to communicate effectively and naturally on a wide range of topics. Regular practice with a variety of questions and topics will help you build confidence and improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.