The topic “Describe A Time You Received Good News” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking exams. It has appeared frequently in past tests and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. This topic allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and use a range of vocabulary related to positive events.
Describe a time when you received good news is a versatile topic that can be applied to various scenarios, making it an excellent opportunity for candidates to showcase their English language skills. Let’s explore how to approach this topic in each part of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about good news and your experiences with it. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
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Do you like receiving good news?
Sample answer (Band 7-8): “Absolutely! I find that receiving good news is always a mood booster. It never fails to brighten my day and often gives me a surge of positive energy. I believe good news has the power to transform our outlook on life, even if it’s just for a moment.”
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How do you usually share good news with others?
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “I tend to be quite enthusiastic when sharing good news. Depending on the situation, I might call my closest friends or family members immediately to let them in on the excitement. For less urgent news, I often share it on social media to reach a wider audience. I find that spreading positivity through good news is a great way to foster connections with others.”
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Do you prefer to share good news on social media or in person?
Sample answer (Band 7-8): “While social media is convenient, I generally prefer sharing good news in person. There’s something special about seeing someone’s genuine reaction and being able to celebrate together in real-time. It allows for a more intimate and meaningful exchange, which I find more satisfying than simply posting online.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you received good news
You should say:
- What the news was
- When you received it
- Who you received it from
- And explain how you felt about it
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an experience about receiving some truly exhilarating news. It was about two years ago when I got word that I had been accepted into my dream university for a master’s program in environmental science.
The news came on a Wednesday afternoon in March. I vividly remember refreshing my email inbox repeatedly, knowing that the decision was due that week. Suddenly, there it was – an email from the university’s admissions office. With trembling hands, I opened it, and the first word I saw was ‘Congratulations.’ My heart skipped a beat.
The news came directly from the head of the admissions committee. The email was personalized, mentioning how impressed they were with my research proposal and my commitment to environmental conservation. This personal touch made the news even more special.
To say I was overjoyed would be an understatement. I felt a rush of emotions – excitement, pride, relief, and a hint of nervousness about the journey ahead. It was as if all my hard work had finally paid off, and a new chapter of my life was about to begin. I remember jumping up and down in my room, then rushing to tell my parents, who were equally thrilled.
This news was particularly significant because it represented not just an academic achievement, but a step towards fulfilling my long-held ambition of making a meaningful contribution to environmental protection. It validated my passion and gave me the opportunity to pursue it at a higher level.
The feeling of receiving this news was truly unforgettable. It filled me with a sense of purpose and excitement for the future, and even now, recalling that moment brings a smile to my face and reignites my enthusiasm for my chosen field.”
Follow-up questions:
- How did you celebrate after receiving this news?
Sample answer (Band 7-8): “After the initial excitement, I organized a small gathering with my closest friends and family. We had a celebratory dinner at my favorite restaurant, where I shared the details of the program and my future plans. It was a wonderful evening filled with joy and anticipation for what lay ahead.”
- Has this good news changed your life in any way?
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “Absolutely, this news has been a turning point in my life. It has not only provided me with invaluable academic opportunities but has also boosted my confidence in my abilities. The program has expanded my network of like-minded professionals and opened doors to exciting research projects. Moreover, it has reinforced my commitment to environmental causes and given me the tools to make a more significant impact in this field.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic of good news. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you think the media focuses too much on bad news rather than good news?
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “There’s certainly a pervasive tendency in media to prioritize negative news over positive stories. This bias towards sensationalism often stems from the belief that bad news generates more engagement. However, I believe this approach can be detrimental to public morale and can skew our perception of the world.
That being said, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced perspective. While it’s important to be informed about challenges and issues, highlighting positive developments can inspire hope and motivate action. Some media outlets are recognizing this and are making efforts to incorporate more uplifting stories into their coverage.
Ultimately, I think the responsibility lies with both the media and the consumers. Media should strive for a more balanced representation of news, while we as consumers should actively seek out positive stories and support outlets that provide a more holistic view of current events.”
- How has technology changed the way we receive and share good news?
Sample answer (Band 7-8): “Technology has revolutionized the way we communicate good news. Social media platforms, in particular, have made it possible to share joyful moments instantaneously with a wide audience. We can now broadcast our achievements or happy events to friends and family around the world with just a few clicks.
Moreover, technology has diversified the forms in which we can share good news. Instead of just telling someone, we can now share photos, videos, or even live stream our exciting moments. This multi-media approach often makes the sharing of good news more engaging and immersive.
However, this ease of sharing has also led to some challenges. The constant stream of positive news from others on social media can sometimes lead to feelings of inadequacy or fear of missing out (FOMO). It’s important to remember that people often showcase only the highlights of their lives online.
Despite these challenges, I believe technology has generally enhanced our ability to spread joy and celebrate each other’s successes, fostering a sense of connection even across great distances.”
- In your opinion, what kind of news has the most positive impact on society?
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “I believe that news which highlights human progress and collective achievements tends to have the most positive impact on society. This could include breakthroughs in medical research, advancements in renewable energy technologies, or successful conservation efforts.
Such news not only informs the public about positive developments but also inspires hope and motivates further action. For instance, news about a successful climate change mitigation strategy in one country could encourage other nations to adopt similar measures.
Moreover, stories that showcase individual acts of kindness or community solidarity can have a profound effect. They remind us of our shared humanity and can spark a ripple effect of positive actions.
News that promotes understanding between different cultures or communities is also crucial. In our increasingly interconnected world, stories that bridge divides and promote empathy can contribute significantly to social cohesion.
Lastly, I think it’s important to recognize the power of local good news. While global achievements are important, news about improvements in one’s immediate community can be particularly impactful, as it feels more relevant and actionable to the average person.
In essence, the most positive news is that which not only informs but also empowers and unites people, encouraging them to contribute to the betterment of society.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing good news, consider using these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
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Exhilarating (adj.) /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ – very exciting and enjoyable
Example: “Receiving the job offer was an exhilarating experience.” -
To be over the moon (idiom) – to be extremely happy or delighted
Example: “When I heard I’d won the scholarship, I was over the moon.” -
Life-changing (adj.) /laɪf ˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ/ – having a very significant effect on a person’s life
Example: “The opportunity to study abroad was truly life-changing for me.” -
To spread like wildfire (idiom) – to become known by a lot of people very quickly
Example: “The good news about the company’s success spread like wildfire among the employees.” -
Momentous (adj.) /məʊˈmentəs/ – very important or significant, especially in a historical context
Example: “Graduating from university was a momentous occasion for our entire family.” -
To be on cloud nine (idiom) – to be extremely happy and excited
Example: “After receiving the promotion, I was on cloud nine for weeks.” -
Euphoric (adj.) /juːˈfɒrɪk/ – characterized by or feeling intense excitement and happiness
Example: “The atmosphere in the stadium was euphoric when our team won the championship.” -
To bear fruit (idiom) – to yield results; to have a positive outcome
Example: “All our hard work finally bore fruit when we secured the major client.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics like receiving good news, consider the following tips:
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Practice narrating personal experiences with a focus on expressing emotions and reactions vividly.
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Develop a range of vocabulary related to positive events and feelings. Use these words naturally in your responses.
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Work on your ability to extend your answers with relevant details and explanations, especially in Part 2.
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In Part 3, practice giving balanced, thoughtful responses to more abstract questions. Try to see issues from multiple perspectives.
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Use a variety of grammatical structures and tenses appropriately to demonstrate your language proficiency.
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Maintain good fluency by practicing speaking on various topics regularly. Record yourself and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
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Pay attention to your pronunciation and intonation, as these contribute significantly to your overall score.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about answering the questions, but doing so in a way that showcases your English language skills effectively.
Describe an ambition that you have had for a long time is another common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. Practicing this topic can help you develop your ability to discuss personal goals and aspirations, which can be related to receiving good news about achieving these ambitions.