The topic of describing an exciting activity is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject in future tests. This topic allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to express enthusiasm, use descriptive language, and share personal experiences effectively.
Describe a crowded place you visited can be an exciting activity in itself, but let’s focus on how to excel when asked about thrilling experiences in your IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask questions like:
- Do you enjoy trying new activities?
- What kind of exciting activities do you like to do?
- Have you ever done any extreme sports?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you enjoy trying new activities?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy trying new things. I think it’s important to step out of your comfort zone sometimes. Last year, I tried rock climbing for the first time, and it was quite challenging but also fun.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m a firm believer in pushing my boundaries and experiencing new things. There’s something exhilarating about venturing into the unknown. For instance, I recently took up aerial yoga, which was not only physically demanding but also mentally invigorating. It’s these novel experiences that I find truly enrich my life and broaden my horizons.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe an exciting activity you experienced
You should say:
- What the activity was
- Where and when you did it
- Who you did it with
- And explain why you found it exciting
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about the time I went bungee jumping. It was during my vacation in New Zealand last summer. I did it with a group of friends at a popular bungee site near Queenstown.
The experience was thrilling from start to finish. We had to climb up a tall platform, and the view from up there was breathtaking. When it was my turn to jump, I felt a mix of fear and excitement. The moment I leaped off the platform was incredible. The free fall was both scary and exhilarating.
I found it exciting because it was something I’d never done before. The adrenaline rush was amazing, and overcoming my fear gave me a great sense of achievement. It was an unforgettable experience that I still talk about with my friends.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d be delighted to share my experience of participating in a high-altitude hot air balloon ride over the Cappadocia region in Turkey. This awe-inspiring adventure took place last autumn during a solo trip I embarked on to broaden my horizons and step out of my comfort zone.
The activity itself was nothing short of magical. We took off at dawn, just as the sun was beginning to paint the sky with vibrant hues of orange and pink. As we ascended, the unique landscape of Cappadocia, with its otherworldly rock formations known as “fairy chimneys,” unfolded beneath us like a surreal painting.
What made this experience particularly exciting was the juxtaposition of serene floating and the thrill of being suspended thousands of feet above the ground. The silence up there was profound, broken only by the occasional blast of the burners. It was a multi-sensory experience that engaged every part of my being – the crisp morning air on my skin, the warmth of the rising sun, and the breathtaking panoramic views that seemed to stretch to infinity.
This activity was exhilarating on multiple levels. Physically, there was the rush of adrenaline from being at such a great height. Mentally, it was stimulating to learn about the region’s geology and history from our knowledgeable pilot. And emotionally, it was deeply moving to witness such beauty and feel so small yet so connected to the world around me. The experience left an indelible mark on me, reinforcing my love for adventure and my appreciation for the wonders of our planet.
Additional questions the examiner might ask:
- Would you recommend this activity to others? Why or why not?
- How did you prepare for this activity?
Band 6-7 Answer for question 1:
Yes, I would definitely recommend this activity to others. It’s a unique way to see the landscape and it’s not as scary as people might think. However, I’d suggest that people who are afraid of heights might want to think twice before trying it.
Band 8-9 Answer for question 1:
I would wholeheartedly recommend this experience to others, but with a few caveats. It’s an unparalleled way to appreciate the beauty of Cappadocia and gain a new perspective, both literally and figuratively. However, it’s important to consider one’s physical and mental readiness for such an adventure. Those with a severe fear of heights might find it challenging, although the stable nature of the balloon ride often surprises people with how comfortable it feels. I’d also advise potential participants to research reputable companies with excellent safety records and experienced pilots. Ultimately, for those willing to embrace the unknown, it’s an experience that can be truly transformative and create memories that last a lifetime.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think young people today are more interested in exciting activities than previous generations?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think young people today are probably more interested in exciting activities than previous generations. This might be because of social media, where people share photos and videos of their adventures. Also, there are more opportunities to try new things now, like extreme sports or travel to exotic places. However, I’m not sure if this is true for all young people, as some might prefer quieter activities.
Band 8-9 Answer:
That’s an intriguing question that requires some nuanced consideration. On one hand, it could be argued that today’s youth have greater exposure to a wide array of exciting activities through social media and increased global connectivity. This exposure might cultivate a desire for more thrilling experiences. Additionally, advancements in technology and transportation have made many exciting activities more accessible.
However, we should be cautious about making broad generalizations. While some young people may be more inclined towards adrenaline-pumping activities, others might find excitement in less physically intense pursuits, such as coding, virtual reality experiences, or creative arts. It’s also worth noting that previous generations had their own forms of excitement, which might have been equally thrilling in their context.
Moreover, the definition of what constitutes an “exciting activity” may have evolved over time. What was considered exciting for previous generations might seem tame to today’s youth, and vice versa. Ultimately, I believe the interest in exciting activities is more about individual preferences and personality traits rather than a generational characteristic.
Describe an outdoor activity you want to take up might be another interesting topic to explore in this context, as it relates to how different generations perceive exciting activities.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Adrenaline rush (noun) – /əˈdren.əl.ɪn rʌʃ/ – A sudden burst of energy from an exciting or dangerous situation.
Example: The bungee jump gave me an incredible adrenaline rush. -
Exhilarating (adjective) – /ɪɡˈzɪl.ə.reɪ.tɪŋ/ – Making you feel very excited and happy.
Example: Skydiving was an exhilarating experience that I’ll never forget. -
To push one’s boundaries (phrase) – To extend the limits of what one normally does or experiences.
Example: Traveling solo really helped me push my boundaries and grow as a person. -
Breathtaking (adjective) – /ˈbreθ.teɪ.kɪŋ/ – Extremely impressive or beautiful.
Example: The view from the mountain peak was absolutely breathtaking. -
To step out of one’s comfort zone (phrase) – To do something that you are not comfortable doing.
Example: Learning to scuba dive was a way for me to step out of my comfort zone.
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing an exciting activity:
- Use a variety of descriptive adjectives to bring your experience to life.
- Incorporate idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary naturally.
- Provide specific details about your experience to make your answer more engaging.
- Show enthusiasm through your tone of voice and facial expressions.
- Practice speaking about different types of activities to improve your fluency and range of vocabulary.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Describe something exciting that you did with confidence and enthusiasm, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high score.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Whether you’re describing an exciting activity, a sport you have learned to play, or a hobby that you would like to try, these skills will help you express yourself effectively and confidently.