The topic of describing an important email you have received is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss personal experiences, express emotions, and use appropriate vocabulary related to communication and technology. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about emails and communication. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer:
Examiner: Do you prefer to communicate via email or phone calls?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say it depends on the situation. For quick exchanges or urgent matters, I generally prefer phone calls as they allow for immediate feedback and clearer communication of tone. However, for more formal correspondence or when I need to convey detailed information, I find emails more suitable. They give me time to carefully craft my message and provide a written record that I can refer back to later. Additionally, emails are great for sharing attachments and organizing information, which is particularly useful in professional settings.”
Describe a problem while shopping online can be another interesting topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test, as it relates to modern communication and technology issues.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe an important email you have received
You should say:
- Who sent you the email
- What the email was about
- Why it was important to you
- How you felt when you received this email
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about an important email I received last year from my university. It was sent by the admissions office and it was about my acceptance into the master’s program I had applied for.
The email was crucial to me because it represented a significant milestone in my academic journey. I had been eagerly waiting for this response for weeks, as it would determine my future plans and career path.
When I first saw the email notification pop up on my phone, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. My heart was racing as I opened it, and when I read the words ‘Congratulations on your acceptance,’ I was overcome with joy and relief. It was a moment of pure happiness and validation of all my hard work.
This email was important not just because of the news it contained, but also because it marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. It meant I would be moving to a new city, meeting new people, and pursuing advanced studies in my field of interest.
In the days following the email, I felt a renewed sense of motivation and purpose. It gave me the confidence to start planning for my future and set new goals for myself. Overall, this email had a profound impact on my life and I still remember the excitement I felt when I first read it.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share with you the details of a pivotal email I received about six months ago from the CEO of a renowned tech startup. This email was regarding a job offer for the position of Senior Product Manager, a role I had been aspiring towards for quite some time.
The email was of paramount importance to me for several reasons. Firstly, it represented a significant leap in my career trajectory, offering me the opportunity to work with industry leaders and contribute to cutting-edge projects. Secondly, the position came with substantial responsibilities and challenges that I was eager to take on, as they aligned perfectly with my professional growth objectives.
Upon receiving the notification, I experienced a surge of adrenaline. My hands were slightly shaky as I opened the email, and as I read through the detailed offer, I was overwhelmed with a sense of accomplishment and excitement. The feeling was akin to standing on the precipice of a new adventure, filled with both exhilaration and a touch of trepidation.
This email was not just a job offer; it was a validation of my expertise and the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. It signified the recognition of my potential by respected figures in the industry and opened doors to unprecedented opportunities for learning and innovation.
In the aftermath of receiving this email, I found myself imbued with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. It catalyzed a period of introspection, prompting me to reassess my long-term career goals and envision the impact I could make in this new role. The email served as a tangible reminder of my capabilities and inspired me to set even more ambitious targets for my professional journey.”
Follow-up questions:
- How did you prepare yourself for the opportunity presented in the email?
- Did the email change your perspective on anything?
Sample answers (Band 8-9):
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“To prepare for this opportunity, I immersed myself in research about the company and its products. I meticulously reviewed my skills and experiences, identifying areas where I could add immediate value and others where I needed to bolster my knowledge. I also reached out to my professional network for insights and advice, which helped me refine my approach and set realistic expectations. Additionally, I devoted time to enhancing my project management and leadership skills through online courses and workshops, ensuring I was well-equipped to hit the ground running in this new role.”
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“Indeed, this email profoundly shifted my perspective on career progression and personal growth. It made me realize that opportunities often arise unexpectedly, reinforcing the importance of maintaining readiness and continual self-improvement. Moreover, it challenged my preconceptions about my own capabilities, encouraging me to set more ambitious goals for myself. The email also underscored the value of building and nurturing professional relationships, as it was partly through these connections that this opportunity materialized.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think email communication has changed the way we work?
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“Email communication has significantly changed the way we work in several ways. Firstly, it has made communication much faster and more efficient. We can now send messages and documents instantly to colleagues or clients anywhere in the world. This has greatly improved productivity and collaboration.
Secondly, email has reduced the need for face-to-face meetings and phone calls for many routine matters. This saves time and allows people to manage their work more flexibly. However, it has also led to an expectation of constant availability, which can be stressful for some workers.
Lastly, email provides a written record of communications, which can be useful for tracking projects and resolving disputes. But it also means we need to be more careful about what we write, as emails can be forwarded or misinterpreted easily.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Email communication has revolutionized the modern workplace in multifaceted ways. Primarily, it has exponentially increased the speed and reach of professional communication, enabling instantaneous information exchange across global boundaries. This has catalyzed a paradigm shift in how businesses operate, fostering unprecedented levels of collaboration and allowing for more agile decision-making processes.
Moreover, email has dramatically altered the dynamics of workplace interactions. It has supplanted many traditional forms of communication, reducing the necessity for time-consuming face-to-face meetings or protracted phone conversations. This shift has engendered a more flexible work culture, allowing employees to manage their time more effectively and even facilitating remote work arrangements. However, it’s worth noting that this has also led to an always-on culture, potentially blurring the lines between professional and personal life.
Furthermore, email has transformed information management in the workplace. It serves as a comprehensive digital archive, providing an indelible record of communications, decisions, and project developments. This traceability and accountability have proven invaluable for project management and conflict resolution. Conversely, it has also necessitated a heightened awareness of digital etiquette and information security, as emails can be easily misconstrued or compromised if not handled judiciously.
In essence, while email has undeniably enhanced efficiency and connectivity in the workplace, it has also introduced new challenges that require ongoing adaptation and mindful usage to fully harness its benefits while mitigating potential drawbacks.”
Describe a time you received good news is another topic that could potentially come up in your IELTS Speaking test, as it shares similarities with discussing an important email.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To elevate your speaking performance, consider using these sophisticated words and phrases:
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Pivotal (adjective) /ˈpɪv.ə.təl/ – of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else
Example: “The email was a pivotal moment in my career.” -
Paramount (adjective) /ˈpær.ə.maʊnt/ – more important than anything else
Example: “The information in the email was of paramount importance to the project.” -
To catalyze (verb) /ˈkæt.əl.aɪz/ – to cause or accelerate (a reaction)
Example: “The email catalyzed a series of positive changes in my life.” -
Imbued (adjective) /ɪmˈbjuːd/ – filled with or characterized by a feeling or quality
Example: “After reading the email, I felt imbued with a sense of purpose.” -
To reassess (verb) /ˌriː.əˈses/ – to consider or assess again, especially while paying attention to new or different factors
Example: “The email prompted me to reassess my career goals.”
Describe a person who you are happy to know can be an interesting topic to practice, as it helps you develop your descriptive language skills, which are also useful when discussing important emails.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing an important email:
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Elaborate on your answers: Provide detailed explanations and examples to support your points.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases relevant to the topic of communication and technology.
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Demonstrate fluency: Speak at a natural pace, using appropriate linking words to connect your ideas smoothly.
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Show flexibility: Be prepared to discuss related topics and answer follow-up questions with ease.
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Express emotions: When describing how you felt about the email, use a variety of adjectives and expressions to convey your emotions vividly.
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Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with common IELTS Speaking topics and practice describing various scenarios, including different types of important emails you might receive.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is to communicate clearly and confidently while showcasing your English language skills. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can improve your performance and achieve a higher band score.
Describe a time you answered a phone call from an unknown person is another topic that can help you practice describing unexpected communication situations, which could be useful when discussing important emails as well.