The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about recent trends or changes you’ve observed. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss current events, express opinions, and use a range of vocabulary related to social and cultural phenomena. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about interesting trends in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about trends or changes you’ve noticed. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: Have you noticed any interesting trends recently?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I’ve noticed that more people are using reusable bags when shopping. It seems that people are becoming more aware of environmental issues and trying to reduce plastic waste.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. One fascinating trend I’ve observed lately is the surge in popularity of plant-based diets. It’s remarkable how many restaurants and supermarkets are now offering extensive vegan options, reflecting a growing consciousness about health and environmental sustainability.
Describe a healthy habit you recently adopted is another common topic that might come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared to discuss various aspects of personal development can greatly enhance your performance.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing an interesting trend:
Describe an interesting trend you have noticed recently
You should say:
- What the trend is
- When you first noticed it
- Why you think it became popular
- And explain how you feel about this trendBand 6-7 Sample Answer:
I’d like to talk about the trend of remote working that I’ve noticed recently. This trend involves people working from home or other locations outside of traditional offices.
I first noticed this trend becoming more widespread at the beginning of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic started. Many companies had to quickly adapt to keep their businesses running while ensuring employee safety.
I think this trend became popular for several reasons. Firstly, it was necessary due to health concerns. Secondly, both employers and employees realized that remote work can be productive and cost-effective. Companies can save money on office space, and employees can save time and money on commuting.
Personally, I have mixed feelings about this trend. On one hand, I appreciate the flexibility it offers. People can work from anywhere and have a better work-life balance. On the other hand, I think it can be isolating and may make it harder to separate work from personal life.
Overall, I believe remote working is here to stay, even after the pandemic ends. It’s changing the way we think about work and could have long-lasting effects on society.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
I’d like to discuss a fascinating trend that has captured my attention recently: the exponential growth of artificial intelligence in everyday applications. This trend encompasses the integration of AI technologies into various aspects of our daily lives, from virtual assistants to personalized content recommendations.
I first became aware of this trend’s significant acceleration around 2018, but it’s been gathering momentum at an astonishing rate over the past year or two. The ubiquity of AI-powered features in smartphones, smart home devices, and even cars has made it impossible to ignore.
The surge in popularity of AI can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there have been remarkable advancements in machine learning algorithms and computing power, enabling more sophisticated and accurate AI systems. Secondly, tech giants have been investing heavily in AI research and development, driving innovation and practical applications. Lastly, consumers have become increasingly comfortable with AI technologies, recognizing their potential to enhance efficiency and personalization in various aspects of life.
My feelings about this trend are a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. On one hand, I’m enthralled by the potential of AI to solve complex problems, improve healthcare diagnostics, and create more intuitive user experiences. The rapid progress in natural language processing, for instance, is opening up new possibilities for human-computer interaction that were once the realm of science fiction.
On the other hand, I have some reservations about the ethical implications and potential societal impacts of widespread AI adoption. Issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential displacement of certain jobs are concerns that need to be carefully addressed as this trend continues to evolve.
In conclusion, the proliferation of AI in everyday life is a trend that I find both captivating and thought-provoking. It’s undoubtedly shaping our future in profound ways, and I believe it’s crucial for us to stay informed and engaged in discussions about its responsible development and implementation.
Follow-up Questions:
- Do you think this trend will continue in the future?
- What potential negative effects could this trend have on society?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I believe this trend will likely continue as technology keeps improving. However, it might have some negative effects, like increased social isolation or job losses in certain industries.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’m convinced that the integration of AI into our daily lives will not only continue but accelerate exponentially in the coming years. As for potential negative effects, we need to be vigilant about issues such as algorithmic bias, which could perpetuate or even exacerbate existing social inequalities. Additionally, the rapid automation of certain job roles could lead to significant workforce disruptions if not managed carefully.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to trends and changes in society.
Question: How do social media platforms influence trends in society?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Social media platforms have a big impact on trends. They spread information quickly, and people can easily share and copy what others are doing. This can make trends become popular very fast.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Social media platforms wield immense influence over societal trends through several mechanisms. Firstly, they serve as powerful amplifiers, enabling trends to gain traction and spread at unprecedented speeds through shares, likes, and algorithmic recommendations. This viral nature of content distribution can catapult a niche trend into the mainstream virtually overnight.
Moreover, social media creates echo chambers where like-minded individuals reinforce each other’s beliefs and behaviors, potentially accelerating the adoption of certain trends within specific communities. Influencers and celebrities on these platforms also play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and setting trends, leveraging their large followings to promote particular ideas, products, or lifestyles.
However, it’s important to note that this influence isn’t always positive. The rapid dissemination of information on social media can also lead to the spread of misinformation or harmful trends. Therefore, it’s crucial for users to approach trends critically and verify information from reliable sources.
Question: Do you think following trends is always a good thing?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I don’t think following trends is always good. Sometimes trends can be harmless or even positive, like eating healthier food. But other trends might be expensive or even dangerous. It’s important to think before following a trend.
Band 8-9 Answer:
While trends can often be indicative of societal progress or shifting values, blindly following them is not always advisable. There are several factors to consider when evaluating the merits of a trend.
Firstly, some trends can be genuinely beneficial, promoting positive changes in areas such as sustainability, health awareness, or technological advancement. These trends can drive innovation and improve quality of life.
However, other trends may be superficial or short-lived, driven more by marketing or social media hype than by intrinsic value. Following such trends can lead to unnecessary consumption or the adoption of practices that don’t align with one’s personal values or needs.
Moreover, certain trends can be potentially harmful, either to individuals or society at large. For instance, some social media challenges or fad diets might pose health risks, while other trends could exacerbate social divisions or promote unsustainable behaviors.
Therefore, I believe it’s crucial to approach trends critically, evaluating their potential benefits and drawbacks before deciding to adopt them. It’s about striking a balance between being open to positive changes and maintaining one’s individual judgment and values.
Describe a new hobby you would like to start is another topic that could be related to trends, as many hobbies gain popularity through social trends. Being able to discuss this can demonstrate your ability to connect different ideas in your IELTS Speaking test.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing trends, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
-
Exponential growth /ˌek.spəˈnen.ʃəl ˈɡrəʊθ/ (noun phrase): Very rapid increase
Example: “The exponential growth of social media users has changed how information spreads.” -
Paradigm shift /ˈpær.ə.daɪm ʃɪft/ (noun phrase): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
Example: “Remote work represents a paradigm shift in how we view the traditional office environment.” -
Ubiquitous /juːˈbɪk.wɪ.təs/ (adjective): Seeming to be everywhere
Example: “Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society.” -
Disruptive /dɪsˈrʌp.tɪv/ (adjective): Causing major changes or disturbances
Example: “E-commerce has had a disruptive effect on traditional retail businesses.” -
Proliferation /prəˌlɪf.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ (noun): Rapid increase in number or amount
Example: “The proliferation of streaming services has changed how we consume media.”
Describe a good decision you made recently could involve discussing how you decided to adopt or avoid a particular trend. This topic allows you to showcase your decision-making skills and ability to evaluate trends critically.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in discussing trends in your IELTS Speaking test:
- Stay informed about current events and popular trends in various fields.
- Practice describing trends using specific examples and personal experiences.
- Develop a range of vocabulary related to change, popularity, and social phenomena.
- Be prepared to discuss both positive and negative aspects of trends.
- Use a variety of tenses to discuss how trends have developed over time and their potential future impact.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just knowing about trends, but being able to discuss them fluently, coherently, and with a range of appropriate vocabulary and grammatical structures.
Describe a gift you received on your last birthday might seem unrelated, but it could be an opportunity to discuss how gift-giving trends have changed. This showcases your ability to connect different topics, a valuable skill in the IELTS Speaking test.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss interesting trends in your IELTS Speaking test, helping you achieve the score you’re aiming for.