The ability to articulate your thoughts on global news events is a crucial skill for the IELTS Speaking test. This topic frequently appears in various forms across all parts of the speaking exam, making it essential for test-takers to be well-prepared. Let’s explore how to excel in describing an international news event that caught your attention.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner might ask general questions about news and current events. Here’s a sample question with a suggested response:
Examiner: Do you often keep up with international news?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely, I make it a point to stay informed about global events. I usually start my day by browsing news websites and checking my news app notifications. I find it crucial to have a well-rounded understanding of world affairs, especially in today’s interconnected society. It not only helps me in my studies and work but also allows me to engage in meaningful conversations with people from diverse backgrounds.”
Describe a news event that you found interesting can be challenging, but with practice, you can master this skill and improve your overall performance in the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe an international news event that caught your attention
You should say:
- What the event was
- When and where it happened
- How you learned about it
- And explain why it caught your attention
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about a significant international news event that captivated my attention recently – the successful landing of NASA’s Perseverance rover on Mars in February 2021.
This groundbreaking achievement took place on February 18th, 2021, when the rover touched down in the Jezero Crater on Mars after a perilous seven-month journey through space. I first learned about this event through a live stream on NASA’s official website, which I had been eagerly anticipating for weeks.
The Mars landing caught my attention for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it represents a monumental leap in our quest to explore and understand the Red Planet. The rover’s mission to search for signs of ancient microbial life is potentially transformative for our understanding of extraterrestrial life.
Moreover, the sheer technological prowess demonstrated in this mission is awe-inspiring. The precision required to land a rover on a planet millions of miles away, navigating through Mars’ thin atmosphere, is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.
Lastly, this event sparked my imagination about the future of space exploration and the possibility of human missions to Mars. It’s exhilarating to witness history in the making and to contemplate the profound implications this mission could have for our understanding of the universe and our place in it.
In conclusion, the Perseverance rover’s landing on Mars was a remarkable feat of science and engineering that not only advanced our knowledge of space but also inspired millions around the world, myself included, to dream big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
NASA's Perseverance Rover Landing on Mars
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: How do you think such space exploration events impact society?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Space exploration events like the Mars landing have profound and far-reaching impacts on society. Firstly, they inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity, especially among young people, potentially sparking interest in STEM fields. This can lead to advancements in education and scientific research.
Moreover, these missions often result in technological spin-offs that benefit everyday life. Innovations developed for space exploration have led to improvements in areas such as medical technology, communications, and environmental monitoring.
Additionally, such events foster international cooperation, as space missions often involve collaboration between multiple countries. This can promote global unity and shared scientific goals, transcending political boundaries.
Lastly, these achievements challenge us to think beyond our immediate surroundings and consider our place in the universe. This broader perspective can influence our approach to global issues like climate change and resource management, encouraging us to view Earth as a unified system.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How has the way we consume news changed in recent years?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“The consumption of news has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, primarily due to technological advancements. Social media platforms and news apps have become increasingly popular sources of information, allowing people to access news instantly and on-the-go. This shift has led to a more personalized news experience, with algorithms tailoring content to individual interests.
However, this change has also brought challenges. The spread of misinformation and ‘fake news’ has become a significant concern, requiring readers to be more critical and discerning about their news sources. Additionally, the 24/7 news cycle has created a constant stream of information, which can be overwhelming for some consumers.
On the positive side, these changes have democratized news production and distribution, allowing for a wider range of voices and perspectives to be heard. Citizen journalism has risen in prominence, often providing real-time coverage of events before traditional media can respond.
Overall, while the ease of access to news has improved, it has also necessitated a higher level of media literacy among consumers to navigate the complex modern news landscape effectively.”
Digital News Consumption on Smartphone
Examiner: Do you think international news events have a significant impact on local communities?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, international news events can have a profound impact on local communities, often in ways that might not be immediately apparent. In our increasingly interconnected world, global events can ripple through economies, cultures, and social structures at a local level.
For instance, major economic events like fluctuations in oil prices or global market crashes can directly affect local businesses and job markets. A financial crisis in one part of the world can lead to job losses or reduced consumer spending in communities thousands of miles away.
Moreover, international conflicts or natural disasters often spark local humanitarian efforts. We frequently see communities rallying to raise funds or collect supplies for affected areas, fostering a sense of global citizenship and empathy.
Cultural exchange is another significant area of impact. International news events can introduce new ideas, trends, or social movements that take root in local communities. For example, the global climate strikes inspired by Greta Thunberg have mobilized youth in countless local communities worldwide.
Additionally, international events can shape local political discourse and policy decisions. Issues like immigration, trade agreements, or global health crises often become hot topics in local politics, influencing everything from election outcomes to community initiatives.
However, it’s important to note that the degree of impact can vary depending on the nature of the event and the characteristics of the local community. Some communities might be more insulated from global events, while others are highly susceptible to international influences.
In conclusion, while the connection might not always be obvious, international news events do significantly shape the fabric of local communities, underscoring the importance of staying informed about global affairs.”
Describe a recent online event that you found engaging is another topic that can help you practice discussing current events and their impact.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Groundbreaking achievement /ˈɡraʊnd.breɪkɪŋ əˈtʃiːv.mənt/ (adj. + n.): A very important discovery or event that changes the way people do or think about something.
Example: “The development of the COVID-19 vaccine in record time was a groundbreaking achievement in medical science.”To captivate attention /ˈkæptɪveɪt əˈtenʃn/ (v. + n.): To attract and hold the interest or attention of someone.
Example: “The speaker’s passionate delivery captivated the audience’s attention throughout the entire presentation.”Monumental leap /ˌmɒnjʊˈmentl liːp/ (adj. + n.): A very important or significant advance or development.
Example: “The invention of the internet represented a monumental leap in how we communicate and access information.”To spark imagination /spɑːk ɪˌmædʒɪˈneɪʃn/ (v. + n.): To stimulate or inspire creative thinking.
Example: “Science fiction novels often spark the imagination of readers, inspiring them to envision future technologies.”Far-reaching impacts /fɑːr ˈriːtʃɪŋ ˈɪmpækts/ (adj. + n.): Effects or consequences that extend widely or influence many people or things.
Example: “Climate change has far-reaching impacts on global ecosystems, economies, and human societies.”
Global News Impact Illustration
Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner
Stay informed: Regularly read or watch international news from reputable sources. This will help you build a bank of examples and opinions to draw from during the test.
Practice articulating your thoughts: Try to explain news events to friends or family, focusing on clear expression and logical flow of ideas.
Develop critical thinking: Don’t just memorize facts. Practice analyzing events, considering their causes, effects, and broader implications.
Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use topic-specific vocabulary related to current affairs, politics, economics, and social issues.
Use personal anecdotes: When relevant, relate international events to your personal experiences or local context. This demonstrates engagement and understanding.
Structure your answers: Even in spontaneous speech, try to organize your thoughts with a clear introduction, main points, and conclusion.
Be balanced: When discussing controversial topics, try to present balanced views and avoid extreme statements.
Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences, conditionals, and different tenses to showcase your language proficiency.
Practice with timed responses: Familiarize yourself with speaking for 1-2 minutes on a topic, as required in Part 2 of the test.
Embrace follow-up questions: In Part 3, be prepared to delve deeper into topics. This is your chance to demonstrate more sophisticated language and ideas.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are crucial. Regular practice and exposure to a wide range of topics will help you achieve the score you desire.
Describe a person who has a strong sense of justice can be an interesting way to link current events to personal experiences and opinions, further enhancing your speaking skills.