Introduction to the IELTS Speaking Task
The topic “describe an occasion when you received surprising news” is a common and engaging subject in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows candidates to showcase their ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and use a range of vocabulary related to unexpected events. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its universal nature and potential for rich linguistic expression.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about surprises and news. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
Question: Do you like surprises?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I quite enjoy surprises. They add excitement to life and break the monotony of daily routines. I especially like pleasant surprises, like unexpected gifts or good news.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely! I’m a big fan of surprises. They inject a sense of spontaneity into life and often lead to memorable experiences. Whether it’s an impromptu gathering of friends or an unexpected piece of good news, surprises tend to brighten my day and keep life interesting.”
Question: How do people usually share important news in your country?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“In my country, people often share important news through phone calls or text messages. For really big news, they might prefer to tell family and friends in person.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“In my culture, the method of sharing important news often depends on its nature and urgency. For personal milestones like engagements or pregnancies, people typically opt for face-to-face conversations with close family and friends, valuing the intimacy of in-person reactions. However, for more general announcements, social media platforms have become increasingly popular, allowing for widespread dissemination of news. In professional contexts, email remains the go-to medium for sharing significant updates.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe an occasion when you received surprising news.
You should say:
- What the news was
- When you received it
- Who you received it from
- And explain why it was surprising to you
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about a time when I received surprising news. It was about two years ago when I found out that I had won a scholarship to study abroad. I received this news on a Tuesday afternoon in July. An email popped up on my phone from the scholarship committee.
The news was surprising because I hadn’t expected to win. There were many applicants, and I thought my chances were slim. I remember feeling shocked when I read the email. My heart started beating fast, and I had to read it several times to make sure I understood correctly.
This news was a big deal for me because studying abroad had always been a dream of mine. I never thought it would actually happen due to financial constraints. So, when I got this scholarship, it felt like a door had suddenly opened for me.
The surprise element came from the fact that I had almost forgotten about my application. It had been months since I applied, and I had started making other plans for my future. This news changed everything in an instant.
I immediately called my parents to share the news. They were just as surprised and excited as I was. It was a moment of pure joy and disbelief that I’ll never forget.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d be delighted to share an experience of receiving surprising news that left an indelible mark on my life. The news in question was my unexpected selection for a prestigious international research program in marine biology, a field I’m deeply passionate about.
This life-altering information reached me on an otherwise ordinary Wednesday morning in April, about 18 months ago. I was engrossed in my regular laboratory work when my phone buzzed with an email notification. The sender was the director of the research program, a name I instantly recognized.
The shock factor was amplified by the fact that I hadn’t even applied for this program. Apparently, my previous research work had caught the attention of the selection committee, and they had taken the initiative to consider me as a candidate. This unconventional approach took me completely off guard.
The surprise stemmed from multiple factors. Firstly, the sheer exclusivity of the program – only five researchers worldwide are chosen each year. Secondly, the unsolicited nature of the offer defied my expectations of how such opportunities typically materialize. Lastly, the timing was impeccable as I had been contemplating my next career move.
This news was not just surprising; it was paradigm-shifting. It opened up vistas I hadn’t dared to imagine, propelling my career onto an international stage. The mixture of disbelief, excitement, and a tinge of apprehension I felt in that moment was truly indescribable.
In retrospect, this surprising news served as a pivotal moment in my professional journey, reaffirming my belief in the unexpected opportunities life can present when we remain dedicated to our passions.”
Follow-up Questions
- How did you react to this surprising news?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I was really shocked at first. I couldn’t believe it and had to read the email several times. Then I felt extremely happy and excited. I immediately called my family to share the news with them.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“My initial reaction was one of utter disbelief, followed by an overwhelming sense of elation. I found myself in a state of pleasant shock, my mind racing with the implications of this unexpected opportunity. I recall pacing around my room, trying to process the information, before finally composing myself enough to share the news with my closest confidants. The experience was a whirlwind of emotions, ranging from incredulity to unbridled joy.”
- Do you think surprising news is always good?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“No, I don’t think surprising news is always good. Sometimes it can be bad or even shocking. It depends on the nature of the news. Good surprises are nice, but bad surprises can be very difficult to deal with.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“While surprises often carry positive connotations, the reality is far more nuanced. Surprising news can run the entire gamut of human experience, from joyous to devastating. The impact of unexpected news largely depends on its content and the recipient’s current life circumstances. While positive surprises can inject excitement and optimism into our lives, negative surprises can be emotionally jarring and may require significant adjustment. The key lies in our resilience and ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, regardless of their nature.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question 1: How has technology changed the way we receive news?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Technology has made news more accessible and faster. We can now get news instantly on our smartphones through apps and social media. This is very different from the past when we had to wait for newspapers or TV news broadcasts.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Technology has revolutionized our consumption of news in multifaceted ways. The advent of smartphones and social media platforms has ushered in an era of instant information, where news is disseminated in real-time, transcending geographical boundaries. This immediacy, while beneficial for staying informed, has also led to challenges such as the rapid spread of misinformation and the need for more discerning media literacy. Moreover, algorithmic curation of news feeds has created echo chambers, potentially limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. On the flip side, technology has democratized news creation, allowing citizen journalism to flourish and giving voice to previously underrepresented communities.”
Question 2: Do you think the speed at which we receive news nowadays is always a good thing?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Not always. While it’s good to get information quickly, sometimes fast news can be inaccurate. There’s often not enough time to check facts properly. This can lead to the spread of false information, which can be harmful.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The rapid dissemination of news in our digital age is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it keeps us informed and connected to global events in real-time, which can be crucial in emergencies or for making timely decisions. However, this speed often comes at the expense of thorough fact-checking and nuanced reporting. The pressure to be first can lead to hasty journalism, potentially compromising accuracy and depth. Furthermore, the constant influx of information can be overwhelming, leading to news fatigue or anxiety. It’s a delicate balance between staying informed and maintaining a healthy information diet. Ultimately, the onus is on both media outlets to maintain rigorous standards despite time pressures, and on consumers to approach news critically and seek diverse, reliable sources.”
Question 3: How might surprising news affect someone’s life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Surprising news can have a big impact on someone’s life. Good news, like getting a job offer or winning a prize, can make someone very happy and change their plans. Bad surprising news, like a sudden illness, can be very stressful and cause a lot of worry.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Surprising news has the potential to be a catalyst for profound change in an individual’s life trajectory. The impact can be multifaceted, affecting one’s emotional state, decision-making processes, and long-term outlook. Positive surprises, such as an unexpected job offer or a sudden windfall, can boost self-confidence, open up new opportunities, and lead to a reassessment of one’s goals and aspirations. Conversely, negative surprises like a sudden loss or health diagnosis can trigger a period of introspection and potentially lead to significant life changes. The psychological impact of surprising news shouldn’t be underestimated; it can alter one’s worldview, relationships, and even core beliefs. Ultimately, how an individual processes and adapts to surprising news can be a testament to their resilience and can shape their personal growth in profound ways.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Paradigm-shifting (adjective) /ˈpærəˌdaɪm ʃɪftɪŋ/: Causing a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: The surprising news of her promotion was paradigm-shifting, completely altering her career trajectory. -
Indelible mark (noun phrase) /ɪnˈdelɪbl mɑːrk/: A lasting impression or effect.
Example: The unexpected scholarship left an indelible mark on her academic journey. -
Take (someone) off guard (idiom) /teɪk ɒf gɑːrd/: To surprise someone when they are not prepared.
Example: The sudden announcement of the company merger took everyone off guard. -
Whirlwind of emotions (noun phrase) /ˈwɜːrlwɪnd əv ɪˈməʊʃənz/: A rapid and turbulent mix of feelings.
Example: Receiving the surprising news sent her into a whirlwind of emotions, from shock to elation. -
Propel (one’s) career (verb phrase) /prəˈpel kəˈrɪər/: To give a sudden boost or acceleration to one’s professional life.
Example: The unexpected job offer propelled her career into a new and exciting direction.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing surprising news:
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Vocabulary Range: Incorporate a variety of sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions relevant to surprises and news. Use words like “unprecedented”, “astonishing”, or phrases like “out of the blue” to add depth to your descriptions.
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Coherent Narrative: When describing the surprising news, ensure your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Use connectives to link your ideas smoothly.
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Emotional Expression: Don’t just state facts. Convey the emotions and thoughts you experienced. Use phrases like “I was over the moon” or “I was utterly flabbergasted” to vividly express your reactions.
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Elaboration: Go beyond simple answers. Provide reasons, examples, and personal insights to support your points, especially in Part 3 discussions.
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Fluency: Practice speaking at length without long pauses. Use fillers naturally if you need time to think, but don’t overuse them.
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Pronunciation: Pay attention to word stress and intonation, particularly with new vocabulary you’ve learned for this topic.
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Grammar Range: Demonstrate your ability to use a variety of grammatical structures accurately. Mix simple and complex sentences, and use different tenses as appropriate.
Remember, regular practice with a variety of topics and question types is key to improving your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.