The IELTS Speaking test frequently includes questions about memorable experiences, and “describing an occasion when you were surprised” is a common topic. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate events, express emotions, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively to maximize your IELTS Speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions related to surprises or unexpected events. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you like surprises?
Band 6-7 answer:
“Yes, I generally enjoy surprises. They add excitement to life and break the routine. However, I prefer pleasant surprises rather than unexpected problems!”
Band 8-9 answer:
“Absolutely! I find that surprises inject a delightful sense of spontaneity into life. There’s something thrilling about the unexpected, especially when it’s a thoughtful gesture from a loved one or an unforeseen opportunity that presents itself.”
- What kind of surprises do people in your country like?
Band 6-7 answer:
“In my country, people often enjoy surprise parties for birthdays or achievements. Many also appreciate unexpected gifts or visits from friends and family.”
Band 8-9 answer:
“In my culture, there’s a real appreciation for surprises that demonstrate thoughtfulness and consideration. This might manifest in elaborate surprise parties for milestone birthdays, or in more intimate gestures like a spouse planning an unexpected weekend getaway. There’s also a growing trend of ‘random acts of kindness’ surprises, where strangers do something unexpectedly nice for others, which is really heartwarming to see.”
Describe a time when you visited a place with historical significance can be another engaging topic that allows you to showcase your narrative skills and cultural knowledge. Similarly, discussing a surprising occasion requires you to vividly describe an experience and your reactions to it.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe an occasion when you were surprised.
You should say:
- What the occasion was
- Who surprised you
- What the surprise was
- And explain how you felt about it
IELTS Speaking Cue Card: Describe an Occasion When You Were Surprised
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about a surprise party my friends organized for my 21st birthday. It happened last year, and I had no idea they were planning anything special. On the day of my birthday, my best friend invited me to a casual dinner at a local restaurant. When we arrived, I was shocked to see about 20 of my friends and family members there, all shouting ‘Surprise!’ The restaurant was decorated with balloons and banners, and there was a big cake with candles. I was completely taken aback and felt really touched by their effort. It made me realize how much my friends cared about me, and I felt incredibly happy and grateful. The surprise definitely made my birthday memorable, and I appreciated all the planning that must have gone into it.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“I’d be delighted to share an experience that truly caught me off guard. It was on the occasion of my graduation from university. While I was anticipating a small family dinner to celebrate this milestone, my parents had orchestrated an elaborate surprise that left me utterly astonished.
As I walked into what I thought would be a quiet restaurant, I was greeted by an eruption of cheers and applause. To my amazement, not only were my immediate family and close friends present, but also relatives who had flown in from across the country, former teachers, and even a few of my childhood friends I hadn’t seen in years.
The surprise didn’t end there. My parents had compiled a heartwarming video montage chronicling my academic journey, from my first day of school to my university graduation. This thoughtful gesture brought tears to my eyes and evoked a profound sense of nostalgia.
The emotional impact of this surprise was overwhelming. I felt an intense surge of gratitude, not just for the event itself, but for the love and support that had propelled me through my academic career. It was a poignant reminder of the network of people who had contributed to my success.
Moreover, I was struck by the meticulous planning that must have gone into coordinating such an event without my knowledge. It made me appreciate the depth of my parents’ love and their desire to make this achievement truly unforgettable.
In retrospect, this surprise celebration served as a beautiful punctuation mark to my educational chapter, filling me with joy, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose as I prepared to embark on the next phase of my life.”
Possible follow-up questions:
- Do you think it’s difficult to keep a surprise secret?
- How do people usually react to surprises in your culture?
Band 6-7 answer for question 1:
“Yes, I think keeping a surprise secret can be challenging. People often get excited and might accidentally let something slip. It also requires good planning and coordination, especially for big surprises involving many people.”
Band 8-9 answer for question 1:
“Indeed, maintaining the secrecy of a surprise can be quite a delicate task. It requires a combination of discretion, quick thinking, and often, a bit of creative misdirection. The difficulty often lies in balancing the excitement of planning something special with the need to keep it under wraps. Moreover, in our hyper-connected world, where information flows freely through social media and instant messaging, it’s become increasingly challenging to keep things truly confidential. However, I believe that this very challenge is what makes a well-executed surprise all the more rewarding and appreciated.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to surprises and unexpected events. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Why do you think some people don’t like surprises?
Band 6-7 answer:
“Some people might not enjoy surprises because they prefer to be in control of situations. Surprises can make them feel uncomfortable or anxious. Also, if someone has had bad experiences with surprises in the past, they might develop a negative attitude towards them.”
Band 8-9 answer:
“The aversion to surprises that some individuals exhibit can be attributed to various psychological and personal factors. Primarily, it often stems from a need for control and predictability in one’s life. Surprises, by their very nature, introduce an element of uncertainty, which can be unsettling for those who thrive on routine and structure.
Moreover, past negative experiences with surprises can significantly influence one’s attitude towards them. If a person has encountered unpleasant or embarrassing surprises previously, they may develop a conditioned response of anxiety or discomfort when faced with unexpected situations.
Additionally, certain personality types, such as those high in neuroticism or those with anxiety disorders, may find surprises particularly challenging. The sudden shift in expected outcomes can trigger stress responses and feelings of vulnerability.
It’s also worth considering cultural factors. In some cultures, surprises might be less common or even viewed as disruptive, leading individuals from these backgrounds to be less receptive to unexpected events or gestures.”
- Do you think technology has changed the way we experience surprises?
Band 6-7 answer:
“Yes, I believe technology has had a big impact on surprises. Social media makes it harder to keep things secret, as people often share a lot of information online. However, technology also allows for creative new ways to surprise people, like virtual surprise parties or using apps to plan elaborate surprises.”
Band 8-9 answer:
“Technology has undeniably revolutionized the landscape of surprises, both enhancing and challenging the traditional concept in myriad ways. On one hand, the pervasiveness of social media and instant communication has made it increasingly difficult to maintain the secrecy essential for surprises. The digital footprint we leave can often inadvertently reveal plans or intentions, potentially spoiling carefully orchestrated surprises.
Conversely, technology has also opened up new avenues for creating and executing surprises. Virtual reality experiences, for instance, can transport someone to an unexpected environment, creating a surprise that was previously impossible. Social media platforms enable grand gestures of surprise to be shared with a wider audience, amplifying the emotional impact.
Furthermore, technology has facilitated long-distance surprises. With video calls and live streaming, people can now be ‘present’ for surprise events happening across the globe, breaking down geographical barriers.
However, it’s worth noting that the constant connectivity fostered by technology may have somewhat diluted the impact of surprises. In an era where we’re accustomed to instant gratification and constant updates, truly unexpected moments might have become rarer, potentially making them even more valuable when they do occur.
In essence, while technology has certainly altered the landscape of surprises, making some aspects more challenging and others more innovative, it hasn’t diminished our fundamental human appreciation for the unexpected and delightful moments that surprises bring to our lives.”
Technology's Impact on Surprises
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
Caught off guard /kɔːt ɒf ɡɑːd/ (phrasal verb): Surprised and unprepared.
Example: “The surprise party caught me completely off guard.”Flabbergasted /ˈflæbəɡɑːstɪd/ (adjective): Surprised in a way that leaves one confused or at a loss for words.
Example: “I was utterly flabbergasted when I saw the elaborate surprise they had planned.”To take aback /teɪk əˈbæk/ (phrasal verb): To surprise or shock someone.
Example: “The unexpected gesture took me aback, leaving me speechless with gratitude.”Out of the blue /aʊt əv ðə bluː/ (idiom): Unexpectedly or suddenly.
Example: “The surprise invitation came completely out of the blue.”To blow someone away /bləʊ ˈsʌmwʌn əˈweɪ/ (idiom): To greatly impress or astonish someone.
Example: “The level of detail in the surprise party blew me away.”Gobsmacked /ˈɡɒbsmækt/ (adjective): Utterly astonished; astounded.
Example: “I was absolutely gobsmacked when I walked into the room full of my friends and family.”
Describe a journey you will never forget can be another excellent opportunity to use some of these descriptive phrases, especially when discussing surprising or unexpected aspects of your travel experience.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a surprising occasion:
Practice narrating events coherently, focusing on sequencing and clear transitions between ideas.
Develop a rich vocabulary to express emotions and reactions. This will help you convey the impact of the surprise effectively.
Use a variety of tenses accurately, especially past tenses when recounting the event.
Include specific details to make your description vivid and engaging.
Practice expressing your thoughts on abstract ideas related to surprises for Part 3 discussions.
Work on your pronunciation and intonation to convey excitement or shock authentically.
Be prepared to extend your answers with explanations and examples, particularly in Parts 2 and 3.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversation flow.
Describe a memorable shopping experience could be another topic where you can apply these speaking strategies, especially if the shopping experience involved unexpected elements or surprises.
By following these guidelines and incorporating sophisticated vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to describe a surprising occasion effectively in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to practice regularly and seek feedback to continually improve your performance.