The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about memorable experiences, and “describe an occasion when you were very excited” is a common topic. This article will guide you through answering this question effectively, providing sample responses for different band scores and valuable tips to boost your performance.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the first part of the speaking test, the examiner may ask general questions related to excitement and memorable occasions. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer:
- Do you often feel excited?
- What kinds of things make you excited?
- Do you think it’s important to have exciting experiences in life?
Let’s focus on the third question:
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely, I believe having exciting experiences is crucial for personal growth and happiness. These moments not only break the monotony of daily life but also create lasting memories. Exciting experiences often push us out of our comfort zones, helping us discover new aspects of ourselves and the world around us. Moreover, they give us something to look forward to and provide a sense of fulfillment that’s hard to achieve through routine activities alone.”
Describe a time when you gave someone a surprise can also be an exciting occasion. Talking about such experiences can demonstrate your ability to discuss emotions and personal interactions effectively.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing an exciting occasion:
Describe an occasion when you were very excited
You should say:
- What the occasion was
- When and where it happened
- Who you were with
- And explain why you felt so excited
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about the time I went to my first big music festival. It happened last summer in a large park just outside my city. I went with a group of my closest friends, which made the experience even more special.
The occasion was a three-day music festival featuring some of my favorite bands and artists. I had been looking forward to it for months, ever since we bought the tickets. As the day approached, I could barely contain my excitement.
When we arrived at the festival grounds, the atmosphere was electric. There were thousands of people, all buzzing with anticipation. The sight of multiple stages, food stalls, and colorful decorations added to the excitement.
I felt so excited because it was my first time attending such a large-scale event. The thought of seeing my favorite musicians perform live was thrilling. Additionally, the idea of spending three days immersed in music, surrounded by friends and like-minded people, was incredibly appealing.
The excitement built up as we explored the festival grounds, planned which performances to see, and soaked in the vibrant atmosphere. When the first band started playing, the energy was incredible, and I knew this would be an unforgettable experience.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to recount an occasion that filled me with immense excitement – my first solo international trip. This momentous event took place last autumn when I embarked on a journey to Japan, a country I had long dreamed of visiting.
The trip culminated years of planning and saving, making the anticipation all the more intense. As I boarded the plane at my local airport, a surge of exhilaration coursed through me. The prospect of immersing myself in a completely different culture, thousands of miles from home, was both thrilling and slightly daunting.
Although I was traveling alone, I felt connected to the millions of solo travelers who had taken similar leaps of faith. The excitement was palpable as the plane took off, symbolizing the start of my adventure.
The reason for my overwhelming excitement was multifaceted. Firstly, this trip represented a significant personal achievement – I had overcome my apprehensions about solo travel and was stepping out of my comfort zone. Secondly, Japan had always held a special allure for me, with its unique blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology. The thought of experiencing this firsthand was exhilarating.
Moreover, I was excited about the personal growth this journey promised. I knew that navigating a foreign country alone would challenge me in ways I couldn’t anticipate, ultimately leading to increased confidence and self-reliance.
As the plane descended into Tokyo, my excitement reached its peak. The neon-lit cityscape below seemed to pulsate with possibility, and I couldn’t wait to begin exploring. This moment of arrival encapsulated all the anticipation and joy I had felt leading up to the trip, marking the start of what would prove to be an unforgettable adventure.”
Examiner’s follow-up questions:
- Do you think people nowadays get excited about different things compared to previous generations?
- How do you think excitement affects people’s decision-making?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I believe the sources of excitement have evolved significantly across generations. In today’s digital age, many people, especially younger generations, find excitement in virtual experiences, such as immersive video games, virtual reality, or trending social media challenges. This is a stark contrast to previous generations who might have found more excitement in physical activities or face-to-face social interactions.
Moreover, the rapid pace of technological advancement means that each new gadget or innovation can be a source of excitement for many people today. This wasn’t the case for previous generations who lived in a world where technological changes were less frequent and perhaps less impactful on daily life.
Travel is another area where excitement has transformed. While previous generations might have been thrilled by the prospect of visiting a neighboring town or country, today’s globalized world and affordable air travel mean that people now get excited about exotic, far-flung destinations or unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
However, it’s important to note that some sources of excitement remain universal across generations, such as personal achievements, romantic relationships, or family milestones. The fundamental human emotions behind excitement haven’t changed, even if the specific triggers have evolved with societal and technological changes.”
Describe a recent celebration you attended is another topic where you can showcase your ability to describe exciting occasions and emotions effectively.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to excitement and memorable occasions. Here’s a sample question and response:
Examiner: “Do you think society places too much emphasis on seeking exciting experiences?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“That’s an intriguing question that touches on broader societal trends. I believe there’s a growing emphasis on seeking exciting experiences, particularly in developed countries, which can be both positive and negative.
On the positive side, this trend encourages people to broaden their horizons, step out of their comfort zones, and embrace new challenges. It can lead to personal growth, increased cultural understanding, and a more fulfilling life. The pursuit of exciting experiences can also drive innovation and creativity in various fields, from technology to the arts.
However, there are potential downsides to consider. The constant quest for excitement can lead to a ‘fear of missing out’ or FOMO, causing stress and anxiety. It might also result in people undervaluing everyday experiences and struggling to find contentment in their regular lives. Moreover, the emphasis on excitement could lead to risk-taking behaviors or unsustainable practices, particularly in areas like tourism or extreme sports.
Another concern is the environmental impact of this trend. As people seek increasingly exotic or thrilling experiences, it can lead to over-tourism in certain areas or increased carbon emissions from frequent travel.
Ultimately, I believe balance is key. While exciting experiences can enrich our lives, it’s equally important to find joy and meaning in everyday moments. Society should perhaps focus more on teaching people how to appreciate both the extraordinary and the ordinary aspects of life, fostering a more sustainable and balanced approach to seeking fulfillment.”
Describe a time when you had to cancel plans at the last minute can be an interesting contrast to discussing exciting occasions, showing your ability to handle different emotional scenarios in your responses.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
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Exhilarating /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ (adj): Causing strong feelings of excitement and happiness
Example: “The bungee jump was an exhilarating experience that left me breathless.” -
Anticipation /ænˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃn/ (n): A feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen
Example: “The anticipation of my upcoming trip kept me awake at night.” -
Adrenaline rush /əˈdrenəlɪn rʌʃ/ (n): A sudden burst of energy from excitement or stress
Example: “Skydiving gave me an incredible adrenaline rush.” -
Thrilled to bits (idiom): Extremely pleased and excited
Example: “I was thrilled to bits when I received the job offer.” -
On cloud nine (idiom): Extremely happy and excited
Example: “After winning the competition, I was on cloud nine for days.” -
To be beside oneself with excitement (phrase): To be extremely excited
Example: “The children were beside themselves with excitement on Christmas morning.”
Describe a time when you took on more responsibility than expected can be an exciting occasion in itself, allowing you to demonstrate your ability to discuss professional growth and challenges.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing exciting occasions:
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Practice varied vocabulary: Use a range of descriptive words and phrases to vividly convey your excitement.
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Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, covering all aspects mentioned in the cue card.
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Use personal examples: Real-life experiences make your answers more authentic and engaging.
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Show emotion: Don’t just describe the event; convey your feelings through your tone and choice of words.
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Elaborate on your points: Provide reasons and examples to support your statements.
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Be natural: While using advanced vocabulary is good, ensure your speech remains fluent and natural.
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Practice regularly: Record yourself answering sample questions to identify areas for improvement.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are crucial.
Describe a time when you worked with a diverse team can be an exciting experience in a professional context, allowing you to demonstrate your ability to discuss interpersonal dynamics and cultural awareness.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in describing exciting occasions in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to practice regularly and stay confident!