The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and memories. One common topic that frequently appears is describing photographs, especially those with sentimental value. This article will guide you through how to effectively answer questions about an old photograph that holds special meaning to you, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask you some general questions about photographs. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer for one of them:
- Do you enjoy taking photographs?
- How often do you take photos?
- Do you prefer to take photos yourself or have someone else take them?
- What do you do with your photos after taking them?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you enjoy taking photographs?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find photography to be a fascinating hobby. There’s something magical about capturing a moment in time and preserving memories. I particularly enjoy experimenting with different angles and lighting to create visually striking images. It’s not just about documenting events; for me, it’s a form of creative expression that allows me to see the world through a different lens, quite literally!”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card related to describing an old photograph:
Describe an old photograph that holds special meaning to you.
You should say:
• What the photograph shows
• When the photograph was taken
• Why this photograph is special to you
• How you feel when you look at this photographSample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about an old black and white photograph that’s very special to me. It shows my grandparents on their wedding day, standing outside a small church in my hometown. They look young and happy, with big smiles on their faces.
The photograph was taken about 60 years ago, in the summer of 1962. I know this because my grandmother told me the date when she showed me the picture.
This photograph is special to me because it captures a really important moment in my family’s history. It’s the beginning of my grandparents’ life together, which eventually led to my own existence. Also, it’s one of the few pictures I have of my grandfather, who passed away when I was very young.
When I look at this photograph, I feel a mix of emotions. I feel happy to see my grandparents so joyful and in love. But I also feel a bit sad because my grandfather is no longer with us. Overall, though, it gives me a sense of connection to my family’s past and makes me appreciate the love that has been passed down through generations.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share with you a cherished photograph that holds immense sentimental value for me. It’s a sepia-toned image capturing my grandparents on their wedding day, standing hand in hand outside a quaint, ivy-covered church in my hometown.
This timeless snapshot was taken on a balmy summer’s day in July 1962, precisely 61 years ago. The date is etched in my memory as my grandmother would often recount the story behind this photograph with a gleam of nostalgia in her eyes.
The photograph is incredibly special to me for several reasons. Firstly, it represents the genesis of my family’s legacy, marking the beginning of a union that would eventually lead to my own existence. Moreover, it’s one of the few tangible memories I have of my grandfather, who passed away when I was merely a toddler. This image allows me to connect with him in a way that transcends time and mortality.
Whenever I gaze at this photograph, I’m overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions. There’s an undeniable sense of joy seeing my grandparents radiating happiness and love. Their youthful exuberance is infectious, even across the decades. Simultaneously, there’s a tinge of melancholy, knowing that my grandfather is no longer with us. However, the overarching feeling is one of profound gratitude and connection. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the love that has been passed down through generations and the rich tapestry of my family history. It instills in me a deep appreciation for the bonds that tie us together across time and space.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How has photography changed since your grandparents’ time?
- Do you think old photographs are more valuable than digital ones? Why or why not?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Photography has undergone a revolutionary transformation since my grandparents’ era. In their time, photography was a meticulous craft, requiring specialized equipment and expertise. Each shot was precious due to the limited number of exposures on a roll of film.
Today, we’re in the age of digital ubiquity. Smartphones have made photography accessible to the masses, allowing us to capture countless images with a simple tap. The instant gratification of seeing photos immediately and the ability to edit them on the spot have fundamentally changed our relationship with photography.
Moreover, the advent of social media has transformed how we share and consume photographs. While this has democratized the art form, it’s also led to an oversaturation of images in our daily lives.
However, I believe there’s still value in both old and new forms of photography. While digital photography offers convenience and versatility, there’s a certain charm and authenticity to old photographs that captures the essence of a bygone era in a way that’s hard to replicate digitally.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Examiner: How do you think the role of photography in preserving memories has changed over time?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“The role of photography in preserving memories has evolved significantly over time. In the past, photographs were rare and precious, often limited to special occasions like weddings or family portraits. People would carefully store these photos in albums, viewing them as treasured keepsakes.
Today, with the ubiquity of smartphones, we can capture virtually every moment of our lives. This has led to a more comprehensive documentation of our experiences, but it’s also changed how we value individual photos. We now have thousands of images stored digitally, which can make each one seem less special.
However, I believe this abundance of photos has also allowed us to capture more authentic moments, rather than just posed shots. We can now preserve the small, everyday memories that might have been forgotten in the past. This shift has made our personal histories more detailed and accessible, though it also presents challenges in terms of organizing and preserving these vast digital archives for future generations.”
Examiner: Do you think future generations will value physical photographs as much as we do?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“That’s a thought-provoking question. I believe the value placed on physical photographs by future generations will likely evolve, but not necessarily diminish.
On one hand, as digital technology continues to advance, we might see a further shift away from physical media. Future generations, growing up in an increasingly digital world, may find the concept of printed photographs quaint or outdated.
However, I think there’s a strong argument for the enduring appeal of physical photographs. There’s something tangible and immediate about holding a printed photo that digital images can’t replicate. Physical photos have a permanence and presence that digital files, which can be easily deleted or lost in the vastness of digital storage, lack.
Moreover, as physical photos become rarer, they may actually increase in perceived value. We often see this pattern with other forms of media – vinyl records, for example, have seen a resurgence in popularity partly due to their physical nature and the nostalgic experience they offer.
Additionally, physical photographs have proven their longevity. We have photos from the 19th century that are still viewable today, while digital formats can become obsolete relatively quickly. This durability might be appreciated by future generations as a reliable form of preserving family history.
In conclusion, while the ubiquity of physical photos may decrease, I believe their inherent value as artifacts of personal and cultural history will persist. Future generations may well cherish these tangible links to the past, seeing them as precious windows into their ancestors’ lives.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases from the sample answers that can help elevate your response:
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Cherished /ˈtʃerɪʃt/ (adjective): loved and protected with care.
Example: “This cherished photograph reminds me of my childhood summers.” -
Sepia-toned /ˈsiːpiə toʊnd/ (adjective): referring to photographs with a reddish-brown tint, typical of old photos.
Example: “The sepia-toned image evoked a sense of nostalgia.” -
Gleam of nostalgia (phrase): a look or feeling of sentimental longing for the past.
Example: “There was a gleam of nostalgia in her eyes as she looked at the old photo album.” -
Genesis /ˈdʒenəsɪs/ (noun): the origin or mode of formation of something.
Example: “This photo represents the genesis of our family’s story.” -
Whirlwind of emotions (idiom): a turbulent mix of strong feelings.
Example: “Looking at the photograph, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions.” -
Poignant reminder (phrase): something that evokes a keen sense of sadness or regret.
Example: “The old photograph served as a poignant reminder of happier times.” -
Rich tapestry (idiom): a complex and fascinating mixture of things or people.
Example: “Family photographs weave a rich tapestry of our shared history.” -
Revolutionary transformation (phrase): a complete or dramatic change.
Example: “Photography has undergone a revolutionary transformation in the digital age.” -
Meticulous craft (phrase): a careful and precise skill or art.
Example: “In the past, photography was seen as a meticulous craft requiring great skill.” -
Digital ubiquity (phrase): the state of being everywhere, especially through digital means.
Example: “The digital ubiquity of cameras has changed how we document our lives.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing photographs or personal memories, consider the following tips:
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Use descriptive language: Paint a vivid picture with your words. Use adjectives and sensory details to bring your description to life.
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Show emotional depth: Don’t just describe what you see; explain how the photograph makes you feel and why it’s significant to you.
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Practice storytelling: Frame your description as a story, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This helps engage the listener and showcases your language skills.
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Use a range of tenses: When discussing old photographs, you’ll naturally need to use past tenses, but don’t forget to incorporate present and even future tenses where appropriate.
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Incorporate idiomatic expressions: Use idioms and colloquial phrases naturally to demonstrate your command of English.
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Vary your sentence structure: Mix short, simple sentences with longer, more complex ones to show your versatility with the language.
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Link your ideas: Use connecting words and phrases to ensure your speech flows smoothly from one point to the next.
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Expand on the topic: In Part 3, be prepared to discuss more abstract ideas related to photography, memory, and technology. This is your chance to showcase your ability to express complex thoughts in English.
By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about photographs in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to practice regularly and speak with confidence. Good luck with your IELTS journey!
For more practice, you might want to describe a childhood memory that you cherish or describe a favorite photo or picture. These topics are closely related and can help you build a wider vocabulary for discussing personal memories and visual imagery.