As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless students who underestimate the importance of seemingly simple questions like “What is the weather like today?” in the IELTS Speaking test. While it appears straightforward, this question offers a valuable opportunity to showcase your vocabulary and fluency in English.
The Significance of Weather Talk in IELTS Speaking
Discussing the weather might seem trivial, but it’s a crucial social lubricant in many cultures, including those where English is widely spoken. In the IELTS Speaking test, your ability to engage in natural, spontaneous conversation is assessed, and weather serves as a perfect starting point.
This question allows the examiner to:
- Assess your basic vocabulary: Do you know words like “sunny,” “cloudy,” “humid,” “drizzling,” or can you use more advanced terms like “changeable,” “overcast,” or “temperate”?
- Gauge your fluency and pronunciation: Can you answer smoothly and confidently, or do you hesitate and stumble over words?
- Evaluate your ability to elaborate: Can you provide a simple answer, or can you expand on the topic by describing the weather’s impact on your day or city?
Tackling “What is the weather like today?” Effectively
Here’s how to approach this question strategically:
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Provide a Clear and Concise Answer: Begin with a straightforward response using appropriate weather vocabulary. For example:
- “It’s a beautiful sunny day today.”
- “It’s rather chilly and overcast this morning.”
- “We’re having a bit of a heatwave, so it’s quite humid.”
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Elaborate and Expand: Don’t stop at a single sentence. Add a detail or two to make your answer more engaging. Consider:
- Personal Impact: “It’s a beautiful sunny day today, perfect for a picnic in the park.”
- Comparison: “It’s much cooler today than it was yesterday. We had a real scorcher!”
- Local Observation: “It’s quite foggy this morning, which is typical for London this time of year.”
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Use Varied Vocabulary: Instead of repeating “sunny” or “rainy,” demonstrate your range. For example:
- Instead of “hot,” say “sweltering,” “boiling,” or “scorching.”
- Instead of “cold,” try “freezing,” “chilly,” or “crisp.”
Example from a Real IELTS Speaking Test
Examiner: “What is the weather like today?”
Candidate: “Well, it’s actually quite pleasant today. It’s warm and sunny, with a light breeze. It’s a welcome change from the rain we’ve been having lately.”
This response is effective because it’s clear, uses varied vocabulary, and provides some elaboration by mentioning the recent weather and the speaker’s feeling about it.
Tips to Ace Your Response
- Stay Updated: Check the weather forecast regularly to be prepared for this question.
- Practice Describing Weather: Find pictures of different weather conditions and practice describing them using varied vocabulary.
- Record Yourself: Speaking aloud and listening back will help you identify areas for improvement in pronunciation and fluency.
- Think About Follow-Up Questions: Be prepared to discuss your favorite type of weather, how weather affects your mood, or your country’s climate.
Conclusion
While “What is the weather like today?” may seem like a simple question, it’s a valuable opportunity to shine in your IELTS Speaking test. By using accurate vocabulary, speaking fluently, and elaborating naturally, you can demonstrate your English language proficiency and create a positive impression on the examiner. Remember, confidence is key, so relax, be yourself, and let your personality shine through!