As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I understand that the IELTS Speaking test can seem daunting, especially for young learners. One common worry is how to talk about feelings, particularly happiness and sadness, in a way that impresses the examiner. Don’t worry! With a bit of practice and the right guidance, you can confidently tackle any question about your emotions.
Why Talking About Feelings Matters in the IELTS Speaking Test
The IELTS Speaking test aims to assess your ability to communicate effectively in English. While grammar and vocabulary are essential, expressing yourself clearly and naturally is equally important. Talking about your feelings, including what makes you happy and sad, demonstrates your emotional range and vocabulary.
Expressing Happiness and Sadness: Key Tips for ESL Kids
Here are some tips to help you ace those “happy and sad” questions:
1. Use a Variety of Vocabulary
Instead of just saying “happy” or “sad,” try using more descriptive words:
Happiness:
- Elated: I was elated when I won first prize in the science fair.
- Thrilled: I felt thrilled to receive a letter from my pen pal in Australia.
- Overjoyed: My grandparents were overjoyed to see me after such a long time.
Sadness:
- Disappointed: I felt disappointed when my team lost the football match.
- Upset: I was upset when I lost my favorite toy.
- Heartbroken: It was heartbreaking to say goodbye to my best friend who moved away.
2. Explain Why
Don’t just state your feelings; explain what caused them:
- Example 1: “Spending time with my family makes me happy because they always make me laugh.”
- Example 2: “I get sad when I see animals being mistreated because it’s not fair.”
3. Use Examples
Examples help the examiner understand you better:
- Example 1: “One thing that always makes me happy is listening to music, especially upbeat pop songs. They always put me in a good mood.”
- Example 2: “I feel sad when I think about pollution harming our planet. For example, seeing pictures of animals affected by plastic waste in the ocean makes me really upset.”
Sad Child Looking at Ocean Pollution
Practice Makes Perfect: Sample IELTS Speaking Questions
Let’s look at some IELTS-style questions and how you could answer them:
Examiner: What makes you happy?
You: Many things make me happy! Spending time outdoors, especially playing football with my friends, always cheers me up. I also love reading adventure books, as they transport me to different worlds and spark my imagination.
Examiner: What kind of things make you sad?
You: Well, I feel sad when I see people being unkind to each other. It’s important to treat everyone with respect, and it makes me sad when that doesn’t happen. I also feel sad when I think about endangered animals. I worry about them losing their habitats.
Remember: Be Yourself!
The most important tip is to be genuine! The examiner wants to hear about your real feelings and experiences. Speak from the heart, and you’ll do great!