As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered numerous students grappling with the seemingly simple yet surprisingly tricky question in the IELTS Speaking test: “What type of weather do you don’t like?” This seemingly innocuous question can throw many off guard if they haven’t considered it beforehand.
This article will delve into why this question appears in the IELTS Speaking test, equip you with the vocabulary and strategies to answer it effectively, and provide example responses for inspiration.
Understanding the Question’s Purpose
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. While the question about disliked weather might seem superficial, it evaluates several key skills:
1. Vocabulary Range
Discussing weather requires specific vocabulary. Examiners want to see if you can go beyond basic terms like “hot” or “cold” and utilize more descriptive language.
2. Fluency and Coherence
Your response should flow naturally and logically. Avoid long pauses or disjointed sentences. The examiner is assessing your ability to speak spontaneously and connect your thoughts.
3. Grammar Accuracy
As with all sections of the IELTS, grammatical accuracy is crucial. Use the correct tenses, verb forms, and sentence structures to demonstrate your command of the English language.
Mastering the “Weather Vocabulary”
To impress the examiner, incorporate a variety of vocabulary related to weather conditions and your feelings towards them:
Weather Conditions:
- Humid: Hot and muggy, with a high level of moisture in the air.
- Gloomy: Overcast and depressing, with grey skies.
- Blistering: Extremely hot, often unbearably so.
- Torrential rain: Heavy rainfall.
- Freezing cold: Extremely cold temperatures.
- Windy: Strong winds blowing.
- Drizzly: Light rain falling in very fine drops.
Expressing Dislike:
- I’m not a fan of…
- I particularly dislike…
- …really gets on my nerves.
- …makes me feel uncomfortable/depressed/irritable.
- I find … quite unbearable.
gloomy weather
Crafting Your Response: Tips and Strategies
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Be Specific: Don’t just say you dislike “cold weather.” Explain why. Do you dislike the feeling of numbness in your fingers? Do you find it difficult to get out of bed when it’s cold?
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Provide Reasons: Explain the reasons behind your dislike. For example, “I dislike humid weather because it makes me feel sticky and uncomfortable, and I find it difficult to concentrate.”
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Expand on Your Answer: Don’t stop after one sentence. Elaborate on your thoughts. Could you connect the weather to an experience you’ve had? How does the weather impact your mood or activities?
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Use Transition Words: Connect your ideas smoothly with transition words like “because,” “furthermore,” “moreover,” or “in addition.”
Example Responses:
Example 1:
“I’m not particularly fond of humid weather. I find it quite uncomfortable because the air feels heavy and sticky. It makes me feel sluggish and drained of energy. When the humidity is high, I tend to get irritable and find it difficult to concentrate on my work.”
Example 2:
“If I had to choose, I’d say I dislike blizzards the most. I grew up in a warm climate, so experiencing heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures is quite daunting for me. I find it difficult to navigate icy roads and the cold seeps into my bones, making it hard to enjoy being outdoors.”
Conclusion
Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to personal preferences. The key is to demonstrate your language skills effectively. By utilizing a range of vocabulary, providing reasons and examples, and speaking fluently and coherently, you can turn a simple question about your weather dislikes into an opportunity to shine in the IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!
