As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students perplexed by unfamiliar topics in the speaking test. One such topic that frequently surfaces is “Why did Lucy, the female, choose journalism?”. This seemingly specific question often throws students off guard. Let me demystify this and empower you to tackle similar topics effectively in your IELTS Speaking exam.

Understanding the ‘Why’ Behind the Question

Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that the IELTS Speaking test isn’t about testing your knowledge of specific individuals named “Lucy”. This question, like many others, assesses your ability to:

• Formulate a coherent narrative: Can you construct a logical and engaging story around a given prompt?
• Justify opinions and choices: Can you provide reasons and examples to support a particular decision or viewpoint?
• Demonstrate vocabulary range: Can you use diverse vocabulary related to careers, motivations, and personal qualities?

Therefore, encountering a question about “Lucy choosing journalism” shouldn’t cause panic. Instead, view it as an opportunity to showcase your language skills by crafting a plausible narrative.

Constructing a Compelling Response

1. Brainstorming Ideas

Start by brainstorming reasons why someone might choose a career in journalism. Consider factors like:

• Passion for truth and storytelling: Lucy might be driven by a desire to uncover and report facts, informing the public and giving a voice to the voiceless.
• Excellent communication skills: Perhaps Lucy possesses strong written and verbal communication abilities, essential for conveying information clearly and engagingly.
• Desire to make a difference: Journalism can be a powerful tool for social change, and Lucy may be motivated by a desire to raise awareness about important issues.
• Curiosity and a thirst for knowledge: A journalist’s work involves constant learning and exploration, which could be appealing to someone like Lucy.

2. Structuring Your Response

Organize your thoughts into a coherent structure. You could follow this format:

• Introduction: Briefly acknowledge the prompt and introduce Lucy. For instance, “It’s interesting to consider why Lucy chose journalism. Perhaps…”
• Reasons for Choosing Journalism: Elaborate on two or three reasons, providing specific examples for each.
• Conclusion: Briefly summarize Lucy’s motivations, ending on a positive note about her potential for success in the field.

3. Utilizing Rich Vocabulary

Infuse your response with diverse vocabulary related to:

• Journalism: reporting, writing, investigating, interviewing, broadcasting, publishing, ethics, objectivity
• Motivations: passion, drive, ambition, determination, commitment, aspiration, desire
• Personal qualities: articulate, inquisitive, resourceful, empathetic, observant

Woman Journalist Interview

Example Response

“It’s interesting to consider why Lucy chose journalism. Perhaps it stems from her inherent passion for truth and storytelling. From a young age, she might have been drawn to uncovering hidden truths and sharing compelling narratives. Furthermore, Lucy likely possesses excellent communication skills, essential for a journalist to effectively convey information to a wider audience. Her ability to articulate her thoughts clearly and engage readers with vivid descriptions would contribute to her success in this field. Ultimately, Lucy’s choice may be fueled by a desire to make a difference in the world. Journalism offers a platform to raise awareness about important social issues, give a voice to the marginalized, and hold those in power accountable. With her passion, skills, and commitment to truth, Lucy seems poised to thrive as a journalist.”

Key Takeaways for IELTS Success

Remember, the IELTS Speaking test evaluates your fluency, vocabulary, grammatical range, and coherence. While specific topic knowledge isn’t directly tested, demonstrating your ability to think critically and articulate your thoughts effectively is key. By practicing brainstorming, structuring your responses, and incorporating relevant vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to confidently tackle any topic that comes your way. Good luck!