Speaking-Part 2

Describe a memorable event you attended.

You should say:

-What the event was?

-When and where it took place?

-Who was there with you?

-And explain why it was memorable:

Sample Answer:

One of the most memorable events I’ve attended was a cultural festival in my hometown, Hanoi, last summer. It was held at the city’s main square, decorated with colorful lanterns and traditional Vietnamese art. The festival celebrated local traditions, featuring folk music performances, dance shows, and food stalls offering dishes like pho and spring rolls.

I went with my family and a few close friends, which made it even more special because we all share a love for our culture. The atmosphere was vibrant, with crowds cheering and performers in traditional costumes.

What made this event so memorable was the sense of connection it created. I felt proud of my heritage, especially during a performance of a traditional song that my grandmother used to sing to me. It was a perfect blend of nostalgia and celebration, and sharing it with my loved ones made it unforgettable.

Why Band 7?: The response is well-organized, addressing all prompts clearly. It uses descriptive vocabulary (“vibrant,” “nostalgia”), employs complex sentences (“which made it even more special because…”), and maintains fluency with a personal, reflective tone. Minor errors, if any, do not impede communication.

Describe a book or movie you enjoyed.

You should say:

What the book or movie was?

What it was about?

When you read or watched it?

And explain why you enjoyed it:

Sample Answer:

One movie I really enjoyed was The Pursuit of Happyness, a drama I watched about two years ago at home with my family. It’s based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a man who faces homelessness while trying to provide for his young son. The plot follows his struggles, determination, and eventual success as he works to build a better life.

I watched it during a holiday break, and I was immediately drawn in by its emotional depth. The story was inspiring because it showed how resilience can overcome even the toughest challenges. Will Smith’s performance was incredible, and the bond between the father and son felt so genuine.

I enjoyed this movie because it reminded me to stay hopeful, no matter the obstacles. It also sparked some meaningful conversations with my family about perseverance, which made the experience even more impactful.

Why Band 7?: The answer covers all prompts, uses topic-specific vocabulary (“resilience,” “emotional depth”), and includes complex structures (“which made the experience even more impactful”). The response is coherent, with a clear explanation of personal enjoyment, and fluency is maintained throughout.

Describe a place you have visited that you liked.

You should say:

Where the place was?

When you visited it?

What you did there?

And explain why you liked it:

Sample Answer:

A place I really liked visiting was Kyoto, Japan, which I traveled to last year during a family vacation. It was in the spring, so the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, making the city absolutely stunning.

While there, we explored historic temples like Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, and strolled through traditional gardens. We also tried local dishes, like sushi and matcha desserts, at a small restaurant. One highlight was walking along the Philosopher’s Path, a quiet trail lined with cherry trees.

I liked Kyoto because it felt like stepping back in time. The blend of nature and culture was so peaceful, and it was a refreshing change from my busy city life. The beauty of the cherry blossoms left a lasting impression, and I’d love to return someday.

Why Band 7?: The response is well-structured, addressing all prompts with specific details (e.g., Kinkaku-ji, Philosopher’s Path). It uses descriptive language (“stunning,” “peaceful”), employs varied sentence structures, and maintains fluency with a personal reflection.

Describe a person you admire.

You should say:

Who the person is?

How you know them?

What they are like?

And explain why you admire them:

Sample Answer:

Someone I really admire is my high school teacher, Ms. Nguyen, who taught me English. I met her when I was 16, and she was my teacher for two years. She’s a kind, patient person with a real passion for teaching. She always encouraged her students to think critically and express themselves confidently.

What stands out about her is her dedication. For example, she’d stay after class to help anyone struggling, and she organized free workshops to improve our speaking skills. Her positive attitude was infectious, and she made learning fun.

I admire her because she inspired me to work hard and believe in myself. Her support helped me improve my English, which has opened so many doors for me, like preparing for this IELTS exam. She’s a true role model.

Why Band 7?: The answer addresses all prompts, uses a range of vocabulary (“dedication,” “infectious”), and includes complex sentences (“which has opened so many doors”). It maintains fluency and provides a clear, personal reason for admiration.

Describe a skill you learned that was useful.

You should say:

What the skill was?

How you learned it?

When you use it?

And explain why it is useful:

Sample Answer:

One useful skill I’ve learned is time management. I picked it up during my first year at university when I was juggling classes, assignments, and a part-time job. I started using tools like a digital planner and setting daily priorities to stay organized.

I learned it mostly through trial and error, but I also read some articles online about techniques like the Pomodoro method, which helped a lot. Now, I use this skill every day—whether I’m scheduling study sessions or planning my work shifts.

It’s useful because it keeps me productive and reduces stress. For instance, by planning my week, I can balance my responsibilities and still have time for hobbies. It’s made me much more efficient and confident in handling busy schedules.

Why Band 7?: The response is well-organized, covering all prompts with specific examples (Pomodoro method, digital planner). It uses topic-specific vocabulary (“juggling,” “efficient”), employs complex structures, and maintains fluency with a clear explanation of usefulness.

Describe a gift you gave or received.

You should say:

What the gift was?

Who you gave it to or received it from?

When it happened?

And explain why it was special:

Sample Answer:

A gift I’ll always remember receiving was a leather journal from my best friend, Linh, on my 20th birthday last year. It’s beautifully crafted, with my initials embossed on the cover, which made it feel really personal.

She gave it to me during a small birthday dinner with friends, and I was so touched by her thoughtfulness. I’ve always loved writing, so she knew it was something I’d treasure.

This gift is special because it’s more than just a journal—it’s a reminder of our friendship and her understanding of me. I use it to jot down ideas or reflections, and every time I open it, I think of her. It’s become one of my most cherished possessions.

Why Band 7?: The answer addresses all prompts, uses descriptive language (“beautifully crafted,” “cherished”), and includes complex sentences (“which made it feel really personal”). It maintains fluency and conveys emotional significance effectively.

Describe a time when you helped someone.

You should say:

Who you helped?

How you helped them?

When it happened?

And explain how you felt about it:

Sample Answer:

One time I helped someone was when I tutored my younger cousin, Minh, in math last year. He was struggling with algebra and feeling really discouraged, so I offered to help him prepare for his exams.

We met twice a week at my house, and I explained concepts like equations in a simple way, using examples he could relate to. I also gave him practice problems and encouraged him to keep trying. It took a few weeks, but he started to improve.

This happened during the summer holidays, and I felt really proud when he passed his exam with a good grade. Helping him boosted my confidence as a tutor, and it was rewarding to see his smile. It reminded me how small efforts can make a big difference.

Why Band 7?: The response is well-structured, covering all prompts with specific details (algebra, practice problems). It uses a range of vocabulary (“discouraged,” “rewarding”), employs complex sentences, and maintains fluency with a reflective tone.