IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a person
Here are some possible questions in this topic area:
Describe a teacher
Describe a famous person
Describe a friend
Describe a family member
Describe a child
Describe someone who helps people
Describe someone who does something well then suggest that we choose an easy ‘theme’ e.g. a hard-working and friendly person. We can prepare lots of good vocabulary for this theme, and hopefully, use it to describe
any of the people in the list above.
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe an activity
Today we will discuss the “describe an activity” topic. You might be asked to describe a hobby, sport or game, so it’s a good idea to be ready for this topic. My approach is to prepare ideas for one sport (e.g. swimming) and one game (e.g.chess). I start with a simple idea, such as “swimming is healthy”. Then I search for good words and phrases related to this theme. For example: “Swimming is healthy” theme:
- keep fit
- get in better shape
- a good cardiovascular workout
- feel refreshed, rejuvenated, invigorated
- gives me an energy boost
IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe a place
One of my suggestions in the lesson is that you prepare some vocabulary ‘themes’.For example, here are some ideas for a description of an interesting city:
lively, bustling, hectic, thriving
cosmopolitan, multicultural
fascinating, unique
a special atmosphere
sightseeing, entertainment
an unforgettable experience
enjoyed every minute
the time flew by
endless things to see and do
it was over too quickly
IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe a festival
A common topic for the short presentation (IELTS Speaking Part 2) is “describe an important festival in your country”.
You can look for a description of your festival (Diwali, Holi, etc,) on Wikipedia. Copy the best parts of the description and make small changes if necessary. As an example, I’ve copied a short description of Christmas from Wikipedia.
11. Describe a festival: Christmas
Christmas is an annual holiday that, in Christianity, commemorates the birth of JesusChrist.Popular customs of the holiday include gift-giving, music, an exchange of greeting cards, church celebrations, a special meal, and the display of various decorations; including Christmas trees, lights, nativity scenes, and holly. In addition, FatherChristmas (known as Santa Claus in some areas) is a popular figure in many countries, associated with the bringing of gifts for children. Over the Christmas period, people decorate their homes and exchange gifts. In some countries, children perform plays re-telling the events of the Nativity, or sing carols that reference the event. Christmas, along with Easter, is the period of highest annual church attendance. A special Christmas family meal is an important part of the celebration for many, and what is served varies greatly from country to country. In England and countries influenced by its traditions, a standard Christmas meal includes turkey, potatoes, vegetables, sausages, and gravy, followed by Christmas pudding, mince pies and fruitcake.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe a person
Describe a person you admire.
You should say:
who the person is
what he or she is like
and why you admire him or her.
Here are some ideas. I’ve made bold the best vocabulary.
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I’m going to talk about my father because he has been a major influence in my life.
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My father was always a good role model for me as I was growing up. He’shardworking, patient and understanding; he’s also got a good sense of humour and seems to get on well with everybody. Hopefully, I’ve inherited some of these traits.
I admire my father because I think he brought me and my brothers/sisters upwell; he was quite strict but always fair, and he has always been someone I can turn to for advice. I think my father set a good example by working hard and having a positive outlook on life. I remember that he used to leave for work early and come home quite late, but he always made time for me and my brothers/sisters.
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe an event
Describe a recent event that made you happy. You should say:
when and where it was
who was involved
what happened
and explain why it made you happy.
The following description contains the kind of phrases that native speakers really use. I’ve underlined the best vocabulary.
1. When and where:
my friend’s birthday party, last Saturday evening, we went fora meal in an Italian restaurant.
2. Who:
there were about 10 of us, he invited some close friends and workcolleagues, most of them were people I’ve known sinceuniversity.
3. What happened:
we met at the restaurant, I gave my friend a present and a birthday card, we ordered some food, while we ate dinner everyone chatted, after the main course the waiter brought out a cake and we sang ‘Happy Birthday’,everyone went home quite late.
4. Why it made me happy:
it was great to get together with old friends, I had some interesting conversations, it was a good opportunity to catch up with what my friends had been up to, it was a nice way to wind down after a hard week atwork, the food was delicious, I went home feeling full after a fantastic meal.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe a place
In part 2 of the speaking test, you might have to describe a place. There are severalpossible questions about places. For example:
1. Describe a place you have visited.
2. Describe a historic place.
3. Describe a holiday.
4. Describe a place you would like to visit
Describe somewhere you have lived or would like to live. My advice is to prepare a description of one place that you could use to answer all of these questions. Then search the Internet for some good vocabulary. For example, here are some ideas I found to describe London:
• Adjectives:
it’s exciting, busy, hectic, cosmopolitan, multicultural, unique. Its historic but modern at the same time, it’s a thriving, prosperous city, its fashionable, lively, fun…
• Activities:
London is famous for its history, culture, art, museums. Tourists go there to see Big Ben, The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square etc. You can get a fantastic view of the city from the ‘London Eye’. Its also famous for its theatres and shows in the West End, its shops, restaurants, and nightlife. There are endless things to see and do.
• Negatives:
London is expensive, crowded, stressful, polluted. The underground system is dirty, travel is overpriced and unpleasant. The cost of living is high(shopping, house prices, etc.), the locals are always in a hurry and can be unfriendly, there are social problems (like you can find in most big cities).
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