IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe an important piece of news that you received via text message

Describe an important piece of news that you received via text message.

You should say:

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Identify the sender and the context of the message immediately to establish the scene.
  2. Describe the tone or style of the text to show your range of vocabulary.
  3. Focus on the personal impact of the news to explain its importance effectively.

Band 8 model answer

A couple of months ago, my younger brother, Sam, who is currently studying architecture in Manchester, sent me a brief text message that completely changed my weekend plans. I was sitting in a crowded café in London, mindlessly scrolling through my phone, when his notification popped up. The message was characteristically concise: 'Just got the call, I’ve landed the summer internship at Foster + Partners. Celebrating tonight!' It was written in a casual, upbeat tone, punctuated with an exclamation mark and a celebratory emoji, which really captured his sheer excitement. I remember reading it twice just to let the weight of the news sink in. It was incredibly important because Sam had been through a gruelling six-month application process, facing rejection after rejection from various top-tier firms. He had spent countless nights refining his portfolio and preparing for technical interviews, often feeling quite disheartened by the competitive nature of the industry. Hearing that his perseverance had finally paid off was a massive relief not just for him, but for our entire family. It meant that he had secured a foothold in a prestigious firm, which is a pivotal step for his future career. Beyond the professional implications, the news served as a powerful reminder that hard work and resilience eventually yield results. Knowing he had achieved such a significant milestone after so much struggle made me incredibly proud, and I immediately left the café to call him, eager to hear all the details behind how he secured the position.

249 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

Vocabulary from the answer

characteristically
in a way that is typical of someone
concise
giving a lot of information clearly briefly
gruelling
extremely tiring and demanding in nature
top-tier
belonging to the highest level of quality
disheartened
having lost determination or confidence in something
foothold
a secure position from which to advance
pivotal
of crucial importance in relation to development
yield
to produce or provide a desired result

Part 3 questions that follow this card

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See the Part 3 guide.

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Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe an important piece of news that you received via text message."?

Identify the sender and the context of the message immediately to establish the scene.

How long should my answer be?

Speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.

Can I use this model answer in the exam?

Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.

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