IELTS Speaking Band 8 Sample – in the UK January 2017

Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a website that you like and use a lot. Please say:

1. What is the website?
2. How did you find it?
3. Why do you like it?

Sample answer

The website that I frequently visit is ted.com, which is spelled T-E-D .com. It’s a website where people can get access to a great number of videos. There are frequent speeches and talks given by inspirational people who aim to motivate the youngsters and also to share their fresh perspectives with them. In addition, TED helps to keep people informed with the latest technology and with what is happening around the globe.

I discovered this website when I was in grade 7. The occasion happened when I was searching for the information for my presentation about the wonders of the world. As I surfed the Internet, I learned about this amazingly informative website. It offered me a wide range of knowledge regarding the world’s natural wonders . I remember listening a lecturer from England: he talked about how the benefits of those wonders’ tourism had affected people’s minds about conserving the natural beauty and protecting our surroundings.

I really love TED because I not only use it on academic purpose but also consider it when I need some source of entertainment. Like, whenever I feel stressed or depressed and need to figure things out, TED is my getaway from life. When I listen to those great minds, I feel like I’m motivated; I’m pushed again to pluck up courage to take on new challenges. So that’s basically why TED really comes in handy for me.

Từ vựng theo chủ đề:

1. inspirational people (n) : những người truyền cảm hứng cho người khác
2. fresh perspectives (n) : những góc nhìn, quan điểm mới lạ
3. keep people informed with (v) : giúp cho mọi người có thông tin về
4. informative (adj) : chứa nhiều thông tin bổ ích
5. lecturer (n): người diễn thuyết, giảng dạy (ở bậc đại học)
6. getaway (n) : sự trốn chạy
7. pluck up the courage (v): lấy hết can đảm để làm việc gì đó
8. come in handy (idiom): có ích, có lợi

Part 3: Discussion

Do you like online shopping?

 Well, yes! It is becoming more and more popular nowadays and is a part of our lives. I use it quite often and just bought a new wallet last week by means of online shopping.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping?

One of the most obvious benefits we may reap is the wide range of choices offered by online shopping, compared to the narrow one by traditional shopping. We don’t have to spend a huge amount of time visiting different stores just to buy our favorite products like before.

However, due to the inundated information on the Internet, choosing a reliable website is not an easy task. We have to be fully aware of shops that lie customers about the quality of their goods. Thus, I suggest checking the products carefully before purchasing them.

Do you think online shopping will increase or decrease in the future?

Well, I think it will definitely increase as technology step by step influences on every aspect of our day-to-day lives.

Why so?

The world’s population is growing at a high rate and therefore, I think department stores and shopping mall will be demolished to make room for new houses and apartment blocks to be built. The Internet then will be a new house for products to be sold. Also, despite some drawbacks, online shopping is far more time-saving than traditional shopping. And as a matter of fact, people will turn to something that brings them more benefits.

Từ vựng theo chủ đề:

1. Reap the benefits (v): thu được nhiều lợi ích
2. inundated information (n) : quá nhiều thông tin, sự bão hòa thông tin
3. day-to-day lives (n): cuộc sống hằng ngày
4. be demolished (v) : bị hủy bỏ, bị tháo dỡ
5. make room for (v): nhường chỗ cho
6. time-saving (adj): tiết kiệm thời gian