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IELTS Speaking
6 Great Tips to Describe Past Events
Contents
- 1 How to Describe Past Events in IELTS Speaking
- 1.1 1. Start with an introduction:
- 1.2 2. Describe the event in detail:
- 1.3 3. Use descriptive language:
- 1.4 4. Talk about your feelings:
- 1.5 5. Reflect on the event:
- 1.6 6. Practice using past tenses:
- 1.7 Useful Words & Phrases to Describe the Past:
- 1.7.0.1 A. Past Tenses:* Past Simple (e.g., I went, I saw, I did)
- 1.7.0.2 B. Time Expressions:* Last year/month/week/night
- 1.7.0.3 C. Frequency Expressions:* Once/twice/three times a [time period] (e.g., once a year, twice a week)
- 1.7.0.4 D. Descriptive Words and Phrases:
- 1.7.0.5 E. Phrases to Express Feelings:
- 1.7.0.6 F. Reflective Phrases:
- 1.8 In conclusion
How to Describe Past Events in IELTS Speaking
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Describing past events is a common task in the IELTS speaking section. To help you master this skill, here are six tips with three examples for each to help you completely learn how they’re done:
1. Start with an introduction:
Begin your description by giving an overview of the event, including when and where it took place. This sets the scene for the rest of your description.
- “Last summer, I went on a road trip with my friends through Europe.
- “Two years ago, I participated in a volunteer project to help rebuild a school in a rural area.”
- “When I was a child, my family and I visited the Grand Canyon.”
2. Describe the event in detail:
Talk about what happened during the event, including any memorable moments or highlights.
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“During the road trip, we visited five countries and saw some of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen.”
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“As part of the volunteer project, we spent two weeks working alongside local people, using materials sourced from the surrounding area.”
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“When we arrived at the Grand Canyon, we hiked along the rim, took a helicopter tour, and even rode mules down to the bottom.”
3. Use descriptive language:
Vivid and engaging language makes your description more interesting and memorable. Use adjectives and adverbs to paint a picture in the examiner’s mind.
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“The landscape of Europe was breathtaking, with rolling hills, crystal-clear lakes, and snow-capped mountains.”
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“The atmosphere at the school was lively, with children playing and laughing, and the sound of construction work filling the air.”
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“The Grand Canyon was awe-inspiring, with its vast size, colorful rock formations, and incredible depth.”
4. Talk about your feelings:
Share your emotions during the event and how it impacted you. This makes your description more personal and engaging.
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“I felt so lucky to be able to share this experience with my friends, and we had an amazing time together.”
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“I was inspired by the dedication and resilience of the local people, and I felt a sense of accomplishment in helping to rebuild the school.”
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“I was amazed by the beauty of the Grand Canyon, and I felt humbled by its size and power.”
5. Reflect on the event:
Talk about any lessons you learned from the event or how it influenced your perspective.
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“The road trip taught me the importance of taking time to explore and appreciate new places and cultures.”
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“The volunteer project showed me how much can be accomplished when people work together towards a common goal.”
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“Visiting the Grand Canyon gave me a new appreciation for the beauty and diversity of nature.”
6. Practice using past tenses:
Use a variety of past tenses to accurately describe the sequence of events. This demonstrates your ability to use grammar effectively.
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“I had been planning this road trip for years, and it was everything I had hoped for.”
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“During the volunteer project, we were working from sunrise to sunset every day, but it was worth it to see the progress we were making.”
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“The memory of my visit to the Grand Canyon has stayed with me throughout my life, and I hope to go back again someday.”
Useful Words & Phrases to Describe the Past:
Here is a list of useful words and phrases to describe past events:
A. Past Tenses:* Past Simple (e.g., I went, I saw, I did)
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Past Continuous (e.g., I was going, I was seeing, I was doing)
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Past Perfect (e.g., I had gone, I had seen, I had done)
B. Time Expressions:* Last year/month/week/night
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Yesterday/the day before yesterday* Ago (e.g., a week ago, two months ago, three years ago)
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In [year/month/week/day] (e.g., in 2018, in January, on my birthday)
C. Frequency Expressions:* Once/twice/three times a [time period] (e.g., once a year, twice a week)
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Every [time period] (e.g., every day, every other month)* Never/rarely/sometimes/often/always (e.g., I rarely went to the theater)
D. Descriptive Words and Phrases:
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Amazing/exciting/memorable/unforgettable
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Breathtaking/stunning/impressive/awe-inspiring
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Delicious/tasty/mouth-watering (for food)* Adventurous/challenging/rewarding (for experiences)
E. Phrases to Express Feelings:
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I felt [emotion] (e.g., I felt happy/excited/nervous)
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It was [emotion] (e.g., it was fun/boring/terrifying)* I enjoyed/liked/loved [verb-ing] (e.g., I enjoyed exploring the city)
F. Reflective Phrases:
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It taught me that…* I learned the importance of…
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I realized that…* It made me appreciate…
In conclusion
To describe past events in the IELTS speaking section, you require a combination of effective storytelling, engaging language, and grammatical accuracy. By following the six tips outlined in this article and incorporating the provided examples, you’ll be well-prepared to captivate your examiner and earn a high score. Remember to start with an introduction, provide detailed descriptions, use vivid language, express your emotions, reflect on the event’s impact, and practice your grammar when the examiner asks you to describe an event in the past. With dedicated practice, you’ll soon be able to confidently share your past experiences and impress your examiner.
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