CONTENTS
Sample questions and answers from speaking part 1, 2 and 3
Words and terms frequently used when talking about work
Learn how to use wide variety of parts of speech, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives
Find out groups of words that usually used together by native speakers
References to teaching and authentic materials related to this topic: IELTS blogs, podcasts, videos and articles
Download this article in PDF.
MEDIA: Sample questions and answers for IELTS speaking exam
Part 1
- Where do you usually get the news from?
–I commonly get news from TV and Facebook because these two forms of media are very much accessible for me and gives me the freshest updates about fashion trends, politics and the society in general.
- Do you read magazines? Which ones?
-Definitely. I love reading The Cosmopolitan which is a women’s magazine. It includes articles about relationships, health, careers and fashion which are very fascinating for me.
- Do you often read a newspaper?
-Reading newspapers because I think it’s monotonous. I prefer magazines instead because the cover itself is already eye-catching.
- In which kinds of circumstances do you usually listen to the radio?
-Well, I used to listen to it every weekend when I was a high school student. Back in the day, it was my duty to clean the house on weekends and before I start, I would turn on the radio and choose a loud music to get me in the mood to tidy up our place.
Part 2
Which program on TV or radio do you often listen to?
- What is it?
- What is that about?
- Why you listen it?
And say what you think could be improved about its output
For this topic, I’d like to talk about “It’s Showtime” which is a Philippine noontime variety show. This TV program premiered in 2009, airs from Mondays to Saturdays and broadcasts worldwide through “The Filipino Channel”. Most of the host in this show are very entertaining and witty because they can crack a joke with perfect timing which keeps the audience laughing the whole time.
The show is divided into a number of segments such as “Mini Me and Copy-cut”. “Mini Me” is a talent competition for kids aged twelve and below and each contestant is featured as a mini version of his or her idol celebrity. This segment usually begin in introducing the participant to the audience while they pose on stage, next is the talent show and finally, the question and answer portion.
On the other hand, the “Copy-cut” is a game played by two teams, Team Boys and Team Girls. This segment is called Copy-cut because the two groups will be copying pictures that are shown on the screen. The judges and audience will be the ones to choose which of the teams copied the picture more accurately and the group who accumulated more points will be the winner.
I think the main reason why the producers of “It’s Showtime” came up with having these segments is to provide entertainment and opportunities to those who participates in the program.
So far, I’m quite satisfied with this TV program and I can’t think of other improvements they should work on.
Part 3
- Do large media organizations have too much influence? (What makes you say that?)
(Answer) Yes, I think so. Media organizations have extreme influence to people especially children. (Explain) Nowadays, the young generation are becoming more and more exposed to the use of Internet and sometimes they come across videos that contains inappropriate contents such as the use of foul words or violence. (Example) An example for this is my four-year-old nephew who often watch YouTube videos. One day, he said a really offending word to one of his friends while they were playing. When I asked him where he learned that word, he said “from YouTube”.
- What is the most important medium for people in your country? (What about people your age?)
(Answer) I think the most significant tool being used nowadays by the citizens in our country, especially people of my age is the social media. (Explain) Social media is not restricted to provide entertainment and socialization. In fact, it is the fastest way to get news world-wide because it doesn’t require a particular process before being able to disseminate information to the public. (Example) For instance, instead of going personally to the school to check the schedule of the entrance exam, test takers can just go to the school’s FB page because it is posted there.
- How important are newspapers? (What is their future in the age of the Internet?)
(Answer) The newspaper has great importance to people because it provides news and information locally and internationally. (Explain) It consist of different sections like national, sports and weather news as well as classified ads. However, because of the advancement of technology, traditional newspaper is facing extinction and might be replaced by electronic newspapers in the future. (Example) Some examples of electronic newspapers are the UK Southport Reporter, Atlantic Highlands Herald and AllNovaScotia.
Key vocabulary: Definitions and examples
WORD
DEFINITION
EXAMPLE
PEOPLE IN TELEVISION
anchorperson / anchorman / anchorwoman
a person who just sits down in front of camera and delivers the news to the people
Sean Hannity is one of the well-paid anchorman in the U.S and he is also the host of the Fox News Show “Hannity”.
weather forecaster weatherman /
weatherwoman
someone who studies weather conditions and says what the weather is likely to be in the future
The weather forecaster said that there will a heavy rain tomorrow so I will bring my umbrella with me.
reporter
a person who is required to be on the scene of the news to gather all the facts needed to be able to write an article about it
I have never dreamt of being a reporter because it’s more of a field work and should always be on the go.
DIGITAL MEDIA
broadcast media
a form of providing information using television, radio
The broadcast media like radio, television and internet reaches a wider audience compared to print media.
digital or new media
provides information or entertainment using computers or the internet, and not by using traditional methods like television and newspapers
Television and newspapers will probably be replaced by new media since it is more convenient and can be accessed just by using smart phones.
the way content will be consumed
how people get news, information etc. (for example, through Internet, newspapers)
The biggest game changer in the way content will be consumed will be developments in the mobile phone.
content personalization
a strategy that relies on visitor data to deliver relevant content
Among the parts of our business are display advertising, content personalization and photo sharing.
blog
a web log, which is a journal or newsletter that is updated frequently and published online
There’s a new entry on this blog.
smart device
an electronic device, generally connected to other devices
Some examples of smart devices for the home are: appliances , audiovisual equipment, security and conservation devices.
premium content
is a type of content that may be accessed for a fee, and is usually of higher quality or more desirable than free content
Publishers are focusing more on premium content.
social media
websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking
Social Media is like the everyday meal of almost everyone – we can’t live without it.
TRADITIONAL MEDIA
to shift and mold public opinion
to affect, change views prevalent among the general public
Most people don’t really understand how to shift public opinion.
print media
refers to the traditional newspapers and magaziness
Nowadays, there is a decline in the use of print media because of the technology.
censorship
restriction on access to ideas and information
Details of the visit were subject to military censorship.
to remain well-informed
having or showing much knowledge about a wide range of subjects, or about one particular subject
Being well-informed is not the same as being a know-all.
audience
one’s listener or readership; those to whom a speech or piece of writing is addressed
An entertainer with a specialty act performs for a live audience.
general public
listeners who share the characteristics of people in general
New startup is making its new product available to the general public today.
mainstream media
Media sources that predate the Internet, such as newspapers, magazines, television, and radio
The mainstream media is one of the most influential aspects of our lives and of society..
MEDIA – ADJECTIVES
shareable
suitable or intended for sharing with another or others
For tweets to go viral, they must be shareable.
credible news
news that capable of being believed
I’ll consider that a more credible news source.
honest
free of deceit and untruthfulness; sincere
He was also honest, loyal and modest.
trustworthy
able to be relied on as honest or truthful
I doubt, however, from other observations, whether these results are fully trustworthy?
preferred
something you like to do or want to do more than something else
Public transport does not provide the service they require, and a car is the preferred option.
unbiased
without prejudice, impartial.
This website provides unbiased information.
MEDIA – VERBS
to influence others
to affect the way they behave or the way
Feminist ideas have influenced the law-makers.
get involved in
to do things and be part of an activity or event
You find yourself getting involved in many different areas of the business.
to share
post or repost (something) on a social media website or application
The app lets you share your photos on Facebook.
to misrepresent
give a false or misleading account of the nature of
My sincere apologies Adam, if you feel that I misrepresented you.
to tweet
make a posting on the social media website Twitter
I have tweeted links to the website.
to ban
officially or legally prohibit
They wanted them to vote against a motion to ban hunting on all county council owned land.
to depict
show or represent
The four-metre wide painting depicts a typical Lowry scene.
to ignore
refuse to take notice of or acknowledge; disregard intentionally
Many authorities ignore the needs of people who have to resort to them for want of a better choice & help.
Word Formation
WORD
PART OF SPEECH
EXAMPLE
shareable
adjective
Entertaining content is one of the most popular forms of shareable content.
to share
verb
It’s a bit tricky if you want to share a Facebook post via iPhone or Android.
tremendous
adjective
You will be needing a tremendous amount of energy if you plan to take part in the marathon.
tremendously
adverb
The slimming tea I’ve been drinking for a couple of weeks is tremendously effective.
accessible
adjective
The most accessible form of transportation in our country is the bus.
to access
to access
He is asking for my password on Facebook because he wanted to access my account.
accessibility
adjective
Website accessibility is about making sure everyone can use your website.
restrict
verb
You have to restrict your alcohol intake, otherwise you might suffer from liver disease later on.
restricted
adjective
Minors should be restricted from using the internet because it can greatly influence their behavior negatively.
restrictive
adjective
The President implemented a restrictive policy to the nation to lessen the number of crimes.
fascinate
verb
I’ve always been fascinated by the view from atop of this mountain.
fascinating
adjective
She is mesmerized by the fascinating view of the city lights.
Collocations
daily
local
national
rolled-up
adjective+
newspaper
make/made
receive
spread
Announce
gather
catch up on
verb+
news
state-of the-art
up-to-date
digital
information
innovative
advanced
basic
adjective+
technology
satellite
broadcast
radio
television
live
adjective+
broadcast
address
perform to
attract
pull in
verb+
audience
in front of an/the
before the
phrase+
audience
Useful resources
IELTS Websites
- IELTS Topic Vocabulary for Speaking test: The Media [thetesttaker.com]
- IELTS Speaking sample answer Media Impact [ieltsband7.com]
- Newspapers IELTS Speaking Speaking Questions and Model Answer [ieltsliz.com]
Podcasts
Articles
- Where do you get your news from?[quora.com]
- How important is it to read newspapers if I have all news apps in my phone? [quora.com]
- What is the future of online news? [quora.com]
Videos
More videos:- BBC: Protests and the role of social media [bbc.com]
- English lesson – Words to talk about THE MEDIA [Your English Web]
- Women should represent women in media [TED]
Downloads
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