Talk About An Event You Attended
I recently attended an event, a seminar on the benefits of dark chocolate. It was really informative!
Why did I attend this event? Well, I love chocolate. But I also wanted to learn more about the health benefits of dark chocolate, since it's something I enjoy eating regularly.
The seminar began with a brief introduction to the history of chocolate and its production process. Then, we learned about the nutritional composition of dark chocolate and its potential health benefits. These include reducing inflammation, improving cardiovascular health, and boosting cognitive function.
We also learned about some of the challenges associated with dark chocolate production, such as sourcing quality cacao beans and ensuring fair labor practices.
Dark chocolate has been shown to improve cognitive function, lower blood pressure, and even reduce the risk of heart disease.
The presenter also showed us some delicious recipes that use dark chocolate as an ingredient. I can't wait to try them out!
Overall, it was a really fascinating event that left me with a greater appreciation for dark chocolate!
This Part 2 topic question (Cue Card) from an IELTS speaking test in the USA recently asks you to talk about a public event or meeting you attended.
IELTS Speaking Questions & Answers
Talk about a public event/meeting you attended
You should say:
- What was the event and when was it?
- With whom did you go to the event?
- Why was this public event so important?
and say what you thought about it.
IELTS test-takers are given 1 minute to plan their response and are then invited to speak about the topic for 1 to 2 minutes.
IELTS speaking Tips
Describe A Local Event You Attended In Your Hometown
About 3 months ago my neighbour invited me to go to a meeting at a public place, our local town hall. It was arranged by the local community council so that the residents could voice their opinions about a proposed plan to build a new sports complex in the area.
There were about 250 (two hundred and fifty) people who attended in total … representatives from the local government… as well as people from the local community.
It was interesting because lots of people had very different views on the subject – some thought it would be a good idea and others were totally against it.
Some people were concerned that the process of construction would interfere with their lives and create problems with traffic and things like that – others thought that the money budgeted for the project should be spent on improving other services such as the local health centre or educational services rather than providing more sports facilities.
They argued that since the town already has various soccer fields, tennis courts and a swimming pool there really wasn’t a need to provide even more sports facilities that only a small proportion of the community would ever use … whereas spending the money on health services or education would benefit almost everybody in the community.
Anyway… that was their basic argument against it. The people in favour of the project thought it was a good idea because it would provide a place for young people to go … rather than hanging around on the streets.
Someone also argued that if people did more sport or exercise than they would in fact probably be more healthy … and that… in the long term - would be a benefit as they wouldn’t require the use of health services so often.
The event was important … I guess … because it allowed everyone in the community who was interested - to discuss the proposed project and give their views and also ask questions directly to the people involved … you know … to the architects and representatives from the different government departments that would be involved … people like that.
I’m sure that the people from the local government will have a lot to think about now – having heard so many people speak out against the project.
I think it’s important that the people responsible take into account the views of the people who will ultimately be using the facilities or not – but they will all be paying for it through their taxes.
Describe a Big Public Event That You Have Attended
What was the event? When and why was it held? Who attended this public event? How did you feel about being there?
I attended the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade a few years ago. It was fun to see all the different balloons and floats going down the street. The parade lasted for hours, and there were so many people in attendance that it was very crowded. It was a great experience overall!
The parade was on Thanksgiving Day. It takes place in New York City, and it's been around since 1924. One of the purposes of this event is to help kick off the holiday shopping season.
Many people from all over New York City go to this parade - not just Macy's employees! That day, I saw many families together at the parade. There were also many hot dog vendors outside of the park where the event was taking place.
The atmosphere was great! My favorite part was seeing all the different balloons representing popular TV shows and movies. Even though there were big crowds, I had a great time, and the kids loved seeing Santa Claus.
I went with my best friend and her family. I did not know that the parade was so big and had a lot of floats! There were tons of people wearing shirts from TV shows like The Walking Dead, actors from movies like Frozen, and many more characters.
Before we got in line, it wasn't too crowded. At night when we went out, the streets were full of people, and I felt excited. I thought the parade was spectacular with all of its amazing floats and confetti falling on us!
Have you ever been to a public event/meeting?
How would you answer this question?
What kind of public event did you attend?
What made you decide to attend this particular public event? Did you enjoy it - was it a good experience?
Sometimes the wording of this IELTS cue card is slightly different and may include variations such as:
- Describe a local event you attended in your hometown
- Describe a local event you attended in your community
- Describe a public event you attended recently
- Describe a local sports event that you went to
- Describe a musical event you attended
- Describe an exciting public event you attended
- Do you attend social events for your job describe an event you attended
- Describe a recent event that you attended
- Describe an interesting event you have participated in recently
- Describe an occasion when you have been part of a large crowd at a public event
- Describe a public event that you enjoyed
Discussion Questions
- What is the most interesting event in your area that people may not be familiar with?
- Is there anything new happening in your city or town this month you're looking forward to seeing?
- Has something recently changed in your hometown? Did it make it more desirable, or less desirable, for living there?
- Should public meetings be required to have a written transcript?
- What are some of the reasons people may want to attend public meetings?
- Do you think that technology such as Zoom makes it easier for speakers to participate in community meetings because they can save time?
- What other changes/improvements could make public meetings more accessible and sustainable for people in the community who don't live near the meeting location?