Of course! "Texting message" is a very common topic in IELTS Speaking Part 1 and Part 3. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you tackle this topic, including vocabulary, sample answers, and tips for a high band score.
Common IELTS Speaking Questions about Texting
Here are the types of questions you might encounter, broken down by part of the test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
- Do you often send text messages?
- Who do you usually text?
- What was the last text message you sent?
- Do you prefer to send text messages or make phone calls? Why?
- Have you ever had problems with text messages (e.g., not receiving them on time)?
- Do you think text messages are a good way to communicate?
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
You might get a cue card like this:
Describe an important text message you received. You should say:
- who the message was from
- what the message was about
- how you felt when you received it
- and explain why it was important.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
- Do you think technology like text messaging has changed the way people communicate?
- What are the differences between texting and speaking to someone face-to-face?
- Do you think young people text too much these days?
- Do you think text messages will become more or less popular in the future?
- Are there any disadvantages to communicating primarily through text messages?
Vocabulary & Phrases to Boost Your Score
Using a range of natural and topic-specific vocabulary is key to a high band score.
| Category | Words & Phrases | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| General Verbs | send, receive, get, text, message, ping (informal), shoot (someone) a text | "I usually shoot my friends a text to see if they're free later." |
| Frequency | all the time, constantly, quite often, occasionally, rarely, hardly ever | "I'm constantly on my phone, sending and receiving messages throughout the day." |
| Types of Messages | a quick message, a lengthy message, a group chat, a chain message, a meme, a voice note, a sticker | "Instead of typing a long reply, I'll sometimes just send a voice note." |
| Feelings & Reactions | to be thrilled, to be relieved, to be anxious, to be annoyed, to be in suspense, to get a buzz | "I got a real buzz when I saw his name pop up on my screen." |
| Advantages | convenient, instant, non-intrusive, asynchronous (you don't have to reply immediately), efficient, unobtrusive | "Texting is so convenient because you can say what you need without having to have a full conversation." |
| Disadvantages | impersonal, can cause misunderstandings (misinterpretation of tone), distracting, addictive, leads to poor spelling/grammar | "The biggest problem with texting is that it's very impersonal and messages can be easily misinterpreted." |
| Modern Slang | lol (laugh out loud), lmao (laughing my ass off), brb (be right back), idk (I don't know), ttyl (talk to you later), a meme, going viral | "My friend sent me a hilarious meme and I just replied 'lol'." |
Sample Answers
Here are sample answers for different parts of the test.
Part 1 Sample Answers
Q: Do you often send text messages?
Answer: Oh, absolutely. I'd say I'm pretty much glued to my phone, so sending and receiving texts is a huge part of my daily routine. It’s my primary way of staying in touch with friends and family, so I’d say I do it all the time.
Q: Who do you usually text?
Answer: I text a pretty wide range of people. Most of my conversations are with my close friends, just to make plans or share funny memes. But I also text my parents to let them know I'm safe and my classmates to discuss group projects or homework assignments.
Q: Do you prefer to send text messages or make phone calls? Why?
Answer: That's a good question. For the most part, I definitely prefer texting. I find it much more convenient because you can send a message whenever it suits you and the other person can reply when they're free. It’s not as intrusive as a phone call, which can interrupt someone at a bad time. However, if I have something complicated to discuss or I want to hear a friend's voice, I'll always opt for a call.
Part 2 Sample Answer (Cue Card)
(Use the STAR method - Situation, Task, Action, Result - to structure your answer)
"I'd like to talk about a really important text message I received a couple of years ago. It was from my older sister.
(Situation) At the time, I was in the middle of my final university exams, which were incredibly stressful. I was feeling a lot of pressure and was quite anxious about my results.
(The Message) The message itself was very short. It just said, 'Hey, just wanted to say I'm so proud of you, no matter what happens. You've worked incredibly hard. Love you!' It was sent late one night after I'd finished a particularly difficult exam.
(How I Felt) When I saw it, I have to admit, I got a bit emotional. I was so caught up in my own stress and worries that I'd forgotten to stop and appreciate the support around me. Her message was a huge relief and a massive confidence booster. It instantly made me feel calmer and less alone. It was like a warm hug in text form.
(Why it was Important) It was important for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it was a powerful reminder that my self-worth wasn't tied to my exam results. My family's love was unconditional. Secondly, it motivated me to approach my remaining exams with a much healthier mindset. Instead of being crippled by fear, I felt more determined and supported. It’s a message I’ve saved in my phone, and I still look back on it whenever I'm feeling stressed."
Part 3 Sample Answers
Q: Do you think technology like text messaging has changed the way people communicate?
Answer: Undeniably, yes. I think it has revolutionized communication. Before, if you wanted to contact someone, you had to call them or write a letter, which was much slower. Now, communication is almost instantaneous. However, this speed comes with trade-offs. We've become used to quick, bite-sized interactions, which some argue has made us less skilled at having deep, face-to-face conversations. It’s a classic case of convenience versus depth.
Q: What are the differences between texting and speaking to someone face-to-face?
Answer: The differences are quite significant. Face-to-face communication is rich with non-verbal cues like body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. These things help us understand the true meaning and emotion behind the words. With texting, all of that is lost. You're just left with the words themselves, which is why it's so easy for misunderstandings to happen. For example, a simple "Okay" can sound neutral in a text, but in person, it could be delivered with a smile or a sigh, meaning completely different things.
Tips for a High Band Score
- Be Specific and Add Detail: Don't just say "I text my friends." Say "I have a group chat with my closest friends from university where we share funny memes and plan our weekend meetups."
- Use a Range of Vocabulary: Mix formal and informal language appropriately. In Part 1, you can use more casual words like "ping" or "shoot a text." In Part 3, use more analytical language like "asynchronous," "impersonal," or "revolutionized."
- Show Both Sides: In Part 3, demonstrate critical thinking. Acknowledge the advantages (convenience, efficiency) but also the disadvantages (impersonal, can cause anxiety).
- Use Linking Words: Use words like "however," "on the other hand," "furthermore," and "as a result" to connect your ideas logically.
- Speak Naturally: It's a conversation, not a script. Use fillers naturally ("That's a great question," "Well, let me think...") and don't be afraid to correct yourself if you make a small mistake. It sounds more authentic.
- Structure Your Part 2 Answer: Use a simple structure like the one in the sample answer to ensure you cover all the points on the cue card and speak for the full two minutes.
