IELTS Speaking Part 1 Sample Band 9 – Topic: Dictionary

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic and Questions: Dictionary

1. Do you use dictionary?

Model Answer 1:
I’ve got to say yes. As a learner of English as a second language, a dictionary is something that you can’t live without. It’s a must-have item if people want to enhance their English proficiency.

Model Answer 2:
Yes, I often use a dictionary as part of my English language learning and determine the meaning of certain unfamiliar words.

2. Which kind of dictionaries do you prefer to use?

Model Answer 1:
Personally speaking, I make use of both monolingual and bilingual dictionaries. Oxford dictionary is often my first choice as it tops others in its provision of a wealth of entries with accuracy. However, when I can’t get the hang of a word’s meaning, I’d go for an English – [your language] dictionary since everything would clear up if I grasp the meaning in my mother tongue.

Model Answer 2:
Well, I believe it depends on the individual’s personal preference. As for me, I find those dictionaries which, along with the detailed meaning, also provides example scenarios as to how to use them. Moreover, I also find those dictionaries, which provide synonyms and antonyms list for the words, to be helpful.

3. Do you think the dictionary is useful?

I can’t agree with you more. A dictionary is part and parcel of language acquisition process. With a dictionary, either in paper or online forms, it’s possible to look up words that you’re unfamiliar instantly, and there’re loads of examples which are written in different contexts so that users can apply what they’ve learnt appropriately.

4. If someone gave you a dictionary as a gift, how would you feel?

I’m a real sucker for paper dictionary, so if someone gave me one, I would feel elated as it means a lot to me. Although e-dictionary is being the in-thing today, I can’t resist the feeling of folding a paper dictionary and look up the words I don’t know.

5. Do you think it would be interesting to be a part of a team that is writing a dictionary?

Composing is not my strong forte, and it seems a big responsibility when you are doing a big task like that. Instead of feeling thrilled to bits, I would feel scared out of my mind as I might give the wrong definitions.

6. How often do you use your dictionary?
As an English learner, I use dictionaries to look up new words regularly. Without them, it would be really hard for me to write a complete IELTS essay or understand an English article.

7. Do you like paper dictionary or electronic dictionary?
E-dictionary, absolutely. It’s very convenient and portable. I can use my smartphone and look up new words whenever and wherever I want without having to carry a heavy book with me all the time.

8. What kinds of dictionaries have you used before?
I’ve used quite a lot of dictionaries; but 3 dictionaries that I make use of the most are Cambridge Dictionary, Collocation dictionary, and Thesaurus dictionary. All of them are absolutely necessary for any English learner, I believe.

9. How will dictionaries change in the future?
Given that technology has become more and more developed, it is highly likely that unique kinds of dictionaries like a visual dictionary will be created and developed, which allows users to acquire vocabulary quickly and effectively.

10. What do you use dictionaries for?

Well, I usually refer to a dictionary to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words which I come across when reading a book/newspaper or a movie. Besides that, I use a dictionary to learn the meanings of certain English words in my spare time. Moreover, I look up the dictionary whenever I need to find a synonym or antonym for a phrase.

11. Do you think dictionaries are useful for learning a language?

Yes, I believe dictionaries are very helpful for learning a new language, and there is no other simpler or easier way to explain the meaning of words. It helps to understand the meaning of the words and provides a list of synonyms that can be used as a substitute to that word, which greatly enhances our command of the language.

12. What kind of information can you find in a dictionary?

Dictionaries provide a wide range of information. But the main information is the meaning of the word and its history. It also provides information on how to use the word and its list of synonyms and antonyms. Moreover, it also includes information on how to pronounce a particular word.