Describe a historical period you would like to know more - IELTS Speaking

History is considered one of the more challenging topics in the IELTS Writing and IELTS Speaking tests, especially when candidates lack knowledge of world history or have a limited vocabulary for this theme. The topic "Describe a historical period you would like to know more about" is a common sub-topic in IELTS Speaking Part 2.

In this article, IDP will guide you through how to organize your ideas for this topic, introduce useful vocabulary, and suggest expressions to help you score higher in the IELTS Speaking test. You will also find sample answers to give you ideas for developing your own speaking points.

In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you will receive a cue card with a topic and have one minute to prepare your answer. You will then speak for up to two minutes, and the examiner may ask one or two follow-up questions.

Cue Card Topic:

Describe a historical period you would like to know more about You should say:

• When it was

• What you are interested in

• What you have known

• And explain why you would like to know more about this period

Once you understand the requirements, you can prepare ideas and vocabulary to support your answer. Here is a sample outline to guide your response:

• When it was: During the 19th century

• What interests you: Vietnam's history when Hue was the capital, Nguyen Dynasty

• What you already know:

  • Led by Emperor Gia Long

  • Unified the country and made Hue the capital

  • Witnessed both reforms and colonial resistance

• Why you want to learn more:

  • It shaped Vietnam's culture and national identity

  • Curious about daily life, traditions, and stories from that era

  • Helps appreciate Vietnam's heritage

Topic: Describe a historical period you would like to know more about

Sample Answer:

I would love to learn more about the period of Vietnam's history when the city of Hue played a significant role. This historical era occurred during the 19th century, particularly the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945.

This period is especially intriguing because it marked a time of great cultural, political, and artistic development. Hue was the imperial capital, and it became known for its impressive architecture, such as the imperial citadel and royal tombs, as well as its rich cultural traditions.

From what I have learned, the Nguyen Dynasty was led by Emperor Gia Long, who unified the country and established Hue as the capital. The dynasty implemented reforms and faced challenges, including growing French colonial influence. It was also a major center of Vietnamese resistance against foreign powers.

I would like to know more about this era because it played a crucial role in shaping the identity and heritage of Vietnam. I am particularly interested in how people lived during that time, what customs they followed, and the stories behind the historical landmarks in Hue. Exploring this period would help me understand Vietnam's past and better appreciate the resilience of its people.

High-scoring Vocabulary:

• historical period

• intriguing

• imperial capital

• remarkable achievements

• imperial citadel

• royal tombs

• internal reforms

• French colonialism

• valuable lessons

In IELTS Speaking Part 3, you will engage in a two-way discussion with the examiner. These questions are designed to extend the topic and evaluate your ability to analyze and express opinions.

Question: How do museums teach people about history?

It depends on the type of museum, but many of them display various artifacts and valuable items from different historical periods. When visiting museums, we can observe these objects and read about their significance, which helps us imagine what life was like in the past. Some museums even showcase full-scale replicas, such as dinosaur skeletons, which spark our imagination and make learning more vivid.

Vocabulary:

• artifacts

• spark our imagination

• full-scale replica

Question: In what ways can children learn history?

Children can learn history through multiple sources. The most traditional way is through school, where history is part of the curriculum. They can also read books or online articles to explore specific historical events. Visiting museums and historical sites gives them hands-on learning experiences. In the digital era, children also benefit from documentaries and educational videos, which make learning history more interactive. Finally, talking with adults like parents or teachers can help them gain unique insights into historical experiences.

Question: What are the differences between learning history from books and from videos?

Books allow for deep analysis and detailed information, which promotes critical thinking. They often include sources and references that support academic learning. On the other hand, videos provide visual and auditory experiences that are easier to understand and more engaging for some learners. While videos can simplify complex concepts, they may not cover details as thoroughly as books. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal learning styles and preferences.

Vocabulary:

• foster critical thinking

• in-depth analysis

• auditory learning

• simplify

• accessible

• individual preferences

• learning styles

Boost Your IELTS Speaking with Vocabulary and Ideas from IDP

The topic "Describe a historical period you would like to know more about" is a great opportunity to showcase both your vocabulary and speaking skills. By organizing your ideas, using high-scoring phrases, and practicing regularly, you can confidently aim for a high band score in IELTS Speaking.

At IDP, you can choose to take the IELTS Academic or General Training test based on your goals. Once you have decided, explore available test locations and flexible test dates offered weekly by IDP.

And when you feel ready, register for your IELTS test with IDP today.