Media and social networking platforms have become an essential part of our everyday lives. As a result, this topic is very common in IELTS Speaking exams and always draws attention from candidates preparing for the test. This article will equip you with useful vocabulary and grammar structures to help you expand your speaking skills.
1. Sample Answers – Media Social Network IELTS Speaking Part 1
Question: Do you think you or your friends use too much social media
To be honest, some of us are quite addicted to the virtual space or the online illusion, as we spend almost the entire day glued to our screens without making time for physical activities. This is quite alarming for teenagers today. One of the reasons is the sensational and audience-catching content, and we are clearly the target audience.
Vocabulary highlights:
virtual space: online platforms
illusion life: fake online life
addicted: hooked
sensational: dramatic and emotional content
audience catching: content designed to attract attention
target audience: intended viewers or readers
Question: What is the most popular social media platform in Vietnam
When it comes to the most widely used online platform, Facebook ranks first without a doubt, since it offers information suitable for people of all ages. However, it is anticipated that Tiktok will take over and become the most prominent social network in the near future, as it provides a plethora of short videos that meet the entertainment needs of young users without wasting their time.
Vocabulary highlights:
anticipated: expected
take over: replace or dominate
prominent: leading, well-known
plethora: a large number
Question: Do you want to work in social media Why
It depends on the type of job we are referring to. If you ask whether I would enjoy becoming a social media influencer on platforms like Instagram or Tiktok, then yes, I might consider it. But if it's related to technology, coding, or digital marketing, then no — those fields are not really my thing.
Vocabulary highlights:
entertain the idea of: consider
not really my thing: not interested in
2. IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Media Social Network
Cue Card: Describe a time you saw something interesting on social media
It might sound a bit odd, but social media takes up around 70 percent of my day. I have all kinds of social platforms on my phone, and I’m online most of the time. One reason I am so attached to social media is because there are so many intriguing things to explore. If I had to pick one moment, discovering tarot reading would be the most unforgettable.
This happened a while ago, during the early lockdown days in Hanoi. I was stuck at home, repeating the same routine — studying, eating, sleeping. That time allowed me to reflect on life and my own emotions.
I had so many unanswered questions that I lost sleep. I knew I needed guidance but could not find it myself. Coincidentally, tarot reading became a rising trend on YouTube. Everyone was talking about a young woman who called herself a tarot reader and healer. Her channel name was Chi de Papillon.
Chi would do tarot reading sessions and offer advice on topics like love, finances, and life direction based on the cards. Out of curiosity, I gave it a try. Surprisingly, her readings were incredibly accurate and related to my situation. I was amazed and became a fan.
Her videos helped me survive three months of quarantine. I realized that tarot reading is truly an art, and readers like her are amazing artists.
Vocabulary highlights:
take up: consume (time)
intriguing: fascinating
attached to: emotionally connected
coincidentally: by chance
rise as a trend: become popular
tarot reading: interpreting symbolic cards
give something a try: attempt something new
in awe: deeply impressed
consecutive: back-to-back
3. Sample Answers – IELTS Speaking Part 3
Question: Do large media organizations have too much influence
In today’s digital age, I believe large media organizations dominate most platforms. They have a strong influence, especially on young people who are exposed to the Internet daily. As a result, they are also more likely to come across inappropriate content. For example, my younger cousins use YouTube frequently and sometimes repeat offensive words they have learned from certain videos.
Vocabulary highlights:
dominance: control
exert influence: apply power or control
exposure to: being in contact with
improper: inappropriate
offensive: disrespectful or upsetting
Question: What kind of news do teenagers and older people like
Honestly, I do not have the foggiest idea about teenagers’ current interests, as most of my friends are young adults. But I guess teenage girls enjoy reading content about fashion, beauty, and celebrities, while teenage boys may prefer sports news.
On the other hand, older people often care more about health-related content. They want to understand the symptoms of aging and how to prevent diseases. So health and wellness news is probably at the top of their list.
Vocabulary highlights:
foggiest idea: no idea
fancy: like
find delight in: enjoy
be prone to: tend toward
health-conscious: aware of health
be at the top of the list: high priority
Question: What is the difference between news on TV and in magazines
The main difference is that TV news focuses on current events and updates, usually delivered quickly. Magazines, by contrast, provide more detailed articles on specific topics like fashion, sports, or science, often including personal opinions or analysis.
Also, TV news is broadcast on a fixed schedule daily, while magazines are published less frequently — weekly, monthly, or even quarterly.
Vocabulary highlights:
discrepancy: difference
frequency of publication: how often something is published
in advance: ahead of time
4. IELTS Vocabulary – Media and Social Networks
Vocabulary | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
reliability | accuracy or trustworthiness | The reliability of that source is questionable |
social platform | online network | Many people share opinions on social platforms |
brand image | company reputation | The brand image is key for marketing success |
broadcast | distribute widely | The event was broadcast live on TV |
influencer | someone with influence | She is a famous influencer on Instagram |
freshest updates | latest news | The site provides the freshest updates |
celebrity endorsement | promotion by celebrities | This product features celebrity endorsement |
inappropriate content | not suitable for viewing | The video was removed due to inappropriate content |
fast-paced development | rapid growth | Social media is a fast-paced industry |
censorship | restriction of content | Censorship laws apply to many media outlets |
disinformation | false or misleading information | Disinformation spreads easily online |
unique features | special functions | The app offers unique features for users |
5. Common Expressions and Idioms – Media Social Network
Useful Phrases
to facilitate communication
to globally connect with someone
live streaming service
a powerful communication tool
to reunite long-lost relatives
keep myself updated
rise as a trend
the risk of data breaches
fall prey to online abuse
online bullying and harassment
a toxic environment
hateful or abusive content
serious mental effects
to automatically track and collect data
to prevent your data from getting compromised
to violate someone’s privacy
to distort the truth
to exaggerate something
Common Idioms
no news is good news: silence can be a relief
jump on the bandwagon: follow a trend
back to the drawing board: start over
a flash in the pan: short-lived success
get your wires crossed: misunderstand something
catch the latest scoop: get the newest news
Master the Media Social Network Topic with IDP IELTS
This article has provided you with essential vocabulary, sample answers, and expressions to help you tackle the Media Social Network topic in the IELTS Speaking test. To maximize your score, continue practicing with updated sample questions and refine your skills using the right strategies.
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