Describe a piece of international news you have recently heard (Part 2/3)

IELTS Speaking – Part 2

Describe a piece of international news you have recently heard

You should say

• What is the news about?

• When and where did you hear it?

• What were you doing when you heard the news?

• Explain how you felt about this piece of international news?

Sample Answer

In today’s fast-paced world, it is essential for an individual to be updated with the latest international news and be aware of the affairs taking place around the world. I believe that reading newspapers gives us a better understanding of what is happening around us. A couple of months ago, one of the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi, left the Barcelona club and joined Paris Saint-Germain, a French club, which brought everyone to tears and joy at the same time. It was approximately 8 p.m after a long day at work. When I returned home, I was surprised to see my friends at my place, who were glued to the TV screen with a teary eye. As soon as I walked in, I saw the news on the TV, which came as a shock to me. Since childhood, all my friends were ardent football fanatics, and we used to play football every evening. We were all great fans of Barcelona’s best footballer, Lionel Messi. Of course, we were all disheartened to see Messi leaving FC Barcelona after spending almost 18 glorious years of his life in the club. Even Messi was tearful when he broke the news to his fans. Above all, his farewell speech was very emotional that would have definitely made every Messi fan cry. This piece of international news was the most heartbreaking news in the history of football. Although I feel devastated about Messi leaving Barcelona, I partially feel excited for his new journey at PSG. I’m eagerly waiting for the upcoming football match to watch Messi play in a new jersey.

Vocabulary

• Fast-paced
  Meaning: (of a narrative or series of events) moving or developing very quickly.
  Eg: “Fast & furious” is a fast-paced thriller movie.
• Dishearten
  Meaning: cause (someone) to lose determination or confidence.
  Eg: Everyone was disheartened when the principal announced his retirement.
• Glued
  Meaning: be paying very close attention to (something, especially a television).
  Eg: Nowadays, children are glued to their smartphones.
• Teary eye
  Meaning: having eyes that are wet with tears
  Eg: Michael was teary-eyed when he saw his injured pet.
• Fanatic
  Meaning: a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal, especially for an extreme religious or political cause.
  Eg: Johnson is a food fanatic. He loves eating almost everything.

IELTS Speaking – Part 3

1. What is your newspaper reading style?
   Well, the first thing I do after I wake up is read the newspaper headlines with a cup of coffee. With the help of the newspaper, I’m updated about the current affairs & events happening worldwide, while the coffee relaxes and soothes my mind. I also carry them to the office.
2. Do you think reading international news is important?
   Of course! I believe that everyone should be educated and updated about the affairs happening across the globe in today’s increasingly globalized world. Only by reading international news, we are aware of world events. Further, reading international news facilitates a better insight and understanding about the other countries in the world.
3. News that you have described do you think will impact the world? If yes then how?
   Well, I don’t know whether the above-mentioned news will have an impact on the world. But Lionel Messi, the greatest player of all time, leaving his 21-year old FC Barcelona to a new PSG club was definitely the most devastating news for all the Messi fans, and this piece of international news gained mixed reactions from fans across the world.

Vocabulary

• Devastating
  Meaning: causing severe shock, distress, or grief.
  Eg: Michelle fainted after hearing the devastating news.
• Impact
  Meaning: a marked effect or influence.
  Eg: Vaccines will definitely have a great impact on people’s immune system.
• Insight
  Meaning: an accurate and deep understanding.
  Eg: “Wings of Fire” by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam gave an insight into his lifestyle.
• Soothe
  Meaning: reduce pain or discomfort in (a part of the body).
  Eg: Doctor gave painkillers to soothe the pain.
• Cultivates
  Meaning: try to acquire or develop (a quality or skill).
  Eg: It takes a lot of time for an individual to cultivate good habits.