IELTS Speaking: Using an Anecdote
Definition of Anecdote: An anecdote is a short, amusing, or interesting story about a real incident or person.
In part 2 of the IELTS speaking test, and occasionally in part 3, you have the opportunity to share a quick anecdote. Think of it as a personal example that is slightly longer than a normal example.
Let's take a look at an example. This anecdote is from my answer to the "Describe a wild animal" task.
Anecdote about a robin (a type of bird)
In the house I used to live in, there was a robin living in the back garden. Surprisingly, this robin would follow me whenever I went outside. I had a memorable encounter with this robin during a winter after a heavy snowfall. I noticed him outside, seemingly pleading for help as he looked at the house. In response, I took some birdseed and placed it outside. To my amazement, the robin came and fed from my hand. It was an incredible experience to have this tiny creature perched on my fingers, and I have had a fondness for robins ever since.
Analysis
Notice how I structured the anecdote:
1. Introduction
The anecdote begins in the
second sentence: "In the house I used to live in, there was
a robin living in the back garden."
2. Description of Events
I narrated the
story in a single, albeit long sentence: "Surprisingly,
this robin would follow me whenever I went outside. I had a
memorable encounter with this robin during a winter after a
heavy snowfall. I noticed him outside, seemingly pleading for
help as he looked at the house. In response, I took some
birdseed and placed it outside. To my amazement, the robin came
and fed from my hand."
3. Expressing Emotions
Typically, it's
effective to conclude an anecdote by expressing your emotions or
summarizing the experience. For example: "It was an
incredible experience to have this tiny creature perched on my
fingers, and I have had a fondness for robins ever since."
Notes:
I want to emphasize that you don't have to always share an anecdote in your speaking test. This is simply another technique that is useful to practice and utilize if a relevant opportunity arises.
When sharing an anecdote, it is crucial to only use real anecdotes. It is easier to narrate a genuine story, while it is much more challenging to create a fictional anecdote.
To improve your storytelling skills, I recommend practicing the three-step process that I used: introduction, description of events, and expression of emotions.
