This is a common theme in speaking parts 1 and 3 as well as writing task 2. You often find questions asking about news, newspapers and possibly comparing these to the internet or TV.
This post will discuss some vocabulary and some other ways to talk about news and newspapers. If you don’t want to read any more, the video below covers this topic.
The news (The contents of a newspaper or news broadcast)
There was nothing interesting in the news today.
The paper (short for a newspaper)
The paper was very interesting today.
Tabloid (small newspaper with many pictures and headlines)
Tabloid newspapers don’t always tell the truth.
Broadsheet (a large newspaper that is more serious and less sensational)
Broadsheet newspapers have a lot of information.
The printed media (including newspapers and magazines)
The printed media is being replaced by the internet.
A Headline (large words at the top of the article)
I can’t believe there was a headline about aliens today.
Reporter/journalist (person who writes a news article)
This reporter wrote a very bad article.
Try answering some of these questions using the vocabulary we have discussed:
- How do you usually get your news?
- How often do you read the newspaper?
- What type of news do you prefer to read?
- Do most people in your country follow the news?
- How do most people in your country access the news?
- Do you pay much attention to headlines?
This is my answer to an IELTS speaking part 1 question. See how many of the vocabulary words that we discussed I have used.
- What type of news do you prefer to read?
I’m not too keen on sensational tabloid-style newspapers, I much prefer sitting down and reading a broadsheet paper when reading the news. I think the news that they deliver is more genuine and trustworthy.
I hope this post was useful for you in preparing for your IELTS test. For more help and tips check out the recent posts here.