Describe a visually appealing item – IELTS Speaking part 2, part 3

1. Vocabulary related to describing an object

2. IELTS Speaking part 2: Describe an attractive object you admire

2.1. The topic

At the beginning of the speech, candidates need to directly introduce the object they find beautiful, then elaborate more on its context. In the context part, candidates can recount the first time they saw the item, if there's any hidden story behind it.

Regarding the content, candidates describe the shape of the item. Candidates can further explore the maker of this item. Next, describe more details about the patterns and the contents inside the item.

Finally, candidates explain why they think that item is beautiful. Candidates can recount their most memorable experience with that item in simple past tense.

2.2. Example 1: A bowl

Please listen to Mytour's Part 2 sample podcast:

A bowl that a friend gave me is one thing that I think is particularly lovely. Even though I am aware that bowls aren’t the most interesting objects in the world, this specific bowl is stunning due to its intriguing history.

In the early years of my high school, I had the opportunity to meet several exchange students. I formed a strong bond with a friend from Ecuador during this time. Although her time in my country was brief, we became close friends, and her departure left us both deeply saddened.

But after high school was through, we learned that she had been accepted to a university in my nation! She returned with several gifts for all of us, but one gift in particular stood out: a bowl made by her grandmother just for me. It features a girl looking off into the distance in a hand-painted artwork.

It is stunning and most likely my most treasured gift.

Translation

A bowl that a friend gave me is something I find particularly charming. While I understand that bowls are not the most exciting objects in the world, this specific bowl stands out due to its intriguing backstory.

During high school, I had the chance to interact with a few exchange students. I made a wonderful friend from Ecuador during this period. We became very close friends during her stay in my country, but eventually, she had to return home. This left both of us extremely sad.

After completing high school, we learned that she had been accepted to a university in my country! She returned with gifts for everyone, but one gift stood out: a bowl she had made specifically for me. It depicted a girl looking into the distance in a hand-drawn artwork.

It's truly wonderful and quite possibly my most valuable gift.

Key Vocabulary

• Intriguing (adj): hấp dẫn
• Stand out (v): nổi bật
• Hand-painted artwork (n): tác phẩm nghệ thuật vẽ tay
• Stunning (adj): kinh ngạc
• Treasured (adj): đáng quý

2.3. Example 2: Computer workstation

Please listen to Mytour's Part 2 sample podcast:

I have a wide variety of furniture in my house, some of which have been there for a long time and still serve various useful purposes throughout the house. However, today I want to focus on a brand-new piece of furniture that I find exceptionally beautiful.

This computer desk is my new favorite piece of furniture, which my family and I recently purchased from IKEA. This item is fairly expensive because it is made from black walnut wood. It is rectangular in shape and has a black hue. Since I like to use my laptop to play video games online, this table is perfect for me. It is furnished with adjustable controls and wheels.

The most astounding feature of it is that I can spin it in any direction, including up and down. I can store my numerous items in its four drawers. In addition, it has a concealed compartment with a strong pattern lock that is ideal for securing valuables like my extra coins. The table also features colorful lights in the corners, which give the impression that it is quite dynamic. I used to feel exhausted when I tried to study while lying in bed, but nowadays I can concentrate better. Additionally, it aids in my continued good posture throughout the day.

This particular piece of furniture in my home is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, and it holds a special place in my heart.

Translation

My house is filled with a wide variety of furniture, some of which have been there for a very long time and still perform various useful functions throughout the house. However, I'd like to take this opportunity to talk about a completely new piece of furniture that I believe is extremely beautiful and would like to discuss today.

This computer desk is my new favorite piece of furniture, which my family and I recently purchased from IKEA. It's quite expensive as it's made from black walnut wood. It's rectangular-shaped and black in color. Since I enjoy using my laptop for playing online games, this desk suits me perfectly. It's equipped with adjustable controls and wheels.

Its most remarkable feature is its ability to rotate in any direction, including upwards and downwards. I can store my belongings in its four drawers. Additionally, it has a secure hidden compartment with an ornate lock, ideal for safeguarding valuables like my spare change.

The desk also features multi-colored lights at its corners, creating a dynamic impression. I used to feel exhausted trying to study while lying in bed, but now I can focus much better. Furthermore, it helps me maintain a good posture throughout the day.

This piece of furniture in my home is the one I most enjoy using and admiring.

Key Vocabulary

• Purchase (V): mua
• Black walnut wood (n): gỗ óc chó màu đen 
• Rectangular (n): hình hộp chữ nhật
• Hue (n): màu sắc
• Adjustable (adj): có thể điều chỉnh
• Astounding (adj): đáng kinh ngạc
• Spin (v): quay
• Concealed compartment (n): ngăn kín
• Dynamic (adj): năng động
• Posture (n): tư thế

3. IELTS Speaking part 3: Describe an object that you think is beautiful

Listen to the sample Podcast Part 3 by Mytour here:

3.1. Do you believe there are more beautiful things now than in the past? Why?

It’s difficult for me to answer this since I want to be both positive and negative. I believe that over the years, we have lost a lot of the beauty seen in the natural world, but I also believe that more beauty has been produced in other areas. All we have to do is figure out how to prevent the development of new beauty from endangering existing beauty.

• Endangered (v): đe dọa, gây nguy hiểm

(Dịch: Thật khó để tôi trả lời điều này vì tôi muốn vừa tích cực vừa tiêu cực. Tôi tin rằng trong những năm qua, chúng ta đã mất đi rất nhiều vẻ đẹp được nhìn thấy trong thế giới tự nhiên, nhưng tôi cũng tin rằng nhiều vẻ đẹp hơn đã được tạo ra ở các khu vực khác. Tất cả những gì chúng ta phải làm là tìm ra cách ngăn chặn sự phát triển của vẻ đẹp mới gây nguy hiểm cho vẻ đẹp hiện có.)

3.2. What scenic spots in your country do you find beautiful?

I immediately knew what to talk about, and although there are others, I believe Ha Long Bay is the most beautiful. Located in Quang Ninh province, Ha Long Bay is a location in northeastern Vietnam. It is a region of the sea where hundreds of karst mountains protrude above the surface. It is stunning. Visitors can rent boats to overnight sail over the mountains in the bay; it is a pretty impressive sight.

• Karst mountains protrude: núi đá vôi nhô ra

(Dịch: Tôi ngay lập tức biết phải nói về điều gì, và mặc dù có những nơi khác, tôi tin rằng Vịnh Hạ Long là nơi đẹp nhất. Thuộc tỉnh Quảng Ninh, Vịnh Hạ Long là một địa danh ở vùng Đông Bắc Việt Nam. Đó là một vùng biển nơi hàng trăm ngọn núi đá vôi nhô lên trên bề mặt. Hạ Long tuyệt đẹp. Du khách có thể thuê thuyền qua đêm trên các ngọn núi trong vịnh; đó là một cảnh tượng khá ấn tượng.)

3.3. Where do you believe people typically encounter beauty?

I believe the simplest response is simply that people are most likely to experience beauty when trying new things. Although we might love and appreciate the things we often see, it seems to me that you are far more likely to come across something lovely if it is something you are not accustomed to.

• Accustomed (adj): quen thuộc

(Dịch: Tôi tin rằng câu trả lời đơn giản là mọi người có thể trải nghiệm vẻ đẹp nhất khi thử những điều mới. Mặc dù chúng ta có thể yêu thích và đánh giá cao những thứ chúng ta thường thấy, nhưng đối với tôi, dường như bạn sẽ có nhiều khả năng bắt gặp thứ gì đó tuyệt vời hơn nếu đó là thứ mà bạn không quen thuộc.)

3.4. Why do you think people create beautiful things?

People make beautiful things because, by definition, people like to look at and appreciate beautiful things. If I recall properly, serotonin is the hormone that is released when people are happy. Being in the presence of beauty can make one feel happy. Humans typically take pleasure in this bliss.

• Bliss (n): hạnh phúc

(Dịch: Mọi người tạo ra những thứ đẹp vì, theo định nghĩa, họ thích chiêm ngưỡng và đánh giá cao vẻ đẹp. Theo một cách chính xác, serotonin được giải phóng khi mọi người cảm thấy hạnh phúc. Sự hiện diện của vẻ đẹp có thể làm cho con người cảm thấy hạnh phúc. Con người thường tìm thấy niềm vui trong niềm hạnh phúc này.)

3.5. Do people in your country like to keep beautiful things in their homes?

Yes, I do think that most Vietnamese enjoy having lovely stuff in their houses. Many people enjoy decorating their houses with lovely items that express their own tastes and styles because they take great satisfaction in them. Objects like paintings, sculptures, vases, as well as clothing and furniture, could fall under this category. To bring a touch of beauty and peace to their living spaces, people may also use natural elements like plants and flowers.

• Take great satisfaction in (v): hài lòng về
• Fall under this category (v): thuộc danh mục này

(Dịch: Vâng, tôi nghĩ rằng hầu hết người Việt Nam thích giữ những thứ đẹp trong nhà của họ. Nhiều người thích trang trí nhà bằng những vật phẩm đẹp để thể hiện sở thích và phong cách riêng của họ vì họ rất hài lòng với chúng. Các vật dụng như tranh vẽ, tác phẩm điêu khắc, bình hoa cũng như quần áo và nội thất có thể thuộc danh sách này. Để mang đến sự đẹp và yên bình cho không gian sống của họ, mọi người cũng có thể sử dụng các yếu tố tự nhiên như cây cối và hoa.)

3.6. Do you think people in your country prefer or enjoy music more than art?

They certainly do. The introduction of music significantly enhances people’s lives. Jazz, pop, rock, and classical music are just a few of the many musical genres that most people in Vietnam deeply admire. I want to emphasize that different generations enjoy music in different ways.

While older listeners favor music with a slower tempo, today’s youth prefer music with a strong rhythm and rapid speed. Although enjoying art is a delicate subject, it may be less accessible than enjoying music since appreciators of art must buy pricey artwork or pay admission fees to museums.

• Tempo (n): nhịp độ
• Rhythm (n): giai điệu
• Delicate (adj): tế nhị
• Admission fees (n): phí vào cửa

(Dịch: Họ chắc chắn là như vậy. Sự xuất hiện của âm nhạc đã tăng cường đáng kể cuộc sống của con người. Nhạc jazz, pop, rock và cổ điển chỉ là một vài trong số rất nhiều thể loại âm nhạc mà đa số người dân Việt Nam rất ngưỡng mộ. Tôi muốn nhấn mạnh rằng các thế hệ khác nhau thưởng thức âm nhạc theo những cách khác nhau.)

While older listeners prefer slower-paced music, today's youth lean towards faster-paced and high-energy tunes. Though appreciating art is a refined topic, it may be less accessible than enjoying music, as art enthusiasts often need to purchase expensive artworks or pay admission to museums.

3.7. Does Vietnam have any beautiful scenery?

Without a doubt, of course! I am quite proud of the beautiful scenery in Vietnam, and I am confident in saying that our country is really beautiful. Vietnam is also steadily rising in popularity as a destination for travelers from around the world due to its breathtakingly beautiful natural beauty. The area’s white sand beaches, dolomite mountains, and terraced rice terraces are so beautiful that tourists go from all over the world to see them.

• Breathtakingly (adv): một cách ngoạn mục
• Dolomite mountains (n): núi đá vôi
• Terraced rice terraces (n): ruộng bậc thang

(Dịch: Tất nhiên rồi. Tôi tự hào về những cảnh đẹp của Việt Nam và tin rằng đất nước của chúng tôi thực sự rất đẹp. Việt Nam đã nổi tiếng với khách du lịch từ khắp nơi trên thế giới nhờ vào vẻ đẹp thiên nhiên tuyệt vời. Những bãi biển cát trắng, dãy núi đá vôi và ruộng bậc thang là những điểm đến tuyệt vời thu hút du khách từ mọi nơi đến khám phá.)

3.8. What attracts people to places with beautiful landscapes?

Beholding beauty, particularly in natural settings, has a rejuvenating effect on the mind, body, and spirit. This is why people cherish visiting locations with scenic views. It reconnects us with our most fundamental selves and our origins when we are outdoors. It serves as a gentle reminder that, despite appearances, we are inherently a part of the environment.

Maybe we’re going back to being like cavemen now. Humans are creatures, to put it simply, just like any other species. To further distance itself from nature, mankind has made significant efforts in a number of areas. It’s wonderful to take a breather from the steel, concrete, and plastic that have been manufactured by humans.

• Cavemen (n): người tiền sử
• Steel (n): thép
• Concrete (n): bê tông

(Dịch: Nhìn ngắm vẻ đẹp của thiên nhiên có tác động làm dịu tâm trí, thân thể và linh hồn, và đó là lý do tại sao mọi người thích ghé thăm những địa điểm có phong cảnh đẹp. Chúng ta có thể kết nối lại với bản thân cơ bản nhất và nguồn gốc của mình khi chúng ta ở ngoài trời. Điều này như một lời nhắc nhẹ rằng, bất kể vẻ bề ngoài, chúng ta là một phần không thể tách rời của môi trường.

Perhaps now we will return like ancestors. Humans are, in essence, creatures like any other. To maintain distance from nature, humanity has made significant efforts in various fields. It is wonderful to relax away from steel, concrete, and plastic created by humans.

3.9. What happens to those places (wild places) when people visit them?

Psychologically speaking, when we take in a breathtaking scene, we experience a certain level of contentment. The explanation for this is that wildlife is a reflection of ourselves, and when we come across a massive wildlife landscape, our minds tend to lose focus on the myriad issues they have been considering and become careless. The essence of both total delight and unwavering love, this state represents who we truly are.

We could only refer to it as realization if we were able to do it without the help of an outside stimulus, such a stunning environment. This type of enjoyment, on the other hand, does not lead to sorrow because physical pleasure, on the other hand, is accompanied by both suffering and discomfort before and after it is experienced.

• Contentment (n): mãn nguyện
• Myriad issues (n): vô số vấn đề
• Unwavering (adj): không lay chuyển
• Sorrow (n): nỗi buồn

(Dịch: Về mặt tâm lý, khi chúng ta ngắm nhìn một cảnh đẹp hùng vĩ, chúng ta cảm thấy hài lòng ở một mức độ nhất định. Lý giải cho điều này là vì động vật hoang dã phản ánh bản chất của chúng ta và khi chúng ta chiêm ngưỡng một khung cảnh động vật hoang dã rộng lớn, tâm trí chúng ta thường có xu hướng phân tán vào vô số vấn đề mà chúng ta đang suy nghĩ và trở nên thiếu cẩn thận. Sự trọn vẹn của niềm vui và tình yêu không điều kiện, trạng thái này phản ánh bản chất con người của chúng ta.