Describe a Recent Social Change in Your Country

The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your speaking abilities in various aspects, such as fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and accuracy. One common topic that frequently appears in the IELTS Speaking test is discussing social changes. As your IELTS Speaking Examiner, I’ll guide you on how to articulate a compelling answer for the topic “Describe a recent social change in your country.”

II. Main Content

1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this part, you will be asked general questions about yourself, your hobbies, your hometown, or common topics. Here are a few sample questions and a model answer:

Common Part 1 Questions:

1. Can you tell me about an important social change that has recently happened in your country?
2. How has this change affected people’s daily lives?

Sample Answer:
Question: Can you tell me about an important social change that has recently happened in your country?

“Recently, there has been a significant shift towards environmental consciousness in my country, Vietnam. People are becoming more aware of environmental issues such as plastic waste and air pollution. This change is noticeable in many aspects of daily life, from the increased use of reusable bags to the popularity of eco-friendly products.”

2. Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe a recent social change in your country.

You should say:

• What the change is
• When it happened
• How it happened
• And explain how this change has affected people in your country

Model Answer:
“One of the most notable recent social changes in my country is the increasing emphasis on gender equality. This shift began to gain momentum about five years ago, influenced by global movements and the rise of social media platforms enabling widespread discussion.

Initially, the change was driven by activist groups advocating for women’s rights and equality in various sectors such as education, employment, and politics. The government has also been supportive, introducing policies to promote gender balance in workplaces and educational institutions.

This transformation has profoundly impacted people’s lives. More women are now pursuing higher education and careers, contributing significantly to the economy. Moreover, societal attitudes towards gender roles are changing, with more acceptance of shared responsibilities in households and childcare.

In summary, the push for gender equality has reshaped the societal landscape in Vietnam, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.”

Follow-up Questions:

1. How do you think this social change will evolve in the next 10 years?
2. What are some challenges that might arise from this change?
3. Can you compare this social change to any other international developments?

Example Follow-up Answers:
Question: How do you think this social change will evolve in the next 10 years?

“In the next decade, I believe the movement towards gender equality will continue to progress, albeit gradually. We might see more women in leadership positions and further equalization in pay across genders. However, cultural attitudes take time to shift completely, so ongoing education and policy support will be crucial.”

3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, you’ll discuss abstract ideas related to the topic more extensively. Here are some potential questions and model answers:

Examiner Questions:

1. What are some other significant social changes that have taken place in your country recently?
2. How do social changes impact the younger generation compared to the older generation?
3. Why are social changes important for the progress of a country?

Sample Discussion:
Question: How do social changes impact the younger generation compared to the older generation?

“Social changes often have a more pronounced impact on the younger generation. For example, the shift toward digitalization has been more seamlessly adopted by young people who are generally more adaptable to new technologies. In contrast, the older generation might find such changes challenging, leading to a generational gap in skills and lifestyles. Nevertheless, intergenerational learning and support can bridge this gap, fostering a more cohesive society.”

4. Essential Vocabulary and Phrases

Vocabulary List:

1. Emphasis (n) /ˈem.fə.sɪs/: Special importance given to something.
   • The recent emphasis on environmental sustainability is noticeable in many new policies.
2. Momentum (n) /məˈmen.təm/: The force that keeps an object moving or an event developing after it has started.
   • The movement towards gender equality is gaining momentum.
3. Profoundly (adv) /prəˈfaʊnd.li/: In a way that has a strong effect; deeply.
   • This change has profoundly impacted societal attitudes.

Example Sentences:

• The momentum for social reforms is growing, thanks to youth activism.
• Public awareness campaigns have profoundly altered perceptions of environmental issues.
• Government policies have placed an emphasis on promoting digital literacy.

III. Tips for High Scores in Speaking

1. Fluency and Coherence: Practice speaking on various topics to improve your flow and structure. Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly.
2. Lexical Resource: Enhance your vocabulary by reading widely and practicing new words in your speech. Use synonyms to avoid repetition.
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Focus on using a variety of sentence structures and tenses correctly. Avoid common grammatical errors.
4. Pronunciation: Work on your pronunciation, intonation, and stress patterns. Record and review your speaking to identify areas for improvement.

Remember, practicing regularly, seeking feedback, and staying informed about current events can significantly boost your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.

People in Vietnam using reusable bags

Make sure to check out related articles that might help bolster your preparation, such as Describe a time when you were involved in a cross-cultural activity and Describe a recent debate on a social issue.