The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. It typically includes three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). Examiners evaluate fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. “Describe A Time When You Broke A Rule” is a frequent cue card topic in Part 2, making it an essential subject to master for achieving a high band score. We’ll explore key strategies, detailed answers, and vocabulary to help you excel.
Part 1: Common Questions and Sample Answer
In Part 1, Examiners ask personal questions to make you feel comfortable and to gauge your natural speaking abilities. A common question is:
Question: “Do you think it’s important to follow rules?”
Sample Answer:
“Yes, I believe it’s crucial to follow rules because they maintain order and ensure fairness in society. For example, traffic rules help prevent accidents and save lives. However, there can be exceptions where breaking a rule might be necessary or justified.”
Analysis: Demonstrates the ability to provide a balanced view, utilizing vocabulary such as “crucial,” “maintain order,” and “exceptions.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you broke a rule. You should say:
- What the rule was
- Why you broke it
- What happened as a result
- How you felt about it later
Sample Answer
“One instance when I broke a rule was during my high school years. The rule was to not use mobile phones during class. I broke this rule because I needed to contact my friend urgently regarding a group project. While I was discreetly sending a message, the teacher caught me and confiscated my phone for the day. As a result, I missed an important call from my parents, which caused some inconvenience. Looking back, I felt quite embarrassed and realized the importance of adhering to school policies. I learned to manage my time better and ensure that I communicated with my peers outside of class hours.”
Analysis: This answer covers all points mentioned in the cue card and includes sophisticated vocabulary such as “discreetly,” “confiscated,” “inconvenience,” and “adhering.”
school hallway
Follow-up Questions
Question: “Do you think breaking rules is sometimes necessary?”
Sample Answer:
“In some situations, breaking a rule can be necessary. For instance, if a rule is outdated or does not serve the best interest of people, challenging it could lead to positive changes. However, breaking rules should not become a habit as it undermines authority and can lead to chaos.”
Analysis: Uses phrases like “outdated,” “serve the best interest,” and “undermines authority,” which show advanced lexical resource and coherence.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner’s Questions
Question 1: “In your opinion, what kind of rules are there in society?”
Sample Answer:
“In society, there are various types of rules, such as social etiquettes, legal regulations, and institutional guidelines. Social etiquettes dictate how we interact with others respectfully, while legal regulations ensure that our behavior is lawful. Institutional guidelines, like school or workplace rules, maintain a structured environment.”
Analysis: Demonstrates a clear understanding of different rule types, employing phrases like “social etiquettes,” “legal regulations,” and “institutional guidelines.”
Question 2: “How can breaking rules positively or negatively influence others?”
Sample Answer:
“Breaking rules can have both positive and negative consequences. Positively, it can inspire change and challenge outdated practices, promoting progress. However, negatively, it can set a bad example, encourage others to disregard important regulations, and result in legal repercussions.”
Analysis: Offers a balanced perspective using complex structures and vocabulary such as “promoting progress,” “set a bad example,” and “legal repercussions.”
Essential Vocabulary for High Band Scores
1. Adhere to (V): Follow or stick to a rule.
- Example: “It’s essential to adhere to safety guidelines in the laboratory.”
2. Discreetly (Adv): In a careful and prudent manner.
- Example: “She discreetly passed the note to her friend during the exam.”
3. Confiscate (V): Take or seize with authority.
- Example: “The teacher confiscated the student’s phone for using it in class.”
4. Inconvenience (N): Trouble or difficulty caused to one’s personal requirements or comfort.
- Example: “The power outage caused significant inconvenience to the residents.”
5. Undermine (V): Lessen the effectiveness, power, or ability.
- Example: “Constant criticism can undermine a person’s confidence.”
Advice for Achieving High Scores in IELTS Speaking
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice with a partner or coach helps you become comfortable speaking English naturally.
- Expand Vocabulary: Read extensively and incorporate new words into your daily conversations.
- Understand the Criteria: Be aware of what Examiners look for—fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation.
- Use Complex Sentences: Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences for variety.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Confidence can significantly impact your performance.
Conclusion
By thoroughly preparing for topics like “Describe a time when you broke a rule,” you can boost your chances of achieving a high band score in the IELTS Speaking test. Utilize the sample answers, vocabulary, and strategic insights provided to refine your responses and impress the examiners.
