Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Person Who Changed Your Thinking

As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ve seen countless candidates struggle with the task of describing a person who has changed their way of thinking. This topic is not only common in IELTS Speaking tests but also challenges candidates to demonstrate their language skills while reflecting on personal experiences. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to excel in this task, providing you with valuable insights and strategies to boost your IELTS Speaking score.

Understanding the Task

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand what the examiner is looking for when they ask you to describe a person who has changed your way of thinking. This task requires you to:

1. Identify a specific person
2. Explain how they influenced your thinking
3. Provide concrete examples of the change
4. Use appropriate vocabulary and grammar
5. Speak fluently and coherently

Now, let’s break down the IELTS Speaking test and see how this topic might appear in each part.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

While the main task of describing a person who changed your thinking typically appears in Part 2, the examiner might ask related questions in Part 1 to warm you up. Here are some possible questions:

1. Do you think people can easily change their way of thinking?
2. Have you ever changed your opinion about something important? Why?
3. Who do you usually go to for advice when you need to make a decision?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you think people can easily change their way of thinking?

Candidate (Band 6-7): I think it depends on the person. Some people are more open-minded and can change their opinions quite easily, while others are more set in their ways. It also depends on the topic and how important it is to the person.

Candidate (Band 8-9): That’s an intriguing question. I believe the ease with which people change their thinking is contingent on various factors. Personality traits such as openness to experience and cognitive flexibility play a significant role. Additionally, the depth of ingrained beliefs and the emotional investment in certain ideas can greatly influence one’s ability to shift perspectives. External factors, like exposure to diverse viewpoints or compelling evidence, can also catalyze changes in thinking. Ultimately, I’d say that while change is possible for most people, the ease and speed of that change can vary considerably.

IELTS Speaking Examiner

Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you might receive a cue card like this:

Describe A Person Who Has Changed The Way You Think

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What this person did to change your way of thinking
• And explain how you feel about this change in your thinking

Here’s a sample answer:

Band 6-7 Answer:

The person who has changed the way I think is my high school history teacher, Mr. Johnson. I met him when I was 16 years old, in my second year of high school. He was different from other teachers because he always encouraged us to question things and think critically.

One thing Mr. Johnson did that really changed my thinking was when he taught us about historical events from multiple perspectives. For example, when we studied World War II, he didn’t just teach us about the winners’ side, but also showed us how people in different countries experienced the war. This made me realize that there’s often more than one side to a story.

This change in my thinking has been really positive. I feel like I’m better at understanding complex issues now, and I don’t just accept things at face value. It’s made me more curious about the world and more open-minded when I meet people with different opinions.

Band 8-9 Answer:

The individual who has profoundly impacted my way of thinking is my former history teacher, Mr. Johnson. I had the privilege of being his student during my sophomore year of high school, when I was 16 years old. From the outset, it was evident that Mr. Johnson’s pedagogical approach was markedly different from that of his colleagues.

What set Mr. Johnson apart was his unwavering commitment to fostering critical thinking skills among his students. He consistently challenged us to question established narratives and examine historical events through multiple lenses. A pivotal moment that epitomizes his influence on my thinking occurred during our study of World War II. Rather than presenting a unilateral perspective, Mr. Johnson meticulously curated resources that illuminated the experiences of various nations and populations affected by the conflict. This comprehensive approach was nothing short of eye-opening.

The paradigm shift Mr. Johnson catalyzed in my thinking has had far-reaching implications. I now find myself inherently skeptical of oversimplified narratives and more inclined to seek out diverse viewpoints on complex issues. This change has imbued me with a deeper appreciation for the nuances of human experience and has significantly enhanced my ability to engage in meaningful discourse on a wide range of topics. Ultimately, I’m profoundly grateful for the intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness that Mr. Johnson’s influence has instilled in me.

After your long turn, the examiner might ask follow-up questions such as:

1. Do you think teachers have a big influence on how students think?
2. Are there any other people who have changed your way of thinking?
3. How do you think social media influences people’s thinking?

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Examiner: How do you think society’s attitudes towards influential figures have changed over time?

Candidate (Band 6-7): I think society’s attitudes towards influential figures have become more critical over time. In the past, people might have looked up to leaders or celebrities without questioning them much. But now, with social media and more access to information, people are more likely to challenge what influential figures say or do. This can be both good and bad – it’s good to be critical, but sometimes people can be too harsh or judgmental.

Candidate (Band 8-9): I believe society’s attitudes towards influential figures have undergone a significant transformation over time. In the past, there was often a tendency to place influential figures on pedestals, viewing them with an almost unquestioning reverence. However, the advent of the information age, particularly the rise of social media, has fundamentally altered this dynamic.

Today, we see a much more nuanced and critical approach to influential figures. The democratization of information has empowered individuals to scrutinize public figures more closely, leading to a heightened awareness of their flaws and inconsistencies. This shift has fostered a culture of accountability, where influential figures are increasingly expected to demonstrate transparency and ethical behavior.

While this change has many positive aspects, such as promoting authenticity and discouraging abuse of power, it also presents challenges. The constant scrutiny can sometimes lead to a hypercritical environment, where even minor missteps are magnified. This can potentially discourage talented individuals from pursuing positions of influence.

Ultimately, I believe this evolution reflects a broader societal shift towards valuing authenticity and integrity over mere status or celebrity. It underscores the importance of critical thinking and active engagement in shaping our perceptions of influential figures.

Examiner: In what ways can exposure to different cultures change a person’s way of thinking?

Candidate (Band 6-7): Exposure to different cultures can really open up a person’s mind. When you experience new customs, foods, or ways of living, it can make you question your own assumptions and beliefs. You might realize that things you thought were universal are actually just specific to your own culture. This can make you more tolerant and understanding of differences between people.

Candidate (Band 8-9): Exposure to different cultures can have a profound and multifaceted impact on an individual’s way of thinking. Firstly, it can challenge deeply ingrained assumptions about what is ‘normal’ or ‘right’, leading to a more relativistic worldview. This cognitive flexibility often translates into increased tolerance and empathy towards diverse perspectives and lifestyles.

Moreover, cross-cultural experiences can enhance problem-solving skills by introducing alternative approaches to common challenges. Individuals may adopt new strategies or synthesize diverse methods, leading to more innovative thinking.

Cultural exposure also tends to foster self-reflection, as individuals juxtapose their own cultural norms with those they encounter. This introspective process can lead to a deeper understanding of one’s own cultural identity and biases.

Additionally, multilingual environments often accompanying cultural diversity can reshape cognitive processes. Research suggests that speaking multiple languages can enhance cognitive flexibility and divergent thinking.

Lastly, exposure to different cultures can broaden one’s emotional repertoire. Encountering diverse expressive norms and emotional concepts can enrich emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.

In essence, cultural exposure acts as a catalyst for cognitive growth, promoting a more nuanced, adaptable, and inclusive mindset.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases:

1. Paradigm shift /ˈpærəˌdaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: Meeting my mentor caused a paradigm shift in my career goals.

2. Catalyze /ˈkætəlaɪz/ (verb): To cause or accelerate change or action.
   Example: Her innovative ideas catalyzed a revolution in the tech industry.

3. Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ (noun phrase): A deep and significant effect.
   Example: The professor’s lectures had a profound impact on my understanding of physics.

4. Cognitive flexibility /ˈkɒɡnətɪv ˌfleksəˈbɪləti/ (noun phrase): The ability to adapt thinking or attention in response to different situations.
   Example: Exposure to diverse viewpoints can enhance one’s cognitive flexibility.

5. Introspection /ˌɪntrəˈspekʃən/ (noun): The examination of one’s own mental and emotional processes.
   Example: Regular meditation has improved my capacity for introspection.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who changed your thinking:

1. Prepare diverse examples: Have several examples ready of people who influenced you, ranging from personal acquaintances to public figures.

2. Practice storytelling: Work on structuring your answers with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

3. Develop your vocabulary: Focus on learning and using sophisticated vocabulary related to thinking, influence, and personal growth.

4. Embrace complexity: Don’t shy away from discussing the nuances and complexities of how your thinking changed.

5. Reflect on the impact: Be prepared to discuss not just what changed, but how it affected your life or perspectives more broadly.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural integration of advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures.

By following these strategies and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle this common IELTS Speaking topic and demonstrate your English proficiency effectively.

For more tips on acing your IELTS Speaking test, check out our guides on describing a time when you participated in a cultural activity and describing a time when you had to work on a team project. These resources will help you further develop your speaking skills and prepare for a wide range of potential topics.