As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students intrigued by the “What do whales feel?” topic. This curiosity isn’t surprising. Animals, particularly intelligent creatures like whales, frequently appear in IELTS Speaking, urging us to consider their emotions and our relationship with them.
The Significance of Animal Emotions in IELTS
The IELTS exam evaluates your ability to discuss complex issues, and animal sentience is a prime example. This topic might appear in Part 1 with questions like “Do you like animals?” or evolve into a deeper Part 3 discussion on animal rights, conservation, and the ethics of captivity.
Discussing Animal Emotions Effectively
While we can’t directly experience a whale’s emotions, we can still formulate well-supported responses:
1. Draw Upon Scientific Knowledge:
Referencing scientific research lends credibility to your answers. For instance, you might say, “While we can’t definitively know their feelings, studies show whales have complex communication systems and exhibit behaviors suggesting grief and social bonding.”
2. Utilize Comparative Language:
Connect whale behavior to human emotions with caution. Instead of saying, “Whales feel sad when separated,” try, “Whales exhibit behaviors reminiscent of grief when separated, like emitting prolonged vocalizations and avoiding their usual routines.”
3. Express Personal Opinions Thoughtfully:
It’s acceptable to share your views, but always provide reasoning. You could say, “I believe whales experience a range of emotions because their social structures and cognitive abilities resemble those of primates, who demonstrably feel joy, anger, and sorrow.”
Whale Social Behavior
Example IELTS Question:
Examiner: “Some people believe keeping animals in captivity is cruel. What’s your opinion?”
Candidate: “I sympathize with that view, especially concerning intelligent animals like whales. While zoos can play a role in conservation, confining creatures capable of traversing vast oceans to tanks raises ethical questions about their emotional well-being.”
Tips for Success:
- Stay Updated: Familiarize yourself with current research on animal intelligence and behavior.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn synonyms for “feel” like “experience,” “exhibit,” or “demonstrate.”
- Practice Speaking: Discuss animal welfare topics with English partners or record yourself to identify areas for improvement.
Conclusion:
Remember, IELTS Speaking assesses your ability to communicate effectively on diverse topics. By approaching the question of animal emotions with sensitivity, factual support, and nuanced language, you’ll demonstrate your capacity for thoughtful discussion and achieve a higher band score.
