Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Time When You Had to Follow Strict Rules

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences, including times when candidates had to adhere to strict rules. This topic is particularly relevant as it allows examiners to assess a candidate’s ability to describe past events, express opinions, and discuss the impact of rules on individuals and society. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and maximize your IELTS Speaking score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about rules and regulations. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you think rules are important in society? Why or why not?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe rules play a crucial role in society as they help maintain order and ensure fairness. Without rules, chaos could easily ensue, and people might act solely in their own interests without considering others. However, it’s essential to strike a balance between having necessary regulations and allowing for personal freedom.”

2. Can you give an example of a rule you follow in your daily life?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“One rule I consistently adhere to is practicing proper time management. I set a strict schedule for myself, allocating specific time slots for work, study, and leisure activities. This self-imposed rule helps me stay organized and productive, ensuring I make the most of each day while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.”

IELTS Speaking: Time Management Rule

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Now, let’s look at a potential cue card related to the topic:

Describe A Time When You Had To Follow Strict Rules.
You should say:

• What the situation was
• What the rules were
• Why you had to follow these rules
• And explain how you felt about following these rules

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to describe a time when I had to follow strict rules during a meditation retreat I attended last year. The situation was a week-long silent retreat at a Buddhist monastery in the mountains, where participants were required to adhere to a rigorous daily schedule and a set of stringent guidelines.

The rules were quite comprehensive and demanding. Firstly, we had to maintain complete silence throughout the retreat, communicating only through gestures or written notes when absolutely necessary. We were also required to wake up at 4:30 AM every day for the first meditation session, followed by a strict schedule of alternating meditation and mindfulness practices, with brief breaks for meals and rest. Additionally, we had to abstain from using any electronic devices, reading materials, or engaging in any form of entertainment.

The rationale behind these rules was to create an environment conducive to deep introspection and mindfulness. By eliminating external distractions and adhering to a structured routine, we could focus entirely on our inner experiences and develop our meditation practice.

Initially, I found the rules incredibly challenging and somewhat frustrating. The early mornings were particularly difficult, and the lack of communication made me feel isolated at times. However, as the days progressed, I began to appreciate the wisdom behind these strict guidelines. The silence allowed for a profound sense of inner peace, and the structured schedule helped me develop discipline in my practice.

By the end of the retreat, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the experience. The strict rules, which had seemed daunting at first, ultimately facilitated a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth. This experience taught me the value of discipline and the potential benefits of temporarily stepping out of our comfort zones to gain new perspectives.”

Meditation Retreat with Strict Rules

Follow-up questions:

1. How did following these strict rules impact your daily life after the retreat?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The experience had a profound and lasting impact on my daily life. I found myself incorporating many of the practices I learned into my routine, such as maintaining periods of silence for reflection and adhering to a more structured schedule. The discipline I developed during the retreat also enhanced my productivity and focus in both my personal and professional life.”

2. Do you think such strict rules are necessary for personal growth?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“While I believe that strict rules can be beneficial for personal growth in certain contexts, I don’t think they’re always necessary. The key is finding a balance that works for each individual. For some, a highly structured environment might be essential to make significant changes, while others might thrive with more flexibility. It’s important to recognize one’s own needs and adapt accordingly.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to rules and regulations. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. How do you think strict rules in schools affect students’ creativity?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The impact of strict rules on students’ creativity is a complex and nuanced issue. On one hand, some structure and discipline are necessary to create a conducive learning environment. However, overly rigid rules can stifle creativity by limiting students’ freedom to explore and express themselves. I believe the key lies in striking a balance between maintaining order and allowing for flexibility. Schools should aim to create an environment that encourages critical thinking and innovation while still providing necessary guidelines for behavior and academic performance. This might involve implementing rules that ensure safety and respect, while also incorporating project-based learning and open-ended assignments that allow students to think outside the box.”

2. In your opinion, are there any situations where breaking rules is justified?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe there can be situations where breaking rules might be justified, particularly when adhering to those rules would result in harm or injustice. For example, in cases of emergency or when someone’s safety is at risk, breaking certain rules might be necessary. However, it’s crucial to carefully consider the consequences of breaking rules and to do so only as a last resort. In most cases, it’s better to work within the system to change unfair or outdated rules rather than simply disregarding them.”

Breaking Rules: Ethical Dilemma

3. How do you think the enforcement of rules differs between small communities and large cities?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The enforcement of rules in small communities versus large cities often differs significantly due to various factors. In smaller communities, there’s typically a stronger sense of social cohesion and personal accountability. People are more likely to know each other, which can lead to informal enforcement of rules through social pressure and community expectations. This can sometimes result in more flexible interpretation and application of rules based on individual circumstances.

In contrast, large cities often require more formalized and standardized enforcement due to their size and diversity. There’s usually a greater reliance on official law enforcement and bureaucratic systems to maintain order. This can lead to more consistent application of rules but might sometimes lack the nuanced approach possible in smaller communities.

However, it’s important to note that this is a generalization, and there can be significant variations depending on cultural, economic, and political factors. Some large cities might foster strong community ties in certain neighborhoods, while some small towns might have very strict, formal rule enforcement. The key is to recognize that effective rule enforcement should ideally balance consistency with sensitivity to local contexts and individual circumstances.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To boost your IELTS Speaking score, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases into your responses:

1. Adhere to (verb) /ədˈhɪər tuː/ – to follow a rule or guideline closely
   Example: “It’s important to adhere to traffic rules for everyone’s safety.”

2. Stringent (adjective) /ˈstrɪndʒənt/ – very strict or severe
   Example: “The company implemented stringent security measures to protect sensitive data.”

3. Rationale (noun) /ˌræʃəˈnæl/ – the reason or logical basis for a course of action or belief
   Example: “The rationale behind the new policy was to improve efficiency in the workplace.”

4. Conducive (adjective) /kənˈduːsɪv/ – making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible
   Example: “A quiet environment is conducive to productive studying.”

5. Profound (adjective) /prəˈfaʊnd/ – very great or intense
   Example: “The experience had a profound impact on my worldview.”

6. Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
   Example: “The issue requires a nuanced approach, considering all aspects of the problem.”

7. Stifle (verb) /ˈstaɪfəl/ – to prevent or constrain
   Example: “Overly strict rules can stifle creativity and innovation.”

8. Strike a balance (phrase) – to find a compromise between two opposing things
   Example: “It’s crucial to strike a balance between work and personal life.”

Incorporating these words and phrases naturally into your responses can demonstrate a high level of vocabulary and language proficiency, contributing to a higher band score in the IELTS Speaking test.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics like following strict rules, consider these tips:

1. Practice describing past experiences in detail, focusing on your thoughts, feelings, and the impact of the event.

2. Develop your ability to discuss abstract concepts related to rules and regulations in society.

3. Work on expanding your vocabulary, particularly words and phrases related to rules, discipline, and their effects on individuals and communities.

4. Practice expressing and justifying your opinions on complex issues surrounding rules and their enforcement.

5. Improve your fluency by regularly discussing these topics with study partners or language exchange friends.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about knowing the right answers, but about expressing your thoughts clearly, coherently, and with a rich vocabulary. Regular practice and exposure to a wide range of topics will help you describe a place you would like to go camping or any other subject with confidence and fluency.

By following these guidelines and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about following strict rules and other related topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!