Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Engage with Unexpected Conversation Topics

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners often ask questions about everyday topics to warm up candidates. Here are some potential questions related to unexpected conversations:

1. Do you enjoy having conversations with strangers?
2. What topics do you find most interesting to talk about?
3. Have you ever had a conversation that changed your opinion on something?

Let’s look at a sample answer for question 3:

Examiner: Have you ever had a conversation that changed your opinion on something?

Candidate (Band 6-7 answer):
Yes, I have. I remember having a conversation with a friend about environmental issues. Initially, I wasn’t very interested in the topic, but as we talked, I realized how important it is. My friend shared some fascinating facts about climate change that I hadn’t known before. After our chat, I started paying more attention to environmental news and even began recycling at home.

Candidate (Band 8-9 answer):
Absolutely. I recall a particularly enlightening conversation I had with a colleague about artificial intelligence. At first, I was rather skeptical about the topic, dismissing it as mere science fiction. However, as we delved deeper into the subject, I found myself utterly captivated by the potential implications of AI on various industries. My colleague eloquently explained how machine learning algorithms are already revolutionizing fields like healthcare and finance. This discussion completely transformed my perspective, prompting me to extensively research the topic and even consider taking an online course in AI basics.

IELTS Speaking: Engaging in Unexpected Conversations

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a cue card related to the topic:

Describe a conversation topic you were not initially interested in but found intriguing

You should say:

• What the topic was
• Who you had the conversation with
• Why you were not initially interested
• Why you found it intriguing in the end

And explain how this conversation changed your perspective on the topic.

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

I’d like to talk about a conversation I had about cryptocurrency. It was with my cousin who’s really into technology. At first, I wasn’t interested because I thought it was just complicated computer stuff.

I didn’t know much about digital money, and it seemed too technical for me. But as we talked, I started to find it interesting. My cousin explained things clearly, using simple examples. He told me how Bitcoin works and why some people think it’s the future of money.

What made it intriguing was learning about how cryptocurrency could change the way we use money. I was surprised to hear that some people already use it to buy things online. By the end of our chat, I was curious to learn more.

This conversation changed my view because I realized cryptocurrency isn’t just for tech experts. It’s something that might affect everyone’s lives in the future. Now, I’m more open to reading news about digital currencies and understanding how they might impact the economy.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

I’d like to recount a fascinating conversation I had about urban beekeeping, a topic that initially held little appeal for me. This enlightening discussion took place with a colleague who, as it turns out, is an avid apiarist in her spare time.

My initial disinterest stemmed from a combination of factors. Firstly, I’ve always harbored a slight fear of bees, and secondly, I perceived beekeeping as a rather niche and irrelevant hobby in an urban setting. However, as my colleague began to elucidate the intricacies of urban beekeeping, I found myself utterly captivated.

What truly piqued my interest was the multifaceted impact of urban beekeeping on our local ecosystems. My colleague eloquently explained how bees play a crucial role in pollinating city gardens and parks, thereby enhancing urban biodiversity. She also touched upon the therapeutic benefits of beekeeping, describing it as a form of mindfulness practice.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect was learning about the complex social structure within bee colonies. The way she described the intricate dance bees perform to communicate the location of food sources was nothing short of mesmerizing.

This conversation profoundly altered my perspective on urban beekeeping. I came to appreciate it not just as a hobby, but as a vital contribution to urban ecology and sustainability. It opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of nature and city life, challenging my preconceived notions about the role of wildlife in urban spaces.

In conclusion, this unexpected dialogue transformed what I once viewed as an obscure pastime into a subject of genuine fascination. It serves as a poignant reminder of the value in approaching unfamiliar topics with an open mind, as they often hold the potential to broaden our horizons in the most unexpected ways.

Examiner’s follow-up questions:

1. How often do you find yourself interested in topics you initially didn’t care about?
2. Do you think it’s important to be open-minded about new topics? Why or why not?

Sample answers:

1. (Band 6-7) I’d say it happens quite often. I try to keep an open mind when people talk about their interests. Sometimes, topics that seem boring at first turn out to be really interesting when you learn more about them. It’s always nice to discover new things.

   (Band 8-9) I find this occurrence to be remarkably frequent and intellectually stimulating. My natural curiosity often leads me to delve deeper into subjects that may not have initially captured my attention. This openness to new ideas has repeatedly proven beneficial, as it has broadened my knowledge base and fostered a more nuanced understanding of various fields.

2. (Band 6-7) Yes, I think being open-minded is very important. It helps us learn new things and understand different points of view. If we’re not open to new ideas, we might miss out on interesting information or experiences. It’s a good way to grow as a person and expand our knowledge.

   (Band 8-9) I believe that maintaining an open mind is absolutely crucial in our rapidly evolving world. This approach not only facilitates personal growth but also enhances our ability to navigate complex social and professional landscapes. By remaining receptive to new concepts, we cultivate cognitive flexibility, which is invaluable in problem-solving and innovation. Moreover, an open-minded attitude fosters empathy and cultural understanding, essential qualities in our increasingly interconnected global society.

IELTS Speaking: Discussing Urban Beekeeping

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Why do you think some people are more open to new ideas than others?

Candidate (Band 6-7):
I think it depends on a person’s background and experiences. Some people grow up in environments that encourage curiosity and learning, so they’re more likely to be open to new ideas. Others might feel more comfortable sticking to what they know. Also, education plays a big role. People who have had more diverse experiences in school or travel might be more open-minded.

Candidate (Band 8-9):
The propensity for openness to new ideas is, in my opinion, a complex interplay of various factors. Primarily, an individual’s upbringing and early experiences play a crucial role. Those raised in environments that foster curiosity and critical thinking are more likely to develop an open mindset. Additionally, exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives, whether through education, travel, or social interactions, can significantly enhance one’s receptiveness to novel concepts.

Personality traits also contribute substantially. Individuals with a high degree of intellectual curiosity and low levels of neuroticism tend to be more open to new experiences and ideas. Furthermore, cognitive flexibility, the ability to adapt one’s thinking in response to new information, is a key factor.

It’s also worth noting that societal and cultural norms can influence this trait. Societies that value innovation and encourage questioning of established norms may produce individuals who are more open to new ideas.

Lastly, I believe that personal experiences of success resulting from embracing new ideas can reinforce this openness, creating a positive feedback loop that encourages further exploration of unfamiliar concepts.

Examiner: How can educational institutions encourage students to be more open-minded?

Candidate (Band 6-7):
I think schools can do a lot to help students be more open-minded. They could organize cultural events where students learn about different traditions and ways of life. Teachers could also use group projects that mix students from different backgrounds. This would help them learn to work with people who have different ideas. Another good idea would be to have debates in class, where students have to argue for different sides of an issue. This could help them understand different viewpoints better.

Candidate (Band 8-9):
Educational institutions can play a pivotal role in cultivating open-mindedness among students through a multifaceted approach. Firstly, implementing a diverse and inclusive curriculum that exposes students to a wide array of cultures, philosophies, and perspectives can broaden their horizons and challenge preconceived notions.

Secondly, fostering a classroom environment that encourages critical thinking and respectful debate is crucial. This can be achieved through Socratic seminars, where students engage in deep, analytical discussions about complex topics, learning to question assumptions and consider multiple viewpoints.

Additionally, incorporating project-based learning that requires collaboration with peers from diverse backgrounds can help students appreciate different approaches to problem-solving. Cross-cultural exchange programs and virtual collaborations with international schools can further enhance global awareness.

Moreover, promoting interdisciplinary studies can help students recognize the interconnectedness of various fields of knowledge, fostering a more holistic and open approach to learning.

Lastly, training educators in inclusive teaching methods and unconscious bias awareness can ensure that they model open-mindedness and create a safe space for diverse ideas to flourish.

By implementing these strategies, educational institutions can cultivate a generation of critical thinkers who are not only open to new ideas but also equipped to navigate the complexities of our increasingly interconnected world.

Educational Institutions Fostering Open-mindedness

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Enlightening /ɪnˈlaɪtnɪŋ/ (adjective): Giving new and useful information
   Example: The lecture on quantum physics was truly enlightening.

2. Captivated /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having one’s interest or attention held completely
   Example: I was captivated by her explanation of marine ecosystems.

3. Elucidate /ɪˈluːsɪdeɪt/ (verb): To make something clear; to explain
   Example: The professor elucidated the complex theory in simple terms.

4. Multifaceted /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features
   Example: Climate change is a multifaceted issue that requires global cooperation.

5. Pique one’s interest (phrase): To stimulate curiosity or interest
   Example: The mysterious artifact piqued the archaeologist’s interest.

6. Broaden one’s horizons (phrase): To expand the range of one’s knowledge, interests, or experiences
   Example: Traveling abroad can really broaden your horizons.

7. Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To develop or improve by education or training
   Example: The school aims to cultivate critical thinking skills in its students.

8. Propensity /prəˈpensəti/ (noun): A natural tendency to behave in a particular way
   Example: He has a propensity for asking thought-provoking questions.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing unexpected or initially uninteresting topics:

1. Vocabulary: Use a wide range of vocabulary, including less common words and idiomatic expressions. Practice incorporating advanced vocabulary naturally into your speech.

2. Fluency: Aim for smooth delivery with minimal hesitation. Regular practice speaking on various topics can help improve your fluency.

3. Coherence: Organize your thoughts logically. Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly.

4. Elaboration: Provide detailed responses with examples and personal experiences. Don’t just answer questions briefly; expand on your points.

5. Pronunciation: Work on clear pronunciation and natural intonation. Pay attention to word stress and sentence rhythm.

6. Grammar: Use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures accurately. Practice using conditional sentences, relative clauses, and other advanced grammatical structures.

7. Critical thinking: Show your ability to analyze topics from different angles. Don’t be afraid to express well-reasoned opinions.

8. Authenticity: While it’s good to prepare, avoid memorized answers. Examiners appreciate genuine, spontaneous responses.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about language proficiency, but also about effectively communicating your thoughts and engaging with the topic at hand.