Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe an Event That Changed Your Perspective

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about life-changing experiences or events that have shaped our perspectives. One common topic that frequently appears is describing an event that altered your viewpoint. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions related to life experiences and changes. Here are some possible questions:

1. Do you think people’s perspectives change as they grow older?
2. Have you ever changed your opinion about something important?
3. How do you usually react to unexpected changes in your life?

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

Examiner: Have you ever changed your opinion about something important?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I have. In fact, I used to be quite skeptical about the importance of learning foreign languages. I thought it was unnecessary since English is widely spoken. However, after traveling abroad and experiencing difficulties communicating with locals, my perspective completely shifted. I realized that knowing multiple languages not only facilitates communication but also opens doors to understanding different cultures and ways of thinking. This experience has motivated me to start learning Spanish, and I’m finding it incredibly rewarding.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe An Event That Changed Your Perspective on something important

You should say:
- What the event was
- When and where it happened
- Who was involved
- How it changed your perspective

And explain why this change in perspective was significant to you.

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about an event that significantly changed my perspective on environmental conservation. It happened about two years ago when I visited a local beach with my friends for a weekend getaway.

We were excited to enjoy the sun and sand, but upon arriving, we were shocked to see the amount of plastic waste littering the once-beautiful shoreline. Bottles, bags, and various plastic items were scattered everywhere, creating an unsightly and harmful environment for marine life.

Seeing this firsthand really opened my eyes to the severity of plastic pollution. It was no longer just something I’d heard about on the news; it was a tangible problem right in front of me. This experience made me realize the urgent need for action to protect our environment.

After that day, I became much more conscious of my plastic usage and started making efforts to reduce it in my daily life. I began using reusable bags, bottles, and containers, and I even initiated a small clean-up group in my community.

This change in perspective was significant because it transformed me from a passive observer to an active participant in environmental conservation. It showed me that individual actions can make a difference, and it’s given me a sense of responsibility towards our planet that I didn’t have before.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to share an experience that profoundly altered my perspective on cultural diversity and inclusivity. This transformative event occurred during my university years when I participated in an international student exchange program in Southeast Asia.

Prior to this experience, I had been raised in a relatively homogeneous community and, admittedly, held some preconceived notions about other cultures. However, immersing myself in a completely different cultural milieu proved to be an eye-opening journey.

During my six-month stay, I lived with a local family and attended classes with students from various parts of the world. This intercultural interaction challenged my preexisting biases and broadened my worldview exponentially. I was particularly struck by the warmth and hospitality of my host family, who welcomed me as one of their own despite our apparent differences.

One pivotal moment stands out: during a traditional festival, I was invited to participate in a local ceremony. The intricate rituals and the sense of community I witnessed were profoundly moving. It made me realize how narrow my understanding of ‘normal’ had been and how much richness there is in cultural diversity.

This experience catalyzed a paradigm shift in my thinking. I began to appreciate the value of cultural exchange and the importance of fostering an inclusive society. It prompted me to critically examine my own cultural assumptions and to actively seek out diverse perspectives in both my personal and professional life.

The significance of this change in perspective cannot be overstated. It has shaped my career choices, leading me to pursue work in international relations where I can promote cross-cultural understanding. Moreover, it has enriched my personal life immeasurably, encouraging me to build friendships with people from various backgrounds and to continually challenge my own biases.

In essence, this event transformed me from someone with a limited worldview to a global citizen with a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. It underscored the importance of openness, empathy, and lifelong learning in our increasingly interconnected world.”

Student participating in international exchange program

Follow-up Questions

1. How has this experience influenced your daily life?
2. Do you think everyone should have such perspective-changing experiences?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

1. “This experience has had a profound impact on my daily life. I’ve become much more mindful of cultural differences and actively seek to understand diverse perspectives in both my personal and professional interactions. I’ve developed a habit of questioning my own assumptions and trying to see situations from multiple viewpoints. Moreover, I’ve become an advocate for cultural exchange programs, encouraging others to step out of their comfort zones and experience different cultures firsthand.”

2. “Absolutely. I believe everyone would benefit immensely from experiences that challenge their perspectives. Such encounters foster empathy, broaden horizons, and promote critical thinking. They help us break free from the echo chambers we often find ourselves in and expose us to new ideas and ways of life. While not everyone may have the opportunity to study abroad, even small steps like engaging with diverse communities locally or actively seeking out different viewpoints can be transformative. These experiences are crucial in our increasingly globalized world, helping to bridge cultural divides and promote mutual understanding.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think it’s important for people to be open to changing their perspectives?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I believe it’s crucial for people to be open to changing their perspectives. In today’s rapidly evolving world, flexibility in thinking is a valuable trait. Being open to new ideas allows us to grow personally and professionally. It helps us adapt to changes more easily and fosters innovation. Moreover, willingness to change perspective can lead to better understanding between different groups of people, potentially reducing conflicts and promoting harmony in society.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I consider openness to changing perspectives as a cornerstone of personal growth and societal progress. In our increasingly interconnected and diverse world, the ability to reassess and evolve our viewpoints is paramount. This openness facilitates critical thinking, enhances problem-solving skills, and promotes empathy.

Furthermore, being receptive to new perspectives is crucial for innovation and advancement in various fields. Many groundbreaking discoveries and societal improvements have stemmed from individuals who were willing to challenge established norms and consider alternative viewpoints.

On a broader scale, this openness can foster social cohesion and mitigate conflicts. When people are willing to consider different perspectives, it becomes easier to find common ground and develop inclusive solutions to complex problems.

However, it’s important to note that changing one’s perspective should be based on rational consideration and evidence, rather than mere persuasion. The goal is to cultivate a mindset of intellectual humility and curiosity, always being open to learning and growth while maintaining critical thinking skills.”

Diverse group engaged in discussion

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high band score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and expressions. Here are some key terms and phrases that can enhance your responses:

1. Paradigm shift /ˈpærəˌdaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: “The experience caused a paradigm shift in my understanding of cultural diversity.”

2. Eye-opening /aɪ ˈəʊpənɪŋ/ (adjective): Revealing new and surprising facts; enlightening.
   Example: “Visiting the slums was an eye-opening experience that changed my perspective on urban poverty.”

3. Broaden one’s horizons (idiom): To expand one’s range of interests, experiences, and knowledge.
   Example: “Traveling abroad really helped broaden my horizons and challenge my preconceptions.”

4. Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): Something that causes an important event to happen.
   Example: “The volunteer work acted as a catalyst for my career change into social services.”

5. Preconceived notion /ˌpriːkənˈsiːvd ˈnəʊʃn/ (noun): An opinion formed beforehand without adequate evidence.
   Example: “I had to abandon my preconceived notions about the country once I actually visited it.”

6. Transformative /trænsˈfɔːmətɪv/ (adjective): Causing a major change to something or someone.
   Example: “The workshop was a transformative experience that altered my approach to problem-solving.”

7. Pivotal /ˈpɪvətl/ (adjective): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
   Example: “Meeting my mentor was a pivotal moment in my career development.”

Person reflecting on personal change

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing events that changed your perspective:

1. Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of experiences ready to discuss, from personal to global events that have influenced your thinking.

2. Use specific details: Provide concrete examples and vivid descriptions to make your answers more engaging and memorable.

3. Show reflection: Demonstrate how the event made you think differently and why this change was significant.

4. Practice articulating complex ideas: Work on expressing abstract concepts clearly and coherently.

5. Develop your vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated terms and idioms related to change, growth, and perspective.

6. Stay relevant: Ensure your answers directly address the question while providing depth and insight.

7. Be genuine: While it’s important to use advanced language, make sure your responses sound natural and authentic.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss perspective-changing events in your IELTS Speaking test, potentially boosting your band score significantly.

Remember, describing events that changed your perspective allows you to showcase your ability to reflect on experiences and articulate complex thoughts – key skills that IELTS examiners look for in high-scoring candidates. If you’re looking for more practice, you might find it helpful to describe a person who loves to travel or describe a live sports match you attended, as these topics can also involve perspective-changing experiences.