The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics that require candidates to reflect on personal experiences. One such topic that frequently appears is describing a conversation that made you think differently. This question allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate complex thoughts and express personal growth. Let’s explore how to excel in answering this type of question across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about conversations and communication. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Sample Question: Do you enjoy having conversations with people?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do enjoy talking to people. It’s a good way to learn new things and make friends. I find conversations interesting, especially when I meet someone with different experiences.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely! I find engaging in conversations incredibly enriching. It’s not just about exchanging information, but also about gaining new perspectives and broadening my horizons. I particularly relish conversations that challenge my preconceptions and stimulate intellectual growth.”
Describe a film you want to watch again can be another interesting topic to discuss in your IELTS Speaking test, as it allows you to showcase your ability to describe personal preferences and experiences.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a conversation that made you think differently
You should say:
- Who you had the conversation with
- What the conversation was about
- When and where the conversation took place
- And explain why this conversation made you think differently
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share a profound conversation I had with my grandfather about a year ago. It took place during a family gathering at his house, where we found ourselves sitting on the porch one evening, away from the hustle and bustle of the party inside.
The conversation began casually but soon delved into the topic of career choices and life satisfaction. My grandfather, who had worked as a teacher for over four decades, shared insights about finding fulfillment in one’s profession that I had never considered before.
He challenged my notion that success was primarily about financial gain and social status. Instead, he emphasized the importance of making a positive impact on others and finding joy in daily work. His perspective was eye-opening, as he described how teaching had given him a sense of purpose far beyond what he had initially imagined.
This conversation profoundly altered my outlook on career and life goals. It made me reassess my priorities and consider how I could align my career aspirations with my values and desire to contribute meaningfully to society.
The way my grandfather spoke about his experiences was so compelling and heartfelt that it forced me to question my preconceived ideas about success. His words resonated deeply with me, encouraging me to look beyond conventional measures of achievement.
In retrospect, this conversation was a turning point in my thinking. It broadened my perspective on what constitutes a fulfilling life and career, leading me to explore career options I had previously overlooked. The impact of this single conversation has been far-reaching, influencing not only my career decisions but also how I approach life’s challenges and opportunities.”
Describe a book you would recommend to someone is another topic that can help you demonstrate your ability to articulate thoughts clearly and persuasively in the IELTS Speaking test.
Examiner’s Follow-up Questions:
- How often do you have conversations that change your way of thinking?
- Do you think older people generally give good advice to younger generations?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Transformative conversations are relatively rare, but I find that I experience them a few times a year. These are usually deep, meaningful exchanges that occur unexpectedly, often with people who have diverse life experiences. While not every conversation is life-changing, I believe that being open to new perspectives in daily interactions can gradually shift our thinking over time.”
“I believe that older people often have a wealth of wisdom to offer younger generations, stemming from their extensive life experiences. However, the value of their advice can vary significantly depending on how well they understand modern contexts. The most insightful elders are those who combine their life lessons with an open-minded approach to current realities, offering guidance that bridges generational gaps effectively.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Sample Questions and Answers:
Q1: How do you think technology has changed the way we communicate?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Technology has made communication faster and easier. We can now talk to people all over the world instantly through social media and messaging apps. However, it might also mean we have less face-to-face communication, which can be a problem.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Technology has revolutionized communication, making it instantaneous and boundary-less. While this has undoubtedly enhanced connectivity on a global scale, it’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, we have unprecedented access to diverse perspectives and information. On the other, the quality of our interactions may be diminishing. The convenience of digital communication often comes at the expense of depth and nuance that face-to-face conversations provide. Moreover, the constant connectivity can lead to information overload and reduced attention spans, potentially impacting our ability to engage in meaningful, thought-provoking dialogues.”
Describe a piece of good news you heard from others can be an excellent opportunity to showcase your ability to narrate events and express emotions effectively in your IELTS Speaking test.
Q2: Do you think schools should teach students how to have effective conversations?
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. I believe that effective communication skills are crucial in both personal and professional spheres, yet they’re often overlooked in traditional curricula. Schools should indeed incorporate conversation skills into their programs, focusing on aspects such as active listening, empathy, and articulating thoughts clearly.
Teaching these skills could enhance students’ emotional intelligence, prepare them for complex social interactions, and equip them with tools to navigate diverse viewpoints in our increasingly interconnected world. Moreover, learning to engage in constructive dialogues could foster critical thinking and help students become more adept at collaborative problem-solving.
However, it’s important to note that such education should be culturally sensitive and adaptable, recognizing that conversation norms can vary significantly across different societies and contexts. The goal should be to empower students with a versatile communication toolkit that they can apply and adapt throughout their lives.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Profound conversation – /prəˈfaʊnd/ (adjective): A deep, meaningful discussion
Example: “Our profound conversation about life goals lasted for hours.”To delve into – /delv/ (verb): To examine or discuss something thoroughly
Example: “We delved into the complexities of modern communication.”Eye-opening – /aɪ ˈəʊpənɪŋ/ (adjective): Revealing or enlightening
Example: “The documentary was an eye-opening experience about climate change.”To reassess – /ˌriːəˈses/ (verb): To consider or assess again, especially in a different way
Example: “After our talk, I had to reassess my career goals.”To resonate – /ˈrezəneɪt/ (verb): To evoke a feeling of shared emotion or belief
Example: “His words about finding purpose in work really resonated with me.”
Describe an interesting conversation you had recently provides another opportunity to practice using these key phrases and vocabulary in context.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a conversation that changed your perspective:
Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases relevant to the topic of conversations and change.
Provide specific details: Don’t just say the conversation was important; explain exactly how it impacted your thinking.
Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze the conversation’s impact on your thoughts and actions.
Use appropriate tenses: Ensure you use past tenses when describing the conversation and present tenses when discussing its ongoing impact.
Practice fluency: Aim to speak smoothly without long pauses, but don’t sacrifice accuracy for speed.
Engage with the topic: Show genuine interest in the discussion, especially in Part 3 where more abstract thinking is required.
Remember, the key to success is not just in memorizing answers, but in developing the ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and engagingly on a wide range of topics.
Describe a memorable weekend you had recently can be a great topic to practice these skills, allowing you to narrate events, express emotions, and reflect on experiences.
IELTS Speaking: Describing a conversation that changed perspective
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss how a conversation changed your perspective in your IELTS Speaking test, demonstrating your language skills and ability to reflect on personal experiences.