The IELTS Speaking test often presents candidates with topics that may seem mundane at first glance. One such topic that has appeared in recent exams and is likely to continue being relevant is describing a conversation topic you initially found uninteresting. This question tests your ability to reflect on personal experiences and articulate your thoughts on unexpected learning opportunities. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across different parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about conversations and interests. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Sample Question: Do you enjoy having conversations with strangers?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do enjoy talking to new people sometimes. It can be interesting to hear different opinions and learn about their experiences. However, it depends on the situation and how comfortable I feel.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely! I find engaging with strangers to be an incredibly enriching experience. It’s fascinating to gain insights into diverse perspectives and lifestyles. That said, I’m always mindful of social cues and cultural norms to ensure the interaction is appropriate and comfortable for both parties.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

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

Describe a conversation topic you initially found uninteresting

You should say:

• What the topic was
• Who you had this conversation with
• Why you initially found it uninteresting
• How your opinion changed by the end of the conversation

Here are sample responses for different band scores:

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I remember having a conversation about gardening with my neighbor last summer. At first, I wasn’t very interested because I’ve never been good with plants and thought it was a boring hobby. My neighbor started talking about different types of flowers and how to care for them, which didn’t excite me much.

However, as we continued talking, she mentioned how gardening helped her relax and improve her mental health. This caught my attention because I’ve been trying to find ways to reduce stress. She explained how working with plants can be therapeutic and how satisfying it is to see something grow from a tiny seed.

By the end of our chat, I realized gardening wasn’t just about plants, but also about patience, nurturing, and connecting with nature. I found myself asking questions about how to start a small herb garden on my balcony. This conversation changed my view on gardening, and I’ve since started growing some basil and mint at home.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to recount a particularly enlightening conversation I had with a colleague about cryptocurrency. Initially, I found the topic utterly uninteresting, dismissing it as a fleeting trend in the financial world. My colleague, an enthusiast in the field, began explaining the intricacies of blockchain technology and its potential applications beyond digital currencies.

What piqued my interest was when he delved into the social implications of decentralized finance. He painted a vivid picture of how cryptocurrency could empower unbanked populations in developing countries, providing access to financial services that were previously out of reach. This broader context transformed my perception entirely.

As our discussion progressed, I found myself captivated by the innovative potential of this technology. We explored concepts like smart contracts and their capacity to revolutionize legal processes. By the end of our conversation, I had not only gained a newfound appreciation for cryptocurrency but also recognized its potential to address global economic disparities.

This experience taught me the value of approaching seemingly uninteresting topics with an open mind. It demonstrated how initial disinterest can evolve into genuine curiosity and even passion when we delve deeper into a subject’s wider implications.”

IELTS Speaking: Discussing an initially uninteresting topic

Follow-up questions:

1. How did this experience change your approach to new topics?
2. Can you think of other situations where your initial opinion about something changed dramatically?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“This experience made me more open-minded about new topics. I try not to judge things too quickly now. Yes, I can think of a time when I thought I wouldn’t like a new food, but after trying it, I really enjoyed it.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“This encounter has profoundly altered my approach to unfamiliar subjects. I now make a conscious effort to suspend judgment and approach new topics with curiosity, recognizing that surface-level impressions can be misleading. As for other instances of opinion shifts, I recall my initial skepticism towards mindfulness meditation. I dismissed it as new-age fluff, but after engaging with scientific literature on its cognitive benefits, I’ve become a strong advocate for its practice in daily life.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

Q1: Why do you think some people are quick to dismiss topics they’re unfamiliar with?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think people often dismiss unfamiliar topics because they’re afraid of feeling ignorant. It’s easier to say something is boring than to admit we don’t understand it. Also, we all have our own interests, so it’s natural to focus on what we already like.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“There are several psychological factors at play when people hastily dismiss unfamiliar topics. Firstly, there’s the cognitive bias known as the ‘mere-exposure effect’, which predisposes us to prefer things we’re already familiar with. Additionally, our innate desire to protect our self-image often leads us to avoid situations where we might feel intellectually inadequate.

Moreover, in today’s information-saturated world, people may develop a defense mechanism of quick judgment to filter the constant influx of new ideas. This can, unfortunately, result in missed opportunities for growth and learning. It’s crucial to recognize these tendencies and actively cultivate an open-minded approach to unfamiliar subjects.”

Q2: How can education systems encourage students to be more open to diverse topics?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Schools can encourage students to be more open-minded by introducing a variety of subjects and showing how they connect to real life. They could also invite guest speakers from different fields to talk about their work. Group projects on diverse topics might help students learn from each other too.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Education systems can foster intellectual curiosity and openness through several strategic approaches. Firstly, implementing interdisciplinary curricula can demonstrate the interconnectedness of various fields, helping students appreciate the relevance of diverse subjects.

Secondly, experiential learning opportunities, such as field trips, internships, and hands-on projects, can bring abstract concepts to life and showcase their real-world applications. This tangible connection often ignites interest in previously overlooked areas.

Furthermore, cultivating critical thinking skills should be a cornerstone of education. By teaching students how to analyze information objectively and question their own biases, we equip them with the tools to approach unfamiliar topics more openly.

Lastly, promoting a growth mindset in the classroom environment can encourage students to view challenges and unfamiliar subjects as opportunities for development rather than threats to their perceived intelligence. This shift in perspective can significantly enhance their willingness to engage with diverse topics.”

Education system promoting diverse topics

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your speaking performance, consider incorporating these sophisticated terms and expressions:

1. Paradigm shift /ˈpærəˌdaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: “The conversation led to a paradigm shift in my understanding of environmental issues.”

2. Preconceived notion /ˌpriːkənˈsiːvd ˈnoʊʃən/ (noun phrase): An opinion formed beforehand without adequate evidence.
   Example: “I had to abandon my preconceived notions about classical music after attending the concert.”

3. To broaden one’s horizons (idiom): To expand one’s range of interests, experiences, or knowledge.
   Example: “Traveling has really helped me broaden my horizons and appreciate different cultures.”

4. Cognitive dissonance /ˈkɒɡnətɪv ˈdɪsənəns/ (noun): The state of having inconsistent thoughts or beliefs, especially relating to behavioral decisions and attitude change.
   Example: “I experienced cognitive dissonance when I realized my actions weren’t aligning with my environmental values.”

5. To pique one’s interest (phrase): To stimulate or arouse one’s curiosity or interest.
   Example: “The speaker’s passion for the subject piqued my interest, despite my initial indifference.”

Key vocabulary for IELTS Speaking

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing initially uninteresting topics:

1. Practice reflection: Regularly think about your experiences and how they’ve shaped your perspectives. This will help you respond more naturally to unexpected topics.

2. Develop your vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with a range of sophisticated terms and idiomatic expressions. Use them appropriately to enhance your responses.

3. Structure your answers: Even in spontaneous speech, try to organize your thoughts logically. Use discourse markers to guide the listener through your response.

4. Embrace the unexpected: View unfamiliar topics as opportunities to showcase your adaptability and critical thinking skills.

5. Provide specific examples: Ground your responses in personal experiences or concrete scenarios to make your answers more engaging and memorable.

By following these strategies and incorporating the provided vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any topic in your IELTS Speaking test, even those that might initially seem uninteresting. Remember, it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it that can describe a conversation topic you were not initially interested in but found intriguing and impress the examiner.