As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve encountered numerous candidates struggling with topics they find uninteresting. This challenge is common, especially when discussing a conversation topic you were not interested in. Let’s explore effective strategies to tackle this scenario and boost your IELTS Speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask questions related to conversations and interests. Here are some potential questions:
- Do you enjoy having conversations with people?
- What topics do you find most interesting to talk about?
- Have you ever been in a conversation that bored you?
Let’s focus on the third question:
Examiner: Have you ever been in a conversation that bored you?
Band 6-7 Response:
“Yes, I have. I remember being at a family gathering where my uncles were talking about politics for hours. I’m not really into that topic, so I found it quite boring. I tried to be polite and listen, but I couldn’t wait for the conversation to end.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“Absolutely. I recall attending a professional networking event where a group of people were engrossed in a discussion about cryptocurrency. While I acknowledge its importance in the financial world, I found myself struggling to maintain interest as the conversation delved into technical jargon. Despite my initial disinterest, I made an effort to engage actively by asking clarifying questions, which helped me gain some valuable insights into this emerging field.”
Describe a foreign language you want to learn
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a conversation topic you were not interested in
You should say:
- What the topic was
- Who was talking about it
- Where and when this happened
- And explain why you were not interested in this topicBand 6-7 Response:
“I’d like to talk about a time when I was stuck in a conversation about car engines. It happened last month at my friend’s birthday party. My friend’s brother, who’s a mechanic, was explaining in great detail how different types of engines work. This went on for about 30 minutes.
I wasn’t really interested because I don’t know much about cars. I prefer to just drive them without understanding all the technical details. Also, I’m more interested in topics like movies or sports. I tried to be polite and nod along, but I found it hard to focus on what he was saying.
In the end, I excused myself to get a drink. I felt a bit bad for not being more engaged, but sometimes it’s hard to be interested in every topic that comes up in conversation.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“I’d like to recount an instance where I found myself immersed in a conversation that failed to captivate my interest. The topic in question was the intricacies of blockchain technology, which was being enthusiastically discussed by a group of tech enthusiasts at a recent industry conference.
The conversation took place during the networking session of the conference, held at a prestigious hotel in the city center last month. The primary speaker was a renowned blockchain expert who had just delivered a keynote address.
While I acknowledge the significance of blockchain in shaping the future of various industries, I found myself struggling to maintain engagement with the topic. My lack of interest stemmed from my limited technical background in this area and my preference for more practical, application-oriented discussions.
Despite my initial disinterest, I made a conscious effort to remain attentive and even posed a few questions to gain a broader perspective. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of being open-minded and willing to learn, even when faced with topics outside our comfort zone or immediate interest.”
Examiner: How do you think people can improve their ability to engage in conversations about topics they’re not interested in?
Band 6-7 Response:
“I think people can try to find something interesting in the topic. Maybe they can ask questions to learn more. Also, they can practice active listening and try to connect the topic to things they do like. It’s important to be polite and respectful, even if the topic isn’t interesting to you.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“Enhancing one’s ability to engage in less captivating conversations is a valuable skill that can be cultivated through various strategies. Firstly, adopting a growth mindset and viewing each conversation as an opportunity to learn can significantly shift one’s perspective. Additionally, honing active listening skills and asking thought-provoking questions can help maintain engagement and potentially uncover interesting aspects of the topic.
Moreover, individuals can practice the art of finding common ground or drawing parallels between the unfamiliar topic and their areas of interest. This approach not only aids in maintaining focus but also contributes to a more meaningful exchange. Lastly, developing empathy and genuine curiosity about others’ passions can transform seemingly uninteresting conversations into enlightening experiences, fostering personal growth and broadening one’s knowledge base.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Why do you think some people struggle to engage in conversations about topics they’re not interested in?
Band 6-7 Response:
“I think people struggle because they don’t know much about the topic. It’s hard to talk about something you don’t understand. Also, some people might find it boring if it’s not related to their hobbies or work. Sometimes, they might be tired or stressed, which makes it harder to focus on new topics.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“There are several factors that contribute to this challenge. Primarily, a lack of background knowledge can make it difficult for individuals to contribute meaningfully to the conversation, leading to feelings of inadequacy or discomfort. Additionally, our inherent cognitive biases often cause us to gravitate towards topics that align with our existing interests and experiences, making it challenging to engage with unfamiliar subjects.
Moreover, in today’s fast-paced world, many people have developed shorter attention spans and may struggle to maintain focus on topics that don’t immediately captivate them. The prevalence of personalized content in our digital lives has also conditioned us to expect information tailored to our preferences, potentially reducing our tolerance for topics outside our usual sphere of interest.
Lastly, some individuals may have underdeveloped social skills or lack the confidence to ask questions or steer the conversation in a direction they find more engaging. Overcoming these barriers requires a combination of open-mindedness, active listening, and a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone.”
Describe a famous beach you would like to visit
Examiner: How can people become more versatile in their conversation skills?
Band 6-7 Response:
“To become more versatile, people can try to read more about different topics. They can also watch documentaries or listen to podcasts about various subjects. Practicing conversations with different people can help too. It’s good to be open-minded and willing to learn new things. Maybe joining clubs or groups with diverse interests could be helpful.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“Developing versatility in conversation skills is a multifaceted process that requires dedication and practice. One effective approach is to cultivate a broad knowledge base by consistently exposing oneself to diverse subjects through reading, attending lectures, or engaging with educational content across various media platforms.
Additionally, honing active listening skills is crucial. This involves not just hearing words, but truly comprehending the speaker’s message and responding thoughtfully. Practicing empathetic communication can also significantly enhance one’s ability to engage in a wide range of conversations, as it allows for a deeper understanding of different perspectives.
Furthermore, embracing curiosity and adopting a growth mindset can transform potentially uninteresting topics into opportunities for learning and personal development. Engaging in regular conversations with individuals from diverse backgrounds and fields of expertise can also broaden one’s conversational repertoire.
Lastly, developing strong questioning techniques can be invaluable. The ability to ask insightful, open-ended questions not only demonstrates interest but also helps guide conversations in engaging directions, even when the initial topic might not be inherently captivating.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Engrossed in a discussion /ɪnˈɡrəʊst ɪn ə dɪˈskʌʃən/ (phrase): Deeply interested or absorbed in a conversation.
Example: “Despite my initial disinterest, I found myself engrossed in the discussion about renewable energy.” -
Struggle to maintain interest /ˈstrʌɡəl tuː meɪnˈteɪn ˈɪntrəst/ (phrase): To find it difficult to stay focused or engaged.
Example: “I struggled to maintain interest in the lengthy presentation about tax regulations.” -
Gain valuable insights /ɡeɪn ˈvæljuəbəl ˈɪnsaɪts/ (phrase): To acquire important or useful knowledge.
Example: “By listening attentively, I gained valuable insights into the complex world of international politics.” -
Reinforce my belief /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːs maɪ bɪˈliːf/ (phrase): To strengthen or support an existing idea or opinion.
Example: “The experience reinforced my belief in the importance of lifelong learning.” -
Cultivate through various strategies /ˈkʌltɪveɪt θruː ˈveəriəs ˈstrætədʒiz/ (phrase): To develop or improve using different methods.
Example: “We can cultivate effective communication skills through various strategies, such as role-playing and active listening exercises.”
Describe a language you are interested in learning
Examiner’s Advice for High Scores in IELTS Speaking
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Expand your knowledge base: Regularly expose yourself to diverse topics through reading, podcasts, and documentaries. This will help you engage more confidently in various conversations.
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Practice active listening: Focus on understanding the speaker’s message and respond thoughtfully. This skill is crucial for maintaining engaging conversations, even on less interesting topics.
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Develop your vocabulary: Learn and use a wide range of words and phrases. This will help you express your thoughts more precisely and eloquently.
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Use complex sentence structures: Incorporate a mix of simple and complex sentences in your responses. This demonstrates linguistic flexibility and sophistication.
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Provide detailed responses: Always aim to elaborate on your answers with examples, explanations, or personal experiences. This showcases your ability to communicate effectively.
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Stay calm and confident: Even if you encounter a topic you’re not familiar with, maintain your composure. Use strategies like asking for clarification or relating the topic to something you know.
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Practice regularly: Engage in mock speaking tests or conversations with native English speakers to improve your fluency and confidence.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about knowing the language, but also about effectively communicating your thoughts and ideas, even on topics that may not initially interest you.
Describe a local food market you like to visit
By following these strategies and continuously working on your language skills, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when faced with topics that may not immediately capture your interest.