The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about laws and regulations, making it essential for test-takers to be prepared to discuss this topic. One common question that may arise is “Describe a law that you would like to change.” This article will guide you through answering this question effectively, providing sample answers and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask you some general questions about laws and regulations. Here are a few examples:
- Do you think there are too many laws in your country?
- What’s your opinion on people who break the law?
- Are there any laws in your country that you disagree with?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, to be honest, there is one law in my country that I find a bit outdated and problematic. It’s the law that prohibits same-sex marriage. I believe this law discriminates against a significant portion of our population and denies them equal rights. In my opinion, it’s high time we revisited this legislation to make our society more inclusive and accepting of diverse relationships.”
Describe a law that you think is necessary
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to changing a law:
Describe a law that you would like to change
You should say:
- What the law is
- Why you want to change it
- How this change would affect society
- And explain why you think this change is importantSample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a law in my country that I believe needs to be changed. It’s the law that sets the legal voting age at 18. I think this age limit should be lowered to 16.
The main reason I want to change this law is that I believe young people today are much more informed and engaged in political issues than ever before. With access to information through the internet and social media, 16-year-olds are often well-versed in current affairs and have strong opinions on matters that affect their future.
If this change were implemented, it would have a significant impact on our society. Firstly, it would encourage greater political participation among young people. They would feel more valued and heard, which could lead to increased civic engagement in the long term. Additionally, politicians would have to pay more attention to issues that affect younger generations, potentially leading to more youth-focused policies.
I think this change is crucial because it recognizes the maturity and capability of our youth. It would give them a voice in shaping the future they’ll inherit and could lead to a more dynamic and representative democracy. Moreover, it might help combat political apathy among young people by involving them in the democratic process earlier.
In conclusion, lowering the voting age to 16 is a change I strongly believe in, as it could have far-reaching positive effects on our society and political system.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss a law that I believe is in dire need of reform – the current legislation governing plastic waste management in my country. This law, while well-intentioned, falls short in addressing the monumental environmental crisis we’re facing due to plastic pollution.
The primary reason I advocate for changing this law is its inadequacy in tackling the root cause of the problem. The existing regulations primarily focus on recycling and waste management, but they fail to address the excessive production and use of single-use plastics. I strongly believe we need a more comprehensive and stringent approach that targets the entire lifecycle of plastic products.
Implementing such a change would have far-reaching implications for our society. Firstly, it would compel industries to invest in eco-friendly alternatives and innovative packaging solutions. This could potentially catalyze a green revolution in our manufacturing sector. Secondly, it would foster a culture of environmental consciousness among citizens, encouraging more sustainable lifestyle choices. Lastly, it would significantly reduce the ecological footprint of our nation, contributing to global efforts in combating climate change.
The importance of this change cannot be overstated. Our planet is at a critical juncture, and we need bold, decisive action to mitigate the environmental damage caused by plastic pollution. By overhauling our plastic waste laws, we would not only be safeguarding our ecosystems but also setting a precedent for other nations to follow. Moreover, it would demonstrate our commitment to intergenerational equity, ensuring that we leave a habitable planet for future generations.
In conclusion, revamping our plastic waste management laws is not just a matter of environmental policy – it’s a moral imperative. It’s about taking responsibility for our actions and paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.”
IELTS Speaking Examiner asking a question about changing laws
Follow-up Questions
After your long turn, the examiner might ask you some follow-up questions. Here are a few examples with sample answers:
- Do you think it’s easy to change laws in your country?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“In my country, changing laws is generally a complex and time-consuming process. It requires extensive debate in parliament, public consultations, and often faces resistance from various stakeholders. However, I believe this thoroughness is necessary to ensure that any changes are well-considered and truly beneficial to society.”
- How do you think people can influence law-making in a democracy?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Citizens in a democracy have several avenues to influence law-making. They can engage in grassroots activism, organize petitions, and participate in public demonstrations to raise awareness about issues. Additionally, they can lobby their elected representatives, participate in public consultations, and use social media to amplify their voices. Moreover, by exercising their right to vote, citizens can elect lawmakers who align with their values and priorities, thus indirectly shaping the legislative agenda.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this final part, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- What role do you think technology should play in law enforcement?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe technology can play a significant role in enhancing law enforcement efforts. For instance, surveillance cameras and data analytics can help in crime prevention and detection. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between utilizing technology for public safety and protecting individual privacy rights. There should be strict regulations in place to prevent any misuse of these technological tools.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology undoubtedly has the potential to revolutionize law enforcement, but its implementation must be approached with caution and ethical considerations. Advanced tools like AI-powered predictive policing and facial recognition can significantly enhance crime prevention and investigation capabilities. However, we must be vigilant about the potential for bias in these systems and the risk of infringing on civil liberties.
I believe the ideal approach is to harness technology’s benefits while establishing robust oversight mechanisms and transparent policies. This could involve regular audits of AI algorithms for bias, strict data protection laws, and public engagement in the development of tech-driven law enforcement strategies. By doing so, we can create a system that leverages technological advancements to improve public safety while upholding the principles of justice and individual rights.”
- How do you think globalization has affected law-making in different countries?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Globalization has had a profound impact on law-making worldwide. It has led to greater harmonization of laws across countries, especially in areas like international trade and human rights. However, it has also created challenges, such as dealing with cross-border crimes and regulating multinational corporations. Countries now often need to consider international standards and global implications when crafting their laws.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Globalization has fundamentally transformed the landscape of law-making across nations. It has catalyzed a convergence of legal systems, particularly in domains like international commerce, intellectual property rights, and environmental regulations. This trend towards legal harmonization has facilitated smoother international interactions and trade.
However, globalization has also introduced unprecedented complexities into the law-making process. Legislators now grapple with transnational issues such as cybercrime, data privacy, and climate change, which require coordinated international responses. Moreover, the increased mobility of capital and labor has necessitated the recalibration of domestic laws to remain competitive in the global market while protecting national interests.
Another significant impact is the erosion of the traditional notion of state sovereignty in law-making. Supranational bodies like the EU and international treaties now exert considerable influence on domestic legislation. This has led to a delicate balancing act between adhering to international norms and preserving local legal traditions and values.
In essence, globalization has necessitated a more interconnected and nuanced approach to law-making, one that transcends national boundaries while still addressing local needs and cultural sensitivities.”
Describe a city you would like to visit again
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a range of advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can elevate your responses:
Legislation /ˌledʒɪsˈleɪʃən/ (noun): Laws, considered collectively.
Example: “The new legislation aims to reduce carbon emissions.”Implement /ˈɪmplɪment/ (verb): Put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect.
Example: “The government plans to implement stricter environmental regulations.”Ramifications /ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz/ (noun): The consequences of an action or decision.
Example: “We need to consider the long-term ramifications of this policy change.”Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “Legalizing same-sex marriage represented a paradigm shift in societal attitudes.”Enforce /ɪnˈfɔːrs/ (verb): Compel observance of or compliance with (a law, rule, or obligation).
Example: “The challenge lies not just in passing laws, but in effectively enforcing them.”
Describe a place in your city that you would like to improve
IELTS candidate speaking confidently during test
Examiner’s Advice
As an experienced IELTS examiner, here are some tips to help you excel in the Speaking test:
Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with common IELTS topics and practice speaking about them fluently.
Use a variety of sentence structures: Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Explain your thoughts, give examples, and elaborate on your points.
Use appropriate linking words: This helps in maintaining fluency and coherence in your speech.
Work on your pronunciation: Clear pronunciation is crucial for a high score. Pay attention to word stress and intonation.
Stay calm and confident: Remember, the examiner is there to assess your English, not to trick you. Stay relaxed and speak naturally.
Listen carefully to the questions: Make sure you understand what’s being asked before you start answering.
Be honest: If you don’t understand a question, it’s okay to ask for clarification.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and increase your chances of achieving a high band score.
Describe a time when you worked with a difficult team member
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about knowing the language, but also about using it effectively to express your thoughts and ideas. Good luck with your preparation!