The Speaking section of the IELTS exam is designed to assess your spoken English skills. It consists of three parts: Introduction and Interview, Long Turn, and Two-way Discussion. IELTS Speaking Examiners evaluate criteria including Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. One common topic that may appear in Part 2 is “Describe a law you would like to see changed.”
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions
- Do you enjoy studying English?
- Why did you choose to study English?
- What do you do in your free time?
Sample Question and Answer:
Q: Do you enjoy studying English?
A: Yes, I absolutely enjoy studying English. It’s a global language that I believe opens up many opportunities for communication and career advancement. Additionally, understanding English allows me to access a wealth of knowledge and cultural experiences from around the world.
Part 2: Cue Card
Cue Card Prompt
Describe a law you would like to see changed.
- What the law is
- Why you would like to see it changed
- How the change would benefit society
- Any potential downsides of changing the law
Sample Answer:
One law I would like to see changed is the current mandatory 12-year compulsory education law. While it’s important to have a minimum education standard, I believe this law should be more flexible to allow for alternative pathways, such as vocational training or apprenticeships.
Firstly, the current law often forces students who are not academically inclined to stay in a system that doesn’t align with their strengths or interests. Secondly, changing the law to incorporate various educational pathways would cater to different learning styles and capabilities, thus supporting a more inclusive education system.
Implementing this change could lead to a more skilled workforce where people are employed in fields they are passionate about and excel in, thereby boosting productivity and job satisfaction. However, one potential downside is the initial cost of setting up and regulating these alternative pathways. Despite this, I believe the long-term benefits outweigh the initial costs.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Follow-up Questions and Model Answers
Q: What are the challenges of changing laws?
A: Changing laws can be quite complex and time-consuming. This complexity arises from the need for extensive consultation with various stakeholders, drafting new legislation, and ensuring public awareness and compliance. Additionally, there is always the challenge of balancing diverse public opinions and interests.
Q: Do you think laws should evolve with society?
A: Absolutely, I believe laws should dynamically evolve to reflect societal changes. As societies develop, new issues and advancements in technology emerge, making it necessary to update existing laws to address these new realities. This ensures that the legal framework remains relevant and effective in protecting citizens and promoting social well-being.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Vocabulary
- Mandatory (adj) /ˈmændətəri/: required by law or rules; compulsory.
- Vocational (adj) /vəʊˈkeɪʃənl/: relating to an occupation or employment.
- Inclusive (adj) /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/: not excluding any section of society or any party involved in something.
- Stakeholders (n) /ˈsteɪkˌhoʊldərs/: a person with an interest or concern in something, especially a business.
Sample Sentences
- “The inclusive nature of the proposed changes can help cater to a broader spectrum of students.”
- “Updating laws to reflect advancements in technology is crucial for maintaining societal order and development.”
Expert Advice for IELTS Speaking
- Practice regularly: The more you practice speaking, the more fluent and confident you’ll become.
- Expand your vocabulary: A rich vocabulary allows you to express your thoughts more precisely and vividly.
- Use complex sentences: Demonstrating a range of grammatical structures can improve your Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.
- Stay calm and focused: Nervousness can hinder your performance, so practice relaxation techniques and focus on speaking clearly and at a moderate pace.
By following these guidelines and refining your speaking skills, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any questions related to “Describe a law you would like to see changed” on your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!