Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Introduce a New Law in Your Country

The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to laws and regulations, making it crucial for test-takers to be prepared to discuss such subjects. One common question that may arise is “describe a new law you would like to introduce in your country.” This topic allows candidates to showcase their language skills while expressing their thoughts on societal improvements. Let’s explore how to effectively approach this question and achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the Speaking test, the examiner may ask general questions about laws and regulations. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Question: “Do you think there are too many laws in your country?”

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, that’s an interesting question. I wouldn’t say there are too many laws, but rather that some existing laws may need to be updated or simplified. In my opinion, laws are essential for maintaining order and protecting citizens’ rights. However, I believe that the focus should be on the quality and effectiveness of laws rather than their quantity. It’s crucial to have laws that address current societal issues and are easy for people to understand and follow.”

Describe a time when you had to follow a strict set of rules can be a related topic that may help you prepare for this type of question in the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to discuss for 1-2 minutes. Here’s an example cue card related to introducing a new law:

Describe a new law you would like to introduce in your country

You should say:
- What the law would be
- Why you think this law is needed
- How this law would affect people's lives
- And explain why you think this law would be effective

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to propose a new law that mandates companies to provide a minimum of two months of paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers. This law is desperately needed in my country because currently, many parents, especially fathers, have limited time off after the birth of a child.

The primary reason for introducing this law is to promote gender equality in the workplace and at home. By offering equal parental leave to both parents, we can encourage shared responsibility in child-rearing and reduce the career penalties often faced by women who take extended maternity leave.

This law would significantly impact people’s lives in several ways. Firstly, it would allow new parents to bond with their children during those crucial early months without worrying about job security or financial strain. Secondly, it would help reduce the gender pay gap by ensuring that women are not disproportionately affected by career breaks due to childcare responsibilities.

I believe this law would be highly effective because it addresses a pressing social issue and aligns with the growing global trend towards more family-friendly policies. Countries that have implemented similar laws, such as Sweden and Norway, have seen positive outcomes in terms of gender equality, child development, and overall family well-being. Moreover, studies have shown that employees who feel supported in their family life tend to be more productive and loyal to their employers, which could lead to economic benefits in the long run.

In conclusion, while implementing such a law may face initial resistance from some businesses, I’m confident that the long-term societal and economic benefits would far outweigh any short-term challenges.”

IELTS Speaking: Discussing parental leave law

Follow-up questions:

1. How do you think businesses would react to this new law?
2. Are there any potential drawbacks to implementing such a law?

Sample answers:

Band 6-7:

1. “I think some businesses might be worried about the costs at first. They might have to hire temporary workers or redistribute work among other employees. However, in the long run, I believe most companies would see the benefits of having happier and more loyal employees.”

2. “One possible drawback could be the financial burden on smaller businesses. They might struggle to cover the costs of paid leave for their employees. Another issue might be finding qualified temporary replacements for employees on leave, especially in specialized fields.”

Band 8-9:

1. “Initially, there might be some resistance from businesses, particularly smaller enterprises concerned about the financial implications. However, forward-thinking companies are likely to recognize the potential for increased employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity. Moreover, businesses that embrace this policy could gain a competitive edge in attracting top talent, especially among younger generations who prioritize work-life balance.”

2. “While the benefits are substantial, we must acknowledge potential challenges. The most significant concern would be the economic impact on small and medium-sized enterprises, which might struggle to absorb the costs of extended paid leave. Additionally, certain sectors might face difficulties in finding skilled temporary replacements, potentially leading to productivity gaps. However, these drawbacks could be mitigated through government support programs or tax incentives for businesses implementing the policy.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:

Question 1: “Do you think laws should be changed regularly to keep up with societal changes?”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I believe that laws should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the evolving nature of society. As we progress technologically, culturally, and socially, new challenges and opportunities arise that may not have been anticipated when existing laws were created. For instance, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and data privacy concerns have necessitated the development of new regulations to protect individuals’ rights in the digital age.

However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between adaptability and stability in our legal framework. While laws should be flexible enough to address emerging issues, constant changes could lead to confusion and instability. Therefore, I advocate for a systematic approach to legal reform, where laws are periodically reviewed by experts, stakeholders, and policymakers to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

Moreover, public participation in the law-making process is essential. Engaging citizens through consultations, surveys, and public debates can help ensure that legal changes truly reflect the needs and values of the society they serve. This approach not only leads to more robust and relevant laws but also fosters a sense of civic responsibility and engagement among the population.”

Question 2: “How can governments ensure that new laws are effectively communicated to the public?”

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I think governments have several options to effectively communicate new laws to the public. Firstly, they could use traditional media channels like television, radio, and newspapers to announce and explain new laws. These platforms still reach a large portion of the population, especially older generations.

Secondly, social media and government websites should be utilized to share information about new laws. These digital platforms can provide detailed explanations, infographics, and even short videos to help people understand the implications of new legislation.

Educational institutions also play a crucial role. Schools and universities could incorporate lessons about new laws into their curricula, ensuring that young people are aware of their rights and responsibilities.

Lastly, community outreach programs could be organized where government representatives or legal experts hold information sessions or Q&A events in local communities. This approach allows for direct interaction and can help clarify any confusion about new laws.”

Describe a person who motivates you to be creative can provide insights into discussing influential figures, which may be relevant when talking about lawmakers or policy influencers in your IELTS Speaking test.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high band score in IELTS Speaking, it’s essential to use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases related to law-making and societal change:

1. Legislation /ˌledʒɪsˈleɪʃən/ (noun): The process of making or enacting laws.
   Example: “The new legislation aims to protect consumer rights in the digital marketplace.”

2. Implement /ˈɪmplɪment/ (verb): To put a plan or system into action.
   Example: “The government plans to implement the new education policy gradually over the next five years.”

3. Regulatory framework /ˈreɡjələtəri ˈfreɪmwɜːk/ (noun phrase): The system of regulations and standards that govern a particular area or activity.
   Example: “A robust regulatory framework is essential to ensure fair competition in the financial sector.”

4. Compliance /kəmˈplaɪəns/ (noun): The act of obeying a rule or law.
   Example: “Companies must ensure compliance with the new data protection regulations to avoid hefty fines.”

5. Enact /ɪˈnækt/ (verb): To make a law or regulation active or official.
   Example: “Parliament is expected to enact the proposed environmental protection bill next month.”

IELTS Speaking: Key vocabulary for discussing laws

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics like introducing new laws, consider the following tips:

1. Develop your ideas: Don’t just state your opinion; explain your reasoning and provide examples to support your points.

2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate topic-specific vocabulary and more advanced synonyms to demonstrate your language proficiency.

3. Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly and confidently, minimizing hesitations and fillers like “um” and “uh.”

4. Engage with the examiner: Show interest in the topic and maintain eye contact to create a natural conversation flow.

5. Structure your answers: Use discourse markers and linking phrases to organize your thoughts logically.

6. Be prepared for abstract questions: In Part 3, practice discussing broader implications and hypothetical scenarios related to laws and societal changes.

7. Stay informed: Keep up with current affairs and global trends to provide relevant examples and insights during your discussion.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about laws or societal changes in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to express your ideas clearly, confidently, and with appropriate language complexity.

Describe a beach or seaside area you want to visit might seem unrelated, but it can help you practice descriptive language and expressing preferences, which are valuable skills for any IELTS Speaking topic.