Crafting an Effective Response: Describing a New Law You’d Like to See Introduced for IELTS Speaking Success

The topic of proposing a new law is a common and engaging subject in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows candidates to demonstrate their critical thinking skills, awareness of social issues, and ability to articulate complex ideas in English. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests, given its versatility and potential for meaningful discussion.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions related to laws and regulations. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

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

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“That’s an interesting question. While I believe laws are essential for maintaining order and protecting citizens, I do think there might be an excess of regulations in some areas. For instance, bureaucratic procedures for starting a business can be quite cumbersome. However, I also recognize that many laws serve important purposes, so it’s a delicate balance to strike.”

Describe a law that you like

Part 2: Long Turn

Now, let’s focus on the main topic with a sample cue card:

Describe a new law you would like to see introduced
You should say:

• What the law would be
• Why you think this law is needed
• How this law would be implemented
• And explain how this law would benefit society

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to propose a law that mandates companies to provide mental health days for employees, in addition to regular sick leave. This law is needed because mental health is often overlooked in the workplace, leading to burnout and decreased productivity. The law could be implemented by requiring businesses to offer a specific number of mental health days per year, perhaps 3-5 days. Employees would be able to take these days without providing detailed explanations, just as they would for physical illness. This law would benefit society by promoting better overall health, reducing stigma around mental health issues, and potentially increasing productivity in the long run.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to propose a law that mandates comprehensive environmental education in schools, starting from primary level through to secondary education. This legislation is imperative given the pressing nature of climate change and environmental degradation. The implementation would involve integrating environmental studies into existing curricula, covering topics such as climate science, sustainable living practices, and ecosystem conservation. To ensure effectiveness, the law would also require schools to engage in practical, hands-on projects like maintaining school gardens or participating in local conservation efforts. The societal benefits would be far-reaching. By fostering environmental awareness from a young age, we’d be cultivating a generation of environmentally conscious citizens. This could lead to more sustainable consumer behaviors, increased support for green policies, and potentially spark innovations in clean technology. Ultimately, this law could be a catalyst for significant positive change in our approach to environmental stewardship.”

Describe a time when you felt anxious but managed to stay calm

Follow-up questions:

1. How do you think this law would be received by the public?
2. What challenges might arise in implementing this law?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“I believe the public reception would be largely positive, albeit with some initial skepticism. Environmentally conscious individuals and organizations would likely champion the law, seeing it as a crucial step towards a sustainable future. Parents concerned about their children’s future in a changing climate would probably support it too. However, we might face some resistance from those who view it as an unnecessary addition to an already packed curriculum. To address this, it would be vital to emphasize the law’s long-term benefits and its potential to equip students with skills relevant to the growing green economy.”

Sample answer for question 2 (Band 8-9):
“Implementing this law would undoubtedly present several challenges. Firstly, there’s the question of curriculum development – creating comprehensive, age-appropriate environmental education materials would require significant effort and expertise. We’d need to collaborate with environmental scientists, educators, and psychologists to design effective programs. Another hurdle would be teacher training. Many current teachers might not have the necessary background in environmental science, so we’d need to invest in professional development programs. Lastly, there might be budgetary constraints, especially for practical projects like school gardens. Overcoming these challenges would require careful planning, adequate funding, and strong political will.”

Environmental Education Curriculum Development

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: “Do you think laws are always effective in changing people’s behavior?”

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I believe laws can be effective in changing behavior to some extent, but they’re not always a perfect solution. For example, speed limits generally make roads safer, but some people still choose to break these laws. Laws work best when they’re combined with education and social awareness campaigns.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The effectiveness of laws in changing behavior is a complex issue. While laws certainly play a crucial role in shaping societal norms and behaviors, their impact can vary significantly. Laws are most effective when they align with existing social values or when they’re accompanied by comprehensive education and awareness campaigns. For instance, anti-smoking laws have been largely successful because they were implemented alongside extensive public health education. However, laws alone may not be sufficient to change deeply ingrained behaviors or address complex social issues. In such cases, a multi-faceted approach that combines legislation with education, incentives, and cultural shifts is often more effective. It’s also worth noting that the enforcement of laws is crucial to their effectiveness. Even the most well-intentioned law may have limited impact if it’s not consistently and fairly enforced.”

Describe a family member you would like to spend more time with

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Mandate (verb) /ˈmændeɪt/ – to officially require something
   Example: The new law mandates that all companies provide health insurance to their employees.

2. Imperative (adjective) /ɪmˈperətɪv/ – extremely important or urgent
   Example: It is imperative that we address climate change now.

3. Far-reaching (adjective) /ˌfɑːr ˈriːtʃɪŋ/ – having a wide range of effects or influences
   Example: The new environmental policies will have far-reaching consequences for industry.

4. Catalyst (noun) /ˈkætəlɪst/ – something that causes an important event to happen
   Example: The new law could be a catalyst for significant social change.

5. To champion (verb) /ˈtʃæmpiən/ – to support or defend enthusiastically
   Example: Many NGOs champion environmental causes.

6. To emphasize (verb) /ˈemfəsaɪz/ – to give special importance to something
   Example: The speaker emphasized the need for immediate action on climate change.

7. To collaborate (verb) /kəˈlæbəreɪt/ – to work jointly on an activity or project
   Example: Scientists and policymakers need to collaborate to address complex environmental issues.

Describe something or someone that made a lot of noise

IELTS Speaking Test Preparation

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing new laws or regulations:

1. Develop a broad vocabulary related to law, society, and governance. Use these terms naturally in your responses.

2. Practice expressing your opinions clearly and supporting them with relevant examples or reasoning.

3. Work on your fluency by regularly discussing complex topics like law and society in English.

4. Enhance your critical thinking skills to analyze the potential impacts and challenges of new laws.

5. Stay informed about current affairs and social issues to provide relevant and insightful responses.

6. Practice answering questions spontaneously to improve your ability to think on your feet during the test.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about knowing the language, but also about expressing your thoughts coherently and engagingly on a wide range of topics.