IELTS Speaking examiners often ask candidates to describe people with distinctive characteristics, including those with strong opinions. This topic allows test-takers to demonstrate their ability to articulate complex ideas and use a wide range of vocabulary. Let’s explore how to excel in this speaking task and achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about opinions and people with strong views. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you know anyone who has strong opinions?
- How do you feel about people with strong opinions?
- Do you think it’s important to have strong opinions?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do. My uncle is known for his unwavering views on political issues. He’s always eager to engage in debates and isn’t afraid to voice his thoughts, even if they’re controversial. While his strong opinions can sometimes spark heated discussions at family gatherings, I admire his conviction and depth of knowledge on various subjects.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a potential cue card related to describing a person with strong opinions:
Describe a person you know who has strong opinions.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What kind of opinions they have
- How their opinions affect others
- And explain why you think they have such strong opinions
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my former university professor, Dr. Sarah Thompson, who is renowned for her strong convictions on environmental issues. Dr. Thompson is a leading expert in climate science and has been vocally advocating for urgent action against global warming for over two decades.
Her opinions are primarily centered around the critical need for immediate and drastic measures to reduce carbon emissions. She firmly believes that governments and corporations are not doing enough to address the climate crisis and often criticizes their lackadaisical approach to environmental policies.
Dr. Thompson’s strong opinions have a significant impact on those around her. Her passionate speeches and compelling arguments have inspired many students, including myself, to become more environmentally conscious and actively involved in climate activism. However, her uncompromising stance has also led to conflicts with some colleagues and industry representatives who disagree with her dire predictions and proposed solutions.
I believe Dr. Thompson holds such strong opinions due to a combination of factors. Firstly, her extensive research and firsthand observations of climate change effects have solidified her beliefs. Secondly, her deep sense of responsibility as a scientist to inform the public about environmental threats drives her to speak out. Lastly, I think her frustration with the slow pace of change in environmental policies has intensified her convictions over time.
In conclusion, while Dr. Thompson’s strong opinions can be polarizing, I admire her unwavering commitment to her cause and her ability to spark meaningful discussions about one of the most pressing issues of our time.”
University professor with strong opinions on climate change
Follow-up Questions:
- How do you handle disagreements with people who have strong opinions?
- Do you think social media has influenced how people express their opinions?
Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
“When dealing with people who have strong opinions that differ from mine, I try to approach the situation diplomatically. I believe it’s crucial to maintain an open mind and listen actively to their perspective, even if I disagree. I often ask probing questions to better understand the reasoning behind their views and share my own thoughts respectfully. If the conversation becomes too heated, I find it helpful to acknowledge areas of agreement before addressing points of contention. Ultimately, my goal is to foster a constructive dialogue rather than winning an argument, as I believe that mutual understanding is more valuable than proving someone wrong.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Examiner: Do you think having strong opinions is beneficial or harmful to society?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe that strong opinions can be both beneficial and harmful to society, depending on how they are expressed and received. On the positive side, individuals with strong opinions often drive social progress and challenge the status quo. They can bring attention to important issues that might otherwise be overlooked and inspire others to take action. Historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, for instance, had strong opinions that catalyzed significant social changes.
However, strong opinions can also be detrimental if they lead to polarization and close-mindedness. When people become too entrenched in their views, it can hinder productive dialogue and compromise. This is particularly evident in today’s political climate, where ideological divides often impede effective governance.
Ultimately, I think the key lies in how these strong opinions are communicated and debated. If people with strong views can engage in respectful discourse, consider opposing perspectives, and remain open to new information, their opinions can contribute positively to societal development. It’s about striking a balance between conviction and flexibility, and fostering an environment where diverse opinions can be expressed and examined constructively.”
People engaging in constructive debate over diverse opinions
Examiner: How has the internet changed the way people form and express their opinions?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The internet has revolutionized the way people form and express their opinions in several significant ways. Firstly, it has democratized access to information, allowing individuals to explore a vast array of perspectives and data sources. This has empowered people to form more informed opinions on complex issues that were once the domain of experts.
However, this abundance of information has also led to challenges. The phenomenon of ‘echo chambers’ and ‘filter bubbles’ can reinforce existing beliefs and limit exposure to opposing viewpoints. This can lead to the polarization of opinions and the spread of misinformation.
The internet has also transformed the expression of opinions. Social media platforms provide individuals with unprecedented reach, allowing them to broadcast their views to a global audience. This has amplified diverse voices and facilitated grassroots movements. However, it has also led to a culture of ‘hot takes’ and knee-jerk reactions, where nuanced discussion is often overshadowed by provocative statements.
Moreover, the anonymity offered by the internet has emboldened some to express extreme views they might not voice in person. While this can lead to more honest discourse, it can also foster toxicity and harassment.
In conclusion, while the internet has greatly enhanced our ability to form and share opinions, it has also created new challenges. The key lies in developing digital literacy and critical thinking skills to navigate this complex landscape effectively.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Unwavering /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ (adj): Steady and determined, not changing or becoming weaker.
Example: His unwavering commitment to social justice inspired many. -
Conviction /kənˈvɪkʃn/ (n): A firmly held belief or opinion.
Example: She spoke with conviction about the need for educational reform. -
Polarizing /ˈpoʊləraɪzɪŋ/ (adj): Causing people to separate into opposing groups.
Example: His polarizing views on immigration have divided the community. -
To spark debate (phrase): To initiate or cause a discussion or argument.
Example: Her controversial article sparked a heated debate on social media. -
Advocate /ˈædvəkeɪt/ (v): To publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy.
Example: He has been advocating for stricter environmental regulations for years. -
Entrenched /ɪnˈtrentʃt/ (adj): Firmly established and difficult to change.
Example: The company’s entrenched policies made it resistant to innovation. -
To challenge the status quo (phrase): To question or confront the existing state of affairs.
Example: The new CEO is determined to challenge the status quo and revolutionize the industry.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person with strong opinions:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to opinions and personality traits.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate your points.
- Discuss both positive and negative aspects of having strong opinions to demonstrate critical thinking.
- Use complex sentence structures and idiomatic expressions naturally.
- Practice speaking about controversial topics in a balanced and respectful manner.
- Develop your ideas fully, providing reasons and examples for your statements.
- Be prepared to discuss the broader implications of strong opinions on society and interpersonal relationships.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about having strong opinions yourself, but being able to articulate and analyze them effectively.
For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might find it helpful to describe a famous sports personality from your country or describe a place where you feel most at peace. These topics can help you develop your descriptive language skills and ability to express personal experiences, which are crucial for discussing people with strong opinions.
