The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to social issues and people who care about them. Being able to describe someone passionate about social causes is a valuable skill that can help you score well. This article will guide you through answering questions about this topic effectively.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about social issues and activism. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- Are you interested in any social issues?
- Do you think young people care about social problems?
- How do people in your country typically get involved in social causes?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I’m quite interested in environmental issues, particularly climate change. I believe it’s one of the most pressing challenges we face today, and I try to stay informed about the latest developments and ways we can contribute to solving this problem.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. I’m deeply passionate about environmental conservation, especially the issue of climate change. It’s a multifaceted problem that affects every aspect of our lives, from economics to public health. I make a concerted effort to stay abreast of the latest scientific findings and policy discussions surrounding this critical issue.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who is passionate about social issues.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What social issues they care about
- How they became interested in these issues
- And explain why you think they are passionate about these issues
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who is really passionate about gender equality. She’s a university student studying sociology, and she’s been interested in women’s rights since high school.
Sarah first became interested in gender issues when she noticed that girls in her school were often treated differently from boys, especially in sports and leadership roles. This made her want to learn more about gender discrimination and how to fight against it.
I think Sarah is so passionate about this because she has personally experienced gender bias and wants to make sure other women don’t face the same challenges. She’s always organizing events and workshops to raise awareness about gender equality on campus.
What I admire most about Sarah is her dedication. She spends a lot of her free time volunteering for women’s organizations and even started a club at our university to discuss gender issues. Her enthusiasm really inspires others to get involved too.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss my colleague, Dr. Emily Chen, who is extraordinarily passionate about climate change and environmental conservation. Emily is a renowned environmental scientist who has dedicated her career to researching the impacts of global warming on marine ecosystems.
Emily’s interest in environmental issues was sparked during her undergraduate years when she participated in a research expedition to the Great Barrier Reef. Witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of coral bleaching due to rising ocean temperatures ignited a fervor in her to combat climate change.
I believe Emily’s passion stems from her deep-seated belief in the interconnectedness of all living things and her understanding of the far-reaching consequences of environmental degradation. Her work isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. She approaches her research with unparalleled zeal, often working long hours and weekends to analyze data and publish findings.
What truly sets Emily apart is her ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible information for the public. She regularly gives compelling presentations at community events and schools, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. Her unwavering commitment to this cause is evident in every aspect of her life, from her professional endeavors to her personal choices, such as adopting a zero-waste lifestyle.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How do you think individuals can make a difference in addressing social issues?
- What role do you think social media plays in raising awareness about social causes?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that individuals can make a significant impact in addressing social issues through a combination of personal actions and collective efforts. On a personal level, one can start by educating themselves thoroughly about the issue at hand, which allows for informed decision-making and more effective advocacy. This knowledge can then be translated into tangible actions, such as adopting sustainable lifestyle practices, volunteering for relevant organizations, or making conscious consumer choices that align with one’s values.
Moreover, individuals can amplify their impact by engaging in community organizing and grassroots movements. By mobilizing like-minded individuals and fostering a sense of collective responsibility, one person’s efforts can snowball into a powerful force for change. Additionally, leveraging professional skills or expertise to contribute to causes pro bono can provide valuable resources to non-profit organizations.
Ultimately, I think the key lies in persistence and consistency. Social change often occurs gradually, so maintaining long-term commitment and inspiring others to join the cause can lead to substantial cumulative effects over time.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to social issues and activism. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you think corporations have a responsibility to address social issues?
- How has technology changed the way people engage with social causes?
- What are some challenges faced by activists working on global issues?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“I strongly believe that corporations do have a significant responsibility to address social issues, given their immense influence and resources. In today’s interconnected world, businesses are not just economic entities but also powerful social actors that can shape public opinion and policy.
Firstly, corporations have the financial capacity to make substantial contributions to social causes. Their resources can fund research, support non-profit organizations, and implement large-scale initiatives that individual efforts often cannot match. Moreover, companies can leverage their expertise and innovation to develop solutions to social problems, as we’ve seen with tech companies creating platforms for social good or pharmaceutical firms investing in neglected diseases.
However, corporate responsibility goes beyond philanthropy. Companies should integrate social and environmental considerations into their core business practices. This includes ensuring ethical supply chains, minimizing environmental impact, promoting diversity and inclusion, and paying fair wages. By doing so, they can address social issues directly through their operations.
Furthermore, corporations have significant influence over consumer behavior and can use this to promote positive social change. Through their marketing and products, they can raise awareness about important issues and encourage more sustainable or ethical choices.
That said, it’s crucial to acknowledge that corporate involvement in social issues is complex and can be controversial. There’s always the risk of ‘greenwashing’ or using social causes merely for PR purposes. Therefore, corporate efforts should be genuine, transparent, and accountable.
In conclusion, while corporations shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for government action or individual responsibility, their engagement with social issues is both a moral imperative and a strategic necessity in our modern world.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Advocate (noun/verb) /ˈædvəkət/ – a person who publicly supports a particular cause; to publicly support a cause
Example: “She is a passionate advocate for children’s rights.” -
Grassroots movement (noun phrase) /ˈɡræsruːts ˈmuːvmənt/ – a movement that starts at a local level by ordinary people
Example: “The environmental campaign began as a grassroots movement in small communities.” -
Empowerment (noun) /ɪmˈpaʊərmənt/ – the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life
Example: “Education is key to women’s empowerment in many societies.” -
Social justice (noun phrase) /ˈsəʊʃl ˈdʒʌstɪs/ – fairness in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society
Example: “Many activists dedicate their lives to fighting for social justice.” -
Humanitarian (noun/adjective) /hjuːˌmænɪˈteəriən/ – a person who seeks to promote human welfare; concerned with improving people’s lives and reducing suffering
Example: “She works for a humanitarian organization that provides aid in disaster-stricken areas.”
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing social issues:
- Develop a range of vocabulary related to social causes and activism.
- Practice expressing your opinions on various social issues clearly and coherently.
- Use specific examples to illustrate your points, drawing from personal experiences or current events.
- Show your ability to analyze issues from multiple perspectives.
- Demonstrate your awareness of global social challenges and potential solutions.
Remember, the key to success is not just having knowledge about social issues, but being able to articulate your thoughts fluently and confidently.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our articles on describing a person who inspires you to stay motivated and describing a person who is passionate about helping others.