The ability to articulate a change in opinion is a crucial skill in IELTS Speaking. This topic frequently appears in various forms across all parts of the speaking test, challenging candidates to demonstrate their language proficiency and critical thinking skills.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you may encounter questions related to changing opinions. Here’s an example question with a suggested response:
Examiner: Do you often change your mind about things?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I’m generally open-minded and willing to reconsider my views. While I don’t change my mind on a whim, I do reflect on new information and experiences that might challenge my initial thoughts. For instance, I recently changed my opinion about the importance of learning a second language after traveling abroad and realizing how valuable multilingual skills can be in today’s globalized world.”
Describe a time when you had to help someone during an emergency is another topic that may require you to discuss changing opinions or perspectives in a critical situation.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you changed your opinion about something
You should say:
- What the original opinion was
- Why you changed your opinion
- What the new opinion is
- And explain how you feel about this change
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about a time when I significantly altered my perspective on social media usage. Initially, I viewed social media platforms as mere time-wasters, believing they offered little value beyond casual entertainment.
My original opinion was that social media was detrimental to productivity and genuine human connections. I thought it encouraged shallow interactions and fostered unrealistic life comparisons.
However, my view underwent a dramatic shift when I started my own small business. I realized that social media platforms were powerful tools for brand building, customer engagement, and market research. This epiphany came when I launched a targeted social media campaign that resulted in a substantial increase in clientele and brand awareness.
My new opinion acknowledges social media as a double-edged sword. While I still recognize its potential for distraction, I now see it as an invaluable resource for businesses and individuals alike. I appreciate its capacity to foster communities, facilitate knowledge sharing, and connect people across geographical boundaries.
This change in perspective has been eye-opening. I feel more adaptable and open-minded as a result. It’s taught me the importance of reassessing my beliefs in light of new experiences and information. This shift has not only benefited my professional life but has also made me more receptive to diverse viewpoints in general.”
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: How do you think people’s opinions change as they get older?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe that as people age, their opinions often undergo a natural evolution. This change is typically driven by an accumulation of life experiences, exposure to diverse perspectives, and a deeper understanding of complex issues. Older individuals tend to develop more nuanced views, moving away from black-and-white thinking towards recognizing the shades of gray in many situations. They may become more pragmatic in their approach to life’s challenges, balancing idealism with practical considerations. Additionally, with age comes a broader historical context, allowing for a more comprehensive view of societal changes and trends. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t universal; some people may become more set in their ways with age, while others remain highly adaptable throughout their lives.”
Describe a hobby you took up recently could be an interesting topic to discuss how new experiences can change one’s perspective on leisure activities.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: In what ways do you think education influences people’s opinions?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Education plays a pivotal role in shaping people’s opinions. It exposes individuals to a wide range of ideas, theories, and perspectives that they might not encounter otherwise. Through education, people learn to think critically, analyze information, and form well-reasoned arguments. This process often leads to a more nuanced understanding of complex issues.
Moreover, education can challenge preconceived notions and broaden horizons. For instance, studying history might change someone’s view on current political issues by providing historical context. Similarly, learning about different cultures in geography or literature classes can foster greater empathy and understanding towards diverse groups of people.
However, it’s worth noting that the impact of education on opinions isn’t always straightforward. The quality and type of education received can significantly influence the outcome. A well-rounded education that encourages independent thinking is more likely to produce individuals capable of forming their own opinions rather than simply accepting what they’re told.”
Describe a place where you would like to go on a solo trip is another topic that could involve discussing how travel and new experiences can change one’s opinions and worldviews.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking when discussing changing opinions, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
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To have a change of heart (idiom) – /tə hæv ə tʃeɪndʒ əv hɑːt/
Meaning: To change one’s opinion or feelings about something
Example: “After volunteering at the animal shelter, I had a change of heart about adopting a pet.” -
Paradigm shift (noun) – /ˈpærəˌdaɪm ʃɪft/
Meaning: A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
Example: “Learning about climate change caused a paradigm shift in my view of environmental responsibility.” -
To see something in a new light (phrase) – /tə siː ˈsʌmθɪŋ ɪn ə njuː laɪt/
Meaning: To understand or appreciate something in a different way
Example: “After studying abroad, I saw my own culture in a new light.” -
To do a U-turn (idiom) – /tə duː ə juː tɜːn/
Meaning: To completely change one’s opinion or course of action
Example: “The politician did a U-turn on tax policy after receiving new economic data.” -
To reassess (verb) – /ˌriːəˈses/
Meaning: To consider or assess again, especially in light of new evidence
Example: “I had to reassess my career goals after gaining experience in the field.”
Describe a famous painting that you like could be an excellent opportunity to use some of these phrases when discussing how your appreciation for art has evolved over time.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing changing opinions:
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Use a variety of tenses to showcase your grammatical range. For instance, use past tenses to describe your original opinion, present perfect to explain the change, and present tenses for your current view.
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Incorporate idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary naturally. Don’t force them if they don’t fit the context.
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Provide specific examples to support your points. This demonstrates your ability to construct a coherent argument.
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Show reflection and critical thinking by explaining the reasons behind your change of opinion.
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Practice discussing various topics where your opinions have changed to build flexibility in your responses.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversational style while maintaining grammatical accuracy.
By following these guidelines and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss changing opinions effectively in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, describing a famous painting or artwork that you admire can also be an excellent way to practice articulating changes in perspective and appreciation over time.