The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your English speaking ability and it consists of three parts: Part 1 – Introduction and Interview, Part 2 – Long Turn, and Part 3 – Two-way Discussion. One common and often challenging topic you might encounter is describing a time when you faced a moral dilemma. In this guide, I will explain how to approach this question effectively to achieve high scores.
I. Introduction
What IELTS Examiners Look For
IELTS Speaking Examiners assess your speaking ability based on four criteria:
- Fluency and Coherence: Ability to speak smoothly and logically.
- Lexical Resource: Use of a range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use of various grammatical structures correctly.
- Pronunciation: Clarity and naturalness of your speech.
Moral dilemmas are frequent in IELTS Speaking tests as they test your ability to articulate complex situations and emotions. Let’s dive into how you might face questions around this topic and structure quality answers.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions:
- Can you tell me about yourself?
- Do you think morals are important? Why?
- Have you ever been in a situation where you had to decide between two difficult choices?
Sample Question and Answer:
Question: Have you ever been in a situation where you had to decide between two difficult choices?
Answer: Yes, I have. Once, I had to choose between staying at my current job which was stable but unfulfilling, and pursuing a new opportunity that was risky but aligned with my passions. In the end, I chose the latter and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
2. Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you faced a moral dilemma.
You should say:
- What the situation was
- What decision you had to make
- Why this was a difficult choice
- And explain how you felt about your decision.
Sample Answer:
Answer:
One particular instance I remember was about two years ago when I discovered a colleague was committing fraud. I worked in the finance department of a large corporation, and I noticed irregularities in the accounts. It was a tough call to make because the person involved was not only my colleague but also a close friend. I had to decide whether to report this to my superiors, which could have severe consequences, or keep it to myself and risk the company facing serious financial issues in the future.
I finally decided to report the matter. It was not an easy choice; I felt deeply conflicted between loyalty to my friend and my responsibility to the company. In the end, I chose to follow my principles, prioritizing honesty and integrity. Reporting the incident led to a thorough investigation, and necessary actions were taken. Though it strained my friendship, I felt it was the right thing to do, and it reinforced my belief in ethical behavior.
I felt relieved after making the decision, but there was also a sense of sadness about the impact it had on my personal relationships. However, the incident taught me valuable lessons about standing firm in one’s values.
Follow-up Questions (Bullet Points):
- Have you ever regretted your decision?
No, I haven’t regretted it because I believe it was the right thing to do. - Would you have handled the situation differently if given another chance?
No, I think I acted appropriately given the circumstances. - How do you usually make difficult decisions?
I tend to weigh the pros and cons carefully and often consult with trusted mentors.
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Sample Discussion:
Examiner: What do you think are the most common moral dilemmas people face today?
Candidate: I believe that common moral dilemmas today include issues like workplace ethics, such as whether to report unethical behavior, and personal relationships, like how to handle sensitive information about friends or family.
Examiner: Are there any universal moral principles everyone should follow?
Candidate: Yes, I think principles like honesty, respect, and fairness are universal. They form the foundation of ethical behavior and help maintain trust and harmony in society.
Examiner: How can individuals effectively deal with moral dilemmas?
Candidate: Individuals can deal with moral dilemmas by consulting their values, seeking advice from trusted mentors, and considering the broader impact of their decisions. It’s also useful to think about the long-term consequences rather than just immediate gains or losses.
IV. Key Vocabulary and Structures
Essential Vocabulary:
- Moral Dilemma: (noun) /ˈmɒr.əl dɪˈlem.ə/ A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more equally undesirable alternatives.
- Integrity: (noun) /ɪnˈtɛɡrɪti/ The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
- Ethical: (adjective) /ˈɛθɪkəl/ Relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these.
Example Sentences:
- “Choosing to report the incident was a test of my integrity.”
- “Facing a moral dilemma often requires assessing the ethical implications of our actions.”
V. Examiner Tips
- Practice regularly: Work on speaking fluently and coherently, focusing on staying on-topic.
- Enhance your vocabulary: Use a variety of vocabulary accurately, especially words related to ethics and decision-making.
- Use complex sentences: Demonstrate your grammatical range with complex structures.
- Seek feedback: Get feedback from teachers or peers to continuously improve.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can improve your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.
Facing a Moral Dilemma
For more resources on IELTS Speaking topics, you can refer to Describe a time when you faced an ethical dilemma and Describe your favorite book.