In the IELTS Speaking test, expressing yourself clearly, using a range of vocabulary, and demonstrating effective communication skills are critical to achieving a high score. One common topic in Part 2 of the test is talking about a disagreement you had with someone. This topic evaluates your ability to describe past experiences, articulate thoughts coherently, and handle abstract ideas.

Understanding the Examiner’s Expectations

The IELTS Speaking Examiner will assess your performance based on four criteria:

• Fluency and Coherence: How well you can speak at length without hesitation and organize your ideas logically.
• Lexical Resource: Your range of vocabulary and ability to use it accurately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The complexity and correctness of your sentence structures.
• Pronunciation: Your ability to pronounce words clearly and use intonation effectively.

Common IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions

In Part 1, the Examiner asks general questions about your life. Here are a few examples:

Example Question:

“Do you often have disagreements with people?”

Suggested Answer:

“I wouldn’t say I often have disagreements, but they do happen occasionally. For example, I sometimes have different viewpoints from my friends on political issues. However, I believe it’s important to listen to others’ perspectives to maintain healthy relationships.”

By succinctly addressing the question, using diverse vocabulary, and maintaining a smooth flow of ideas, you can create a positive impression on the Examiner.

Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you’ll receive a cue card with a topic and several bullet points to address. You’ll have one minute to prepare and should speak for up to two minutes.

Cue Card Example:

Describe A Time When You Had A Disagreement With Someone.
You should say:

• Who this person was
• What the disagreement was about
• How you resolved it
• And explain what happened afterwards

Suggested Answer:

“One time, I had a disagreement with my colleague at work. We were working on a project together, and we had opposing views on the direction it should take. I believed that we should focus more on market research, while my colleague thought we should allocate more time to product development. The argument got quite heated, but eventually, we decided to compromise. We divided the tasks so that each of us could focus on what we thought was important.

colleagues arguing in the office

After the project was completed, we actually received praise from our manager for our well-rounded approach. This experience taught me the value of compromise and effective communication.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the discussion becomes more abstract and you are expected to elaborate on the topic introduced in Part 2.

Further Questions and Suggested Answers:

Examiner: “Do you think disagreements are necessary in a relationship?”
Candidate:
“Yes, I believe disagreements are inevitable and sometimes necessary in a relationship. They can help individuals understand each other’s perspectives and promote personal growth. However, it’s essential to resolve conflicts constructively to maintain a healthy relationship.”

Examiner: “How can people resolve disagreements?”
Candidate:
“Disagreements can be resolved through open communication and active listening. It’s important to be empathetic and try to see the situation from the other person’s point of view. Seeking a compromise or finding a middle ground is also crucial for a resolution that satisfies both parties.”

Vocabulary and Phrases to Score High

Using a diverse and specific range of vocabulary can significantly improve your score. Here’s a list of useful words and phrases:

• Disagreement (n): /dɪˌsəˈɡriːmənt/ – a situation where people have different opinions.
• Compromise (n, v): /ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/ – an agreement where each side makes concessions.
• Heated (adj): /ˈhiːtɪd/ – intense or passionate.
• Constructive (adj): /kənˈstrʌktɪv/ – serving a useful purpose; tending to build up.
• Empathy (n): /ˈɛmpəθi/ – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Example Sentences:

• “The disagreement arose because we had different priorities.”
• “We compromised by dividing the tasks between us.”
• “The debate became quite heated, but we eventually calmed down.”
• “We aimed for a constructive resolution to our conflict.”
• “Showing empathy can significantly help in resolving disagreements.”

Additional Resources for Practice

For further practice, consider reading other articles that provide insight into handling unexpected questions and improving your communication skills:

• On the Same Wavelength
• Bite Your Tongue
• Get Something Out of Your System
• What If You Don’t Understand Part 2 IELTS Speaking Topic?
• Bark Is Worse Than the Bite

Examiner’s Tips and Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, here are some tips:

• Practice Regularly: Regular speaking practice will enhance your confidence and fluency.
• Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases relevant to common IELTS topics.
• Use Real-life Examples: Relating your answers to personal experiences makes them more relatable and believable.
• Stay Calm and Composed: Nervousness can affect your performance, so practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques.

Remember, preparation is key. To achieve a high band score, focus on delivering well-structured, clear, and engaging responses in your Speaking test.