How to Answer the IELTS Speaking Question: “Describe a time when you had to adjust to new rules or regulations”

The IELTS Speaking test evaluates a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English through a one-on-one interview with an examiner. The test is divided into three parts, each designed to assess specific language skills. One common topic that might come up in the IELTS Speaking test is “Describe a time when you had to adjust to new rules or regulations.” Understanding how to answer such questions effectively can significantly impact your speaking score.

Common Questions in Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner will ask you questions about yourself to make you feel more comfortable. Here are some typical questions:

• Can you tell me about your hometown?
• Do you enjoy your current job or course of study?
• What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?

Sample Question and Suggested Answer

Question: Do you enjoy your current job or course of study?

Answer: Yes, I really enjoy my current course of study. I am majoring in business administration, which I find to be both challenging and rewarding. I’ve always been interested in understanding how businesses operate, and this course gives me a comprehensive insight into various aspects of management, finance, and marketing.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

The cue card in Part 2 provides a topic that you will need to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here is an example cue card based on the theme:

Describe a time when you had to adjust to new rules or regulations

• What the new rules or regulations were
• Why the rules were introduced
• How you felt about the changes
• Explain how you managed the situation

remote work setup

Suggested Answer

Answer: A few years ago, I had to adjust to a new set of rules and regulations when my company implemented a strict remote working policy. The policy was introduced to ensure the health and safety of employees during the pandemic. Initially, I felt a bit overwhelmed and uncertain about how I would manage my tasks and meetings from home. However, I gradually adapted to this new way of working by setting up a comfortable home office and utilizing digital tools for communication and collaboration. Over time, I realized that this change also brought some positive aspects like more flexibility and better work-life balance.

Follow-up Questions and Sample Responses

Question: How did your colleagues react to the new regulations?

Answer: My colleagues had mixed reactions. Some welcomed the flexibility of working from home, while others found it challenging due to distractions or lack of a formal workspace. However, our company provided training sessions and mental health support, making the transition smoother for everyone.

Question: Do you think these rules were effective?

Answer: Yes, I believe the new rules were quite effective in maintaining productivity and ensuring employee safety. By incorporating regular check-ins and virtual team-building activities, the company managed to keep the team engaged and motivated.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic of Part 2 to explore your ability to express opinions and consider various issues.

Example Discussion

Examiner: What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of working under strict regulations?

Candidate: One of the main advantages of strict regulations is that they bring a sense of order and predictability to the workplace, ensuring that everyone understands their responsibilities and behaves accordingly. However, the disadvantages could include a lack of autonomy and creativity among employees, as strict rules might limit their ability to think outside the box and innovate.

Examiner: How can organizations ensure that employees adapt to new regulations effectively?

Candidate: Organizations can ensure smooth adaptation by providing comprehensive training programs and ongoing support. Clear communication about the reasons and benefits of the new regulations can also help in gaining employees’ buy-in. Moreover, soliciting feedback from employees can help in refining the regulations to best suit everyone’s needs.

Important Vocabulary and Structures

Key Vocabulary

• Adapt: /əˈdæpt/ (verb) – to change your behavior so that it is easier to live in a particular place or situation.

  • Example: “I had to adapt quickly to the new work environment.”

• Regulations: /ˌrɛgjəˈleɪʃənz/ (noun) – official rules or directives made by an authority.

  • Example: “The new regulations required everyone to work from home.”

• Flexibility: /ˌflɛksəˈbɪləti/ (noun) – the ability to easily adapt to different conditions.

  • Example: “The increased flexibility allowed me to manage my time better.”

Useful Phrases

• Over time: as time passes.

  • Example: “Over time, I realized the benefits of the new regulations.”

• Initially: at first.

  • Example: “Initially, I found it hard to adjust.”

• To ensure: to make sure.

  • Example: “The new policy was introduced to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Examiner’s Tips

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, consider the following tips:

1. Fluency and Coherence: Speak clearly and maintain a logical flow in your answers.
2. Lexical Resource: Use a range of vocabulary appropriately and accurately.
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use a variety of grammatical structures correctly.
4. Pronunciation: Pronounce words correctly and use intonation effectively.

Practice regularly with sample questions and seek feedback to continuously improve your speaking skills. Good luck!