Mastering IELTS Speaking: Describe a Time When You Had to Change Your Perspective

In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners are always on the lookout for certain qualities in a candidate’s answers: fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. One of the frequent topics that can appear in IELTS Speaking is “Describe a time when you had to change your perspective.” The ability to fluently discuss such topics is crucial for a high score, as it requires articulate storytelling, appropriate use of vocabulary, and clear, coherent thought processes.

Common queries related to the topic include:

• “How to describe a time when you had to change your mind?”
• “IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a time you changed your perspective.”
• “Tips to discuss a perspective change in IELTS Speaking.”

In the ensuing sections, you’ll find potential questions that might come up during the test, along with structured sample answers and further analysis.

Common IELTS Speaking Questions

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, examiners might ask general questions to get you warmed up. Here are some typical queries:

1. “Do you enjoy shopping for new clothes?”
2. “Have you ever learned something completely new that changed your life?”
3. “Who do you talk to when you have a difficult decision to make?”

Example Answer for Question 3:

When I need to make a difficult decision, I usually turn to my close friend, John. He has a keen sense of judgment and an objective perspective that helps me see all sides of the issue. For instance, when I was deciding whether to move abroad for studies, his advice was instrumental in helping me weigh the pros and cons.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you had to change your perspective. You should say:

• What the situation was
• Why you had to change your perspective
• How you felt about it
• And explain what you learned from this experience

Sample Answer

**”A situation where I had to change my perspective occurred a few years ago during a group project at university. Initially, I was very skeptical about one teammate’s unconventional approach to our project. I was convinced that a traditional method would be more efficient and yield better results.

However, as we delved deeper into the project, it became evident that my teammate’s innovative approach had significant potential. We eventually adopted his ideas, and the results were spectacular. Our project not only received top marks but was also praised for its originality and thorough research.

This experience taught me the importance of being open-minded and receptive to new ideas. Embracing an alternative perspective highlighted the value of team collaboration and diverse viewpoints. It also enhanced my problem-solving skills and contributed to my personal growth.”

open minded team

Follow-Up Questions:

• How did your perspective change over time?
• Can you give an example of a time when changing your perspective benefited you in personal life?

Suggested Responses:

“In hindsight, I realized that my previous stance was narrow-minded. By broadening my outlook, I not only improved our project’s quality but also enriched my intellectual and social capabilities. Changing my perspective has often led to better decision-making and stronger relationships.”

Part 3: Two-Way Discussion

Sample Questions:

1. Why do you think it is difficult for people to change their perspectives?
2. Can changing perspectives lead to positive outcomes in society?

Example Discussion:

Examiner: “Why do you think it is difficult for people to change their perspectives?”

Candidate: “I believe people find it challenging to change their perspectives due to inherent biases and preconceived notions. Often, individuals form opinions based on personal experiences, culture, or societal norms. This can create a mental barrier that resists new ideas or perspectives.”

Examiner: “Can changing perspectives lead to positive outcomes in society?”

Candidate: “Absolutely. When people are willing to change their perspectives, it fosters understanding and harmony. For example, in multicultural societies, understanding different traditions and practices can lead to cohesiveness and mutual respect, ultimately creating a more inclusive community.”

Key Vocabulary and Structures

Enhancing your answer with specific vocabulary and structures can significantly boost your score:

• Perspective: /pərˈspektɪv/ – A particular attitude towards or way of regarding something.
  • Example: “Adopting a different perspective can often lead to novel solutions.”
• Receptive: /rɪˈsɛptɪv/ – Willing to consider or accept new suggestions and ideas.
  • Example: “Being receptive to change can significantly improve personal growth.”
• Bias: /ˈbaɪ.əs/ – An inclination or prejudice for or against one person or group, especially in a way considered to be unfair.
  • Example: “It is crucial to recognize one’s bias to adopt a balanced viewpoint.”

Tips for Practicing Speaking

1. Practice Regularly: Regular practice helps in building fluency and enhancing vocabulary.
2. Record Yourself: Listen to your recordings to identify areas for improvement.
3. Simulate Exam Conditions: Practice under timed conditions to get accustomed to the test format.

By focusing on these strategies and incorporating advanced vocabulary and structures into your responses, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.