In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners assess candidates on various factors such as fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One common prompt candidates often encounter is to “describe a time when you had to make a significant change”. This question requires you to discuss an instance where you made a major adjustment in your life, be it in your career, personal life, or education. To help you excel, we’ll explore potential questions and provide model answers that can guide you to a Band 7 or higher.
IELTS Speaking Test Structure
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself. Here are some typical questions:
- Can you tell me about yourself?
- Where do you live?
- Do you work or study?
- Do you enjoy your job/studies?
Sample Question and Suggested Answer:
Question: “Do you enjoy your job/studies?”
Suggested Answer: “Yes, I thoroughly enjoy my job. I work as a software engineer, and I find the problem-solving aspect of my work both challenging and rewarding. Each day, I have the opportunity to learn something new and apply my skills to develop innovative solutions.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will receive a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. You will have one minute to prepare and should speak for 1-2 minutes.
Cue Card Example:
Describe a time when you had to make a significant change.
You should say:
- What the change was
- When it happened
- How you felt about it
- Explain why it was significant
Sample Answer:
What the change was: “A significant change I had to make was moving to a new country for my studies.”
When it happened: “This happened about three years ago when I decided to pursue my Master’s degree in Canada.”
How you felt about it: “Initially, I felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. I was thrilled about the opportunity to study at a prestigious institution, but I was also nervous about leaving my family and adapting to a new culture.”
Explain why it was significant: “This change was crucial because it marked a turning point in my academic and personal life. It not only broadened my educational horizons but also helped me develop resilience, independence, and a global perspective. Additionally, it gave me the chance to meet people from diverse backgrounds and build a network of professional connections.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will engage you in a discussion based on the topic in Part 2 but at a more abstract level.
Sample Questions and Suggested Answers:
Question: “What kind of changes do people usually consider significant in their lives?”
Suggested Answer: “People often consider changes related to their careers, education, and personal relationships as significant. For instance, switching jobs, moving to a new country, or getting married can have profound impacts on their lives. These changes usually involve significant adjustments and can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.”
Question: “How important is it for people to adapt to changes?”
Suggested Answer: “Adapting to changes is extremely important as it enables individuals to cope with new situations, overcome challenges, and seize new opportunities. It fosters resilience and flexibility, which are essential traits in our fast-changing world. Furthermore, the ability to adapt can lead to personal development and success in various aspects of life.”
Key Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Utilizing a rich lexical resource and varied grammatical structures can dramatically improve your IELTS score. Below are some important terms and structures, along with examples to help you understand their proper usage:
Useful Vocabulary:
- Resilience (/rɪˈzɪliəns/) – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
- Adaptation (/ˌædæpˈteɪʃən/) – the process of changing to suit a new environment or condition
- Transformative (/ˌtrænsˈfɔːrmətɪv/) – causing a marked change in someone or something
- Profound (/prəˈfaʊnd/) – (of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense
- Network (/ˈnɛtwɜːrk/) – a group or system of interconnected people or things
Example Sentences:
- “The experience was transformative, giving me a new perspective on life.”
- “Adapting to a new culture required a lot of resilience.”
- “The change had a profound impact on my personal and professional life.”
- “Building a network of contacts proved to be invaluable in my career development.”
Examiner Tips for High Scores:
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps in gaining confidence and improving fluency. Try recording yourself and listening back to identify areas for improvement.
- Use a Range of Vocabulary: Incorporate a variety of words and phrases, but ensure they are used correctly. Avoid repetition.
- Structure Your Speech: Organize your answers clearly. Begin with an introduction, elaborate on key points, and conclude effectively.
- Maintain Coherence: Your responses should be logical and coherent. Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly.
- Engage with the Examiner: Show interest in the questions and respond fully. Engaging conversation can leave a positive impression.
By focusing on these tips and using the provided model answers, you can significantly improve your speaking skills and achieve a higher band score.
Good luck with your preparation!