When it comes to the IELTS Speaking test, one of the most challenging yet common topics is describing a time when you had to persuade someone to see your point of view. This task requires not only good language skills but also the ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and convincingly. In this article, we’ll explore how to tackle this topic effectively and provide you with sample answers that can help you achieve a high band score.
Understanding the Topic
The topic “Describe a time when you had to persuade someone to see your point of view” is a popular choice for IELTS Speaking Part 2. It tests your ability to:
- Recall a specific situation
- Explain your perspective
- Describe the process of persuasion
- Reflect on the outcome
This topic has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests due to its focus on communication and interpersonal skills.
Persuasion Skills
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner might ask you some general questions related to persuasion. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you think you’re good at persuading others?
A: I’d say I’m fairly adept at persuasion. I believe the key lies in understanding the other person’s perspective and then presenting your arguments in a way that resonates with them. For instance, when I’m trying to convince my friends to try a new restaurant, I always consider their tastes and preferences before making my case. It’s not about being pushy, but rather about finding common ground and highlighting mutual benefits.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you had to persuade someone to see your point of view
You should say:
- Who you had to persuade
- What your point of view was
- How you persuaded them
- And explain why it was important to persuade this person
Sample Answer
I’d like to talk about a time when I had to persuade my parents to let me study abroad for a semester. It was during my second year of university, and I strongly believed that an international experience would be invaluable for my personal and academic growth.
My point of view was that studying abroad would not only enhance my language skills but also broaden my cultural horizons and make me more independent. I felt that these experiences would be crucial for my future career in international business.
To persuade my parents, I adopted a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I conducted thorough research on the program, including its academic benefits, safety measures, and potential career advantages. I presented this information to them in a well-organized manner, using statistics and testimonials from other students who had participated in similar programs.
Secondly, I addressed their concerns proactively. I knew they were worried about the cost and my safety, so I proposed a detailed budget plan and explained the support systems available at the host university. I also agreed to regular check-ins to alleviate their anxiety about my well-being.
Lastly, I appealed to their own experiences and values. I reminded them of how they always emphasized the importance of education and personal growth, and argued that this opportunity aligned perfectly with those principles.
It was crucial to persuade them because their approval and support were necessary, both emotionally and financially. Moreover, I knew that having their blessing would allow me to fully immerse myself in the experience without feeling guilty or conflicted.
In the end, my efforts paid off, and they agreed to let me go. This experience not only allowed me to study abroad but also strengthened our relationship as they appreciated my mature approach to the situation.
Follow-up Questions
Q: How did you feel after successfully persuading your parents?
A: After persuading my parents, I felt a mix of excitement and relief. It was incredibly gratifying to see that my well-prepared arguments and sincere passion had made an impact. This success also boosted my confidence in my communication skills and reinforced the idea that logical reasoning combined with emotional appeal can be very effective in persuasion.
Q: Do you think it’s always possible to persuade someone?
A: While it’s not always possible to persuade someone, I believe that with the right approach, you can often make progress in understanding each other’s perspectives. Sometimes, persuasion might not lead to a complete change of mind, but it can result in a compromise or a willingness to consider alternative viewpoints. The key is to remain respectful, open-minded, and patient throughout the process.
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Let’s discuss persuasion in a broader context. Do you think the ability to persuade others is an important skill in the workplace?
Candidate: Absolutely, I believe persuasion is a crucial skill in any professional setting. In the workplace, we often need to convince colleagues, superiors, or clients about our ideas, proposals, or strategies. The ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and persuasively can significantly impact your effectiveness and career progression.
For instance, if you’re in a leadership position, you need to inspire and motivate your team, which essentially involves persuading them to believe in a common goal or vision. Similarly, in client-facing roles, the art of persuasion is vital for winning new business and maintaining strong relationships.
Moreover, persuasion isn’t just about getting your way. It’s about fostering understanding and collaboration. When you can effectively communicate your perspective and understand others’, it leads to better decision-making and more innovative solutions. It’s a skill that promotes healthy debate and challenges the status quo, which is essential for any organization to grow and adapt in today’s fast-paced business environment.
However, it’s important to note that ethical persuasion should always be the goal. It’s not about manipulating others, but rather about presenting your ideas in a compelling way while being open to feedback and alternative viewpoints. This approach not only helps in achieving immediate objectives but also builds long-term trust and respect among colleagues and clients.
Examiner: Interesting perspective. How do you think the art of persuasion has changed with the rise of social media and digital communication?
Candidate: That’s a fascinating question. I believe the rise of social media and digital communication has profoundly transformed the landscape of persuasion in several ways.
Firstly, these platforms have democratized the ability to influence. Anyone with an internet connection can now potentially reach and persuade a global audience. This has led to the rise of influencers and thought leaders who may not have traditional credentials but can sway public opinion significantly.
Secondly, the nature of persuasion has become more visual and bite-sized. With the short attention spans typical of social media users, persuaders need to craft concise, impactful messages often relying on images, infographics, or short videos to convey their points quickly and memorably.
However, this shift has also brought challenges. The abundance of information and the echo chamber effect of social media algorithms can make it harder to persuade those who hold opposing views. People are often exposed primarily to content that aligns with their existing beliefs, making it more difficult to reach and convince them of alternative perspectives.
Moreover, the speed of digital communication has created a demand for instant responses, which can sometimes lead to knee-jerk reactions rather than thoughtful persuasion. This highlights the importance of balancing quick responses with well-considered arguments.
Lastly, digital persuasion has become more data-driven. Marketers and communicators can now use analytics to tailor their persuasive messages to specific audiences, making their efforts potentially more effective but also raising ethical questions about privacy and manipulation.
In conclusion, while digital platforms have opened up new avenues for persuasion, they’ve also created a more complex environment where authenticity, creativity, and ethical considerations are more important than ever in the art of convincing others.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Adopt a multi-faceted approach [əˈdɒpt ə ˌmʌlti ˈfæsɪtɪd əˈprəʊtʃ] – To use various methods or consider different aspects when dealing with a situation.
Example: To solve the complex problem, we need to adopt a multi-faceted approach.Proactively address [prəʊˈæktɪvli əˈdres] – To deal with potential issues or concerns before they become actual problems.
Example: The company proactively addressed customer concerns by improving their service quality.Appeal to experiences/values [əˈpiːl tu ɪkˈspɪəriənsɪz/ˈvæljuːz] – To make an argument based on someone’s past experiences or personal beliefs.
Example: The politician appealed to the voters’ values of fairness and equality in his speech.Immerse oneself [ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself] – To become completely involved in something.
Example: To improve my language skills, I decided to immerse myself in the local culture during my study abroad.Articulate thoughts clearly [ɑːˈtɪkjʊleɪt θɔːts ˈklɪəli] – To express ideas or opinions in a clear and effective manner.
Example: A good leader must be able to articulate their vision clearly to inspire the team.Foster understanding [ˈfɒstər ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ] – To encourage or promote better comprehension between people or groups.
Example: The workshop aimed to foster understanding between different departments in the company.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing persuasion:
- Use a variety of complex sentence structures and advanced vocabulary relevant to the topic.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate your points, demonstrating your ability to link abstract ideas to concrete situations.
- Show your ability to analyze and reflect on the persuasion process, not just describe events.
- Maintain fluency by organizing your thoughts quickly and speaking at a natural pace.
- Demonstrate your understanding of nuances in communication by discussing both verbal and non-verbal aspects of persuasion.
- Practice discussing persuasion in various contexts – personal, professional, and societal – to prepare for different question types.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how effectively and fluently you express your ideas. Regular practice with these techniques will help you become more confident and articulate in discussing complex topics like persuasion.