The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts: Introduction and Interview (Part 1), Long Turn (Part 2), and a Two-way Discussion (Part 3). Examiners evaluate candidates based on four criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Part 2 often involves more introspective and complex questions, such as “Describe a time when you had to reconsider your beliefs”. This topic tests not only linguistic skills but also the ability to reflect and critically analyze personal experiences.
Understanding the common questions and exuding confidence in your responses are key to achieving a high score. Let’s delve into the essential components and model answers to tackle these questions effectively.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this part, the examiner will ask general questions about familiar topics, such as your interests, work, studies, or daily activities. Here are a few common questions and a sample answer to one:
Common Questions:
- What do you do?
- Do you enjoy your work/studies? Why or why not?
- What are your hobbies?
Sample Answer:
Question: What do you do?
Answer: “Currently, I’m a university student studying Computer Science. I have always been fascinated by technology and how it shapes our world. Besides that, I also work part-time as a coding tutor for high school students, which helps me reinforce my own knowledge while contributing to the community.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you had to reconsider your beliefs.
You should say:
- When it happened
- What you reconsidered
- Why you reconsidered it
- And explain how you felt about it
Sample Answer:
“One notable instance when I had to reconsider my beliefs happened about two years ago. At that time, I was an avid proponent of strict vegetarianism due to ethical reasons. However, during a trip to a rural village in Vietnam, I encountered situations that challenged my beliefs.
Coming from an urban background, my perspective on vegetarianism was shaped by the availability of alternative food sources. In the village, however, the people relied heavily on local produce and livestock for their subsistence. Seeing how they lived sustainably, utilizing every part of the animal without waste, prompted me to reflect on my rigid stance.
I realized that my beliefs were influenced by my privileged lifestyle, and adapting to local customs could be a way to respect their way of life rather than imposing my own values. Consequently, I modified my dietary practices to be more adaptable and culturally sensitive.
This experience taught me the importance of flexibility and empathy in understanding and respecting diverse ways of life. I felt both enlightened and humbled, as it broadened my perspective and made me more open-minded.”
flexibility_in_culture_awareness
Follow-Up Questions (Part 2):
Question: How did this experience affect you in the long term?
Answer: “In the long run, this experience instilled in me a greater sense of empathy and cultural awareness. It helped me to be less judgmental and more adaptable, which has been incredibly beneficial, both personally and professionally.”
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner’s Questions and Sample Responses:
Question: In your opinion, why do people find it difficult to change their beliefs?
Answer: “Changing one’s beliefs is inherently challenging because beliefs form a core part of our identity and worldview. They are often shaped by early life experiences, education, and social influences, making them deeply embedded. Confronting contradictory evidence can be uncomfortable as it threatens our sense of self and may cause cognitive dissonance.”
Question: Do you think it is always a good thing to reconsider beliefs?
Answer: “While it’s not necessary to question every belief constantly, the willingness to rethink our convictions when presented with new evidence or perspectives is beneficial. It promotes intellectual growth and helps us adapt to changing circumstances. However, it’s also important to balance this with stability and not being overly fickle in our views.”
Question: How can societies promote openness to changing beliefs?
Answer: “Societies can foster openness by encouraging critical thinking and diverse perspectives through education and media. Promoting dialogues and debates in a respectful manner allows people to encounter different viewpoints and consider them thoughtfully. Additionally, creating environments that validate personal growth can reduce the fear associated with changing one’s beliefs.”
III. Essential Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Key Vocabulary:
- Reconsider /ˌriːkənˈsɪdər/ (verb): think about again, especially to form a new opinion.
- Empathy /ˈempəθi/ (noun): the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
- Cognitive dissonance /ˈkɒgnɪtɪv ˈdɪsənəns/ (noun): the state of having inconsistent thoughts, beliefs, or attitudes.
- Cultural awareness /ˈkʌltʃərəl əˈwɛrnəs/ (noun): understanding and being aware of different cultures and their practices.
- Adaptability /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ (noun): ability to adjust to new conditions.
- Convictions /kənˈvɪkʃənz/ (noun): firmly held beliefs or opinions.
Sample Sentence Structures:
- “This experience led me to reconsider my previous stance on…”
- “By adapting to the local customs, I was able to…”
- “The encounter challenged my convictions and broadened my perspective.”
- “I felt humbled and enriched by the cultural awareness I gained.”
IV. Examiner’s Tips for High Scores
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice with a variety of topics enhances fluency and confidence.
- Reflect Deeply: Engaging deeply with the topic shows critical thinking and a strong grasp of the subject matter.
- Expand Vocabulary: Use a wide range of vocabulary appropriately to show lexical resource.
- Structure Responses: Organize answers logically to maintain coherence.
- Seek Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from peers, tutors, or language experts to identify areas for improvement.
By integrating these strategies and insights into your preparation, you can effectively tackle the IELTS Speaking test with confidence and achieve a high score.