The IELTS Speaking test assesses various facets of English proficiency across three sections: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). Candidates are evaluated on their fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Questions about standing up for personal beliefs often appear and test a candidate’s ability to articulate personal experiences and values convincingly. Below, I will guide you through crafting a strong response to the cue card question “Describe a time when you had to stand up for what you believe in.”
II. Main Content
1. Common Part 1 Questions
In Part 1, the examiner typically asks personal questions to gauge your background and interests. Example questions include:
- “Do you often discuss your beliefs with friends?”
- “Have you ever changed your opinion on a major issue?”
Let’s choose the second question to provide a sample answer:
Question: “Have you ever changed your opinion on a major issue?”
Sample Answer: “Yes, I have. Initially, I was against the idea of online education because I believed it was less effective than traditional methods. However, as I researched more and experienced some online courses during the pandemic, my perspective shifted. I came to realize that online education offers flexibility and a wealth of resources that are extremely beneficial.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Create a cue card related to the keyword “Describe a time when you had to stand up for what you believe in” in the standard format:
- Describe a time when you had to stand up for what you believe in.
- What the situation was
- Why you believed in this
- How you expressed your beliefs
- What the result was
Sample Answer:
“One significant moment I recall was during a group project in university. We were tasked with creating a presentation on environmental issues, and one team member suggested downplaying the impact of climate change to make our findings appear less alarming. I strongly disagreed with this approach because I believe in scientific integrity and the importance of presenting accurate information.
I expressed my concerns to the group, emphasizing the ethical responsibility we owed to our audience. I explained that while making our data seem less serious might make the presentation more palatable, it would be incredibly misleading and irresponsible. Thankfully, other members began to see my point, and we chose to present the facts as they were, supporting our claims with robust evidence.
In the end, our presentation was well-received, and many appreciated our honesty. This experience reinforced my commitment to standing up for the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it might be.”
students presenting research
Follow-up Questions:
- “What risks did you consider in standing up for your beliefs in this situation?”
- “Do you think it is important for people to share their beliefs openly?”
Sample Answer:
Risk Consideration: “I knew that standing up for my beliefs might cause some tension within the group. There was a risk of being perceived as difficult or even facing backlash. However, I believed that compromising on such a crucial issue would have far more negative consequences.”
Importance of Sharing Beliefs: “Absolutely. Sharing beliefs transparently encourages open dialogue and leads to more informed decisions. It also builds a culture of respect and integrity, which are essential in any group setting.”
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner delves deeper into the topic, asking more abstract and conceptual questions.
Examiner Question: “Do you think society has become more open to diverse perspectives?”
Sample Answer: “In many ways, yes. Modern society has seen a greater appreciation for diversity of thought and expression. Social media platforms, for example, have given people from different backgrounds a voice and a means to share their unique perspectives. However, there are still pockets of resistance and social norms that can stifle open discussion. While progress has been made, there is always room for improvement to ensure that all voices are heard and respected.”
IV. Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Key Vocabulary:
- Integrity /ɪnˈteɡrɪti/ (n.) – the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
- Ethical /ˈeθɪkəl/ (adj.) – relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these.
- Robust /rəʊˈbʌst/ (adj.) – strong and healthy; vigorous.
- Transparency /trænsˈpærənsi/ (n.) – the quality of being done in an open way without secrets.
- Resistance /rɪˈzɪstəns/ (n.) – the refusal to accept or comply with something.
Sample Sentences:
- “Her commitment to integrity ensures that she always presents the facts as they are.”
- “We must adopt an ethical approach in our projects to maintain credibility.”
- “Our argument was based on robust scientific data.”
- “The need for transparency in business practices cannot be overstated.”
- “Despite initial resistance, the policy was eventually accepted.”
V. Final Tips
- Practice Fluently: Aim to speak fluently and coherently without long pauses. Practicing with a timer can help.
- Use a Range of Vocabulary: Incorporate a variety of words and expressions related to your topic.
- Stay Relevant: Ensure that all your answers are relevant to the questions asked.
- Seek Feedback: Practice with a partner or teacher who can provide constructive feedback.
- Record Yourself: Listening to your own speaking can reveal areas for improvement.
Incorporating the guidance above into your practice sessions will help you prepare for IELTS Speaking and increase your chances of scoring high.