In IELTS Speaking, candidates are often asked to describe experiences where they handled situations differently from others. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate personal experiences, reflect on decision-making processes, and showcase your language skills. Let’s explore how to effectively approach this topic and maximize your score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about decision-making and problem-solving. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Question: Do you often make decisions differently from others?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Sometimes I do. I try to think about things from different angles before making decisions.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d say it depends on the situation. While I value others’ input, I often find myself approaching problems from a unique perspective. I believe this stems from my diverse experiences and tendency to question conventional wisdom.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe A Time When You Handled A Situation Differently From Others

You should say:
- What the situation was
- Why you handled it differently
- What the outcome was
- And explain how you felt about it

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:

“I’d like to talk about a time when I handled a group project differently at university. We had to create a presentation about environmental issues. While most groups chose common topics like global warming or deforestation, I suggested we focus on the impact of fast fashion on the environment.

I handled it differently because I wanted our presentation to stand out and cover a less-discussed but equally important topic. I had recently read an article about the environmental impact of the fashion industry, and I thought it would be interesting to share this information with our classmates.

The outcome was quite positive. Our presentation was well-received by both the professor and our classmates. Many people told us they learned new information they hadn’t considered before.

I felt proud that we had taken a risk and it paid off. It was satisfying to know that we had raised awareness about an important issue that often gets overlooked. This experience taught me the value of thinking outside the box and not always following the crowd.”

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:

“I’d like to recount an instance where I adopted an unconventional approach to a situation during my tenure at a marketing firm. We were tasked with devising a campaign for a client in the sustainable energy sector, and while my colleagues were inclined towards a traditional advertising strategy, I proposed a radically different approach.

The crux of my proposal was to create an interactive, augmented reality experience that would allow users to visualize the impact of their energy choices on the environment in real-time. This departure from conventional methods stemmed from my belief that engaging consumers on a personal level would be far more effective in driving behavior change than passive advertising.

The outcome was nothing short of remarkable. Our client was initially skeptical but ultimately embraced the idea, and the resulting campaign garnered significant media attention and led to a measurable increase in the adoption of sustainable energy solutions among the target demographic.

Reflecting on this experience, I felt a mix of exhilaration and vindication. It was immensely gratifying to see my unconventional idea come to fruition and make a tangible impact. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of innovative thinking and the importance of having the courage to advocate for novel approaches, even when they deviate from the norm. It also taught me the value of backing up creative ideas with solid research and data, which was crucial in convincing both my team and the client to take a chance on this unconventional strategy.”

IELTS Speaking: Describing a unique approach to a situation

Follow-up questions:

1. How did your teammates initially react to your different approach?
2. What challenges did you face in implementing your idea?

Band 6-7 Answer:

1. “At first, my teammates were a bit unsure about my idea. They thought it might be too risky.”
2. “The main challenge was convincing everyone that it could work. We also had to learn new skills to make the AR experience.”

Band 8-9 Answer:

1. “Initially, my colleagues were somewhat skeptical of my proposition. They expressed concerns about the feasibility and potential risks associated with such an unconventional approach. However, I managed to assuage their apprehensions by presenting a comprehensive plan backed by market research and case studies of successful interactive campaigns.”

2. “The primary challenge we encountered was the technical complexity of creating an engaging and user-friendly AR experience. We had to collaborate closely with software developers and conduct extensive user testing to refine the interface. Additionally, we faced the task of educating our client about the potential of this novel approach and helping them envision the long-term benefits despite the higher initial investment.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to decision-making and unconventional approaches. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Question: Why do you think some people prefer to handle situations differently from others?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think people handle situations differently because everyone has unique experiences and perspectives. Some people might prefer new approaches because they want to stand out or find better solutions.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“There are myriad reasons why individuals might opt for unconventional approaches to handling situations. Fundamentally, it often boils down to a combination of personal experiences, cognitive diversity, and risk tolerance. Some individuals possess a natural inclination towards divergent thinking, allowing them to perceive alternative solutions that may not be immediately apparent to others. Moreover, past successes with unconventional methods can reinforce this tendency, encouraging further exploration of novel approaches. Additionally, certain personalities are more comfortable with ambiguity and are willing to challenge established norms in pursuit of potentially superior outcomes.”

Question: What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of handling situations differently from the majority?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“The main benefit of handling situations differently is that you might find better solutions. You can also learn new things and stand out. However, there’s a risk that your idea might not work, and others might not understand or support you.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Adopting unconventional approaches to situations can yield significant benefits, chief among them being the potential for breakthrough innovations and paradigm shifts in problem-solving. By diverging from established methods, individuals and organizations can uncover novel solutions that may prove more effective or efficient. This approach can also foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement, which is invaluable in today’s rapidly evolving world.

However, this path is not without its challenges. The primary drawback is the inherent risk associated with untested methods. There’s always the possibility that an unconventional approach may fail, potentially leading to wasted resources or missed opportunities. Additionally, those who consistently handle situations differently may face resistance from more conservative peers or stakeholders, who might be uncomfortable with deviation from established norms. This can lead to communication challenges and the need for additional effort in garnering support for innovative ideas.

Ultimately, the key lies in striking a balance – knowing when to leverage unconventional thinking to drive progress and when to adhere to proven methods to ensure stability and reliability.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your IELTS Speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Unconventional approach /ˌʌnkənˈvenʃənl əˈprəʊtʃ/ (adj. + n.): A method that is different from what is usually done.
   Example: “My unconventional approach to problem-solving often yields surprising results.”

2. Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (n.): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: “The company’s new strategy represented a paradigm shift in the industry.”

3. Assuage apprehensions /əˈsweɪdʒ ˌæprɪˈhenʃnz/ (v. + n.): To calm fears or worries.
   Example: “I had to assuage my team’s apprehensions about the risky project.”

4. Divergent thinking /daɪˈvɜːdʒənt ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ (adj. + n.): Creative thinking that explores many possible solutions.
   Example: “Divergent thinking is crucial for innovation in any field.”

5. Challenge established norms /ˈtʃælɪndʒ ɪˈstæblɪʃt nɔːmz/ (v. + adj. + n.): To question and test accepted standards or practices.
   Example: “Sometimes we need to challenge established norms to make progress.”

Discover more strategies for adapting to changes in your life

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing situations where you handled things differently:

1. Provide specific examples: Don’t just say you handled a situation differently; give detailed accounts of what you did and why.

2. Reflect on the outcome: Discuss not only what happened but also what you learned from the experience.

3. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases relevant to decision-making and problem-solving.

4. Show balanced thinking: Acknowledge both the benefits and potential drawbacks of unconventional approaches.

5. Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly and confidently about your experiences.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim to demonstrate a wide range of language skills while maintaining natural and fluent speech.

Learn how to effectively describe difficult situations in IELTS Speaking

By following these strategies and incorporating sophisticated language, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about handling situations differently in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to practice regularly and seek feedback to continually improve your performance.