The topic “describe a time when you stood up for yourself” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking examinations. It tests a candidate’s ability to narrate personal experiences, express opinions, and use appropriate vocabulary. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively address this topic and achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions related to the theme of standing up for oneself. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Question: Do you think it’s important for people to stand up for themselves?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. I believe it’s crucial for individuals to stand up for themselves in various situations. Self-advocacy not only helps maintain one’s dignity and self-respect but also prevents others from taking advantage of you. Moreover, it’s an essential skill for personal growth and building healthy relationships. However, it’s equally important to do so tactfully and respectfully, ensuring that we don’t infringe upon others’ rights while asserting our own.”

Describe a friend who is a good listener can be an excellent way to demonstrate your ability to describe personal relationships and characteristics, which is another common theme in IELTS Speaking tasks.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you stood up for yourself
You should say:

• When and where it happened
• Why you had to stand up for yourself
• How you felt about it
• What the outcome was

Sample Answer (Band 6-7)

“I’d like to talk about a time when I stood up for myself at work. It happened about two years ago when I was working as a junior designer at a marketing agency.

One day, my supervisor assigned me a project with an incredibly tight deadline. I knew it was unrealistic to complete the work to a high standard in such a short time. So, I decided to speak up.

I approached my supervisor and explained my concerns. I told her that while I was committed to doing my best, the timeline would likely compromise the quality of the work. I suggested extending the deadline by two days to ensure we delivered a superior product to the client.

At first, I felt nervous about speaking up, as I didn’t want to seem incapable or unwilling to take on challenges. However, I also felt it was necessary to advocate for myself and the quality of our work.

To my relief, my supervisor appreciated my honesty and professionalism. She agreed to extend the deadline and even commended me for my initiative. The outcome was positive – I completed the project to a high standard, the client was satisfied, and I gained more respect from my colleagues and superiors.

This experience taught me the importance of communicating effectively and standing up for what I believe is right, even when it’s uncomfortable.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

“I’d like to recount an incident where I assertively stood up for myself, which occurred approximately 18 months ago during a team meeting at my workplace, a multinational tech company.

The situation arose when a colleague persistently interrupted me during my presentation of a new project proposal. Despite my initial attempts to politely continue, the interruptions became increasingly disruptive, undermining my authority and the value of my ideas.

Recognizing the need to address this behavior, I decidedly yet diplomatically paused my presentation. I turned to my colleague and said, “I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I’d be grateful if you could allow me to finish presenting my ideas. I’d be more than happy to discuss your thoughts comprehensively once I’ve concluded.”

Initially, I felt a surge of adrenaline and a slight apprehension about potential repercussions. However, this was overshadowed by a sense of empowerment and self-respect. I knew I was acting professionally and setting a precedent for mutual respect in our team dynamics.

The outcome was remarkably positive. My colleague apologized for the interruptions, and the rest of the meeting proceeded smoothly. More importantly, this action set a new standard for communication within our team. It fostered an environment of active listening and respect for diverse opinions.

In retrospect, this experience was a turning point in my professional development. It reinforced the importance of assertive communication and demonstrated how standing up for oneself can contribute to a more productive and harmonious work environment. It also bolstered my confidence in handling challenging interpersonal situations, a skill that has proven invaluable in my career progression.”

Confident professional standing up for themselves in a meeting

Follow-up Questions

1. How did this experience change your approach to workplace communication?
2. What advice would you give to someone who struggles to stand up for themselves?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“This experience was truly transformative for my approach to workplace communication. It taught me the value of assertive yet respectful dialogue. I’ve since become more proactive in expressing my ideas and concerns, always ensuring I maintain a professional demeanor. I’ve found that clear, confident communication not only garners respect but also fosters a more collaborative and productive work environment.

As for advice, I’d encourage those who struggle to stand up for themselves to start small. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly in low-stakes situations. Remember, it’s not about being confrontational, but about expressing your views and needs effectively. Develop a support network of trusted colleagues or mentors who can offer guidance. Most importantly, recognize your own worth and the value of your contributions. Confidence often comes from acknowledging your own expertise and right to be heard.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think people today find it easier or harder to stand up for themselves compared to previous generations?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I think it’s a bit of both. On one hand, people today have more access to information and resources about assertiveness and rights, which can make it easier to stand up for themselves. Social media has also given people a platform to voice their opinions.

However, there’s also a lot of pressure to fit in and not rock the boat, especially in professional settings. This can make it harder for some people to speak up. Also, with social media, there’s a risk of backlash when you stand up for yourself publicly, which might make some people hesitate.

Overall, I’d say it depends on the individual and the situation. Some find it easier, while others might still struggle.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“This is a nuanced issue that requires careful consideration. On one hand, contemporary society has made significant strides in promoting individual rights and encouraging self-expression, which theoretically should make it easier for people to stand up for themselves. The proliferation of information via the internet and social media has empowered individuals with knowledge about their rights and strategies for self-advocacy.

Conversely, the interconnected nature of our modern world has introduced new complexities. The fear of public scrutiny or viral backlash on social media platforms can be a deterrent for many. Additionally, the increasingly competitive job market might make some individuals reluctant to assert themselves in professional settings, fearing potential repercussions.

It’s also worth noting the generational differences in communication styles and expectations. While younger generations might be more comfortable with direct communication, they may struggle with face-to-face confrontations, preferring digital interactions.

Ultimately, I believe that while the avenues for standing up for oneself have expanded, the psychological and social barriers remain complex. The ease or difficulty largely depends on individual circumstances, personal confidence, and the specific context of the situation. What’s crucial is fostering environments – be it in workplaces, educational institutions, or social circles – that encourage open dialogue and respect for diverse opinions.”

Contrasting generational approaches to self-advocacy

Describe a time when you helped someone with a difficult task can be a great way to showcase your ability to discuss interpersonal relationships and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in addressing follow-up questions in Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Self-advocacy (noun) /ˌself ˈædvəkəsi/: The action of representing oneself or one’s views or interests.
   Example: “Learning self-advocacy skills is crucial for personal and professional growth.”

2. Assertive (adjective) /əˈsɜːrtɪv/: Confident and direct in claiming one’s rights or putting forward one’s views.
   Example: “She took an assertive stance when negotiating her salary.”

3. To stand one’s ground (idiom): To maintain one’s position in the face of opposition.
   Example: “Despite pressure from his peers, he stood his ground and refused to compromise his principles.”

4. Empowerment (noun) /ɪmˈpaʊərmənt/: The process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights.
   Example: “The workshop focused on empowerment strategies for young professionals.”

5. To speak up (phrasal verb): To express one’s opinion openly and confidently.
   Example: “Don’t be afraid to speak up if you disagree with something in the meeting.”

Describe a restaurant you recently visited is another topic that can help you practice using descriptive language and expressing opinions, which are essential skills for achieving a high score in IELTS Speaking.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics like standing up for yourself:

1. Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
2. Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to support your points.
3. Practice expressing opinions on various topics, backing them up with logical reasoning.
4. Work on your fluency by speaking regularly in English, focusing on maintaining a natural pace and rhythm.
5. Pay attention to pronunciation and intonation to ensure clear communication.
6. Develop your ability to elaborate on ideas, as this is crucial for Parts 2 and 3 of the test.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about having the right answers, but about communicating your thoughts effectively and confidently.

Describe a memorable experience you had during a road trip can be an excellent way to practice narrating personal experiences and using descriptive language, which are valuable skills for the IELTS Speaking test.