The IELTS Speaking Test is divided into three parts: Part 1 – Introduction and Interview, Part 2 – Long Turn, and Part 3 – Two-way Discussion. Each part is designed to assess different aspects of your speaking ability, such as fluency, grammatical range, vocabulary, and coherence. One common topic that candidates may be asked to discuss is “Describe a time when you witnessed a debate or discussion.” This topic helps examiners evaluate your storytelling skills, ability to convey opinions, and critical thinking.
In this article, we will explore how to effectively respond to this topic, offering detailed examples and analyses to help you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, examiners typically ask questions about your personal background, interests, and daily activities. Here are some example questions and a suggested answer:
Example Question:
Examiner: Do you often participate in discussions or debates?
Candidate: Yes, I do. I find discussions and debates incredibly stimulating because they allow me to explore different perspectives and articulate my opinions. For instance, I enjoy engaging in debates about environmental issues with my friends.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you witnessed a debate or discussion.
You should say:
- When and where it happened
- What the debate or discussion was about
- Who were involved
- And explain why you remember this event
Model Answer:
Candidate: One memorable debate I witnessed took place during a university seminar last year. The seminar was held in our main lecture hall and the topic of debate was the impact of artificial intelligence on employment. Two prominent professors from the Computer Science and Economics departments were involved, alongside several students who actively participated in the Q&A session.
The debate began with Professor Johnson from Computer Science arguing that artificial intelligence would create more jobs than it would eliminate, by generating new industries and roles. Conversely, Professor Smith from Economics presented a more cautious view, stressing that AI could lead to significant job displacement particularly in repetitive task-based occupations.
What made this debate particularly riveting was the manner in which both professors substantiated their arguments with compelling data and real-world examples. There was an intense exchange of ideas, and the students added to the rich discussion with insightful questions and comments.
I vividly remember this event because it highlighted the complexities and multifaceted nature of technological advancements. It also emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in an ever-evolving job market.
University Debate on Artificial Intelligence
Bullet Points:
Examiner: Why do you think debates are important in educational settings?
Candidate: Debates are essential because they foster critical thinking and help students develop the ability to articulate their thoughts clearly. Moreover, they encourage open-mindedness and the consideration of diverse viewpoints.
Examiner: Do you think people should avoid controversial topics in discussions?
Candidate: Not necessarily. Engaging in controversial topics can be highly beneficial as long as the discussion remains respectful and constructive. It can lead to greater understanding and find common ground on divisive issues.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions:
Examiner: Do you believe that debates and discussions can impact people’s lives positively?
Candidate: Absolutely. Debates and discussions can greatly influence people’s lives by broadening their perspectives and encouraging informed decision-making. For instance, a well-conducted debate on health and wellness can motivate individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles. Furthermore, these exchanges can promote civic engagement and a richer understanding of important societal issues.
Additional Example Questions:
Examiner: How can schools better integrate debates into their curriculum?
Candidate: Schools can better integrate debates by incorporating structured debate sessions into subjects such as history, politics, and literature. Teachers could also encourage students to research and prepare arguments for both sides of a topic, which can enhance their critical thinking and public speaking skills. Additionally, organizing inter-school debate competitions could foster a culture of healthy intellectual competition.
Examiner: What are the potential drawbacks of engaging in debates?
Candidate: While debates have many advantages, there are potential drawbacks. For example, debates can sometimes become confrontational and may reinforce polarized views if not moderated properly. There is also the risk that participants might focus more on winning the argument rather than genuinely understanding the opposing viewpoint.
Vocabulary and Important Structures
Key Vocabulary:
- Stimulating (/ˈstɪmjʊˌleɪtɪŋ/): making one feel interested or enthusiastic.
- Substantiate (/səbˈstænʃieɪt/): to provide evidence to support or prove the truth of something.
- Intense (/ɪnˈtɛns/): of extreme force, degree, or strength.
- Multifaceted (/ˌmʌltaɪˈfæsɪtɪd/): having many aspects or sides.
- Polarized (/ˈpoʊləˌraɪzd/): divided into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs.
Useful Structures:
- The debate took place…
- The topic of discussion was…
- What made this debate particularly interesting was…
- I vividly remember this event because…
- Engaging in debates can promote…
Examples in Context:
- The debate was stimulating and highlighted the importance of versatile skills.
- The professor substantiated his claims with robust evidence and statistical data.
- The discussion was intense, reflecting the passionate views of the participants.
- The issue at hand is multifaceted, requiring a nuanced approach to solve.
- The discussion polarized opinions, but also brought out some critical insights.
Examiner’s Advice:
To excel in the IELTS Speaking Test, practice giving detailed responses while staying relevant to the topic. Work on expanding your vocabulary, and get comfortable using a variety of complex sentence structures. Always substantiate your points with examples and real-life experiences where possible.
For additional writing tips and practice materials, you can refer to resources like IELTS Writing Tips and Practices.
Remember to stay calm, speak clearly, and always express your ideas confidently.