The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts: Introduction and Interview, Long Turn, and Two-way Discussion. Examiners assess your performance based on four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Questions related to witnessing significant social changes are common in speaking exams. Such questions test your ability to provide a detailed account, structure your answer well, and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
II. Main Content
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
During the first part of the test, the examiner may ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics.
Common Questions:
- Can you describe where you live?
- What do you do in your free time?
- Have you ever witnessed a significant social change in your community?
Sample Answer:
“Yes, I have. About five years ago, my hometown went through a significant transformation when a new policy was implemented to improve public transportation. Previously, we had limited and unreliable bus services, but the government introduced more frequent routes, better maintenance of buses, and added bike-sharing stations. As a result, there was a noticeable reduction in traffic congestion and a positive environmental impact from decreased vehicle emissions. This change greatly enhanced the residents’ quality of life.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In the second part of the test, you will be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. You will have one minute to prepare.
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you witnessed a significant social change. You should say:
- When it happened
- Where it happened
- What the change was
- And how it affected people
Sample Answer:
“I’m going to talk about a significant social change I witnessed in my city around seven years ago. This change occurred when the local government launched an initiative to combat plastic pollution. The policy banned single-use plastic bags and promoted the use of reusable alternatives. When it happened, there was a lot of public discussion, and people were initially resistant to the change.
Where it happened was in my hometown, a bustling metropolitan area. The change involved a major shift in consumer habits. What happened next was local stores replaced plastic bags with paper and cloth ones, and many launched educational campaigns about the environmental harm caused by plastics.
This change affected people in various ways. Businesses had to adapt their practices, and consumers slowly embraced the new norm. Over time, the streets became cleaner, and there was a noticeable decline in plastic waste. It not only benefitted the environment but also fostered a sense of community responsibility and sustainability. Overall, this social change was a positive step toward environmental preservation, and it made me realize the power of collective action.”
Social Change Initiative
Follow-up Questions:
How did people initially react to the change?
- “Initially, many people were skeptical and complained about the inconvenience. However, awareness campaigns and the visible benefits of the change eventually won them over.”
Do you think this change was necessary?
- “Absolutely, it was necessary. Given the alarming rate of plastic pollution and its impact on marine life and ecosystems, this change was crucial for sustainability.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In the final part, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic, encouraging a discussion.
Example Discussion:
Examiner: “What do you think are the most significant social changes happening today?”
Candidate: “One of the most significant social changes today is the shift toward digital transformation. With advancements in technology, things like remote work, online education, and telemedicine are becoming commonplace. These changes are reshaping how we communicate, work, and access services.”
Examiner: “Do you think these changes are positive or negative?”
Candidate: “Overall, the changes are positive. For example, remote work offers flexibility and can improve work-life balance. However, there are challenges, such as the digital divide that leaves some people behind. It’s important to address these issues to ensure that everyone benefits from these advancements.”
III. Key Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Important Vocabulary:
- Initiative /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ (noun) – a new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem.
- “The government launched an initiative to improve public transport.”
- Transform /trænsˈfɔːrm/ (verb) – to change completely the appearance or character of something or someone.
- “The new policy transformed our waste management system.”
- Environmental Impact (noun phrase) – the effect of an activity on the environment.
- “The reduction in vehicle emissions had a positive environmental impact.”
Useful Structures:
- As a result, …
- “As a result, traffic congestion decreased noticeably.”
- This change greatly enhanced …
- “This change greatly enhanced the residents’ quality of life.”
- It not only … but also …
- “It not only benefitted the environment but also fostered a sense of community responsibility.”
IV. Examiner’s Tips for Success
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps improve fluency and confidence.
- Expand Vocabulary: Use a variety of words and expressions to express your ideas.
- Structure Your Answers: Organize your responses logically with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Listen to Feedback: Use feedback from teachers or peers to improve your speaking skills.
- Stay Relaxed: Try to stay calm and composed during the test to ensure you can think and speak clearly.
In conclusion, preparing for the IELTS Speaking test involves understanding the common questions, practicing structured responses, and incorporating diverse vocabulary and grammatical structures. By following these guidelines, you can aim to achieve high scores in your speaking exam.