Common Part 1 Questions
Examiners often begin with these introductory questions:
- Have you ever changed your mind about something important?
- Do you think it’s good to change opinions sometimes?
- What makes people change their minds about things?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that being open to changing opinions is crucial for personal growth. Recently, I completely transformed my perspective on social media usage after reading several research papers about its impact on mental health. I now take a more balanced approach to digital consumption.”
IELTS candidate discussing opinion changes with examiner
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a time when you changed your opinion about something.
You should say:
- What the original opinion was
- What made you change your opinion
- How you felt about changing your opinion
And explain if this change has affected your life
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share how I dramatically shifted my perspective on remote work. Initially, I was quite skeptical about working from home, believing it would reduce productivity and team cohesion. However, during the global pandemic, I was compelled to embrace this new way of working.
What profoundly influenced my opinion was experiencing firsthand the numerous benefits. I discovered that remote work actually enhanced my productivity by eliminating commute time and office distractions. The flexibility allowed me to maintain a better work-life balance, and I found myself more energized and focused.
The process of changing my mind was eye-opening. It taught me to be more open-minded about challenging my preconceptions. This shift has significantly impacted my career choices, as I now actively seek positions that offer flexible working arrangements.”
Similar to describe a job that you find interesting, this topic requires detailed personal experience and reflection.
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about how I changed my mind about online learning. Before, I thought it wasn’t as good as classroom learning. But after trying it, I found some good points. It was convenient and I could study at my own pace. I felt surprised that I liked it. Now I take both online and offline classes.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q1: Why do people sometimes resist changing their opinions?
Band 8-9 Response:
“People often demonstrate resistance to changing their opinions due to several psychological factors. Confirmation bias leads them to seek information that supports their existing beliefs, while cognitive dissonance makes it uncomfortable to accept contradicting views. Additionally, their ego investment in certain beliefs can make it emotionally challenging to admit they might be wrong.”
Just as describe a documentary you watched recently can change perspectives, personal experiences often lead to opinion shifts.
Q2: Is it easier for young people to change their opinions?
Band 8-9 Response:
“Young people tend to be more receptive to new ideas due to their neural plasticity and fewer ingrained beliefs. They’re generally more exposed to diverse perspectives through social media and global connectivity, making them more likely to critically evaluate and modify their viewpoints. However, this susceptibility to change can also make them more vulnerable to external influences.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- To have a change of heart (idiom) – /tə həv ə tʃeɪndʒ əv hɑːt/ – to change one’s opinion or feelings
- To do a complete U-turn (idiom) – /tə duː ə kəmˈpliːt juː tɜːn/ – to completely change one’s opinion
- Paradigm shift (n) – /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ – a fundamental change in approach or assumptions
Like describe an unexpected gift you received, using these phrases can help express surprise and transformation in your responses.
Examiner’s Tips
- Use a clear structure when explaining your opinion change
- Incorporate specific examples and personal experiences
- Demonstrate reflection and self-awareness
- Use advanced vocabulary and complex sentences appropriately
- Show genuine engagement with the topic through tone and expression
For more practice on describing experiences, consider studying describe a recent memorable family meal.
