Mastering the Art of Self-Advocacy: How to Describe Standing Up for Yourself in IELTS Speaking

IELTS Mentor

2 months ago

The topic of standing up for oneself is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2 and Part 3. This subject allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to narrate personal experiences, express opinions, and discuss broader social issues. Given its relevance to everyday life and its potential to elicit diverse responses, this topic is likely to remain prevalent in future IELTS exams.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about self-advocacy or related topics. 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 7-8):
“Absolutely. I believe it’s crucial for individuals to stand up for themselves in various situations. It not only helps in building self-confidence but also ensures that one’s rights and opinions are respected. However, it’s equally important to do so in a respectful and constructive manner, without being aggressive or confrontational.”

Importance of standing up for oneself

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

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

Describe a time 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 8-9):

“I’d like to share an experience from my university days when I had to stand up for myself. It was during my final year, in a group project for our marketing class.

The incident occurred about two years ago, in our university’s library where we often met for group discussions. We were a team of four, working on a comprehensive marketing strategy for a local business. As the project progressed, I noticed that one of my team members was consistently not contributing his fair share of work, yet was taking credit for the group’s efforts.

I felt compelled to stand up for myself because this situation was not only unfair but also jeopardizing our project’s quality and potentially affecting my grades. Initially, I was hesitant to confront the issue, fearing it might create tension within the group. However, I realized that addressing it was necessary for the team’s success and my personal growth.

Mustering up my courage, I decided to have a private conversation with this team member. I approached him after one of our meetings and expressed my concerns in a calm and constructive manner. I outlined specific instances where his lack of contribution had impacted the team and suggested ways he could improve his participation.

To my surprise, the conversation went better than I had anticipated. My teammate was receptive to the feedback and admitted he had been struggling with some personal issues that affected his performance. This open dialogue led to a positive outcome – he apologized and committed to putting in more effort.

The result was remarkable. Not only did our team dynamic improve significantly, but the quality of our project also enhanced. We ended up receiving an excellent grade, and more importantly, I felt a sense of empowerment from having addressed the issue directly and professionally.

This experience taught me the value of assertive communication and the importance of standing up for oneself in a respectful manner. It boosted my confidence in handling difficult conversations and reinforced my belief in the power of honest, open dialogue in resolving conflicts.”

University students discussing group project

Follow-up questions:

How did this experience change your approach to teamwork?
Do you think standing up for yourself becomes easier with age?

Sample answers:

(Band 7-8) “This experience significantly transformed my approach to teamwork. It taught me the importance of clear communication and setting expectations early in group projects. Now, I’m more proactive in discussing roles and responsibilities at the outset of any collaborative effort.”
(Band 8-9) “I believe standing up for oneself does become easier with age, primarily due to increased life experience and self-confidence. As we grow older, we tend to develop a stronger sense of self-worth and become more adept at articulating our thoughts and feelings. However, it’s a skill that requires continuous practice and refinement, regardless of age.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Question: “What are some challenges people might face when standing up for themselves in the workplace?”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Standing up for oneself in the workplace can indeed be a complex and delicate matter. One of the primary challenges is the fear of negative consequences, such as damaging professional relationships or even risking one’s job security. Employees might worry that asserting themselves could be perceived as confrontational or uncooperative, potentially harming their career prospects.

Another significant challenge is navigating the power dynamics inherent in most workplace structures. Junior employees, in particular, might find it intimidating to stand up to those in higher positions, even when they have valid concerns or ideas. This power imbalance can lead to a reluctance to speak up, even in situations where doing so would be beneficial for both the individual and the organization.

Furthermore, cultural differences can play a role in how comfortable people feel about self-advocacy. In some cultures, directness and assertiveness are valued, while in others, maintaining harmony and avoiding confrontation are prioritized. This can create additional complexity in diverse work environments.

Lastly, there’s the challenge of striking the right balance between standing up for oneself and maintaining professionalism. It requires a high level of emotional intelligence to express concerns or disagreements in a way that is both effective and respectful of the workplace etiquette.”

Question: “How can society encourage people to stand up for themselves more often?”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Encouraging people to stand up for themselves more frequently is a multifaceted endeavor that requires efforts at various levels of society.

Firstly, education plays a crucial role. Schools and educational institutions could incorporate assertiveness training and conflict resolution skills into their curricula. By teaching young people how to communicate effectively and stand up for their rights from an early age, we can help build a generation that is more confident in self-advocacy.

Media and popular culture also have a significant influence. By portraying more positive examples of individuals standing up for themselves in a constructive manner, we can help normalize this behavior and provide role models for people to emulate.

In the workplace, companies can foster an environment that values open communication and constructive feedback. This could involve creating clear channels for employees to voice concerns without fear of retribution, and providing training for managers on how to receive and act on feedback effectively.

On a broader societal level, legal frameworks that protect individuals from discrimination and unfair treatment are essential. When people know their rights are protected by law, they’re more likely to feel empowered to stand up for themselves.

Lastly, promoting mental health awareness and self-esteem building activities in communities can help individuals develop the confidence needed to advocate for themselves. This could include support groups, workshops, and public campaigns that emphasize the importance of self-worth and assertiveness.

By implementing these strategies, society can create an environment where standing up for oneself is not only accepted but encouraged, leading to more empowered individuals and potentially more balanced and fair social interactions.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To assert oneself /əˈsɜːrt wʌnˈself/ (phrasal verb): to behave or speak in a confident way, especially to make other people notice you and your opinions
Example: “It’s important to learn how to assert yourself in professional settings without being aggressive.”
Self-advocacy /ˌself ˈædvəkəsi/ (noun): the action of representing oneself or one’s views or interests
Example: “Developing strong self-advocacy skills can greatly benefit one’s personal and professional life.”
To stand one’s ground /stænd wʌnz graʊnd/ (idiom): to maintain one’s position or opinion in the face of opposition
Example: “Despite pressure from his colleagues, he stood his ground and refused to compromise his ethical standards.”
To speak up /spiːk ʌp/ (phrasal verb): to express one’s opinion openly and firmly
Example: “She finally decided to speak up about the unfair treatment she had been experiencing at work.”
To take a stand /teɪk ə stænd/ (phrase): to express a strong opinion about something, especially publicly
Example: “The employees took a stand against the new company policy, which they felt was unfair.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing standing up for yourself:

Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Provide specific examples from personal experience to support your points.
Show your ability to analyze the topic from different perspectives, especially in Part 3.
Practice speaking fluently and coherently about personal experiences related to self-advocacy.
Develop your ideas fully, providing reasons and explanations for your opinions.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high score.

By following these guidelines and incorporating the suggested vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss the topic of standing up for yourself in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!