Understanding “He’s the Devil’s Advocate”: How to Use It in IELTS Writing and Speaking

The expression “He’s the devil’s advocate” (ˈhiz ðə ˈdɛvəlz ˈædvəkət) is a fascinating idiom in the English language. It refers to someone who argues against a point to test its validity or to provoke discussion, even if they do not necessarily believe in that argument themselves. This idiom frequently appears in discussions, debates, and writing tasks, making it useful for individuals preparing for the IELTS exam.

Synonyms/Antonyms:

1. Contrarian (kənˈtreəriən) – noun: a person who opposes or rejects popular opinion.
   Example: John is a contrarian, often taking a different stance from the majority.

2. Skeptic (ˈskɛptɪk) – noun: a person inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions.
   Example: As a skeptic, she often questions the validity of scientific claims.

3. Supporter (səˈpɔːtə) – noun: a person who approves of and encourages someone or something. (Antonym)
   Example: He is a strong supporter of environmental conservation efforts.

4. Proponent (prəˈpəʊnənt) – noun: a person who advocates a theory, proposal, or project.
   Example: She is a leading proponent of renewable energy.

5. Advocate (ˈædvəkət) – noun: a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.
   Example: He is an advocate for human rights and equality.

Main Content

Meaning and Usage of “He’s the Devil’s Advocate”

“He’s the devil’s advocate” is used to describe a person who takes a contrary position or presents a counterargument for the sake of debate or to explore the argument’s strength. In the context of IELTS exams, understanding this idiom can enrich your vocabulary and enhance your writing and speaking abilities.

Analysing the Term in IELTS Context

This idiom might appear in various sections of the IELTS exam, particularly in writing tasks or speaking parts where discussion, debates, or presenting multiple perspectives are required. Knowing how to use idiomatic expressions appropriately can greatly improve the eloquence and authenticity of your responses.

Example:

• Writing Task 2: “To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is better to prevent illness than to cure it.”
  • Response: “While I largely agree with this statement, it is essential to play the devil’s advocate and consider the situations where curing an illness is as crucial as preventing it. For instance, emergency medical interventions save countless lives daily.”

Devil's Advocate Debate Illustration

Practical Examples for IELTS Application

Below are some detailed examples demonstrating how to effectively incorporate this idiom into both writing and speaking sections of the IELTS exam.

Writing Task 2 Example

Question: “Some people think that the best way to increase road safety is to increase the minimum legal age for driving cars or riding motorbikes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Response:
“Playing devil’s advocate, one might argue that age is not the primary factor in road safety. Instead, rigorous driver education and stricter enforcement of traffic laws could be more effective strategies. Although increasing the minimum age could help, it does not address the root causes of reckless driving.”

Speaking Part 3 Example

Question: “Do you think technology has improved our lives?”

Response:
“Yes, I believe technology has greatly improved our lives in various ways. However, to play the devil’s advocate, it is necessary to mention the increase in sedentary lifestyles and the potential for reduced face-to-face social interactions, which are significant drawbacks.”

Combining Related Terms and Idioms

Using idioms and advanced vocabulary alongside the idiom “devil’s advocate” can illustrate your proficiency in English.

• Contrarian perspective: He tends to have a contrarian perspective, always playing devil’s advocate during our discussions.
• Skeptical approach: Taking a skeptical approach, he often plays devil’s advocate, questioning the validity of universally accepted norms.
• Supporter analogy: Unlike a supporter who advocates for a cause, a devil’s advocate deliberately opposes it to test its robustness.

Additional Idioms and Phrases Related to “Devil’s Advocate”

1. “To argue for the sake of argument”: Engaging in debate to provoke thought rather than to persuade.
   Example: He likes to argue for the sake of argument, often playing devil’s advocate.

2. “To challenge the status quo”: To question the existing state of affairs.
   Example: They often play devil’s advocate to challenge the status quo in business meetings.

3. “Raise an objection”: To express or feel disapproval or opposition.
   Example: She raised an objection, playing devil’s advocate to make the discussion more comprehensive.

4. “Push back”: To argue against or resist.
   Example: He often plays devil’s advocate to push back against the prevailing opinions.

5. “On the other hand”: Used to present a contrasting argument.
   Example: On the other hand, playing devil’s advocate, one might argue that the policy could have unintended consequences.

Conclusion

Understanding and utilizing the idiom “He’s the devil’s advocate” can significantly enhance your communication skills in the IELTS exam. This idiom is particularly useful in tasks that require discussing multiple viewpoints or constructing counterarguments. By integrating this expression effectively, you can demonstrate a sophisticated command of English that will likely impress the examiners.

Practice Questions:

1. Writing Task 2: “Some people think that governments should invest more in public transportation instead of building more roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
2. Speaking Part 3: “What are the benefits and drawbacks of globalization?”

By practicing how to incorporate “devil’s advocate” and related idiomatic expressions into your responses, you’ll be better prepared for a diverse range of questions and scenarios in the IELTS exam.