The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. It’s not just about grammar and vocabulary; examiners are also looking for your ability to express your thoughts and opinions clearly and confidently. Questions about personal values can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can turn them into an opportunity to demonstrate your fluency and vocabulary.
Understanding the Question
“What are some of your values?” is a question that probes into your core beliefs and principles. It’s asking you to articulate what matters most to you in life. This could relate to:
- Personal qualities: Honesty, integrity, kindness, loyalty, respect, perseverance, optimism, etc.
- Relationships: Family, friendship, love, trust, communication, etc.
- Societal values: Justice, equality, freedom, environmental protection, education, etc.
- Personal growth: Learning, creativity, challenge, self-improvement, etc.
How to Structure Your Answer
While there’s no single right answer, a structured approach will help you deliver a clear and coherent response. Here’s a simple structure:
-
Directly address the question: Start with a clear statement that acknowledges the question.
- Example: “When I think about my values, a few key things come to mind…”
-
Identify 2-3 values: Don’t overwhelm the examiner with a long list. Focus on a few core values and explain why they are important to you.
- Example: “One of my most important values is honesty. I believe in being truthful to myself and others, as it builds trust and fosters genuine connections.”
-
Illustrate with examples: Provide specific examples from your life to support your claims. This demonstrates your ability to connect abstract values to real-world experiences.
- Example: “Growing up, my parents always emphasized the importance of honesty. They taught me that even when it’s difficult, it’s always better to tell the truth. This has stayed with me throughout my life, and I strive to be honest in all my interactions, whether it’s with friends, family, or colleagues.”
-
Transition smoothly: Use transition words to connect your ideas and maintain a natural flow.
- Example: “In addition to honesty, I also place great value on respect…”
-
Conclude concisely: Briefly summarize your main points to reinforce your message.
- Example: “These values – honesty, respect, and perseverance – are essential to me because they guide my decisions and shape my interactions with the world.”
Example Response
“When I think about my values, a few key things come to mind. One of my most important values is honesty. I believe in being truthful to myself and others, as it builds trust and fosters genuine connections. Growing up, my parents always emphasized the importance of honesty. They taught me that even when it’s difficult, it’s always better to tell the truth. This has stayed with me throughout my life, and I strive to be honest in all my interactions, whether it’s with friends, family, or colleagues.
In addition to honesty, I also place great value on respect. I believe in treating everyone with respect, regardless of their background, beliefs, or opinions. Every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and understanding. Finally, perseverance is another value that I hold dear. Life is full of challenges, but I believe that with determination and a positive attitude, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.
These values – honesty, respect, and perseverance – are essential to me because they guide my decisions and shape my interactions with the world.”
Tips for Success
- Be authentic: Choose values that genuinely resonate with you.
- Use a range of vocabulary: Demonstrate your lexical resource by using synonyms and descriptive language.
- Practice speaking clearly and confidently: Speak at a natural pace and project your voice.
- Don’t memorize answers: Prepare ideas, not scripted responses.
- Relax and be yourself: Let your personality shine through!
By following these tips and practicing your responses, you can confidently answer questions about your values in the IELTS Speaking test and achieve your desired score.