As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students who get flustered by seemingly simple IELTS Speaking topics. One such topic is the question of whether it’s good to break rules. While it sounds straightforward, this question requires nuance and careful explanation to truly impress the examiner. Let’s break down how to confidently tackle this “it depends” topic and showcase your best English skills.
Understanding the Nuance: It’s More Than “Yes” or “No”
The key to successfully discussing whether it’s good to break rules lies in understanding that there’s no single right answer. The examiner isn’t looking for a “yes” or “no” – they want to see your ability to:
- Think critically: Can you analyze a situation from different angles?
- Express complex ideas: Can you articulate why some situations might justify rule-breaking while others don’t?
- Provide strong examples: Can you support your points with relevant and detailed illustrations?
Structuring Your Response: A Balanced Approach
When approaching the “breaking rules” topic, aim for a balanced response that acknowledges both sides of the argument. Here’s a possible structure:
1. Acknowledge the Importance of Rules:
- Begin by stating that rules are generally essential for order and fairness in society.
- Example: “Of course, rules are important. They provide a framework for society and help ensure things run smoothly…”
2. Introduce the “It Depends” Element:
- Transition by saying that there are exceptions to every rule, and sometimes breaking them can be justified.
- Example: “However, there are times when blindly following rules can lead to negative consequences…”
3. Provide Specific Examples:
- Offer concrete scenarios where breaking a rule might be acceptable.
- Moral Dilemma: Breaking a minor traffic law to rush someone having a medical emergency.
- Unjust Rule: During the Civil Rights Movement, breaking segregation laws was a form of protest against injustice.
- Example: “For instance, imagine someone needing urgent medical attention. Breaking the speed limit to get them to the hospital might be justifiable in that situation…”
4. Highlight the Importance of Judgement:
- Emphasize that breaking rules should never be taken lightly and requires careful consideration.
- Example: “Ultimately, it’s about weighing the potential benefits against the drawbacks. Breaking a rule should never be the first option, but rather a last resort in exceptional circumstances.”
5. Conclude Thoughtfully:
- Reiterate that while rules are important, flexibility and critical thinking are also crucial.
- Example: “So, while I believe in respecting rules, I also think it’s important to be adaptable and recognize that unique situations may call for unconventional actions.”
Example IELTS Speaking Question:
Examiner: Some people believe that it’s always important to follow rules, while others think it’s okay to break them sometimes. What’s your opinion?
Candidate: (Following the structure above)
breaking-rules-dilemma|breaking rules dilemma|A photo of a person looking conflicted while contemplating whether to break a rule, with a road sign symbolizing rules in the background. The person’s expression should convey both hesitation and a sense of urgency.
Key Tips for Success:
- Don’t be afraid to take a stance: While a balanced approach is good, don’t be afraid to clearly state your opinion.
- Use a range of vocabulary: Demonstrate your fluency by using synonyms for “rules” (regulations, guidelines, principles) and “break” (violate, disregard, bend).
- Connect to personal experience (if appropriate): Briefly sharing a relevant personal anecdote can make your response more engaging.
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice discussing this and similar topics, the more confident and fluent you’ll become.
Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is about demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively in English. By approaching this topic thoughtfully and with strong examples, you can impress the examiner and achieve your desired score. Good luck!
