When preparing for the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), it’s crucial to not only understand specific vocabulary but also know how to utilize it accurately. In this article, we will delve into the phrase “play devil’s advocate,” its usage, and its relevance to the IELTS exam.

What Does “Play Devil’s Advocate” Mean?

– Play devil’s advocate (verb phrase) /pleɪ ˈdɛvəlz ˈædvəkɪt/: To argue against a position, idea, or plan in order to provoke debate or to test the strength of the opposing arguments.

Synonyms and Related Phrases:

1. Challenge a point of view /ˈtʃælɪndʒ ə pɔɪnt əv vjuː/: Questioning an established perspective.
2. Critique /krɪˈtik/: To express an analytical assessment of something.
3. Question assumptions /ˈkwɛsʧən əˈsʌmpʃəns/: To challenge accepted beliefs.
4. Pose counterarguments /poʊz ˈkaʊntərˌɑrgjəmənts/: To present opposing views.
5. Argue against /ˈɑrgju əˈgɛnst/: To speak or write against something.
6. Provocatively debate /prəˈvɑkətɪvli dɪˈbeɪt/: To engage in a stimulating and challenging discussion.

Example Sentences:

1. The teacher often plays devil’s advocate to encourage critical thinking in her students.
2. In a debate, it is useful to challenge a point of view to understand different perspectives.
3. When writing an essay, consider posing counterarguments to strengthen your argument.

devils advocate debate

Analyzing the Usage in IELTS

Speaking

In the IELTS Speaking section, being able to play devil’s advocate can help you demonstrate your critical thinking and argumentative skills. This is especially useful in Part 3, where more abstract and complex topics are discussed.

Example:

Examiner: Do you think technological advancements have only positive effects on society?

Candidate: While there are many benefits, let me play devil’s advocate here. Technology can also lead to job losses due to automation and decrease social interaction among people.

Writing

In the Writing section, particularly in Task 2 (essay writing), you might use the approach of playing devil’s advocate to present a balanced view and showcase your ability to think critically.

Example:

Prompt: Some people believe that modern technology does more harm than good. Do you agree or disagree?

Response: To address this statement comprehensively, it’s essential to play devil’s advocate. While technology undeniably brings advancements and conveniences, it also poses significant risks like privacy violations and digital addiction.

Listening & Reading

Understanding the phrase can also prove beneficial in the Listening and Reading sections if it appears in any of the passages or conversations. Recognizing the phrase will allow you to grasp the underlying debate or critique being presented.

Practical Examples and Exercises

Example Sentences Utilizing the Phrase:

1. During the meeting, John played devil’s advocate to test the viability of their new strategy.
2. In the group discussion, Sarah challenged assumptions to ensure all aspects were considered.
3. The professor critiqued the proposal to highlight potential flaws and areas for improvement.
4. By posing counterarguments, the lawyer was able to strengthen her case.
5. To explore all possibilities, the team decided to argue against their initial plan.

Combining With Other Phrases:

1. Challenging Assumptions: It’s important to challenge assumptions and play devil’s advocate during brainstorming sessions to uncover potential pitfalls.
2. Critique and Debate: The panel of judges will often critique and debate each submission, sometimes playing devil’s advocate to ensure thorough evaluation.

Related Idioms and Phrases

1. Take a stance /teɪk ə stæns/: Firmly hold a specific opinion or position.
   • In the discussion, Maria took a stance on environmental conservation but also played devil’s advocate to understand different views.
2. Break the ice /breɪk ði aɪs/: To make people feel more comfortable and relaxed.
   • The moderator played devil’s advocate to break the ice and encourage participation.
3. See both sides of the coin /siː boʊθ saɪdz əv ðə kɔɪn/: Understand and accept multiple perspectives.
   • Being able to see both sides of the coin is as crucial as knowing when to play devil’s advocate.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding and applying the phrase play devil’s advocate can enhance your critical thinking and argumentative skills crucial for IELTS prep, particularly in the Speaking and Writing sections. By familiarizing yourself with this idiom along with related phrases and synonyms, you can effectively broaden your lexical resources and achieve a better score in your IELTS exam.

For further reading, consider visiting these links related to the topic: Devil’s Advocate in IELTS and He’s the Devil’s Advocate.