As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students who feel flustered by seemingly simple yet nuanced IELTS Speaking topics like “When should people get married?”. While seemingly straightforward, this subject can present challenges if you’re unprepared. This article will equip you with the vocabulary and strategies to confidently discuss this topic and achieve a high band score.

Understanding the Scope of the Topic

“When should people get married?” is a question about societal norms, personal beliefs, and cultural influences. It goes beyond simply stating an age; it delves into the reasoning and factors that influence this significant life decision.

Navigating the “When to Get Married” IELTS Topic

Here’s how to approach this topic strategically:

Vocabulary is Key

• Societal expectations: Use terms like “cultural norms,” “traditional values,” ” societal pressure,” and “generational differences.”
• Financial stability: Discuss concepts like “financial independence,” “stable income,” “being financially secure,” and “affording a family.”
• Emotional maturity: Employ phrases like “emotional readiness,” “responsible decision-making,” “understanding commitment,” and “being in a mature relationship.”
• Personal aspirations: Talk about “achieving personal goals,” “career aspirations,” “educational pursuits,” and “self-discovery.”

Structuring Your Response

Part 1: Initial Thoughts

• Provide a general opinion: “Well, I believe the ideal time to get married varies greatly depending on personal circumstances…”
• Highlight influencing factors: “Factors like financial stability, emotional maturity, and personal goals play a significant role in this decision.”

Part 2: Illustrative Example (if applicable)

• Share a personal anecdote (if relevant): “In my culture, it’s traditional to marry young, but I’ve noticed a shift in recent generations…”
• Discuss a hypothetical situation: “For instance, someone focused on building their career might choose to marry later in life.”

Part 3: In-Depth Discussion

• Explore different perspectives: “Some argue that early marriage promotes stability, while others prioritize personal growth beforehand.”
• Analyze societal trends: “We see a growing trend of people delaying marriage to pursue higher education or travel.”
• Express your viewpoint with justification: “Personally, I believe emotional readiness and a strong partnership are paramount before considering marriage.”

Factors Influencing Marriage Decisions

Example IELTS Speaking Questions

• “Do you think there is a ‘right age’ to get married?”
• “What factors do you think influence people’s decisions about when to marry?”
• “How have societal views on marriage changed over time?”

Tips for Success

• Don’t memorize answers: Focus on developing a flexible approach to tackle a variety of questions.
• Use linking words and phrases: Connect your ideas smoothly with words like “furthermore,” “moreover,” “in contrast,” and “on the other hand.”
• Be confident and articulate: Speak clearly and concisely, and don’t be afraid to share your perspective.

Conclusion

Remember, there’s no single “right” answer when discussing “when to get married” in your IELTS Speaking test. The key is to demonstrate your ability to articulate your thoughts, consider various viewpoints, and support your opinions with relevant vocabulary and examples. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to confidently discuss this multifaceted topic and enhance your overall IELTS Speaking score.