As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered numerous intriguing speaking topics. One that often arises is the question of why people choose to change their names. This seemingly simple question can actually lead to a rich and engaging discussion in your IELTS Speaking exam. This article will delve into how to effectively tackle this topic, providing you with vocabulary, insights, and example responses to help you achieve a higher band score.
Understanding the IELTS Speaking Task
First and foremost, remember that the IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. This involves not only your grammar and vocabulary but also your fluency, pronunciation, and ability to develop and express ideas coherently.
When faced with a topic like “why people change their names,” the examiner isn’t looking for a right or wrong answer. Instead, they want to gauge your ability to:
- Understand the question: Demonstrate that you’ve grasped the essence of the prompt.
- Generate ideas: Brainstorm relevant points and organize them logically.
- Use a range of vocabulary: Showcase your lexical resource with synonyms and topic-specific terms.
- Speak fluently and accurately: Maintain a natural pace, use grammar correctly, and pronounce words clearly.
Exploring the Reasons Behind Name Changes
There are various reasons why individuals choose to change their names, and understanding these can significantly enrich your IELTS Speaking response. Here are a few key areas to consider:
1. Personal Reasons:
- Dislike of current name: Some individuals simply dislike their given name, perhaps finding it old-fashioned, too common, or not reflecting their personality.
- New identity: Major life changes like marriage, divorce, or a fresh start often prompt a name change to reflect a new chapter.
- Gender identity: Transgender individuals may change their names to align with their gender identity.
2. Cultural and Social Factors:
- Marriage traditions: In many cultures, women adopt their husband’s surname upon marriage.
- Religious conversion: Changing one’s name might be part of converting to a new religion.
- Immigration: Some immigrants adopt names that are easier to pronounce or spell in their new country.
3. Practical Considerations:
- Difficult name: A name that’s hard to spell or pronounce can lead to practical difficulties in daily life.
- Negative associations: A name associated with a negative historical figure or event might motivate a change.
- Professional branding: Individuals in creative fields might choose a stage name to establish a distinct professional identity.
Reasons for Name Change
Sample IELTS Speaking Responses
Let’s look at how you can incorporate these ideas into coherent responses for different parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Short Answers
Examiner: Why do you think some people choose to change their names?
You: Well, there are a few reasons. Some people simply don’t like their given name, maybe it feels outdated or doesn’t suit them. Others might change it after marriage or divorce as a way to mark a new chapter in their lives.
Part 2: Individual Long Turn
Describe a person you know who changed their name. You should say:
- Who this person is
- Why they changed their name
- How they feel about their new name
- And explain how you feel about their decision.
You: I’d like to talk about my cousin, Sarah, who recently got married and decided to take her husband’s last name. It’s quite a common practice in our culture, and she felt it was important to symbolize her new family unit. Initially, it felt a bit strange calling her by her married name, but she seems really happy with her decision, and I think it suits her. It’s a beautiful name, and it reflects the love and commitment she shares with her husband.
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think it’s common for people to change their names in your country?
You: Yes, I’d say it’s fairly common, especially for women after marriage. However, it’s becoming more acceptable for people to keep their own names or even combine them with their partner’s. There’s definitely a growing trend towards more individual choice in this matter.
Examiner: What are some of the challenges people might face after changing their names?
You: I imagine it could be a big adjustment getting used to a new name and having everyone call you by it. There might also be some paperwork involved, like updating official documents, which can be a bit of a hassle.
Tips for Success:
- Expand your vocabulary: Use a variety of words and phrases related to name changes, such as “adopt a name,” “legally change,” “go by the name of,” “maiden name,” “surname,” “alias,” and “pseudonym.”
- Provide specific examples: Illustrate your points with real or hypothetical examples to make your responses more engaging.
- Express your opinions thoughtfully: Don’t be afraid to share your own views on the topic, but be respectful of other perspectives.
- Practice speaking fluently: Record yourself answering sample questions to identify areas for improvement in your fluency and pronunciation.
By following these tips and familiarizing yourself with the various aspects of name changes, you’ll be well-prepared to confidently tackle this topic in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and showcase your language skills. Good luck!