As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often see students struggle to articulate why risks can go wrong, especially in the IELTS Speaking test. This isn’t just about vocabulary; it’s about understanding the nuances of risk assessment and expressing them effectively.
Understanding the Concept of Risk in IELTS
In the context of IELTS, discussing risk often revolves around topics like business, technology, travel, or even personal decisions. Examiners want to see if you can:
- Identify potential pitfalls: Can you foresee what might not go according to plan?
- Analyze contributing factors: Do you understand the reasons behind potential failures?
- Evaluate consequences: Can you explain the possible outcomes, both positive and negative?
- Propose solutions: What measures can be taken to mitigate or manage these risks?
Effectively Communicating “Why Risks Can Go Wrong”
1. Use Specific Vocabulary
Instead of simply saying “it might not work”, use more precise language:
- Verbs: backfire, miscalculate, underestimate, overlook, jeopardize, misfire, falter
- Nouns: mishap, setback, pitfall, obstacle, complication, downside, drawback
- Phrases: go awry, run into trouble, hit a snag, face a hurdle
Example: “While investing in the stock market can be lucrative, it’s important to diversify your portfolio because market volatility can jeopardize your returns.”
2. Explain the Cause-and-Effect Relationship
Clearly link the risk to its potential negative consequences:
- Connectors: due to, as a result of, consequently, therefore, leading to
- Conditional sentences: “If… then…”, “Unless… “, “Should… “
Example: “Should the company fail to adapt to changing consumer preferences, it risks losing market share to more innovative competitors.”
3. Provide Relevant Examples
Illustrate your points with concrete examples from current events, history, or even personal experience.
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Example: “A prime example of poor risk management is the Challenger space shuttle disaster. Engineers had warned about the dangers of launching in cold temperatures, but their concerns were overlooked, ultimately leading to the tragic accident.”
Sample IELTS Speaking Question & Answer
Question: “Some people believe that taking risks is essential for success. Do you agree or disagree?”
Answer: “While I agree that a degree of risk-taking can be beneficial, I believe it’s crucial to approach it cautiously. Blindly pursuing risky ventures without proper planning and assessment can easily backfire. For instance, an entrepreneur who invests heavily in a new product without conducting thorough market research risks significant financial losses if the product fails to resonate with consumers.”
Tips for Success
- Expand your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and phrases related to risk and failure.
- Practice speaking: Engage in discussions about current events or hypothetical situations involving risk.
- Record yourself: Listen back to identify areas for improvement in your fluency and vocabulary use.
- Seek feedback: Ask your IELTS tutor or language partner to evaluate your speaking performance.
Remember, the key to successfully discussing risk in the IELTS Speaking test lies in your ability to articulate the “why” behind potential failures. By using specific language, explaining cause-and-effect relationships, and providing relevant examples, you can demonstrate your understanding of risk and impress the examiner with your communication skills.