Narrate an instance when your perspective shifted – IELTS Speaking segments 2, 3

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1. Sample answer for Narrate an instance when your perspective shifted – IELTS Speaking segment 2

You should say: Describe a time when you changed your opinion

• What the original opinion was  
• Why you changed it  
• When it was  
• And how you felt about it.

Example

I am going to talk about the time I had a change of heart about eating broccoli. I didn’t use to be a big fan of this vegetable because its deep green color was really strange to me. Besides, its bland taste really put me off. For these reasons, I often avoided eating it. However, something happened that helped me to change my mind.

A couple months ago, I was hanging out with my closest friend in her apartment when she cooked a dish which was essentially baked broccoli covered in cheese. She then offered me a plate and I couldn’t refuse since it would be rude to do so. So, I took a deep breath and reluctantly took a bite. To my surprise, the dish wasn’t as bad as I had imagined. On the contrary, the aroma of the cheese went really well with the phenomenal seasoning; and even the slightly crunchy texture of the broccoli added a nice touch to the experience. It was so appetizing that I cleaned my plate.

After that day, I changed my mind completely about broccoli and started to make and eat more food that had it. Starting with my friend’s dish, gradually, I learned to consume stir-fried, boiled and grilled broccoli. The trick was to season it to my taste. Today, I can eat any food that contains broccoli without thinking twice like I used to do.

This incident has taught me that avoiding a problem doesn’t make it go away. However, if we approach it in a creative manner, we may be able to solve it and improve ourselves in the process.

Vocabulary

• To have a change of heart (expression): thay đổi ý kiến, cảm nhận
• To put someone off (expression): làm mất hứng thú
• Essentially (adv): có bản chất là, ý nói thành phần chính 
• Reluctantly (adv): một cách do dự.
• Phenomenal (adj): ngoạn mục, ý nói rất cao tay. 
• Texture (n): cấu tạo, ý nói cảm giác của miệng khi ăn một món
• A nice touch (expression): điểm nhấn (làm một cái gì đó tốt hơn, đặc biệt hơn)
• To season to one’s taste (expression): nếm cho vừa miệng ai đó.
• To think twice (expression): suy nghĩ đắn đo
• Manner (n): cách

2. Narrate an occasion when you changed your viewpoint – IELTS Speaking part 3

2.1. Are children inclined to alter their opinions?

Absolutely not, I think children are self-centered individuals, which makes it hard for them to listen to guidance and opinions other than their own. Depending on the situations, this could be considered positive or negative. One the one hand, it is extremely difficult to discipline stubborn kids or to teach them right from wrong once they’ve accustomed to some erroneous beliefs. On the other hand, sometimes they can be ingenious and demonstrate out-of-the-box thinking that stems from their self-centeredness.

• Self-centered (adj): chủ quan, luôn muốn làm theo ý mình
• Guidance (n): sự chỉ dẫn
• To discipline (v): dạy ai đó vô khuôn khổ nề nếp
• Stubborn (adj): ngoan cố
• To accustom (v) + to : quen với cái gì đó
• Ingenious (adj): sáng tạo 
• Erroneous (adj): sai lầm
• Out-of-the-box thinking (expression): suy nghĩ một cách sáng tạo

2.2. What motivates people to change their viewpoints?

Well, although it is difficult to do so, some people show their willingness to change their opinion based on new facts and information as a sign of maturity. As I mentioned earlier, children don’t really have the ability to change their minds. I think many people have noticed this as well. Therefore, changing one’s opinions can also be considered a statement that that person is mature.

• Willingness (n): sự sẵn sàng
• Maturity (n): sự trưởng thành
• Ability (n): khả năng

2.3. Who do young individuals seek advice from?

I think it depends on the issues that they want to be advised about. In cases of family issues, they normally consult their parents. If they want to know about which career to pursue, it is better to ask their mentors at schools and universities. And for romance, their friends and siblings are always there for them.

• To consult (v): tham vấn, hỏi ý kiến

2.4. Are children inclined to change their opinions?

Indeed, children often alter their viewpoints when they make mistakes. Due to their susceptibility to misinterpretation, they grasp a concept and react accordingly. However, upon realizing their error, they are inclined to revise their stance. Nonetheless, a few children display stubbornness and resist changing their perspective, as it may feel like surrendering something to them.

• Misinterpretation: giải thích sai
• Stubbornness: sự bướng bỉnh

2.5. Do people enjoy expressing political opinions?

Indeed, many individuals are inclined to share their views on politics. Given its direct relevance to our everyday existence, politics provides an avenue for individuals to voice their thoughts freely. In a sense, the act of people expressing their political opinions can be viewed positively, as it facilitates the process of decision-making and the pursuit of improvements for society

• Facilitates: tạo điều kiện thuận lợi

Bạn có thể nghe bài mẫu IELTS Speaking part 2: Changing opinions – Narrate an occasion when you changed your viewpoint qua video dưới đây nhé.