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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.

[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]

Describe an important social change in your country that you have noticed.

You should say:

• what it was
• how it happened
• how long it took

and explain the effect it has had on people in your country.

[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

Model Answer 1:

I would like to take the chance to thank you first for this excellent topic. It is indeed a great subject to talk about. 

Our society evolves and changes over time. Some changes are so prolific that they ensure a better life for all, and sometimes small changes impact our society beyond our expectations. Such an important change in our country is women's participation in higher education.

Looking back to the past century, women were confined at home, and it was beyond our imagination that they could be equally adept as men and participate in building our society. It was a curse not only for the females but also for the whole society to consider that women should only take care of household tasks and produce babies each year - what a shame. Some education, mostly primary schooling, was allowed for females, but parents considered higher education for females to be a waste of time and money. As a result, our universities had a very limited number of female students.

The change did not happen overnight, and thanks to some fearless female social activists who fought for their rights to education. Their lifelong struggle and motivational activities inspired a thousand others - both females and progressive males. Besides, the government helped a lot to fight the social dogma and old beliefs, and a collaborative effort from the government, female social activists, writers, scientists, politicians and most importantly, ordinary people, have changed the very social norm of not sending females to universities.

The whole process took more than six decades or so in my country. But it is obvious that the human history of restricting women from education and other basic rights goes back more than a few centuries.

We now have an almost equal number of female and male pupils and scholars in our universities. In some majors, females even exceed the number of their male counterparts. As a result, our society has a great number of female doctors, researchers, executives, politicians, artists, advocates, teachers, security personnel and so on. This is a great sign of social equality and parity. It ensures better social and economic developments, and the GDP in recent years only denote how important a change it was for us. Women's empowerment has raised awareness, given women a "strong voice", and eliminated several discrimination we have had in our society.

Model Answer 2:

Our societies around us are always changing, and we tend to welcome some of these changes while, with some other changes, we become really worried as they tend to affect all of us very negatively. Drug addiction, YABA addiction more precisely, is such a “dreadful change”, which we could certainly do away with, that has poisoned my country for the last 2 decades or so.

The “menace of Yaba” began when the “separatist groups” in Myanmar (formerly called “Burma”) started to produce this “dreadful drug” called Yaba, a combination of methamphetamine (a powerful and addictive stimulant) and caffeine, in order to raise their funds. Bangladesh, being a bordering country with Myanmar, with its huge unemployed youth and “newly-introduced” affluent societies, naturally became a magnet for this “poisonous stimulant”. Being manufactured at more than 37 factories inside Myanmar, this deadly “anti-depressant” drug has affected more than 7 million people in my country. This “Yaba” drug menace was under control, of some sort, up until 2006, but in 2019, the situation has spiralled out of control since then, as the government has finally decided to crack down on drug offences, involving Yaba, by declaring the “death penalty”.

The Implications of this Yaba drug abuse are just too many to count, having created havoc in the lives of millions and their families in terms of serious degradation in health and moral values over the last two decades. In fact, many families in my country are suffering from a terrible “social paranoia” whereby they are constantly worried about their kids being involved in using “yaba”. In many cases, because of the extreme dependence on “yaba”, the drug addicts have indulged in many immoral and criminal activities, creating some serious “social unrest and despair” in my country.

If we don’t become really serious about this “Yaba menace”, the chances are that a large portion of our generation of “youth” in my country would get completely lost and wasted very much in detriment to our societies and country as a whole.

Model Answer 3:

An important social change in my country, Vietnam, has been the increasing recognition and promotion of gender equality. Over the past few decades, there has been a gradual but significant shift towards acknowledging and addressing gender disparities in various aspects of society. As a female, I am so glad to be able to talk about this important positive change that my country has witnessed recently. For the opportunity to be able to talk about it, I would like to thank you profoundly.

This change has largely been driven by a combination of government policies, advocacy efforts by civil society organisations, and changing societal attitudes. The Vietnamese government has implemented various legal frameworks and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women, including laws protecting women's rights, increasing access to education and healthcare for women and girls, and promoting women's participation in decision-making roles.

Additionally, grassroots movements and advocacy campaigns led by NGOs and women's rights organisations have played a crucial role in raising awareness about gender issues and advocating for policy changes. These efforts have helped challenge traditional gender norms and stereotypes, leading to greater acceptance of women's rights and opportunities for women to participate in various spheres of public life.

While the journey towards gender equality is ongoing and there are still challenges to overcome, the impact of these social changes in Vietnam has been significant. Women now have greater access to education and economic opportunities, leading to improved livelihoods and overall well-being. There has also been a notable increase in women's participation in leadership roles across sectors such as politics, business, and academia. Moreover, there is a growing recognition of the importance of gender equality in promoting social cohesion, economic development, and sustainable growth in Vietnam. Overall, the social change towards gender equality in Vietnam has been transformative, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone, regardless of gender, can fully participate and contribute to the country's development and prosperity.

Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

This cue card topic asks you to describe a significant social change that you have observed in your country. It requires you to explain what the change was, how it occurred, over what period of time, and the impact it has had on people's lives. A good answer should include specific details about the change - whether it's related to culture, education, gender roles, environmental awareness, or technological adaptation - and provide real-life examples to support your description. Below are a few well-thought-out ideas that can help you prepare your own response:

1. Greater acceptance of women's education and careers:
One of the most visible changes in my country has been the growing acceptance of women pursuing higher education and building professional careers. Over the past two decades, awareness campaigns, scholarships, and women empowerment movements have played a crucial role in shifting attitudes. While earlier it was uncommon to see women in managerial or technical positions, today, many workplaces are more balanced. This has helped boost household incomes and increase gender equality in the society.

2. Reduced child marriage and early pregnancies:
Thanks to awareness programs by both the government and NGOs, there has been a significant drop in child marriages, especially in rural areas. The enforcement of stricter laws and educational outreach has encouraged families to allow their daughters to study instead of getting married at a young age. This change took nearly 15 years to become widespread, and it has led to better health, education, and job prospects for many young girls.

3. Rising environmental consciousness:
In recent years, many people in my country have become more aware of climate change and pollution. Use of reusable bags, tree plantation drives, and bans on single-use plastics have become more common. The change began about 7-8 years ago and gained momentum through social media and school initiatives. It has encouraged more people to adopt eco-friendly practices in daily life, contributing to cleaner surroundings and sustainable habits.

4. Increase in online activism and civic participation:
With the widespread use of smartphones and the internet, especially among youth, online activism has seen a sharp rise. Whether it's protesting injustice or promoting social causes, people now actively use platforms like Facebook and Twitter to voice their concerns. Over the last decade, this has pushed local governments to act more transparently and be accountable to citizens, empowering people like never before.

5. Shifting attitude towards mental health:
Not long ago, discussing mental health was seen as taboo. But now, there's a growing understanding of issues like depression, anxiety, and stress. This change has been promoted through social media influencers, school workshops, and workplace wellness programs. Over the last 5-6 years, therapy and counselling services have become more mainstream, encouraging people to seek help without shame.

6. Social acceptance of inter-caste and inter-religious marriages:
Traditionally, people were expected to marry within their own community. However, in the past 10-15 years, especially in urban areas, inter-caste and inter-religious marriages are becoming more acceptable. Exposure to different cultures through media and education has helped young people challenge outdated social norms, promoting inclusivity and diversity in families and society.

7. Changing perspective on gender roles in households:
Earlier, household chores were considered a woman's responsibility. But now, more men are sharing domestic duties like cooking, cleaning, and taking care of children. Television shows, advertisements, and education have played a key role in changing this mindset over the last 10 years. It has led to more balanced relationships and reduced pressure on women in the home.

8. Increased digital literacy among older generations:
In the past, older people often struggled to adapt to technology. But since the pandemic and the rise of smartphones, many seniors have learned how to use social media, video calls, and online banking. This change has taken about 5-7 years to become widespread and has allowed older adults to stay connected and independent, reducing the generation gap.

9. Decline in the preference for joint families:
There has been a gradual shift from joint family systems to nuclear families, especially in urban areas. Better job opportunities, individual privacy, and rising living standards have driven this change. Over the last 20 years, this trend has reshaped how families function, impacting traditions, responsibilities, and even how celebrations are observed.

10. Growing awareness and advocacy for animal rights:
Previously, animal welfare was not taken seriously, but now more people advocate against animal cruelty and promote pet adoption. NGOs, social media influencers, and student groups have helped spread this message in the last 5-10 years. Pet care services have grown, and there's more pressure on authorities to enforce anti-cruelty laws, showing a deeper compassion in society.

Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

When describing an important social change in your country, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey the nature of the transformation, the forces driving it, its timeline, and its impact on the populace. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the nuances of the change and its significance, making your response both insightful and compelling. Here are some relevant words and phrases:

Societal shift: – A notable change in the general way that society functions or views certain aspects.
Example: We've witnessed a significant societal shift towards greater environmental awareness.

Paradigm shift: – A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: The widespread adoption of digital technology led to a paradigm shift in communication.

Cultural transformation: – A profound change in the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or group.
Example: There has been a gradual cultural transformation regarding gender roles.

Grassroots movement: – A movement or campaign that originates among ordinary people (the "grassroots") rather than from political leaders or elites.
Example: The change was largely driven by a powerful grassroots movement.

Policy reform: – The improvement or amendment of what is wrong, corrupt, or unsatisfactory in terms of laws or government actions.
Example: New policy reforms played a crucial role in bringing about this change.

Public awareness campaign: – An organised effort to inform and educate the public about a particular issue.
Example: A massive public awareness campaign was instrumental in changing attitudes.

Evolved gradually: – Developed or changed slowly over a period of time.
Example: The shift in public opinion evolved gradually over two decades.

Rapid transformation: – A quick and significant change.
Example: The advent of social media triggered a rapid transformation in how news is consumed.

Intergenerational: – Involving several generations.
Example: This social change has had an intergenerational impact, affecting both old and young.

Empowerment: – The process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights.
Example: Increased access to education has led to the empowerment of marginalised communities.

Integration: – The action or process of successfully joining or mixing with a different group of people.
Example: We've seen greater integration of diverse communities within society.

Social cohesion: – The willingness of members of a society to cooperate with each other in order to survive and prosper.
Example: The change has positively impacted social cohesion, fostering greater understanding.

Demographic shift: – A change in the characteristics of a population, such as age, gender, or ethnicity.
Example: A significant demographic shift has influenced consumer behaviour patterns.

Awareness: – Knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.
Example: There's a much higher awareness now about mental health issues.

Advocacy: – Public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy.
Example: Strong advocacy from various NGOs helped push for the necessary reforms.

Ripple effect: – The continuing and spreading results of an event or action.
Example: The change had a ripple effect, influencing various sectors of society.

If you prepare for the topic "Describe an important social change in your country that you have noticed", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:

1) Describe a change you would like to see in your country.
2) Describe a law that was introduced in your country which you like.
3) Describe a rule that you think is positive.
4) Describe something that you would like to change in your country.
5) Describe a problem that people in your city face.
6) Describe a part of your city that is changing.
 

• IELTS Cue Card
• IELTS Speaking
• Candidate Task Card
• Speaking Part 2

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