Should you lie in the IELTS test?

Should you lie in the IELTS test? This may seem like a funny question, but it’s an important one, because often candidates get into trouble by trying to be honest!

This can be a big problem in part 3 of the speaking test, where the examiner often asks for your opinion on various issues. Sometimes, you’ll have no opinion about the issue they raise. It could just be something you don’t think about or care about.

If the examiner asks you about something you’ve never thought about, and you sit there and start to think deeply about the answer, you will have a problem. You don’t have time for this kind of deep thought. The aim is to show off your English skills, so you need to use the time to do this.

Alternatively, a question could be about something you really care about.  You may have a nuanced and complex opinion. This can be a problem too. Complex opinions are difficult to express, even in your own language. So, it’s easy to be confusing or get stuck when you try to explain it in English, especially under exam pressure!

In both these cases, it’s probably better to go for simpler ideas.

So, for example, imagine that the examiner asks you this:

Should governments spend more on caring for the elderly?

Perhaps your real opinion is that there needs to be a balance between government provided care and care from the family. However, it would be much easier to choose one or the other, so I’d recommend saying:

Yes, absolutely, the elderly often have many problems, because the government doesn't spend enough money on care homes, healthcare or other facilities and services that they require. I definitely think greater funding is needed to support our old people. Too many old people live in poverty, and receive very little support from the government.

Or you could go in the other direction:

No, I think it’s the responsibility of the family to look after the elderly. Old people should live with their children in their old age. Their children can look after them and support them when they are old and frail. The elderly will be much happier because they will be surrounded by people who love them.

Either way you go, it will be easier to explain a simple opinion. So, in a way, it is better to lie in IELTS speaking! Pretending to have simple, one-sided views will probably lead to more coherent, and less confusing answers. 

Remember, the IELTS examiner is not judging you on your opinions, you can have any opinion you want. They’re only judging you on the quality of your English, so it’s better to keep it simple - don’t sit there and think too deeply!