Microsoft Word ielts speaking Actual Tests (Sep Dec 2019) and Suggested Answers Version

Part 3
What kinds of ideas are respected in your country?
That’s a tough question, but I’d definitely say any ideas that are groundbreaking (new) or revolutionary are very valued in my country. For example, we really respect people like Bill Gates or Steve Jobs, who changed future through technology. Furthermore, people who are forward thinkers are respected in today’s society, such as those who search for solutions to violence or support the gay rights movement. Lastly, people really respect those who have innovative business ideas, which improve the country’s economy. Actually, that might be the most respected one. All in all, we like those who are unconventional (unordinary) thinkers.
When do children start to have their own ideas?
They say that 7 is the “age of reason” (when kids know right from wrong), so I believe this is when it all begins, even if in small ways. I think this is the age where children begin to recognize their individuality and separateness from their parents. However, children tend to follow the belief system of their parents up to their teen years, when they start the rebellious years. Thinking back, I remember I started to question my parent’s religion and political ideas when I was around 15, leading me to break off (separate) from them. So, all in all, by the time you are 18, most teens know who they really are.
Where do these ideas come from?
The family is definitely the first foundation of how we shape our ideas. Apart from this, I would say teachers have the second largest influence. Following this, what kids hear in school, from their friends, what they watch on TV, and so on start to shape their way of thinking. Lastly, we start to break away (separate) from our family’s ideas and create our own ideas based on our life experiences.