This post contains ideas and band-9 sample answers (audio included) for the Cambridge IELTS 11 Academic Speaking Part 1 Question 4 Test 4 question:
“If you could change your name, would you? [Why/Why not?]”
Sample 1: Yes
Yes, I’d be keen on modifying my name. My current one, although it has a personal significance, is rather common and doesn’t resonate with my desire to stand out. I’ve always been drawn to unique and unconventional names. Names that spark curiosity, that carry an element of surprise. So, given the opportunity, I’d choose something that has a touch of singularity, echoing my penchant for the extraordinary.
Sample 2: Yes
Yes, without a shadow of a doubt, I would change my name. My present moniker is rather mundane and devoid of symbolic value. In many cultures, names carry rich meanings and are chosen with great thought. They can reflect hopes, values, or a family’s history. Unfortunately, my current name doesn’t serve any of these purposes. I’d love to adopt a name that resonates with my identity and has a deep, symbolic meaning.
Sample 3: Yes
Yes, I would certainly take the opportunity to change my name. Unfortunately, my current name is associated with a famous, yet controversial figure. This association often leads to unwanted attention and occasional teasing. Having a new name would alleviate these issues.
Sample 4: Yes
Oh, without a doubt, I’d love to modify my appellation. Being an ardent reader, I’ve come across so many beautiful names in literature that have left an indelible impression on me. My current name, while it’s fine, doesn’t hold the same allure. I think choosing a name from a book would add a bit of poetry to my everyday life.
Sample 5: Yes
Unquestionably, I’d opt for a name change. I perceive names as an extension of our identity, a reflection of who we are. Over the years, as I’ve transformed and evolved, I feel like my current name no longer encapsulates the person I’ve become. It’s like an old suit that doesn’t fit anymore. A new name would better mirror my evolved persona, creating a more accurate representation of myself.
Sample 6: No
Absolutely not. My parents bestowed upon me my name with immense care and affection. It serves as a constant reminder of their love and thoughtfulness. To change it would be akin to discarding a precious gift they’ve given me.
Sample 7: No
Definitely not. Imagine the confusion it would cause among my peers and acquaintances. My name has been a constant throughout my life, and it’s how people identify and recognize me. A sudden change could lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications. I can’t see a compelling reason to create such chaos for the sake of altering something I’ve grown quite fond of over the years.
Sample 8: No
Indeed, no. Here’s a little story for you – when I was a kid, I used to dislike my name because it was uncommon and a bit complicated to pronounce. But as I grew older, I realized that its uniqueness is what sets me apart from the crowd. It became a source of individuality and pride. So, no, I wouldn’t dream of changing it now.
Sample 9: No
Absolutely not, I wouldn’t desire to change my appellation. There’s a certain warmth and familiarity that I associate with it. Every time someone calls me by my name, it feels like a gentle reminder of my own self, my achievements, my failures, and everything I’ve been through. It’s almost as if my name is a mirror reflecting my life’s journey. Hence, I feel emotionally attached to it.
Sample 10: No
Even though I’ve come across many names that might sound more appealing or unique, I wouldn’t want to change mine. My name, as it stands, is an integral part of my identity. It’s intertwined with my self-image, my sense of self. Changing it would feel like denying a part of who I really am.
