The Speaking section of the IELTS exam is designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in English. This part of the test typically lasts 11-14 minutes and is divided into three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). The examiner evaluates you based on four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
In this article, we will delve into the topic “Describe a person who is very wise,” a common cue card topic, and provide comprehensive tips and model answers to help you achieve a high band score.
Common Questions and Model Answers
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and everyday topics.
Example Question:
Do you think wisdom comes with age?
Suggested Response:
“I believe that wisdom often comes with age, but it’s not exclusively tied to it. While life experiences accumulate over time, making many older people more knowledgeable and insightful, there are also younger individuals who possess a remarkable level of maturity and understanding due to their unique experiences and perspectives.”
Part 2: Long Turn
You will be given a cue card with a topic, and you need to speak about it for 1-2 minutes. You will have one minute to prepare your answer.
Cue Card:
Describe a person who is very wise. You should say:
- Who the person is
- How you know this person
- What kinds of things this person usually does that show their wisdom
- And explain why you think this person is very wise
Model Answer:
“One person I consider to be exceptionally wise is my grandfather. He’s in his late seventies and has lived through multiple significant historical events and personal challenges. I have known him all my life, as he has always been there for our family, providing guidance and support.
My grandfather usually demonstrates his wisdom through his thoughtful advice and calm demeanor. For example, when I was deciding on a career path, he didn’t just give me direct answers but rather asked me probing questions that helped me see different perspectives and make a more informed decision. He always stays updated with current affairs, reads extensively, and engages in meaningful conversations with people of all ages, which I believe keeps his mind sharp and his views balanced.
What sets him apart is his ability to listen actively and then offer advice that is both practical and profound. I think he is very wise because his insights often lead to solutions that are not only effective but also compassionate, considering both short-term and long-term impacts.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
The examiner will ask questions related to the Part 2 topic, but at a more abstract level.
Example Question:
Do you think children can be wise, or is wisdom something that comes with experience?
Suggested Response:
“While wisdom is typically associated with experience, I believe that children can exhibit forms of innate wisdom as well. For instance, they often view the world without the biases or preconceptions that adults have, leading to surprisingly insightful and *simple solutions to complex problems. However, the breadth and depth** of wisdom generally expand as one goes through various experiences and gains a deeper understanding of life’s intricacies.”
Essential Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Vocabulary:
- Insightful (/ɪnˈsaɪt.fəl/): having or showing an accurate and deep understanding.
- Example: Her comments were insightful, shedding new light on the problem.
- Maturity (/məˈtʃʊr.ɪ.ti/ or /məˈtʊr.ɪ.ti/): the state of being fully developed in body or mind.
- Example: His maturity was evident in the way he handled the crisis.
- Perspective (/pəˈspek.tɪv/): a particular attitude towards or way of regarding something.
- Example: Gaining different perspectives can lead to more balanced decisions.
- Calm demeanor (/kɑːm/ /dɪˈmiː.nər/): a peaceful, quiet, and composed manner.
- Example: His calm demeanor helps defuse tense situations.
- Balanced views (/ˈbæl.ənst/ /vjuːz/): opinions that are fair and unbiased.
- Example: He maintained balanced views despite the heated debate.
Grandfather Sharing Wisdom in the Living Room
Each of these vocabulary items could be seamlessly integrated into your responses to impress the examiner with your lexical resource.
Additional Tips for High Band Scores
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps build fluency and confidence.
- Record Yourself: Analyzing recordings can help identify areas for improvement.
- Expand Vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases and practice using them in context.
- Seek Feedback: Get feedback from teachers or peers and work on areas they highlight.
By focusing on these strategies and incorporating the sophisticated language highlighted above, you can enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and aim for a higher band score.
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