In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners assess your speaking ability through three parts: Introduction and Interview (Part 1), Long Turn (Part 2), and Two-way Discussion (Part 3). Key assessment criteria include fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Given the topic “Describe a person who is very passionate about what they do” is common in IELTS, understanding how to effectively address this theme can significantly impact your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test involves answering general questions about familiar topics such as your home, family, work, studies, and interests.
Common Questions and Sample Answer
One common question an examiner might ask is:
Question: “Can you tell me about a hobby you enjoy?”
Sample Answer: “One of my favorite hobbies is painting. I’ve been painting ever since I was a child. It’s incredibly relaxing and allows me to express my creativity. I particularly enjoy painting landscapes and have even participated in several local exhibitions.”
Analysis: This answer demonstrates fluency, a good range of vocabulary (e.g., “relaxing,” “express my creativity”), and coherent sentence structures.
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, the examiner will give you a cue card, and you’ll have one minute to prepare your answer, followed by up to two minutes to speak.
Cue Card Example and Suggested Answer
Cue Card:
“Describe a person who is very passionate about what they do.
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What they do
- And explain why you think they are very passionate about what they do.”
Suggested Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who is incredibly passionate about her career as a wildlife photographer. I met Sarah during a photography workshop five years ago, and we’ve been close friends ever since. Sarah travels the world, capturing stunning images of wildlife in their natural habitats. What makes Sarah stand out is her unwavering dedication to her work. She spends countless hours in harsh conditions just to get the perfect shot. Her passion is evident not only in the breathtaking photographs she takes but also in how she educates others about wildlife conservation. For instance, she recently organized an exhibition to raise awareness about endangered species. Her enthusiasm is truly inspiring and motivates everyone around her to care more about the environment.”
Wildlife Photographer
Analysis: This response is well-structured and fluent. It includes a wide range of vocabulary (e.g., “unwavering dedication,” “breathtaking photographs,” “endangered species”) and complex sentence structures. It also provides specific examples to illustrate Sarah’s passion.
Follow-up Questions and Answers
Question 1: “How does Sarah manage to balance her work and personal life?”
Suggested Answer: “Sarah is very organized and sets clear priorities. She manages to balance her travel schedule with her personal commitments by staying disciplined and maintaining a strong support system among friends and family.”
Question 2: “What impact do passionate people have on society?”
Suggested Answer: “Passionate individuals often serve as role models, inspiring others to pursue their interests with the same level of enthusiasm. They contribute significantly to their fields and can bring about positive change by raising awareness and motivating collective efforts.”
Analysis: The responses to follow-up questions reflect a deep understanding of the topic, demonstrate analytical thinking, and showcase the ability to discuss abstract concepts.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Part 3 delves deeper into the topic introduced in Part 2, with questions requiring more analytical and opinion-based answers.
Example Questions and Suggested Answers
Question 1: “Do you think passion is something that can be cultivated, or is it innate?”
Suggested Answer: “I believe passion can be both innate and cultivated. Some people are naturally drawn to certain activities or fields from a young age, while others may develop a passion through experiences and exposure over time. For instance, someone might discover a love for music after taking a few lessons, while another person might have an inherent interest in it from the start.”
Question 2: “How important is it to find a career that one is passionate about?”
Suggested Answer: “It’s extremely important to find a career that aligns with one’s passions because it leads to greater job satisfaction and motivation. When individuals are passionate about their work, they’re more likely to excel and contribute meaningfully to their profession. Moreover, it enhances their overall well-being and fulfills their sense of purpose.”
Analysis: These answers effectively tackle complex, abstract topics, displaying a higher level of vocabulary (e.g., “innate,” “aligns with one’s passions,” “overall well-being”) and well-structured reasoning.
Important Vocabulary and Structures
Here are some important words and phrases that can enhance your speaking and help you achieve a higher band score:
Enthusiastic /ɪnˈθjuː.zi.æz.tɪk/ – showing intense and eager enjoyment.
- Example: “She is always enthusiastic about her work, which is evident in her performances.”
Dedication /ˌdɛdɪˈkeɪʃən/ – commitment to a task or purpose.
- Example: “His dedication to his craft has earned him numerous accolades.”
Inspiring /ɪnˈspaɪərɪŋ/ – having the effect of inspiring someone.
- Example: “Her inspiring journey motivates many young professionals.”
Unwavering /ʌnˈweɪ.vər.ɪŋ/ – not faltering or hesitating.
- Example: “Her unwavering commitment to teaching is commendable.”
Role model /ˈrəʊl ˌmɒd.əl/ – a person looked to by others as an example.
- Example: “He is a role model for aspiring athletes.”
Examiner Tips for Improving Your Speaking Scores
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice improves fluency and confidence.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Read extensively and record new words.
- Use Complex Structures: Incorporate a variety of sentence types.
- Engage in Conversations: Speak in English as often as possible.
- Receive Feedback: Get feedback from educators or native speakers to identify areas for improvement.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of describing a passionate person in your IELTS Speaking test involves understanding the themes, structuring your answers effectively, and employing a rich vocabulary. Regular practice and a strategic approach will significantly boost your confidence and help you achieve a higher band score. Happy practicing!