How to Describe a Person Who Is Good at Writing in IELTS Speaking Exam

The Speaking component of the IELTS exam is a crucial part of the test that assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. As an IELTS Speaking Examiner with extensive experience, I understand the elements that can significantly impact your Band score. The primary factors include fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.

A common topic in the IELTS Speaking test involves describing a person, and one popular variant is “Describe A Person Who Is Good At Writing.” This topic tests your ability to articulate observations and opinions clearly and coherently. Let’s dive into some sample questions, effective strategies, and model answers.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Common Questions

1. Are you good at writing?
2. Do you often write letters or emails?
3. Who is the best writer you know?
4. What kind of writing do you enjoy?

Sample Answer

Question: Are you good at writing?

Sample Answer: I consider myself quite competent at writing. Over the years, I have developed my skills through various platforms, such as writing essays for school, crafting emails for work, and even maintaining a personal blog. My friends often commend me for my clear and engaging writing style.

Analysis: This answer is concise and covers various contexts, demonstrating the candidate’s experience in different writing formats.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a person who is good at writing. You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know him or her
• What kind of writing he or she does
• And explain why you think he or she is good at writing

Sample Answer

One person who stands out to me as an excellent writer is my friend James. James is a professional journalist and has been working in this field for over a decade. I got to know him during college, where we both took several creative writing classes together.

James specializes in investigative journalism, but he also writes opinion pieces, feature articles, and even short stories. His work is often published in renowned newspapers and magazines, and he has received several awards for his meticulous and compelling storytelling.

What sets James apart from others is his unique ability to paint vivid pictures with words and to convey emotions so authentically. He has an exceptional grasp of language, which allows him to choose the most fitting words to convey complex ideas concisely and clearly. Moreover, his attention to detail and commitment to facts make his articles not only engaging but also highly credible.

journalist-writing-on-typewriter|journalist typing on typewriter|A photo of a journalist working late at night in a dimly lit office, focused on his typewriter, with a cup of coffee and crumpled papers around him.

Follow-Up Questions and Answers

Question: What kind of books or articles does this person write?

Sample Answer: James predominantly writes investigative pieces, where he delves deeply into current issues, uncovering hidden truths. Additionally, he enjoys writing short stories that explore human emotions and relationships, often drawing inspiration from real-life events.

Question: Have you read anything by this person? If so, what did you think of it?

Sample Answer: Yes, I have read numerous articles by James. One that particularly stood out was an investigative piece on climate change. The way he interwove personal anecdotes with scientific data made the article both informative and deeply moving.

Analysis: These responses further illustrate James’ versatility in writing and underscore his impact on the reader, reinforcing why he is perceived as good at writing. The use of terms like “investigative pieces,” “human emotions,” and “scientific data” also enriches the lexical resource.

Part 3: Two-Way Discussion

Discussion Questions and Answers

Question: Do people today prefer reading physical books or online articles? Why?

Sample Answer: In today’s digital age, many people tend to gravitate towards online articles due to their convenience and accessibility. Online platforms allow readers to easily access a wide range of information and stay up-to-date with the latest news. However, physical books still hold a special place for those who appreciate the tactile experience and the act of reading in a focused environment.

Question: How has technology influenced the way we write and read?

Sample Answer: Technology has revolutionized both writing and reading in numerous ways. It has introduced tools that aid in editing and proofreading, making the writing process more efficient. For readers, e-books and online articles have made literature and information more accessible than ever before. Additionally, digital platforms enable interactive reading experiences and facilitate the sharing of thoughts and feedback in real-time.

Analysis: These responses demonstrate a thorough understanding of the subject, showcasing the candidate’s ability to engage in higher-level discussions while effectively employing complex sentences and rich vocabulary like “tactile experience” and “interactive reading experiences.”

Vocabulary and Phrases for a High Score

Key Vocabulary:

• Meticulous (məˈtɪkjʊləs): showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
• Compelling (kəmˈpɛlɪŋ): evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.
• Credible (ˈkrɛdɪbəl): able to be believed; convincing.
• Investigative (ɪnˈvɛstɪɡətɪv): designed to find information or discover facts.
• Tactile (ˈtæktəl): connected with the sense of touch.

Examples:

• Meticulous: “His meticulous research skills make his work highly reliable.”
• Compelling: “She tells the most compelling stories that captivate her audience.”
• Credible: “To be credible, an article must be thoroughly researched and well-referenced.”
• Investigative: “Journalists engaged in investigative writing often uncover important truths.”
• Tactile: “Many readers prefer the tactile sensation of holding a physical book.”

Tips for High Scores

1. Practice Fluency and Coherence: Regularly practice speaking on various topics to develop your fluency. Organize your thoughts logically and use connectors to ensure coherence.
2. Enhance Lexical Resource: Diversify your vocabulary by reading extensively and learning new words. Use a range of vocabulary in your responses.
3. Focus on Pronunciation: Work on your pronunciation, intonation, and stress patterns. Listen to native speakers and practice mimicking their speech.
4. Improve Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use a variety of grammatical structures accurately. Practice complex sentences and make sure you’re comfortable with different tenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, describing a person who is good at writing in the IELTS Speaking exam allows you to display your lexical range, fluency, and ability to organize thoughts coherently. By preparing effectively and using the strategies and vocabularies provided, you can enhance your ability to achieve a high Band score.