In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates are often faced with questions that require them to describe people, events, and personal experiences. These questions can appear across all three parts of the speaking test. One commonly occurring topic is to “Describe A Person Who Is Very Dependable.” In this guide, we’ll break down this topic, provide detailed sample answers, and share some expert tips to help you achieve a higher band score.
What Makes Someone “Dependable”?
A dependable person is someone you can rely on, who consistently acts in a responsible manner and stays true to their commitments.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test involves answering questions about familiar topics such as your home, work, studies, and personal interests. Let’s explore some frequently asked questions and how you can answer them effectively.
Typical Questions
Do you consider yourself a dependable person? Why or why not?
Can you tell me about someone you trust and why?
Sample Answer
Question: Can you tell me about someone you trust and why?
Answer:
“Yes, absolutely! The person I trust the most is my best friend, John. John has consistently proven himself to be very dependable. Whether it’s helping me with a project or offering a shoulder to lean on during difficult times, John is always there. He is very responsible, sticks to his word, and never hesitates to offer support when needed.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you’ll receive a cue card with a topic you need to talk about for 1-2 minutes. Let’s create a cue card for our main topic.
Cue Card
Describe a person who is very dependable. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What makes this person dependable
- And explain how you feel about this person
Sample Answer
Answer:
“I’m going to talk about my colleague, Sarah, who is incredibly dependable. I met Sarah five years ago when I started working at my current company. Sarah is a paragon of reliability and responsibility. She always meets deadlines, comes up with innovative solutions, and is ever-willing to lend a helping hand to others. For instance, there was this one project where everyone was struggling. Sarah stepped in to coordinate the tasks and ensured we completed the project successfully. Her commitment and dedication are unparalleled, and because of her dependability, she has earned everyone’s respect and trust in the office. I feel very fortunate to work with someone like Sarah as she sets a great example for everyone around her.”
Possible Follow-up Questions
Do you think that being dependable is important in the workplace? Why?
Answer:
“Yes, being dependable in the workplace is crucial. It fosters a positive work environment, ensures tasks are completed on time, and builds trust among team members. Dependable employees contribute to the overall success of the organization.”How do you encourage dependability among your colleagues or friends?
Answer:
“Encouraging dependability involves setting clear expectations, providing positive reinforcement, and leading by example. When people see that dependability is rewarded and valued, they are more likely to adopt similar behaviors.”
Dependable Teamwork
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Part 3 involves a broader discussion related to the Part 2 topic. The questions here require you to express more complex ideas and opinions.
Example Discussion
Examiner: How important is dependability in personal relationships, and why?
Answer:
“Dependability is of utmost importance in personal relationships. It lays the foundation for trust and mutual respect. When individuals know they can rely on each other, it strengthens the bond and ensures a stable and lasting relationship.”
Examiner: Is dependability a trait that can be developed?
Answer:
“Yes, absolutely. Dependability can be developed with consistent effort and self-discipline. People can cultivate this trait by setting and meeting commitments, being punctual, and steadily working on building trust. Guidance from mentors and learning from dependable role models can also be beneficial.”
Important Vocabulary and Structures
Key Vocabulary
Paragon /ˈpærəɡən/: A model of excellence or perfection.
- Example: “She is a paragon of diligence and dedication.”
Unparalleled /ʌnˈpærəlelˌɪd/: Having no equal; exceptional.
- Example: “His commitment to his work is unparalleled.”
Useful Phrases
- “He/She has consistently proven to be…”
- “A paragon of reliability/responsibility”
- “Earned the respect and trust of…”
- “Fosters a positive environment”
- “Lays the foundation for trust”
Sentence Structures
- Complex Sentences: “Because of her dependability, she has earned everyone’s respect and trust.”
- Compound Sentences: “Sarah is responsible, and she always meets deadlines.”
- Conditional Sentences: “If you need someone you can rely on, Sarah is the person to go to.”
Expert Tips for High Band Scores
Use a Wide Range of Vocabulary: Employ diverse and appropriate vocabulary to express your ideas more precisely.
Showcase Fluency and Coherence: Speak smoothly with minimal hesitation, and ensure your ideas are logically organized.
Display Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures correctly.
Pronunciation Matters: Focus on clarity and intonation to ensure your speech is easily understood.
Practice Regularly: Regular speaking practice, recording yourself, and getting feedback from mentors can significantly improve your performance.
By incorporating these tips and using the detailed examples provided, you can enhance your preparation for the IELTS Speaking test and aim for a higher band score. Good luck!
