How to Answer “Describe a Time When You Had to Be Very Flexible in a Situation” in IELTS Speaking

Flexibility is a valuable skill in today’s fast-paced world, and IELTS examiners often ask candidates to describe situations where they had to adapt quickly. This topic allows you to showcase your problem-solving abilities and resilience. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.

Understanding the Question

The question “Describe a time when you had to be very flexible in a situation” is likely to appear in Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test. It requires you to recall a specific experience where you demonstrated adaptability. This topic has been increasingly popular in recent years and is expected to remain relevant in future tests.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

While this specific question is typically for Part 2, the examiner might touch on related themes in Part 1. Here are some possible questions:

1. Do you consider yourself a flexible person?
2. How important is flexibility in the workplace?
3. Are people in your country generally flexible?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Sample Answer: “I’d say I’m fairly flexible. I try to adapt to changing circumstances whenever possible, although I do have some routines I prefer to stick to. In my work and studies, I’ve found that being open to new approaches often leads to better outcomes.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a possible cue card for this topic:

Describe a time when you had to be very flexible in a situation

You should say:

• What the situation was
• Why you had to be flexible
• How you adapted to the situation
• And explain how you felt about being flexible in this situation

Sample Answer:

“I’d like to talk about a time when I had to be extremely flexible during a group project at university. We were tasked with creating a marketing campaign for a local business, and initially, everything was going smoothly. However, just a week before the deadline, two of our five team members fell ill and couldn’t contribute.

This situation demanded a high degree of flexibility because we suddenly had to redistribute tasks and adapt our entire workflow. The reason we had to be flexible was clear – if we didn’t adjust quickly, we risked failing the assignment.

To adapt, we first had a crisis meeting to reassess our strategy. We decided to streamline our original plan, focusing on the most crucial elements of the campaign. I took on additional responsibilities, including some graphic design work which was outside my comfort zone. We also leveraged technology more efficiently, using collaborative online tools to work simultaneously on different aspects of the project.

Feeling-wise, initially, I was quite stressed about the situation. However, as we started to adapt and see progress, I felt a sense of pride in our ability to overcome the challenge. The experience taught me the value of thinking on my feet and being open to change. In the end, not only did we complete the project on time, but our lecturer commended us for our resourcefulness.

This situation really highlighted the importance of flexibility in both academic and professional settings. It showed me that being adaptable isn’t just about handling change, but also about seizing opportunities that arise from unexpected circumstances.”

IELTS Speaking Flexibility

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How did this experience change your approach to teamwork?
2. What skills do you think are essential for being flexible?

Sample Answers:

1. “This experience fundamentally altered my approach to teamwork. I now place a higher value on contingency planning and ensure that everyone in the team is familiar with each other’s roles. It also taught me the importance of maintaining open communication channels, so we can quickly regroup and adjust when unexpected issues arise.”

2. “I believe several skills are crucial for flexibility. Adaptability is key – the ability to quickly adjust to new situations. Problem-solving skills are also essential, as they help you find creative solutions. Additionally, emotional intelligence is important, as it helps you manage stress and work effectively with others during challenging times. Lastly, I’d say open-mindedness is crucial, as it allows you to consider and embrace new ideas or approaches.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to flexibility. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Examiner: How important do you think flexibility is in today’s job market?

Candidate: “I believe flexibility is absolutely crucial in today’s rapidly evolving job market. With technological advancements and global events constantly reshaping industries, employees need to be able to adapt quickly to new tools, methodologies, and work environments.

For instance, the recent pandemic demonstrated the vital importance of flexibility, as millions of workers had to swiftly adjust to remote work. Those who were more flexible in their approach to work were often able to maintain productivity and even thrive in the new circumstances.

Moreover, in many industries, job roles are becoming increasingly fluid. Employees are often expected to wear multiple hats and take on responsibilities outside their original job description. This trend makes flexibility a highly sought-after skill by employers.

However, it’s important to note that while flexibility is crucial, it shouldn’t come at the expense of core skills and expertise. The ideal scenario is a workforce that can balance specialized knowledge with adaptability, allowing companies to remain competitive in a fast-changing business landscape.”

Examiner: Do you think older generations are less flexible than younger ones? Why or why not?

Candidate: “This is a nuanced issue that can’t be answered with a simple yes or no. While there’s a common perception that older generations are less flexible, I believe the reality is more complex.

On one hand, younger generations have grown up in a rapidly changing world, which may make them more accustomed to adapting quickly. They’re often more comfortable with technology and may be more open to new ideas simply because they have less ingrained habits.

However, older generations have their own strengths when it comes to flexibility. They often have more life experience, which can provide a broader perspective on change. This experience can actually make them more adaptable in certain situations, especially those that require emotional resilience or drawing on past knowledge to solve new problems.

It’s also worth noting that flexibility is largely an individual trait rather than a generational one. I’ve met highly adaptable older individuals and inflexible younger ones, and vice versa.

Ultimately, I think both generations can learn from each other when it comes to flexibility. Younger people can share their comfort with rapid technological change, while older generations can offer wisdom on adapting to life’s broader challenges. The most successful workplaces are those that foster intergenerational collaboration and encourage flexibility across all age groups.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Adapt/Adaptability [əˈdæpt/əˌdæptəˈbɪləti] (verb/noun): To change to suit different conditions.
   Example: “We had to adapt our plans due to the unexpected weather.”

2. Flexibility [ˌfleksəˈbɪləti] (noun): The ability to change or be changed easily according to the situation.
   Example: “Flexibility is crucial in customer service roles.”

3. To think on one’s feet [θɪŋk ɒn wʌnz fiːt] (idiom): To be able to think and react quickly in a difficult situation.
   Example: “As a teacher, you often need to think on your feet when unexpected questions arise.”

4. Resilience [rɪˈzɪliəns] (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
   Example: “Her resilience helped her overcome numerous challenges in her career.”

5. To roll with the punches [rəʊl wɪð ðə ˈpʌntʃɪz] (idiom): To be able to adapt to difficult situations as they occur.
   Example: “In this unpredictable industry, you need to learn to roll with the punches.”

6. Resourcefulness [rɪˈsɔːsfəlnəs] (noun): The ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.
   Example: “His resourcefulness allowed him to complete the project despite limited resources.”

7. To pivot [ˈpɪvət] (verb): To change direction or focus, especially in business.
   Example: “The company had to pivot its entire business model due to changing market conditions.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing flexibility:

1. Use specific examples: Don’t just say you’re flexible; provide a detailed account of a situation where you demonstrated this quality.

2. Show, don’t tell: Instead of simply stating that you felt stressed or proud, describe your emotions and reactions in detail.

3. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate synonyms and idiomatic expressions related to flexibility and adaptability.

4. Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, analyze the broader implications of flexibility in society or the workplace.

5. Practice fluency: While accuracy is important, speak confidently and maintain a natural flow in your responses.

6. Expand your answers: Especially in Parts 2 and 3, provide thorough responses with explanations and examples.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about answering the question, but doing so in a way that showcases your English language skills. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss flexibility and other topics in your IELTS Speaking test.

For more tips on handling challenging topics in IELTS Speaking, you might find it helpful to read about how to describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult family situation or how to describe a time when you had to manage a stressful situation. These resources can provide additional strategies for discussing complex personal experiences effectively.