In IELTS Speaking, describing a friendly and approachable person is a common task that tests your ability to articulate personal qualities and social interactions. This skill is crucial for achieving a high band score. Let’s explore effective strategies and language to excel in this topic.
Friendly and approachable person illustration
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask questions about friendliness and social interactions. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you consider yourself a friendly person?
Sample Answer: “Absolutely! I’d say I’m quite outgoing and approachable. I genuinely enjoy meeting new people and striking up conversations. Whether it’s at work or in social settings, I always try to make others feel comfortable and welcome. I believe a warm smile and open body language go a long way in creating a friendly atmosphere.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a potential cue card related to describing a friendly and approachable person:
Describe a person you know who is very friendly and approachable.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What makes them friendly and approachable
- And explain how their friendliness affects others
Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my colleague, Sarah, who is exceptionally friendly and approachable. I’ve known her for about three years since we started working together at the same marketing firm.
What makes Sarah stand out is her natural ability to connect with people. She has this warm and welcoming demeanor that immediately puts others at ease. Her genuine smile and open body language are inviting, and she always maintains eye contact when speaking to someone, making them feel valued and heard.
Sarah’s approachability stems from her sincere interest in others. She’s an active listener and often asks thoughtful questions, showing that she truly cares about what people have to say. Her empathetic nature allows her to understand and relate to others’ experiences, which further enhances her approachability.
Her friendliness has a profound impact on our workplace environment. It fosters a sense of camaraderie among team members and creates a positive atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas. Clients also appreciate her warmth, which has led to stronger business relationships.
In social settings, Sarah’s approachability acts as a catalyst for bringing people together. She has a knack for introducing people with similar interests and facilitating conversations, which often results in new friendships forming.
Overall, Sarah’s friendly and approachable nature not only makes her a joy to be around but also contributes significantly to the well-being of those in her personal and professional circles.”
Possible follow-up questions:
- How has Sarah’s friendliness influenced your own behavior?
- Do you think being too friendly can sometimes be a disadvantage?
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think friendliness is an important quality in the workplace?
Sample Answer: “Absolutely. I believe friendliness is crucial in fostering a positive work environment. When colleagues are friendly and approachable, it promotes open communication and collaboration, which are essential for productivity and innovation. A friendly atmosphere can also reduce workplace stress and make employees feel more valued and supported.
However, it’s important to strike a balance. While friendliness is beneficial, it shouldn’t compromise professionalism or interfere with work responsibilities. The key is to be warm and approachable while still maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Moreover, in customer-facing roles, friendliness is paramount. It can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, ultimately contributing to the company’s success. In my experience, I’ve seen how a friendly demeanor can diffuse tense situations and turn negative experiences into positive ones.
That being said, the degree of friendliness might vary depending on cultural context. In some cultures, a more reserved approach might be preferred in professional settings. So, it’s crucial to be culturally sensitive and adapt one’s friendly behavior accordingly.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Outgoing /ˌaʊtˈɡəʊɪŋ/ (adj): friendly and socially confident
Example: “She has an outgoing personality that draws people to her.”Approachable /əˈprəʊtʃəbl/ (adj): friendly and easy to talk to
Example: “The new manager is very approachable, making it easy for staff to share their concerns.”Warm demeanor /wɔːm dɪˈmiːnə/ (phrase): a friendly and welcoming manner
Example: “His warm demeanor made newcomers feel instantly at ease.”To put someone at ease /pʊt ˈsʌmwʌn æt iːz/ (phrase): to make someone feel relaxed and comfortable
Example: “Her friendly smile put everyone at ease during the tense meeting.”Empathetic /ˌempəˈθetɪk/ (adj): able to understand and share the feelings of others
Example: “Being empathetic helps her connect with people from all walks of life.”To foster a sense of /ˈfɒstər ə sens ɒv/ (phrase): to encourage the development of a particular feeling or attitude
Example: “The team-building activities fostered a sense of unity among the employees.”
Tips from an IELTS Examiner
Practice describing people: Regularly practice describing friends, family members, or colleagues, focusing on their personality traits and the impact they have on others.
Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Provide specific examples: Support your descriptions with concrete examples to make your answers more vivid and convincing.
Work on fluency: Practice speaking without long pauses. It’s okay to use fillers like “well” or “you know” occasionally, but don’t overuse them.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points and explain your reasoning to showcase your ability to communicate complex ideas.
Listen carefully: Make sure you understand the question fully before answering. It’s okay to ask for clarification if needed.
By following these tips and using the provided language resources, you’ll be well-equipped to describe friendly and approachable people in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice is key to improving your performance and achieving a high band score.
For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might find it helpful to describe a person who is very good at making others feel comfortable or describe a time when you took on a leadership role. These topics can help you further develop your descriptive language skills and expand your vocabulary related to interpersonal skills.
