How to Effectively Describe a Person with Determination in IELTS Speaking

As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve observed that questions about describing determined individuals are increasingly common in the test. This topic allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary and ability to articulate personal experiences. Let’s explore how to tackle this subject effectively in your IELTS Speaking exam.

Determined person climbing mountain

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about determination. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Question: Do you consider yourself a determined person?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think I am quite determined. When I set a goal, I usually work hard to achieve it. For example, I studied consistently for several months to prepare for this IELTS exam.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d say I’m remarkably determined. Once I set my mind to something, I’m tenacious in pursuing it. A case in point would be my preparation for this IELTS exam. I meticulously planned my study schedule and adhered to it rigorously for months, even when faced with other commitments. This unwavering focus has been a hallmark of my approach to significant challenges.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a determined person:

Describe A Person Who Has A Lot Of Determination

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What this person does
• And explain why you think this person has a lot of determination

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:

I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who I’ve known since high school. She’s currently working as a software engineer at a tech startup.

I met Sarah in our computer science class, and we quickly became friends due to our shared interest in technology. What stands out about Sarah is her incredible determination. She always sets high goals for herself and works tirelessly to achieve them.

For instance, when we were in school, Sarah decided she wanted to learn advanced programming languages that weren’t part of our curriculum. She spent countless hours after school and on weekends teaching herself these languages. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, she never gave up.

I believe Sarah has a lot of determination because she consistently pushes herself out of her comfort zone. She’s not afraid of failure and sees every obstacle as an opportunity to learn and grow. Even now, in her professional life, she continues to take on challenging projects and is always looking for ways to improve her skills.

Sarah’s determination is truly inspiring, and it’s one of the qualities I admire most about her.

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:

I’d like to discuss my friend Sarah, a paragon of determination whom I’ve had the privilege of knowing since our high school days. Currently, she’s carving out a successful career as a software engineer at a cutting-edge tech startup.

Our paths crossed in our computer science class, where we forged a friendship based on our shared passion for technology. What sets Sarah apart is her extraordinary level of determination, which has been a defining characteristic of her personality for as long as I’ve known her.

Sarah consistently sets ambitious goals for herself and pursues them with unwavering focus. A prime example of this was during our school years when she took it upon herself to master advanced programming languages that weren’t part of our standard curriculum. She would dedicate countless hours, often sacrificing leisure time, to immerse herself in these complex languages. Despite encountering numerous obstacles and setbacks, her resolve never wavered.

I firmly believe that Sarah possesses an exceptional degree of determination for several reasons. Firstly, she consistently pushes the boundaries of her comfort zone, embracing challenges that others might shy away from. Secondly, she views failure not as a deterrent but as a valuable learning experience. This mindset allows her to persevere in the face of adversity and emerge stronger from each setback.

Moreover, Sarah’s determination extends beyond her academic and professional pursuits. She applies the same tenacity to her personal growth, constantly seeking ways to broaden her horizons and acquire new skills. Her unwavering commitment to self-improvement is truly awe-inspiring and serves as a constant source of motivation for those around her.

In essence, Sarah’s determination is not just a trait but a way of life. It’s this unyielding resolve that has propelled her to her current success and continues to drive her forward in her career and personal endeavors.

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How has Sarah’s determination influenced her career?
2. Do you think determination can be learned or is it an innate quality?

Band 6-7 Answer (Question 1):
Sarah’s determination has greatly helped her career. It’s allowed her to quickly learn new skills and take on challenging projects, which has led to rapid promotions in her company.

Band 8-9 Answer (Question 1):
Sarah’s determination has been instrumental in shaping her career trajectory. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous learning has enabled her to rapidly ascend the corporate ladder. She consistently volunteers for high-stakes projects that others might avoid, viewing them as opportunities to showcase her skills and expand her expertise. This proactive approach, coupled with her ability to swiftly adapt to new technologies, has resulted in her receiving several promotions in quick succession. Moreover, her determination has earned her a reputation as a go-to problem solver within her organization, further cementing her value to the company.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think determination is always a positive trait?

Band 6-7 Answer:
While determination is generally positive, it can sometimes be negative. For example, if someone is too determined, they might ignore other important things in their life or push themselves too hard. However, in most cases, I think determination is a good quality to have.

Band 8-9 Answer:
While determination is predominantly viewed in a positive light, it’s important to recognize that it can have both advantageous and detrimental aspects. On the positive side, determination often leads to personal growth, achievement of goals, and resilience in the face of adversity. It’s a driving force behind many success stories and innovations.

However, excessive determination can sometimes border on obsession, potentially leading to neglect of other crucial aspects of life such as relationships, health, or work-life balance. In extreme cases, it might result in burnout or a single-minded focus that blinds individuals to alternative perspectives or opportunities.

Moreover, determination without flexibility can be counterproductive. If someone is so determined to achieve a goal that they refuse to adapt their approach when circumstances change, it could lead to missed opportunities or inefficient use of resources.

In essence, while determination is generally a commendable trait, its true value lies in its balanced application. The key is to cultivate determination that is tempered with self-awareness, flexibility, and a holistic view of one’s life and goals.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Tenacious /tɪˈneɪʃəs/ (adjective): Not giving up easily; persistent.
   Example: Her tenacious pursuit of her goals was admirable.

2. Unwavering /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ (adjective): Steady or resolute; not changing.
   Example: Despite the challenges, he maintained an unwavering commitment to his studies.

3. Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ (noun): Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties.
   Example: Her success was a result of years of perseverance and hard work.

4. Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
   Example: His resilience in the face of repeated setbacks was impressive.

5. To carve out (phrasal verb): To create or make something for oneself with effort.
   Example: She managed to carve out a successful career in a competitive industry.

6. To push the boundaries (idiom): To extend the limits of what is possible or acceptable.
   Example: The scientist continually pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible in her field.

Examiner’s Advice

To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a determined person:

1. Use a variety of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions related to determination.
2. Provide specific examples to illustrate the person’s determination.
3. Discuss both positive and negative aspects of determination to demonstrate critical thinking.
4. Use a range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences.
5. Practice speaking fluently about this topic, focusing on clear pronunciation and natural intonation.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence and fluency are just as important as vocabulary and grammar.

For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our articles on describing a person who has inspired you to be more resilient and how to describe a time when you had to stay motivated.