As an IELTS examiner with years of experience, I understand the challenges candidates face when tackling the speaking section. One topic that frequently appears is describing someone skilled at multitasking. This article will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to excel in this task, boosting your chances of achieving a high band score.
Understanding the Topic: Multitasking in IELTS Speaking
Multitasking is a highly relevant skill in today’s fast-paced world. IELTS examiners often include this topic to assess a candidate’s ability to discuss complex ideas and personal experiences. Being prepared to talk about multitasking can significantly enhance your performance in the speaking test.
IELTS Speaking Multitasking
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about multitasking. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you consider yourself good at multitasking?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think I’m fairly good at multitasking. I often find myself doing multiple things at once, like listening to music while studying or cooking while chatting with friends.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d say I’m quite adept at multitasking. In fact, I’ve honed this skill over the years, particularly during my university studies. I frequently juggle multiple assignments, extracurricular activities, and part-time work commitments simultaneously. It’s a skill that I’ve found invaluable in boosting my productivity and time management.“
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a person who is good at multitasking:
Describe a person who is very good at multitasking.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What kind of tasks they can do simultaneously
- How you know this person
And explain why you think this person is good at multitasking.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my colleague, Sarah, who is an exceptional multitasker. Sarah is a project manager at the tech company where I work, and her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities never ceases to amaze me.
Sarah can effortlessly handle various tasks simultaneously. For instance, during team meetings, she’s able to actively participate in discussions, take comprehensive notes, and promptly respond to urgent emails without missing a beat. It’s truly remarkable how she can shift her focus seamlessly between different activities without compromising on quality or attention to detail.
I’ve known Sarah for about three years now, since I joined the company. We’ve worked together on several projects, which has given me ample opportunity to observe her impressive multitasking skills firsthand.
I believe Sarah excels at multitasking for several reasons. Firstly, she has exceptional organizational skills and always maintains a clear overview of her responsibilities. This allows her to prioritize tasks effectively and allocate her attention efficiently. Secondly, Sarah possesses remarkable mental agility, enabling her to switch between different cognitive tasks with ease. Lastly, she’s developed strong time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro method, which help her maintain focus and productivity even when dealing with multiple tasks.
Sarah’s multitasking abilities have significantly contributed to her success in her role and have inspired many of us in the team to improve our own time management skills. Her capacity to handle multiple tasks efficiently not only boosts her personal productivity but also enhances the overall effectiveness of our team.”
Examiner’s Follow-up Questions:
- How do you think technology has affected people’s ability to multitask?
- Are there any downsides to being good at multitasking?
Band 8-9 Answers:
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“Technology has undoubtedly had a profound impact on multitasking. On one hand, it has enhanced our capacity to juggle multiple tasks by providing tools like project management software, communication platforms, and productivity apps. These innovations allow us to switch between tasks more efficiently and manage information from various sources simultaneously. However, technology has also introduced new challenges. The constant influx of notifications and the ease of access to information can lead to increased distractions and reduced focus. This paradox means that while technology enables multitasking, it also requires us to develop stronger self-discipline and time management skills to use it effectively.”
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“While being adept at multitasking is generally viewed positively, there can be drawbacks. Firstly, constant task-switching may lead to mental fatigue and increased stress levels over time. This can potentially impact overall well-being and work-life balance. Secondly, although multitaskers may accomplish more tasks, there’s a risk of compromising the quality of work or missing important details when attention is divided. Additionally, individuals who excel at multitasking might find it challenging to engage in deep, focused work that requires sustained concentration. It’s crucial to strike a balance and recognize when tasks require singular focus versus when multitasking is appropriate.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to multitasking. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: How do you think the ability to multitask affects career success?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think being good at multitasking can definitely help in one’s career. It allows people to handle different responsibilities and meet deadlines, which is important in most jobs. Employers often value employees who can manage multiple tasks efficiently.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The impact of multitasking on career success is multifaceted. In today’s fast-paced work environments, the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities efficiently is often highly valued. Proficient multitaskers tend to demonstrate increased productivity and adaptability, which are crucial traits for career advancement. They’re often seen as capable of handling complex projects and thriving under pressure.
However, it’s important to note that the relationship between multitasking and career success isn’t always straightforward. While multitasking can boost efficiency in certain roles, some positions require deep focus and specialized attention. In these cases, the ability to prioritize tasks and maintain sustained concentration might be more beneficial than rapid task-switching.
Moreover, as we progress in our careers, the nature of multitasking often evolves. At higher levels of management, for instance, it becomes less about juggling multiple tasks simultaneously and more about effectively delegating and overseeing various projects. Therefore, while multitasking can certainly contribute to career success, it should be balanced with other crucial skills like strategic thinking, leadership, and the ability to focus deeply when required.”
Q: Do you think schools should teach multitasking skills?
Band 8-9 Answer:
“This is an intriguing question that touches on the evolving nature of education in our increasingly complex world. On one hand, teaching multitasking skills in schools could potentially prepare students for the demands of modern workplaces and daily life, where juggling multiple responsibilities is often the norm. It could help students develop time management skills, improve their ability to prioritize tasks, and enhance their overall productivity.
However, we must approach this idea with caution. Recent research in cognitive psychology suggests that true multitasking – performing multiple tasks simultaneously with equal focus – is largely a myth. What we often refer to as multitasking is actually rapid task-switching, which can be less efficient and more mentally taxing than focusing on one task at a time.
Instead of explicitly teaching multitasking, schools might benefit more from focusing on related skills that enhance overall cognitive flexibility and efficiency. This could include teaching time management techniques, developing strong organizational skills, and fostering the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Additionally, schools should emphasize the importance of sustained focus and deep work, as these skills are crucial for complex problem-solving and creative endeavors.
Ultimately, a balanced approach that equips students with a range of cognitive and organizational skills, including both the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and to focus deeply when necessary, would likely be most beneficial in preparing them for future challenges.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Juggle multiple responsibilities (phrasal verb)
Pronunciation: /ˈdʒʌɡl ˈmʌltɪpl rɪˌspɒnsɪˈbɪlɪtiz/
Definition: To manage several tasks or duties at the same time.
Example: “As a working parent, Sarah has to juggle multiple responsibilities every day.” -
Seamlessly (adverb)
Pronunciation: /ˈsiːmlɪsli/
Definition: Smoothly and continuously, with no apparent gaps or spaces between one part and the next.
Example: “He transitions seamlessly between different tasks without losing focus.” -
Mental agility (noun phrase)
Pronunciation: /ˈmentl əˈdʒɪlɪti/
Definition: The ability to think and understand quickly and easily.
Example: “Her mental agility allows her to solve complex problems efficiently.” -
Cognitive flexibility (noun phrase)
Pronunciation: /ˈkɒɡnɪtɪv ˌfleksəˈbɪləti/
Definition: The ability to adapt our cognitive processing strategies to face new and unexpected conditions.
Example: “Developing cognitive flexibility is crucial for success in rapidly changing environments.” -
Task-switching (compound noun)
Pronunciation: /tɑːsk ˈswɪtʃɪŋ/
Definition: The act of alternating one’s attention between different tasks.
Example: “Frequent task-switching can sometimes lead to decreased productivity.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing multitasking:
- Practice describing people and situations related to multitasking using specific examples and rich vocabulary.
- Develop your ideas fully, providing reasons and examples to support your points.
- Use a range of complex sentence structures and advanced vocabulary to demonstrate your language proficiency.
- Stay focused on the question at hand, but don’t be afraid to draw connections to broader themes or personal experiences.
- Speak fluently and coherently, using appropriate linking words and phrases to connect your ideas.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high band score.
For more tips on acing the IELTS Speaking test, check out our guide on how to describe a person who is good at leading a team, which shares many similarities with discussing multitasking skills.
