Describing an adaptable person is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This subject allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to provide detailed responses. As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ll guide you through answering questions related to this topic effectively across all parts of the speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about adaptability. Here are some common questions and a sample answer:

Examiner: Do you consider yourself an adaptable person?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I’m fairly adaptable. I try to embrace change and adjust to new situations when necessary. For instance, when I started university, I had to adapt to a completely different learning environment and lifestyle. It was challenging at first, but I managed to acclimate quite well over time.”

IELTS Speaking interview about adaptability

Part 2: Long Turn

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

Describe a person you know who is very adaptable
You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know them
• What situations they have adapted to
• And explain why you think they are adaptable

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, whom I’ve known since high school. She’s an incredibly adaptable person, and I’ve witnessed her flexibility in various situations over the years.

Sarah and I met during our freshman year and quickly became close friends. What struck me about her from the beginning was her ability to effortlessly fit in with different social groups. Whether she was chatting with the athletes, the artists, or the academic overachievers, Sarah always seemed to find common ground and make everyone feel comfortable.

One of the most significant examples of Sarah’s adaptability was when she moved to Japan for a year as an exchange student. Despite the massive cultural differences and language barrier, she embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. She immersed herself in the local culture, learned the language rapidly, and even adopted many Japanese customs in her daily life. When she returned, she seamlessly reintegrated into our school community while retaining the valuable perspectives she had gained abroad.

More recently, Sarah demonstrated her adaptability in her professional life. She worked in marketing for several years but was laid off during a company restructuring. Instead of being discouraged, she saw it as an opportunity to pivot her career. She took online courses in web development, a field she had always been curious about, and within six months, she had secured a job as a junior developer at a tech startup.

I believe Sarah is so adaptable because she possesses a unique combination of qualities. Firstly, she has an insatiable curiosity about the world and is always eager to learn new things. This openness to new experiences allows her to approach changes with excitement rather than fear. Secondly, she’s incredibly resilient and views challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Lastly, Sarah has excellent emotional intelligence, which enables her to read situations and people accurately, adjusting her behavior and communication style accordingly.

In conclusion, Sarah’s adaptability is truly remarkable. Her ability to thrive in diverse situations, from cultural immersion to career changes, is a quality I greatly admire and strive to emulate in my own life.”

Describe a person who motivates you to be successful can be another interesting topic to explore in IELTS Speaking, as it often relates to describing adaptable individuals who inspire others.

Follow-up questions:

Examiner: How did Sarah’s experience in Japan change her?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Sarah’s time in Japan profoundly impacted her worldview. She became more culturally sensitive and developed a deep appreciation for different perspectives. This experience broadened her horizons and made her more open-minded in her approach to life and work.”

Examiner: Do you think adaptability is an important skill in today’s world?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. In our rapidly changing world, adaptability is crucial for success. Those who can pivot quickly and embrace change are better equipped to handle technological advancements, shifting job markets, and global challenges. It’s a skill that’s becoming increasingly valuable in both personal and professional contexts.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How has the need for adaptability in the workplace changed in recent years?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“The need for adaptability in the workplace has increased significantly in recent years. With rapid technological advancements and globalization, employees are expected to be more flexible than ever. They need to quickly learn new skills, adapt to remote work environments, and collaborate with diverse teams across different time zones. Companies value workers who can thrive in uncertainty and pivot when necessary.”

Examiner: Do you think some people are naturally more adaptable than others?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe that while some individuals may have a natural predisposition towards adaptability, it’s largely a skill that can be developed and honed over time. People who appear naturally adaptable often possess traits like open-mindedness, resilience, and a growth mindset. However, these qualities can be cultivated through experiences and conscious effort. It’s about embracing change as an opportunity rather than a threat and consistently pushing oneself out of one’s comfort zone.”

IELTS Speaking discussion about adaptability in the workplace

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Embrace change (phrasal verb) – /ɪmˈbreɪs tʃeɪndʒ/ – To accept or welcome changes willingly
   Example: “To succeed in this industry, you must learn to embrace change.”

2. Acclimate (verb) – /ˈækləmeɪt/ – To become accustomed to a new environment or situation
   Example: “It took her a few weeks to acclimate to the new work culture.”

3. Flexibility (noun) – /ˌfleksəˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being able to adapt or change easily
   Example: “His flexibility allowed him to take on various roles within the company.”

4. Pivot (verb) – /ˈpɪvət/ – To change direction or focus, especially in business
   Example: “The startup had to pivot its business model to survive in the changing market.”

5. Resilient (adjective) – /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – Able to recover quickly from difficulties
   Example: “She’s incredibly resilient, bouncing back from setbacks stronger than ever.”

6. Emotional intelligence (noun phrase) – /ɪˈməʊʃənl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/ – The ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions and those of others
   Example: “His high emotional intelligence made him an excellent team leader.”

Describe a person who is very knowledgeable in their profession often requires similar vocabulary and structures as describing an adaptable person, as both topics focus on positive personal qualities.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing an adaptable person:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary related to adaptability and personal qualities.
2. Provide specific examples to illustrate the person’s adaptability.
3. Use complex sentence structures and idiomatic expressions naturally.
4. Speak fluently and coherently, organizing your ideas logically.
5. Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts in Part 3.

Practice regularly by describing adaptable people you know or admire. Describe a time when you made a significant improvement in your skills can be a great exercise to reflect on your own adaptability and growth.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about memorizing answers, but about developing the ability to communicate effectively and naturally on a wide range of topics. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!