The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people we know, and one common topic is describing someone who loves to talk. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject for examiners. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about talkative people or your experiences with them. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you know anyone who talks a lot?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do. My colleague Sarah is quite the chatterbox. She’s always eager to share stories about her weekend adventures or discuss the latest office gossip. While it can be entertaining, I sometimes find it challenging to stay focused on work when she’s around.”
Q: Do you think being talkative is a good quality?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“That’s an interesting question. I believe being talkative can be both an asset and a liability, depending on the context. In social situations, a talkative person can be the life of the party, keeping conversations flowing and creating a lively atmosphere. However, in professional settings, excessive talking might be perceived as disruptive or time-consuming. The key is to strike a balance between being communicative and knowing when to listen.”
Describe a community event you participated in where you might have encountered talkative individuals who helped create a vibrant atmosphere.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe A Person You Know Who Loves To Talk
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they like to talk about
- And explain why you think they talk so much
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my friend Mike, who’s known for being quite talkative. I met Mike during our first year of university, where we were studying in the same economics class. From the moment I met him, I noticed how much he loved to chat.
Mike is passionate about a wide range of topics, but he particularly enjoys discussing current events and politics. He always seems to be up-to-date with the latest news and has strong opinions on various issues. Whether it’s a new government policy or a global crisis, Mike is eager to share his thoughts and engage in debates.
I think Mike talks so much because he’s naturally curious and loves to learn from others. He sees conversation as a way to exchange ideas and broaden his understanding of the world. Additionally, I believe he’s quite extroverted and gains energy from social interactions. Talking helps him process his thoughts and connect with people on a deeper level.
While his talkative nature can sometimes be overwhelming, I appreciate Mike’s enthusiasm and the interesting discussions we have. His ability to keep a conversation going has certainly helped me become more articulate and confident in expressing my own ideas.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to describe my colleague Sarah, who is renowned for her loquacious nature. I met Sarah when I joined my current company two years ago, and her penchant for conversation immediately stood out.
Sarah has an insatiable curiosity about a diverse array of subjects, but her primary interests lie in cutting-edge technology and innovative business strategies. She’s always eager to discuss the latest advancements in artificial intelligence or share her insights on emerging market trends. Her ability to articulate complex ideas in an accessible manner is truly remarkable.
I believe Sarah’s talkative nature stems from a combination of factors. Firstly, she possesses an exceptionally analytical mind that constantly processes information and seeks to make connections. Engaging in dialogue allows her to refine her thoughts and gain new perspectives. Secondly, Sarah has an infectious enthusiasm for learning and sharing knowledge. She views conversation as a mutually enriching experience and genuinely enjoys helping others expand their understanding.
While some might find Sarah’s verbose tendencies overwhelming at times, I find her conversational style to be both intellectually stimulating and professionally beneficial. Her ability to eloquently express ideas has not only enhanced our team’s communication but has also inspired me to become more articulate in my own professional interactions.”
A talkative colleague in an office setting
Follow-up questions:
- How do you handle conversations with very talkative people?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“When engaging with particularly loquacious individuals, I employ a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I practice active listening, ensuring that I genuinely absorb their ideas while maintaining eye contact and offering non-verbal cues to show my engagement. Simultaneously, I look for natural pauses in the conversation to interject thoughtfully, either to ask a pertinent question or to offer my own perspective. If the conversation becomes overly one-sided, I might politely steer it towards a more balanced exchange by introducing new topics or involving others in the discussion. Ultimately, my goal is to strike a harmonious balance between respecting their enthusiasm for conversation and maintaining a productive dialogue.”
- Do you think social media has made people more talkative in real life?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“That’s an intriguing question. I believe social media has had a paradoxical effect on real-life communication. On one hand, it has made people more comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions, potentially making them more talkative in person. However, it has also reduced face-to-face interactions, which might make some people less adept at real-life conversations. Ultimately, I think it depends on the individual and how they use social media. Some may become more articulate and confident speakers, while others might struggle with in-person communication due to over-reliance on digital platforms.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic of talkative people and communication. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of being talkative in professional settings?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The implications of being talkative in a professional environment are multifaceted. On the positive side, articulate individuals often excel in roles that require strong communication skills, such as sales, public relations, or team leadership. Their ability to express ideas clearly and engage others can foster a collaborative atmosphere and drive innovation. Moreover, talkative people may be more adept at building relationships with colleagues and clients, which can be invaluable in many industries.
However, there are potential drawbacks to consider. Excessive talking might be perceived as disruptive or time-consuming, particularly in settings that prioritize efficiency and focused work. There’s also a risk of overshadowing quieter team members or dominating discussions, which can hinder diversity of thought. Additionally, very talkative individuals may struggle with active listening, a crucial skill in many professional contexts.
Ultimately, the key lies in striking a balance between being communicative and knowing when to listen or allow others to contribute. The most successful professionals are those who can adapt their communication style to suit different situations and audiences.”
Describe a person who enjoys spending time in nature as a contrast to those who prefer constant social interaction and talking.
Q: How has technology changed the way people communicate in your country?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Technology has revolutionized communication in my country in numerous ways. Instant messaging and social media platforms have made it easier for people to stay connected, even across long distances. This has led to more frequent, but often shorter, interactions. Video calling has become increasingly popular, especially since the pandemic, allowing for face-to-face communication regardless of location.
However, these technological advancements have also brought challenges. There’s a growing concern about the decline in face-to-face interactions, particularly among younger generations. Many people now prefer texting over phone calls or in-person meetings, which can sometimes lead to miscommunication or a lack of personal connection.
On the positive side, technology has made information more accessible, enabling people to engage in discussions on a wider range of topics. It has also provided platforms for those who might be shy in face-to-face settings to express themselves more freely online.
Overall, while technology has undoubtedly made communication more convenient and widespread, it’s crucial to find a balance between digital and in-person interactions to maintain strong, meaningful relationships.”
The impact of technology on communication
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your responses and aim for higher band scores, consider incorporating these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
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Loquacious /ləˈkweɪʃəs/ (adj): Very talkative
Example: “My aunt is known for her loquacious nature at family gatherings.” -
Articulate /ɑːrˈtɪkjələt/ (adj): Able to express thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively
Example: “Despite his young age, he’s remarkably articulate when discussing complex topics.” -
Verbose /vɜːrˈbəʊs/ (adj): Using more words than necessary
Example: “The report was so verbose that it was difficult to identify the main points.” -
Gregarious /ɡrɪˈɡeəriəs/ (adj): Fond of company; sociable
Example: “Her gregarious personality made her the perfect host for the networking event.” -
To hold court (idiom): To dominate a conversation or social situation
Example: “At every office party, John tends to hold court, regaling colleagues with his stories.” -
To have the gift of the gab (idiom): To have the ability to speak easily and confidently
Example: “As a successful salesperson, she definitely has the gift of the gab.”
Describe a restaurant you recently visited where you might have encountered talkative staff or fellow diners, allowing you to practice using some of this vocabulary in context.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a talkative person or discussing communication:
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Practice varied vocabulary: Use a range of descriptive words beyond simple terms like “talkative” or “chatty”.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and provide examples to support your points.
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Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate relevant idioms naturally to demonstrate language proficiency.
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Maintain fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Use linking words to connect your ideas coherently.
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Show critical thinking: When discussing advantages and disadvantages, consider multiple perspectives and provide balanced arguments.
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Personalize your responses: Draw from your own experiences to make your answers more authentic and engaging.
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Practice active listening: In Part 3, make sure you fully understand the questions before responding. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if needed.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about describing a talkative person, but demonstrating your overall English language proficiency through thoughtful, well-articulated responses.
Describe a time when you made someone smile by engaging them in an interesting conversation, showcasing your ability to be an engaging communicator yourself.
