Patience is a valuable virtue that many people struggle to develop. In IELTS Speaking tests, candidates are often asked to describe individuals who have influenced their lives positively. One common topic is describing a person who taught you patience. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses and useful vocabulary to help you achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.

Describe a teacher who had an impact on you is a related topic that may also require you to discuss patience and personal growth.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about patience. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Question: Do you consider yourself a patient person?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
To be honest, I’d say I’m generally patient, but it really depends on the situation. In my professional life, I tend to be quite patient when dealing with colleagues or complex tasks. However, I sometimes find myself getting a bit impatient in everyday situations, like waiting in long queues or dealing with slow internet connections. I’m actively working on improving my patience in these areas, as I believe it’s an important skill to have in all aspects of life.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a person who taught you patience:

Cue Card:

Describe a person who taught you to be patient
You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What this person did to teach you patience
• And explain how you felt about learning patience from this person

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

The person who truly taught me the value of patience is my grandmother, Elizabeth. I’ve known her my entire life, of course, but it wasn’t until I started spending more time with her in my teenage years that I really began to appreciate the lessons she had to offer.

My grandmother has always been renowned in our family for her incredible patience and composure, even in the most challenging situations. What really struck me was how she approached teaching me patience. Rather than lecturing me or explicitly telling me to be more patient, she led by example.

One particular instance that stands out is when she was teaching me how to knit. I was frustrated and ready to give up after my first few attempts resulted in a tangled mess. Instead of showing any signs of irritation, she calmly untangled my work and guided me through the process again and again. Her unwavering patience and gentle encouragement eventually paid off, and I not only learned to knit but also gained a valuable life lesson.

What I found most remarkable about learning patience from my grandmother was how effortless she made it seem. Her approach was never forceful or preachy; instead, she cultivated an environment where patience was the natural response to challenges. This made the learning process feel organic and lasting.

The experience of learning patience from my grandmother left me feeling profoundly grateful and inspired. It wasn’t just about developing a new skill or trait; it was about gaining a new perspective on life. Her teachings have helped me navigate numerous personal and professional challenges with a calmer, more composed demeanor.

Grandmother teaching knitting as a patience lesson

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has learning patience affected your daily life?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9): Learning patience has had a profound impact on my daily life. I find that I’m much more adept at handling stress and unexpected challenges. For instance, when faced with work deadlines or personal setbacks, I’m able to approach them with a calmer mindset, which often leads to more effective problem-solving. Moreover, my relationships have improved as I’m more understanding and less prone to knee-jerk reactions. It’s as if patience has become a filter through which I process experiences, allowing me to respond rather than react impulsively.

2. Do you think patience is an innate quality or can it be learned?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8): In my opinion, while some people might naturally be more patient than others, patience is definitely a quality that can be learned and developed over time. It’s similar to a muscle that gets stronger with practice. From personal experience and observing others, I’ve seen how individuals can cultivate patience through mindfulness techniques, deliberate practice in challenging situations, and by learning from patient role models. The key is being conscious of our reactions and making a consistent effort to respond more calmly to life’s frustrations.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to patience. Here are some example questions with suggested answers:

Question 1: Why do you think patience is considered an important virtue in many cultures?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9): Patience is widely regarded as a crucial virtue across various cultures for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it’s seen as a cornerstone of emotional intelligence and maturity, enabling individuals to navigate complex social situations with grace and composure. In many societies, the ability to remain calm and collected in the face of adversity is highly valued, as it often leads to more thoughtful decision-making and better outcomes.

Moreover, patience is intrinsically linked to long-term success and achievement. Many cultural narratives and wisdom traditions emphasize the importance of perseverance and delayed gratification, both of which require a significant degree of patience. This is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world, where the ability to resist immediate gratification in favor of long-term goals is increasingly valuable.

Additionally, patience plays a vital role in fostering harmonious relationships, both personal and professional. In many cultures, the capacity to listen attentively, to withhold judgment, and to approach conflicts with a measured response is seen as essential for maintaining social cohesion and resolving disputes peacefully.

Lastly, from a philosophical or spiritual perspective, patience is often viewed as a path to inner peace and self-mastery. Many belief systems teach that cultivating patience can lead to reduced stress, greater contentment, and a deeper understanding of oneself and others.

Question 2: In what ways do you think modern technology affects people’s patience?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8): Modern technology has had a significant impact on people’s patience, and I believe this influence is largely twofold. On one hand, technology has made many aspects of our lives more convenient and efficient, which can foster impatience. We’ve become accustomed to instant gratification – whether it’s fast internet speeds, quick responses to messages, or on-demand entertainment. This constant immediacy can make us less tolerant of delays or situations that require waiting.

On the other hand, certain technologies can actually help cultivate patience. For instance, meditation apps and mindfulness tools can teach people techniques to become more patient and centered. Additionally, some complex technologies, like coding or 3D printing, require a significant amount of patience to master, potentially helping individuals develop this trait.

However, I think the overall trend is towards decreased patience. The rapid pace of technological change means we’re constantly adapting to new devices and platforms, which can be frustrating and test our patience. Moreover, the constant stream of information and stimuli from our devices can make it challenging to focus on one task for an extended period, potentially eroding our capacity for patience.

Describe a new skill you developed over the past year could be an interesting topic to explore how developing new skills, including patience, impacts our lives.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing patience, consider using these advanced words and phrases:

1. Cultivate (verb) /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ – to develop or improve through effort
   Example: “She worked hard to cultivate patience in her daily life.”

2. Composure (noun) /kəmˈpəʊʒə(r)/ – calmness, especially in difficult situations
   Example: “His composure under pressure was admirable.”

3. Unwavering (adjective) /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ – steady and determined
   Example: “Her unwavering patience helped her succeed in her career.”

4. Perseverance (noun) /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ – persistence in doing something despite difficulty
   Example: “Learning a new language requires great perseverance.”

5. Fortitude (noun) /ˈfɔːtɪtjuːd/ – courage in pain or adversity
   Example: “He showed remarkable fortitude in dealing with the challenging situation.”

Describe a time when you completed a difficult task at work or school is another topic where these vocabulary items could be useful.

Examiner’s Advice

To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who taught you patience:

1. Use a variety of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions related to patience and personal growth.
2. Provide specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
3. Speak fluently and coherently, organizing your ideas logically.
4. Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts related to patience in Part 3.
5. Maintain good pronunciation and intonation throughout your responses.

Remember, practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Regularly engage in conversations about personal experiences and abstract topics to build your confidence and fluency.

IELTS Speaking Test Preparation

Describe a time when you had to give up something important could be an excellent opportunity to discuss how patience plays a role in making difficult decisions and personal sacrifices.