Describing a positive person is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme often appears in Part 2 and can lead to follow-up questions in Part 3. Being prepared to discuss this subject can significantly boost your performance and confidence during the exam. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this topic and achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about positivity and optimistic people. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Do you consider yourself a positive person?
Band 6-7 Answer: “Yes, I’d say I’m generally positive. I try to see the good in situations, even when things are tough.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “Absolutely. I make a conscious effort to maintain a positive outlook, even in challenging circumstances. I believe that optimism is a choice we can make every day.”
How do you stay positive when facing difficulties?
Band 6-7 Answer: “I try to remind myself that problems are temporary. I also talk to friends or family for support.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “I employ several strategies to maintain a positive mindset during tough times. Firstly, I practice gratitude by focusing on what’s going well in my life. Additionally, I reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Lastly, I surround myself with supportive people who uplift and encourage me.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a potential cue card for this topic:
Describe a person you know who is very positive
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they do
- And explain why you think they are very positive
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, whom I’ve known since university. We met during our first year when we were assigned as lab partners in our chemistry class. Currently, Sarah works as a high school science teacher in our hometown.
What stands out about Sarah is her unwavering positivity in all aspects of life. She has this remarkable ability to find the silver lining in every situation, no matter how challenging it might seem. For instance, when our experiment failed miserably in college, instead of getting discouraged, she viewed it as an opportunity to learn and improve our approach.
Sarah’s positive attitude is evident in her career choice as well. As a teacher, she faces numerous challenges daily, from dealing with unmotivated students to managing limited resources. However, she approaches each obstacle with enthusiasm and creativity. She often shares stories about how she turns difficult teaching moments into valuable life lessons for her students.
I believe Sarah is so positive because she genuinely believes in the power of optimism. She once told me that she consciously chooses to focus on the good in every situation, which has become a habit over time. Her positivity is not just a surface-level demeanor; it’s deeply ingrained in her personality and worldview.
What I find most inspiring about Sarah is how her positivity influences those around her. She has this infectious energy that uplifts everyone in her presence. Whether it’s offering words of encouragement to a struggling student or motivating her colleagues during a tough semester, Sarah’s optimism creates a ripple effect of positivity in her community.
In conclusion, Sarah’s positive outlook on life is not just admirable but also transformative. She exemplifies how maintaining a positive attitude can enhance one’s own life and positively impact others.”
A positive teacher inspiring students
Follow-up questions:
How has Sarah’s positivity influenced your own outlook on life?
Band 8-9 Answer: “Sarah’s positivity has been truly transformative in shaping my perspective. Her approach has taught me to actively seek out the positive aspects in challenging situations. I’ve learned to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth, which has significantly enhanced my resilience and problem-solving skills. Moreover, I’ve come to appreciate the power of a positive attitude in influencing others, and I strive to emulate her ability to uplift those around me.”
Do you think being overly positive can sometimes be a disadvantage?
Band 8-9 Answer: “While positivity is generally beneficial, I believe there can be instances where excessive optimism might be counterproductive. For example, being overly positive might lead to underestimating risks or overlooking real problems that need addressing. It’s crucial to strike a balance between maintaining a positive outlook and being realistically prepared for challenges. The key is to cultivate informed optimism – staying positive while acknowledging and preparing for potential obstacles.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner may ask more abstract questions related to positivity and its impact on society. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
How does a positive attitude contribute to success in one’s career?
Band 6-7 Answer: “A positive attitude can help people work better with others and stay motivated. It can also help them handle stress and solve problems more easily.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “A positive attitude plays a pivotal role in career success. Firstly, it enhances resilience, enabling individuals to bounce back from setbacks and view challenges as opportunities for growth. This resilience is crucial in navigating the ups and downs of professional life. Secondly, positivity fosters better interpersonal relationships, which is essential for teamwork and networking. Positive individuals are often more approachable and collaborative, leading to increased opportunities and support from colleagues. Moreover, a positive mindset drives innovation and creativity, as optimistic people are more likely to think outside the box and propose novel solutions. Lastly, positivity contributes to better stress management, which is vital for maintaining productivity and work-life balance in demanding career environments.”
Do you think society as a whole is becoming more or less positive? Why?
Band 6-7 Answer: “I think it depends on the situation. With social media, we see a lot of negative news, which can make people less positive. But there are also more awareness campaigns about mental health and well-being, which might help people be more positive.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “The state of societal positivity is a complex and nuanced issue. On one hand, we’re witnessing an unprecedented access to information, which can sometimes lead to information overload and heightened awareness of global challenges, potentially fostering a sense of pessimism. Social media, while connecting people, can also amplify negative news and promote unrealistic comparisons, impacting individual and collective positivity.
On the other hand, there’s a growing global movement towards mindfulness, mental health awareness, and personal development. This shift is encouraging individuals to cultivate positive thinking and emotional intelligence. Moreover, advancements in fields like technology and medicine are solving previously insurmountable problems, which can inspire optimism about human potential.
Ultimately, I believe society’s level of positivity fluctuates, but there’s an increasing recognition of the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. This awareness, coupled with tools and resources to promote mental well-being, suggests a potential trend towards a more consciously positive society in the long term.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Unwavering positivity [ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ ˌpɒzəˈtɪvəti] (noun phrase): Consistent and steady optimism.
Example: “Despite facing numerous setbacks, her unwavering positivity never faltered.”To stand out [stænd aʊt] (phrasal verb): To be easily noticed because of being different or better than others.
Example: “His ability to remain calm under pressure really stands out among his colleagues.”Silver lining [ˈsɪlvər ˈlaɪnɪŋ] (noun phrase): A positive aspect in an otherwise negative situation.
Example: “The silver lining of losing my job was that it gave me time to pursue my passion.”To approach with enthusiasm [əˈprəʊtʃ wɪð ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm] (phrase): To deal with something in an eager and positive manner.
Example: “She approaches each new project with enthusiasm, inspiring her team members.”Infectious energy [ɪnˈfekʃəs ˈenədʒi] (noun phrase): Positive spirit or excitement that spreads easily to others.
Example: “His infectious energy lifted the mood of the entire office.”To create a ripple effect [kriˈeɪt ə ˈrɪpl ɪˈfekt] (phrase): To cause a series of progressive consequences by a single action.
Example: “Her act of kindness created a ripple effect, inspiring others to do good deeds.”
Remember to practice using these phrases in context to sound more natural and confident during your IELTS Speaking test.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a positive person:
Prepare diverse examples: Have various examples ready of positive people in different contexts (work, family, public figures) to adapt to any question.
Use rich vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and idiomatic expressions related to positivity and personality traits.
Provide specific details: Don’t just state that someone is positive; explain how their positivity manifests in their actions and impacts others.
Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Regular practice with a speaking partner can help.
Develop your ideas: In Part 3, try to analyze topics from multiple perspectives, showing depth of thought.
Stay relevant: Always keep your answers focused on the question asked, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) where appropriate.
By following these tips and consistently practicing, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, confidence comes with preparation, so dedicate time to honing your speaking skills across various topics.
For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might find it helpful to describe an event that made you proud or describe a subject in school that challenged you. These topics can help you further develop your ability to articulate personal experiences and opinions effectively.