The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people and their characteristics. One common topic is describing someone who always looks at the positive side of life. This theme has appeared in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject for future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and maximize your score in the IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about optimism and positive thinking. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you consider yourself an optimistic person?
2. How do you maintain a positive attitude in difficult situations?
3. Do you think it’s important to be optimistic? Why or why not?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that maintaining an optimistic outlook is crucial in life. Optimism not only helps us navigate through challenging times but also enables us to seize opportunities that we might otherwise overlook. Furthermore, a positive attitude can be contagious, uplifting those around us and creating a more supportive environment. That being said, it’s equally important to balance optimism with realism to ensure we’re not blindly ignoring potential risks or obstacles.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe A Person Who Always Looks At The Positive Side Of Life.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What this person does
• And explain why you think this person is always positive

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who I’ve known since high school. We met in our freshman year and have been close friends ever since. Sarah works as a primary school teacher, which I think suits her positive personality perfectly.

What stands out about Sarah is her ability to find something good in every situation. For example, when we were in college and had a difficult exam, while most of us were stressed, Sarah would remind us that it was an opportunity to challenge ourselves and grow.

I believe Sarah is always positive because of her upbringing. Her parents taught her to appreciate the little things in life and to see challenges as opportunities. This mindset has become a part of who she is, and it’s really inspiring to be around her.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to describe my colleague, David, who epitomizes the concept of looking at the bright side of life. I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside David in our marketing firm for the past three years, and his unwavering optimism has been a constant source of inspiration.

David holds the position of project manager, a role that perfectly complements his positive outlook. His ability to maintain composure and find silver linings in even the most challenging situations is truly remarkable. For instance, when we faced a major setback with a client project recently, David’s response was to view it as an opportunity to innovate and strengthen our relationship with the client, rather than dwelling on the negative aspects.

I believe David’s perpetual positivity stems from a combination of factors. Firstly, he’s a firm believer in the power of mindset and consistently practices gratitude. Secondly, he’s experienced significant adversity in his personal life, which has given him a profound appreciation for life’s blessings, no matter how small. Lastly, David is deeply committed to personal growth and sees every experience, good or bad, as a chance to learn and improve.

David’s optimism is not just a surface-level trait; it’s a fundamental aspect of his character that influences everyone around him. His positive energy is contagious, often lifting the spirits of the entire team during stressful periods. It’s truly inspiring to witness how his outlook not only benefits him personally but also contributes to a more productive and harmonious work environment.”

Follow-up Questions:

1. How does this person’s positivity affect those around them?
2. Do you think it’s possible for someone to be too positive? Why or why not?

Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):

“David’s positivity has a profound impact on those around him. His optimistic approach to challenges often serves as a catalyst for creative problem-solving within our team. Moreover, his ability to maintain a positive outlook even in stressful situations helps to alleviate tension and boost morale. I’ve noticed that team members tend to approach him for advice or support during difficult times, as his perspective often helps to reframe problems in a more manageable light. Ultimately, David’s positivity creates a ripple effect, fostering a more resilient and supportive work culture.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to positivity and optimism. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you think optimism can be learned? Why or why not?
2. How does a society’s overall level of optimism affect its development?
3. Are there any potential drawbacks to always looking at the positive side of life?

Sample Answer for Question 3 (Band 8-9):

“While maintaining a positive outlook generally has numerous benefits, there can indeed be potential drawbacks to always focusing on the bright side. Firstly, excessive optimism might lead to underestimating risks or failing to prepare adequately for potential challenges. This could result in poor decision-making or a lack of necessary precautions.

Secondly, constantly emphasizing positivity might inadvertently invalidate or suppress negative emotions, which are natural and important aspects of the human experience. This could lead to emotional repression or difficulty in processing and dealing with adversity when it does occur.

Furthermore, in some social or professional contexts, unrelenting positivity might be perceived as insensitivity or a lack of empathy, particularly in situations where others are experiencing genuine hardship or grief.

However, I believe the key lies in striking a balance. While it’s beneficial to maintain an overall positive outlook, it’s equally important to acknowledge and address negative aspects of situations when necessary. This balanced approach allows for realistic optimism, which combines the benefits of positive thinking with pragmatic problem-solving and emotional intelligence.”

Balanced optimism concept

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Epitomize (verb) /ɪˈpɪtəmaɪz/ – to be a perfect example of something
   Example: “Sarah epitomizes the concept of positive thinking.”

2. Unwavering (adjective) /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ – not changing or becoming weaker
   Example: “His unwavering optimism inspires those around him.”

3. Profound (adjective) /prəˈfaʊnd/ – very great or intense
   Example: “The experience had a profound impact on his outlook on life.”

4. Catalyst (noun) /ˈkætəlɪst/ – something that causes an important event to happen
   Example: “Her positivity acted as a catalyst for change in the organization.”

5. Inadvertently (adverb) /ˌɪnədˈvɜːtəntli/ – without intention; accidentally
   Example: “By always being positive, he inadvertently dismissed others’ concerns.”

Examiner’s Advice

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

1. Use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.
2. Provide specific examples to support your points.
3. Discuss both the benefits and potential drawbacks of extreme positivity to demonstrate critical thinking.
4. Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences.
5. Maintain fluency by practicing your responses beforehand, but avoid sounding rehearsed.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and listen back to identify areas for improvement. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!

If you’re looking for more IELTS Speaking practice, you might find it helpful to describe a film character who inspired you or describe a person who has a creative job. These topics can help you expand your vocabulary and improve your ability to describe people and their characteristics in detail.