Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Person with a Busy Lifestyle

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people’s lifestyles, and describing someone with a busy schedule is a common topic. This theme allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to discuss daily routines and time management. Let’s explore how to effectively answer such questions and achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about your own lifestyle or people you know who lead busy lives. Here are some potential questions:

1. Do you consider yourself a busy person?
2. What activities keep you busy during the day?
3. Do you know anyone who has a particularly busy lifestyle?
4. How do people in your country typically manage their time?

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

Examiner: Do you know anyone who has a particularly busy lifestyle?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do. My older sister leads an incredibly hectic life. She’s a high-flying executive at a multinational company, which means she’s constantly juggling multiple responsibilities. On top of her demanding job, she’s also pursuing an MBA part-time and volunteers at a local animal shelter on weekends. It’s astounding how she manages to fit everything into her schedule. Sometimes I wonder how she finds time to sleep!”

This answer demonstrates a good range of vocabulary related to busy lifestyles and uses idiomatic expressions effectively. The candidate provides specific details about the person’s activities, which adds depth to the response.

Busy executive working late in office

Part 2: Long Turn

For the Long Turn, you might receive a cue card like this:

Describe a person you know who has a busy lifestyle.

You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they do
- Why they are so busy
- How you feel about their lifestyle

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my uncle, Mark, who epitomizes the definition of a busy individual. He’s a prominent surgeon at a leading hospital in the city, which forms the cornerstone of his hectic schedule.

My uncle’s day typically kicks off at the crack of dawn, usually around 5 AM. He starts with a quick workout session to energize himself for the day ahead. By 7 AM, he’s already at the hospital, making his rounds and checking on patients. His mornings are often filled with back-to-back surgeries, some of which can last for hours.

In the afternoons, when he’s not in the operating room, he’s either consulting with patients, attending medical conferences, or supervising junior doctors. It’s not uncommon for him to work well into the evening, sometimes pulling all-nighters for emergency cases.

What makes his lifestyle even more demanding is his commitment to medical research. He dedicates his weekends to working on groundbreaking studies and writing papers for medical journals. Additionally, he frequently travels abroad to present his findings at international conferences.

The primary reason for his intensely busy lifestyle is his unwavering dedication to his profession and his desire to make a significant impact in the medical field. His work ethic is driven by a genuine passion for saving lives and advancing medical knowledge.

Personally, I have mixed feelings about his lifestyle. On one hand, I deeply admire his commitment and the positive impact he’s making in people’s lives. His work is truly inspirational, and he’s a role model for many aspiring doctors. On the other hand, I can’t help but worry about the toll such a demanding schedule might take on his health and personal life. It’s a delicate balance to maintain, and I often wonder if he ever feels overwhelmed or burnt out.

In conclusion, while my uncle’s busy lifestyle is undoubtedly challenging, it’s also a testament to his passion and dedication to his field. It’s a reminder that some individuals are willing to push their limits to achieve extraordinary things and make a difference in the world.”

This answer provides a detailed description of the person’s busy lifestyle, using a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. The candidate effectively addresses all points on the cue card and offers personal insights, which demonstrates critical thinking skills.

Possible follow-up questions:

1. Do you think such a busy lifestyle is sustainable in the long term?
2. How do you think technology has impacted people’s work-life balance?

Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
“That’s an intriguing question. While I believe that maintaining such an intense schedule can be possible for some individuals in the short to medium term, I have reservations about its long-term sustainability. Prolonged periods of high stress and minimal rest can lead to burnout and potentially serious health issues. It’s crucial to find ways to incorporate regular downtime and self-care into even the busiest of schedules. Perhaps a more balanced approach, where peak busy periods are interspersed with calmer phases, might be more sustainable in the long run. Ultimately, it depends on the individual’s resilience, support system, and ability to manage stress effectively.”

Work-life balance concept illustration

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to busy lifestyles:

Examiner: Do you think modern society encourages people to lead overly busy lives?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“That’s a thought-provoking question. I believe that modern society does indeed exert pressure on individuals to lead increasingly busy lives, often to the point of excess. This phenomenon stems from various factors.

Firstly, the rapid pace of technological advancement has blurred the lines between work and personal time. With smartphones and constant connectivity, many people find it challenging to disconnect from work, leading to a culture of ‘always-on’ availability.

Secondly, there’s a prevailing societal notion that equates busyness with productivity and success. This mindset perpetuates the idea that a packed schedule is a badge of honor, pushing people to take on more commitments than they can realistically handle.

Moreover, the gig economy and increasing economic uncertainties have led many to juggle multiple jobs or side hustles, further contributing to overloaded schedules.

However, it’s worth noting that this trend isn’t universal. There’s a growing counter-movement emphasizing work-life balance, mindfulness, and the importance of leisure time. Some progressive companies are implementing policies like unlimited vacation days or four-day work weeks to combat burnout.

In conclusion, while modern society does seem to encourage busy lifestyles, there’s also an emerging awareness of the need for balance. The challenge lies in finding ways to be productive and fulfilled without sacrificing our well-being and personal relationships.”

This answer demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic, using high-level vocabulary and complex sentence structures. The candidate provides a balanced view, considering multiple aspects of the issue.

Busy city street during rush hour

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Hectic /ˈhektɪk/ (adjective): Full of incessant or frantic activity.
   Example: Her hectic schedule barely leaves her time to eat lunch.

2. To juggle /ˈdʒʌɡəl/ (verb): To cope with by adroitly balancing.
   Example: She skillfully juggles her career, family life, and hobbies.

3. High-flying /haɪ ˈflaɪɪŋ/ (adjective): Ambitious and successful.
   Example: As a high-flying executive, he often travels internationally for business meetings.

4. To burn the candle at both ends (idiom): To work very hard and stay up very late at night.
   Example: Studying for exams while working full-time, Sarah was really burning the candle at both ends.

5. Time management /taɪm ˈmænɪdʒmənt/ (noun): The ability to use one’s time effectively or productively.
   Example: Effective time management is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

6. To have a lot on one’s plate (idiom): To have a lot of things to deal with.
   Example: With a new project at work and a baby on the way, John certainly has a lot on his plate.

7. Workaholic /ˌwɜːkəˈhɒlɪk/ (noun): A person who compulsively works hard and long hours.
   Example: His colleagues described him as a workaholic who rarely took vacations.

8. To prioritize /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ (verb): To organize things so that the most important thing is done or dealt with first.
   Example: To avoid feeling overwhelmed, it’s essential to prioritize your tasks effectively.

Using these words and phrases appropriately in your responses can help demonstrate a wide vocabulary range and contribute to a higher band score.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person with a busy lifestyle:

1. Practice extensively: Familiarize yourself with common questions and practice answering them fluently.

2. Develop your vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of words and phrases related to work, time management, and daily routines.

3. Use specific examples: Provide detailed examples to support your points, making your answers more engaging and credible.

4. Show critical thinking: Discuss both positive and negative aspects of busy lifestyles to demonstrate depth of thought.

5. Work on pronunciation and fluency: Ensure clear pronunciation and practice speaking at a natural pace.

6. Stay relevant: Always address the question directly and stay on topic throughout your answer.

7. Use a range of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and different tenses to showcase your language skills.

8. Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, avoid memorizing answers. Speak naturally and genuinely about your experiences and opinions.

By following these tips and consistently practicing, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and increase your chances of achieving a high band score.

describe a memorable trip with your family can also be an interesting topic to discuss in your IELTS Speaking test, allowing you to showcase your vocabulary related to travel and family experiences.