When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, one common topic that often arises is describing people with specific characteristics. Today, we’ll focus on how to effectively “Describe a person who has a lot of energy” – a topic that has appeared in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about energy and active people. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you consider yourself an energetic person?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d say I’m fairly energetic. I enjoy being active and usually have enough energy to get through my daily tasks and even some extra activities.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d characterize myself as moderately energetic. While I may not be bouncing off the walls constantly, I do maintain a steady level of enthusiasm throughout my day. I find that I have sufficient vitality to not only tackle my responsibilities but also to engage in various leisure activities that keep me invigorated.”
Q: What activities do energetic people usually enjoy?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Energetic people often like sports and outdoor activities. They might enjoy running, cycling, or team sports. Some also like busy social lives with lots of friends and events.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Individuals with abundant energy typically gravitate towards activities that allow them to channel their vitality constructively. This might include high-intensity sports like CrossFit or marathon running, adrenaline-pumping adventures such as rock climbing or skydiving, or even mentally stimulating pursuits like competitive chess or debate. Additionally, they often thrive in dynamic social environments, organizing events or leading community initiatives that tap into their seemingly inexhaustible reserves of energy.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who has a lot of energy.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain why you think this person has a lot of energy
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who is the epitome of an energetic person. I first met Sarah during our university orientation five years ago, and her vibrant personality immediately caught my attention.
Sarah is a multi-faceted individual who seems to have an inexhaustible supply of energy. Professionally, she works as a high school physics teacher, a role that demands considerable stamina to keep teenagers engaged. But what truly sets her apart is how she utilizes her free time. Sarah is an avid marathon runner, often waking up at the crack of dawn to fit in a 10-mile run before heading to school. She’s also heavily involved in community service, spearheading various environmental initiatives in our local area.
What’s most impressive is her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities without showing signs of fatigue. After a full day of teaching, she’ll often head straight to volunteer at a local shelter or attend evening classes to further her education. It’s as if she operates on a different frequency from the rest of us.
I believe Sarah’s abundant energy stems from a combination of factors. Firstly, she’s incredibly passionate about everything she does, which naturally fuels her enthusiasm. Secondly, she maintains a disciplined lifestyle, prioritizing nutrition and regular exercise, which undoubtedly contributes to her high energy levels. Lastly, I think it’s just part of her innate personality – she has a zest for life that’s truly infectious.
Sarah’s energy isn’t just about physical stamina; it’s also evident in her mental acuity and emotional resilience. She approaches challenges with a positive attitude and seems to thrive under pressure. Her energy is not the fleeting kind that burns out quickly, but a sustainable, long-lasting vigor that inspires those around her.
In essence, Sarah embodies the phrase ‘a bundle of energy’, and her dynamic approach to life never fails to motivate and inspire me.”
Follow-up Questions
- How does this person’s energy affect those around them?
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Sarah’s energy has a profoundly positive impact on those in her orbit. Her enthusiasm is contagious, often inspiring friends and colleagues to push beyond their perceived limits. In the classroom, her dynamic teaching style galvanizes students, making complex physics concepts more engaging and accessible. Within our friend group, she’s the catalyst for adventure, always proposing exciting outings or new experiences that invigorate our social circle. However, it’s worth noting that her high-octane lifestyle can occasionally be overwhelming for some, serving as a reminder of the importance of respecting different energy levels and personal boundaries.”
- Do you think having a lot of energy is always a positive trait?
Band 8-9 Answer:
“While an abundance of energy is generally viewed favorably, it’s not without its potential drawbacks. On the positive side, high-energy individuals often exhibit greater productivity, resilience in the face of challenges, and an infectious enthusiasm that can elevate team morale. However, if not properly channeled, this energy can lead to impatience with slower-paced individuals or processes. It might also result in burnout if the person doesn’t practice adequate self-care or fails to recognize their limits. Moreover, in certain professional or social contexts, an overly energetic demeanor might be perceived as disruptive or lacking in gravitas. Therefore, the key lies in harnessing this energy judiciously, balancing it with self-awareness and consideration for others.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: Do you think modern lifestyles are making people less energetic?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think it depends. Some aspects of modern life, like technology, might make us less active. But there’s also more awareness about health and fitness now, which can make people more energetic.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“This is a nuanced issue that warrants careful consideration. On one hand, certain aspects of modern lifestyles could be contributing to decreased energy levels. The prevalence of sedentary jobs, increased screen time, and the convenience of food delivery services might be fostering a more lethargic society. Additionally, the constant bombardment of information and the pressure to always be ‘on’ in our hyperconnected world can lead to mental fatigue, which often translates to physical lethargy.
However, it’s crucial to recognize the countervailing trends. There’s an unprecedented awareness of health and wellness in many societies, with fitness trackers, gym memberships, and organic food options becoming increasingly mainstream. Moreover, advancements in nutrition science and the accessibility of information about maintaining energy levels through diet and exercise are empowering many to optimize their vitality.
Ultimately, I believe the impact of modern lifestyles on energy levels is largely individual-dependent. While our environment might present more opportunities for energy-draining behaviors, it also offers numerous tools and resources for those who prioritize maintaining high energy levels. The key lies in making conscious choices to leverage the positive aspects of modern life while mitigating the potentially draining elements.”
Q: How can companies benefit from having energetic employees?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Companies can benefit a lot from energetic employees. These workers are usually more productive and can do more work. They also tend to be more positive, which can improve the work environment for everyone.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The presence of energetic employees can be a significant asset to any organization, yielding multifaceted benefits. Firstly, these individuals often demonstrate heightened productivity and efficiency, tackling tasks with vigor and completing projects ahead of schedule. This increased output can directly translate to improved company performance and profitability.
Moreover, energetic employees tend to exhibit greater resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. They’re more likely to approach obstacles with enthusiasm rather than trepidation, fostering a problem-solving culture within the organization. This can be particularly valuable in fast-paced or high-pressure industries where quick thinking and action are essential.
Another crucial benefit is the positive impact on workplace morale. Energetic individuals often radiate enthusiasm, which can be contagious, uplifting the spirits of their colleagues and creating a more dynamic work environment. This can lead to improved team cohesion, enhanced creativity, and a more enjoyable workplace culture, all of which contribute to employee retention and attraction of top talent.
Furthermore, such employees are typically more inclined to go above and beyond their basic job requirements. They might volunteer for additional projects, mentor junior staff, or actively contribute to company initiatives, thereby adding value beyond their primary roles.
However, it’s important for companies to channel this energy effectively. Providing energetic employees with opportunities for growth, challenging assignments, and avenues to contribute ideas can help maintain their enthusiasm and prevent burnout. By doing so, companies can fully harness the potential of these dynamic individuals, driving innovation and fostering a culture of high performance.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Epitome /ɪˈpɪtəmi/ (noun): A perfect example of a particular quality or type.
Example: Sarah is the epitome of an energetic person. -
Inexhaustible /ˌɪnɪɡˈzɔːstəbl/ (adjective): Never-ending; impossible to use up.
Example: He seems to have an inexhaustible supply of energy. -
Spearhead /ˈspɪəhed/ (verb): To lead or organize an activity or campaign.
Example: She spearheaded various environmental initiatives in our community. -
Juggle /ˈdʒʌɡl/ (verb): To cope with several activities at once.
Example: It’s impressive how she juggles multiple responsibilities without showing signs of fatigue. -
Zest /zest/ (noun): Great enthusiasm and energy.
Example: Her zest for life is truly infectious. -
Thrive /θraɪv/ (verb): To prosper or flourish.
Example: She seems to thrive under pressure. -
Galvanize /ˈɡælvənaɪz/ (verb): To shock or excite someone into taking action.
Example: Her dynamic teaching style galvanizes students, making complex concepts more engaging. -
Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
Example: In our friend group, she’s the catalyst for adventure. -
Nuanced /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ (adjective): Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
Example: The impact of modern lifestyles on energy levels is a nuanced issue. -
Warrant /ˈwɒrənt/ (verb): To justify or necessitate.
Example: This is an issue that warrants careful consideration.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person with a lot of energy:
- Use a variety of descriptive adjectives and adverbs to vividly portray the person’s energy.
- Employ idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs naturally in your responses.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate the person’s energetic nature.
- Demonstrate critical thinking by discussing both positive and potential negative aspects of high energy.
- Use complex sentence structures and advanced vocabulary appropriately.
- Practice speaking fluently and coherently for 2-3 minutes on this topic.
- Develop your ideas fully, connecting them logically.
- Show awareness of nuances in meaning when discussing energy levels in different contexts.
Remember, consistent practice and expanding your vocabulary are key to improving your IELTS Speaking performance. Consider recording yourself and analyzing your responses to identify areas for improvement.
For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might find it helpful to explore topics like describing a person who has had a significant impact on your career or how to balance multiple tasks. These related topics can help you build a broader vocabulary and develop more comprehensive responses for the IELTS Speaking test.