The IELTS Speaking Test is designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in English. The examiner evaluates several criteria, including fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Discussing topics like “Describe A Person Who Has A Positive Outlook On Life” helps gauge your ability to articulate descriptions and express opinions clearly.
One common topic you might encounter in the IELTS Speaking Test is to describe a person who has a positive outlook on life. This question not only tests your descriptive skills but also your ability to discuss personal attributes and their impact on others.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner asks questions to introduce you and to engage you in a general conversation about a range of familiar topics, such as work, studies, hobbies, and more.
Common Questions in Part 1
- Can you tell me about someone who has influenced you the most?
- Who is the most positive person you know?
- How do you spend your leisure time?
Sample Answer
Examiner: Who is the most positive person you know?
Candidate: The most positive person I know is my uncle. He always finds the silver lining in every situation and encourages others to do the same. For instance, when I was going through a tough time during my exams, he reminded me of my strengths and helped me regain my confidence. His optimistic outlook is truly infectious and has inspired many in our family to adopt a similar perspective.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this part, you will be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points that you must cover in your talk. You will have one minute to prepare and up to two minutes to speak.
Cue Card Topic
Describe a person who has a positive outlook on life. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What makes this person so positive
- And explain how this person has influenced others
Sample Answer
Examiner: Please start speaking now.
Candidate: One of the most positive people I have ever met is my best friend, Sarah. I first met her during my first year at university, and we have been close friends ever since. Sarah has an incredible ability to see the good in every situation, no matter how challenging it might be. She often talks about the importance of staying optimistic and always finds ways to lift the spirits of those around her.
What makes Sarah so positive is her resilient nature. Even when faced with setbacks, she maintains a cheerful attitude and sees failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. For example, during a group project, we faced numerous challenges, but Sarah constantly motivated everyone and found creative solutions to our problems.
Her positivity has profoundly influenced everyone around her. Her friends, including myself, have adopted more optimistic attitudes, and her encouragement has often led us to achieve things we never thought possible. Sarah’s outlook on life is truly inspiring, and she serves as a great reminder of the power of positivity.
Follow-up Questions
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How do you think Sarah’s positivity impacts her professional life?
- Sample Answer: In her professional life, Sarah’s positive outlook helps her navigate stressful situations with ease. She is often the one to keep the team morale high and encourage a collaborative environment. Her optimism also enables her to handle criticism constructively and persist through challenges, which has made her a valuable asset to her organization.
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Do you think being positive is always beneficial, or can it have drawbacks?
- Sample Answer: While being positive is generally beneficial, it’s important to balance optimism with realism. Being overly optimistic can sometimes lead to underestimating risks or ignoring potential issues. However, a well-balanced positive outlook can inspire perseverance and problem-solving, which outweighs the potential drawbacks.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic in Part 2, requiring you to discuss and expand on your opinions.
Sample Questions and Answers
Examiner: How important is having a positive outlook on life in achieving success?
Candidate: Having a positive outlook on life is crucial for achieving success. When people remain optimistic, they are more likely to persist in the face of challenges and setbacks. For instance, successful entrepreneurs often highlight their failures as stepping stones to their achievements, driven largely by their resilient mindset. Furthermore, positivity can boost mental health, leading to higher levels of productivity and creativity.
Examiner: Can a person’s positivity affect their social relationships?
Candidate: Absolutely, a person’s positivity can significantly affect their social relationships. Positive individuals are generally more enjoyable to be around as their outlook can energize and uplift others. This can lead to stronger and more supportive relationships. Moreover, positive people tend to be more approachable and better at resolving conflicts, which enhances their social interactions.
Useful Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some key words and phrases which can help make your response sound more natural and sophisticated:
- Optimistic: (adjective) /ˌɒp.tɪˈmɪs.tɪk/ – hopeful and confident about the future.
- Resilient: (adjective) /rɪˈzɪl.i.ənt/ – able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
- Encourage: (verb) /ɪnˈkʌr.ɪdʒ/ – give support, confidence, or hope to someone.
- Inspiring: (adjective) /ɪnˈspaɪə.rɪŋ/ – having the effect of inspiring someone.
Example Sentences:
- An optimistic person can make a challenging situation seem less daunting.
- Her resilient attitude helped her bounce back after facing numerous setbacks.
- Teachers should encourage their students to pursue their dreams regardless of the obstacles.
- His inspiring speech motivated everyone in the audience to strive for greatness.
Examiner’s Advice for a High Score
As an IELTS speaking examiner, here are some tips to help you score well:
- Practice regularly: Engage in daily conversations in English and practice speaking on various topics.
- Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases and use them appropriately in your responses.
- Stay focused and organized: Structure your answers clearly, covering all aspects of the question.
- Be natural: Speak naturally rather than memorizing responses; this makes your answers sound more authentic.
- Mind your pronunciation: Make sure your speech is clear and your pronunciation is intelligible.
With these tips and strategies, you can confidently handle questions like “Describe a person who has a positive outlook on life” and excel in your IELTS Speaking Test.