In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates often encounter questions that require them to describe people with specific qualities or attributes. One such topic that has gained popularity in recent years is “Describe a person who has a unique approach to problem-solving.” This article will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to excel in this particular speaking task, helping you achieve a higher band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Understanding the Topic
Before we delve into the specifics of answering this question, it’s essential to understand what the examiner is looking for when they ask you to describe a person with a unique problem-solving approach. They want to assess your ability to:
- Articulate your thoughts clearly and coherently
- Use a range of vocabulary related to problem-solving and personal qualities
- Demonstrate your understanding of what makes an approach “unique”
- Provide specific examples to support your description
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask you some general questions related to problem-solving. Here are a few examples:
- Do you enjoy solving problems?
- What kind of problems do you usually face in your daily life?
- How do you typically approach solving a problem?
Let’s focus on answering the first question:
Examiner: Do you enjoy solving problems?
Candidate: Absolutely! I find problem-solving to be both challenging and rewarding. There’s a certain thrill in tackling a complex issue and coming up with an effective solution. It’s like solving a puzzle, and the sense of accomplishment when you finally crack it is incredibly satisfying. Plus, I believe that honing my problem-solving skills is crucial for personal and professional growth, so I always welcome opportunities to face new challenges.
In this response, the candidate demonstrates enthusiasm, uses relevant vocabulary, and provides a brief explanation of why they enjoy problem-solving. The bolded phrases are particularly effective in showcasing language proficiency and thoughtful reflection.
Problem-solving concept
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
In Part 2, you might receive a cue card related to describing a person with a unique problem-solving approach. Here’s an example:
Describe a person who has a unique approach to problem-solving
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What kind of problems they solve
- How their approach is unique
- And explain why you think their approach is effective
Here’s a sample answer:
I’d like to talk about my former university professor, Dr. Emily Chen, who has a truly unique approach to problem-solving. Dr. Chen is an innovative thinker** in the field of environmental science, and she primarily tackles complex issues related to climate change and sustainable development.
What sets Dr. Chen apart is her unconventional methodology. Instead of approaching environmental problems from a purely scientific standpoint, she integrates principles from diverse disciplines such as psychology, economics, and even art. This interdisciplinary approach allows her to view challenges from multiple angles and come up with holistic solutions.
One of the most fascinating aspects of her problem-solving technique is how she incorporates creative visualization. For instance, when addressing the issue of plastic pollution in oceans, she organized a workshop where participants created art installations using recycled plastic. This not only raised awareness but also sparked innovative ideas for reducing plastic waste.
I believe her approach is particularly effective because it engages people on an emotional level, making abstract environmental concepts more tangible and relatable. By bridging the gap between science and creativity, Dr. Chen manages to inspire action and foster collaboration among diverse groups of people.
Her unique problem-solving style has led to several groundbreaking initiatives, including a city-wide program that reduced carbon emissions by 30% in just two years. It’s this ability to think outside the box and bring together seemingly unrelated ideas that makes Dr. Chen’s approach so effective and inspiring.**
This response effectively addresses all the points in the cue card while showcasing a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. The bolded phrases highlight key language that demonstrates a high level of English proficiency.
Additional questions the examiner might ask:
- How did you first come to know about Dr. Chen’s unique approach?
- Can you give another example of a problem she solved using her method?
Sample answer for question 1:
I first learned about Dr. Chen’s unique approach when I attended one of her guest lectures at my university. She was presenting her latest research on urban sustainability, and I was immediately captivated by how she wove together concepts from urban planning, behavioral psychology, and ecological design. It was eye-opening to see how she could draw connections between such diverse fields and apply them to real-world environmental challenges.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Examiner: Do you think schools should teach problem-solving skills?
Candidate: Absolutely. I believe that cultivating problem-solving skills should be a fundamental component of education. In today’s rapidly changing world, students need to be equipped with the ability to tackle complex challenges and adapt to new situations. By integrating problem-solving exercises into various subjects, schools can help students develop critical thinking, creativity, and resilience – skills that are invaluable in both personal and professional life.
Moreover, teaching problem-solving skills can help students become more self-reliant and confident in their abilities. It encourages a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities for learning rather than insurmountable obstacles. This approach to education would better prepare students for the realities of the modern workforce, where innovative thinking and adaptability are highly prized.
Examiner: How has technology changed the way we solve problems?
Candidate: Technology has revolutionized problem-solving in numerous ways. Firstly, it has given us access to vast amounts of information at our fingertips, allowing us to research and analyze issues more thoroughly and quickly than ever before. This wealth of data enables us to make more informed decisions and consider a wider range of potential solutions.
Secondly, technology has facilitated collaboration on a global scale. Through online platforms and communication tools, experts from different fields and geographical locations can pool their knowledge and work together to tackle complex problems. This cross-pollination of ideas often leads to more innovative and comprehensive solutions.
Additionally, advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning are enhancing our problem-solving capabilities by identifying patterns and processing data at speeds far beyond human capacity. This allows us to address issues that were previously too complex or time-consuming to solve manually.
However, it’s important to note that while technology has greatly augmented our problem-solving abilities, it has also introduced new challenges, such as information overload and the need for digital literacy. Striking a balance between leveraging technology and maintaining human intuition and creativity is crucial for effective problem-solving in the modern era.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score in IELTS Speaking, it’s essential to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and expressions. Here are some key terms related to problem-solving and unique approaches:
Innovative thinker /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv ˈθɪŋkər/ (noun): Someone who comes up with new and creative ideas.
Example: Her reputation as an innovative thinker has led to numerous speaking engagements.Think outside the box /θɪŋk aʊtˈsaɪd ðə bɒks/ (idiom): To think creatively and unconventionally.
Example: To solve this complex issue, we need to think outside the box.Holistic approach /həˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ (noun): Considering all aspects of a problem or situation.
Example: He takes a holistic approach to health, focusing on both physical and mental well-being.Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: Her method represents a paradigm shift in how we approach environmental conservation.Lateral thinking /ˈlætərəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ (noun): Solving problems through an indirect and creative approach.
Example: Lateral thinking is often necessary when traditional methods fail to yield results.
Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner
As an experienced IELTS Speaking Examiner, I recommend the following strategies to excel in this task:
Practice describing people: Regularly practice describing people you know who have unique qualities or approaches. This will help you build a repertoire of relevant vocabulary and expressions.
Use specific examples: Always support your statements with concrete examples. This adds credibility to your description and demonstrates your ability to elaborate on ideas.
Focus on the ‘unique’ aspect: When describing the person’s problem-solving approach, emphasize what makes it different or innovative. This shows that you understand the key elements of the task.
Structure your response: Organize your thoughts logically, addressing each point in the cue card systematically. This helps ensure you cover all aspects of the question.
Expand your vocabulary: Continuously work on expanding your vocabulary related to personal qualities, problem-solving, and innovative thinking. This will allow you to express your ideas more precisely and eloquently.
By following these strategies and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the “Describe a person who has a unique approach to problem-solving” topic in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice is key to improving your speaking skills and achieving a high band score.
For more tips on acing your IELTS Speaking test, check out our articles on describing a time when you had to lead a group through a challenging situation and describing a person who has a unique approach to life.