Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Person with a Unique Problem-Solving Approach

As an experienced IELTS Speaking examiner, I’m excited to guide you through one of the most intriguing topics in IELTS Speaking Part 2: describing a person with a unique approach to solving problems. This topic not only tests your language skills but also your ability to articulate complex ideas and personal experiences. Let’s dive into how you can excel in this task and boost your IELTS Speaking score.

Understanding the Topic

The topic “Describe a person who has a unique approach to solving problems” is a classic IELTS Speaking Part 2 subject. It’s designed to assess your ability to:

1. Describe a person in detail
2. Explain problem-solving techniques
3. Express your thoughts on creativity and innovation
4. Use a wide range of vocabulary related to personality traits and problem-solving

This topic has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its versatility and relevance to real-life scenarios.

IELTS Speaking Examiner

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Before diving into the main topic, let’s look at some questions you might encounter in Part 1 related to problem-solving:

1. Do you enjoy solving problems?
2. How do you usually approach problems in your daily life?
3. Do you think problem-solving skills are important in the workplace?

Let’s focus on answering the first question:

Examiner: Do you enjoy solving problems?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
Yes, I do enjoy solving problems. It’s satisfying to find solutions to challenges. I often solve puzzles and brain teasers in my free time to keep my mind sharp.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Absolutely, I find problem-solving incredibly stimulating and rewarding. There’s a certain thrill in tackling complex issues and coming up with innovative solutions. Whether it’s a logical puzzle or a real-life challenge, I relish the opportunity to engage my critical thinking skills and push the boundaries of my creativity.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Now, let’s move on to the main topic. Here’s a sample cue card you might receive:

Describe a person who has a unique approach to solving problems

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

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

I’d like to talk about my friend, Sarah, who has a unique approach to solving problems. Sarah works as a software developer and often faces complex coding issues.

What makes Sarah’s approach unique is her use of visual mapping. Instead of diving straight into the code, she always starts by drawing elaborate diagrams that represent the problem and potential solutions. She uses different colors and shapes to represent various elements of the issue.

I think her approach is effective because it allows her to see the big picture before getting lost in the details. By visualizing the problem, she can spot patterns and connections that might not be obvious when just looking at lines of code.

Sarah’s method has helped her solve numerous tricky bugs and optimize complex algorithms. Her colleagues often come to her for help because her visual explanations make even the most complicated issues easier to understand.

In conclusion, Sarah’s unique visual approach to problem-solving not only helps her find innovative solutions but also enhances collaboration within her team.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

I’d like to talk about my former professor, Dr. Emily Chen, who has a remarkably innovative approach to solving problems in the field of environmental science.

Dr. Chen is renowned for her groundbreaking work in tackling complex environmental issues, particularly those related to urban pollution and sustainable development. What sets her apart is her interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving.

Her method is unique in its fusion of seemingly unrelated fields. Dr. Chen integrates principles from ecology, urban planning, and behavioral psychology to address environmental challenges. For instance, when dealing with air pollution in cities, she doesn’t just focus on reducing emissions. Instead, she considers the urban layout, human behavior patterns, and even the psychological factors that influence people’s choices regarding transportation and energy use.

One of her most notable projects involved creating ‘smart’ green spaces in a heavily polluted city. She designed these areas not just as pollution filters, but as interactive spaces that subtly encouraged environmentally friendly behaviors among residents. This holistic approach led to a significant reduction in pollution levels and a marked increase in community engagement with environmental issues.

I believe her approach is incredibly effective for several reasons. Firstly, it acknowledges the interconnectedness of environmental problems with social and psychological factors. This comprehensive view allows for solutions that address root causes rather than just symptoms. Secondly, her methods often result in solutions that are more sustainable and have wider-reaching impacts than traditional approaches. Lastly, by bridging different disciplines, she brings fresh perspectives to longstanding problems, often leading to breakthrough solutions that others might overlook.

In conclusion, Dr. Chen’s unique problem-solving approach, characterized by its interdisciplinary nature and holistic perspective, has not only revolutionized how we tackle environmental issues but has also inspired a new generation of scientists to think outside conventional boundaries.

Examiner: That’s interesting. Can you tell me more about a specific problem Dr. Chen solved using her unique approach?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
Sure, one problem Dr. Chen solved was reducing air pollution in a busy city center. She combined air purifying plants with smart technology to create green spaces that actively cleaned the air. These spaces also had interactive elements that educated people about pollution.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Certainly. One of Dr. Chen’s most remarkable achievements was her innovative solution to the persistent problem of air pollution in the bustling downtown area of a major metropolis. Rather than resorting to conventional methods like simply imposing stricter emission controls, she devised a multifaceted approach that was both effective and engaging for the community.

Dr. Chen’s solution involved creating what she termed ‘Smart Green Corridors’. These were strategically placed green spaces throughout the city center, but they were far more than just parks. Each corridor was a carefully designed ecosystem that combined highly effective air-purifying plants with cutting-edge air filtration technology. The plants were selected not only for their pollution-absorbing capabilities but also for their ability to thrive in urban environments.

What made these corridors truly ‘smart’ was the integration of IoT (Internet of Things) sensors and interactive technologies. These sensors continuously monitored air quality, providing real-time data to both city officials and the public. Interactive displays within the corridors showed this data in easily understandable formats, raising awareness about air quality issues.

But Dr. Chen didn’t stop at the environmental aspect. She incorporated behavioral psychology principles into the design of these spaces. The corridors were laid out to naturally encourage walking and cycling, with convenient paths and bicycle stations. They also featured engaging public art installations that subtly conveyed environmental messages, making the spaces not just functional but also culturally enriching.

The result was a dramatic improvement in air quality in the city center, with pollutant levels dropping by over 30% within the first year. Moreover, there was a significant shift in public behavior, with more people opting for environmentally friendly transportation options and showing increased engagement with environmental issues.

This solution exemplifies Dr. Chen’s unique approach: it addressed the immediate environmental concern while also considering urban planning, technology, and human behavior, resulting in a comprehensive and highly effective solution to a complex problem.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think schools should teach problem-solving skills?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
Yes, I think schools should teach problem-solving skills. These skills are important for students’ future careers and personal lives. Schools could include activities like puzzles or group projects to help students develop these skills.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Absolutely, I believe that integrating problem-solving skills into the school curriculum is not just beneficial, but essential in today’s rapidly changing world. The ability to tackle complex issues, think critically, and devise innovative solutions is becoming increasingly crucial across all sectors of society and the economy.

Firstly, teaching problem-solving skills equips students with a versatile toolkit that extends far beyond academic success. These skills foster resilience, creativity, and adaptability – qualities that are indispensable in both personal and professional spheres. In an era where many traditional jobs are being automated, the ability to solve novel problems is becoming a key differentiator in the job market.

Moreover, problem-solving education encourages a growth mindset. It teaches students that challenges are opportunities for learning and improvement, rather than insurmountable obstacles. This perspective can significantly boost students’ confidence and willingness to take on new challenges throughout their lives.

However, it’s crucial that these skills are taught in a way that’s engaging and relevant. This could involve incorporating real-world problems into lessons, utilizing project-based learning approaches, or even partnering with local businesses to present students with actual challenges they’re facing. By doing so, we not only make the learning process more interesting but also demonstrate the practical applications of these skills.

In conclusion, by prioritizing problem-solving in education, we’re not just preparing students for exams; we’re empowering them to become innovative thinkers and effective contributors to society, capable of addressing the complex challenges of the future.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your IELTS Speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated terms and phrases:

1. Innovative approach /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv əˈprəʊtʃ/ (adjective + noun): A new and creative method of doing something.
   Example: “Her innovative approach to marketing revolutionized the company’s online presence.”

2. Interdisciplinary /ˌɪntədɪsəˈplɪnəri/ (adjective): Involving two or more academic disciplines.
   Example: “The research project required an interdisciplinary team of biologists and computer scientists.”

3. Holistic perspective /həˈlɪstɪk pəˈspektɪv/ (adjective + noun): A view that considers all aspects of a situation.
   Example: “To solve environmental issues, we need to adopt a holistic perspective that considers economic and social factors as well.”

4. To think outside the box (idiom): To think creatively and unconventionally.
   Example: “To solve this complex problem, we need to think outside the box and consider unconventional solutions.”

5. Groundbreaking /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/ (adjective): Innovative; pioneering.
   Example: “Her groundbreaking research in artificial intelligence opened up new possibilities in robotics.”

Remember to practice using these terms in context to make them sound natural in your speech.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, particularly when describing a person with a unique problem-solving approach:

1. Provide specific examples: Don’t just say someone is creative; explain how their creativity manifests in problem-solving.

2. Use sophisticated vocabulary: Incorporate advanced terms related to problem-solving and personality traits.

3. Demonstrate critical thinking: Explain why you think the person’s approach is effective, showing your ability to analyze and evaluate.

4. Structure your answer: Use clear organization in your long turn, covering all points in the cue card.

5. Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses or hesitations.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just what you say, but how you say it. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you build the confidence and skills needed to excel in your IELTS Speaking test.

For more tips on IELTS Speaking, you might find these articles helpful:

• Describe a Time When You Organized a Social Event
• Describe a Person Who Has Influenced Your Way of Thinking
• Describe a Time When You Solved a Problem Creatively at Work or School

Good luck with your IELTS preparation!