The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing someone who has inspired resilience. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, with sample answers and expert tips to help you achieve a high band score.
Understanding the Topic
Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back from adversity and adapt to challenging circumstances. When discussing a person who has inspired you to be more resilient, you should focus on:
- Their characteristics that exemplify resilience
- Specific situations where they demonstrated resilience
- How their example has influenced your own ability to cope with difficulties
This topic is frequently tested in IELTS Speaking as it allows examiners to assess your ability to describe people, narrate experiences, and express personal opinions.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about resilience and influential people. Here are some possible questions with sample answers:
Q: Do you consider yourself a resilient person?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think I’m quite resilient. I try to stay positive when facing problems and learn from my mistakes.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d say I’m fairly resilient. I’ve faced my share of challenges, and I’ve learned to adapt and persevere through difficult times. For instance, when I failed an important exam last year, instead of giving up, I reassessed my study strategies and worked even harder to succeed in the retake.”
Q: How important do you think resilience is in today’s world?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I believe resilience is very important nowadays. Life can be stressful, so we need to be strong to deal with problems.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“In my opinion, resilience is absolutely crucial in today’s fast-paced and often unpredictable world. With the constant changes and challenges we face, both personally and professionally, having the ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive outlook is essential for success and mental well-being.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who has inspired you to be more resilient
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What challenges they have faced
- How they have shown resilience
- And explain how this person has inspired you to be more resilient
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my uncle, John. He’s my father’s younger brother, and I’ve known him since I was a child. A few years ago, he lost his job and went through a difficult divorce at the same time. It was a really tough period for him.
Despite these challenges, my uncle didn’t give up. He started his own small business and worked really hard to make it successful. He also focused on being a good father to his children, even though he couldn’t see them every day.
What impressed me most was how he always stayed positive. He never complained about his situation and always looked for ways to improve things. This attitude helped him overcome his problems and rebuild his life.
Seeing how my uncle handled his difficulties has inspired me to be more resilient. Now, when I face problems, I try to stay positive and look for solutions instead of giving up. His example has taught me that with perseverance and a good attitude, it’s possible to overcome even the biggest challenges.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my former professor, Dr. Sarah Thompson, who has been a profound source of inspiration in terms of resilience. I first met her during my undergraduate studies when I took her advanced psychology course.
Dr. Thompson has faced numerous challenges throughout her career. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she encountered significant gender bias and skepticism about her research. Additionally, she was diagnosed with a chronic illness that required extensive treatment and forced her to take a sabbatical at the height of her career.
Despite these formidable obstacles, Dr. Thompson demonstrated remarkable resilience. She persevered in her research, eventually gaining recognition for her groundbreaking work on cognitive resilience in trauma survivors. Moreover, she used her personal health struggles as motivation to advocate for better support systems for academics dealing with chronic illnesses.
What truly sets Dr. Thompson apart is her unwavering optimism and determination. She views setbacks as opportunities for growth and consistently encourages her students to do the same. Her ability to maintain her passion for her work and continue making significant contributions to her field, despite personal and professional challenges, is truly awe-inspiring.
Dr. Thompson’s example has profoundly influenced my approach to adversity. She’s taught me the importance of maintaining perspective in difficult times and finding purpose in challenges. Whenever I face obstacles in my own life, I often reflect on her resilience and find the strength to persevere. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, it’s possible to not only overcome difficulties but to thrive and make a positive impact on others in the process.”
Follow-up Questions
- What do you think makes some people more resilient than others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think some people are more resilient because of their experiences and mindset. They might have faced many challenges before, so they know how to handle difficult situations better.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“In my view, resilience is often a combination of innate qualities and learned skills. Some individuals may have a natural predisposition towards optimism and adaptability, which contributes to their resilience. However, I believe that life experiences and conscious effort play a significant role. People who have successfully navigated past challenges often develop coping strategies and a growth mindset that enhances their resilience. Additionally, factors such as strong support systems, emotional intelligence, and the ability to reframe negative situations can significantly contribute to an individual’s resilience.”
- How can parents help their children develop resilience?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Parents can help their children be more resilient by encouraging them to try new things and not giving up when things are difficult. They should also support their children when they face problems.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Parents can play a crucial role in fostering resilience in their children through various approaches. Firstly, they can model resilient behavior themselves, demonstrating how to cope with stress and setbacks constructively. It’s also important for parents to allow their children to experience age-appropriate challenges rather than shielding them from all difficulties. This gives children the opportunity to develop problem-solving skills and build confidence in their ability to overcome obstacles.
Furthermore, parents can encourage a growth mindset by praising effort and perseverance rather than just results. Teaching children to view failures as learning opportunities rather than insurmountable setbacks is crucial. Additionally, providing emotional support and helping children identify and express their feelings can enhance their emotional intelligence, which is a key component of resilience.
Lastly, parents can help children build a strong support network and teach them the importance of seeking help when needed. This fosters the understanding that resilience doesn’t mean facing challenges alone, but rather knowing how to utilize resources and support systems effectively.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions with sample answers:
Q: Do you think resilience is an innate quality or can it be developed?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I believe resilience can be developed. While some people might be naturally more resilient, everyone can learn to be stronger and cope better with problems through experience and practice.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“While there may be some genetic predisposition towards resilience, I firmly believe that it is largely a skill that can be cultivated and strengthened over time. Research in psychology suggests that resilience is not a fixed trait but rather a dynamic process that can be developed through various means.
Firstly, exposure to manageable levels of stress and adversity can actually build resilience, as it allows individuals to practice coping strategies and develop confidence in their ability to overcome challenges. This is often referred to as stress inoculation.
Secondly, cognitive behavioral techniques can be employed to foster resilience by helping individuals reframe negative situations and develop more adaptive thought patterns. This includes practices like cognitive restructuring and mindfulness.
Moreover, building strong social connections and developing emotional intelligence are crucial aspects of enhancing resilience. These skills can be learned and improved upon throughout one’s life.
Lastly, engaging in activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress-management techniques, can significantly bolster one’s capacity for resilience.
In conclusion, while some individuals may have a natural inclination towards resilience, I believe it is a quality that can be substantially developed through intentional practice and the adoption of specific strategies and mindsets.”
Q: In what ways do you think modern society challenges people’s resilience?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Modern society can be very stressful. There’s a lot of pressure to succeed in work and studies, and social media can make people feel bad about themselves. These things can make it hard for people to stay resilient.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Modern society presents a unique set of challenges to individuals’ resilience in several ways. Firstly, the rapid pace of technological advancement and societal change creates a constant need for adaptation, which can be mentally and emotionally taxing. This perpetual state of flux can lead to feelings of instability and uncertainty, testing people’s ability to remain resilient.
Secondly, the prevalence of social media and constant connectivity has introduced new stressors. The curated nature of online personas can lead to unhealthy comparisons and feelings of inadequacy, potentially undermining self-esteem and resilience. Moreover, the 24/7 news cycle and information overload can contribute to heightened anxiety and a sense of powerlessness in the face of global issues.
Another significant factor is the increasing competitiveness in education and the job market. The pressure to constantly outperform peers and achieve ever-higher standards can lead to burnout and mental health issues, challenging individuals’ resilience.
Furthermore, the erosion of traditional support systems, such as extended families and close-knit communities, in many societies means that individuals may have fewer resources to draw upon in times of stress, placing greater demands on personal resilience.
Lastly, the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced unprecedented challenges to resilience on a global scale, forcing individuals to adapt to drastic changes in their daily lives and cope with prolonged uncertainty and isolation.
In light of these challenges, developing and maintaining resilience has become more critical than ever, requiring individuals to actively cultivate coping strategies and support networks to navigate the complexities of modern life.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, incorporate sophisticated vocabulary and phrases into your responses. Here are some examples:
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Adversity [ædˈvɜːrsəti] (noun): A difficult or unpleasant situation.
Example: “She showed great strength in the face of adversity.” -
Persevere [ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪə(r)] (verb): To continue trying to do something despite difficulties.
Example: “Despite numerous setbacks, he persevered with his research.” -
Resilient [rɪˈzɪliənt] (adjective): Able to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: “Children are often more resilient than adults in adapting to new situations.” -
Fortitude [ˈfɔːtɪtjuːd] (noun): Courage in pain or adversity.
Example: “Her fortitude during the crisis was admirable.” -
Tenacity [təˈnæsəti] (noun): The quality of being determined to do something.
Example: “His tenacity in pursuing his goals despite obstacles was inspiring.” -
Adapt [əˈdæpt] (verb): To change or adjust to new conditions.
Example: “She quickly adapted to the new working environment.” -
Overcome [ˌəʊvəˈkʌm] (verb): To succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty.
Example: “With determination, she overcame her fear of public speaking.” -
Mindset [ˈmaɪndset] (noun): A person’s way of thinking and their opinions.
Example: “Developing a growth mindset can enhance resilience.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing resilience and influential people:
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Use personal examples: Relate your answers to real-life experiences to make them more authentic and engaging.
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Demonstrate reflection: Show that you’ve thought deeply about the concept of resilience and its impact on your life.
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Vary your vocabulary: Use a range of words and phrases related to resilience to showcase your language skills.
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Structure your answers: Organize your thoughts clearly, especially in Part 2, to ensure a coherent and well-developed response.
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Practice speaking on this topic: Familiarize yourself with discussing resilience to build confidence and fluency.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, fluency, and depth in your responses to achieve a high band score.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our guide on how to promote mental health for families, which can provide valuable insights into discussing well-being and resilience.