The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English. A key topic that often appears is describing a person who is a good communicator, a subject that allows you to showcase various aspects of your language skills and storytelling abilities. Understanding how to answer this question effectively can significantly enhance your score.
Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test
The Speaking test is divided into three parts:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview
- Part 2: Long Turn
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiners assess several criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Let’s dive deeper into each part with specific examples and sample answers to help you excel, focusing on describing a good communicator.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Here’s where you’ll answer general questions about yourself and various topics.
Common Questions in Part 1
- Can you describe a person you admire?
- Who is the best communicator you know and why?
- What skills do you think are important for a good communicator?
Sample Question: Who is the best communicator you know and why?
Sample Answer:
“The best communicator I know is my friend Sarah. She has an incredible ability to listen attentively and respond thoughtfully. Sarah always maintains eye contact, uses engaging body language, and speaks with clear, concise language, ensuring her message is understood by everyone.”
Analysis:
- Fluency and coherence: The response is smooth and logical.
- Lexical resource: Uses phrases like “listen attentively”, “respond thoughtfully”, “engaging body language”.
- Grammatical range and accuracy: Correct use of various tenses.
- Pronunciation: Clear and precise.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you will be given a cue card with a topic. You’ll have one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes.
Cue Card Example
Describe A Person Who Is A Good Communicator. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What makes them such a good communicator
- And explain how you feel about this person’s communication skills
Sample Answer:
“I’d like to describe my colleague, James. James is the head of our marketing team, and I have known him for about five years since I joined the company. He is a remarkable communicator for several reasons. Firstly, James has an innate ability to convey complex ideas in a simple, understandable manner. He uses analogies and real-life examples that resonate with his audience. Additionally, he is very empathetic; he listens carefully to others and is always considerate of their opinions, which makes people feel valued and respected. Lastly, James has exceptional non-verbal communication skills. His body language and eye contact are always in sync with his verbal messages, creating a trustworthy and engaging communication atmosphere. I greatly admire James’s communication skills because they not only enhance our team’s productivity but also create a positive and collaborative work environment.”
Analysis:
- Fluency and coherence: Well-organized and logical flow.
- Lexical resource: Uses terms like “convey complex ideas”, “innate ability”, “non-verbal communication”.
- Grammatical range and accuracy: Wide range of sentence structures.
- Pronunciation: Clear articulation and intonation.
Follow-up Questions
- How does being a good communicator affect a person’s career?
- What are some ways people can improve their communication skills?
Sample Answer:
“Being a good communicator can significantly advance one’s career. It enhances leadership abilities, improves team dynamics, and helps in negotiating and handling conflicts effectively. To improve communication skills, one can practice active listening, expand their vocabulary, and engage in public speaking workshops.”
Analysis:
- Fluency and coherence: Structured response.
- Lexical resource: Phrases like “advance one’s career”, “active listening”, “public speaking workshops”.
- Grammatical range and accuracy: Use of various grammatical tenses and structures.
- Pronunciation: Clear and well-paced speech.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
This part requires more abstract thinking and you’ll discuss issues related to Part 2 in more depth.
Example Discussion
Examiner: Do you think communication skills are more important now than in the past?
Candidate:
“Absolutely. In today’s globalized world, effective communication is crucial. With advancements in technology, we are interacting with diverse groups of people more than ever before. Good communication skills help bridge cultural differences and foster international collaboration.”
Analysis:
- Fluency and coherence: The argument is clear and consistent.
- Lexical resource: Uses terms like “globalized world”, “bridge cultural differences”, “foster international collaboration”.
- Grammatical range and accuracy: Proper use of complex sentences.
- Pronunciation: Natural intonation and stress.
Vocabulary and Phrases for a High Score
- Innate ability (n.): [ɪˈneɪt əˈbɪləti] – a natural skill or talent
- Convey (v.): [kənˈveɪ] – to communicate or transmit information
- Empathetic (adj.): [ˌɛmpəˈθɛtɪk] – showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another
- Active listening (n.): [ˈæktɪv ˈlɪsənɪŋ] – fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said
- Non-verbal communication (n.): [nɑnˈvɜrbəl kəˌmjunɪˈkeɪʃən] – communicating without words, using gestures, body language, and facial expressions
Example Sentences:
- “Her innate ability to simplify complex topics makes her an outstanding teacher.”
- “During meetings, he always conveys his thoughts clearly and effectively.”
- “Her empathetic nature allows her to connect deeply with people.”
- “Practicing active listening can significantly improve your communication skills.”
- “Effective non-verbal communication can often convey more than words.”
Tips for High Scores in the Speaking Test
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice helps improve fluency and reduces hesitation.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics.
- Record Yourself: Listening to your recordings can help you identify areas for improvement.
- Get Feedback: Practice with a mentor or join a speaking club to get constructive feedback.
- Simulate Test Conditions: Practice speaking under timed conditions to get used to the test format.
By following these strategies and focusing on the tips provided, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and score higher.
Additional Resources
For more insights and practice materials, you can visit IELTS Material, which offers invaluable content to help you prepare for the IELTS exam.