In the IELTS Speaking test, the topic “describe a person who is always calm” has been a recurring theme, often appearing in Part 2 and leading to related questions in Part 3. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.
Describe a time when you lost an important item and how you dealt with it can be a challenging topic, but staying calm like the person you’re about to describe can help you handle such situations better.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about calmness or related topics. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you consider yourself a calm person?
A: Well, I’d say I’m generally calm, but it really depends on the situation. In my day-to-day life, I tend to keep a level head and don’t get easily flustered. However, when faced with high-pressure situations at work or during exams, I can feel a bit anxious. I’m constantly working on improving my ability to stay calm in all circumstances, though, as I believe it’s a valuable trait to have.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who is always calm
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- Why you think this person is calm
- And explain how you feel about this person
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
The person I’d like to describe who is always calm is my uncle, John. I’ve known him since I was a child, as he’s my father’s younger brother and a frequent visitor to our home.
I think John is calm because he never seems to get angry or stressed, even in difficult situations. For example, when his car broke down on a busy highway, he calmly called for help and waited patiently, while others might have panicked.
I feel that John’s calmness is admirable. It makes him easy to talk to and be around. His ability to stay composed has a positive effect on those around him, often helping to defuse tense situations.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
The individual I’d like to describe who exemplifies calmness is my uncle, Dr. John Thompson. I’ve had the privilege of knowing him since childhood, as he’s my father’s younger sibling and a frequent presence in our household.
John’s remarkable composure is evident in various aspects of his life. As a renowned surgeon, he maintains his cool demeanor even in high-pressure situations in the operating room. I recall an incident where a patient experienced unexpected complications during surgery, and John’s unwavering focus and tranquility guided his team through the crisis, ultimately saving the patient’s life.
What truly sets John apart is his ability to remain levelheaded in both professional and personal spheres. Whether he’s facing a challenging medical case or dealing with family disagreements, his calm and collected approach never wavers. This consistency in his demeanor is what I find most impressive about him.
I hold John in the highest regard and feel incredibly fortunate to have such a role model in my life. His serene presence has a profound impact on those around him, often diffusing tense situations and creating an atmosphere of peace. John’s calmness is not just a personal trait but a powerful tool that positively influences his environment and the people in it.
Follow-up Questions
Q: How has this person’s calmness influenced you?
A: (Band 8-9) John’s unflappable nature has had a profound impact on my personal development. I’ve consciously emulated his approach in my own life, striving to maintain composure in challenging situations. This has significantly enhanced my problem-solving skills and interpersonal relationships. Moreover, observing his calm demeanor has taught me the invaluable lesson that remaining level-headed often leads to more effective and rational decision-making.
Q: Do you think being calm is an innate trait or can it be learned?
A: (Band 8-9) While some individuals may have a natural predisposition towards calmness, I firmly believe it’s a skill that can be cultivated and honed over time. Through mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, anyone can develop greater emotional regulation. Additionally, cognitive restructuring techniques can help reframe stressful situations, allowing for a more measured response. It’s a journey of self-improvement that requires dedication but can yield transformative results in one’s personal and professional life.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: Why do you think some people are calmer than others?
A: (Band 6-7) I believe some people are calmer than others due to a combination of factors. Their upbringing, life experiences, and personality traits all play a role. Some may have learned coping mechanisms from their parents or through difficult situations they’ve faced. Others might naturally have a more relaxed temperament.
A: (Band 8-9) The variance in calmness among individuals can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors. Genetic predisposition certainly plays a role, with some people naturally inclined towards a more even-keeled temperament. However, environmental influences are equally crucial. Early life experiences, parental modeling, and exposure to stress management techniques can significantly shape one’s ability to remain calm. Moreover, neuroplasticity suggests that our brains can be rewired through consistent practice of mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques, allowing even naturally anxious individuals to cultivate greater calmness over time.
Q: In what situations is it particularly important to remain calm?
A: (Band 6-7) It’s especially important to stay calm in emergencies or high-pressure situations. For example, during a medical crisis, keeping a cool head can help you make better decisions and potentially save lives. In professional settings, remaining calm during challenging projects or conflicts can lead to better outcomes and maintain good relationships with colleagues.
A: (Band 8-9) Maintaining composure is paramount in a multitude of scenarios, particularly those characterized by high stakes or intense emotional charge. In crisis situations, such as natural disasters or medical emergencies, a calm demeanor can be life-saving, enabling clear thinking and effective decision-making. In the professional realm, negotiation processes and conflict resolution demand a level head to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Moreover, leadership roles often require individuals to project calmness in the face of organizational challenges, as it instills confidence in team members and fosters a stable work environment. On a personal level, remaining calm during interpersonal conflicts can prevent escalation and facilitate more constructive dialogue.
Describe a food you disliked as a child but like now is another interesting topic that might come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being able to calmly articulate your changing preferences can help you score well.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Composure /kəmˈpoʊʒər/ (noun): Calmness of mind or manner.
Example: His composure under pressure was admirable. -
Unflappable /ʌnˈflæpəbl/ (adjective): Not easily upset or confused, especially in a crisis.
Example: She remained unflappable despite the chaos around her. -
To keep a level head (idiom): To remain calm and sensible in a difficult situation.
Example: It’s crucial to keep a level head when facing challenges at work. -
Equanimity /ˌekwəˈnɪməti/ (noun): Mental calmness and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.
Example: He faced the criticism with remarkable equanimity. -
To diffuse tension (phrase): To reduce or eliminate stress or conflict in a situation.
Example: Her calm approach helped to diffuse the tension in the room.
Describe a moment when you felt very anxious can be a challenging topic, but using these vocabulary items can help you express yourself more effectively and score higher.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a calm person:
- Use a variety of descriptive language and idiomatic expressions to vividly portray the person’s calmness.
- Provide specific examples that illustrate the person’s calm behavior in different situations.
- Reflect on the impact of this person’s calmness on you and others around them.
- Practice speaking about calmness in various contexts to improve fluency and confidence.
- Develop your vocabulary related to emotions and personality traits to express yourself more precisely.
Remember, describe a childhood memory that makes you smile could be another topic where discussing a calm and pleasant memory could help you demonstrate your language skills effectively.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about calmness in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to stay calm yourself during the exam, as this will help you articulate your thoughts more clearly and confidently.
Describe an event you organized is another potential topic where discussing how you remained calm during the planning and execution could impress the examiner. Use the strategies and vocabulary discussed in this article to enhance your response to such questions as well.