The speaking component of the IELTS examination is designed to assess various skills including fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. Examining how candidates describe someone adept at conflict resolution can particularly showcase their ability to use complex language, express abstract ideas, and demonstrate interpersonal insights.
In this article, we will delve into how to answer the question “Describe a person who is good at conflict resolution.” We will break down the question for each part of the IELTS speaking test, providing model answers and tips, while highlighting essential vocabulary and structures for a high-scoring response.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner might ask you questions to get to know you better. These questions are straightforward and are designed to make you feel comfortable.
Sample Question and Answer
Examiner: Do you think it’s important to be good at resolving conflicts?
Candidate: Absolutely, I believe that having the ability to resolve conflicts effectively is essential. It helps maintain harmony and understanding in all types of relationships, whether personal or professional. Moreover, it prevents small issues from escalating into major problems, fostering a peaceful environment.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who is good at conflict resolution. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know him/her
- What skills he/she has
- And explain why you think he/she is good at resolving conflicts
Model Answer
One person who stands out for his conflict resolution skills is my friend, John. I have known John since college, and he has always been someone who people turn to when they have disagreements. John has excellent communication skills—he listens attentively to all parties involved and makes everyone feel heard.
Moreover, he possesses a calm demeanor which helps to de-escalate tensions. One notable instance was when two team members had a serious disagreement over a project. John stepped in and arranged a meeting where each person could express their grievances. He then summarized their concerns and suggested compromises that both sides found acceptable.
In addition to patience and empathy, John has a knack for finding common ground and proposing mutually beneficial solutions. His ability to mediate conflicts not only resolves the current issues but also builds stronger relationships in the long run. Because of these qualities, I believe John is exceptionally good at handling conflicts.
Follow-up Questions and Answers
Examiner: Is it important to confront conflicts head-on?
Candidate: Yes, I believe that addressing conflicts directly is important. It allows issues to be resolved sooner rather than later, preventing resentment from building up. However, it should be done in a measured and respectful manner to ensure both parties feel valued and understood.
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract and complex questions related to the topic in Part 2. This section tests your ability to express and justify opinions, analyze issues, and speculate about possible outcomes.
Sample Discussion
Examiner: What are the common causes of conflicts in the workplace?
Candidate: Conflicts in the workplace are often caused by differences in values, personalities, and work styles. For instance, some people may prioritize efficiency over collaboration, leading to disagreements about how tasks should be performed. Additionally, miscommunication and lack of resources can also cause tensions among team members.
Examiner: How can an organization foster a culture of conflict resolution?
Candidate: Organizations can promote a culture of conflict resolution by providing training on effective communication and conflict management skills. Encouraging an open-door policy where employees feel comfortable voicing their concerns can also be beneficial. Furthermore, recognizing and rewarding collaborative behavior reinforces the importance of maintaining positive relationships within the workplace.
Conflict Resolution Skills
Essential Vocabulary and Structures
Key Vocabulary
- Harmony (/ˈhɑːr.mə.ni/): A situation in which people are peaceful and agree with each other.
- Calm demeanor (/kɑːm dɪˈmiː.nər/): A tranquil, composed manner.
- Grievances (/ˈɡriː.vənsəz/): Complaints or feelings of being treated unfairly.
- Compromise (/ˈkɑːm.prə.maɪz/): An agreement where each party gives up something to reach a resolution.
- Resentment (/rɪˈzent.mənt/): Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.
- Efficiency (/ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/): The ability to accomplish something with the least waste of time and effort.
Example Sentences
- “John’s calm demeanor played a crucial role in resolving the heated argument.”
- “The grievances were addressed in a rational and empathetic manner.”
Tips for Practicing to Achieve a High Score
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps to improve fluency and coherence.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn and use a wide range of vocabulary, particularly those related to the topic.
- Work on Pronunciation: Clear and precise pronunciation can significantly impact your score.
- Seek Feedback: Get feedback from teachers or peers to identify areas of improvement.
- Simulate the Test Conditions: Practice under timed conditions to get a feel for the actual test environment.
By focusing on these strategies and using the provided model answers as a benchmark, you can enhance your skills for the IELTS speaking test. Remember that demonstrating a wide range of language abilities, including complex structures and relevant vocabulary, is key to achieving a high score.