Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Person Who is Good at Keeping Secrets

The ability to describe someone who excels at keeping secrets is a valuable skill in the IELTS Speaking test. This topic has appeared in past exams and is likely to resurface in future tests due to its relevance to interpersonal relationships and trust. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this subject across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about secrets and trustworthiness. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Question: Do you think it’s important to keep secrets?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely, I believe keeping secrets is crucial in maintaining trust in relationships. It demonstrates integrity and respect for others’ privacy. However, I think there are exceptions, such as when keeping a secret could potentially harm someone.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe a person who is good at keeping secrets.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What kind of secrets this person has kept
• And explain why you think this person is good at keeping secrets

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my close friend Sarah, who I’ve known since high school. She’s renowned among our circle for her exceptional ability to keep secrets.

Sarah and I go way back, having met in our freshman year. Over the years, we’ve built a solid foundation of trust, and I’ve witnessed firsthand her unwavering commitment to confidentiality.

One notable instance of Sarah’s secret-keeping prowess was during the planning of a surprise party for our mutual friend’s 30th birthday. Despite numerous opportunities to let the cat out of the bag, Sarah remained tight-lipped throughout the entire month-long preparation. She even managed to deflect suspicion when our friend became inquisitive about our frequent gatherings.

I believe Sarah excels at keeping secrets for several reasons. Firstly, she has an innate understanding of the weight of confidentiality. She recognizes that secrets are not hers to share and respects the trust placed in her. Secondly, Sarah possesses remarkable self-control. Even when pressed for information, she maintains her composure and skillfully changes the subject without arousing suspicion.

Moreover, Sarah has a unique ability to compartmentalize information. She can discuss related topics without inadvertently revealing confidential details. This skill is particularly impressive in social situations where conversations can often veer into dangerous territory.

In conclusion, Sarah’s combination of strong ethics, self-discipline, and social intelligence makes her exceptionally adept at keeping secrets. Her reliability in this regard has undoubtedly strengthened our friendship and earned her the trust of many others in our social circle.”

IELTS Speaking: Describing a secret keeper

Examiner’s follow-up questions:

1. How did you feel when you first realized Sarah was so good at keeping secrets?
2. Can you think of a time when keeping a secret was particularly challenging for you?

Sample answers:

1. (Band 7-8): “I was initially impressed by Sarah’s ability to keep secrets. It made me feel secure in our friendship, knowing I could confide in her without worry. Her discretion also made me reflect on my own secret-keeping skills.”

2. (Band 8-9): “There was a time when I struggled to keep a secret about a friend’s surprise job offer. The temptation to share the exciting news was overwhelming, especially when others speculated about her career. I had to constantly remind myself of the importance of maintaining confidentiality and the potential consequences of revealing the information prematurely.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Question: Why do you think some people are better at keeping secrets than others?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe the ability to keep secrets effectively is influenced by several factors. Firstly, some individuals possess a stronger sense of ethical responsibility, which compels them to honor confidentiality. Additionally, people with greater emotional intelligence tend to be more adept at understanding the potential consequences of revealing secrets.

Furthermore, those with better impulse control and self-discipline are naturally more equipped to resist the urge to share confidential information. It’s also worth noting that some people may have developed these skills through professional experiences that require discretion, such as working in fields like law, healthcare, or counseling.

Lastly, I think cultural background can play a role. In some societies, the ability to keep secrets is highly valued and instilled from a young age, while in others, openness and transparency might be more emphasized.”

IELTS Speaking: Factors influencing secret-keeping abilities

Question: Do you think there are situations where it’s acceptable to reveal a secret?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I believe there are certain circumstances where revealing a secret might be justifiable or even necessary. For instance, if keeping a secret could result in harm to someone, whether physical or emotional, it might be ethically appropriate to disclose the information to the relevant authorities or individuals who can help.

Another scenario might be when the secret involves illegal activities. In such cases, reporting the information to law enforcement could be seen as a civic duty. However, these situations are often complex and require careful consideration of the potential consequences and ethical implications before deciding to break confidence.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Discretion (noun) /dɪˈskreʃ.ən/ – the quality of being careful about what you say or do, so that you do not offend or upset other people
   Example: Her discretion in handling sensitive information is admirable.

2. Confidentiality (noun) /ˌkɒn.fɪ.denʃiˈæl.ə.ti/ – the state of keeping or being kept secret or private
   Example: Maintaining confidentiality is crucial in many professional fields.

3. Trustworthy (adjective) /ˈtrʌst.wɜː.ði/ – able to be trusted as honest, truthful, or reliable
   Example: She’s known for being a trustworthy friend who never reveals secrets.

4. To confide in (phrasal verb) /kənˈfaɪd ɪn/ – to tell someone secret or personal information
   Example: I often confide in my sister when I need advice.

5. To let the cat out of the bag (idiom) – to reveal a secret carelessly or by mistake
   Example: He almost let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.

Examiner’s Advice

To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing this topic:

1. Use a variety of vocabulary related to secrets and trust, demonstrating your lexical resource.
2. Employ complex grammatical structures to express your ideas clearly and coherently.
3. Provide specific examples to support your points, showcasing your ability to develop ideas fully.
4. Practice speaking about different aspects of secret-keeping to improve your fluency on the topic.
5. Pay attention to your pronunciation, particularly when using more advanced vocabulary related to confidentiality and trust.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and the ability to express complex ideas naturally will help you achieve a higher band score.