The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. Examiners evaluate several key components, including fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One common topic that often appears in the speaking section is to describe a person who is good at managing stress. This topic not only tests your ability to describe someone’s personality and habits but also your vocabulary and coherence.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions and Suggested Answers
Question
Can you tell me about someone in your life who you admire?
Suggested Answer:
I truly admire my younger sister, Sarah. Despite being only 20 years old, she handles stressful situations with remarkable poise and maturity. She has a natural talent for staying calm and finding practical solutions, which always impresses me.
Part 2: Long Turn – Cue Card
Cue Card
Describe a person who is good at managing stress. You should say:
- Who this person is.
- How you know him or her.
- What kinds of stress he or she has to manage.
- And explain why you think he or she is good at managing stress.
Suggested Answer
Who this person is: The person I’m going to talk about is my colleague, Tom.
How you know him or her: I have known Tom for around five years now as we have worked together in the same company.
What kinds of stress he or she has to manage: Tom is responsible for overseeing multiple projects at the same time, dealing with tight deadlines, and managing a large team. Each day presents new challenges, but he tackles them with an impressive level of composure.
Explain why you think he or she is good at managing stress: I believe Tom is exceptionally good at managing stress because he maintains a positive mindset and employs effective stress relief techniques. He is known for his excellent time management skills and problem-solving abilities. Tom usually starts his day with meditation, which helps him stay focused and centred. During work, he takes short breaks to clear his mind and practices deep breathing exercises. He is also a great communicator, always remaining calm and composed even in high-pressure situations. He doesn’t let stress overpower his productivity or affect his decision-making, which is a quality I genuinely admire and try to emulate in my own life.
Follow-up Questions and Sample Answers
Question:
What strategies does Tom use to manage deadlines effectively?
Suggested Answer:
Tom prioritizes his tasks carefully and breaks large projects into manageable chunks. He makes use of planning tools and sets clear, achievable goals. This structured approach not only helps him stay on track but also alleviates stress associated with overwhelming tasks.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner-Driven Questions and Suggested Responses
Question:
Why is it important for people working in stressful jobs to manage their stress?
Suggested Answer:
It is critical for individuals in stressful professions to manage their stress effectively to maintain both their mental and physical health. High levels of stress can lead to burnout, reduced productivity, and even serious health issues such as heart disease. Effective stress management strategies ensure job satisfaction, enhance overall well-being, and improve interpersonal relationships within the workplace.
Question:
Do you think stress management skills are innate or can they be learned?
Suggested Answer:
I believe that while some aspects of stress management may be innate, most strategies can certainly be learned and refined over time. Adaptability and resilience can be developed through practice, self-awareness, and learning from experiences. Various techniques such as mindfulness, time management, and communication skills can be practiced to manage stress more effectively.
Key Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Important Vocabulary
- Poise (noun) /pɔɪz/: calm, confident manner.
- Example: She handled the crisis with astonishing poise.
- Composure (noun) /kəmˈpəʊʒər/: the state of being calm and in control of oneself.
- Example: He maintained his composure throughout the trial.
- Burnout (noun) /ˈbɜːrnaʊt/: physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress.
- Example: Working without breaks can lead to burnout.
- Innate (adjective) /ɪˈneɪt/: natural, inborn.
- Example: She has an innate talent for drawing.
Useful Phrases
- “He maintains a positive mindset.”
- “He has excellent time management skills.”
- “Always remaining calm and composed under pressure.”
- “He doesn’t let stress overpower his productivity.”
Examiner’s Tips and Advice
Practice Makes Perfect
- Practice Regularly: Regularly practice speaking on various topics. Record yourself to evaluate your performance and fix any issues.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Use flashcards or apps to learn new words and phrases that can help you discuss a variety of subjects more fluently.
- Stay Calm and Composed: During the exam, stay calm and take a moment to collect your thoughts before answering.
- Use Examples: Supporting your answers with personal examples can make your responses more engaging and relatable.
- Engage in Conversations: Engage in English conversations with friends or join a speaking club to build your confidence and fluency.
By utilizing these strategies and understanding what the examiners are looking for, you can effectively prepare for the IELTS Speaking test and aim for a high score.
For more related tips, you can check out articles like Describe a person who is very organized and Describe a time when you were impressed by someone.