The IELTS Speaking Test is an essential component of the IELTS exam, divided into three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). During the speaking test, the examiner evaluates various aspects of your spoken English, such as fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. One frequently appearing topic is “Describe A Person Who Is Good At Managing Time,” which allows examiners to assess your speaking skills through a familiar context.
In this article, we’ll delve into this topic by providing sample questions, cue cards, and model answers to help you prepare and excel in the IELTS Speaking Test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions in Part 1:
- Can you tell me about a person you admire?
- Who is your role model and why?
- Have you ever had to follow a tight schedule? Was it difficult?
- How do you manage your time when you have many tasks to complete?
Sample Answer:
Question: Can you tell me about a person you admire?
Answer: I admire my older sister immensely. She is exceptionally good at managing her time, balancing her work, studies, and personal life efficiently. Despite her hectic schedule, she always finds time to help others. For instance, she once balanced preparing for her exams while organizing a community event.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who is good at managing time.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What strategies they use to manage time
- And explain how you feel about this person’s time management skills.
Model Answer:
Who this person is:
One person who is incredibly proficient at managing time is my best friend, Sarah.
How you know this person:
I met Sarah during our university years. We were both enrolled in the same business management course.
What strategies they use to manage time:
Sarah has a meticulous approach to time management. She schedules her day down to the minute, using digital tools like calendars and reminder apps. She prioritizes her tasks, always tackles the most important ones first, and ensures that she allocates some time for breaks and leisure activities. She also practices time-blocking, dedicating specific blocks of time for specific tasks to avoid distractions.
Explain how you feel about this person’s time management skills:
I am genuinely in awe of Sarah’s ability to manage her time so effectively. Her skills have not only made her a top-performing student and a dedicated employee but also a reliable friend who is always there when you need her. I aspire to develop the same level of discipline and efficiency in my own life.
Time Management Techniques
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Follow-up Questions:
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Why do you think time management is important in today’s fast-paced world?
Answer: Time management is crucial because it allows individuals to maximize productivity. In today’s fast-paced world, managing time efficiently can lead to better work-life balance, reduced stress, and increased achievements. It ensures that important tasks are completed on time, allowing for more leisure and relaxation without feeling overwhelmed.
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Do you think people are born with good time management skills, or can they learn it?
Answer: I believe that while some people might have a natural inclination towards organization, time management skills can certainly be learned and developed. With the right tools, techniques, and practices, anyone can improve their ability to manage time effectively.
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How can schools and workplaces promote better time management skills among students and employees?
Answer: Schools and workplaces can promote better time management by incorporating time management workshops and training sessions. They can also encourage the use of planning tools, set realistic deadlines, and offer guidance on prioritizing tasks. Regular feedback and support from teachers or supervisors can further help individuals refine these skills.
Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Key Vocabulary:
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Meticulous (adjective): showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
- Example: Sarah is meticulous about planning her day, ensuring every minute is accounted for.
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Prioritize (verb): designate or treat something as more important than other things.
- Example: She always prioritizes her tasks, tackling the most important ones first.
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Time-blocking (noun): a technique where you allocate a specific amount of time for specific tasks.
- Example: Time-blocking helps her remain focused and avoid distractions.
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Efficiency (noun): the ability to accomplish a job with a minimum expenditure of time and effort.
- Example: Her efficiency in managing time allows her to excel in many areas of her life.
Important Phrases and Constructions:
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Despite her hectic schedule: used to indicate that even though she is very busy, she manages her tasks effectively.
- Example: Despite her hectic schedule, she always finds time to help others.
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Allocate some time for: to set aside a period for a specific purpose.
- Example: She ensures that she allocates some time for breaks and leisure activities.
Examiner’s Tips for Practicing Speaking
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key. Speak about various topics to improve fluency and confidence.
- Record Yourself: Recording your responses can help you monitor your progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Seek Feedback: Practicing with a tutor or a language partner and getting feedback can be invaluable.
- Use a Range of Vocabulary: Aim to use varied vocabulary and complex grammar structures to showcase your language skills.
- Stay Calm and Composed: During the exam, remain calm and take a moment to think before answering.
For more practice topics, consider exploring other related scenarios, such as describe a time when you had to overcome a challenge or describe a person who is good at motivating others.
By applying these strategies and using the provided vocabulary, you can enhance your speaking skills and aim for a higher band score in the IELTS Speaking Test.
