The IELTS Speaking Test consists of three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). Examiners evaluate candidates based on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Questions revolving around “Describe a person who is good at problem-solving” are common as they tap into a candidate’s ability to describe, narrate, and evaluate someone’s traits and skills. This guide will detail how to approach such questions effectively, providing sample answers and analysis to help you score high.
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions
In Part 1, the Examiner will ask general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies, and interests. Here are some example questions:
- What do you do when you face a problem at work or school?
- Do you enjoy challenges? Why or why not?
Sample Answer
Example Question: Do you enjoy challenges? Why or why not?
Sample Answer: “Yes, I thoroughly enjoy challenges because they provide an opportunity for me to grow and improve. Facing a challenge often pushes me out of my comfort zone, encouraging me to think critically and come up with creative solutions. This is particularly rewarding and has helped me in both my personal and professional development.”
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
You will be given a card with a topic and four bullet points to address. You have one minute to prepare and you need to speak for 1-2 minutes.
Cue Card:
“Describe a person who is good at problem-solving. You should say:
- Who the person is
- How you know this person
- What kinds of problems they solve
- And explain why you think they are good at problem-solving.”
Sample Answer
Sample Answer:
“One person who stands out as exceptionally good at problem-solving is my colleague, Sara. I have known Sara for about five years now, ever since we started working together at our tech company. Sara is particularly adept at tackling complex software issues that stump most of our team. For example, there was a time when our project was on the brink of failure due to a critical bug. While the rest of us were in panic mode, Sara calmly analyzed the problem, broke it down into smaller parts, and systematically addressed each one. Her ability to stay composed under pressure and her methodical approach not only resolved the issue but also saved the project. Her talent for identifying the root cause of problems and implementing effective solutions makes her an invaluable asset to our team.”
calm-woman
Follow-Up Questions
- What can we learn from people who are good at problem-solving?
- Do you think problem-solving skills can be taught? Why or why not?
Sample Follow-Up Answer:
“From people who are good at problem-solving, we can learn the importance of maintaining calmness, being thorough in our analysis, and adopting a structured approach. These skills are not just useful in professional settings but in daily life as well. I absolutely believe problem-solving skills can be taught. With the right guidance and mindset, individuals can learn to think critically, research thoroughly, and practice patience and perseverance.”
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner’s Questions and Sample Answers
Examiner’s Question: How important are problem-solving skills in today’s world?
Sample Answer: “In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, problem-solving skills are crucial. With the advancement of technology and the complexity of global challenges, being able to identify and implement solutions efficiently is essential. Whether in personal life or professional settings, problems are bound to occur, and having the ability to navigate through them effectively can lead to better decision making and success.”
Examiner’s Question: Do you think problem-solving skills are more important in certain professions than others?
Sample Answer: “While problem-solving skills are important in all professions, they are particularly vital in fields that involve innovation and critical thinking. For instance, engineers, doctors, and IT professionals often face complicated issues that require immediate and effective solutions. However, roles in management and customer service also benefit greatly from strong problem-solving skills as they often deal with unexpected challenges and need to make strategic decisions on the fly.”
Essential Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Key Vocabulary
- Analytical /ˌænəˈlɪtɪkl/ – Relating to or using analysis or logical reasoning.
- Composed /kəmˈpəʊzd/ – Having control of one’s emotions; calm.
- Thorough /ˈθʌrə/ – Executed without negligence or omissions; complete.
- Innovative /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ – Featuring new methods; advanced and original.
- Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ – Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay.
Example Sentences:
- “She has an analytical approach to solving complex problems.”
- “Remaining composed under pressure is one of his greatest strengths.”
- “Her thorough examination of the data led to accurate conclusions.”
- “The company’s innovative solutions set them apart in the industry.”
- “His perseverance helped him overcome numerous obstacles.”
Tips for Practicing to Achieve High Scores
- Practice Speaking Regularly: Join a speaking club or find a speaking partner. Use forums or websites where you can practice speaking on various topics.
- Record Yourself: Record your speaking sessions and listen to them to identify areas needing improvement.
- Learn Key Vocabulary: Focus on expanding your vocabulary related to common IELTS topics.
- Stay Calm and Structured: Practice maintaining a calm demeanor and using a clear structure in your answers.
- Seek Feedback: Get feedback from teachers or peers to improve your accuracy and fluency.
By following these guidelines and regularly practicing, you will improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking Test and increase your chances of achieving a high band score.