The IELTS Speaking test aims to assess your speaking abilities in a structured conversational setting. It’s divided into three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-Way Discussion). IELTS Examiners evaluate candidates on four key criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Questions revolving around describing a person are common and offer an excellent opportunity to showcase a rich vocabulary and fluency. One frequently asked question is “Describe a person who is kind.” Let’s dive into how you can tackle this question effectively and achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you will be asked questions about yourself, your home, studies, work, and other familiar topics. Here are typical questions an examiner might ask:
- Can you tell me about a person who has influenced you greatly?
- Who is someone you look up to, and why?
- Describe a person who is kind.
Sample Answer for Part 1
Question: Can you tell me about a person who has influenced you greatly?
Answer: Absolutely. One of the most influential people in my life is my uncle. He’s a person who embodies kindness and generosity. He has always been a steadfast support, offering guidance when I needed it the most. For example, when I was struggling with my studies, he would spend hours tutoring me. His patience and willingness to help have inspired me to be more considerate and empathetic towards others.
Analysis: In this response, phrases like “embodies kindness” and “steadfast support” enrich the narrative with a descriptive vocabulary. The example of tutoring underlines the specific ways the person has been influential, adding depth to the description.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who is kind. You should say:
- who the person is
- how you know the person
- what kinds of help or support they provide
and explain why you think this person is kind.
Sample Answer for Part 2
Answer: One person who stands out to me as incredibly kind is my neighbor, Mrs. Smith. I met her about five years ago when my family and I moved into the neighborhood. Mrs. Smith is always ready to lend a helping hand. For instance, when my family was going through a rough patch, she would bring us home-cooked meals and assist with household chores without expecting anything in return. She’s active in community service, volunteering at local shelters and organizing charity drives. Her selfless actions and genuine concern for others’ well-being show that her kindness knows no bounds. It’s truly inspiring to see how her small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect, making our community a better place to live.
Analysis: This response is well-structured, detailing who Mrs. Smith is, how the candidate knows her, the support she provides, and why she is considered kind. The use of phrases like “lend a helping hand,” “selfless actions,” and “ripple effect” contribute to a rich and vivid description.
Follow-up Questions for Part 2
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Why do you think kindness is important in society?
- Kindness fosters a sense of community and belonging. It encourages people to support each other and creates a more harmonious society.
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How can people develop kindness?
- People can develop kindness by practicing empathy, volunteering, and making an effort to help others, even in small ways.
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Sample Questions and Answers
Question: Do you think people are less kind now than in the past? Why or why not?
Answer: I don’t necessarily believe that people are less kind now than in the past. While it might seem that way due to negative news dominating media, there are countless examples of kindness occurring daily. Modern technology also enables people to connect and support each other across vast distances, something that wasn’t possible before.
Analysis: This answer provides a balanced view and incorporates advanced vocabulary like “dominates media” and “modern technology”, which is indicative of a higher band score.
Question: How can schools encourage students to be kind to one another?
Answer: Schools can foster kindness by incorporating character education programs that focus on empathy, cooperation, and community service. Teachers can also model kind behavior and create an inclusive, supportive classroom environment. Moreover, recognizing and rewarding acts of kindness can motivate students to continue such behaviors.
Analysis: This response is structured and uses specific terms like “character education programs” and “inclusive, supportive classroom environment,” which are essential for a higher score.
Key Vocabulary and Structures
To score high, integrating the following words and phrases can be very beneficial:
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Empathetic /ˌɛmpəˈθɛtɪk/: Understanding and sharing others’ feelings
- Example: Her empathetic nature makes her a great listener.
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Selfless /ˈsɛlflɪs/: Showing unselfish concern for others
- Example: His selfless acts of kindness have impacted many lives.
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Generous /ˈdʒɛnərəs/: Willing to give more than is necessary or expected
- Example: Her generous donations to charity are well-known.
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Nurturing /ˈnɜrʧərɪŋ/: Promoting the growth or development of something
- Example: His nurturing approach helps many students succeed.
Tips for High Scores
- Practice Regularly: Engage in speaking practice regularly to improve fluency and coherence.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn and use advanced vocabulary to demonstrate a higher lexical resource.
- Use Examples: Specific examples make your responses more convincing and comprehensive.
- Stay Calm and Composed: Confidence can significantly impact your speaking performance.
By focusing on these strategies and responses, you’ll be well-prepared to ace your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, incorporating rich vocabulary and demonstrating thoughtful, coherent speech is key to achieving a high band score. Good luck!