The IELTS Speaking Test is designed to assess a wide range of spoken skills to identify your proficiency in English. It is divided into three parts: Introduction and Interview (Part 1), Long Turn (Part 2), and Two-Way Discussion (Part 3). Examiners evaluate fluency, coherence, lexical resources, grammatical range, accuracy, and pronunciation.
A common topic encountered by candidates is having to “Describe A Person Who Is Very Dependable At Work.” This question requires you to provide a structured and rich response, demonstrating your ability to use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentences.
Keywords and Common Queries
- Dependable at work
- Reliable colleague
- Trustworthy employee
- Punctual co-worker
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you will be asked general questions about familiar topics. The examiner wants to hear you speak fluently about everyday matters.
Example Question and Suggested Answer
Examiner: Do you prefer working in a team or alone?
Candidate: I usually prefer working in a team because it allows for a diversity of ideas and fosters a more collaborative environment. However, there are times when working alone can be beneficial, especially for tasks that require deep focus and individual creativity.
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic, and you are expected to speak about it for 1-2 minutes. You will have one minute to prepare. Here’s a sample cue card for the topic “Describe a person who is very dependable at work.”
Cue Card
Describe a person who is very dependable at work. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kind of work this person does
- Explain why you think this person is dependable
Suggested Answer
Candidate’s Response:
“I would like to talk about my colleague, John, who is exceptionally dependable at work. I have known John for about five years now, ever since we started working together at our company. John is a senior software engineer, and his primary responsibility involves overseeing the development of our core application.
One of the reasons I consider John to be very dependable is his remarkable punctuality. He is always the first one to arrive at the office and often the last to leave. John is not only punctual but also meticulous and detail-oriented in his work. He ensures that every piece of code is thoroughly tested before it goes live, which has significantly reduced the number of bugs and issues in our product.
Moreover, John’s willingness to help others sets him apart. He often assists teammates who are struggling with their tasks, and his extensive knowledge and (problem-solving abilities) make him a valuable asset to our team. When we are on a tight deadline, we can always count on John to stay calm and tackle challenges head-on. His consistent reliability has earned him the respect and trust of everyone in the office.”
Follow-up Questions and Suggested Answers
Examiner: Has John’s dependability had an impact on your workplace?
Candidate: (Absolutely) John’s dependability has a positive effect on our work environment. His unyielding dedication serves as an inspiring example for all team members. His presence ensures that projects are completed on time, maintaining a high quality of work and contributing to the overall success of the company.
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will engage you in a deeper discussion, asking more abstract and detailed questions about the topic.
Example Questions and Suggested Answers
Examiner: What qualities do you think make someone dependable at work?
Candidate: There are several key qualities that make someone dependable at work, including reliability, punctuality, and consistency. A dependable person should also possess strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure. Trustworthiness and a willingness to take initiative and support colleagues are also crucial.
Examiner: How important is dependability in the workplace compared to other qualities?
Candidate: Dependability is extremely important as it builds a foundation of trust and ensures smooth operations within a team. While other qualities like creativity and leadership are also valuable, without dependability, it is difficult to create a cohesive and effective work environment. Dependability drives consistency and reliability, which are critical for long-term success.
Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Here are some key words and phrases that were highlighted in the model answers:
-
Dependable: /dɪˈpɛndəbl/ – worthy of trust; reliable.
- Example: John’s dependable nature ensures our project deadlines are always met.
-
Punctuality: /ˌpʌŋktʃuˈæləti/ – the fact or quality of being on time.
- Example: Her punctuality is a reflection of her strong work ethic.
-
Meticulous: /məˈtɪkjʊləs/ – showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
- Example: His meticulous approach minimizes errors.
-
Consistency: /kənˈsɪstənsi/ – the quality of always behaving in the same way or having the same standards.
- Example: Consistency in performance builds trust among team members.
-
Problem-solving skills: The ability to find solutions to difficult or complex issues.
- Example: Effective problem-solving skills can turn a potential issue into a successful outcome.
Expert Tips for High Scores
- Practice Fluency and Coherence: Continuously practice speaking without pausing excessively. Try to link your ideas logically.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn and practice using a variety of vocabulary relevant to common IELTS topics.
- Work on Pronunciation: Make sure your pronunciation is clear. Practice stress, rhythm, and intonation.
- Develop Your Answers: Always provide examples, reasons, and explanations to develop your answers fully.
Describing a Dependable Person at Work
By following these guidelines, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking Test, particularly when tasked with describing a dependable person at work.
For more related topics, you can explore these articles: Describe a person who is very reliable in their job, Describe a person who is very punctual, and Describe a person who is very trustworthy.
Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
