In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners assess various criteria including fluency, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Understanding these criteria is crucial to scoring high. One common topic that often appears in the exam is describing a person who is very determined to succeed.
This guide provides an in-depth analysis and sample answers to help you excel in your IELTS Speaking test.
Examiner’s Common Questions in Part 1: Introduction and Interview
1. Do you know any determined people?
Sample Answer:
“Yes, I have a close friend who is extremely determined. She’s always setting goals for herself and works tirelessly to achieve them. For example, she decided to learn a new language last year and within six months, she became conversationally fluent.”
Analysis:
- Use specific examples to demonstrate determination.
- Include various verb tenses to showcase your grammatical range.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card Example
Describe a person who is very determined to succeed. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they have done to succeed
- And explain why you think they are determined
Sample Answer:
“One person that comes to mind is my older sister, Emma. Emma has always been incredibly focused and committed to her goals. I first noticed her determination back in high school when she decided she wanted to become a doctor. She went above and beyond, putting in countless hours of study, participating in extracurricular activities, and volunteering at local clinics.
Emma went to a top-tier university and excelled academically, always ranking at the top of her class. She even took on extra coursework and research projects to deepen her understanding. Now she is a successful surgeon, and her relentless drive and hard work have paid off.
I believe Emma is extraordinarily determined because she never let obstacles stand in her way. She faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties, but she kept pushing forward. Her story inspires me to stay focused and work hard towards my own goals.”
Key Phrases and Vocabulary:
- Focused and committed
- Top-tier university
- Relentless drive
- Obstacles and challenges
Follow-up Questions and Answers
What qualities do determined people possess?
Sample Answer:
“Determined people often possess qualities such as resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering focus on their goals. They are also typically very organized and disciplined.”
Analysis
- Your answer should demonstrate not just your opinion but an understanding of underlying qualities.
- Use a variety of adjectives and adverbs to enrich your response.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions:
-
Do you think determination is more important than talent?
Sample Answer:
“Absolutely, I believe determination often outweighs talent. While talent can give someone a head start, it is determination that helps them persevere in the face of challenges and setbacks. Determined individuals are more likely to continue pushing forward, learning, and improving, which ultimately leads them to success.” -
How can parents cultivate determination in their children?
Sample Answer:
“Parents can play a significant role in fostering determination in their children by encouraging them to set and pursue goals. They should teach them the value of hard work and resilience. Providing a supportive environment where children feel safe to take risks and learn from failures is also crucial in building determined individuals.”
Key Phrases and Vocabulary:
- Outweighs talent
- Face of challenges and setbacks
- Fostering determination
- Safe to take risks
Vocabulary and Phrases
-
Determined [adjective] – /dɪˈtɜːmɪnd/: Having a strong will or purpose.
- “Emma was so determined to become a doctor.”
-
Resilience [noun] – /rɪˈzɪliəns/: The ability to recover from difficulties.
- “One of her key qualities is resilience.”
-
Unwavering [adjective] – /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/: Steady and resolute.
- “She has an unwavering focus on her goals.”
-
Perseverance [noun] – /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/: Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties.
- “His perseverance is truly inspirational.”
Tips for Scoring High in Speaking
- Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Practice speaking about various topics to build confidence.
- Use Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: Familiarize yourself with common idioms and phrasal verbs.
- Structure Your Answers: Begin with a direct answer, elaborate with examples, and conclude with a summary.
- Stay Calm and Composed: Managing anxiety will help you deliver your thoughts clearly.
For more samples and tips, you may find these pages helpful: Describe a Person Who is Very Inspiring to You, and Describe a Time When You Felt Very Successful.
By mastering these strategies and expanding your vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to impress the IELTS examiner and achieve a high band score.