How to Answer “Describe a Person Who is Very Disciplined in Their Life” in IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your English communication skills in a variety of contexts. This test is divided into three parts: Introduction and Interview, Long Turn, and Two-way Discussion. A frequently encountered topic in the IELTS Speaking test is “Describe a person who is very disciplined in their life”. This article will provide detailed insights and sample answers to help you achieve a high band score.

I. Introduction

In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners look for several key elements, including fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. The question “Describe a person who is very disciplined in their life” examines your ability to describe a person comprehensively, utilize a broad range of vocabulary, and structure your thoughts logically. This topic often appears because it allows examiners to assess your descriptive skills and use of specific examples.

II. Main Content

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

The first part of the IELTS Speaking test includes introduction and simple questions about familiar topics.

Common Questions:

1. Do you think discipline is important in life?
2. Are you a disciplined person?

Sample Answer:

Examiner: Do you think discipline is important in life?

Candidate: Absolutely. Discipline is crucial in various aspects of life. It helps individuals remain focused, accomplish their goals, and maintain a structured routine. For example, athletes need discipline to train consistently and perform well.

Part 2: Long Turn

In this part, you will be given a cue card with a topic and asked to speak for 1-2 minutes on this topic.

Cue Card:

Describe a person who is very disciplined in their life.

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What this person does to be disciplined
• And explain how you feel about this person

Sample Answer:

A person that comes to mind when I think about discipline is my uncle John. I have known him since my childhood, and he’s always been an epitome of discipline and punctuality.

Uncle John is a retired army officer. His day starts at 5 AM every morning with a rigorous workout session. He maintains a strict daily schedule that includes specific times for meals, work, and leisure activities. This high level of organization allows him to manage his time efficiently and stay healthy and active.

What impresses me most about Uncle John is his commitment to self-improvement. He reads books on varied subjects to broaden his knowledge and spends time doing meditation to maintain his mental well-being. He also follows a disciplined diet that keeps him in excellent shape.

I have immense admiration and respect for him. His disciplined lifestyle not only sets a great example but also motivates me to incorporate similar habits into my own life.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract and complex questions related to the topic.

Sample Questions and Answers:

Examiner: Why do you think some people value discipline more than others?

Candidate: I believe the value placed on discipline often stems from one’s upbringing and personal experiences. For instance, individuals from a military background, like my Uncle John, might see discipline as foundational. Others might not prioritize it until they encounter a situation where discipline plays a crucial role in achieving success or maintaining health.

Examiner: Can you think of any professions where discipline is particularly important?

Candidate: Certainly, professions such as medicine, law enforcement, and education require a high degree of discipline. Medical professionals, for example, need to adhere to strict schedules and maintain meticulous record-keeping to ensure patient safety. Similarly, educators must plan lessons and mark assignments consistently to provide quality education.

Vocabulary & Phrases to Use:

1. Epitome (noun) /ɪˈpɪtəmi/: A person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type.
   • Example: She is the epitome of kindness.
2. Rigorous (adjective) /ˈrɪɡərəs/: Extremely thorough and careful.
   • Example: He follows a rigorous exercise routine.
3. Commitment (noun) /kəˈmɪtmənt/: Dedication to a cause or activity.
   • Example: His commitment to his work is unparalleled.
4. Meticulous (adjective) /məˈtɪkjələs/: Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
   • Example: She keeps meticulous records of her expenses.

III. Final Tips for High Scores

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, it is essential to practice regularly and focus on the following:

1. Fluency and Coherence: Try to speak smoothly without unnecessary pauses. Organize your thoughts logically.
2. Lexical Resource: Use a range of vocabulary and expressions. Avoid repetition.
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Employ various grammatical structures accurately.
4. Pronunciation: Pronounce words clearly and use intonation patterns effectively.

Effective practice and utilization of the sample answers provided will enhance your ability to deliver a structured and engaging response, significantly improving your chances of scoring highly in the IELTS Speaking test.

Highly Disciplined Person

For further reading on related topics, you can check out these articles:

• Describe a person who is very passionate about what they do
• Describe a person who is very good at time management

By following these tips and practicing diligently, you will be well-prepared to tackle the topic “Describe a person who is very disciplined in their life” and other similar questions in the IELTS Speaking test.