The Speaking section of the IELTS exam is a critical component where your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation are evaluated. The ability to describe a person who is very disciplined can be a common question you might encounter, particularly in Part 2 of the test. In this article, we will explore various ways to effectively tackle this question, provide sample answers, and give you tips to maintain a high score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, examiners often ask basic questions to get you talking about familiar topics. Here are a few examples of questions you might encounter:
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Can you describe your daily routine?
- “Sure, I usually start my day at 6 AM with a quick jog around my neighborhood. I then have breakfast and get ready for work. I try to stay consistent with my tasks and always prioritize important activities first.”
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Would you consider yourself a disciplined person?
- “Yes, I believe I am quite disciplined. I stick to my schedule, set clear goals, and ensure that I meet deadlines. For instance, I allocate specific time slots for study and leisure, which helps me maintain a balanced lifestyle.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card and have one minute to prepare your response. You will then need to speak for 1-2 minutes. Here is a sample cue card along with a model answer.
Cue Card
Describe a person who is very disciplined. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What disciplined habits this person has
- And explain how this person helps you to be more disciplined
Model Answer
“I would like to describe my uncle, John, who is one of the most disciplined individuals I know. He is an engineer, and I have known him since my childhood. John is meticulous and organized in every aspect of his life.
From what I have observed, he follows a very strict routine. He wakes up every day at 5 am, goes for a morning run, and then heads to work on time. He follows a healthy diet, never misses his workouts and always sets specific goals for both his personal and professional life.
His disciplined habits include time management, goal setting, and unwavering focus on his tasks. For instance, he allocates dedicated time slots for work, exercise, and family, ensuring that he maintains a healthy work-life balance. He also keeps a journal to track his progress and makes adjustments as necessary.
John’s discipline has greatly influenced me. Watching him, I’ve learned the importance of setting clear objectives and adhering to a schedule. It has helped me become more organized and effective in my own life, especially in my studies and personal development.”
Follow-up Questions
Examiners often ask follow-up questions to gauge your ability to discuss the topic further. Here are some examples:
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Do you think discipline is important for success?
- “Absolutely, discipline is crucial for success. It helps individuals stay focused on their goals and manage their time efficiently. Without discipline, it’s easy to get distracted and lose sight of one’s objectives.”
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How can one develop discipline in daily life?
- “Developing discipline requires setting clear goals and creating a structured plan to achieve them. It’s also important to establish routines and stick to them consistently. Additionally, holding oneself accountable and seeking inspiration from disciplined individuals can be helpful.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, you will engage in a more abstract discussion related to the topic introduced in Part 2. This part evaluates your ability to express opinions and develop arguments.
Sample Discussion
Examiner: “In your opinion, do modern lifestyles make it harder to be disciplined?”
Candidate: “Yes, I believe modern lifestyles do pose challenges to maintaining discipline. With the rise of technology, social media, and numerous distractions, it’s easy to get sidetracked. However, individuals who prioritize their goals and set strict boundaries can still maintain a disciplined lifestyle.”
Examiner: “What role does society play in promoting discipline?”
Candidate: “Society plays a significant role in promoting discipline. Educational institutions, workplaces, and community organizations can all set examples and provide structures that encourage disciplined behavior. For example, schools that enforce attendance and punctuality help students develop these habits from a young age.”
Examiner: “Can too much discipline be harmful? If so, how?”
Candidate: “While discipline is generally beneficial, too much of it can become restrictive and lead to burnout. For instance, being overly strict in following routines without allowing any flexibility can cause stress and hinder creative thinking. It’s important to strike a balance between being disciplined and allowing some degree of spontaneity.”
Vocabulary and Key Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, here are some important words and phrases:
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Meticulous (/məˈtɪkjələs/) – Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
- Example: “He is meticulous in his work, ensuring that every task is completed perfectly.”
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Unwavering (/ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/) – Steady and resolute; not changing.
- Example: “Her unwavering focus on her goals has led to great success.”
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Work-life balance (/ˈwɜːk laɪf ˈbæləns/) – The equilibrium between personal life and work life.
- Example: “Maintaining a good work-life balance is crucial for overall well-being.”
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Goal setting (/ɡəʊl ˈsɛtɪŋ/) – The process of deciding what you want to achieve and planning the steps to reach it.
- Example: “Effective goal setting can lead to major improvements in productivity.”
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Accountability (/əˌkaʊntəˈbɪlɪti/) – The fact or condition of being accountable; responsibility.
- Example: “Having a study partner can increase accountability and help maintain discipline.”
Conclusion: Tips for Achieving High Scores
To excel in the Speaking section of the IELTS, consider the following tips:
- Practice regularly: Consistent practice will help you become more fluent and confident.
- Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use advanced vocabulary naturally in your speech.
- Organize your thoughts: Structure your answers logically, using linking words and phrases.
- Stay calm and focused: Remaining composed will help you think clearly and articulate your responses better.
- Get feedback: Regular feedback from teachers or peers can help identify areas of improvement.
Remember, describing someone who is very disciplined not only involves sharing personal stories but also demonstrating your ability to use advanced language structures and vocabulary. Practice, prepare, and perform with confidence!
For further improvement in your IELTS speaking skills, you may also check out Describe a Time When You Faced a Difficult Challenge or explore How to Study IELTS at Home.