Empathy is a highly valued trait that signifies a person’s ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Describing a person who is very empathetic can be both a common and challenging task in the IELTS Speaking test. This article aims to guide you through effectively answering such questions, offering sample responses and useful strategies to achieve the highest scores.
Introduction: Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test
The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview
- Part 2: Long Turn
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiners assess your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. The topic of describing a person who is very empathetic is frequent and evaluating your response on this topic allows the examiner to see how well you can describe personal qualities and give examples effectively.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, examiners often start with basic personal questions. Some sample questions include:
- Can you tell me about your best friend?
- Who do you admire the most in your family?
- Describe A Person Who Is Very Empathetic.
Sample Answer for Part 1
Question: Describe a person who is very empathetic.
Sample Answer: “A person who stands out for their empathy is my friend Sarah. She always senses when people are upset and makes an effort to support them. For example, she once noticed I was feeling down and invited me for a walk to talk about it. Her genuine concern and ability to listen without judgment make her exceptionally empathetic.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and will need to speak for 2-3 minutes. Here’s a typical cue card related to this topic:
Cue Card
Describe a person who is very empathetic. You should say:
- Who the person is
- How you know this person
- What qualities this person has
- Explain how this person shows empathy
Sample Answer for Part 2
“I would like to talk about my colleague Jack, who I believe is one of the most empathetic people I know. I met Jack two years ago when we started working together at a non-profit organization. From the very beginning, it was evident that he genuinely cared about others.
Jack has several qualities that display his empathy. First, he is an excellent listener. Whenever someone shares a problem or a concern, he gives them his full attention. He also shows great patience and understanding, never rushing to give advice but rather allowing the person to express themselves fully.
For instance, there was a time when a coworker was going through a tough situation at home. Jack noticed her distress and took her aside to offer support. He not only listened but also followed up over the next few days to ensure she was managing well. This consistent and considerate behavior is a hallmark of his empathetic nature. Jack’s empathy makes the workplace more supportive and cohesive, benefiting everyone around him.”
Empathetic Person Helping Colleague
Examiner’s Follow-Up Questions:
- How important is empathy in friendships?
- Can empathy be developed, or is it an innate quality?
- How do you think society benefits from empathetic individuals?
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Part 3 delves deeper into the topic discussed in Part 2, usually touching on more abstract or analytical points.
Sample Questions and Answers for Part 3
Question: How important is empathy in maintaining relationships?
Sample Answer: “Empathy is crucial in maintaining relationships because it fosters mutual understanding and respect. When individuals show empathy, they acknowledge the feelings and perspectives of others, which helps resolve conflicts amicably. For instance, in a workplace setting, empathy can improve teamwork and collaboration by ensuring everyone feels valued and heard. In personal relationships, it strengthens bonds by cultivating a deep sense of trust and connection.”
Question: Do you think empathy is an innate quality or can it be learned?
Sample Answer: “I believe empathy can be both innate and learned. While some people may naturally possess a higher degree of empathy due to their psychological makeup, others can develop it through life experiences and conscious effort. For example, engaging in activities that promote understanding, like volunteer work or active listening exercises, can enhance one’s empathetic abilities. Additionally, exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives can nurture empathy over time.”
Vocabulary and Phrases to Enhance Your Speaking
To excel in your IELTS Speaking test, it’s essential to use a variety of vocabulary and phrases effectively. Here are some useful words and phrases related to empathy:
Empathetic (adj.) /ˌem.pəˈθet.ɪk/: Able to understand and share the feelings of another.
- Example: “Her empathetic nature made her a comforting presence during difficult times.”
Compassionate (adj.) /kəmˈpæʃ.ən.ɪt/: Feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others.
- Example: “His compassionate attitude towards the homeless is truly admirable.”
Sympathetic (adj.) /ˌsɪm.pəˈθet.ɪk/: Showing pity and sorrow for someone’s misfortune.
- Example: “She gave me a sympathetic smile when I told her about my troubles.”
Active listening (n.): Fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said.
- Example: “Active listening is crucial in building strong, empathetic relationships.”
Genuine concern (n.): Honest and sincere worry or interest.
- Example: “Her genuine concern for her friends’ well-being stands out.”
Tips for Practicing and Improving
- Practice Regularly: Consistent speaking practice is key. Use sample questions and answer them aloud.
- Record Yourself: Listen to your recordings to identify areas of improvement.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly learn and incorporate new words and phrases related to empathy and other common topics.
- Engage in Real Conversations: Practice with friends or language partners. This will help you become more fluent and confident.
In conclusion, discussing a person who is very empathetic in your IELTS Speaking test involves focusing on specific traits and providing examples. Practicing regularly, using diverse vocabulary, and getting comfortable with the structure of the test can significantly improve your performance.
