The IELTS Speaking test is a vital part of the IELTS exam that assesses a candidate’s spoken English skills. A typical IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). An IELTS Speaking Examiner evaluates various aspects of your speaking ability, including fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
One common topic you might encounter in the IELTS Speaking test is describing a person who is very good at building relationships. This topic gauges your ability to narrate experiences, provide explanations, and use a wide variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
In Part 1 of the Speaking test, the examiner will ask questions about everyday topics. Here are some example questions and a model answer:
Example Questions
- Do you consider yourself good at building relationships?
- How important do you think it is to build strong relationships at work?
- Who is the most sociable person you know?
Model Answer
Examiner: “Do you consider yourself good at building relationships?”
Candidate: “Yes, I would say I am quite good at building relationships. I enjoy meeting new people and engaging in meaningful conversations. I believe that active listening and empathy are crucial skills in connecting with others and maintaining strong relationships.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and some prompts. You will have one minute to prepare and then speak for about 2 minutes.
Cue Card
Describe A Person Who Is Very Good At Building Relationships. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does to build relationships
- And explain why you think this person is good at building relationships
Model Answer
Candidate:
“There is one person who immediately comes to mind when I think about someone who is very good at building relationships, and that is my colleague, Sarah. I have known Sarah for about five years, and we work in the same department at a marketing firm.
What sets Sarah apart is her exceptional ability to make everyone feel valued and included. She has an uncanny knack for remembering small details about people’s lives, such as their birthdays or personal interests. This attention to detail makes her interactions genuinely personal.
Sarah is also a fantastic listener. She gives her full attention to whomever she’s speaking with and shows genuine interest in what they have to say. She’s very empathetic and always offers supportive and thoughtful responses. These qualities help her build strong, lasting relationships not only at work but also in her personal life.
Moreover, Sarah is proactive in maintaining her relationships. She’s the first to reach out to old friends and colleagues, organizing meet-ups and sending thoughtful messages during special occasions. I believe these actions, combined with her natural charisma and genuine interest in others, make her exceptionally good at building relationships.”
Building Relationships Teamwork
Follow-up Questions
After giving your response, the examiner might ask some follow-up questions:
Examiner: “Why do you think it is important to build relationships in work and personal life?”
Candidate: “Building relationships is essential both professionally and personally because it fosters a supportive environment. In the workplace, good relationships enhance teamwork and collaboration, leading to higher productivity. In personal life, strong relationships contribute to emotional well-being and support during challenging times.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the discussion will become more abstract and complex, related to the topic given in Part 2.
Example Questions and Model Answers
Examiner: “What are some of the challenges people face when trying to build new relationships?”
Candidate: “One challenge is overcoming initial shyness or fear of rejection, which can hinder people from reaching out to others. Besides, cultural and language barriers can also pose difficulties, especially in diverse environments. Lastly, maintaining relationships requires effort and time, which can be challenging in our fast-paced lives.”
Examiner: “Do you think technology has impacted the way we build relationships?”
Candidate: “Absolutely, technology has significantly transformed how we build relationships. Social media platforms and communication tools have made it easier to stay connected with people across the globe. However, these tools also present the risk of superficial connections and can sometimes replace face-to-face interactions, which are crucial for building deeper, more meaningful relationships.”
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
To score well in the IELTS Speaking test, using a wide range of vocabulary and complex structures is vital. Here are some important words and phrases related to the topic:
Charismatic /ˌkærɪzˈmætɪk/: (adj.) having a compelling charm that inspires devotion in others.
- Example: “Sarah is incredibly charismatic, which helps her connect with people easily.”
Empathy /ˈɛmpəθi/: (noun) the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
- Example: “Her empathy allows her to build strong and lasting relationships.”
Proactive /prəʊˈæktɪv/: (adj.) creating or controlling a situation rather than just responding to it after it has happened.
- Example: “Being proactive in maintaining connections is one of her key strengths.”
Foster /ˈfɒstə/: (verb) to develop or grow (a feeling or a quality).
- Example: “Building relationships helps foster a supportive work environment.”
Attention to detail: Noticing and considering all the small parts or aspects of something.
- Example: “Her attention to detail makes every interaction feel personal.”
Tips for High Scores in IELTS Speaking
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, consider the following tips:
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps improve fluency and confidence.
- Enhance Vocabulary: Use a variety of words and expressions to avoid repetition.
- Structure Responses: Organize your thoughts clearly, using appropriate connectors and signposts.
- Stay Calm: Speak slowly and clearly, and don’t rush your answers.
- Be Natural: Engage in a natural conversation with the examiner, and don’t memorize responses.
For related topics, you can explore describe a person who is very good at making friends, describe a time when you received a lot of support, or describe a situation when you felt very successful.
By incorporating these suggestions and focusing on pronunciation, lexical resource, and clarity, you can improve your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.
