Achieving High Scores in the IELTS Speaking Test: Describe a Person Who is Very Good at Listening

IELTS Mentor

2 months ago

The IELTS Speaking Test is designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English. It consists of three parts: Introduction and Interview, Long Turn, and Two-Way Discussion. Examiners assess candidates based on criteria such as fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One common question in Part 2 focuses on describing a person who is very good at listening. This article provides practical tips, sample answers, and detailed analysis to help you excel in this part of the test.

Frequently Asked IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions

In Part 1, the examiner will ask general questions about yourself. Here are some examples:

“Do you enjoy listening to music?”
“How often do you listen to the radio?”
“How important is listening to others in your culture?”

Sample Answer for Part 1 Question

Question: “Do you enjoy listening to music?”

Answer: “Absolutely, I love listening to music. It’s a great way to relieve stress and it brings a lot of joy to my day. I listen to a variety of genres, but my favourite is probably jazz because it has a soothing effect on me.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Sample Cue Card for Part 2

Describe a person who is very good at listening. You should say:

who the person is
how you know this person
what this person does when they are listening
and explain why you think this person is very good at listening.

Sample Answer for the Cue Card

“I would like to talk about my uncle, John, who is very good at listening. John is a psychotherapist, and I believe that’s where he developed his excellent listening skills. I have known him for my entire life, and I have always admired his ability to be present when others are talking.

When John listens, he maintains eye contact, nods occasionally, and often paraphrases what the speaker has just said to ensure he has understood correctly. This not only shows that he is paying close attention but also encourages the speaker to share more.

What makes him truly exceptional is his empathy. He doesn’t just listen to respond, but listens to understand. I recall a time when I was going through a difficult period, and his attentive listening helped me sort through my feelings and find a path forward. Overall, John’s ability to be an active listener makes him an invaluable friend and professional.”

Follow-Up Questions for Part 2

“Do you think being a good listener is important in the workplace?”
“How can people improve their listening skills?”
“Why do you think some people are not good listeners?”

Sample Answers to Follow-Up Questions

Question: “Do you think being a good listener is important in the workplace?”

Answer: “Yes, being a good listener is crucial in the workplace. It fosters better communication, which leads to improved collaboration and problem-solving. Employees who listen well are often more empathetic and can defuse conflicts more effectively.”

Part 3: Two-Way Discussion

Sample Questions and Answers for Part 3

Examiner Questions

“Why is active listening considered a valuable skill?”
“How does technology impact our ability to listen?”
“Can listening skills be taught, or are they innate?”

Sample Answers

Question: “Why is active listening considered a valuable skill?”

Answer: “Active listening is a valuable skill because it facilitates better communication and understanding between individuals. It helps build trust and rapport, which are essential in both personal and professional relationships. It also allows for more effective problem-solving and conflict resolution.”

Question: “How does technology impact our ability to listen?”

Answer: “While technology offers numerous tools for communication, it can also be a distraction. People might be inclined to check their phones or multitask while someone is talking, which undermines the quality of listening. However, certain technologies, like video conferencing tools, can enhance listening by allowing for visual cues and real-time interaction.”

Vocabulary and Important Phrases for High Scores

Key Vocabulary

Empathy (/ˈɛmpəθi/): the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
- Example: “Her empathy makes her an excellent listener.”
Paraphrase (/ˈperəˌfreɪz/): to express the meaning of (the writer or speaker or something written or spoken) using different words, especially to achieve greater clarity.
- Example: “He often paraphrases to ensure he understands correctly.”
Active Listening (/ˈaktɪv ˈlɪsənɪŋ/): the practice of listening attentively and responding thoughtfully.
- Example: “Active listening is essential in resolving misunderstandings.”

Important Phrases

“Maintain eye contact”: This signifies that you are paying attention.
“Nods occasionally”: A gesture to show you are following along.
“Paraphrases what the speaker has said”: Demonstrates understanding and engagement.
“Fosters better communication”: Enhances the quality of interaction.
“Defuse conflicts”: Helps in resolving disagreements amicably.

Examiner’s Advice for Practicing Speaking

As an experienced IELTS Speaking Examiner, I recommend the following practices:

Record Yourself: Listen to your recordings to identify areas for improvement.
Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly practice using new words and phrases naturally.
Engage in Real Conversations: Practice speaking with native speakers or fluent English friends.
Seek Feedback: Have a mentor or tutor evaluate your speaking and provide constructive feedback.
Stay Calm and Confident: Practice mindfulness or breathing exercises to stay composed during the test.