The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English. It consists of three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Individual Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). As an IELTS Examiner, we look for fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. This guide will help you effectively tackle the question “Describe a person who is very good at problem-solving” along with other related questions often encountered in the Speaking test.
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Questions and Sample Answers
Common Questions in Part 1
- Can you tell me about a friend or family member who excels in solving problems?
- What qualities do you think make someone a good problem solver?
- How do you usually approach problems when they arise in your life?
Sample Answer for Question 1
“Certainly, I’d like to talk about my uncle John, who I believe has an exceptional talent for problem-solving. He possesses a unique ability to analyze situations calmly and comes up with innovative solutions. For instance, there was a time when our family business was struggling, and he devised a detailed plan that not only saved the business but also brought in more clients.”
Analysis: This answer showcases specific qualities and provides a concrete example, demonstrating good use of vocabulary and a coherent structure. Using words like “innovative solutions” and “analyze situations calmly” are key to scoring higher.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Cue Card and Sample Answer
Sample Cue Card
Describe a person who is very good at problem-solving. You should say:
- Who the person is
- How you know them
- What kinds of problems they solve
- And explain why you think they are good at solving problems
Sample Answer
“One person who stands out to me as a remarkable problem solver is my colleague, Alice. I met Alice while working on a challenging project at my previous company. She was the project manager and had the daunting task of managing a team with conflicting interests and tight deadlines.
Alice excels at critical thinking and always maintains a positive attitude, which is truly inspiring. For instance, during one of our key projects, we faced a major technical glitch that threatened to delay delivery. While the rest of the team was in a panic, Alice took a step back to assess the situation objectively. She proposed a workaround that not only fixed the issue temporarily but also put us back on track for the long-term solution.
Her ability to stay calm under pressure, combined with her innovative thinking, makes her a standout problem solver. Moreover, she is great at communicating with the team and ensures everyone is on the same page, which significantly enhances productivity.”
Analysis: The sample answer is structured, detailed, and highlights key qualities such as “critical thinking,” “staying calm under pressure,” and “innovative thinking.” Using examples to back up these qualities is essential for a high score.
Team collaboration and problem-solving skills in a meeting
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Possible Questions and Sample Answers
- How important is it to have good problem-solving skills in today’s world?
- Do you think people are born with problem-solving skills, or can they be developed over time?
- How can educational institutions foster good problem-solving skills in students?
Sample Answer for Question 1
“In today’s rapidly changing world, having strong problem-solving skills is absolutely crucial. These skills enable individuals to navigate complex situations, adapt to unexpected challenges, and make informed decisions. In professional settings, employers highly value employees who can identify issues and implement effective solutions swiftly. This not only enhances productivity but also fosters innovation, which is essential for staying competitive in any industry.”
Analysis: This answer uses sophisticated vocabulary and addresses the significance of problem-solving skills in various contexts, demonstrating analytical ability and development of ideas.
Vocabulary and Important Structures for High Scores
Essential Vocabulary
- Innovative (adj.): /ˈɪnəˌveɪtɪv/ – introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking.
- Example: “Her innovative solutions brought a fresh perspective to the project.”
- Critical thinking (noun): /ˈkrɪtɪkəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.
- Example: “His critical thinking abilities are unrivaled.”
- Analyze (verb): /ˈænəˌlaɪz/ – to examine in detail the structure of something.
- Example: “He can analyze complex data to identify underlying issues.”
- Adaptability (noun): /əˌdæp.təˈbɪl.ə.ti/ – the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.
- Example: “Her adaptability makes her a great asset during unpredictable situations.”
Example Structures
- “One person who comes to mind is…”
- “For instance, there was a situation where…”
- “What stands out about [person] is…”
Tips for Achieving High Scores
- Practice speaking fluently and coherently without hesitation.
- Use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
- Provide detailed examples to support your points.
- Focus on clear pronunciation and natural intonation.
- Get feedback from instructors to identify and correct your weaknesses.
By following these strategies and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to impress the examiner and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!
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