The Speaking section of the IELTS exam evaluates a candidate’s spoken English proficiency across three parts: Introduction and Interview, Long Turn, and Two-way Discussion. When preparing for this section, it is crucial to focus on how well you can communicate your ideas, maintain coherence, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures effectively.
One common topic that may appear in Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test is describing a person who is very good at resolving issues. Understanding how to tackle such questions can significantly improve your performance, particularly if you aim for a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions
- Can you tell me about a situation where you had to resolve a problem?
- Who is the person you admire the most for their problem-solving skills?
- How do you usually handle conflicts?
- What qualities do you think are important for someone who resolves issues effectively?
Sample Response for a Question
Examiner: Who is the person you admire the most for their problem-solving skills?
Candidate: The person I admire the most for their problem-solving skills is my older brother. He has an incredible ability to remain calm under pressure and analyze situations logically. For instance, I remember a time when our family was facing a financial crisis. He intervened by negotiating with the bank and restructuring our expenses, which significantly alleviated our stress. His approach is always systematic, and he considers all possible solutions before making a decision. This not only resolved the immediate issue but also prevented future problems.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a person who is very good at resolving issues. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What specific skills this person has
- And explain why you think this person is very good at resolving issues
Sample Answer:
Candidate: I’m going to talk about my colleague, Sarah, who is exceptionally good at resolving issues. Sarah works as a project manager in our company, and her role involves dealing with numerous conflicts and challenges on a daily basis.
I first met Sarah when I joined the company three years ago. From the outset, it was clear that she had a knack for problem-solving. One of her key skills is her ability to communicate effectively. She listens attentively to everyone involved, which helps her understand the root cause of the problem. Additionally, Sarah is highly organized and keeps detailed records of all ongoing projects, making it easy for her to track issues as they arise.
Another significant skill Sarah possesses is emotional intelligence. She can gauge the emotional states of her team members and address their concerns empathetically, which fosters a cooperative environment. For instance, there was a critical project that was falling behind schedule due to disagreements among team members. Sarah stepped in, addressed each person’s concerns individually, and facilitated a solution that everyone could agree upon. This not only brought the project back on track but also improved team morale.
In my view, what makes Sarah exceptional at resolving issues is her comprehensive approach. She tackles problems from multiple angles and ensures that her solutions are both effective and sustainable.
Follow-Up Questions:
How important are problem-solving skills in the workplace?
Candidate Answer: Problem-solving skills are incredibly important in the workplace. They help in navigating challenges efficiently and maintaining productivity. Moreover, good problem solvers can foresee potential issues and mitigate them before they escalate, which is crucial in dynamic work environments.
Can problem-solving skills be taught, or are they inherent?
Candidate Answer: While some people may have a natural aptitude for problem-solving, I believe these skills can definitely be taught and improved with practice. Training programs, real-life experiences, and mentoring from skilled problem solvers can significantly enhance one’s ability to resolve issues effectively.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner’s Questions and Candidate’s Responses
Examiner: In your opinion, what are the most essential qualities for someone who needs to resolve issues regularly?
Candidate: In my opinion, the most essential qualities include effective communication, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Effective communication ensures that all parties understand the problem and are on the same page regarding the solutions. Critical thinking enables a person to analyze situations logically and come up with viable solutions. Emotional intelligence helps in managing relationships and handling conflicts gracefully.
Examiner: How do cultural differences impact the way people resolve conflicts?
Candidate: Cultural differences can significantly impact conflict resolution. Different cultures have varied approaches to communication; for example, some may prefer direct communication while others may value indirect methods. Understanding these cultural nuances is vital for effective conflict resolution, especially in a multicultural environment. Being culturally sensitive can prevent misunderstandings and promote a more harmonious resolution process.
Key Vocabulary and Structures
Here are some important vocabulary and structures to help you achieve a high score:
Emotional Intelligence (n.) [ɪˌmoʊʃənəl ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns]: The ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions and those of others.
Example: “Her emotional intelligence allows her to resolve conflicts without escalating tension.”
Systematic (adj.) [sɪstəˈmætɪk]: Done according to a fixed plan or system; methodical.
Example: “He took a systematic approach to solving the issue, which resulted in a long-term solution.”
Alleviate (v.) [əˈliːvieɪt]: To make something less severe.
Example: “Her intervention alleviated the financial strain on the family.”
Comprehensive Approach (n.) [kɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪv əˈproʊʧ]: An all-encompassing method of dealing with a problem.
Example: “The comprehensive approach she used addressed all aspects of the issue.”
Effective Communication (n.) [ɪˈfɛktɪv kəmˌjunɪˈkeɪʃən]: The ability to convey information clearly and understandably.
Example: “Effective communication is crucial in resolving workplace conflicts.”
Advice for Achieving a High Score
- Practice Regularly: Engage in daily speaking practice. Use a diverse range of topics to enhance fluency.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn and use advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.
- Stay Coherent: Maintain a logical flow in your answers. Use connective words to link ideas.
- Be Confident: Speak clearly and confidently. Hesitation can affect your fluency score.
- Seek Feedback: Take every opportunity to practice with feedback, whether from peers, tutors, or through recording yourself and self-reviewing.
By focusing on these aspects, you can significantly improve your chances of achieving a high band score in the IELTS Speaking test.
A professional resolving a conflict
For more insights and sample answers, you can check Describe a Person Who is Good at Conflict Resolution and Describe a Time When You Had to Handle a Critical Situation.