The IELTS Speaking test is a one-on-one interview lasting about 11-14 minutes. It is divided into three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). As an IELTS Speaking Examiner, I notice that candidates often struggle when asked to “describe a person who is very kind and caring”. Examiners assess fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
The question “Describe a person who is very kind and caring” is quite common in the IELTS Speaking test. Let’s break down how to excel in this part, with examples and tips to help you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions in Part 1:
- Can you tell me about your best friend?
- Who is the most important person in your life?
- Who do you look up to as a role model?
- Describe a person in your family who you admire. Why do you admire this person?
Sample Question and Answer:
Question: Can you tell me about your best friend?
Answer: My best friend is Sarah. She is an extremely kind and caring person. We have been friends since high school. Sarah always goes out of her way to help others, whether it’s volunteering at the local food bank or helping classmates with their homework. Her compassion and selflessness are truly inspiring.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a person who is very kind and caring. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does that shows he/she is kind and caring
- And explain how you feel about this person
Sample Answer:
Who this person is: I’d like to talk about my grandmother, who is the kindest and most caring person I know.
How you know this person: I have known her all my life, as she played a significant role in my upbringing.
What this person does that shows he/she is kind and caring: My grandmother has always shown an immense amount of kindness through her actions. She regularly volunteers at a local shelter, providing food and support to those in need. Additionally, she spends her weekends teaching children how to read and write, ensuring they get a better chance at life.
Explain how you feel about this person: I feel incredibly grateful and blessed to have her in my life. Her selfless acts and her dedication to helping others have taught me the importance of compassion. She is a true role model, and her actions inspire me to be a better person every day.
Follow-up Questions:
- How do acts of kindness affect communities?
- Do you think the concept of kindness has changed in modern times?
- How can we encourage more people to be kind and caring?
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Sample Questions and Answers:
Examiner: How do acts of kindness affect communities?
Candidate: Acts of kindness can significantly strengthen communities. When people show compassion and empathy towards others, it creates a sense of unity and togetherness. For instance, community programs and volunteer efforts can improve social bonds and foster trust among community members.
Examiner: Do you think the concept of kindness has changed in modern times?
Candidate: Yes, I believe the concept of kindness has evolved. In today’s fast-paced world, acts of kindness might be more oriented towards technology, like offering online support or donating through digital platforms. Although the ways have changed, the underlying principle of helping others remains the same.
Examiner: How can we encourage more people to be kind and caring?
Candidate: Encouraging kindness begins with education. Schools and parents need to teach children the value of empathy and compassion from a young age. Moreover, recognizing and celebrating acts of kindness in communities and workplaces can motivate others to follow suit. Incentive programs or public acknowledgment can go a long way in promoting a culture of care and kindness.
Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Key Vocabulary:
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Compassion /kəmˈpæʃn/ (noun): Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
- Example: Her compassion towards animals led her to start a shelter for stray dogs.
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Empathy /ˈɛmpəθi/ (noun): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
- Example: His empathy allowed him to connect deeply with people from different backgrounds.
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Selflessness /ˈsɛlflɪsnəs/ (noun): Concern more with the needs and wishes of others than with one’s own.
- Example: Her selflessness is evident in the way she prioritizes community service over her personal comfort.
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Volunteer /ˌvɒlənˈtɪə(r)/ (verb): To freely offer to do something.
- Example: She volunteers at the local soup kitchen every weekend.
Effective Structures:
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Relative clauses:
- Example: My grandmother, who always puts others before herself, is the epitome of kindness.
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Complex sentences:
- Example: Although she is busy with her daily chores, she never fails to dedicate her time to helping others.
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Linking devices:
- Example: In addition to volunteering at the shelter, she also spends time teaching underprivileged children.
Expert Tips for High Scores
- Practice regularly: Confidence comes with practice. Record yourself speaking about different topics and refine your answers.
- Use varied vocabulary: Avoid repetition. Use synonyms and expressive adjectives to enhance your speech.
- Structure your answers: Begin with an introduction, followed by supporting details, and end with a conclusion.
- Stay relaxed: Being calm helps you think more clearly and respond more effectively.
By focusing on these strategies and refining your speaking skills, you can confidently tackle the IELTS Speaking test and describe a person who is very kind and caring with ease. Remember, practice and preparation are key to success!