The IELTS Speaking Test evaluates a candidate’s fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and accuracy, as well as their pronunciation. This test comprises three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). One of the common topics you may encounter is “Describe a person who is very patient.” Answering this effectively will significantly improve your chances of achieving a high score.
By following this guide, you will learn how to structure your responses, incorporate relevant vocabulary, and develop the speaking skills necessary to excel in this part of the IELTS test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, examiners ask general questions to get to know you better. These questions typically revolve around familiar topics such as your home, work, and interests.
Common Questions and Sample Answers
Question: “Can you tell me about a person you know who is very patient?”
Sample Answer:
“Certainly! My grandmother is one of the most patient people I know. She has always been very calm and composed, especially when dealing with emergencies or any kind of stressful situation. For example, when I was younger and had difficulty in school, she patiently sat with me for hours, helping me understand my homework. Her patience and dedication played a significant role in shaping my academic success.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will have to speak for 1-2 minutes on a given topic. You will be given a cue card with bullet points to guide your talk.
Possible Cue Card
Cue Card Topic: Describe a person who is very patient.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- When they have shown patience
- And explain why you think they are a very patient person
Sample Answer
“I would like to describe my college professor who is incredibly patient. His name is Dr. Smith, and he teaches biology. I first met him in my first year at university, and he has been my mentor ever since. One particular instance that stands out is when I was struggling with a complex project. Despite his busy schedule, Dr. Smith took the time to explain the concepts to me in detail, ensuring I fully understood before moving on. He was very thorough and methodical, addressing each of my questions patiently. His patience not only helped me excel academically but also instilled a sense of confidence in me. I admire him greatly for his ability to remain calm and composed even in the most stressful situations, which truly epitomizes patience in my eyes.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract and complex questions related to the topic in Part 2. This will test your ability to express and justify opinions, analyze issues, and speculate about results.
Examiner’s Questions and Sample Responses
Question: “Why do you think patience is an important quality?”
Sample Answer:
“Patience is a crucial quality because it allows individuals to handle challenges and adversities more effectively. For instance, in a professional setting, patience enables a person to thoroughly assess situations before making decisions, which can lead to more well-considered and effective solutions. Additionally, it fosters better relationships both personally and professionally as it demonstrates understanding and empathy towards others.”
Question: “Do you think young people should learn to be more patient?”
Sample Answer:
“Absolutely. In today’s fast-paced world, young people often seek immediate gratification, whether it’s through technology or life decisions. Learning to be patient can help them develop resilience and coping mechanisms for dealing with setbacks. It teaches them to value processes, understand the importance of persistence, and achieve long-term goals more efficiently.”
Essential Vocabulary and Structures
To articulate your thoughts clearly and precisely, incorporate these words and phrases:
- Calm and composed: (adjective) remaining peaceful and controlled.
- Thorough and methodical: (adjective) very careful and in an orderly manner.
- Instilled a sense of confidence: (phrase) to gradually impart a feeling of trust in one’s abilities.
- Epitomizes patience: (phrase) is the perfect example of patience.
- Well-considered: (adjective) thought out carefully.
- Empathy: (noun) the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
- Gratification: (noun) pleasure, especially when gained from the satisfaction of a desire.
- Persistence: (noun) firm continuance in a course of action despite difficulty.
Examples in Context:
- “Despite the chaos, she remained calm and composed, which helped us to think clearly and come up with a solution.”
- “His thorough and methodical approach ensured that no detail was overlooked in the project.”
- “Over time, her encouragement instilled a sense of confidence in me that I could achieve my goals.”
- “For me, his ability to stay positive during difficult times epitomizes patience.”
A person showing patience
Helpful Tips for High Scores
- Practice Regularly: Continuous practice will enhance your fluency and coherence.
- Record Yourself: Listen to your recordings to identify areas that need improvement.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn and use new words in your daily conversations.
- Seek Feedback: Get input from teachers or peers to understand your weaknesses.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you should be able to master the speaking component of the IELTS test, especially when discussing a patient person.
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