The IELTS Speaking Test evaluates how effectively you can communicate in English across a range of topics. Speaking Examiners look for criteria such as fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Among common tasks, describing a persuasive person is a popular topic. This post will guide you through optimal ways to tackle this question, providing sample answers and techniques that can help you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the introduction and interview, examiners ask straightforward questions to make candidates comfortable. Here are a few examples:
- Can you describe a person who has influenced you greatly in your life?
- Tell me about a persuasive person you know.
Sample Answer for Part 1:
“One person who has consistently influenced and persuaded me is my older brother. He has this incredible ability to articulate his thoughts clearly and convincingly. Whether he’s discussing career choices or just simple daily matters, his logical arguments always win me over.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this part of the test, you will be given a cue card, and you have to speak about the topic for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a possible cue card you might encounter:
Cue Card
Describe a person who is very persuasive. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What they persuade others about
- And explain why this person is so persuasive.
Sample Answer for Part 2:
“One person who stands out to me as particularly persuasive is my high school teacher, Mr. Johnson. I first encountered him in my sophomore year, and since then, he has been a profound influence on both my academic and personal lives. Mr. Johnson has a knack for persuading students to believe in their potential and strive for excellence. His charismatic presence, combined with his eloquent speech, makes his audience pay undivided attention. He often persuades students to think critically and unleash their creativity in solving problems. What makes Mr. Johnson incredibly persuasive is his passion and authenticity. He genuinely believes in the potential of each student, and his sincere encouragement is infectious. His words are always backed by real-life examples and logical reasoning, making it hard to refute his arguments.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
This part involves a discussion with the examiner about the topic in Part 2 but at a more abstract level.
Examiner’s Questions and Suggested Responses:
-
How important are persuasive skills in professional settings?
“Persuasive skills are crucial in professional settings. Effective persuasion can drive team collaboration, secure project buy-ins, and inspire innovation. For example, a manager who can persuasively articulate the benefits of a new strategy is more likely to gain support from their team and upper management.” -
Can being too persuasive be detrimental in any way?
“Yes, being excessively persuasive can sometimes lead to manipulation and loss of trust. If a person overuses their persuasive abilities to push an agenda without considering others’ perspectives, it could create resentment and distrust among colleagues or friends.”
Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores:
To perform well in the speaking test, it’s essential to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex structures. Below are some pivotal words and phrases to use:
- Articulate /ˈɑː.tɪ.kjə.lət/ (adj.): Able to express ideas clearly and effectively.
- Example: “She is very articulate, making her arguments very convincing.”
- Eloquent /ˈel.ə.kwənt/ (adj.): Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing.
- Example: “His eloquent speech inspired the entire audience.”
- Charismatic /ˌkær.ɪzˈmæt.ɪk/ (adj.): Exercising a compelling charm that inspires devotion in others.
- Example: “Her charismatic personality helps her win people over easily.”
- Logical Reasoning (noun): The process of using a rational, systematic series of steps to arrive at a conclusion.
- Example: “Her logical reasoning makes her arguments hard to challenge.”
Tips to Excel in IELTS Speaking:
- Practice Regularly: Daily practice helps in improving fluency and confidence.
- Expand Vocabulary: Engage in reading diverse material to build a robust vocabulary.
- Record and Assess: Recording your responses and critically assessing them helps in identifying areas of improvement.
- Engage in Conversations: More real-life conversations aid in improving spontaneity.
Remember, being persuasive in your responses during the speaking test can, in itself, demonstrate your command of language and help you secure a higher band score.