In the IELTS Speaking Test, there are specific aspects that examiners focus on to gauge a candidate’s English proficiency. These aspects include fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. In this blog post, we will explore how to describe a polite person, a topic often found in the Speaking module. We will break down this common question, provide sample answers, and analyze them to help you achieve a higher band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking Test typically involves general questions about familiar topics like your home, family, work, studies, and interests. Here are some commonly asked questions:
- Can you describe someone you know who is very polite?
- How would you describe your relationship with this person?
- Can you recall a situation where their politeness was particularly evident?
Sample Answer
Question: Can you describe someone you know who is very polite?
Answer: Certainly! One person who comes to mind is my grandfather. He is always very well-mannered and considerate. For instance, he never raises his voice and always listens attentively when someone is speaking. He habitually uses phrases like “please” and “thank you,” which makes interacting with him a very pleasant experience.
Analysis:
- Fluency and Coherence: The response is fluent and coherently structured.
- Lexical Resource: Uses varied vocabulary such as “well-mannered,” “considerate,” and “attentively.”
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The answer employs different sentence structures correctly.
- Pronunciation: Ensure to articulate words clearly.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this part, you will be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points to cover. You will have one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes.
Cue Card
Describe A Person Who Is Very Polite:
- Who is this person?
- How do you know him/her?
- Why do you think he/she is very polite?
- Explain how you feel about this person.
Sample Answer
Who is this person? This person is my friend, Jane.
How do you know him/her? I met Jane in college, and we have been friends for over five years.
Why do you think he/she is very polite? Jane is incredibly courteous and always goes out of her way to make others feel comfortable. For example, she often holds the door open for people, even if it means waiting a little longer. She also has a habit of making eye contact and smiling, which immediately puts others at ease. Additionally, she never interrupts when someone else is speaking and consistently uses polite language.
Explain how you feel about this person. I feel fortunate to have Jane as a friend. Her politeness not only makes her a pleasure to be around but also inspires me to be more considerate and thoughtful. I believe her ability to maintain such gracious behavior in all situations is truly admirable.
Analysis:
- Fluency and Coherence: The response is well-organized and logically flows from one point to the next.
- Lexical Resource: Utilizes advanced vocabulary like “courteous,” “gracious,” and “admirable.”
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Demonstrates a good range of sentence structures and accurate use of grammar.
- Pronunciation: Pronounce words like “courteous” and “gracious” clearly for better scores.
Follow-Up Questions (Bullet Points)
-
In your opinion, why is politeness important in our society?
Answer: Politeness fosters respect and understanding among individuals, making social interactions smoother and more pleasant. It plays a crucial role in reducing conflicts and promoting harmony. -
Do you think people are less polite today than they were in the past?
Answer: To some extent, yes. With the rise of digital communication, people sometimes forget the importance of face-to-face interactions and polite manners. However, many still adhere to traditional values of politeness.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
This part involves a more in-depth discussion related to the topic in Part 2. The questions become more abstract and require you to express your opinions and justify them.
Sample Dialogue
Examiner: “How do cultural differences influence the perception of politeness?”
Candidate: “Cultural backgrounds significantly shape what is considered polite behavior. For example, in some Eastern cultures, bowing is a common way to show respect, whereas in Western cultures, a firm handshake might suffice. Understanding these nuances is essential for effective cross-cultural communication and avoiding misunderstandings.”
Examiner: “Is being polite always positive, or can it have any negative aspects?”
Candidate: “While politeness is generally positive, it can sometimes be perceived as insincerity, especially if it seems excessive or disingenuous. In certain situations, overly polite behavior might also impede directness and honesty, which can be essential for resolving conflicts.”
Analysis:
- Fluency and Coherence: The answers are structured logically and delivered fluently.
- Lexical Resource: Uses sophisticated vocabulary like “nuances,” “cross-cultural communication,” and “disingenuous.”
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Displays a variety of complex sentence structures.
- Pronunciation: Clear articulation and accentuation on key terms.
Essential Vocabulary and Structures
To impress the examiner and achieve a high band score, incorporate the following vocabulary and structures into your responses:
Vocabulary
- Courteous /ˈkɜːrtiəs/ (adj): polite and respectful.
- Example: Jane is always courteous to everyone she meets.
- Gracious /ˈɡreɪʃəs/ (adj): courteous, kind, and pleasant.
- Example: Her gracious demeanor makes her widely liked.
- Considerate /kənˈsɪdərət/ (adj): showing concern for the needs or feelings of others.
- Example: Being considerate is one of his best qualities.
- Ingratiating /ɪnˈɡreɪʃieɪtɪŋ/ (adj): intended to gain approval or favor.
- Example: Sometimes his ingratiating behavior can seem a bit insincere.
- Affable /ˈæfəbl/ (adj): friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to.
- Example: She has an affable personality that draws people to her.
Key Structures
- Complex Sentences: “Although Jane is naturally inclined to be considerate, she also makes a conscious effort to maintain her gracious behavior in all situations.”
- Conditional Sentences: “If everyone were as polite as Jane, our society would be much more harmonious.”
- Comparative Sentences: “Jane is far more courteous than anyone else I know, which is why I admire her so much.”
Tips for Scoring High in IELTS Speaking
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice will enhance your fluency and confidence.
- Record Yourself: Listening to your recordings helps identify areas for improvement.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: A rich vocabulary allows you to express ideas more clearly and impressively.
- Seek Feedback: Regular feedback from experts can provide guidance on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Stay Calm: Nervousness can impact your performance; staying calm ensures you can think clearly and articulate your thoughts effectively.
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By focusing on these strategies and using the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you are well on your way to achieving a high band score in the IELTS Speaking Test. For more tips and practice questions, you can explore additional resources, such as Different Types of IELTS Speaking Questions and Where Do You Get in IELTS Test. Good luck!
