The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your speaking abilities in various contexts, through conversation with the examiner on a broad range of topics. Your responses are evaluated based on four key criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Among frequently asked questions, describing a proactive person is quite common and can be found in part 2 of the test.
In this article, we will provide sample questions and answers for different parts of the IELTS Speaking test related to the topic “Describe a person who is very proactive.” We will also highlight crucial vocabulary and structures to help you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions
- Can you tell me about someone you know who is very proactive?
- Do you consider yourself a proactive person?
- What traits do proactive people usually have?
Sample Answer
Question: “Can you tell me about someone you know who is very proactive?”
Answer: “Certainly! One person that immediately comes to mind is my colleague, Sarah. She is incredibly proactive in her approach to work. For instance, she anticipates problems before they arise and always has a contingency plan in place. Furthermore, she takes the initiative to lead team projects and motivates everyone to stay on track with deadlines. Her ability to foresee potential issues and act swiftly is admirable.”
Part 2: Individual Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who is very proactive. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What they do that is proactive
- And explain how you feel about their proactive behavior
Sample Answer
“One of the most proactive individuals I know is my friend Jenny. We met during our university years and have stayed close friends since then. Jenny is someone who never waits for opportunities to come her way; she creates them. For example, during our final year, she took the initiative to start a student club that focused on environmental sustainability. She not only organized various events but also sought out funding and resources to ensure the club’s success.
Jenny’s proactive behavior is most evident in how she handles her career. She regularly attends industry workshops, networking events, and even takes online courses to enhance her skills. Her forward-thinking nature not only helps her in her career but also inspires others around her to adopt a similar mindset.
Overall, Jenny’s proactivity is something I deeply admire. It has taught me the importance of taking decisive action and planning ahead to achieve one’s goals. Her diligence and perseverance are truly remarkable.”
Follow-up Questions
- Why do you think it is important to be proactive?
- Can you give an example of a time when being proactive benefited you?
- How can being proactive impact a person’s career?
Follow-up Answer Samples
Question: “Why do you think it is important to be proactive?”
Answer: “Being proactive is essential because it allows individuals to take control of their circumstances and anticipate challenges. This can lead to better problem-solving abilities and increased efficiency in both personal and professional life. Moreover, proactive people are often seen as leaders and are more likely to inspire and motivate others.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions
- How can proactivity affect workplace dynamics?
- Is it possible to teach someone to be proactive, or is it an inherent trait?
- In what ways can being proactive contribute to personal success?
Sample Discussion
Examiner: “How can proactivity affect workplace dynamics?”
Candidate: “Proactivity can significantly enhance workplace dynamics by fostering a culture of initiative and innovation. When individuals are proactive, they are more likely to collaborate effectively, address problems before they escalate, and contribute to a more efficient workflow. This can lead to higher morale and better team cohesion.”
Examiner: “Is it possible to teach someone to be proactive, or is it an inherent trait?”
Candidate: “While some people may naturally possess a proactive attitude, it is certainly a skill that can be cultivated. Through training, mentorship, and self-discipline, individuals can learn to adopt a more forward-thinking approach. For instance, organizations can promote a proactive culture by rewarding initiative and encouraging continuous learning.”
Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Here are some key vocabulary words and complex structures that can help elevate your speaking score:
- Proactive (/prəʊˈæktɪv/): creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened.
- Contingency plan (/kənˈtɪndʒənsi plæn/): a plan designed to take a possible future event or circumstance into account.
- Anticipate (/ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt/): to expect or predict.
- Initiative (/ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/): the ability to assess and initiate things independently.
- Motivate (/ˈməʊtɪveɪt/): provide (someone) with a reason for doing something.
- Forward-thinking (/ˈfɔːrwərd ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/): planning for and capable of anticipating future challenges and opportunities.
Example Sentences:
- “Her forward-thinking approach makes her a valuable asset to the company.”
- “He always has a contingency plan in case things go wrong.”
Advice for Preparation
To score highly in the IELTS Speaking test, try the following:
- Practice speaking about various topics, particularly those related to personal experiences and descriptions.
- Focus on using a wide range of vocabulary accurately.
- Record your responses and listen critically to identify areas for improvement.
- Engage in English conversations regularly to build fluency and confidence.
- Simulate the test environment by timing your answers to ensure you stay within the prescribed duration.
For more related topics and practice materials, you might find these resources helpful:
- Describe a person who is good at leading a team
- Describe a person who is very results-oriented
- Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult colleague
By incorporating these strategies and vocabulary, you will be well-equipped to impress the examiner with your description of a proactive person. Good luck!