In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners assess a range of skills, such as fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, accuracy, and pronunciation. One frequently appearing topic is describing a person who is very reliable in their work. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing a model answer, key vocabulary, and useful structures to help you achieve a high score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions in Part 1
In the initial part of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner asks general questions about yourself, your life, and work or study. Here are a few examples:
- Can you tell me about your job or studies?
- What do you like most about your work?
- What qualities should a good colleague have?
Sample Answer for Part 1 Question:
Question: What qualities should a good colleague have?
Answer: A good colleague should be reliable, professional, and supportive. Reliability is crucial because you need to trust that your colleagues will complete their work effectively and on time. Professionalism ensures that they maintain a high standard in their job roles, and being supportive helps build a positive team environment.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card Example
For Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points to address. Here is a sample cue card related to the keyword:
Describe a person who is very reliable in their work.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kind of work this person does
- And explain why you think this person is very reliable
Model Answer
Answer:
One person who is exceptionally reliable in their work is my colleague, Jane Smith. I met Jane when we started working together at a marketing agency three years ago. She is a project manager and is responsible for coordinating various advertising campaigns for our clients.
Jane’s reliability is evident in several ways. Firstly, she is always punctual, ensuring that she meets every deadline without compromising the quality of her work. For instance, there was a time when we had a crucial project with a tight deadline. Despite the pressure, Jane managed to organize the team’s tasks efficiently and delivered a top-notch presentation to the client right on time.
Moreover, Jane’s attention to detail is remarkable. She double-checks every piece of work before submission, reducing errors and maintaining the company’s reputation. Her colleagues, including myself, frequently rely on her for her expertise and steady presence in stressful situations.
In summary, Jane’s dedication, precise communication, and consistent performance make her incredibly reliable and a vital part of our team.
Follow-Up Questions and Suggested Answers
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How does this person handle stress?
Answer: Jane handles stress exceptionally well. She remains calm and composed, which enables her to think clearly and make rational decisions. Her ability to break down large tasks into manageable parts helps her stay organized and efficient even under pressure.
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Why is reliability important in a job?
Answer: Reliability is critical in a job because it fosters trust among colleagues and ensures that projects are completed on time and to a high standard. Reliable employees contribute to a stable and productive work environment, which is essential for achieving business goals.
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Examiner’s Questions and Sample Answers
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Do you think reliability is more important than other qualities at work?
Answer: While reliability is crucial, it’s equally important to balance it with other qualities such as innovation, communication skills, and teamwork. A reliable employee who also communicates effectively and brings new ideas to the table has a more significant overall impact on the company’s success.
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How can employers encourage reliability among their employees?
Answer: Employers can encourage reliability by setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and recognizing and rewarding consistent performance. Creating a supportive work environment and offering professional development opportunities can also motivate employees to be more reliable.
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Can a person be too reliable?
Answer: It’s possible. Being overly reliable can lead to burnout if the person takes on too much responsibility and neglects their well-being. It’s important to maintain a balance and delegate tasks when necessary to prevent this.
Key Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Important Vocabulary
- Reliable /rɪˈlaɪə.bəl/: (adj.) consistently good in quality or performance.
- Example: Jane is one of the most reliable people I know; she never misses a deadline.
- Professional /prəˈfeʃ.ən.əl/: (adj.) exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace.
- Example: Maintaining a professional attitude is essential in our job.
- Supportive /səˈpɔː.tɪv/: (adj.) providing encouragement or emotional help.
- Example: A supportive colleague can transform the work environment.
- Punctual /ˈpʌŋk.tʃu.əl/: (adj.) happening or doing something at the agreed or proper time.
- Example: Being punctual is a critical aspect of reliability.
Useful Structures
- Firstly, … Secondly, … Finally, …
- Example: Firstly, she is always punctual. Secondly, she maintains high quality. Finally, she is a great team player.
- For instance, …
- Example: For instance, there was a time when we had a critical project deadline.
Conclusion
Reliability in the workplace is a valued trait that can significantly impact your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. By practicing with sample questions and answers, understanding key vocabulary, and employing useful structures, you can effectively convey your thoughts and achieve a high score.
Remember, consistency in practice and receiving feedback can further enhance your speaking skills. Good luck!
For more resources on describing people in a professional context, check out these links: Describe a Person Who Has a Strong Work Ethic, Describe a Person Who is Very Determined.