Understanding how to describe a person who is very reliable can make a significant difference in your IELTS Speaking test. This guide provides sample answers, tips, and useful vocabulary to help you achieve a high band score.
Introduction
In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners evaluate fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and accuracy, as well as pronunciation. One common topic in Part 2 (Long Turn) is describing a person, such as “Describe a person who is very reliable.” This question allows test-takers to talk about someone they trust and why.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Examiners typically ask general questions to make you comfortable. Here are some frequently asked questions:
Example Question
Q: Who is the most reliable person you know?
Sample Answer:
The most reliable person I know is my best friend, Sarah. She has always been there for me, no matter the situation, and I can count on her for anything I need. Her commitment and punctuality are exemplary, and she never breaks her promises.
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic to talk about for 1-2 minutes.
Cue Card
Describe a person who is very reliable. You should say:
- Who the person is
- How you know the person
- What the person does
- And explain why you think this person is very reliable
Sample Answer
Sample Answer:
I would like to talk about my colleague, John, who is exceptionally reliable. I met John when I started working at my current company three years ago. Ever since then, he has been a cornerstone of our team. John is our project manager, and his reliability is one of the reasons our team meets its deadlines consistently. He is known for being punctual, attentive to detail, and always follows through with his commitments.
For instance, once we had a project that required long hours and precise coordination. John took it upon himself to organize everything meticulously. Not only did he ensure that everyone understood their tasks, but he also worked extra hours to assist team members who were falling behind. Because of his reliability, we completed the project ahead of schedule and with great success. I believe his ability to manage his time effectively, stay organized, and support his colleagues makes him incredibly dependable.
reliable-person-leading-team|reliable team leader|A photo of a reliable person leading their team to success in a project. They are all smiling and celebrating their achievement.
Follow-up Questions (Bullet Points)
Q: How important is reliability in the workplace?
Sample Answer:
Reliability in the workplace is crucial because it fosters trust among colleagues and ensures that projects and tasks are completed on time. A reliable team member is one who can be counted on to deliver quality work, follow through with commitments, and support others when needed. This creates a conducive and productive work environment.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask questions related to the Part 2 topic but in a broader context.
Example Questions
Q: Why do you think reliability is an important quality for friendships?
Sample Answer:
Reliability is essential in friendships because it forms the basis of trust. Friends need to know that they can depend on each other in various situations, whether it’s for emotional support or practical assistance. A reliable friend is someone who is always there, offering consistency and stability, which are key elements for a lasting friendship.
Q: Can you think of any situation where being unreliable had serious consequences?
Sample Answer:
Yes, of course. In professional settings, if a team leader is unreliable, it can lead to missed deadlines, poor project outcomes, and overall team demotivation. For example, if a manager fails to communicate important updates on time, the entire team’s workflow can be disrupted, resulting in significant losses for the company.
Useful Vocabulary and Structures
Here are some key vocabulary words and expressions to use in your answers:
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Punctual (adj.) /ˈpʌŋktʃuəl/: Being on time.
- Example: He is always punctual, never late for any meeting.
-
Dependable (adj.) /dɪˈpendəbl/: Worthy of trust and reliability.
- Example: She is a dependable colleague who always follows through.
-
Exemplary (adj.) /ɪɡˈzempləri/: Serving as a desirable model.
- Example: His work ethic is exemplary.
-
Commitment (n.) /kəˈmɪtmənt/: The state of being dedicated to a cause.
- Example: He shows tremendous commitment to his job.
-
Follow through (phr. v.): To complete a task or promise.
- Example: She always follows through with her promises.
-
Meticulously (adv.) /məˈtɪkjələsli/: Showing great attention to detail.
- Example: The reports were meticulously organized.
-
Conducive (adj.) /kənˈdjuːsɪv/: Making a certain situation or outcome likely.
- Example: A conducive environment for learning is essential.
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Foster (v.) /ˈfɒstə/: To encourage the development of something.
- Example: Reliability fosters trust among team members.
Examiner Tips for Practicing
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice with varied topics will help you stay fluent and confident.
- Record Yourself: Recording and reviewing your responses can help you identify areas needing improvement.
- Use Advanced Vocabulary: Try incorporating advanced vocabulary naturally to demonstrate a range of lexical resources.
- Stay Coherent: Ensure your answers are structured logically, with clear, relevant points.
Conclusion: Describing a person who is very reliable effectively in the IELTS Speaking test requires preparation and practice. By structuring your responses, using appropriate vocabulary, and demonstrating a range of grammar skills, you can achieve a high band score.