In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners evaluate candidates based on four key criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. One of the common tasks you might encounter is describing a person who is very resourceful. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to describe personality traits, provide examples, and articulate your thoughts clearly.
Examiners often ask questions like “Describe a person who is very resourceful” because it allows them to assess your capability to elaborate on characteristics, provide supporting details and engage in a nuanced discussion about personality and problem-solving skills. Let’s dive into some sample questions and answers to help you prepare effectively.
Common Part 1 Questions and Sample Answers
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Examiners might start with simple questions to set the context. Here are some possible questions:
Can you describe a person who you think is very resourceful?
- “Yes, I’d like to talk about my friend Jenny. She’s incredibly resourceful and has a talent for finding solutions to any problem. For instance, during our college years, she managed to organize study materials and resources for our group projects efficiently, even under tight deadlines.”
Why do you consider that person resourceful?
- “Jenny is very quick-witted and innovative. She has an uncanny ability to think on her feet and come up with creative solutions. For example, when our project team was short on funds, she found a way to generate sponsorship from local businesses, which really saved the day.”
Part 2: Cue Card and Sample Answer
Part 2: Long Turn
A typical cue card prompt might look like this:
Describe a person who is very resourceful.
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- Why you think this person is resourceful
- Explain how this person has helped you or others
Sample Answer
“One person who I believe is exceptionally resourceful is my uncle, Jack. He is not only a jack-of-all-trades** but also a master at finding practical solutions to any issue. I’ve known him since my childhood, and he has always been the go-to person for troubleshooting problems.
Jack recently demonstrated his resourcefulness during a family camping trip. We realized halfway through the trip that we had forgotten to bring enough blankets for the cold nights. Without any fuss, he quickly gathered some spare clothes and used them to create makeshift blankets, ensuring everyone stayed warm. Moreover, he set up a makeshift kitchen area using logs and stones, which allowed us to cook our meals comfortably.
I think his ability to innovatively solve problems stems from his extensive experience in various fields such as carpentry, engineering, and even a bit of farming. Jack never gives up when faced with a challenge and often thinks outside the box to find the most efficient solutions. His creative and practical approach has often been a source of inspiration for me and many others in our family.”**
Follow-up Questions and Answers
- Can you give another example of a time this person was resourceful?
- “Absolutely, there was a time when Jack helped fix a neighbor’s leaking roof using only basic tools and materials. His ability to improvise with limited resources is truly remarkable.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Part 3: Analytical Discussion
In this part, examiners will ask more abstract questions related to resourcefulness.
Why do you think resourcefulness is important in today’s world?
- “In today’s rapidly changing world, being resourceful is crucial because it enables individuals to adapt to unexpected situations and resolve issues efficiently. For instance, during the recent pandemic, many businesses had to pivot their strategies quickly. Resourceful leaders managed to sustain their businesses by adopting digital platforms and finding innovative solutions to keep their operations running.”
Do you think schools should focus more on teaching resourcefulness to students?
- “Yes, definitely. I believe that fostering resourcefulness in students can prepare them for real-world challenges. By incorporating problem-solving activities and projects that require innovative thinking, schools can help students develop the necessary skills to navigate complex situations and come up with creative solutions.”
Vocabulary and Structures to Achieve a High Band Score
- Resourceful (adj): /rɪˈsɔː.sfəl/ – having the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.
- Example: “Jenny is incredibly resourceful and always finds a way to resolve problems.”
- Innovative (adj): /ˈɪn.ə.və.tɪv/ – introducing new ideas or methods.
- Example: “Her innovative approach to problem-solving is truly admirable.”
- Improvise (v): /ˈɪm.prə.vaɪz/ – to create or perform spontaneously or without preparation.
- Example: “Jack had to improvise a solution when we ran out of supplies.”
- Creative (adj): /kriˈeɪ.tɪv/ – involving the use of imagination to create something.
- Example: “She used her creative skills to design an efficient workspace.”
Tips for Success in IELTS Speaking
- Practice Regularly: Engage in regular speaking practice with a partner or tutor to improve fluency and coherence.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Build a strong vocabulary by reading extensively and learning new words daily.
- Use Examples: Always support your answers with examples to illustrate your points clearly.
- Stay Calm: Maintain a calm demeanor during the test to aid clear and coherent speech.
By following these tips and practicing with these sample answers, you can improve your ability to describe a resourceful person effectively and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Resourceful Person
For more practice, check out related topics like Describe a Person Who Is Creative and Describe a Time When You Traveled Alone to broaden your speaking skills.
By employing these strategies and expanding your vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the IELTS Speaking test and describe a person who is very resourceful effectively. Good luck!