In the IELTS Speaking Test, the examiner evaluates your ability to communicate effectively across a range of topics. By understanding the criteria and practicing with realistic examples, you can maximize your score. One frequently asked topic revolves around describing people and their traits. For example, you might be asked to “Describe a person who is very resourceful in difficult situations”. This guide will not only provide detailed responses to such questions but also equip you with the necessary vocabulary and strategies to excel.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Examiner often asks:
- Can you tell me about a person you admire?
- Who is the most resourceful person you know?
Example response:
“One person who truly stands out to me as incredibly resourceful is my uncle. He’s been in numerous challenging situations, yet he always manages to find clever and effective solutions. For instance, during a massive power outage last winter, he rigged up a temporary lighting system using car batteries and LEDs. His ingenuity is genuinely inspiring.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who is very resourceful in difficult situations. You should say:
- Who this person is
- What kind of difficult situations they encounter
- How they solve these problems
- And explain why you think this person is resourceful
Sample Answer
“The person I find incredibly resourceful is my friend Sarah, someone I’ve known since college. Sarah is a software engineer and frequently faces tight deadlines and complex technical issues. However, no matter how stressful the situation gets, she remains calm and methodical. I remember a particularly challenging project where the software they were working on had a critical bug just hours before the deadline. While everyone else was panicking, Sarah strategized a plan and delegated tasks efficiently. She debugged the code and even had time to implement a minor feature that wowed the clients. Her ability to remain composed and think creatively under pressure is truly admirable. I believe she embodies resourcefulness because she consistently uses her skills and resourceful thinking to navigate through challenges.”
Follow-up Questions
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Why do you think some people are more resourceful than others?
“I think resourcefulness stems from a combination of experience, critical thinking skills, and a proactive attitude. People who have faced numerous challenges often develop a knack for finding solutions efficiently.”
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How can one develop their resourcefulness?
“Developing resourcefulness involves exposing oneself to various challenges and learning from them. It also helps to cultivate problem-solving skills by tackling puzzles, engaging in strategic planning like playing chess, and studying examples of ingenious solutions from history.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions and Sample Answers
Examiner: “In what ways can being resourceful benefit a person in their career?”
Sample Answer: “Being resourceful can significantly benefit one’s career. For one, it allows individuals to navigate obstacles and find solutions more efficiently, which can save time and resources for the company. Additionally, resourceful employees often stand out as innovative thinkers, which can lead to promotions and career advancement.”
Examiner: “Do you think resourcefulness is a natural trait or a learned skill?”
Sample Answer: “I believe resourcefulness can be both a natural trait and a learned skill. Some individuals might naturally possess a keen sense of ingenuity, while others can develop it through experience and education. Resourcefulness can certainly be honed by learning from past challenges, seeking new experiences, and practicing critical thinking.”
Essential Vocabulary and Phrases
- Resourceful: (adj.) good at finding ways to solve problems
- Critical thinking: (n.) the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment
- Ingenuity: (n.) the quality of being clever, original, and inventive
- Strategize: (v.) to devise a strategy or strategies
- Methodical: (adj.) done according to a systematic or established procedure
- Navigate obstacles: (v. phrase) to successfully deal with or find a way around problems and challenges
Example Sentences:
- “Sarah is extremely resourceful and can solve almost any problem in no time.”
- “Her critical thinking skills enabled her to come up with an innovative solution to the issue.”
- “His ingenuity was evident when he built a solar-powered charger from scratch.”
Tips for IELTS Speaking Success
- Practice regularly: Regular speaking practice helps you become more fluent and confident.
- Build a strong vocabulary: Use a broad range of vocabulary, especially words related to the topic.
- Stay calm: Composure is key; take a moment to think before you speak.
- Use examples: Illustrate your points with specific examples to make your responses more compelling.
- Seek feedback: Regularly review your practice responses and seek feedback from teachers or peers.
By honing your ability to describe people and their traits like resourcefulness, you will be well-prepared to impress the examiner and achieve a high score on your IELTS Speaking Test. For more cues and sample answers, you can explore related topics like Describe a Situation when You had to Adapt to New Circumstances and Describe a Time when You were Very Resourceful. Happy practicing!