How to Describe a Person Who is Very Resourceful in Solving Problems in IELTS Speaking

In the IELTS Speaking test, you’ll often be asked to describe a person, which includes discussing their characteristics and abilities. One common question may be to “Describe a person who is very resourceful in solving problems.” To score high in this part of the test, you’ll need to demonstrate coherence, fluency, a rich vocabulary, and appropriate grammar structures.

Elements IELTS Speaking Examiners Assess:

• Fluency and Coherence: The ability to speak fluidly with logical connection of ideas.
• Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary and accurate usage.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use of various grammatical structures correctly.
• Pronunciation: Clarity and natural intonation.

This question type is frequently included because it tests both descriptive skills and the ability to evaluate and explain traits effectively. Let’s delve into specific questions and prepare comprehensive answers.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Typical Part 1 Questions:

1. What kind of problems do you enjoy solving?
2. How do you usually approach a challenging situation?
3. Can you think of a person who you consider to be very resourceful? Why?

Sample Answer to a Common Question:
Question: Can you think of a person who you consider to be very resourceful? Why?

Answer:

Yes, I can think of my friend, Alice. She is incredibly resourceful in solving problems. For instance, once during a hiking trip, our map got soaked and unreadable due to unexpected rain. Alice quickly used her phone’s GPS and previous knowledge of the terrain to guide us back. She always remains calm and often uses unconventional methods to find solutions, making her a fantastic problem-solver.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

• Describe a person who is very resourceful in solving problems.
  • Who the person is
  • How you know them
  • What kinds of problems they solve
  • Why you think they are resourceful

Sample Answer:

The person I consider to be extraordinarily resourceful is my uncle, John. I have known him since childhood as he is my father’s younger brother.

John is an engineer by profession, and he has a knack for creative and efficient problem-solving. For example, there was a time when our neighborhood was facing a severe water shortage during the summer. Instead of waiting for the local authorities to fix the issue, John rigged a temporary but effective water collection system using old pipes and rain barrels. This not only provided us with water but also taught us the value of ingenuity and thinking outside the box. His calm demeanor and sharp analytical skills make him someone I look up to when faced with challenges. Therefore, I believe his resourcefulness is his greatest asset.

Follow-up Questions and Answers:

1. How do you think resourcefulness impacts a person’s professional life?
   • Answer: Resourcefulness can significantly enhance a person’s career by enabling them to overcome obstacles efficiently and innovate solutions, which is highly valued in any profession.
2. Can this quality be developed, or is it innate?
   • Answer: While some people may naturally be more inclined to resourcefulness, it is definitely a skill that can be developed through experience, education, and continuous learning.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner’s Questions:

Question: In what ways do people typically become more resourceful as they grow older?

Sample Answer:

People often become more resourceful with age due to accumulating experiences and learning from past mistakes. This experiential learning enhances their problem-solving abilities by expanding their cognitive toolkit. For instance, an older individual might handle a financial crisis more adeptly by applying budgeting skills learned over the years, whereas a younger person might struggle more due to inexperience.

Question: What role does technology play in making people more resourceful today?

Sample Answer:

Technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing resourcefulness. It provides immediate access to a vast amount of information and tools that can assist in problem-solving. For instance, people use smartphone apps for navigation, troubleshooting technical issues, or even learning new skills. Online communities and forums like Stack Exchange also serve as platforms for people to brainstorm and find solutions collaboratively.

Illustration of a resourceful person solving a problem

Vocabulary and Phrases to Boost Your Score

Key Terms:

1. Problem-solving: (/ˈprɒbləm sɒlvɪŋ/) The act of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues.
   • Example: Her problem-solving skills are unmatched.
2. Resourceful: (/rɪˈsɔːsfl/) Having the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.
   • Example: He is a very resourceful manager, always coming up with innovative solutions.
3. Creative: (/kriˈeɪtɪv/) Relating to or involving the use of the imagination or original ideas to create something.
   • Example: His creative thinking helped us navigate the project smoothly.

Phrases:

1. Thinking outside the box: To think creatively and use unconventional methods.
   • Example: His ability to think outside the box has solved many problems.
2. Experiential learning: Learning through experience and reflection.
   • Example: Experiential learning often makes people more adept at handling real-world issues.
3. Cognitive toolkit: The set of mental tools and strategies one can use for problem-solving.
   • Example: Building a robust cognitive toolkit is essential for resourceful problem-solving.

Expert Advice for High Scores

1. Practice Regularly: Daily practice in front of a mirror or with a partner can help you become more fluent.
2. Listen and Imitate: Listen to native speakers and try to imitate their intonation and speech patterns.
3. Expand Your Vocabulary: Keep a notebook of new words and phrases you encounter and make an effort to use them in your speech.
4. Stay Calm and Confident: Anxiety can hinder your performance. Practice deep breathing exercises to stay calm during the test.
5. Seek Feedback: Have an experienced mentor or teacher give you feedback on your speaking skills to help you improve further.

By incorporating these strategies and the sample responses provided, you will be well on your way to achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.

For further practice, you might want to check out related topics:

• Describe a time when you were very resourceful
• Describe a person who is very resourceful
• Describe a person who is creative
• Describe a time when you traveled alone
• Describe a time when you helped a family member

By following this guide, you can effectively tackle the challenge of describing a person who is resourceful and thereby excel in your IELTS Speaking test.