The IELTS Speaking test assesses a candidate’s oral ability to communicate effectively in English. An examiner evaluates you based on four criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Among the various topics that might come up, “Describe a person who is very supportive in your life” is a common one. This topic can easily appear in any part of the Speaking test. Let’s dive into the details, providing you with a structured way to answer this question while aiming for a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, examiners usually ask general questions to make candidates comfortable. Here’s an example of how you might approach one such question:
Common Question:
Examiner: “Who is the most important person in your life and why?”
Suggested Answer:
One of the most important people in my life is my mother. She has always been a source of unwavering support and encouragement, guiding me through various challenges with her wisdom and patience. Her ability to provide both emotional and practical support makes her an essential part of my life.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a person who is very supportive in your life. You should say:
- Who the person is
- How you know this person
- How they have supported you
- Explain why this person is important to you
Suggested Answer:
One of the most supportive people in my life is my best friend, Emma. We met during our university years and have been close ever since. Emma has supported me in countless ways, both emotionally and practically. For instance, there was a time when I was struggling with my final year project. Emma dedicated her time and energy to help me stay organized and motivated. She even helped me with research and reviewed my drafts, which significantly improved the quality of my work.
Emma’s unwavering belief in my abilities has been a tremendous source of motivation. Whenever I feel down or overwhelmed, she always knows how to lift my spirits and provide practical advice or solutions. Her presence in my life is invaluable, and I am incredibly grateful for her continuous support and friendship.
Follow-up Questions:
Examiner: “Can you describe a specific instance when this person supported you during a difficult time?”
Suggested Answer: Absolutely, a specific instance would be when I was feeling extremely anxious about a job interview. Emma spent hours helping me practice potential questions and even role-played the interview with me, which greatly boosted my confidence. Her positive reinforcement was crucial in helping me succeed.
Examiner: “In what ways do you think this person has influenced your life positively?”
Suggested Answer: Emma has significantly influenced my life by instilling a sense of resilience and confidence in me. Her constant encouragement and practical assistance have taught me the importance of persistence and hard work.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, questions become more abstract, requiring you to discuss broader issues related to the topic.
Example Discussion:
Examiner: “Do you think it is important to have supportive people in our lives?”
Suggested Answer: Yes, having supportive people in our lives is incredibly important. Supportive individuals can provide emotional comfort and practical assistance, which is essential during challenging times. Furthermore, their encouragement can significantly boost our self-esteem and motivation, enabling us to accomplish our goals more effectively.
Examiner: “How can supportive relationships influence a person’s mental health?”
Suggested Answer: Supportive relationships play a critical role in an individual’s mental health. They can reduce stress and anxiety levels by offering a safe space to express feelings and seek comfort. The reassurance and understanding from supportive people can foster a sense of belonging and security, which is vital for emotional well-being.
A supportive friend in need
Vocabulary and Phrases to Maximize Your Score
Important Vocabulary:
Unwavering support [ɪnˌweɪvərɪŋ sə’pɔːrt] (n)
Definition: Steady and unchanging support.- “Her unwavering support was crucial during my exams.”
Emotional comfort [ɪ’moʊʃənəl ‘kʌmfərt] (n)
Definition: Reassurance and solace during distress.- “He provided emotional comfort when I was feeling down.”
Positive reinforcement [ˈpɒzɪtɪv riˌɪnfɔːrsɪng] (n)
Definition: Praising or rewarding someone to encourage positive behavior.- “Her positive reinforcement helped me build confidence.”
Boost [buːst] (v)
Definition: To increase or enhance.- “A good night’s sleep can greatly boost your productivity.”
Useful Phrases:
Dedicate time and energy
- “She dedicated her time and energy to ensure I succeeded.”
Lift someone’s spirits
- “He always knows how to lift my spirits.”
Instill a sense of
- “She instilled a sense of confidence in me.”
Examiner’s Advice
Practice Regularly:
- Record yourself: Recording your practice sessions can help you identify areas where you need improvement.
- Get Feedback: Have a teacher or a fluent English speaker provide feedback on your performance.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and phrases to enrich your lexical resource.
Stay Calm and Collected:
- Take your time: Don’t rush your answers. Take a moment to gather your thoughts.
- Stay positive: Maintain a positive tone throughout your response, even when discussing challenges.
Remember: Consistent practice and using the right strategies are key to excelling in your IELTS Speaking test. For more articles and tips on how to tackle various aspects of the IELTS exam, you can check out related resources such as Describe a time when you had to overcome a difficult obstacle and Describe a situation when you had to deal with a difficult task.