In IELTS Speaking tests, describing people is a common topic that often appears in all three parts of the exam. One particularly interesting subject is describing someone who likes to talk a lot. This topic allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to provide detailed descriptions. Let’s explore how to excel in this task and achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about talkative people. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. Do you know anyone who talks a lot?
2. Are you a talkative person?
3. Do you think it’s good to be talkative?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“Yes, I do know someone who’s quite talkative. My cousin Sarah is known for her ability to chat for hours on end. As for me, I wouldn’t say I’m particularly talkative, but I do enjoy engaging in meaningful conversations. I believe being talkative can be both positive and negative. On one hand, it can help build relationships and make social situations more lively. On the other hand, excessive talking might sometimes be perceived as overwhelming or intrusive.”

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Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a talkative person:

Describe a person you know who likes to talk a lot
You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What this person likes to talk about
• And explain why you think this person talks so much

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my aunt Elena, who is undoubtedly the most talkative person I know. She’s my mother’s younger sister, and I’ve known her since childhood. We often meet at family gatherings and special occasions.

Aunt Elena has an insatiable appetite for conversation and can effortlessly dominate any social situation. Her topics of interest are incredibly diverse, ranging from local gossip to global affairs. She’s particularly passionate about cooking and often regales us with elaborate stories about her culinary adventures and experiments with exotic recipes.

What sets Aunt Elena apart is her ability to weave intricate narratives out of seemingly mundane events. For instance, a simple trip to the grocery store can turn into a 15-minute anecdote filled with vivid descriptions and humorous observations.

I believe Aunt Elena’s tendency to talk so much stems from her genuinely extroverted nature and her desire to connect with others. She has an innate curiosity about people and finds joy in sharing experiences. Moreover, I think talking is her way of processing information and making sense of the world around her.

While some might find her chattiness overwhelming at times, I admire her ability to breathe life into conversations and keep everyone engaged. Her animated storytelling often serves as a social lubricant at family gatherings, breaking the ice and fostering a warm, convivial atmosphere.”

Talkative Aunt Elena at a family gathering

Follow-up questions:

1. Do you think being talkative is a positive trait in all situations?
2. How do you handle conversations with extremely talkative people?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“While being talkative can certainly be an asset in many social situations, I don’t believe it’s universally positive. In professional settings, for instance, excessive talking might be perceived as a lack of focus or an inability to listen effectively. It’s crucial to strike a balance between being communicative and being a good listener.

When dealing with extremely talkative individuals, I try to practice active listening and gently steer the conversation to allow for more balanced participation. If necessary, I might politely interrupt to contribute my thoughts or to redirect the discussion if it’s veering off-topic. The key is to maintain respect and diplomacy while ensuring that the conversation remains productive and inclusive for all participants.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. Why do some people talk more than others?
2. Do you think modern technology has affected how much people talk to each other face-to-face?
3. In what professions do you think being talkative is an advantage?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“There are various reasons why some individuals are more talkative than others. Personality traits, such as extroversion, play a significant role. Extroverts often derive energy from social interactions and may naturally speak more. Cultural background can also influence communication styles, with some cultures valuing verbose expression more than others. Additionally, factors like upbringing, confidence levels, and even neurological differences can contribute to a person’s tendency to talk more or less.

Regarding modern technology’s impact on face-to-face communication, I believe it has had a profound and multifaceted effect. On one hand, social media and instant messaging have reduced the need for in-person conversations in many situations. This shift has potentially diminished our capacity for sustained, deep face-to-face interactions. Conversely, technology has also created new avenues for communication, such as video calls, which can facilitate conversations across vast distances. However, these digital interactions often lack the nuances and intimacy of in-person dialogue.

As for professions where being talkative is advantageous, several come to mind. Public relations specialists and sales representatives benefit greatly from strong verbal communication skills and the ability to engage in lengthy conversations. Teachers and lecturers need to be comfortable speaking for extended periods to effectively convey information. In the entertainment industry, talk show hosts and radio presenters rely heavily on their ability to maintain engaging dialogues. Additionally, professions like counseling and psychotherapy require practitioners to be adept at facilitating extended conversations to help their clients.”

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Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can elevate your response:

1. Loquacious /ləˈkweɪʃəs/ (adj): Very talkative.
   Example: “My aunt is known for her loquacious nature at family gatherings.”

2. Garrulous /ˈɡærələs/ (adj): Excessively talkative, especially about trivial matters.
   Example: “Some find his garrulous personality charming, while others find it overwhelming.”

3. Verbose /vɜːˈbəʊs/ (adj): Using more words than necessary.
   Example: “His verbose explanations often left listeners struggling to grasp the main point.”

4. To hold court (idiom): To dominate a conversation or social situation.
   Example: “At parties, she often holds court, captivating everyone with her stories.”

5. To have the gift of the gab (idiom): To have the ability to speak easily and confidently.
   Example: “As a successful salesman, he clearly has the gift of the gab.”

6. To be a chatterbox (noun): A person who talks a lot.
   Example: “Ever since she was a child, Sarah has been known as the family chatterbox.”

Key vocabulary for describing talkative people

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a talkative person:

1. Use a variety of descriptive adjectives to paint a vivid picture of the person’s communication style.
2. Provide specific examples to illustrate the person’s talkative nature.
3. Discuss both positive and negative aspects of being talkative to demonstrate critical thinking.
4. Use idiomatic expressions related to talking and communication to showcase advanced language skills.
5. Practice speaking at length about various personality types to improve fluency and coherence.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just about describing the talkative person, but also demonstrating your own ability to communicate effectively and fluently.

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By following these guidelines and incorporating advanced vocabulary and structures, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about describing a talkative person in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!