Resilience is a vital trait that often emerges as a topic in IELTS Speaking exams. This article will guide you through crafting an outstanding response to the question “Describe a person who taught you how to be resilient” for your IELTS Speaking test. We’ll explore sample answers, vocabulary, and strategies to help you excel in this challenging task.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions related to resilience. Here’s an example question with a suggested response:
Question: “Do you consider yourself a resilient person?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I’m fairly resilient. I’ve faced my share of challenges, both in my personal life and academic career, and I’ve learned to bounce back from setbacks. For instance, when I didn’t get the internship I wanted last year, instead of giving up, I used that experience to improve my skills and eventually landed an even better opportunity. I believe resilience is like a muscle – the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes.”
Describe a time when you felt homesick can also be an opportunity to demonstrate resilience in your response.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card based on our topic:
Describe a person who taught you how to be resilient
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What they taught you about resilience
- And explain how this lesson has impacted your life
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“The person who taught me about resilience is my high school basketball coach, Mr. Johnson. I met him when I joined the school team in my sophomore year. At first, I struggled with the intense training and often felt like quitting.
Mr. Johnson noticed my frustration and took me aside one day after practice. He shared his own story of overcoming obstacles in his sports career and explained that resilience isn’t about never falling, but about getting up every time you do. He taught me practical strategies like setting small, achievable goals and visualizing success.
Thanks to his guidance, I not only improved in basketball but also developed a mindset that has helped me face challenges in other areas of life. For example, when I faced difficulties in my first year of college, I remembered his lessons and persevered instead of giving up.
Mr. Johnson’s teachings about resilience have had a profound impact on my life. I’ve become more confident in my abilities to overcome obstacles and view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than failures. This mindset has been invaluable in my academic and personal life, helping me to stay motivated and push through tough times.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The individual who instilled in me the invaluable quality of resilience is my grandmother, a Holocaust survivor. Her extraordinary life story has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance throughout my formative years.
My grandmother, Sarah, shared her experiences with me gradually as I grew older, recognizing my increasing capacity to comprehend the gravity of her past. Her narratives were not merely recountings of historical events, but profound lessons in human strength and perseverance.
The crux of her teachings about resilience lay in her unwavering belief in the power of hope and the human spirit’s capacity to endure. She often emphasized that resilience isn’t about being impervious to hardship, but rather about maintaining one’s core values and sense of self in the face of adversity. A particularly poignant lesson she imparted was the importance of finding meaning in suffering – a concept she attributed to Viktor Frankl’s work.
The impact of her lessons on my life has been immeasurable. When faced with academic setbacks or personal challenges, I often find myself drawing upon her wisdom. For instance, during a particularly grueling period of my postgraduate studies, I recalled her advice about breaking insurmountable tasks into smaller, manageable steps – a strategy that proved invaluable in completing my thesis.
Moreover, her teachings have profoundly influenced my worldview and approach to adversity. I’ve learned to view challenges not as insurmountable obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. This perspective has been instrumental in my professional life, allowing me to navigate complex projects and interpersonal dynamics with greater ease and confidence.
In essence, my grandmother’s lessons in resilience have equipped me with a robust psychological toolkit, enabling me to face life’s vicissitudes with grace and determination. Her legacy continues to shape my actions and attitudes, serving as a beacon of strength in times of difficulty.”
Follow-up questions:
- How has this person’s example influenced your approach to challenges?
- Can you share a specific instance where you applied the resilience skills you learned?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“My grandmother’s example has fundamentally altered my perspective on challenges. I now approach difficulties with a sense of curiosity and determination, rather than fear or avoidance. For instance, when I encountered a particularly challenging project at work recently, instead of feeling overwhelmed, I broke it down into smaller tasks and tackled each one systematically, just as my grandmother advised.
A specific instance where I applied these resilience skills was during my year studying abroad. Initially, I struggled with culture shock and homesickness. However, I remembered my grandmother’s emphasis on finding meaning in difficult experiences. I started volunteering at a local community center, which not only helped me integrate into the new culture but also gave me a sense of purpose. This approach transformed what could have been a trying time into one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Do you think resilience is something that can be taught, or is it an innate quality?”
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I believe resilience can be both taught and innate. Some people naturally bounce back from setbacks more easily, but I think everyone can learn to be more resilient. It’s like a skill that can be developed through practice and guidance. For example, schools nowadays are introducing programs to teach students how to cope with stress and setbacks, which shows that resilience can be learned.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“While there may be innate predispositions towards resilience, I firmly believe it’s a quality that can be cultivated and enhanced through targeted instruction and life experiences. Resilience is often misconceived as a fixed trait, but contemporary psychological research suggests it’s a dynamic process that can be developed over time.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral techniques can be employed to reframe negative thought patterns, enhancing one’s ability to cope with adversity. Similarly, mindfulness practices have been shown to boost emotional regulation, a key component of resilience. The growing field of positive psychology has made significant strides in developing evidence-based interventions to build resilience.
Moreover, the very nature of resilience – the ability to adapt and grow from challenging experiences – implies that it can be strengthened through exposure to and reflection on difficult situations. This is why many leadership programs and military training regimens incorporate controlled stress scenarios to build resilience.
That said, the ease with which individuals develop resilience may vary based on factors such as genetics, early childhood experiences, and environmental support systems. However, I would argue that with proper guidance and persistent effort, anyone can significantly enhance their capacity for resilience, regardless of their starting point.”
Examiner: “In what ways do you think modern society makes it harder for people to develop resilience?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Modern society presents several challenges to developing resilience. Firstly, the prevalence of social media often creates unrealistic expectations of constant success and happiness, making it harder for people to accept and learn from failures. The instant gratification culture fostered by technology can also undermine the patience and perseverance necessary for building resilience.
Additionally, overprotective parenting styles, sometimes referred to as ‘helicopter parenting,’ may inadvertently hinder children’s ability to develop coping mechanisms by shielding them from necessary struggles. This can leave young adults ill-equipped to handle real-world challenges.
Furthermore, the fast-paced nature of modern life often leaves little time for reflection and processing of experiences, which are crucial for developing resilience. The constant connectivity and information overload can also contribute to stress and burnout, making it more difficult for individuals to bounce back from setbacks.
However, it’s worth noting that modern society also offers new tools and resources for building resilience, such as online support communities and mental health apps. The key lies in finding a balance and consciously cultivating resilience despite these challenges.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To elevate your IELTS Speaking performance when discussing resilience, consider incorporating these sophisticated terms and expressions:
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Adversity [ədˈvɜːsɪti] (noun): A difficult or unpleasant situation.
Example: “Overcoming adversity is a hallmark of resilient individuals.” -
Perseverance [ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns] (noun): Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties.
Example: “Her perseverance in the face of repeated setbacks was truly admirable.” -
Tenacity [təˈnæsəti] (noun): The quality of being very determined.
Example: “The entrepreneur’s tenacity was evident in his refusal to give up on his startup.” -
Fortitude [ˈfɔːtɪtjuːd] (noun): Courage in pain or adversity.
Example: “She faced her diagnosis with remarkable fortitude, inspiring everyone around her.” -
To bounce back (phrasal verb): To recover quickly from a setback.
Example: “His ability to bounce back from failure was a key factor in his eventual success.” -
Grit [ɡrɪt] (noun): Courage and resolve; strength of character.
Example: “It takes real grit to persist in the face of repeated rejections.” -
Indomitable [ɪnˈdɒmɪtəbl] (adjective): Impossible to subdue or defeat.
Example: “Her indomitable spirit carried her through the most challenging times.”
Describe a time when you stayed calm in a stressful situation is another topic where you can effectively use these vocabulary items to showcase your language skills.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing resilience:
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Use personal anecdotes to illustrate your points, making your responses more engaging and memorable.
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Demonstrate critical thinking by discussing both the benefits and potential drawbacks of resilience in different contexts.
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Practice using a range of tenses and complex sentence structures to showcase your language proficiency.
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Develop your ideas fully, providing examples and explanations to support your main points.
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Show awareness of current issues related to resilience, such as its role in mental health or education.
Remember, the key to a high-scoring response is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversational style while incorporating sophisticated vocabulary and structures.
Describe a person who taught you the value of kindness can be another opportunity to demonstrate your speaking skills and emotional intelligence in the IELTS test.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to deliver an impressive response on the topic of resilience in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to practice regularly and seek feedback to continually improve your performance. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!