Mastering the Art of Describing a Trusted Person in IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal relationships and trust. One common topic that candidates may encounter is describing a person they trust. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.

Describe a time when you helped a friend in trouble can also be a related topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared for various personal experience questions will help you perform better overall.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about trust and relationships. Here are a few examples:

1. Do you find it easy to trust people?
2. How important is trust in a friendship?
3. Have you ever had your trust broken?

Let’s focus on the first question and provide a sample answer:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“I’d say I’m generally inclined to trust people, but I don’t do so blindly. I believe in giving others the benefit of the doubt initially, but I also pay attention to their actions over time. Trust, for me, is something that builds gradually through consistent behavior and mutual respect. I find that this approach helps me strike a balance between being open to new relationships and protecting myself from potential disappointment.”

Part 2: Long Turn

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

Describe A Person Who You Trust

You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- Why you trust this person
- And explain how this trust has affected your relationship

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about my best friend, Sarah, who I’ve known for over a decade now. We first met in high school and quickly became close friends. Over the years, Sarah has proven herself to be incredibly reliable and supportive.

I trust Sarah because she’s always been there for me through thick and thin. She’s shown time and time again that she can keep secrets and offer honest advice when I need it. What really stands out is her consistency – she’s never let me down or betrayed my confidence.

This trust has had a profound impact on our relationship. It’s allowed us to share our deepest fears and aspirations without hesitation. We can have open, honest conversations about anything, which has strengthened our bond tremendously. Knowing that I have someone I can always count on gives me a sense of security and makes me feel less alone in facing life’s challenges.

In conclusion, my trust in Sarah has been a cornerstone of our friendship, making it one of the most valuable relationships in my life.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to discuss my mentor, Dr. James Thompson, whom I’ve had the privilege of knowing for the past five years. Our paths crossed when I was a graduate student, and he was assigned as my thesis advisor. Since then, our relationship has evolved from a formal academic association to a profound mentorship based on mutual respect and trust.

The foundation of my trust in Dr. Thompson stems from his unwavering integrity and exceptional emotional intelligence. He has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to provide constructive feedback while maintaining an atmosphere of support and encouragement. What truly sets him apart is his genuine investment in my personal and professional growth, often going above and beyond his formal responsibilities to offer guidance and opportunities.

This trust has been a catalyst for my personal development. It has empowered me to take calculated risks in my research and career, knowing I have a trusted advisor to turn to for perspective. Our relationship has transcended the typical mentor-mentee dynamic, fostering an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged and challenged without fear of judgment.

The impact of this trust on our relationship has been transformative. It has created a synergistic partnership where we can collaborate on complex projects with a shared vision and mutual understanding. This level of trust has also allowed for vulnerability, enabling deeper conversations about life goals and personal challenges, which has enriched our relationship beyond the professional realm.

In essence, the trust I place in Dr. Thompson has not only enhanced our relationship but has also been instrumental in shaping my approach to both academic pursuits and interpersonal connections.”

A mentor and mentee discussing in an office

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this person influenced your life?
2. Do you think it’s easier to trust family members or friends?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

“Dr. Thompson’s influence on my life has been multifaceted and profound. Professionally, he has been instrumental in honing my critical thinking skills and broadening my research perspectives. His guidance has helped me navigate complex academic challenges and carve out a niche in my field of study. On a personal level, he has been a role model of integrity and dedication, inspiring me to maintain high ethical standards in all aspects of life. His mentorship has instilled in me the importance of lifelong learning and the value of passing on knowledge to others. Perhaps most significantly, his trust in my abilities has boosted my self-confidence, encouraging me to push beyond my perceived limitations and aspire to greater heights in both my personal and professional endeavors.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner may ask more abstract questions related to trust and relationships. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Q: How has technology affected trust in modern relationships?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“Technology has had a dual impact on trust in modern relationships. On one hand, it has made communication easier and more frequent, allowing people to stay connected and build trust through constant interaction. Social media and messaging apps enable us to share our lives more openly, which can foster closeness and understanding.

However, technology has also introduced new challenges to trust. The anonymity of the internet can make it easier for people to misrepresent themselves or engage in deceptive behavior. Additionally, the constant connectivity we experience can sometimes lead to overanalysis of online interactions, potentially causing misunderstandings or jealousy.

Overall, I believe technology has the potential to enhance trust when used mindfully, but it also requires individuals to be more discerning and communicate more explicitly about their expectations and boundaries in relationships.”

Q: Do you think trust is more important in personal or professional relationships?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“The importance of trust in personal and professional relationships is intrinsically linked, yet manifests differently in each context. In personal relationships, trust forms the bedrock of emotional intimacy and vulnerability, allowing individuals to forge deep, meaningful connections. It’s the foundation upon which we build our support systems and find a sense of belonging.

In professional settings, trust is equally crucial but often more nuanced. It’s the cornerstone of effective teamwork, leadership, and organizational success. Trust in a professional context facilitates open communication, encourages innovation, and fosters a positive work culture. It’s essential for delegation, collaborative problem-solving, and maintaining ethical standards.

While one could argue that trust in personal relationships has a more profound impact on our overall well-being and life satisfaction, the ramifications of broken trust in a professional setting can be far-reaching, affecting careers, reputations, and even entire organizations.

Ultimately, I believe that trust is paramount in both spheres, as they often intersect and influence each other. A lack of trust in one’s personal life can affect professional performance, while distrust in the workplace can lead to stress that impacts personal relationships. The key lies in recognizing the unique attributes of trust in each context and cultivating it appropriately to create a harmonious balance between our personal and professional lives.”

Trust in personal and professional relationships

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your responses and aim for higher band scores, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Unwavering integrity (noun phrase) – /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ ɪnˈteɡrəti/ – Consistent honesty and strong moral principles
   Example: “Her unwavering integrity made her a respected leader in the community.”

2. Synergistic partnership (noun phrase) – /ˌsɪnəˈdʒɪstɪk ˈpɑːtnəʃɪp/ – A collaborative relationship where the combined effect is greater than the sum of individual efforts
   Example: “Our team’s synergistic partnership led to innovative solutions that surpassed our initial goals.”

3. Catalyst for personal development (phrase) – /ˈkætəlɪst fɔːr ˈpɜːsənl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – Something that accelerates personal growth and improvement
   Example: “Traveling abroad was a catalyst for personal development, broadening my perspective on life.”

4. Multifaceted influence (adjective + noun) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd ˈɪnfluəns/ – Impact that affects many different aspects of something
   Example: “The professor’s multifaceted influence shaped not only my academic pursuits but also my worldview.”

5. Intrinsically linked (adverb + adjective) – /ɪnˈtrɪnsɪkli lɪŋkt/ – Connected in an essential or fundamental way
   Example: “Success and failure are intrinsically linked in the entrepreneurial journey.”

Describe a time when you managed a big responsibility is another topic where you can demonstrate your ability to handle important tasks, which is often related to being trustworthy.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in describing a person you trust during your IELTS Speaking test:

1. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.

2. Expand your vocabulary related to personal qualities, relationships, and trust. Use these words naturally in your responses.

3. Develop your ideas fully. Don’t just state facts; explain the reasons behind your thoughts and feelings.

4. Use a variety of grammatical structures to demonstrate your language proficiency. Include complex sentences and idiomatic expressions where appropriate.

5. Maintain fluency by speaking at a natural pace. It’s okay to pause briefly to gather your thoughts, but avoid long silences.

6. Stay on topic and address all parts of the question or cue card. Organize your thoughts logically to create a coherent response.

By following these tips and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss trust and relationships in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice is key to improving your performance and achieving a high band score.

Describe a decision you made that affected others is another topic that can showcase your ability to handle responsibilities and maintain trust in relationships, which aligns well with the theme of describing a trusted person.