As an experienced IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve seen countless candidates struggle with Part 2 of the Speaking test. One common topic that often appears is describing a person you admire for their hard work. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share expert tips and sample answers to help you excel in this task and boost your IELTS Speaking score.

Understanding the Task

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s break down what this task entails. When you’re asked to describe a person you admire for their hard work, the examiner is looking for:

1. Your ability to describe a person in detail
2. Your understanding of what constitutes hard work
3. Your capacity to explain why you admire this person
4. Your skill in organizing your thoughts coherently

This topic has been a recurring theme in IELTS Speaking tests and is likely to remain popular due to its relevance to personal experiences and values.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

While the main focus of this guide is on Part 2, it’s worth noting that the examiner might ask related questions in Part 1 to warm you up. Here are some possible questions:

1. Do you think hard work is important? Why/Why not?
2. What kind of jobs require the most hard work in your opinion?
3. Do you consider yourself a hard-working person?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you think hard work is important? Why/Why not?

Candidate (Band 7-8 answer): Absolutely, I believe hard work is crucial for success in any field. It’s the foundation for achieving our goals and realizing our potential. Without putting in the necessary effort, it’s nearly impossible to make significant progress or overcome challenges. Moreover, hard work often leads to personal growth and a sense of accomplishment, which are invaluable for our overall well-being and self-esteem.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Now, let’s focus on the main task. Here’s a typical cue card you might receive:

Describe a person you admire for their hard work

You should say:

• Who this person is
• What they do
• How you know about their hard work
• And explain why you admire them for their hard work

Dedicated professional working late

Sample Answer (Band 6-7)

The person I admire for their hard work is my uncle, John. He’s a small business owner who runs a local bakery in my hometown. I’ve known about his hard work since I was a child, as I often visited his shop and saw him working tirelessly.

Uncle John starts his day very early, usually around 4 AM, to prepare fresh bread and pastries for the morning rush. He spends long hours in the kitchen, carefully crafting each item with precision and care. Even after the shop closes, he stays behind to clean up and prepare for the next day.

What impresses me most is his dedication to his craft. He’s always experimenting with new recipes and techniques to improve his products. Despite facing tough competition from larger chain bakeries, he has managed to keep his business thriving through sheer determination and hard work.

I admire Uncle John because his hard work shows his passion for what he does. He doesn’t just see it as a job, but as a calling. His perseverance in the face of challenges is truly inspiring. Moreover, his commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has earned him a loyal following in our community.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

The individual I hold in high regard for their exemplary work ethic is Dr. Sarah Chen, a renowned cardiac surgeon at our city’s main hospital. I became acquainted with her remarkable dedication through a documentary series showcasing medical professionals who go above and beyond in their field.

Dr. Chen’s typical day is nothing short of grueling. She often pulls 16-hour shifts, performing complex heart surgeries that require unwavering concentration and precision. What sets her apart is not just the length of her workday, but the intensity and focus she maintains throughout. She approaches each procedure with meticulous attention to detail, fully aware that a single misstep could have life-altering consequences for her patients.

Beyond her surgical duties, Dr. Chen dedicates a significant portion of her limited free time to medical research and mentoring aspiring surgeons. She’s at the forefront of developing innovative cardiac procedures that have the potential to save countless lives. Her contributions to medical journals and her presentations at international conferences further underscore her commitment to advancing her field.

I find Dr. Chen’s hard work admirable for several reasons. Firstly, her unyielding dedication to her patients’ well-being is truly commendable. She doesn’t just see them as cases but as individuals whose lives she can positively impact. Secondly, her relentless pursuit of excellence in her field is inspiring. Despite already being at the top of her profession, she continually strives to improve and innovate.

Moreover, what I find particularly praiseworthy is how she leverages her expertise to give back to the medical community through her mentoring and research efforts. This multiplies the impact of her hard work, potentially influencing the next generation of cardiac surgeons.

In essence, Dr. Chen’s hard work transcends mere professional success. It’s a testament to the profound difference one individual’s dedication can make in the lives of many. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the far-reaching effects of unwavering commitment and passion in one’s chosen field.

Examiner’s Follow-up Questions

After your response, the examiner might ask additional questions such as:

1. How has this person’s hard work influenced you?
2. Do you think hard work always leads to success?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Candidate (Band 8-9 answer): Dr. Chen’s dedication has profoundly influenced my approach to my own work and life goals. Her example has taught me the value of perseverance in the face of challenges and the importance of continuous learning. Inspired by her, I’ve adopted a more disciplined approach to my studies, setting higher standards for myself and pushing beyond my comfort zone. Moreover, her commitment to mentoring has encouraged me to seek ways to share my knowledge and skills with others, fostering a sense of community and mutual growth in my own field.

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:

Examiner: Do you think society values hard work as much as it should?

Candidate (Band 7-8 answer): I believe that while hard work is generally respected, our society doesn’t always value it as much as it should. We often see more attention given to innate talent or quick success rather than the consistent effort that usually underlies achievements. This can be discouraging for those who put in tremendous effort but may not see immediate results. However, I think there’s a growing recognition of the importance of grit and perseverance, especially in fields like science and entrepreneurship, where breakthroughs often come after years of dedicated work.

Candidate (Band 8-9 answer): This is a nuanced issue that varies across different sectors of society. In some areas, particularly in competitive fields like sports or academia, hard work is highly valued and often celebrated. However, in the broader societal context, I’d argue that we don’t always give due recognition to consistent, long-term effort. There’s often a disproportionate focus on innate talent or overnight success stories, which can overshadow the reality that most significant achievements are the result of sustained hard work.

Moreover, in our rapidly evolving digital age, there’s a tendency to seek instant gratification and quick results. This cultural shift can sometimes undervalue the importance of perseverance and dedicated effort over time. That said, I believe there’s a growing counter-movement, especially in education and personal development circles, that emphasizes the critical role of grit and deliberate practice in achieving meaningful success.

Ultimately, I think society’s valuation of hard work is in flux. While we may not consistently recognize it as we should, there’s an increasing awareness of its importance, particularly as we face complex global challenges that require sustained effort and dedication to overcome.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your Speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Unyielding dedication (phrase) – /ʌnˈjiːldɪŋ ˌdedɪˈkeɪʃn/: Unwavering commitment to a cause or task.
   Example: Her unyielding dedication to patient care sets her apart from her colleagues.

2. Exemplary (adjective) – /ɪɡˈzempləri/: Serving as a desirable model; very good.
   Example: His exemplary work ethic inspired everyone in the office.

3. Perseverance (noun) – /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/: Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
   Example: Her success was a testament to her perseverance in the face of numerous setbacks.

4. Meticulous (adjective) – /məˈtɪkjələs/: Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
   Example: The surgeon’s meticulous approach ensured the best possible outcome for the patient.

5. Relentless (adjective) – /rɪˈlentləs/: Unceasingly intense or harsh.
   Example: His relentless pursuit of excellence drove him to continually improve his skills.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person you admire for their hard work:

1. Be specific: Provide concrete examples of the person’s hard work rather than general statements.
2. Use sophisticated vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases relevant to the topic.
3. Maintain coherence: Ensure your ideas flow logically from one point to the next.
4. Show depth of thought: Don’t just describe what the person does, but explain why their hard work is admirable and its impact.
5. Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with various topics and practice speaking about them fluently.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high band score.

By following these guidelines and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle this topic and similar ones in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!