The topic of describing a patient person is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared regularly in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject for future tests. This topic allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to describe personal qualities, discuss relationships, and express opinions on character traits.
Describe a person who taught you the value of kindness can be closely related to describing a patient person, as patience is often considered a form of kindness. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about a patient person across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about patience. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you consider yourself a patient person?
A: To a certain extent, yes. I’d say I’m generally patient in most situations, especially when dealing with complex tasks or helping others. However, I must admit that I can occasionally become impatient when faced with unnecessary delays or inefficiency. I’m constantly working on improving my patience as I believe it’s a valuable trait in both personal and professional life.
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Discussing patience
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person you know who has a lot of patience.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain why you think this person is patient
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
I’d like to talk about my grandmother, who is one of the most patient people I know. I’ve known her my whole life, of course, as she’s been a constant presence in our family.
My grandmother is a retired schoolteacher, and she now spends most of her time gardening and volunteering at a local community center. What makes her incredibly patient is the way she interacts with people, especially children and the elderly at the center.
I believe she’s patient because she always takes the time to listen to others without interrupting. She never rushes people when they’re speaking and always offers a kind word or advice when needed. For example, when helping kids with their homework at the center, she’ll explain things multiple times without getting frustrated.
Her patience is also evident in her gardening. She can spend hours tending to her plants, carefully nurturing each one. It’s amazing to see how she doesn’t get discouraged when plants don’t grow as expected, but instead, she keeps trying different methods.
In my opinion, her patience comes from years of experience as a teacher and her natural empathy for others. She often says that patience is a virtue that helps build stronger relationships and leads to better outcomes in life.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to describe my mentor, Dr. Sarah Thompson, who epitomizes patience in both her professional and personal life. I first met Dr. Thompson five years ago when I joined her research team at the university where she works as a distinguished professor of psychology.
Dr. Thompson’s primary occupation involves conducting long-term studies on human behavior and cognitive development. Her work requires an extraordinary level of patience, as some of her research projects span decades. What truly sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to these studies, even when faced with setbacks or slow progress.
I consider Dr. Thompson to be exceptionally patient for several reasons. Firstly, her approach to mentoring junior researchers like myself is remarkably composed. She patiently guides us through complex methodologies and painstakingly reviews our work, offering constructive feedback without ever showing frustration.
Moreover, her patience shines through in her interactions with study participants. Many of these individuals come from diverse backgrounds and may struggle to understand certain concepts. Dr. Thompson consistently demonstrates empathy and takes the time to explain things in various ways until comprehension is achieved.
Perhaps the most striking example of her patience is her reaction to criticism or challenges to her research. Instead of becoming defensive, she calmly addresses each point, often saying, “Let’s examine this perspective.” This approach not only diffuses tension but also fosters a collaborative environment where all ideas are valued.
In my view, Dr. Thompson’s patience stems from her profound understanding of human nature and the scientific process. She often remarks that “True progress is rarely linear” and that patience is not just about waiting, but about maintaining a positive attitude while working hard for what you believe in.
Her patience has not only contributed to groundbreaking research but has also inspired a generation of scientists to approach their work with similar dedication and composure. Dr. Thompson’s example has taught me that patience is not merely a passive virtue, but an active force that can drive significant achievements and personal growth.
IELTS Speaking: Describing a patient mentor
Follow-up Questions
Q: How has this person’s patience influenced you?
A (Band 6-7): My grandmother’s patience has definitely had a positive impact on me. I’ve learned to be more understanding with others and not to jump to conclusions quickly. I try to remember her example when I’m feeling frustrated, and it helps me stay calm in difficult situations.
A (Band 8-9): Dr. Thompson’s patience has profoundly influenced my approach to both research and interpersonal relationships. Her example has taught me to embrace the long-term perspective in my work, understanding that meaningful results often require sustained effort and perseverance. Moreover, I’ve learned to cultivate active listening skills and to approach disagreements with a more open and analytical mindset. This has not only improved my academic performance but has also enhanced my ability to collaborate effectively in diverse teams.
Q: Do you think patience is becoming less common in today’s fast-paced world?
A (Band 6-7): Yes, I think patience is becoming rarer these days. With everything moving so quickly and people wanting instant results, it’s hard for many to wait or take things slowly. Social media and fast technology have made us expect quick responses and solutions to everything.
A (Band 8-9): Indeed, there’s a perceptible decline in patience in our increasingly fast-paced society. The ubiquity of instant gratification, fueled by technological advancements and the real-time nature of digital communication, has arguably eroded our collective capacity for patience. However, I believe this trend has also sparked a counter-movement, with many individuals and organizations recognizing the value of patience and mindfulness in achieving long-term success and well-being. This dichotomy presents an interesting challenge for our society as we navigate the balance between efficiency and the benefits of patient, deliberate action.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: What are some professions that require a high level of patience?
A (Band 6-7): I think teachers need a lot of patience, especially when working with young children or students who struggle with learning. Doctors and nurses also need to be patient when dealing with sick people who might be frustrated or scared. Customer service representatives often face angry customers, so they definitely need patience to handle those situations calmly.
A (Band 8-9): Several professions demand exceptional levels of patience. Educators, particularly those working in special education, require immense patience to adapt their teaching methods to diverse learning needs. Similarly, healthcare professionals, especially those in fields like palliative care or psychiatry, must exercise patience when dealing with chronic conditions or complex mental health issues. In the realm of scientific research, patience is paramount, as breakthroughs often come after years of meticulous work and numerous setbacks. Additionally, diplomats and negotiators in international relations must possess extraordinary patience to navigate delicate political landscapes and broker agreements between conflicting parties.
Q: How can patience be cultivated in children?
A (Band 6-7): I think parents and teachers can help children develop patience by setting a good example. They can create activities that require waiting, like planting seeds and watching them grow. It’s also important to praise children when they show patience and explain why it’s valuable. Games that involve taking turns can also teach patience in a fun way.
A (Band 8-9): Cultivating patience in children requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, modeling patient behavior is crucial, as children often emulate the adults in their lives. Parents and educators can deliberately narrate their own experiences of waiting or persevering, making the internal process of patience visible to children. Additionally, incorporating delayed gratification exercises into daily routines can be effective. This might involve setting long-term goals and celebrating incremental progress, teaching children that worthwhile achievements often require time and effort.
It’s also beneficial to engage children in activities that inherently require patience, such as gardening, cooking, or learning a musical instrument. These pursuits naturally demonstrate the relationship between patience and rewarding outcomes. Furthermore, mindfulness practices adapted for children can help develop their ability to stay present and manage impulsive reactions. Lastly, it’s essential to create an environment that values the process as much as the outcome, helping children understand that patience itself is a valuable skill rather than merely a means to an end.
Cultivating patience in children
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Epitomize /ɪˈpɪtəmaɪz/ (verb): To be a perfect example of something.
Example: “Her calm demeanor epitomizes patience in challenging situations.”Unwavering /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ (adjective): Steady and determined.
Example: “Despite numerous setbacks, she maintained an unwavering commitment to her goals.”Composed /kəmˈpəʊzd/ (adjective): Calm and in control of one’s emotions.
Example: “Even under pressure, he remained remarkably composed.”Painstakingly /ˈpeɪnzteɪkɪŋli/ (adverb): With great care and thoroughness.
Example: “She painstakingly reviewed each detail of the project.”Diffuse tension (phrase): To reduce or eliminate stress or conflict in a situation.
Example: “His ability to diffuse tension in heated debates is admirable.”Foster /ˈfɒstə(r)/ (verb): To encourage the development of something.
Example: “Good leaders foster an environment of mutual respect and patience.”Profound understanding (phrase): Deep and thorough knowledge or insight.
Example: “Her profound understanding of human nature contributes to her patient approach.”Active force (phrase): A dynamic and influential factor.
Example: “Patience can be an active force in achieving long-term goals.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a patient person:
- Use a range of descriptive vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to portray the person’s patience vividly.
- Provide specific examples that illustrate the person’s patience in action.
- Discuss the impact of their patience on others and themselves.
- Reflect on the value of patience in different contexts (personal, professional, societal).
- Practice speaking about patience in various scenarios to improve fluency and coherence.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clear pronunciation, natural intonation, and a good balance between fluency and accuracy.
Describe a skill that took you a long time to learn could be an excellent topic to practice, as it often requires discussing the role of patience in skill acquisition.