IELTS Speaking examiners often ask candidates to describe someone they have recently encountered. This topic allows test-takers to showcase their vocabulary, grammar, and ability to provide detailed descriptions. Let’s explore how to excel in answering questions about a person you met recently, with sample answers for different band scores.
Describe a person you have recently met is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. It’s essential to be prepared for this type of question, as it can appear in various forms across all parts of the speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask simple questions about people you’ve met. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Q: Have you met any new people recently?
A: (Band 7-8) Yes, I have. Just last week, I attended a networking event for young professionals in my city, and I had the opportunity to meet several interesting individuals from diverse backgrounds. One person, in particular, stood out – a software engineer who recently moved here from abroad. It was fascinating to hear about her experiences and the cultural differences she’s noticed.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a person you met recently:
Describe a person you met recently who made a strong impression on you.
You should say:
- Who this person was
- Where and when you met them
- What you talked about
- And explain why they made a strong impression on you
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about a person I met recently who left a strong impression on me. It was a elderly gentleman I encountered at a local coffee shop last month.
I was sitting at my usual table, working on my laptop, when this man, probably in his late seventies, politely asked if he could join me as all other tables were occupied. I agreed, and we started chatting.
He introduced himself as Mr. Johnson, a retired high school teacher. We talked about various topics, from education to technology. What struck me most was his enthusiasm for learning new things, despite his age. He shared stories about how he’s been taking online courses to keep his mind active.
The reason he made such a strong impression on me was his positive outlook on life and his willingness to embrace change. It was inspiring to see someone of his age so eager to learn and adapt to the modern world. His attitude really made me reflect on my own approach to learning and personal growth.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to describe a person I encountered recently who left an indelible impression on me. This individual was a charismatic young entrepreneur I met at a TEDx event in my city about three weeks ago.
The event was bustling with people from various fields, but this particular person stood out due to her compelling presence. She introduced herself as Sarah Chen, the founder of a innovative tech startup focusing on sustainable energy solutions. We struck up a conversation during the networking session after the main talks.
Our discussion revolved around the future of renewable energy and the challenges of running a startup in this competitive field. What captivated me was her profound knowledge of the subject matter combined with her infectious enthusiasm. She articulated complex ideas with remarkable clarity, making them accessible even to someone like me who isn’t an expert in the field.
Sarah made such a strong impression for several reasons. Firstly, her passion for her work was palpable, evident in the way her eyes lit up when discussing potential solutions to global energy problems. Secondly, despite her obvious success at a young age, she remained humble and genuinely interested in hearing others’ perspectives. Lastly, her ability to seamlessly blend technical expertise with excellent communication skills was truly admirable.
Meeting Sarah was eye-opening and inspirational. It reinforced my belief in the power of innovation and dedication to make a significant impact on the world. Her example has motivated me to pursue my own goals with renewed vigor and to always strive for excellence in my chosen field.
Follow-up Questions:
- Do you think this person will have a lasting impact on your life?
- How do you usually remember people you’ve just met?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
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Absolutely. Encountering Sarah has been a watershed moment in my personal and professional outlook. Her unwavering commitment to addressing global challenges through innovation has inspired me to reassess my own career goals. I find myself more inclined to seek out opportunities that align with my values and have the potential to create positive change. Moreover, her example has reinforced the importance of continuous learning and staying abreast of developments in one’s field, regardless of age or experience level.
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I employ several strategies to remember people I’ve just met. Firstly, I make a conscious effort to repeat their name in conversation, which helps cement it in my memory. Additionally, I try to associate the person with a unique characteristic or topic we discussed, creating a mental connection that’s easier to recall later. For instance, I might remember Sarah as “the renewable energy entrepreneur with the infectious laugh.” Lastly, I often jot down key points about new acquaintances in my phone shortly after meeting them, which serves as a helpful reference for future interactions.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some examples with suggested answers:
Q: Do you think first impressions are always accurate?
A: (Band 7-8) In my opinion, first impressions can be misleading. While they often provide some insights into a person’s character, they’re not always accurate or complete. Various factors, such as the context of the meeting, one’s mood, or preconceived notions, can influence our initial perceptions. It’s important to keep an open mind and allow time for a more comprehensive understanding of someone to develop. That being said, I believe our intuition can sometimes pick up on subtle cues that give us valuable information about a person right from the start.
Q: How has technology changed the way people meet and interact?
A: (Band 8-9) Technology has revolutionized the way people meet and interact in numerous ways. Social media platforms and dating apps have expanded our social circles beyond geographical constraints, allowing us to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds whom we might never have encountered otherwise. Video conferencing tools have made it possible to maintain long-distance relationships and collaborate with colleagues across the globe, fostering a sense of closeness despite physical separation.
However, this technological shift has also brought about some challenges. The prevalence of online interactions has, in some cases, led to a decrease in face-to-face communication skills. There’s also the issue of authenticity, as people can curate their online personas, potentially leading to discrepancies between virtual and real-life impressions.
Moreover, the constant connectivity enabled by smartphones and social media can sometimes interfere with the quality of in-person interactions, as people may be distracted by notifications or the urge to document their experiences rather than fully engaging in the moment.
Despite these challenges, I believe that when used mindfully, technology can enhance our ability to form meaningful connections and maintain relationships across distances and cultural boundaries.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and expressions. Here are some words and phrases that can elevate your responses:
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Charismatic /ˌkærɪzˈmætɪk/ (adj): Having a compelling attractiveness that inspires devotion in others.
Example: “The charismatic speaker captivated the entire audience.” -
Indelible impression /ɪnˈdelɪbl ɪmˈpreʃn/ (phrase): A lasting effect or influence.
Example: “Our brief encounter left an indelible impression on me.” -
Articulate /ɑːrˈtɪkjuleɪt/ (verb): Express thoughts or feelings fluently and coherently.
Example: “She articulated her ideas with remarkable clarity.” -
Palpable /ˈpælpəbl/ (adj): Able to be touched or felt; obvious or tangible.
Example: “His enthusiasm for the project was palpable.” -
Watershed moment /ˈwɔːtərʃed ˈməʊmənt/ (phrase): A turning point or critical moment.
Example: “Meeting her was a watershed moment in my career.”
Describe an interesting old person you met recently is another common variation of this topic. You can adapt many of these vocabulary items and structures to describe an older individual as well.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person you met recently:
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Practice diverse descriptions: Prepare to describe various types of people – colleagues, strangers, friends of friends – to broaden your vocabulary range.
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Focus on details: Include specific information about the person’s appearance, personality, and the context of your meeting to make your description vivid and engaging.
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Use a variety of tenses: Incorporate past, present, and future tenses as appropriate to demonstrate your grammatical range.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts; explain why certain aspects of the person or your interaction were significant or memorable.
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Maintain fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas coherently.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about answering the question, but doing so in a way that showcases your English language skills effectively.
Describe a person who is good at using technology could be another related topic where you can apply similar strategies and vocabulary, especially when discussing how technology influences modern interactions.
By following these guidelines and incorporating sophisticated vocabulary and structures, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about describing people you’ve recently met in your IELTS Speaking test.