The IELTS Speaking Test is designed to assess your spoken English skills in an interactive setting. As an examiner, what we look for are fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One common topic that might come up is shifting focus to your interpersonal skills and conflict resolution abilities—particularly when you are asked to describe a situation when you had to work with someone you didn’t get along with. This is a fairly common scenario and mastering it can help you score higher in your test.
Common Questions in IELTS Speaking Part 1
In Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), examiners typically ask questions about common topics to warm you up. Here are a few examples:
- Can you tell me about your hometown?
- Do you like your job or course of study?
- How do you usually spend weekends?
- Do you work better in a team or alone? Why?
Sample Answer for Part 1 Question:
Question: Do you work better in a team or alone? Why?
Answer: I believe I perform better in a team because it allows for the pooling of diverse ideas, fostering creativity and innovation. For instance, when I worked on a group project with some classmates, our collective brainstorming sessions led to breakthroughs that I wouldn’t have achieved on my own. However, I do value solitary work when deep concentration is required.
Part 2: Long Turn – Cue Card and Response
Cue Card
Describe a situation when you had to work with someone you didn’t get along with. You should say:
- Who this person was
- What the project/task was
- What the issues were
- How you handled the situation
Sample Answer
Cue Card Response:
One memorable situation when I had to work with someone I didn’t get along with occurred during my final year at university. I was assigned a group project on sustainable development with a classmate named John. He had a reputation for being somewhat confrontational and uncooperative, which proved true soon after we started working together. The project required extensive research and collaboration to present viable solutions for urban sustainability.
The first issue we encountered was John’s tendency to dismiss other people’s ideas without proper consideration. This created a tense environment and hindered our progress. Additionally, John often missed deadlines, resulting in delays and extra workload for the rest of the team.
To handle these challenges, I decided to adopt a more diplomatic and proactive approach. I initiated a candid conversation with John, addressing the issues without sounding accusatory. I proposed a clear division of tasks aligned with each member’s strengths and set up regular progress meetings to ensure accountability. Gradually, John’s attitude improved as he realized the benefits of a structured and respectful working environment. Ultimately, not only did we complete the project successfully, but I also learned valuable lessons in team management and conflict resolution.
Possible Follow-up Questions and Answers:
Question: What did you learn from this experience?
Answer: From this experience, I learned the importance of communication and assertiveness in resolving conflicts. I also understood the necessity of adaptability and patience when dealing with different personalities in a team setting.
Question: Do you think it’s important to get along with colleagues? Why or why not?
Answer: Absolutely. Getting along with colleagues fosters a positive working environment and boosts team morale. When team members have a good rapport, it enhances collaboration and productivity, making it easier to achieve common goals.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions and Sample Answers
Question: In what ways can conflicts in the workplace be managed effectively?
Answer: Conflicts in the workplace can be managed through open communication, where all parties are given the opportunity to express their concerns. Mediation by a neutral party can also help. Additionally, setting clear expectations and roles can prevent misunderstandings that often lead to conflicts. Emphasizing a culture of respect and collaboration is also vital.
Question: Do you think personality differences can impact team performance? Why or why not?
Answer: Yes, personality differences can significantly impact team performance. If not managed well, contrasting personalities can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. However, when harnessed appropriately, diverse personalities can bring varied perspectives and strengths, enriching the team’s performance. Organizational training can also help team members understand and appreciate these differences.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases to Score High
Here are some crucial words and phrases for discussing conflicts and teamwork:
- Diplomatic /ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/ (adj): Skilled in dealing with sensitive matters or people.
- Confrontational /ˌkɑːnfrənˈteɪʃənl/ (adj): Tending to deal with situations in an aggressive way.
- Resolving conflicts: Solving disagreements or disputes.
- Mediation /ˌmiːdiˈeɪʃən/ (n): Intervention in a dispute to resolve it.
- Assertiveness /əˈsɜːrtɪvnɪs/ (n): Confidently expressing one’s needs and rights.
- Accountability /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪlɪti/ (n): The obligation to accept responsibility.
Example Sentences:
- Diplomatic approaches often lead to more effective conflict resolution.
- His confrontational attitude created a hostile work environment.
- Effective mediation is crucial in resolving disputes amicably.
- Assertiveness can help in clearly communicating expectations and boundaries.
Examiner’s Advice on Preparing for High Scores
To excel in the IELTS Speaking Test, practice consistently with a focus on fluency and coherence. Record yourself answering various questions and review your performance. Emphasize diverse vocabulary and complex sentence structures, and do not shy away from showing your emotions and thoughts clearly.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Use idiomatic language and maintain a good pace, and always be prepared to clarify or expand on your answers when asked.
By following these guidelines and practicing with the given examples, you will be well-prepared to handle any question about working with difficult colleagues in your IELTS Speaking Test. Good luck!