Describe a Time When You Had to Be Patient: IELTS Speaking Tips and Sample Answers

Speaking is a crucial part of the IELTS exam, where candidates are evaluated on their fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. One common topic that might appear is “Describe a time when you had to be patient.” Understanding how to respond to such questions efficiently can significantly impact your score.

In this guide, we’ll explore some effective techniques, provide sample answers, and analyze key vocabulary to help you excel in this part of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Here, the examiner often asks general questions about your life, work, family, or interests. These questions are designed to get you talking and to assess your ability to communicate in English naturally.

Sample Question:

What do you do when you’re waiting for something or someone?

Suggested Answer:

“When I’m waiting for something or someone, I usually try to keep myself occupied. For instance, I might read a book, listen to a podcast, or check my emails. Sometimes, I simply enjoy people-watching, as it can be quite interesting to observe others and think about their stories.”

Part 2: Long Turn

In this part, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. You will have one minute to prepare and should try to speak for two minutes.

Cue Card:

Describe a time when you had to be patient. You should say:

• When it was
• Why you had to be patient
• How you felt
• Explain why it was important to be patient

Suggested Answer:

“One time I had to be patient was when I applied for my university scholarship. It was during my final year of high school, and I had to wait for several months to receive the results. Initially, I felt quite anxious because the scholarship was extremely competitive, and it was essential for funding my education. Throughout this period, I had to remain focused on my studies while balancing my nervous anticipation. Finally, when I received the acceptance letter, the sense of relief and accomplishment was immense. This experience taught me the value of persistence and resilience, as patience was key to my success.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions, inviting you to discuss the topic in greater depth.

Sample Questions:

1. Why is patience important in today’s society?
2. Do you think people have become less patient in recent years? Why?
3. What are some ways people can develop patience?

Suggested Answers:

1. “Patience is critical in today’s fast-paced world because it helps individuals cope with stress and make more informed decisions. For example, in professional settings, patience allows for better teamwork and conflict resolution.”

2. “Yes, I believe people have become less patient recently, largely due to the immediacy provided by modern technology. Instant gratification from smartphones and the internet has conditioned us to expect quick results, reducing our ability to wait.”

3. “People can develop patience through practices such as mindfulness and meditation. These techniques help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions, allowing them to manage their impulses better. Additionally, setting realistic goals and recognizing the value of delayed gratification can reinforce patience.”

Key Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores

To score high in the IELTS Speaking test, employ a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures.

Vocabulary:

• Persistence /pərˈsɪstəns/ (noun): The fact of continuing in an opinion or course of action despite difficulty or opposition.

  • Example: “His persistence in facing challenges is truly admirable.”

• Anticipation /ænˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃən/ (noun): A feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen.

  • Example: “The anticipation of the new job made her both nervous and excited.”

• Immediate gratification (noun): The experience of instant joy or satisfaction after getting what we wanted.

  • Example: “The internet often leads people to expect immediate gratification.”

• Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

  • Example: “Her resilience was evident after she bounced back from the setback.”

Structures:

Use complex sentence structures, such as conditional sentences, relative clauses, and proficient use of conjunctions.

• Conditional sentences:

  • “If I hadn’t been patient, I wouldn’t have succeeded.”

• Relative clauses:

  • “The results, which I waited for anxiously, determined my future.”

• Conjunctions and cohesive devices:

  • “Although waiting was difficult, it taught me valuable lessons.”

Tips for Practicing and Achieving High Scores

1. Practice Regularly: Daily practice improves fluency and confidence.
2. Expand Vocabulary: Learn and use synonyms to avoid repetition.
3. Record Yourself: Listening to your recordings helps identify areas for improvement.
4. Seek Feedback: Practice with others and seek constructive feedback.
5. Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and stay composed during the test.

By integrating these strategies and vocabulary into your preparation, you can enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, demonstrating patience and perseverance in your practice will ultimately lead to success.

Patience in Waiting Room

For additional practice, you might find these related topics helpful: Describe a time when you helped a stranger, Describe a person who has influenced your life.

By adhering to these tips and utilizing the sample answers provided, you can confidently approach your IELTS Speaking exam and aim for a high score.