The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in English. The examiner evaluates your fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Questions focusing on dealing with difficult people are quite common, aiming to test your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and emotional intelligence.

In this article, we will delve into how to effectively answer the question, “Describe A Time When You Had To Deal With A Difficult Person.” We will break down the potential structure of your answer, provide sample responses, and highlight key vocabulary and expressions to help you achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Common Questions

In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, examiners often ask introductory questions. Here are some examples:

• Can you tell me about a time when you had a disagreement with someone?
• How do you usually handle difficult situations or people?

Sample Response

Question: Can you tell me about a time when you had a disagreement with someone?

Answer: Absolutely. I recall an instance during a group project at university where one of my teammates was particularly uncooperative. Despite multiple attempts to engage him in discussions, he frequently missed deadlines and contributed subpar work. This situation was challenging, but I decided to address it diplomatically. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting with him, explained how his actions were affecting the group, and sought his perspective. Ultimately, we found common ground, and he became more engaged. This experience taught me the importance of clear communication and empathy in conflict resolution.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult person. You should say:

• Who this person was
• Why they were difficult
• What you did to handle the situation
• And explain how you felt about it

Sample Answer

One time, I had to deal with a difficult colleague at work. This individual was particularly challenging because he was consistently negative and resistant to change. His negative attitude was demoralizing for the entire team, making it difficult to achieve our project goals.

Dealing with a Difficult Colleague

To handle the situation, I decided to approach him privately and discuss his concerns. I listened to his frustrations without interrupting and acknowledged the difficulties he was facing. After that, I shared how his behavior was impacting the team’s morale and productivity. By focusing on constructive feedback and offering support, I managed to foster a more cooperative relationship.

I felt a mix of relief and accomplishment after this interaction. It reinforced my belief in the power of effective communication and empathy in resolving conflicts.

Follow-up Questions

• What did you learn from this experience?
  Answer: I learned that addressing issues directly yet tactfully can lead to positive outcomes. It’s crucial to approach conflicts with an open mind and a willingness to understand the other person’s perspective.

• Would you handle a similar situation differently now?
  Answer: With the benefit of hindsight, I might have involved a neutral third party earlier to mediate and ensure a more balanced dialogue from the outset.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner’s Questions

1. Why do you think some people are difficult to get along with?
   Answer: There are several reasons why people might be difficult to get along with. It could be due to personal insecurities, past experiences, or simply a clash of personalities. Some individuals may lack effective communication skills or emotional intelligence, making interactions more challenging.

2. How important are good communication skills in modern workplaces?
   Answer: Good communication skills are paramount in modern workplaces. Clear and effective communication minimizes misunderstandings, promotes teamwork, and enhances productivity. It helps in building a positive work environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

3. Can conflicts ever be beneficial? If so, how?
   Answer: Yes, conflicts can be beneficial if managed properly. They can lead to better problem-solving as they force individuals to confront issues and find solutions. Conflicts can also strengthen relationships by building deeper understanding and respect among team members.

Key Vocabulary and Structures

Important Vocabulary

• Uncooperative (adj): /ˌʌn.kəʊˈɒp.ər.ə.tɪv/ – Not willing to work with others.
• Diplomatic (adj): /ˌdɪp.ləˈmæt.ɪk/ – Involving tact in dealing with people.
• Constructive feedback (noun): /kənˈstrʌk.tɪv ˈfiːd.bæk/ – Helpful and aimed at improvement.
• Emotional intelligence (noun): /ɪˌməʊ.ʃən.əl ˌɪnˈtel.ɪ.dʒəns/ – The ability to understand and manage your own emotions, and to understand and influence the emotions of others.

Sentence Structures

• This situation was challenging, but I decided to…
• Ultimately, we found common ground…
• I managed to foster a more cooperative relationship…
• It reinforced my belief in the power of…

By incorporating these terms and structures into your responses, you can demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency.

Advice from the Examiner

1. Practice Regularly: Utilize resources like past IELTS questions and practice with a partner or a tutor.
2. Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn and use new vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.
3. Maintain Coherence: Structure your answers logically, with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
4. Stay Calm and Confident: Being nervous is natural, but try to stay composed and speak clearly.

By following these guidelines and practicing the sample responses, you can enhance your skills and be better prepared for the IELTS Speaking test.