Mastering the Art of Promise-Keeping: A Guide to IELTS Speaking Success

Keeping promises is a universal concept that resonates with people across cultures and ages. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2, where candidates are asked to describe a specific experience. Understanding how to effectively discuss this subject can significantly boost your performance in the exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about promises and commitments. Here are some potential questions you might encounter:

1. Do you think it’s important to keep promises? Why or why not?
2. How do you feel when someone breaks a promise to you?
3. Are you good at keeping promises?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I believe keeping promises is crucial in both personal and professional relationships. It’s a fundamental aspect of building trust and demonstrating reliability. When we keep our promises, we show respect for others and their time, which is essential for maintaining strong, healthy connections. Moreover, consistently fulfilling our commitments helps establish a positive reputation, which can open doors to new opportunities in various aspects of life.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Now, let’s move on to the main topic. Here’s a potential cue card you might receive:

Describe a time when you had to keep a promise

You should say:
- What the promise was
- Who you made the promise to
- Why you made the promise
- And explain how you felt about keeping the promise

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a time when I had to keep a promise I made to my younger sister. A few years ago, she was struggling with her math studies and was feeling really discouraged. I promised her that I would help her improve her grades if she put in the effort to study regularly.

The promise was made to my sister, who was about 14 at the time. I made this promise because I could see how upset she was about her poor performance in math, and I wanted to support her in any way I could. As her older brother, I felt responsible for her well-being and academic success.

Keeping this promise involved setting aside time every evening to tutor her, even when I was busy with my own studies. We worked together on practice problems, and I explained concepts that she found challenging. It wasn’t always easy, especially when I was tired or had my own deadlines to meet, but I knew how important it was to follow through on my commitment.

Overall, I felt proud of myself for keeping this promise. It was rewarding to see my sister’s confidence grow as her grades improved. This experience taught me the value of perseverance and the positive impact that keeping promises can have on others. It strengthened our bond as siblings and gave me a sense of accomplishment knowing that I had made a meaningful difference in her life.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to recount a significant instance when I had to fulfill a promise I made to my younger sibling. It was a pivotal moment in both our lives, as she was grappling with her mathematical studies and experiencing a profound sense of discouragement. I made a solemn vow to assist her in elevating her academic performance, contingent upon her commitment to consistent study habits.

This promise was extended to my sister, who was on the cusp of adolescence at 14 years old. My motivation for making this pledge stemmed from a deep-seated concern for her emotional well-being and academic trajectory. As her elder sibling, I felt an innate responsibility to nurture her growth and foster her educational success.

Honoring this commitment entailed carving out dedicated time each evening for tutoring sessions, even amidst the demands of my own academic pursuits. We diligently tackled practice problems together, and I endeavored to elucidate complex concepts that she found particularly challenging. While it wasn’t always a seamless process, especially when fatigue set in or I faced looming deadlines, I remained acutely aware of the importance of steadfastly adhering to my word.

Reflecting on this experience, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and fulfillment. Witnessing my sister’s burgeoning confidence in tandem with her improving grades was immensely gratifying. This journey served as a poignant reminder of the power of perseverance and the profound impact that honoring one’s commitments can have on others. It not only fortified our sibling bond but also instilled in me a deep sense of accomplishment, knowing that I had made a tangible and positive difference in her life.”

Keeping a promise by tutoring sister

Follow-up Questions:

1. How did keeping this promise affect your relationship with your sister?
2. Did you face any challenges while keeping this promise?

Sample Answers (Band 8-9):

1. “Keeping this promise had a profoundly positive impact on my relationship with my sister. It fostered a deeper sense of trust and mutual respect between us. She began to see me not just as her older sibling, but as a reliable mentor and confidant. This experience created a stronger bond that extended beyond academics, leading to more open communication and shared experiences in other aspects of our lives.”

2. “Indeed, there were several challenges I encountered while keeping this promise. The most significant was balancing my own academic commitments with the time required for tutoring. There were occasions when I had to sacrifice social activities or personal leisure time to ensure I could assist my sister. Additionally, explaining complex mathematical concepts in a way that she could understand sometimes proved challenging and required me to develop new teaching strategies. However, overcoming these obstacles ultimately enhanced my time management skills and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to promises and commitments. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Q: Why do you think some people find it difficult to keep promises?

   Answer (Band 8-9): “There are multiple factors that can contribute to difficulty in keeping promises. Firstly, some individuals may struggle with time management or overestimate their capacity to fulfill commitments. This can lead to overcommitting and subsequently failing to meet all obligations. Secondly, unforeseen circumstances or emergencies can arise, making it challenging to honor promises despite good intentions. Additionally, some people might lack the self-discipline or integrity required to prioritize promise-keeping, especially when it becomes inconvenient or requires personal sacrifice. Lastly, in certain cases, poor communication can lead to misunderstandings about the nature or scope of the promise, resulting in unintentional breaches.”

2. Q: How important do you think it is for leaders to keep their promises?

   Answer (Band 8-9): “I believe it’s absolutely crucial for leaders to keep their promises, as it directly impacts their credibility and effectiveness. When leaders consistently fulfill their commitments, it fosters trust and respect among their followers or constituents. This trust is fundamental in inspiring others and maintaining team morale. Moreover, leaders who keep their promises set a powerful example, creating a culture of accountability and reliability within their organizations or communities. Conversely, leaders who frequently break promises risk eroding their authority and the confidence of those they lead, potentially leading to decreased productivity, loyalty, and overall success of their initiatives.”

Leader keeping promise to team

3. Q: Do you think the importance of keeping promises has changed in modern society?

   Answer (Band 8-9): “I believe the fundamental importance of keeping promises remains unchanged in modern society, but the context and implications have evolved significantly. In today’s interconnected world, the repercussions of breaking promises can be more far-reaching and immediate due to social media and instant communication. This increased visibility has heightened the stakes for promise-keeping, especially for public figures and businesses. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of modern life has led to a greater emphasis on reliability and efficiency, making promise-keeping a valuable trait in both personal and professional spheres. However, the complexity of modern commitments, such as those related to data privacy or long-term environmental pledges, has also increased, making some promises more challenging to keep or verify. Overall, while the core value of keeping one’s word remains constant, the modern context has amplified its importance and complexity.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases:

1. Integrity /ɪnˈteɡrəti/ (noun): The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
   Example: “Keeping promises is a testament to one’s integrity.”

2. Commitment /kəˈmɪtmənt/ (noun): The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause or activity.
   Example: “Fulfilling promises demonstrates a strong sense of commitment.”

3. To follow through (phrasal verb): To complete an action or process, especially something that you have said you would do.
   Example: “It’s important to follow through on your promises to maintain trust.”

4. Accountability /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/ (noun): The fact or condition of being accountable; responsibility.
   Example: “Promise-keeping fosters a culture of accountability in both personal and professional relationships.”

5. To uphold /ʌpˈhoʊld/ (verb): To maintain or defend a principle or belief.
   Example: “Leaders must uphold their promises to maintain credibility.”

Describe a weekend that you enjoyed can be another interesting topic to explore in IELTS Speaking, as it allows you to showcase your ability to describe personal experiences vividly.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing keeping promises:

1. Use specific examples to illustrate your points, making your answers more engaging and memorable.
2. Demonstrate a range of vocabulary related to promises, commitment, and integrity.
3. Discuss both personal and societal implications of promise-keeping to show depth of thought.
4. Practice speaking about different types of promises and scenarios to improve fluency.
5. Reflect on challenges in keeping promises to showcase critical thinking skills.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about the content of your answers, but also how you deliver them. Confidence, clarity, and fluency are crucial factors in achieving a high score.

Describe a piece of technology that you find difficult to use could be an interesting contrast to discuss after talking about keeping promises, as it shifts the focus to personal challenges and adaptability.

By following these guidelines and incorporating sophisticated vocabulary and examples, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any question about keeping promises in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to practice regularly and seek feedback to continually improve your performance.