The IELTS Speaking test is a critical component of the IELTS exam, designed to evaluate a candidate’s proficiency in spoken English. The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview
- Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiners assess candidates based on four criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. One common topic that often appears is “Describe A Time When You Had To Negotiate A Deal”. This topic allows you to showcase your negotiation skills, use of relevant vocabulary, and ability to structure a coherent narrative.
In this article, we will explore how to effectively respond to this topic and provide detailed examples. We will also look at common keywords and related queries to help you craft a compelling answer.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
In Part 1, the examiner asks a series of questions about you, your home, work or study, and other familiar topics. Here are some example questions and suggested answers:
Example Question:
Q: Do you often negotiate in your daily life?
A: Yes, I do. Negotiation is a part of many daily interactions, whether it’s discussing deadlines with colleagues or deciding on family plans. For instance, last week I had to negotiate with a client about extending a project deadline. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience because both parties were satisfied with the negotiated terms.
business-negotiation|Business Negotiation|A business meeting where two people are shaking hands over a contract, signifying a successful negotiation.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Cue Card Example:
Describe a time when you had to negotiate a deal.
You should say:
- Who the other person was
- What the deal was about
- What you did during the negotiation
- And explain how you felt about the negotiation.
Sample Answer:
There was a significant occasion when I had to negotiate a deal with a supplier for my company. The other person was the sales manager of a major office supply company. The deal was about securing a bulk order of office supplies at a discounted rate.
During the negotiation, I ensured that I gathered detailed information about our requirements and potential cost savings. I highlighted the long-term relationship our companies could establish and emphasized the benefits of reliable, repeat business. We had a back-and-forth discussion about the pricing and delivery terms. Eventually, we agreed on a price that was 10% lower than the initial offer, and favorable delivery terms that suited both parties.
I felt a great sense of achievement after the negotiation. It was a great learning experience that honed my negotiation skills and boosted my confidence. Moreover, securing that deal significantly benefited my company financially.
Related Follow-up Questions:
Q: What qualities do you think are important for a successful negotiator?
A: A successful negotiator should possess excellent communication skills, the ability to listen actively, patience, and a keen understanding of both their needs and the other party’s interests. Integrity and the ability to think quickly on your feet are equally important.
Q: Do you think negotiation skills are important for team leaders?
A: Absolutely. Team leaders often face situations where they need to mediate between conflicting interests within the team or negotiate resources and deadlines with other departments. Effective negotiation skills can foster a collaborative environment and lead to better decision-making.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner asks more abstract questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2.
Example Dialogue:
Examiner: How important are negotiations in business settings?
Candidate: Negotiations are crucial in business as they help balance different interests and reach agreements that are acceptable to all parties involved. Successful negotiations can lead to beneficial partnerships, optimized resource allocation, and enhanced business growth. For example, negotiating favorable terms with suppliers can significantly reduce operational costs and improve profit margins.
Examiner: Can negotiation strategies be taught, or are they an innate skill?
Candidate: While some individuals may have a natural knack for negotiation, effective strategies can certainly be taught and refined through practice and experience. Training programs, workshops, and real-world practice can help individuals develop essential negotiation skills, such as strategic planning, effective communication, and problem-solving.
Essential Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Key Vocabulary:
- Negotiate (verb): [nɪˈɡoʊʃieɪt] – To discuss something formally in order to reach an agreement.
- Bargain (noun/verb): [ˈbɑːrɡɪn] – An agreement between two or more people or groups as to what each will do for the other.
- Compromise (noun/verb): [ˈkɑːmprəmaɪz] – An agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions.
- Concession (noun): [kənˈseʃn] – A thing that is granted, especially in response to demands.
- Mediator (noun): [ˈmiːdieɪtər] – A person who attempts to make people involved in a conflict come to an agreement; a go-between.
Useful Phrases:
- “A win-win situation”: A scenario where all parties benefit.
- “Come to terms”: To reach an agreement that is acceptable.
- “Strike a deal”: To come to an agreement on a negotiation.
Example Sentences:
- “We managed to strike a deal that was beneficial for both parties.”
- “After several hours of negotiation, we finally came to terms with a solution that worked for everyone.”
- “The mediator played a crucial role in helping the parties reach a compromise.”
Expert Tips for High Scores in IELTS Speaking
- Practice Regularly: Engage in mock speaking tests and get feedback from tutors or native speakers.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn and use a range of vocabulary related to various topics, including business and negotiation.
- Work on Pronunciation: Clear pronunciation helps in making your speech more understandable.
- Stay Coherent: Maintain a logical flow in your answers, using linking words to connect your ideas.
- Use Real-world Examples: Real examples make your answers more convincing and relatable.
By following these tips and practicing with the structured examples provided, you can enhance your chances of achieving a high band score in the IELTS Speaking test.
