The IELTS Speaking Test is designed to assess your speaking abilities through a one-on-one interaction with an examiner. It consists of three parts: Part 1: Introduction and Interview, Part 2: Long Turn, and Part 3: Two-way Discussion. Examiners evaluate your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, accuracy, and pronunciation. In today’s article, we will delve into a common topic: “Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult person,” and provide sample answers and strategies for mastering this question.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner will ask general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics. Here are some examples of common questions:
- Can you tell me about your hobbies?
- What do you do for a living?
- Do you often work in teams or prefer working alone?
Suggested Answer for Part 1 Question
Question: Do you often work in teams or prefer working alone?
Answer:
I often work in teams because I believe that collaboration offers diverse perspectives and promotes creativity. While working alone allows for more focus, I find that team environments push me to consider other viewpoints and improve my communication skills. For example, in my previous job, I worked on various projects that required team input, and these experiences helped me grow professionally and personally.
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and a few bullet points to guide your answer. You will have one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes.
Cue Card
Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult person. You should say:
- Who the person was
- Why they were difficult
- What you did to manage the situation
- And explain what you learned from the experience
Sample Answer for Part 2
During my final year at university, I was involved in a group project for a major course. One of the team members, let’s call him John, was particularly challenging. John was known for being uncooperative and often missed deadlines, which caused significant delays and friction within the team.
<
To manage the situation, I first tried to understand John’s perspective by having a private conversation with him. I discovered that he was struggling with the workload and personal issues. To accommodate his situation, I suggested redistributing some tasks among the team members while offering him specific, more manageable responsibilities. Additionally, I set clear deadlines and follow-ups to ensure accountability.
This experience taught me the importance of empathy, effective communication, and problem-solving. It also highlighted how critical it is to address conflicts directly and create a supportive environment to achieve common goals.
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic in Part 2 to assess your ability to discuss and elaborate on ideas.
Example Discussion Questions and Answers
Examiner: Why do you think some people find it hard to work in teams?
Answer:
Some people find it challenging to work in teams due to differences in personalities, work styles, or priorities. Introverted individuals might struggle with constant interaction, while others may prefer to have control over their tasks and find it hard to delegate. Additionally, past negative experiences with teamwork can make individuals apprehensive about collaboration.
Examiner: How can the skills you develop through dealing with difficult people be beneficial in professional life?
Answer:
Developing skills to deal with difficult people is incredibly valuable in professional life. It enhances your abilities in conflict resolution, communication, empathy, and stress management. These skills are crucial for maintaining a harmonious work environment, fostering teamwork, and ensuring productivity. For instance, managers often deal with diverse teams, and the ability to resolve conflicts efficiently can significantly impact overall team performance and morale.
Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
To score high in the Speaking test, using advanced vocabulary and varied sentence structures is essential. Here are some useful words and phrases:
Vocabulary
- Uncooperative /ˌʌnˌkɒəˈpɜːrətɪv/: unwilling to work with others
- Friction /ˈfrɪkʃən/: conflict or tension caused by a clash of wills, temperaments, or opinions
- Empathy /ˈɛmpəθi/: the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
- Accountability /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪlɪti/: the fact or condition of being responsible
Example Sentences
- “John was particularly uncooperative, often missing deadlines and causing friction within the team.”
- “Understanding and empathy were crucial in resolving the conflict.”
- “Setting clear deadlines and ensuring accountability helped manage the team effectively.”
Expert Tips for Practice
- Practice Speaking Regularly: The more you practice, the more fluent and confident you will become.
- Record Yourself: Listening to your recordings can help you identify areas for improvement.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and practice using them in sentences.
- Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with friends or tutors to simulate the test environment.
To further enhance your preparation, explore related topics such as Describe a time when you were disappointed in yourself, and Describe a time when you were very motivated.
Incorporate these strategies and sample answers into your practice sessions, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.