How to Effectively Answer “Describe a Time When You Made a Promise” in IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test is designed to evaluate your ability to communicate effectively in English. It comprises three parts: the Introduction and Interview, the Long Turn, and the Two-way Discussion. In each part, your fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation are assessed. Questions often require you to describe personal experiences, including times when you made promises.

In this article, we will explore how to handle questions related to “Describe a time when you made a promise,” providing sample answers and detailed analyses to help you achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Common Questions

In this part, examiners often ask general questions about yourself, your daily routine, or your experiences. Here are some sample questions related to promises:

1. Do you often make promises?
2. How do you feel when someone breaks a promise?
3. Can you remember a promise you made recently?

Sample Answer

Question: Do you often make promises?

Answer: “I occasionally make promises, particularly to my close friends and family members. I believe that keeping promises is crucial for building trust and maintaining healthy relationships. Whenever I make a promise, I make sure to fulfill it to the best of my ability.”

Analysis: This answer demonstrates fluency and coherence, using phrases like “occasionally,” “building trust,” and “healthy relationships” to add depth. Such vocabulary and extended sentences contribute to a higher band score.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you made a promise. You should say:

• What was the promise?
• To whom did you make the promise?
• Why did you make the promise?
• How did you feel after making this promise?

Sample Answer

“One memorable time I made a promise was when I was in college. I had a friend who was struggling with his studies, and I promised him that I would help him prepare for our upcoming exams. I made this promise because he was really having a tough time, and I wanted to see him succeed. We spent several weekends studying together, focusing on the subjects he found particularly challenging.

After making this promise, I felt a strong sense of responsibility but also a lot of motivation to help my friend. In the end, he passed his exams with flying colors, and seeing his joy and relief made me feel incredibly satisfied. This experience taught me the importance of support and commitment in friendships.”

Analysis: This response elaborates on each point in the cue card, providing a cohesive and detailed narrative. Key phrases like “strong sense of responsibility” and “importance of support and commitment” showcase the candidate’s range of vocabulary and ability to express complex ideas, enhancing their chance of scoring higher.

Follow-up Questions

1. Did your friend appreciate your help?
2. Have you ever broken a promise?

Sample Follow-up Answers

1. Answer: “Yes, my friend was incredibly grateful for my help. He thanked me numerous times and even treated me to a meal as a token of his appreciation. It strengthened our friendship and reinforced the idea that we could always rely on each other.”

2. Answer: “Unfortunately, there was an instance where I couldn’t keep a promise due to unforeseen circumstances. I had promised to attend a friend’s wedding, but an urgent family matter required my immediate attention. I felt deeply regretful and apologized sincerely to my friend, explaining the situation. Although he understood, I still strive to be more cautious when making promises.”

Analysis: These answers show the ability to handle follow-up questions with sincerity and practical explanations, incorporating emotional and reflective vocabulary such as “grateful,” “rely on each other,” “regretful,” and “apologized sincerely.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner Questions

1. Why do you think promises are important in our lives?
2. Do you believe people take promises as seriously as they used to?
3. How do broken promises affect relationships?

Sample Answers

1. Answer: “Promises are integral to our lives because they establish trust and reliability within our relationships. Fulfilled promises build a foundation of mutual respect and dependability, which are essential for any strong personal or professional connection.”

2. Answer: “In today’s fast-paced world, I believe some people may not take promises as seriously as before. The pressure and distractions of modern life can undermine our ability to honor commitments. However, there are still many who understand the gravity of promises and strive to keep them.”

3. Answer: “Broken promises can have a detrimental impact on relationships. They often lead to feelings of betrayal and disappointment, eroding the trust that has been established over time. Consistently failing to keep promises can irreparably damage relationships, leading to alienation and resentment.”

Analysis: These answers reflect a high level of critical thinking and the ability to engage in a meaningful discussion about abstract concepts. Words like “integral,” “mutual respect,” “undermine,” “detrimental impact,” and “alienation” indicate sophisticated vocabulary, contributing to a higher band score.

A person making a promise

Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

Key Vocabulary

1. Occasionally /əˈkeɪʒənəli/ – From time to time.
2. Building trust – Creating a reliable and dependable relationship.
3. Healthy relationships – Strong and positive connections between people.
4. Strong sense of responsibility – A deep feeling of obligation.
5. Motivation – The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.
6. Gratitude /ˈɡrætɪtjuːd/ – The quality of being thankful.
7. Commitment /kəˈmɪtmənt/ – The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause or activity.
8. Reliability /rɪˌlaɪəˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being trustworthy or performing consistently well.
9. Detrimental /ˌdɛtrɪˈmɛntəl/ – Tending to cause harm.
10. Betrayal /bɪˈtreɪəl/ – The action of betraying one’s country, a group, or a person; treachery.

Example Sentences

1. “I occasionally make promises to my friends, but I always ensure I can keep them.”
2. “Building trust is crucial in healthy relationships.”
3. “He took on the project with a strong sense of responsibility.”
4. “His gratitude was evident in his sincere thank you note.”
5. “Her commitment to the team is unwavering.”

Expert Advice on Achieving High Scores in IELTS Speaking

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps to build fluency and coherence.
2. Expand Your Vocabulary: Use a wider range of vocabulary to express your thoughts more precisely.
3. Engage in Discussions: Participate in English conversations to improve your confidence and spontaneity.
4. Seek Feedback: Have a teacher or a proficient English speaker provide feedback on your speaking.
5. Simulate Exam Conditions: Practice speaking for 2 minutes on a given topic to prepare for part 2 of the test.

By adhering to these guidelines and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you will be better equipped to tackle the IELTS Speaking test and achieve a higher band score.