The IELTS Speaking exam often explores personal experiences and character traits. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a time when you made and kept a promise. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate past events, express emotions, and reflect on personal growth. Let’s dive into how you can excel in this topic and boost your IELTS Speaking score.
Describe a time when you made someone happy by keeping a promise can be a great way to showcase your language skills and personal qualities. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about promises and commitments. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you think it’s important to keep promises?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
Absolutely, I believe keeping promises is crucial for maintaining trust and healthy relationships. When we follow through on our commitments, it shows respect and reliability. In my experience, people who consistently keep their word are often more respected and valued in both personal and professional settings.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a possible cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you made a promise and kept it
You should say:
- What the promise was
- Who you made the promise to
- Why you made the promise
- How you felt after keeping the promise
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to talk about a significant promise I made to my younger sister when I was in high school. The promise was to attend her inaugural piano recital, which was scheduled on the same day as an important football match I was supposed to play in.
I made this promise to my 10-year-old sister, Sarah, who had been practicing diligently for months. She was incredibly nervous about performing in front of an audience for the first time, and I could see how much my support meant to her.
The reason behind making this promise was twofold. Firstly, I wanted to be there for my sister during a pivotal moment in her life. Secondly, I believed it was essential to demonstrate the importance of family support, especially given that our parents couldn’t attend due to work commitments.
Keeping this promise wasn’t without its challenges. I had to have a difficult conversation with my football coach and teammates, explaining my absence from the match. However, I was determined to prioritize my sister’s needs over my own desires.
After fulfilling my promise, I felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and pride. Seeing the joy on Sarah’s face when she spotted me in the audience was priceless. It reinforced the value of keeping one’s word and the positive impact it can have on others. Moreover, this experience taught me a valuable lesson about sacrifice and the true meaning of being there for loved ones.
In retrospect, this promise and the act of keeping it strengthened our sibling bond and set a precedent for always being there for each other, no matter the circumstances.
Follow-up questions:
Q: Did keeping this promise have any long-term effects on your relationship with your sister?
A: Absolutely, it had a profound impact. This act of support laid the foundation for a stronger, more trusting relationship between us. My sister knew she could count on me, which encouraged her to be more open about her challenges and achievements. It set a precedent for mutual support that we’ve maintained into adulthood.
Q: Have you ever broken a promise? How did it make you feel?
A: I must admit, there have been instances where I’ve fallen short of keeping a promise, usually due to unforeseen circumstances rather than intentional neglect. On those occasions, I felt a deep sense of guilt and disappointment in myself. It served as a stark reminder of the weight our words carry and motivated me to be more cautious about making commitments I might not be able to keep.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to promises and commitments. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
Q: Why do you think some people find it difficult to keep promises?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
There are various reasons why individuals might struggle to keep their promises. Firstly, some people may overcommit without realizing the full extent of what they’re agreeing to. This can lead to a situation where they’re unable to fulfill all their obligations. Secondly, unexpected circumstances can arise, making it challenging to follow through on commitments. Additionally, some individuals might lack the self-discipline or time management skills necessary to prioritize and fulfill their promises effectively.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
The difficulty in keeping promises often stems from a complex interplay of psychological and practical factors. On a psychological level, some individuals may struggle with impulsivity, making promises in the heat of the moment without fully considering the implications. There’s also the phenomenon of ‘optimism bias’, where people tend to overestimate their ability to accomplish tasks in the future.
From a practical standpoint, our increasingly fast-paced and unpredictable world can throw unexpected obstacles in the path of even the most well-intentioned promise-keeper. Moreover, the modern culture of ‘FOMO’ (Fear of Missing Out) can lead people to overcommit, spreading themselves too thin to effectively fulfill all their promises.
It’s also worth considering the role of societal pressure. In some cultures, there’s an expectation to agree to requests or make promises out of politeness, even when one knows they may not be able to follow through. This can create a cycle of broken promises and eroded trust.
Q: How can society encourage people to be more responsible about keeping their word?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
Society can play a crucial role in fostering a culture of responsibility and integrity. One approach could be integrating lessons about the importance of keeping promises into educational curricula from an early age. Schools could incorporate activities and discussions that highlight the impact of trustworthiness on relationships and society as a whole.
Additionally, public figures and leaders could set a positive example by consistently honoring their commitments and being transparent when they’re unable to do so. Media could also contribute by highlighting stories of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their word, thereby inspiring others to do the same.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
Encouraging a society-wide culture of promise-keeping requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both individual behavior and systemic issues. At the individual level, we could promote mindfulness and emotional intelligence training, helping people become more aware of the commitments they’re making and the potential consequences of breaking them.
On a broader scale, organizations and institutions could implement accountability systems that recognize and reward individuals who consistently honor their commitments. This could range from formal recognition programs in workplaces to community initiatives that celebrate acts of reliability and integrity.
Moreover, we could leverage technology to support promise-keeping. For instance, developing apps or digital tools that help people track and manage their commitments could make it easier for individuals to follow through on their words. These tools could provide reminders, help prioritize tasks, and even offer strategies for communicating when a promise can’t be kept.
It’s also crucial to address the root causes that often lead to broken promises, such as overcommitment and poor time management. Promoting work-life balance and teaching effective time management skills could give people the resources they need to make and keep realistic promises.
Lastly, fostering a culture of forgiveness and understanding when promises are broken due to genuine unforeseen circumstances could encourage honesty and transparency. This approach could help people feel more comfortable admitting when they can’t keep a promise, rather than making excuses or avoiding the issue altogether.
Describe an occasion when you were very excited about fulfilling a promise can be another interesting angle to explore this topic. It allows you to discuss the emotional aspects of promise-keeping and its impact on relationships.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your IELTS Speaking performance when discussing promises and commitments, consider using these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
-
To follow through (phrasal verb) – to complete something or do what you said you would do
Example: “I always try to follow through on my promises, no matter how small they may seem.” -
Integrity (noun) /ɪnˈteɡrəti/ – the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles
Example: “Keeping promises is a matter of personal integrity for me.” -
To honor one’s word (idiom) – to do what you said you would do
Example: “My parents taught me the importance of honoring my word from a young age.” -
Commitment (noun) /kəˈmɪtmənt/ – a promise or firm decision to do something
Example: “Making a commitment means being prepared to prioritize that promise over other things.” -
To live up to expectations (phrase) – to be as good as what was hoped for or expected
Example: “I always strive to live up to the expectations of those who trust me with their confidences.” -
Reliability (noun) /rɪˌlaɪəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being trustworthy or performing consistently well
Example: “My reliability in keeping promises has helped me build strong professional relationships.” -
To stand by one’s word (idiom) – to do what you have promised to do
Example: “A true friend is someone who stands by their word, even when it’s inconvenient.” -
To break a promise (phrase) – to fail to do what you said you would do
Example: “Breaking a promise, even unintentionally, can severely damage trust in a relationship.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing promises and commitments:
-
Use a variety of tenses to demonstrate your grammatical range. For instance, use past tenses to describe the promise you made, present perfect to talk about its effects, and conditionals to discuss hypothetical situations.
-
Incorporate idiomatic expressions related to promises and trust to showcase your vocabulary depth. Examples include “a man of his word” or “actions speak louder than words.”
-
Provide specific examples from your personal experience to make your answers more engaging and authentic. This also helps to extend your responses naturally.
-
Show reflection and critical thinking by discussing the reasons behind your actions and their consequences. This demonstrates maturity and depth of thought.
-
Practice narrating stories about promises you’ve made or kept. Focus on structuring your narrative clearly with a beginning, middle, and end.
-
Be prepared to discuss abstract ideas related to promises and trust, especially for Part 3. This could include societal views on promise-keeping or the role of trust in different cultures.
-
Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly, such as “moreover,” “on the other hand,” and “consequently.”
-
Show awareness of nuance by acknowledging that keeping promises isn’t always straightforward and discussing the complexities involved.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and natural expression while showcasing your language abilities.
Describe a time when you learned a valuable life lesson about the importance of keeping promises could be an excellent way to demonstrate your ability to reflect on personal experiences and articulate complex ideas.