The IELTS Speaking Test is a crucial part of the IELTS examination, evaluating candidates on various parameters such as fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. One of the common questions candidates may encounter is “Describe a time when you were impressed by someone.” This topic not only tests your ability to narrate an event but also evaluates your storytelling skills, use of descriptive language, and ability to express emotions.
In this guide, we’ll delve into effective ways to answer such questions, providing sample responses, useful vocabulary, and essential tips to help you achieve a high band score. We’ll also discuss related questions often asked by examiners and how to handle them proficiently.
II. Main Content
1. IELTS Speaking Part 1: Common Questions and Suggested Answers
Examiner Questions:
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- Do you enjoy reading books?
- Can you tell me about a person you admire?
Sample Answer:
“I enjoy reading books in my free time because they allow me to explore new worlds and ideas. One person I really admire is my high school English teacher. She inspired me to develop a love for literature and always encouraged my creativity.”
2. IELTS Speaking Part 2: Cue Card and Model Answer
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you were impressed by someone. You should say:
- Who the person is
- When this happened
- Why you were impressed
- How you felt about it
Model Answer:
“A time when I was profoundly impressed by someone was during my university years, specifically in the second year. This person is none other than my close friend, Sarah. She is a diligent and compassionate individual, always striving to help others in need.
It was during exam season, and everyone was stressed about the upcoming tests. Despite having her own exams to study for, Sarah volunteered to tutor a group of underperforming students. She spent countless hours explaining complex topics and providing moral support. Her selflessness and unwavering commitment left a deep impression on me. Not only did she manage to excel in her exams, but she also helped those students improve significantly, something that really showcased her remarkable character.
I felt immensely inspired and motivated by her actions. Her generosity and dedication served as a powerful reminder of the impact one can have by simply choosing to be kind and supportive.”
Additional Examiner Questions:
- How do you think Sarah’s actions impacted those students?
- Do you think it is important to help others in stressful times? Why?
Suggested Answers:
“Sarah’s actions had a substantial impact on those students. They not only gained a better understanding of the subjects but also felt more confident and supported. This undoubtedly improved their academic performance and morale.”
“Helping others during stressful times is crucial as it fosters a sense of community and alleviates anxiety. It can significantly enhance collective well-being and create a more supportive environment.”
3. IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions:
- Why is it important to be impressed by others?
- What qualities or actions usually impress people?
- How can being impressed by someone influence your behavior or beliefs?
Suggested Answers:
Importance of Being Impressed by Others:
“Being impressed by others is important as it can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation. It pushes us to strive for betterment by emulating positive attributes and learning from admirable behaviors.”
Qualities that Usually Impress People:
“People are often impressed by qualities such as integrity, dedication, empathy, and generosity. Actions that demonstrate altruism, resilience, and the ability to overcome challenges also leave a significant impression.”
Influence on Behavior or Beliefs:
“When we are impressed by someone, it can shape our values and influence our actions. For instance, seeing someone exhibit great empathy might encourage us to be more compassionate in our interactions. It can also inspire us to adopt positive habits and work towards personal growth.”
4. Important Vocabulary and Structures
Vocabulary:
- Impressed (adj.): To feel admiration and respect for someone (ɪmˈprɛst)
- Dedication (n.): Quality of being committed to a task or purpose (ˌdɛdɪˈkeɪʃən)
- Selflessness (n.): Concern more with others’ needs than one’s own
- Compassionate (adj.): Feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others
- Altruism (n.): The belief in or practice of selfless concern for others’ well-being
Example Sentences:
- “Her dedication to her work is truly commendable.”
- “The selflessness she showed by volunteering was outstanding.”
- “His compassionate nature made everyone around him feel valued.”
III. Tips for High Scores in Speaking Test
Practice Regularly:
Engage in daily speaking practices, focusing on fluency and coherence. Record your responses and review them to identify areas for improvement.
Use a Range of Vocabulary:
Incorporate rich vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to enhance the quality of your speech. However, ensure they are appropriate for the context.
Develop Structured Responses:
Frame your answers with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This demonstrates good organization of thoughts, which is critical for scoring high on coherence and cohesion.
Engage with the Examiner:
Maintain eye contact, and use gestures and facial expressions to convey your points effectively. This not only shows confidence but also makes your response more engaging.
Stay Calm and Composed:
Keep a calm demeanor throughout the test. Pausing to think is acceptable, but avoid long silences. Preparation and practice can help in managing test anxiety.
Inspired Student
By adopting these strategies and practicing with the provided sample questions and answers, you can significantly increase your chances of achieving a high band score in the IELTS Speaking Test.
For further practice and insights on related topics, you can explore these articles: Describe a time when you were very satisfied with your work, Describe a time when you gave someone a compliment, and There’s a method to his madness.