Describe a Time When You Were Very Patient with Someone: IELTS Speaking Guide

For the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner is looking for several key elements: fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One commonly asked question is to “describe a time when you were very patient with someone.” This question checks your ability to narrate an event in a structured and detailed manner, using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.

II. Main Content

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Common Questions:

1. Can you describe a friend who’s very patient?
2. How important do you think patience is in relationships?
3. Do you think people are less patient nowadays compared to the past?

Sample Answer:
Question: Can you describe a friend who’s very patient?
Answer: “Certainly. My friend Sarah is exceptionally patient. She works as a teacher, and often has to deal with very young children, which requires a great deal of patience. *No matter how rowdy or inattentive they get, she always manages to keep her cool and calmly guides them back to their tasks. Her calm demeanor and persistent nature** are truly admirable.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe a time when you were very patient with someone.

You should say:

• When it happened
• Who you were patient with
• Why you had to be patient
• Explain how you felt about it

Sample Answer:
“One memorable instance when I had to be very patient occurred about a year ago. A close friend of mine, John, was going through a tough period after losing his job. He was very anxious and pessimistic, often venting his frustrations to me. I knew that at this time, he needed someone to listen rather than offer solutions. I spent hours talking to him, reassuring him that things would get better eventually. It was challenging at times, but I maintained my patience by reminding myself that he needed emotional support. Ultimately, my patience paid off as he gradually regained his confidence and found a new job. It was a very fulfilling experience, teaching me that patience truly is a virtue.”

Patient Friend Listening

Follow-up Questions:

1. How did John’s situation affect you personally?

   • “It was quite exhausting at times because I felt a lot of emotional pressure. However, knowing that I was making a positive impact on his life helped me push through.”

2. Do you think people can learn to be more patient? Why or why not?

   • “Absolutely, I believe patience can be cultivated. It requires self-awareness and practice, such as managing stress, staying present, and practicing empathy.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner’s Questions:

Question: How does the importance of patience differ among various age groups?

Sample Answer: “Patience tends to take on different levels of importance for various age groups. For children, it’s crucial for developing relationships and learning new skills. Adolescents and young adults often struggle with it due to instant gratification needs. Meanwhile, older adults typically show more patience, possibly due to life experiences teaching them the value of waiting and perseverance.”

Question: In what situations is patience most crucial and why?

Sample Answer: “Patience is most crucial in conflict resolution and stressful situations. For example, in the workplace, dealing with a challenging project or a difficult colleague requires a lot of patience to avoid hasty decisions that could exacerbate problems. Moreover, patience in these scenarios helps maintain a calm and measured approach, allowing for better decision-making and fostering a more positive environment.”

Question: Why do you think people choose to be patient in difficult situations?

Sample Answer: “People choose to be patient in difficult situations because it usually results in better outcomes. They understand that reacting impulsively can lead to bigger problems. By being patient, they can maintain a clear mindset, evaluate all options, and choose the most effective solution, which can lead to long-term benefits.”

Key Vocabulary and Structures

Important Vocabulary:

1. Persistent /pəˈsɪstənt/: Continuing firmly in a course of action despite difficulty.
2. Reassure /ˌriːəˈʃʊə/: Say or do something to remove the doubts or fears of someone.
3. Virtue /ˈvɜːtʃuː/: Behavior showing high moral standards.
4. Gratification /ˌɡrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/: Pleasure, especially when gained from the satisfaction of a desire.
5. Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/: Try to acquire or develop a quality or skill.

Usage Examples:

1. “Her persistent nature helped her overcome numerous challenges.”
2. “I had to reassure him that everything would be okay.”
3. “Patience is considered a major virtue in many cultures.”
4. “Instant gratification often leads to a lack of patience.”
5. “You can cultivate patience through mindfulness and practice.”

III. Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test:

• Practice regularly: Daily practice can improve fluency and confidence.
• Record yourself: Listening to your speaking can help identify areas for improvement.
• Expand your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and phrases.
• Engage in English conversations: Interacting with native speakers or fluent individuals can enhance your skills.
• Stay calm: Nervousness can affect performance, so stay relaxed and composed.

By using these techniques and regularly revisiting similar speaking prompts, you can significantly improve your speaking ability and achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.