The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people in your life, including personality types. One common topic is describing an introverted person you know well. This subject has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about introverted individuals and excel in your IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about introversion and personality types. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Examiner: Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?
Candidate (Band 7-8 answer): I’d say I’m more of an ambivert, actually. While I enjoy socializing with friends, I also value my alone time to recharge. It really depends on the situation and my energy levels at the time.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing an introverted person:
Describe an introverted person you know well
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What makes them introverted
- How you feel about this person
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
The introverted person I’d like to talk about is my cousin, Sarah. We’ve known each other since childhood, as we grew up in the same neighborhood and often spent holidays together with our extended family.
Sarah has always been quite reserved and quiet. She prefers spending time alone or in small groups rather than large social gatherings. I’ve noticed that she tends to think carefully before speaking and often listens more than she talks in conversations.
What makes Sarah introverted is her need for solitude to recharge. After social events, she often needs time alone to recover her energy. She’s also very introspective and enjoys activities like reading, writing, and painting that don’t require much social interaction.
I have a lot of respect for Sarah. While some people might misunderstand her quietness as unfriendliness, I appreciate her thoughtful nature and the depth of her insights when she does choose to share them.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The introverted individual I’d like to describe is my long-time friend and colleague, Dr. Amelia Chen. We first crossed paths during our postgraduate studies and have since collaborated on numerous research projects in the field of marine biology.
Amelia’s introverted nature is evident in her approach to both work and social situations. In professional settings, she exhibits a remarkable ability to immerse herself in complex data analysis for hours on end, displaying an exceptional level of focus and concentration. This proclivity for deep, solitary work has undoubtedly contributed to her groundbreaking discoveries in coral reef ecosystems.
What truly sets Amelia apart as an introvert is her innate need for solitude to replenish her mental and emotional reserves. After attending conferences or giving lectures, she often retreats to quiet spaces, finding solace in nature or her personal library. This introspective time allows her to process information and generate innovative ideas that have revolutionized our understanding of marine biodiversity.
I hold Amelia in the highest regard, not despite her introverted tendencies, but because of them. Her contemplative nature and ability to delve deeply into subjects have led to profound insights that have significantly advanced our field. Moreover, her thoughtful and empathetic approach to mentoring junior researchers demonstrates that introversion can be a powerful asset in leadership roles.
Follow-up Questions:
Examiner: How do introverts contribute to society?
Candidate (Band 8-9): Introverts make invaluable contributions to society in numerous ways. Their propensity for deep thought and analysis often leads to groundbreaking innovations in various fields, from science and technology to arts and literature. Their ability to work independently and focus intensely on tasks makes them excellent problem-solvers and researchers. Moreover, introverts often possess a high degree of emotional intelligence and empathy, making them skilled in one-on-one interactions and counseling roles. Their contemplative nature can also bring balance and thoughtfulness to group dynamics, ensuring that decisions are made with careful consideration rather than hasty judgments.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think society favors extroverts over introverts?
Candidate (Band 6-7): Yes, I think society often does favor extroverts. Many jobs and social situations seem to value outgoing personalities more. However, I believe this is changing as people become more aware of the strengths of introverts.
Candidate (Band 8-9): It’s an astute observation that society has historically shown a predilection for extroverted traits, particularly in Western cultures. This bias is often manifested in educational systems and workplaces that prioritize group work, public speaking, and networking. However, there’s been a paradigm shift in recent years, with a growing recognition of the unique strengths introverts bring to the table. Their capacity for deep focus, introspection, and thoughtful analysis is increasingly valued in fields requiring innovation and problem-solving. Moreover, the digital age has created more opportunities for introverts to thrive, allowing for remote work and communication methods that align with their preferences. While there’s still progress to be made, I believe we’re moving towards a more balanced appreciation of diverse personality types and their respective contributions to society.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Introspective (adj.) /ˌɪn.trəˈspek.tɪv/: Examining one’s own thoughts and feelings.
Example: Sarah’s introspective nature allows her to understand herself deeply. -
Solitude (n.) /ˈsɒl.ɪ.tjuːd/: The state of being alone.
Example: Many introverts find peace and recharge in solitude. -
Contemplative (adj.) /ˈkɒn.tem.plə.tɪv/: Spending time in deep thought.
Example: His contemplative approach to problems often leads to innovative solutions. -
Paradigm shift (n.) /ˈpær.ə.daɪm ʃɪft/: A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: There’s been a paradigm shift in how society values introverted traits. -
Propensity (n.) /prəˈpen.sə.ti/: A natural tendency to behave in a particular way.
Example: Introverts often have a propensity for deep, focused work.
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing an introverted person:
- Use a range of vocabulary related to personality traits and behaviors.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate the person’s introverted nature.
- Discuss both positive and potentially challenging aspects of introversion.
- Express your thoughts clearly and coherently, using appropriate linking words.
- Practice speaking about different personality types to improve fluency and confidence.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and a natural flow in your responses.