The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences that require candidates to demonstrate their English language skills. One common topic is describing situations that demand patience. This article will guide you through answering questions related to “describing an occasion when you had to be very patient” in the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about patience. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- Do you consider yourself a patient person?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I’m generally patient, but it depends on the situation. I can wait calmly for long-term goals, but I might get a bit antsy in slow-moving queues. I’ve been working on improving my patience in daily life situations.”
- When do people need to be patient in daily life?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“People need patience in numerous scenarios in daily life. For instance, when dealing with bureaucracy, like waiting for official documents or standing in long queues at government offices. Additionally, patience is crucial when raising children or caring for elderly relatives. In our fast-paced world, even waiting for a webpage to load or being stuck in traffic requires a degree of patience.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe An Occasion When You Had To Be Very Patient.
You should say:
- What the situation was
- Why you needed to be patient
- How you felt during this time
- And explain the outcome of the situation
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I remember a time when I had to be very patient. It was when I was waiting for my visa application to be processed for studying abroad. The situation required a lot of patience because the process took much longer than expected.
I needed to be patient because there was nothing I could do to speed up the process. I had submitted all the necessary documents and just had to wait for the embassy to review my application. It was frustrating because my departure date was getting closer, and I was worried about missing the start of my course.
During this time, I felt quite anxious and stressed. I kept checking my email every day, hoping to see some news about my application. It was hard to focus on other things because this was so important to me.
In the end, my patience paid off. My visa was approved just a week before my planned departure date. I was so relieved and happy. This experience taught me the importance of staying calm and patient, even in stressful situations.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an experience that put my patience to the test. It was during my final year of university when I was working on my thesis project. The situation demanded exceptional patience as I was conducting a long-term experiment that required daily monitoring and data collection over six months.
The need for patience was paramount in this scenario. Scientific research often involves meticulous observation and data gathering over extended periods. Any rush or attempt to expedite the process could have compromised the integrity of the results. Moreover, I had to maintain a consistent routine of checking the experiment, regardless of weekends or holidays.
Throughout this period, I experienced a gamut of emotions. Initially, I was brimming with enthusiasm, excited about the potential outcomes. However, as weeks turned into months, I often felt frustrated and disheartened, especially when progress seemed slow or when I encountered setbacks. There were moments when I was tempted to cut corners or rush the process, but I steadfastly reminded myself of the importance of scientific rigor.
The outcome of this patience-testing experience was immensely rewarding. Not only did I successfully complete my thesis, but the comprehensive data I collected led to some unexpected findings that garnered interest in the academic community. This experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for the virtue of patience in scientific endeavors and life in general. It taught me that true breakthroughs often require perseverance and the ability to delay gratification.”
Student patiently conducting long-term research experiment
Follow-up questions:
- How did you manage to stay patient during this time?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“To maintain my composure during this challenging period, I employed several strategies. Firstly, I broke down the lengthy process into smaller, manageable tasks, which gave me a sense of progress. I also practiced mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, to alleviate stress. Additionally, I sought support from my peers and mentors, who provided valuable perspective and encouragement. Engaging in recreational activities outside of my research helped me maintain a balanced outlook and prevented burnout.”
- What did you learn from this experience?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“This experience was truly eye-opening. I learned that patience is not just about waiting, but about maintaining a positive attitude while waiting. It taught me the value of perseverance and long-term commitment. I also realized the importance of setting realistic expectations and celebrating small milestones along the way. Most importantly, I discovered that patience often leads to more thorough and meaningful results, whether in academic pursuits or personal goals.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to patience. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- Why do you think some people are more patient than others?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The varying levels of patience among individuals can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors. Innate personality traits undoubtedly play a role, with some people naturally possessing a more even-tempered disposition. However, I believe that patience is also largely a learned skill, shaped by one’s upbringing, cultural background, and life experiences.
People who have been exposed to situations that require waiting or delayed gratification from a young age may develop stronger patience. Moreover, cultural values that emphasize long-term thinking and perseverance can foster patience as a virtue.
Additionally, cognitive factors such as impulse control and the ability to regulate emotions contribute significantly to patience. Those who can effectively manage their frustrations and maintain a broader perspective tend to exhibit more patience.
It’s also worth considering that modern society, with its emphasis on instant gratification, may be eroding patience in many individuals. Therefore, those who consciously cultivate patience as a skill may stand out as more patient in today’s fast-paced world.”
- Do you think patience is becoming less common in modern society? Why or why not?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe patience is indeed becoming less common in modern society, and there are several reasons for this trend. Firstly, the rapid advancement of technology has conditioned us to expect instant results in many aspects of life. From fast internet connections to on-demand services, we’re often not required to wait for things anymore.
Secondly, the fast-paced nature of modern life, especially in urban areas, often leaves little room for patience. People are constantly rushing from one task to another, which can make waiting feel like a waste of valuable time.
Social media and the constant stream of information we’re exposed to have also shortened our attention spans, making it harder to focus on long-term goals or processes that require patience.
However, it’s important to note that this decrease in patience is not universal. Many people are recognizing the value of patience and are actively trying to cultivate it through practices like mindfulness and meditation. So while general societal trends might be moving away from patience, there’s also a growing awareness of its importance.”
Modern society's instant gratification culture affecting patience
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Put (something) to the test – (phrase) To challenge or try out the effectiveness of something
Phonetic: /pʊt tə ðə test/
Example: The difficult project really put my organizational skills to the test. -
Paramount – (adjective) Of utmost importance; supreme
Phonetic: /ˈpærəmaʊnt/
Example: In scientific research, maintaining objectivity is paramount. -
Meticulous – (adjective) Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise
Phonetic: /məˈtɪkjələs/
Example: The experiment required meticulous record-keeping to ensure accuracy. -
Gamut of emotions – (phrase) A complete range of emotions
Phonetic: /ˈɡæmət əv ɪˈməʊʃənz/
Example: During the long wait, I experienced a gamut of emotions from excitement to frustration. -
Perseverance – (noun) Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success
Phonetic: /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/
Example: Completing a marathon requires both physical training and mental perseverance.
To use these effectively in your IELTS Speaking test, try to incorporate them naturally into your responses. Practice using them in context to become comfortable with their usage.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics related to patience:
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Develop your ideas fully: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points with examples and explanations.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions relevant to the topic of patience.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your ability to discuss it smoothly and confidently.
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Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to think deeply about the concept of patience and its implications in various situations.
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Be specific: When describing situations requiring patience, provide concrete details to make your account vivid and engaging.
Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try to describe a time when you met someone you greatly admire or describe a moment when you felt very anxious to broaden your range of topics. Additionally, you might find it helpful to describe a family member who inspires you, as this can also involve discussing patience and other admirable qualities.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss patience and related topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to describe a person you know who has a lot of patience or situations requiring patience in a detailed and articulate manner.
