As an IELTS instructor with over two decades of experience, I’ve encountered countless students grappling with the ever-so-common question, “What kind of person are you?” in their IELTS Speaking test. While seemingly straightforward, this question often throws candidates off guard, leading to generic responses and missed opportunities to showcase their personality and language skills. This comprehensive guide delves into the nuances of tackling this question effectively, providing you with the insights and strategies to impress the examiner and boost your IELTS Speaking score.
Deciphering the Examiner’s Intent
The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English. When the examiner asks, “What kind of person are you?”, they aren’t looking for a simple adjective like “nice” or “friendly.” Instead, they are interested in:
- Your ability to articulate your personality traits: Can you describe yourself using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures?
- Your capacity to provide specific examples to support your claims: Can you illustrate your personality traits with real-life anecdotes or experiences?
- Your fluency and coherence in expressing yourself: Can you speak naturally and connect your ideas in a logical manner?
Crafting Your Winning Response
Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you structure a compelling answer:
1. Brainstorm Key Personality Traits
Begin by reflecting on your core personality traits. Choose 2-3 characteristics that truly define you. For instance, are you:
- Creative and imaginative?
- Driven and ambitious?
- Outgoing and sociable?
- Compassionate and empathetic?
- Analytical and detail-oriented?
2. Illustrate with Concrete Examples
Avoid simply listing adjectives. Instead, back up each trait with specific examples. For instance:
- “I consider myself to be quite a creative person. I love expressing myself through painting and writing short stories in my free time.”
- “I’m driven by a strong sense of ambition. For example, I’m currently working towards a promotion at work and dedicate a lot of my evenings to professional development courses.”
- “I thrive in social settings. I volunteer at a local community center, which allows me to interact with people from all walks of life.”
3. Connect to Your Aspirations
If possible, link your personality traits to your future goals. This demonstrates self-awareness and a clear vision for your life.
- “As a creative individual, I aspire to pursue a career in graphic design where I can utilize my imagination and artistic skills.”
- “My ambition fuels my desire to excel in the field of business management and eventually start my own company.”
Sample Answer
Here’s a complete response incorporating the strategies discussed:
“If I had to describe myself, I’d say I’m a blend of creativity and determination. I’ve always been drawn to artistic pursuits like painting and photography. In fact, I recently won first place in a local photography competition, which was a testament to my artistic eye. At the same time, I possess a strong work ethic and am driven to achieve my goals. For instance, I’m currently learning Spanish because I dream of travelling South America and immersing myself in the local culture. “
Key Takeaways and Tips
- Preparation is key: Practice answering the “What kind of person are you?” question beforehand to avoid feeling flustered during the actual test.
- Be genuine and enthusiastic: Let your true personality shine through!
- Vary your vocabulary: Use a range of adjectives and descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of yourself.
- Maintain a natural flow: Connect your ideas smoothly and avoid sounding memorized.
- Don’t be afraid to showcase your ambitions: The examiner wants to see that you have goals and aspirations for the future.
Remember, the “What kind of person are you?” question is an opportunity to make a memorable impression and demonstrate your communication skills. Embrace it and let your personality shine through!