As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often see students struggle with seemingly simple IELTS Speaking topics. One such topic is “managers” or “what managers really do”. While seemingly straightforward, many struggle to provide concrete examples and insightful analysis, leading to lower scores.
This article will delve into the intricacies of discussing “what managers really do” in the IELTS Speaking test. We’ll explore common questions, provide vocabulary, and equip you with the strategies to impress your examiner and achieve your desired band score.
Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test and the Relevance of “Managers”
The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English. You will be assessed on your fluency and coherence, vocabulary, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
The topic of “managers” can appear in any of the three parts of the Speaking test. You might be asked:
- Part 1: About your own experiences with managers, your opinions on good management qualities, or if you would like to be a manager in the future.
- Part 2: To describe a good manager you know, a time you had a difficult experience with a manager, or your ideal manager.
- Part 3: To discuss more abstract questions about leadership styles, the challenges of being a manager, or the importance of effective management in a company’s success.
Key Responsibilities and Skills of Managers
To answer these questions effectively, it’s crucial to have a strong understanding of what managers do. Here are some key responsibilities and skills:
- Planning & Strategizing: Managers set goals, develop strategies, and create action plans to achieve objectives.
- Organizing & Coordinating: They allocate resources, delegate tasks, and ensure smooth workflow within their teams.
- Leading & Motivating: Effective managers inspire their teams, foster a positive work environment, and encourage productivity.
- Communicating Clearly: They convey information effectively, provide feedback, and facilitate open communication channels.
- Problem-Solving & Decision Making: Managers identify challenges, analyze situations, and make informed decisions.
- Monitoring & Evaluating: They track progress, measure performance, and implement necessary adjustments.
Illustrating Your Points: Real-World Examples
When answering IELTS Speaking questions about managers, avoid making general statements. Instead, use specific examples to illustrate your points. Here are some examples:
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Instead of saying: “A good manager is a good communicator.”
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Say: “My previous manager, Sarah, was exceptional at communication. She held weekly team meetings to update us on project progress and always encouraged open dialogue.”
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Instead of saying: “Managers have to make tough decisions.”
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Say: “I once witnessed my manager having to make the difficult decision to restructure the team. He handled the situation with empathy and transparency, ensuring everyone understood the rationale behind it.”
Vocabulary Enhancement for Discussing Managers
Using a wide range of vocabulary will demonstrate your language proficiency. Here are some useful words and phrases:
- Leadership Styles: Transformational, Autocratic, Laissez-faire, Democratic
- Management Skills: Delegation, Communication, Motivation, Problem-solving, Decision-making
- Qualities of a Good Manager: Approachable, Supportive, Decisive, Visionary, Inspiring
- Challenges Faced by Managers: Managing conflict, Meeting deadlines, Adapting to change, Motivating employees
Tips for Success
- Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with common IELTS Speaking topics and practice answering questions about managers.
- Record Yourself: Listen back to identify areas for improvement in your fluency, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
- Seek Feedback: Ask a teacher or language partner to evaluate your performance and provide constructive criticism.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Remember to breathe, speak clearly, and demonstrate your English skills to the best of your ability.
Conclusion
Effectively discussing “what managers really do” requires a combination of understanding management concepts, using specific examples, and showcasing a strong vocabulary. By following the strategies outlined in this article and practicing regularly, you can confidently approach this topic in your IELTS Speaking test and achieve your target band score. Remember, the key to success lies in demonstrating your ability to communicate your ideas effectively and showcasing your language proficiency.