In recent IELTS speaking tests, questions about personality and character traits have become increasingly common. As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ve noticed this topic frequently appears across all three parts of the speaking test, similar to how describe a time when you felt proud of a close friend explores personal relationships.
IELTS examiner conducting speaking test with candidate
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions include:
- Do you think personality is important in your job/studies?
- How would you describe your personality?
- Has your personality changed over the years?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe personality plays a crucial role in both professional and personal success. In my case, being naturally outgoing and adaptable has helped me tremendously in my career as a project manager, where I need to collaborate effectively with diverse teams. Over the years, I’ve become more self-aware and emotionally intelligent, which has enhanced my leadership capabilities.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe someone whose personality you admire
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What their personality traits are
- And explain why you admire their personality
Like describe a special gift you gave to someone, this topic requires personal reflection and detailed description.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my mentor, Professor Sarah Williams, whom I met during my university years. She exemplifies exceptional leadership qualities and has profoundly influenced my personal development. What strikes me most about her personality is her remarkable ability to remain composed under pressure while being incredibly empathetic towards others.
Her personality is characterized by an authentic combination of intellectual curiosity and emotional intelligence. She consistently demonstrates remarkable patience when guiding students through complex concepts and shows genuine interest in their personal growth. What I find most admirable is how she maintains her integrity while being adaptable to different situations.
IELTS candidate explaining personality traits
The reason I deeply admire her personality is that she has mastered the delicate balance between being professionally competent and personally approachable. Her influence extends beyond academic achievements, as she actively shapes the character of those around her through her exemplary conduct and unwavering principles.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Similar to describe a time when you planned a surprise for someone, these questions explore deeper perspectives:
Q: Why do you think society places such emphasis on personality?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“In my view, society’s emphasis on personality stems from its fundamental role in shaping human interactions and relationships. Personality significantly influences how individuals navigate social situations, handle conflicts, and build meaningful connections. Furthermore, in today’s interconnected world, having a well-rounded personality has become increasingly important for both personal and professional success.
Research has shown that personality traits like emotional intelligence and adaptability are often better predictors of success than technical skills alone. This understanding has led to a paradigm shift in how we evaluate potential employees and leaders.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Exemplify /ɪɡˈzemplɪfaɪ/ (v): to be a perfect example of something
- Profound influence /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪnfluəns/ (phrase): deep and significant impact
- Emotional intelligence /ɪˈməʊʃənl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/ (n): ability to understand and manage emotions
- Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (n): fundamental change in approach or assumptions
Remember to maintain natural speech flow while incorporating these advanced terms and structures. Practice speaking on personality-related topics regularly, as discussed in describe an occasion when you wore your favorite clothes.
