Describe a polite person you have met.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Who is it?
How do you know the person?
Why do you think the person is polite?

17 unique answers with expert feedback

What qualities do you think make someone polite?

I believe that qualities such as empathy, active listening, and respect for others are essential for politeness. A polite person is considerate of others' feelings and communicates in a way that is kind and respectful, which helps create a positive environment.

How does politeness impact professional relationships?

Politeness plays a crucial role in professional relationships as it fosters trust and collaboration. When colleagues are polite, it encourages open communication and teamwork, making it easier to resolve conflicts and work towards common goals.

Can you share an experience where politeness made a difference?

Certainly! I once had a disagreement with a coworker, but instead of escalating the situation, we both chose to communicate politely. This approach allowed us to understand each other's perspectives and ultimately find a solution that worked for both of us.

Band 7

00:00

So, when I had joined my current workplace, at that time there used to be a girl working there. Her name was Vanshika and she was the first person I had made friends with when I joined. I think she has to be one of the most polite people I have ever met. I think the reason why she is so polite would be, I think it's the kind of values that are instilled in you by your parents. I am pretty sure that her parents would have taught her early on in life how to communicate to people, how to always be respectful and how to say your point or stand your ground without being disrespectful to someone else. And what makes me take her name is that I have observed her be polite and kind to the person in front of her despite of their attitude. So this one time, I think our founder really scolded her badly for some task that she wasn't able to complete within the finish deadline. And I personally found his reaction to be quite unreasonable and disrespectful and I am the kind of person who might have fought with him but Vanshika really politely navigated that situation. She maintained her composure and mentioned that she does not like being talked to that way. And it really showed a strength of character in how she is handling these situations also. But what stood out the most was that she managed to be polite to someone who was disrespecting her. And I think that was one of the most charming qualities that

Follow up questions

How do you think politeness affects workplace relationships?

Politeness can significantly enhance workplace relationships by fostering a positive environment. It encourages open communication, reduces conflicts, and builds mutual respect among colleagues. When people are polite, they are more likely to collaborate effectively and support one another.

Can you share an experience where politeness helped resolve a conflict?

Yes, I once witnessed a disagreement between two colleagues escalate. However, one of them approached the situation with politeness, acknowledging the other's feelings and calmly discussing the issue. This approach diffused the tension and led to a constructive conversation, ultimately resolving the conflict.

Do you believe politeness is a trait that can be learned?

Absolutely! While some people may naturally be more polite, politeness can be cultivated through practice and upbringing. Learning effective communication skills, empathy, and respect for others can help individuals become more polite, regardless of their initial disposition.

Band 6-7

00:00

A polite person that I have recently met was my friend Erika, who is not only like my friend but a sister. She is the blessing and a God's gift to me. Because of the situations which she faced in her current life, she tends to be calm yet polite as she has dealt with all of the issues in her current life through college. We met together and we created some time where she not only taught me about being a polite yet humble person but also telling me the mannerism and education that a girl would need in order to be a polite person. Politeness comes from within the person's nature. When the person is polite, the people around them are surrounded by positivity, whereas when there is no politeness and humbleness, the people tend to be negative. Politeness refers to being calm and composed in order to avoid any problems being caused. The politeness has played a very major role in my life and as it has helped me being a better person. A polite person always achieves his or her task on time in order to fulfill their ideas and thoughts. Politeness has a significant meaning where it broadly explains about the ideas of being a serendipity person and calm with low voice and a humble attitude with not being a materialistic and a rude person.

Follow up questions

How has Erika influenced your view on politeness?

Erika has greatly influenced my view on politeness by demonstrating how being calm and humble can positively impact relationships. Her ability to handle difficult situations with grace has taught me that politeness is not just about manners, but also about empathy and understanding.

Can you share a specific example of Erika's politeness?

One specific example of Erika's politeness was when she helped a classmate who was struggling with their studies. Instead of being frustrated, she patiently explained the concepts and encouraged them, showing how her calm demeanor can uplift others.

Why do you think politeness is important in society?

Politeness is crucial in society as it fosters a positive environment. It helps in building strong relationships, reduces conflicts, and promotes understanding among individuals. A polite society is more likely to be harmonious and supportive, which benefits everyone.

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Band 6-7

00:00

When the word polite first comes to my mind, the first word that stucks in is kindness. So a polite person is someone who is kind towards others, who has empathy towards others, who knows how to communicate with others with good words, with good feelings, with empathy towards others, and also respects others, who uses good terms such as thank you, please, etc. Also, a person that I have met who is polite gave me, I think my mother, the basic knowledge that we gain in our whole lifetime is gained by our parents. So I think my mother is the most polite person that I have met. She has taught me how to speak, she has taught me how to respect others, and I think that's what matters.

Follow up questions

How do you think politeness affects relationships?

Politeness plays a crucial role in building and maintaining relationships. It fosters respect and understanding, making interactions smoother. When people are polite, they are more likely to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts amicably, leading to stronger bonds.

Can you share an example of a situation where politeness made a difference?

Certainly! I once witnessed a disagreement between two colleagues. One of them remained polite and used respectful language, which helped de-escalate the situation. Their politeness allowed for a constructive conversation, ultimately leading to a resolution that satisfied both parties.

Do you think politeness is valued equally in all cultures?

Politeness is perceived differently across cultures. In some cultures, directness is valued, while in others, indirect communication and politeness are essential. Understanding these cultural nuances is important for effective communication and building relationships in a diverse world.

Band 6-7

00:00

A polite and soft person I have met in my life is my maths teacher. Her name is Kylie. She used to teach me maths till my 10th grade. She is so kind hearted, she never yelled at me even once. I used to do my maths very good and used to score around 80% in almost every exam I have written. But during my midterms in the 10th examination, I have scored less due to my distraction. Even for that, my 10th teacher was rude with me and she supported me to get good grades in my 10th examination. She noticed that I had some problems and distractions during my 10th grade. She gave me personal tuition and helped me to solve all my answers. She also developed my character in such a way that I never get distracted even once in my life.

Follow up questions

How do you think being polite affects a teacher's relationship with students?

Being polite fosters a positive environment where students feel comfortable and respected. It encourages open communication, making students more likely to seek help and engage in learning. A polite teacher can inspire students to emulate that behavior, creating a respectful classroom culture.

Can you share an example of how politeness can resolve conflicts?

Politeness can diffuse tense situations by promoting understanding and empathy. For instance, if two students disagree, a polite mediator can help them express their feelings respectfully, leading to a constructive dialogue rather than an argument. This approach often results in a resolution that satisfies both parties.

In your opinion, what qualities make someone a polite person?

A polite person typically exhibits qualities such as kindness, patience, and respect for others. They listen actively, use courteous language, and show empathy. These traits help them navigate social interactions gracefully and build strong relationships, both personally and professionally.

Show all 17 answers

Cue 1:Who is it?

Introduce the person by name and their relationship to you.
Provide a brief background about the person, such as their profession or role in your life.

Example

The person I would like to describe is my neighbor, Mr. Sharma. He is a retired school teacher who has lived next door to my family for over ten years.

Cue 2:How do you know the person?

Explain how you first met this person and the nature of your interactions.
Mention any specific instances that highlight your relationship.

Example

I first met Mr. Sharma when my family moved into the neighborhood. He welcomed us with a warm smile and a plate of homemade sweets. Since then, we often chat during our evening walks, and he has even helped me with my studies.

Cue 3:Why do you think the person is polite?

Describe specific behaviors or actions that demonstrate their politeness.
Share personal anecdotes that illustrate their courteous nature.

Example

I think Mr. Sharma is polite because he always greets everyone with respect and kindness. For instance, he never hesitates to help others carry their groceries, and he listens attentively when people speak, making them feel valued.

Conclusion

Summarize the key qualities that make this person stand out as polite.
Reflect on how their politeness has impacted you or your community.

Example

In conclusion, Mr. Sharma's politeness not only makes him a beloved neighbor but also sets a wonderful example for everyone in our community. His respectful demeanor has taught me the importance of kindness in our daily interactions.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Being Too Vague

Candidates often give unclear answers without specific examples. This makes it hard for the examiner to understand the candidate's point.

Tip

Provide specific examples of polite actions or behaviors to illustrate your points clearly.

2: Overly Simple Language

Using very basic vocabulary can make your response sound uninteresting. This may not showcase your language skills effectively.

Tip

Incorporate a variety of vocabulary and phrases to make your answer more engaging and sophisticated.

Neglecting the Cues

Some candidates forget to address all the cues provided, which can lead to incomplete answers and lower scores.

Tip

Make sure to answer all the cues: who the person is, how you know them, and why they are polite.

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