Describe a time when someone who did quite well in a team: IELTS exam cue card

Bhargavee Sisodia

03 Jul 2024

Is your IELTS exam around the corner? If yes, it is high time to devise a proper strategy and follow a schedule that would help you succeed in the IELTS exam. It is not just beneficial for those aspiring to study or work abroad, but one can take advantage of it in ways if you are willing to apply for global opportunities, and aspire to move to multiple destinations in the world. 

The IELTS test has a total of four sections, i.e. Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking test on which you will be assessed separately. While you will have to appear for the reading, writing, and listening test in one sitting, there is an exception for the IELTS speaking test as it is held on another day. As all of these parameters seek to measure your language ability, hence, you should be well-acquainted with the format so that you can manage time well, and attempt each section confidently.

The most challenging segment of the test is often regarded as the speaking test. It particularly aims at assessing your capability to understand cues and questions, and your verbal ability in using grammatical structures, articulateness, and pronunciation, among other aspects. Usually, you might feel anxious about the speaking part. This is why you will need practice that can be done by going through IELTS speaking topics, and IELTS speaking questions. 

Your IELTS speaking test will have three parts, the general introductory interview, the cue card segment, and the follow-up questions/two-way discussion round. At the start of the speaking test, you will be asked about your career, and personal interests, educational background, and anything that covers personal information. For this part of the IELTS test, it is a clever move if you prepare an introduction beforehand when you engage in the  IELTS exam preparation so that you seem confident, and fluent in verbalizing about yourself.

In the cue card task of the IELTS speaking test the examiner will provide you a card with a prompt that will help him/her test your ability to speak with fluency and coherence. To get ready for your IELTS preparation, it is better to set a timer when you rehearse your monologues while attempting the frequently asked IELTS speaking topics and IELTS speaking questions. To avoid exceeding time limit, or exaggerating speaking on any topic, it is suggested that you focus on time along with your language skills. For this part, you will get to prepare for a minute, and then speak for two minutes on the given topic. 

For this topic on “Describe a Time when someone did quite well in a team”, you can break down the topic into a few subparts so that your answer is specific, and has relevant information that includes the important points. You can make a few sub-parts in this way:

Introduction: State the context in which you have encountered this experience.

Significance/ Key highlight: For this part, you can speak specifically about the person, the occasion when you worked together, and the special characteristics that contributed to the excellent performance of the team.

1. Who is this person?
2. When did you team up/ work with this person?
3. What was his/ her role in the team?
4. How did he/ she perform?
5. Why do you feel he/she was the best team player?

Conclusion: To avoid abrupt ends, wrap up your monologue with thoughts/ opinions on what you learned from teaming up with him/her, and reflect on your perception of good teamwork.

Without waiting further, we will help you review a few sample answers for this topic to understand the essence and structure of forming an appropriate and clear answer that contributes to securing high band scores in the IELTS speaking test.

IELTS exam sample 1 for topic Describe a time when someone who did quite well in a team

Introduction

In college when I got to work in a team, I collaborated with a person who brought impressive results for our project within a very tight schedule. I still remember to this day how her efforts led us to shine, and earn appreciation from peers, and faculty.

Who is this person?

Raima was my classmate from the Sociology department and an all-rounder. During our college years, she used to be good at academics and extracurriculars because of her organizational skills, persistence, and hardwork.

When did you team up/ work with this person?

For our final semester, we were assigned a project by our professor which carried our Internal assignment marks. We were expected to form teams, and I was in a team with 6 people, where Raima was also a part of it. 

What was her role in the team?

Although there was no such stringent rule that we would be allotting a captain, Raima suggested that we choose a captain to help attain fruitful results in terms of the project. We discussed and acknowledged that she would be our captain who would delegate tasks, and manage project progress. Her effortless cooperation in ensuring that we get our tasks based on our strengths made the project a successful one. 

How did she perform?

I was stoked to see her managing her college, and non-academic work, along with this project. Although she used to be busy with all of it, she devoted both time and effort to the group project and maintained her responsibilities adeptly. She impressed all of us with her leadership and collaborative spirit, which were factors that helped us attract attention to the project. 

Why do you feel she was the best team player?

When we were midway through the project, I anticipated a positive outcome regarding the assigned project. She made sure that the team was not stressed which is why she followed up regularly, motivated us, and took updates about our progress. Even when the team members felt stuck, her approachable and helping nature sorted the issues smoothly.

Conclusion

I was not only impressed by her strong drive to lead and innovate plans methodologically. Raima’s ability to organize and inspire taught me what it takes to become a good team player. Working with her was a valuable experience that contributed to the project's success.

IELTS exam sample 2 for topic Describe a time when someone who did quite well in a team

Introduction

Team players are essential to ensure the success of an initiative as they tend to be results-driven, and future-focused. In my personal life, I had an amazing experience with a colleague from my previous internship at an organization, who was an outstanding team player. 

Who is this person?

The person I am talking about is Sanjay Singh whom I met at my previous office. He was the Project Associate who was leading a total of 10 projects for international clients. Mostly known for his expertise in strategic planning and risk analysis management, Mr. Sanjay was an expert leader too.

When did you team up/ work with this person?

It was during my internship that I got assigned to work in his team. I was fortunate to seek mentorship in handling a major project of my life. 

What was his role in the team?

His role in this team was to manage the success of various projects he was handling. He instructed the team, held regular meetings, allocated specific tasks to each intern, managed stakeholders, and ensured that the quality was up to accomplish project success.

How did he perform?

He earned high esteem from all the interns, and other employees who collaborated with him. He always had a blueprint for how he would devise his plans, which helped all those working under him to comprehend the requirements. I could not help but notice how his business knowledge and his proficiency in strategic thinking, analysis, and relationship management helped him stay ahead in the competitive industry.

Why do you feel he was the best team player?

Along with his capability to engage with people well, he was confident in leading projects under pressure. Even during stressful situations, he was composed, and patient in fixing what was left to be done right. His ability to move from concepts to implementing them practically was commendable.

Conclusion

Overall, his resilience, and determination to come up with the best plan, and incorporate it in the project was something which I appreciate even today. Due to his presence, even though for a short time, I could learn the importance of a good leader, and how it helps in nurturing a positive environment. 

Follow-up questions for the IELTS test

Followed by the Cue Card task of the IELTS speaking test, you must not have rehearsed answers, as those are which you will form on the spot to persuade the examiner. When you convey your opinions and beliefs, you need to be a little intriguing, by manoeuvering straightforward, and justified answers supported by anecdotes. This level of competence can be attained by doing IELTS speaking questions during your IELTS exam preparation period. If you are best at convincing and have exceptional articulateness, it is not a big deal to score a 9 band. 

Question 1: Do you believe that young people are good team players?

Answer: Yes, young people are exclusively creative, and bring fresh ideas which ensure proper incorporation of ideas for holistic success. In addition, they tend to indulge in collaborative activities and stay open and curious to learn and experiment which helps in enriching the team environment.

Question 2: Are team players always good leaders?

Answer: For someone to be a good leader, they also need to be a good team player. Because they can consider the success of the group, rather than being selfish about their own achievements, they earn the appreciation of team members. This even leads to better cooperation and coordination within the team. Also, such individuals are favored for leadership positions through a consensus.

Question 3: What are the qualities expected of team leaders?

Answer: A leader should be goal-oriented, decisive, and indulge in thinking for the group. They should also demonstrate a sense of integrity and adaptability. Empathy is another thing they need to have because they need to represent on behalf of the group, so they must include all of their concerns.

Question 4: Do you see any benefits of working in a team?

Answer: Being in a team helps in honing team spirit, leadership, and communication skills which are essential in every phase of life. With the combined effort of all the members, a problem can be solved efficiently. It also boosts networking and strengthens bonds, often leading to friendships. 

Conclusion 

Our IELTS trainers at D-VIVID will ensure that you secure either 9 band or close to that by guiding you personally through every stage of your IELTS preparation. You will have access to numerous IELTS practice tests, and IELTS sample tests if you start preparing with us. All of your queries about the IELTS exam and IELTS speaking topics will also be easily accessible through our website. Hence, we urge you to visit or contact D-VIVID to make you ready for your IELTS test.