Each culture has its own way of showing politeness; however, politeness itself is a universal language that can make relationships with others more harmonious. Being polite is also admirable, and it naturally draws people toward you.
The sample answers below explore the importance of politeness, personal experiences of showing politeness, and how politeness is practiced across different cultures. Study how I developed answers to each topic question below. This will give you a clear idea of how to strategize your own answers if this topic comes up in your actual IELTS Speaking test.
PART 1
POLITENESS
ANSWERS
How did you learn to be polite as a child?
Answer 1
Well, my parents taught me the importance of politeness. She said that I would always say ‘thank you’ and ‘please’ whenever someone did something good for me, or whenever I asked for a favor. And if I missed doing that, they’d correct me on the spot (immediately, right at that moment), and one day, if I have a child, I’ll also teach him how to be polite as much as my parents had taught me.
Answer 2
I’d say I picked it up (learned informally through observation) by watching the adults around me. Growing up in a household where respect was highly valued, being polite just became second nature to me. Also, my primary school teachers taught me the different ways to express politeness to others, and I’m forever grateful to them.
Do you think being polite is very important?
Answer 1
Absolutely, it’s important. Politeness is like a universal language that helps you build rapport (develop a close, harmonious relationship) with people, regardless of where you’re from. To be frank with you, I stay away (avoid) from people who can’t be polite to others. For me, they’re horrible people, and I don’t want to waste my time dealing with them.
Answer 2
Yes, definitely, being polite opens doors (creates opportunities) that rudeness never could. People are naturally drawn to those who treat others with kindness and respect. So, that’s why it’s crucial (extremely important) for parents to teach their children the value of politeness. Learning it is best at a very young age.
On what occasions should we be polite?
Answer 1
Honestly, I’d say all the time, but especially when meeting someone for the first time, since first impressions really do stick (are remembered). It also matters a lot in formal settings, like job interviews or family gatherings, where a single rude remark could easily rub someone the wrong way (annoy or offend them). I just can’t imagine being rude in a family gathering; I bet my mom would slap me without hesitation.
Answer 2
I think it’s particularly important when we’re asking for a favor or receiving help from someone. Being polite in those moments shows genuine gratitude, and honestly, it just makes people more willing to help you again in the future. As you know, it’s nice to help grateful people; so, let’s make politeness our language.
What did you do to show your politeness as a child?
Answer 1
Well, one thing I always did was that before leaving the house, I always said, ‘Goodbye and see you later’ to my parents or grandparents. I would never leave the house without informing them. And we have an interesting gesture of respect in our country in which we take the hand of our parents or grandparents and put it on our forehead before we leave home and when we arrive home. That’s a sincere form of showing respect and politeness. Of course, I never missed doing that when I was a child.
Answer 2
I’m not entirely sure this counts, but I remember always waiting for everyone to be seated before I started eating during meals. It sounds like such a small thing, but my grandmother was very particular about table manners, so it just became a habit I carried into adulthood. Oh, remembering this is bittersweet (mixing happiness with a touch of sadness); I just miss my grandma.
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Meaning of Words and Phrases Sources: Collins, Macmillan, Cambridge, Oxford
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