The IELTS Speaking test presents a range of questions designed to assess your proficiency in spoken English. The test consists of three parts: Introduction and Interview (Part 1), Long Turn (Part 2), and Two-way Discussion (Part 3). As an IELTS examiner, I can tell you that we evaluate your Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. In this article, we will explore the topic “Describe A Person Who Is Very Passionate About Learning” with in-depth examples and explain how you can maximize your score.
This topic is common in Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking Test. It evaluates how well you describe a person and articulate your thoughts on their characteristics, interests, and impact on others. Let’s dive into it.
Content Overview
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you will be asked questions about yourself, such as your studies, job, interests, or hobbies. Here are sample questions related to learning:
- Do you enjoy learning new things?
- What subjects are you most interested in?
- Is there someone who inspires you to learn?
Sample Answer
Question: Do you enjoy learning new things?
Answer: Absolutely! I’m always eager to expand my knowledge because I believe that learning new things keeps the mind active and opens up new opportunities. For example, recently I started learning how to code, and it’s been quite an exciting journey.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
You will be provided with a cue card and asked to speak for 2-3 minutes on the given topic.
Describe a person who is very passionate about learning.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What they are passionate about learning
- And explain why you think they are passionate about learning
Sample Answer
Who this person is
I would like to talk about my friend Anna, who is the epitome of a lifelong learner.
How you know this person
I met Anna in university, and we have been close friends ever since. She majored in biology but her interests know no bounds.
What they are passionate about learning
Anna is passionate about all forms of knowledge, but she has a particular fascination with languages. She’s fluent in three languages and is currently learning two more. She’s also constantly participating in online courses ranging from quantum physics to culinary arts.
And explain why you think they are passionate about learning
I believe Anna’s insatiable curiosity and inherent love for acquiring new skills is what makes her so passionate about learning. She views every piece of knowledge as a way to better understand the world and improve herself. Furthermore, she’s always excited to share what she’s learned with others, which has had a profound impact on everyone around her, including myself.
Follow-up Questions:
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How do you think Anna’s passion for learning affects her daily life?
Anna’s daily routine is structured around her learning goals. She dedicates specific times of the day to studying new languages or participating in online courses. This has made her extremely disciplined and always hungry for more knowledge.
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What do you think motivates people to keep learning nowadays?
In today’s fast-paced world, the need for continuous improvement and staying competitive in the job market drives many people to keep learning. Additionally, the vast amount of information available online makes it easier and more accessible for individuals to learn at their own pace and improve their skills.
woman reading books
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
This part of the test involves a deeper discussion related to the topic in Part 2.
Examiner’s Question: Do you think the way people learn today is different compared to the past?
Sample Answer:
Yes, undoubtedly. The advent of technology has revolutionized the way we learn. In the past, learning was confined mostly to classrooms and textbooks. However, today, we have a plethora of online resources at our disposal, such as MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), educational YouTube channels, and language learning apps. These tools not only provide flexibility but also cater to diverse learning styles, making education more personalized and effective.
Examiner’s Question: What are the benefits and drawbacks of being passionate about learning?
Sample Answer:
Being passionate about learning undoubtedly has numerous benefits, such as increased knowledge, enhanced cognitive abilities, and better career prospects. However, it can also have drawbacks if not balanced properly. For instance, it can lead to information overload, where one might struggle to retain and apply what they’ve learned. Additionally, spending too much time on learning activities might result in neglecting other aspects of life, such as social relationships and physical health.
Useful Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some essential words and phrases that can help enhance your response:
- Insatiable curiosity: (adj.) always wanting to know more (ɪnˈseɪʃəbəl ˌkjʊriˈɑsɪti) – “Her insatiable curiosity drives her to learn new things constantly.”
- Inherent love for: (phr.) naturally having a strong affection (ɪnˈhɪrənt lʌv) – “His inherent love for knowledge is evident in everything he does.”
- Expand my knowledge: (phr.) to learn more (ɪkˈspænd maɪ ˈnɑləʤ) – “I enjoy reading to expand my knowledge.”
- Cognitive abilities: (n.) mental skills or brain functions (ˈkɑgnɪtɪv əˈbɪlɪtiz) – “Learning new languages enhances your cognitive abilities.”
Examples in Context
- Insatiable curiosity: Anna’s insatiable curiosity ensures that she is always reading a new book or taking an online course.
- Inherent love for: John has an inherent love for the arts, always finding time to visit museums and galleries.
- Expand my knowledge: I attend seminars regularly to expand my knowledge on various topics relevant to my career.
- Cognitive abilities: Researchers have found that solving puzzles can improve your cognitive abilities.
Conclusion
To excel in the IELTS Speaking Test, it’s important to practice articulating your thoughts clearly and coherently. Using a rich vocabulary, structuring your answers well, and providing specific examples can help you achieve a high score. Remember, real-life application and continuous practice are key. Good luck!
