Mastering the Art of Describing a Skilled Professional in IELTS Speaking

The Speaking section of the IELTS exam is designed to evaluate a range of speaking skills and your ability to communicate effectively. When Examiners ask questions, they look for coherence, fluency, grammatical range, lexical resource, and pronunciation. Questions related to describing a person who is very skilled in their profession often appear because they allow Examiners to assess your descriptive abilities, vocabulary range, and specific language structures. In this article, we’ll provide detailed examples and strategies to excel in this type of question.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1 of the Speaking test, you will be asked general questions about yourself, your life, and a range of familiar topics.

Sample Questions and Model Answers

Question: Do you know anyone who is very skilled at their job?

Answer: Yes, I do. My uncle is an exceptional surgeon. Not only does he perform surgeries with remarkable precision, but he also has a wonderful bedside manner, making his patients feel at ease. His combination of technical skill and empathetic communication sets him apart in his field.

Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you will be given a cue card and 1 minute to prepare a talk that lasts 1-2 minutes.

Cue Card:

Describe a person who is very skilled in their profession. You should say:

• Who this person is
• What their profession is
• How they became skilled in this profession
• And explain why you think they are very skilled.

Sample Answer

One person who stands out to me as exceptionally skilled in their profession is Dr. John Smith, my former professor of neurology. Dr. Smith is the head of the neurology department at a renowned medical school and has been practicing medicine for over 20 years. He became highly skilled through a combination of rigorous academic study, practical experience during his residency, and continuous professional development. What particularly impresses me about Dr. Smith is not just his profound understanding of neurology but his ability to convey complex concepts in a straightforward and engaging manner. He has published numerous research papers and often speaks at international conferences. Dr. Smith’s dedication to his field and his unwavering commitment to bettering his patients’ lives truly set him apart as a top-notch professional.

Follow-up Questions:

1. Why do some people become so skilled in their professions?

   • Many people become highly skilled through a combination of passion, continuous learning, and practical experience. For instance, practicing regularly and staying updated with the latest advancements in their field plays a significant role.

2. Do you believe anyone can become highly skilled at their profession?

   • While I believe anyone can improve their skills with dedication and effort, becoming highly skilled also requires a certain level of innate talent and interest in the field.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the Examiner will ask further questions related to the topic in Part 2 but at a more abstract level.

Sample Questions and Model Answers

Question: Why do some professions require more training than others?

Answer: Certain professions, particularly those that deal with human lives or highly technical processes, require more extensive training because the margin for error is minimal. For example, medical professionals undergo rigorous education and residency programs to ensure they can handle the complexities of human health.

Question: How important are soft skills in becoming skilled in any profession?

Answer: While technical skills are vital, soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork are equally essential. They enable professionals to interact effectively with colleagues and clients, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. For an example of the importance of soft skills, you can refer to the importance of soft skills in the workplace.

Describing a skilled surgeon

Essential Vocabulary and Structures

Here are some key words and phrases that can help you achieve higher scores:

• Exceptional (adjective) /ˌɛkˈsɛpʃənəl/: Unusually good; outstanding.

  • Example: He is an exceptional scientist with numerous groundbreaking discoveries.

• Precision (noun) /prəˈsɪʒən/: The quality of being exact and accurate.

  • Example: The precision of his handiwork is what sets him apart.

• Renowned (adjective) /rɪˈnaʊnd/: Known and admired by many people for some special quality or achievement.

  • Example: She is a renowned expert in marine biology.

• Dedicated (adjective) /ˈdɛdɪkeɪtɪd/: Devoted to a task or purpose; having single-minded loyalty or integrity.

  • Example: The team is dedicated to ensuring patient safety.

Using these terms appropriately in your answers can help demonstrate a wide lexical range and improve your band score.

Tips for Success

1. Practice Regularly: Record yourself answering different cue cards and Part 3 questions. Listen to yourself and identify areas of improvement.
2. Use a Range of Vocabulary: Avoid repeating words. Use synonyms and complex structures to show linguistic variety.
3. Stay Coherent: Make sure your answers are well-organized. Use linking words to ensure fluency and coherence.
4. Focus on Pronunciation: Clear pronunciation can dramatically influence your score. Practice speaking slowly and clearly.

By incorporating these strategies and practicing diligently, you’ll be well-prepared to describe a person who is very skilled in their profession effectively and confidently.