How to Describe a Person with Unique Talent in IELTS Speaking: Expert Tips and Sample Answers

As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve encountered numerous candidates attempting to describe individuals with exceptional abilities. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests and is likely to remain relevant in future exams. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to effectively articulate a person’s unique talent, providing you with valuable insights to excel in your IELTS Speaking test.

IELTS Speaking – Unique Talent Description

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about talents or skills. Here’s a sample question with a suggested response:

Question: Do you have any special talents or skills?

Answer: Well, I wouldn’t say I have any extraordinary abilities, but I do have a knack for languages. I’m fluent in three languages and currently learning a fourth. It’s not exactly a rare talent, but it’s something I’m passionate about and constantly working to improve.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

For Part 2, you might receive a cue card like this:

Describe a person you know who has a unique talent.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What their unique talent is
• How you know about their talent
• And explain why you think their talent is unique

Sample Answer:

I’d like to talk about my cousin, Sarah, who has an extraordinary talent for memory and calculation. Sarah has what’s known as a photographic memory, combined with an exceptional aptitude for mental arithmetic.

I first became aware of Sarah’s unique ability when we were children. During family gatherings, she would astound everyone by recalling intricate details from past events or performing complex calculations in her head within seconds. It was truly remarkable to witness.

What makes Sarah’s talent so unique is its rarity and the extent of her capabilities. She can memorize entire books after reading them just once and solve multi-digit multiplication problems faster than most people can use a calculator. This extraordinary skill sets her apart from even those considered highly intelligent.

Sarah’s talent has led her to excel academically and in her career as a data analyst. Her ability to process and retain vast amounts of information gives her a significant advantage in her field. It’s fascinating to see how she applies her gift in practical, real-world scenarios.

In conclusion, Sarah’s exceptional memory and calculation skills are truly one-of-a-kind. Her talent not only amazes those around her but also contributes significantly to her personal and professional success.

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How has Sarah’s unique talent affected her life?
2. Do you think having such a talent can sometimes be challenging?

Sample answers:

1. Sarah’s talent has profoundly impacted her life in numerous ways. Academically, it allowed her to breeze through her studies, often finishing at the top of her class with minimal effort. Professionally, her unique abilities have made her an invaluable asset in her field of data analysis, where she can process and interpret complex information at an unprecedented speed. However, it’s worth noting that her talent has also presented some social challenges, as she sometimes struggles to relate to others who don’t share her exceptional cognitive abilities.

2. Absolutely, I believe having such a unique talent can indeed be challenging at times. While it certainly provides many advantages, it can also lead to feelings of isolation or being misunderstood. Sarah has mentioned feeling out of sync with her peers at times, especially during her school years when her abilities set her apart. Additionally, there’s often immense pressure to consistently perform at an exceptional level, which can be mentally and emotionally taxing. It’s a reminder that even extraordinary gifts can come with their own set of challenges.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to unique talents. Here’s a sample dialogue:

Examiner: Do you think society places too much emphasis on exceptional talents?

Candidate: That’s an intriguing question. I believe there’s a fine balance to be struck. On one hand, recognizing and nurturing exceptional talents is crucial for advancing society and pushing the boundaries of human achievement. These unique abilities often lead to groundbreaking innovations or inspiring works of art that enrich our lives.

However, I also think there’s a risk of overemphasizing exceptional talents to the detriment of other important qualities. This can create unrealistic expectations and pressure, especially for young people who may feel inadequate if they don’t possess a standout skill. It’s important to remember that success and fulfillment can come from many sources, not just exceptional talents.

Moreover, focusing too heavily on exceptional talents might lead us to undervalue other essential skills and qualities, such as empathy, teamwork, or perseverance. These traits, while perhaps less flashy, are fundamental to a well-functioning society.

In conclusion, while it’s important to celebrate and nurture exceptional talents, we should be careful not to do so at the expense of recognizing and valuing the diverse range of skills and qualities that contribute to a thriving community.

Examiner: How do you think education systems can better support students with unique talents?

Candidate: That’s a thought-provoking question. I believe education systems can enhance their support for uniquely talented students in several ways.

Firstly, implementing personalized learning plans could be beneficial. These plans would allow gifted students to progress at their own pace in areas where they excel, while ensuring they still receive a well-rounded education. This approach helps prevent boredom and disengagement, which can often occur when talented students aren’t sufficiently challenged.

Secondly, schools could foster partnerships with specialized institutions or professionals in various fields. This would provide opportunities for talented students to receive mentorship and gain real-world experience in their areas of expertise. Such exposure can be invaluable in nurturing their talents and helping them understand how to apply their skills practically.

Additionally, promoting a culture of inclusivity is crucial. While celebrating exceptional talents, schools should also emphasize the value of diverse abilities and the importance of collaboration. This approach can help prevent talented students from feeling isolated or developing an inflated sense of superiority.

Lastly, providing resources for teachers to identify and support unique talents is essential. Many exceptional abilities might go unnoticed without proper training and tools to recognize and nurture them.

In conclusion, by adopting a more flexible, inclusive, and resourceful approach, education systems can create an environment where students with unique talents can thrive without feeling alienated or held back.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Extraordinary abilities /ɪkˈstrɔːdnri əˈbɪlətiz/ (adj. + n.): Exceptional or remarkable skills.
   Example: Her extraordinary abilities in mathematics set her apart from her peers.

2. Knack for /næk fɔː/ (n.): A special skill or aptitude.
   Example: He has a knack for learning languages quickly.

3. Excel academically /ɪkˈsel ækəˈdemɪkli/ (v. + adv.): To perform exceptionally well in studies.
   Example: Despite her young age, she excelled academically at university.

4. One-of-a-kind /wʌn əv ə kaɪnd/ (adj.): Unique or unparalleled.
   Example: His musical compositions are truly one-of-a-kind.

5. Groundbreaking innovations /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ ˌɪnəˈveɪʃnz/ (adj. + n.): New and important developments.
   Example: Her groundbreaking innovations in artificial intelligence have revolutionized the field.

6. Nurture talents /ˈnɜːtʃə ˈtælənts/ (v. + n.): To encourage and develop skills.
   Example: It’s important for schools to nurture talents in all areas, not just academics.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person with a unique talent:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms where appropriate.
2. Demonstrate your ability to use complex grammatical structures accurately.
3. Provide detailed and extended responses, especially in Parts 2 and 3.
4. Show your capacity to analyze and evaluate ideas, particularly in Part 3.
5. Maintain fluency throughout your responses, avoiding long pauses or hesitations.
6. Practice regularly with a variety of topics to improve your confidence and spontaneity.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about describing the unique talent, but also demonstrating your own talent for articulate and fluent English expression.

For more tips on describing people in IELTS Speaking, you might find these resources helpful:

• Tips for Describing a Person Who is Very Passionate About Their Work in IELTS Speaking
• How to Talk About a Person Who is Very Talented in IELTS Speaking

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss unique talents and other topics in your IELTS Speaking test with confidence and proficiency.