Mastering IELTS Speaking: Expert Tips for Describing a Person with a Unique Skill

As an experienced IELTS examiner, I understand the challenges candidates face when describing a person with a unique skill in the IELTS Speaking test. This topic frequently appears in Part 2 and can lead to engaging discussions in Part 3. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide you with expert tips and sample answers to help you excel in this task and boost your overall speaking score.

Understanding the Task

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand what the examiners are looking for when you describe a person with a unique skill. They want to assess your ability to:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary related to skills and personal qualities
2. Employ varied grammatical structures
3. Speak fluently and coherently
4. Provide relevant and detailed information

Now, let’s explore how to approach this topic in each part of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

While Part 1 doesn’t typically focus on describing people with unique skills, you might encounter related questions. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. Do you have any special skills?

   Sample answer: “Well, I wouldn’t say I have any extraordinary abilities, but I’ve been practicing calligraphy for several years now. It’s quite a niche skill in this digital age, but I find it incredibly rewarding and therapeutic.”

2. Do you think it’s important to have unique skills?

   Sample answer: “Absolutely! I believe having unique skills can really set you apart in both personal and professional contexts. They not only boost your self-confidence but also make you more versatile and adaptable in different situations.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a person with a unique skill:

Describe a person you know who has a unique skill.

You should say:

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

Here’s a sample answer:

“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who possesses a truly remarkable skill. Sarah has an extraordinary ability to memorize and recite entire books word-for-word after reading them just once.

I first became aware of Sarah’s unique talent when we were studying together at university. During a literature class, our professor asked if anyone could recite a passage from Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’. To everyone’s amazement, Sarah stood up and flawlessly recited not just the passage, but the entire soliloquy. What’s more, she hadn’t even prepared for it – she had simply read the play once the previous week.

What makes Sarah’s skill so unique is its rarity and the sheer mental capacity it requires. It’s not just about having a good memory; it’s about the ability to process and retain vast amounts of information in a structured way. Sarah’s brain seems to work like a highly efficient filing system, allowing her to access and retrieve information with incredible precision.

This skill has proven to be incredibly useful in Sarah’s career as a lawyer, where she can easily recall complex legal precedents and cite them accurately during court proceedings. It’s truly awe-inspiring to witness her skill in action, and it never fails to impress those around her.

In my opinion, what makes Sarah’s skill even more unique is how she uses it to help others. She often volunteers at schools, teaching memory techniques to students and helping them improve their study skills. Her ability to inspire and empower others with her talent is truly admirable.”

IELTS Speaking – Describing a Unique Skill

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How did Sarah develop this skill?

   Sample answer: “From what Sarah has told me, her skill seems to be a combination of natural ability and rigorous practice. She’s always been an avid reader, which likely contributed to her exceptional memory. Additionally, she’s honed her skill over the years through various memory techniques and constant mental exercise.”

2. Do you think this skill could have any drawbacks?

   Sample answer: “While Sarah’s skill is undoubtedly impressive, I suppose it could potentially have some drawbacks. For instance, it might be overwhelming to remember everything in such detail, especially unpleasant experiences. Also, in social situations, people might feel intimidated by her ability, which could affect her relationships. However, Sarah seems to have found a good balance and uses her skill judiciously.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. Do you think unique skills are born or developed?

   Sample answer: “I believe it’s often a combination of both innate talent and dedicated practice. Some people may have a natural predisposition towards certain skills, but without proper nurturing and consistent effort, these talents might never fully develop. On the other hand, even those without natural aptitude can often achieve remarkable proficiency through perseverance and effective learning strategies. It’s the interplay between genetics and environment that ultimately shapes our unique abilities.”

2. How do you think technology is affecting traditional skills?

   Sample answer: “Technology is having a profound impact on traditional skills, and this influence is somewhat paradoxical. On one hand, technology is making some traditional skills obsolete. For instance, the art of navigation using stars is rarely needed now due to GPS. However, technology is also preserving and even reviving certain traditional skills. We see this in the resurgence of artisanal crafts, which are finding new markets through e-commerce platforms. Moreover, technology is often augmenting traditional skills, allowing practitioners to blend old techniques with new tools, creating innovative hybrid forms of expertise.”

3. In what ways can unique skills contribute to society?

   Sample answer: “Unique skills can contribute to society in numerous impactful ways. Firstly, they often lead to innovations that push the boundaries of what’s possible in various fields, from arts to sciences. These innovations can solve problems, improve quality of life, or simply bring joy and wonder to people. Secondly, unique skills can inspire others, especially younger generations, to explore their own potential and pursue excellence. This ripple effect can lead to a more skilled and creative society overall. Lastly, unique skills often bridge gaps between different disciplines or cultures, fostering understanding and collaboration. For example, a person skilled in both technology and traditional crafts might develop new ways to preserve cultural heritage using modern methods.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a wide range of vocabulary accurately. Here are some key terms and phrases that can help you describe a person with a unique skill:

1. Exceptional /ɪkˈsepʃənl/ (adj): Unusually good; outstanding.
   Example: “Her memory is truly exceptional, allowing her to recall vast amounts of information.”

2. Prodigy /ˈprɒdɪdʒi/ (noun): A person with an extraordinary talent or ability, especially a child.
   Example: “He was a musical prodigy, composing symphonies at the age of six.”

3. Innate /ɪˈneɪt/ (adj): Natural; existing from birth.
   Example: “Her innate ability to solve complex mathematical problems amazed her teachers.”

4. Hone /həʊn/ (verb): To refine or perfect, especially a skill.
   Example: “He spent years honing his unique juggling technique.”

5. Versatile /ˈvɜːsətaɪl/ (adj): Able to adapt to many different functions or activities.
   Example: “Her versatile skill set makes her an invaluable team member in any project.”

6. Aptitude /ˈæptɪtjuːd/ (noun): A natural ability or skill.
   Example: “She showed a remarkable aptitude for languages from a young age.”

7. Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To develop or improve by education or training.
   Example: “He cultivated his unique skill through years of dedicated practice.”

8. Pioneering /ˌpaɪəˈnɪərɪŋ/ (adj): Introducing new and innovative methods or ideas.
   Example: “Her pioneering techniques in sustainable agriculture have influenced farmers worldwide.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in describing a person with a unique skill in IELTS Speaking, consider the following tips:

1. Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with describing various skills and personal qualities.

2. Use specific examples: Support your descriptions with concrete examples or anecdotes.

3. Employ a range of tenses: Demonstrate your grammatical range by using different tenses appropriately.

4. Show enthusiasm: Your tone and intonation should reflect your interest in the topic.

5. Avoid memorized answers: While it’s good to prepare, your responses should sound natural and spontaneous.

6. Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts; explain your thoughts and opinions in detail.

7. Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate relevant idioms naturally to showcase your language proficiency.

By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about people with unique skills in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak fluently, use a wide range of vocabulary, and provide detailed, relevant responses.

For more tips on acing the IELTS Speaking test, check out our guides on how to describe a time you were involved in a creative project and how to describe a person who is very creative. These resources will help you further enhance your speaking skills and boost your confidence for the test.