How to Ace the IELTS Speaking Task: Describing a Talented Person You Know

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people in your life, including those with special abilities or talents. “Describe A Person You Know Who Is Talented” is a common topic that may appear in Part 2 of the Speaking test. This article will guide you through answering this question effectively, providing sample responses and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.

Understanding the Task

Before we dive into the sample answers, it’s crucial to understand what the examiners are looking for when they ask you to describe a talented person. They want to assess your ability to:

• Speak at length about a familiar topic
• Use appropriate vocabulary to describe people and talents
• Organize your thoughts coherently
• Use a range of grammatical structures accurately

Talented individual playing musical instrument

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about talents and skills. Here are a few potential questions:

1. Do you have any special talents or skills?
2. What kind of talents do you admire in others?
3. How do you think people develop their talents?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you have any special talents or skills?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“Well, I’d say I’m pretty good at cooking. I’ve been doing it since I was a teenager and I really enjoy experimenting with different recipes. My friends often compliment my dishes, especially my homemade pasta.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to think that I have a knack for languages. I’m currently fluent in three languages and I’m in the process of learning a fourth. I find that I have a good ear for accents and can pick up new vocabulary quite easily. This talent has been incredibly useful in my studies and travels.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for the main topic:

Describe a person you know who is talented
You should say:

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

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who is incredibly talented at painting. I’ve known Sarah since high school, and I first discovered her talent when I saw her artwork displayed in our school’s annual art show. Her paintings were so lifelike and detailed that I couldn’t believe a teenager had created them.

Sarah’s main talent lies in realistic portrait painting. She can capture not just the physical features of a person, but also their emotions and personality in her work. It’s really amazing to watch her paint because she gets so focused and seems to enter her own world.

I think Sarah’s talent is special because it’s not just about technical skill. She has a unique ability to see beyond the surface and bring out the essence of her subjects. Her paintings make people stop and think, and they often evoke strong emotions in viewers.

Over the years, Sarah has won several art competitions and even had her work displayed in local galleries. It’s been inspiring to see her develop her talent and gain recognition for her hard work and creativity.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my cousin, Alex, who possesses an extraordinary talent for music composition. Alex and I grew up together, and I’ve had the privilege of witnessing his musical journey from a young age.

Alex’s talent lies in his ability to create complex and emotionally resonant musical pieces. He has an uncanny knack for blending different musical styles and instruments to produce truly unique compositions. What’s particularly impressive is his versatility – he can compose everything from classical orchestral pieces to contemporary electronic music with equal proficiency.

I became aware of Alex’s talent when we were teenagers. While most of us were struggling with basic piano lessons, Alex was already composing his own pieces. I remember being awestruck the first time I heard one of his original compositions – it was a hauntingly beautiful piano piece that sounded like it could have been written by a seasoned professional.

What makes Alex’s talent truly special, in my opinion, is not just his technical skill, but his ability to evoke profound emotions through his music. His compositions have a way of resonating with people on a deep level, regardless of their musical background. It’s as if he has an intuitive understanding of how different musical elements can be combined to create specific emotional responses.

Over the years, Alex has honed his craft and gained recognition in the music industry. He’s composed scores for independent films, had his work performed by professional orchestras, and even won a prestigious national composition award. Watching him channel his passion into his art and achieve success has been truly inspiring.”

Follow-up Questions

1. How did this person develop their talent?
2. Do you think talent is innate or can be developed?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for Question 1:
“Alex has undoubtedly put in countless hours to develop his musical talent. While he certainly had a natural affinity for music from a young age, he’s also been incredibly disciplined in his approach to learning and practicing. He started with formal piano and music theory lessons, but quickly branched out to study various musical styles and instruments on his own.

What’s particularly admirable is his commitment to continuous learning. Even now, as an accomplished composer, he’s always seeking out new influences and techniques to incorporate into his work. He regularly attends workshops and masterclasses with renowned composers, and he’s not afraid to experiment with unconventional methods to push the boundaries of his creativity.

Moreover, Alex has been proactive in seeking out opportunities to showcase his work and receive feedback. He’s participated in numerous composition competitions, collaborated with other musicians, and actively sought mentorship from established composers. All of these experiences have contributed to the refinement of his skills and the evolution of his unique musical voice.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic of talent.

Examiner: How do you think society benefits from talented individuals?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I think talented people can inspire others and push society forward. For example, talented scientists can make new discoveries that improve our lives, while talented artists can create works that make us think differently about the world. Talented individuals often become role models and can motivate others to develop their own skills.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Talented individuals play a crucial role in advancing society on multiple fronts. Firstly, they often serve as catalysts for innovation in their respective fields. Take, for instance, talented researchers in medicine who spearhead breakthroughs in treatment methods, ultimately improving the quality of life for countless individuals.

Moreover, talented people tend to raise the bar in their industries, inspiring others to strive for excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This ripple effect can lead to overall advancements in various sectors, from technology to the arts.

Another significant benefit is the economic impact of talented individuals. They often drive the creation of new industries or revitalize existing ones, generating employment opportunities and contributing to economic growth. For example, talented entrepreneurs have been instrumental in shaping the digital economy we now rely on so heavily.

Lastly, talented individuals in the arts and humanities enrich our cultural landscape, challenging our perspectives and encouraging critical thinking. Their works can bridge cultural divides, promote empathy, and provide society with new ways of understanding and interpreting the world around us.

In essence, talented individuals act as driving forces for progress, inspiration, and cultural enrichment, making their contributions invaluable to society’s overall development and well-being.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can help elevate your response:

1. Innate ability /ɪˈneɪt əˈbɪləti/ (noun phrase): A natural talent or skill that someone is born with.
   Example: “Her perfect pitch seems to be an innate ability.”

2. To have a knack for /tə hæv ə næk fɔːr/ (idiom): To have a special skill or talent for doing something.
   Example: “He has a knack for solving complex mathematical problems.”

3. Prodigy /ˈprɒdɪdʒi/ (noun): A person with exceptional talents or abilities, especially a child.
   Example: “Mozart was a musical prodigy, composing from the age of five.”

4. To excel at /tə ɪkˈsel æt/ (verb phrase): To be exceptionally good at something.
   Example: “Despite her young age, she excels at public speaking.”

5. Aptitude /ˈæptɪtjuːd/ (noun): A natural ability or skill.
   Example: “His aptitude for languages was evident from an early age.”

6. To hone one’s skills /tə həʊn wʌnz skɪlz/ (idiom): To improve or perfect a skill through practice.
   Example: “She spent years honing her culinary skills before opening her restaurant.”

7. Virtuoso /ˌvɜːtʃuˈəʊsəʊ/ (noun): A person who is extremely skilled at something, especially at playing a musical instrument.
   Example: “He’s considered a virtuoso on the violin, capable of playing the most challenging pieces.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a talented person:

1. Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of examples ready, not just famous people but also individuals you know personally.

2. Use specific details: Don’t just say someone is talented; explain how their talent manifests and provide concrete examples.

3. Employ a variety of sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to demonstrate your language proficiency.

4. Practice fluency: Aim to speak smoothly without long pauses. Regular practice can help you achieve this.

5. Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts. Explain your thoughts and opinions about the person’s talent.

6. Use appropriate tenses: When describing past events or ongoing talents, ensure you use the correct tenses consistently.

7. Show enthusiasm: Examiners appreciate candidates who engage with the topic and speak with genuine interest.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and a wide range of vocabulary will all contribute to a higher band score.

For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find our article on describing a person who has a unique talent or ability helpful. Additionally, to broaden your vocabulary for describing people, check out our guide on describing a person who is good at making things by hand.