The topic “describe a person you consider a mentor” is a common and engaging subject in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows candidates to showcase their language skills while reflecting on personal experiences. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its universal appeal and potential for rich discussion.
Describe a person who has helped you in a difficult time can be a similar topic that may help you prepare for this mentorship question. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about mentorship and guidance. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you have anyone you consider a mentor in your life?
- What qualities do you think make a good mentor?
- How important do you think mentorship is for personal growth?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you have anyone you consider a mentor in your life?
Candidate (Band 7-8 response): “Yes, I do. I’m fortunate to have my university professor as a mentor. She’s been instrumental in guiding me through my academic journey and has significantly influenced my career choices. Her expertise in my field of study and her willingness to share her experiences have been invaluable to me.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a person you consider a mentor
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What qualities make this person a good mentor
- And explain how this person has influenced your life
IELTS Speaking: Describing a Mentor
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my high school English teacher, Mrs. Thompson, who has been a significant mentor in my life. I first met her when I was 15, and she taught me for three consecutive years.
What makes Mrs. Thompson an exceptional mentor is her unique combination of qualities. Firstly, her passion for teaching is contagious. She has this remarkable ability to make even the most complex literary concepts accessible and engaging. Secondly, her empathy and understanding create a safe space for students to express themselves and make mistakes without fear of judgment. Lastly, her unwavering belief in her students’ potential pushes us to exceed our own expectations.
Mrs. Thompson’s influence on my life has been profound and far-reaching. She ignited my love for literature and encouraged me to pursue writing as more than just a hobby. Her constructive feedback on my essays honed my critical thinking skills, which have proven invaluable in my current studies and work. Moreover, her mentorship extended beyond academics. She taught me the importance of perseverance, integrity, and standing up for my beliefs – lessons that have shaped my character and continue to guide my decisions today.
In essence, Mrs. Thompson didn’t just teach English; she taught life lessons. Her mentorship has been a cornerstone in my personal and professional development, and I’m incredibly grateful for her ongoing guidance and support.”
Examiner’s follow-up questions:
- How has your relationship with your mentor changed over time?
- Do you think you could be a mentor to someone else now?
Sample answers:
(Band 7-8) “Our relationship has evolved significantly. Initially, it was a typical teacher-student dynamic, but as I grew older, it transformed into a more collaborative partnership. Now, we often exchange ideas as colleagues, though I still value her wisdom and experience greatly.”
(Band 8-9) “Absolutely. I believe mentorship is about paying it forward. While I may not have Mrs. Thompson’s years of experience, I feel equipped to guide younger students or colleagues in areas where I’ve developed expertise. It’s a way to honor my mentor’s impact by emulating her supportive approach with others.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to mentorship. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
Examiner: How do you think mentorship programs in companies benefit both the mentor and the mentee?
Candidate (Band 8-9): “Mentorship programs in corporate settings offer mutual benefits for both parties involved. For mentees, these programs provide invaluable insights into the company culture, unwritten rules, and career progression paths that might not be immediately apparent. They gain from the mentor’s experience, potentially avoiding common pitfalls and accelerating their professional growth.
On the flip side, mentors often find these relationships equally rewarding. The process of guiding someone else can reinforce their own knowledge and skills, forcing them to articulate and reflect on their experiences. It can also expose them to fresh perspectives and new ideas from younger or less experienced colleagues, potentially sparking innovation within the organization.
Moreover, these programs can foster a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the company, which is crucial for organizational growth and adaptability in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. They also help in talent retention by making employees feel valued and invested in, which is a win-win situation for both the individuals and the company as a whole.”
Describe a person who inspires you is another topic that can help you practice describing influential figures in your life, which is closely related to discussing mentors.
Examiner: Do you think the concept of mentorship has changed with the rise of digital communication?
Candidate (Band 7-8): “Yes, I believe digital communication has significantly transformed the landscape of mentorship. Traditionally, mentorship was often limited by geographical constraints, but now, thanks to various digital platforms, mentors and mentees can connect across vast distances. This has broadened the pool of potential mentors and made specialized guidance more accessible.
Moreover, the rise of social media and professional networking sites has created opportunities for informal mentorship. People can now learn from industry leaders and experts through their online content, webinars, and virtual workshops. This has democratized access to mentorship to some extent.
However, this digital shift also presents challenges. Building deep, trusting relationships – which are crucial for effective mentorship – can be more difficult in a purely online environment. There’s also the risk of information overload and the need to discern quality advice from the vast amount of content available online.
In essence, while digital communication has expanded the reach and possibilities of mentorship, it has also necessitated new skills in navigating these virtual relationships effectively.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Instrumental (adjective) – /ˌɪnstrəˈmɛntl/ – Serving as a means of pursuing an aim
Example: “Her advice was instrumental in my decision to pursue graduate studies.”Invaluable (adjective) – /ɪnˈvæljuəbl/ – Extremely useful; indispensable
Example: “The experience I gained under her mentorship was invaluable to my career.”To ignite a passion (phrase) – To cause strong feelings or interest in something to begin
Example: “My mentor ignited my passion for environmental conservation.”To shape one’s character (phrase) – To influence or determine the development of someone’s personality
Example: “Her guidance helped shape my character during those formative years.”To pay it forward (phrase) – To respond to a person’s kindness by being kind to someone else
Example: “I mentor younger colleagues as a way to pay forward the support I received.”
Describe a person who motivates you can provide additional practice in using positive descriptive language, which is crucial when discussing mentors.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing mentors or influential figures:
Prepare diverse examples: Have various mentors in mind from different areas of your life (academic, professional, personal) to demonstrate range.
Focus on specific impacts: Instead of general statements, provide concrete examples of how your mentor influenced you.
Use advanced vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases naturally to showcase your language proficiency.
Practice elaboration: Work on expanding your answers with relevant details and explanations.
Develop critical thinking: For Part 3, practice analyzing mentorship from various angles to demonstrate depth of thought.
Remember, authentic and well-structured responses that demonstrate your language skills will help you achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.
Describe a time when you had to make a choice can be an excellent topic to discuss how a mentor might have influenced your decision-making process, further enhancing your ability to speak about mentorship in depth.