As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students who feel anxious about the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when it comes to describing people. One common prompt that can cause uncertainty is “Can you describe your high school teacher?”. While seemingly straightforward, this question requires more than just listing physical attributes. It demands a thoughtful response that showcases your vocabulary, fluency, and ability to structure a coherent answer.

Understanding the Task

The examiner isn’t simply interested in your teacher’s appearance. They want to assess your ability to:

• Use descriptive language: Go beyond basic adjectives and employ a wider range of vocabulary to paint a vivid picture of your teacher’s personality, teaching style, and impact on you.
• Structure your response: Present your thoughts in a logical order, using cohesive devices to link your ideas smoothly.
• Provide specific examples: Instead of making general statements, support your descriptions with concrete instances or anecdotes that illustrate your points.
• Demonstrate fluency and pronunciation: Speak naturally, at a comfortable pace, and with clear pronunciation.

Crafting Your Response

Here’s a breakdown of how to approach this IELTS Speaking prompt effectively:

1. Brainstorm Key Points

Before you start speaking, take a moment to jot down some keywords related to your teacher:

• Personality: Was your teacher strict, humorous, encouraging, patient?
• Teaching style: Did they use innovative methods, focus on practical examples, encourage class discussions?
• Memorable qualities: Did they have a particular habit, catchphrase, or teaching method that stood out?
• Impact on you: Did they inspire you, boost your confidence, or spark your interest in a particular subject?

2. Structure Your Answer

Organize your thoughts into a logical structure to ensure clarity and coherence. For example:

• Introduction: Briefly introduce the teacher and the subject they taught.
• Physical Description (optional): While not the main focus, you could briefly mention one or two distinguishing physical features.
• Personality and Teaching Style: Describe their key personality traits and how they approached teaching. Provide specific examples to support your points.
• Impact and Conclusion: Explain how this teacher influenced you or left a lasting impression. You could conclude by mentioning if you still keep in touch or what you learned from them.

3. Use Vivid Language

Instead of relying on basic adjectives, strive to incorporate more descriptive and interesting vocabulary. For instance:

• Instead of “nice,” consider “approachable,” “compassionate,” or “good-humored.”
• Instead of “strict,” try “disciplined,” “no-nonsense,” or “held high standards.”
• Instead of “he taught well,” opt for “he had a knack for explaining complex concepts,” or “he made learning engaging and fun.”

Passionate History Teacher

Example Answer

Here’s a sample response that demonstrates the principles outlined above:

“One high school teacher who left a lasting impression on me was Mr. Smith, my history teacher. He wasn’t particularly imposing in stature, but he had this twinkle in his eye and a quick wit that could make even the most tedious historical events seem captivating. Mr. Smith had a unique way of bringing history to life. Instead of simply lecturing from the textbook, he would often engage us in debates, role-playing activities, and even mock trials based on historical events. He encouraged us to think critically and analyze different perspectives. I remember once, we were studying the French Revolution, and he divided the class into revolutionaries and aristocrats, sparking a lively and thought-provoking discussion. Mr. Smith’s passion for history was contagious, and he ignited in me a love for the subject that I still hold today.”

Key Takeaways

• Focus on storytelling: Frame your response as a brief anecdote to make it more engaging.
• Don’t be afraid to be specific: Details make your answer more memorable and impactful.
• Practice makes perfect: Rehearse describing different people you know to improve your fluency and vocabulary.

Remember, the IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can confidently tackle any “describe a person” prompt that comes your way.