As an IELTS examiner, I’ve noticed that questions about friends and their special abilities frequently appear in Speaking tests. Similar to describe a person who is very humorous, this topic tests candidates’ ability to provide detailed descriptions while showcasing their vocabulary and fluency.
IELTS Speaking Test Interaction between Examiner and Candidate
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions include:
- Do you have many friends with special talents?
- How do you usually discover your friends’ talents?
- Do you think it’s important to have talented friends?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m fortunate to have several friends with remarkable abilities. I typically discover their talents through casual interactions and spending time together. Having talented friends is tremendously enriching as they inspire me to develop my own potential and bring different perspectives to our friendship.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a friend who has a unique talent
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their talent is
- How you discovered their talent
- And explain how you feel about their talent
Friend Demonstrating Musical Excellence on Piano
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who possesses an extraordinary talent for musical composition. She’s a gifted pianist who can create breathtaking melodies from virtually any emotion or situation.
I stumbled upon her talent during our university days when I accidentally walked in on her composing in the music room. She was so immersed in her craft that she didn’t notice me for several minutes. The piece she was working on was absolutely mesmerizing.
What makes her talent truly remarkable is her ability to translate emotions into music. Once, after a particularly challenging day, she composed a piece that perfectly captured our shared experience. It was like she had taken our feelings and woven them into musical notes.
I find her talent absolutely inspiring. It’s not just her technical skill that amazes me, but her ability to connect with people through her music. Her talent has taught me that true artistry goes beyond mere technical proficiency – it’s about touching people’s hearts.”
Similar to describe a friend who is good at giving advice, the key is to provide specific examples and personal experiences.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q1: Why do some people hide their talents?
Band 8-9 Response:
“People might conceal their abilities for various reasons. Some may be naturally modest or fear setting high expectations. Others might have had negative experiences when showcasing their talents. In certain cultures, there’s also a strong emphasis on humility and understated behavior.”
Q2: How can schools help develop students’ talents?
Band 8-9 Response:
“Educational institutions can play a pivotal role in talent development by implementing comprehensive programs that identify and nurture students’ abilities. This could involve specialized mentorship schemes, extracurricular activities, and creating platforms for talent exhibition. Just as describe a person who is good with children, schools need teachers who can recognize and cultivate potential.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Innate ability /ɪˈneɪt əˈbɪləti/ (n) – natural talent from birth
- Prodigy /ˈprɒdɪdʒi/ (n) – person with exceptional abilities
- To flourish /ˈflʌrɪʃ/ (v) – to develop successfully
- Aptitude /ˈæptɪtjuːd/ (n) – natural ability or skill
- To cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (v) – to develop or improve
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples to illustrate your points
- Incorporate advanced vocabulary naturally
- Maintain coherent structure in your responses
- Show genuine enthusiasm when describing talents
- Include personal reactions and feelings
Remember, like describe a new hobby you are considering, your response should be both detailed and engaging while maintaining natural flow and authenticity.
