IELTS Speaking examiners frequently ask candidates to describe a natural talent they want to improve. This topic allows test-takers to showcase their ability to discuss personal skills and ambitions. Let’s explore effective strategies to tackle this question and achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask questions related to your talents and skills. Here are some common questions you might encounter:
- Do you have any natural talents?
- What skill would you like to improve?
- How important do you think natural talent is for success?
Let’s focus on question 2 and provide a sample answer:
Question: What skill would you like to improve?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to improve my public speaking skills. I think it’s important for my career, and I sometimes feel nervous when presenting to large groups. I’ve been practicing by joining a local speaking club, but I still have a lot to learn.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’m keen on enhancing my public speaking abilities. Given the pivotal role effective communication plays in both professional and personal spheres, I believe honing this skill would be immensely beneficial. While I’ve made strides by actively participating in a local Toastmasters club, I’m acutely aware that there’s still substantial room for improvement, particularly in terms of engaging larger audiences and conveying complex ideas more succinctly.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a natural talent you want to improve
You should say:
- What this talent is
- How you discovered it
- Why you want to improve it
- And explain how you plan to develop this talent
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“The natural talent I want to improve is my ability to play the guitar. I discovered this talent when I was a teenager and found that I could easily pick up melodies by ear. However, I’ve never had formal training, so my technique isn’t perfect.
I want to improve this talent because music is a big part of my life, and I’d love to be able to play more complex pieces. It’s also a great way to relax and express myself creatively.
To develop this talent, I plan to take some professional lessons to learn proper techniques. I also intend to practice more regularly, perhaps for an hour each day. Additionally, I’ll try to learn music theory to understand the structure of songs better.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“The natural talent I’m eager to refine is my aptitude for musical composition, specifically on the guitar. I stumbled upon this innate ability during my adolescence when I found myself instinctively replicating intricate melodies and even crafting simple tunes. However, despite this raw talent, I’ve never undergone formal training, leaving my technical skills somewhat unpolished.
My desire to enhance this talent stems from a profound appreciation for music’s power to evoke emotions and foster connections. Mastering this skill would not only allow me to tackle more sophisticated compositions but also provide a therapeutic outlet for self-expression and creativity.
To cultivate this talent, I’ve devised a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I plan to enroll in advanced guitar lessons with a renowned instructor to fine-tune my technique and expand my repertoire. Secondly, I’m committing to a rigorous practice regimen, allocating at least two hours daily to hone my craft. Furthermore, I intend to delve into music theory, which will equip me with the theoretical underpinnings necessary to compose more nuanced and structurally sound pieces. Lastly, I aim to collaborate with other musicians, as I believe this cross-pollination of ideas will accelerate my growth and open up new avenues for musical exploration.”
Examiner’s follow-up questions:
- How do you stay motivated when learning a new skill?
- Do you think natural talent is more important than hard work?
Band 6-7 Sample Answers:
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“I stay motivated by setting small, achievable goals and rewarding myself when I reach them. I also try to practice regularly to see steady progress.”
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“I think both are important. Natural talent gives you a head start, but hard work is necessary to really excel at something.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answers:
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“To maintain motivation while acquiring a new skill, I employ several strategies. Firstly, I break down my ultimate goal into smaller, manageable milestones, which provides a sense of regular achievement and progress. Additionally, I cultivate a growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for learning rather than obstacles. Lastly, I seek inspiration from experts in the field, often immersing myself in their work or autobiographies to reignite my passion when faced with plateaus.”
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“While natural talent undoubtedly provides a valuable foundation, I believe that diligence and perseverance are the true cornerstones of success. Natural aptitude may offer an initial advantage, but it’s the consistent application of effort and the willingness to push beyond comfort zones that ultimately differentiates exceptional performers from their peers. Moreover, the process of overcoming challenges through hard work often leads to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the skill being developed.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think schools can help students discover and develop their natural talents?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think schools can offer a variety of extracurricular activities so students can try different things. They can also have special programs for students who show talent in certain areas. Teachers should encourage students to explore their interests and provide guidance on how to improve their skills.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Schools play a pivotal role in nurturing students’ innate abilities. They can implement a multi-faceted approach to talent discovery and development. Firstly, diversifying the curriculum to include a wide spectrum of subjects and activities can help students uncover latent talents. Additionally, employing advanced assessment techniques that go beyond traditional testing can identify unique aptitudes in students.
Furthermore, schools can foster an environment conducive to talent growth by providing specialized mentorship programs, facilitating collaborations with industry experts, and organizing talent showcases. It’s also crucial for educational institutions to cultivate a growth mindset among students, encouraging them to view challenges as opportunities for skill enhancement rather than insurmountable obstacles.
Lastly, schools should advocate for personalized learning paths that allow students to delve deeper into their areas of interest and talent, while still maintaining a well-rounded education. This balanced approach can help students refine their natural abilities while developing the complementary skills necessary for success in their chosen fields.”
Examiner: Do you think society places too much emphasis on natural talent rather than hard work?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think society often focuses too much on natural talent. We see many stories about prodigies in sports or music, which can make people think success is all about talent. But I believe hard work is just as important, if not more so. Many successful people have achieved great things through dedication and practice, not just natural ability.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“There’s a pervasive tendency in society to romanticize natural talent, often at the expense of acknowledging the critical role of perseverance and diligence. This skewed perspective can be attributed to various factors, including media portrayal of ‘overnight successes’ and the allure of effortless achievement.
However, this fixation on innate abilities can be detrimental on multiple levels. Firstly, it can discourage individuals who may not exhibit immediate proficiency in a field, leading them to prematurely abandon pursuits they might have excelled in with sustained effort. Additionally, it can foster a fixed mindset, where people believe their abilities are predetermined and immutable, rather than viewing skills as malleable through dedicated practice and learning.
Moreover, overemphasis on natural talent can undervalue the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning – qualities that are often more predictive of long-term success than initial aptitude. It’s crucial to shift the narrative towards celebrating the journey of skill acquisition and the transformative power of persistent effort.
That said, I believe the ideal approach is to recognize the interplay between natural inclinations and dedicated work. While innate talents can provide a valuable starting point, it’s the consistent application of effort, coupled with a willingness to learn and adapt, that truly unlocks an individual’s potential and leads to remarkable achievements.”
Describe a talented person you know well can be another interesting topic to explore in relation to natural talents and their development.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Aptitude /ˈæptɪtjuːd/ (noun): A natural ability or skill.
Example: “She has a natural aptitude for languages.” -
Hone /həʊn/ (verb): To refine or perfect, especially a skill.
Example: “He spent years honing his craft as a musician.” -
Innate /ɪˈneɪt/ (adjective): Inborn or natural.
Example: “Her innate musical ability was evident from a young age.” -
Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To develop or improve by education or training.
Example: “She’s been cultivating her leadership skills through various workshops.” -
Proficiency /prəˈfɪʃənsi/ (noun): A high degree of skill or expertise.
Example: “His proficiency in mathematics is truly impressive.” -
Nurture /ˈnɜːtʃər/ (verb): To encourage or help develop.
Example: “Good teachers nurture their students’ talents and interests.” -
Latent /ˈleɪtənt/ (adjective): Existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden or concealed.
Example: “The program aims to uncover latent talents in underprivileged youth.” -
Refine /rɪˈfaɪn/ (verb): To improve by making small changes.
Example: “She’s constantly refining her technique to stay at the top of her game.”
Using these words and phrases in your IELTS Speaking responses can demonstrate a rich vocabulary and help you achieve a higher band score.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing natural talents:
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Practice regularly: Engage in conversations about talents and skills to build confidence and fluency.
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Develop your vocabulary: Learn and use a range of words related to abilities, improvement, and personal development.
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Structure your answers: Use clear organization in your responses, especially in Part 2, to ensure you cover all aspects of the question.
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Provide specific examples: Use personal anecdotes or experiences to illustrate your points and make your answers more engaging.
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Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to think critically about talents and their role in personal and societal development.
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Be authentic: While it’s important to use advanced vocabulary and structures, ensure your answers reflect your genuine thoughts and experiences.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about natural talent, but also about preparation and practice. By describing a hobby you had as a child, you can also showcase how early interests can develop into significant talents or skills.
By following these strategies and continuously working on your English speaking skills, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and potentially achieve a higher band score. Remember, like any natural talent, your language skills can be developed and refined with dedication and practice.