The topic of describing a natural talent you would like to improve is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss personal attributes, aspirations, and self-improvement. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about your talents and skills. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you have any natural talents?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I believe I have a natural talent for music. I’ve always found it easy to pick up new instruments and understand musical concepts.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. I’d say my natural aptitude lies in music. From a young age, I’ve had an innate ability to discern pitch and rhythm, which has made learning various instruments relatively effortless for me. This talent has been a source of great joy and personal fulfillment throughout my life.”
Q: How do you think people can develop their talents?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think people can develop their talents through practice and dedication. It’s important to set goals and work hard to achieve them.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“In my opinion, nurturing one’s talents requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, consistent practice is crucial – as the saying goes, ‘practice makes perfect’. Additionally, seeking guidance from mentors or experts in the field can provide valuable insights and techniques. Furthermore, embracing challenges and learning from failures are essential steps in the journey of talent development. It’s also vital to stay motivated and passionate about one’s craft to ensure long-term growth and improvement.”
Describe a hobby you had as a child can be an excellent way to illustrate how early interests can develop into natural talents. Many childhood hobbies are rooted in innate abilities that we later recognize as talents.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:
Cue Card
Describe a natural talent you would like 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 further
Band 6-7 Answer:
“The natural talent I’d like to improve is my ability to learn languages quickly. I discovered this talent when I was in high school and found that I could pick up new languages faster than my classmates. I want to improve it because I believe it will be useful for my future career in international business. To develop this talent further, I plan to take more language courses and practice speaking with native speakers regularly.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The natural talent I’m keen on honing is my linguistic aptitude, particularly my ability to acquire languages with relative ease. This innate skill first came to light during my formative years in secondary school, where I found myself grasping new languages at a notably faster pace than my peers.
My motivation to refine this talent stems from its immense potential in both my personal and professional spheres. In our increasingly globalized world, multilingual proficiency is not just an asset but often a necessity, especially in the realm of international relations where I aspire to build my career.
To cultivate this talent further, I’ve devised a comprehensive strategy. Firstly, I’m committed to immersing myself in diverse linguistic environments through regular language exchange programs and cultural events. Additionally, I’m leveraging technology by using language learning apps and participating in online forums with native speakers. Moreover, I’ve set myself the challenge of reading literature in my target languages and keeping a journal to practice written expression.
Ultimately, my goal is to transform this natural affinity for languages into a finely-tuned skill that will not only broaden my cultural horizons but also enhance my ability to foster cross-cultural understanding in my future career.”
Follow-up Questions
Q: Do you think natural talents are more important than hard work?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I believe both natural talents and hard work are important. Talents give you a good starting point, but without hard work, they won’t develop fully.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“While natural talents certainly provide a solid foundation, I firmly believe that hard work is the cornerstone of success in any field. Innate abilities may offer an initial advantage, but it’s the dedicated effort, perseverance, and continuous learning that truly cultivate these talents into exceptional skills. Moreover, hard work can often compensate for a lack of natural talent, whereas talent alone, without diligence, may remain unfulfilled potential. In my experience, the most successful individuals are those who combine their natural aptitudes with unwavering commitment and tireless effort.”
Describe a person you admire for their creativity can be a great way to illustrate how natural talents, when combined with hard work, can lead to remarkable achievements.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: How do you think education systems can better support students in developing their natural talents?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think schools should offer more diverse subjects and extracurricular activities. This would help students discover and develop their talents. Teachers should also encourage students to explore different areas.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Education systems could significantly enhance their support for nurturing students’ natural talents through a multifaceted approach. Firstly, implementing a more flexible curriculum that allows for personalized learning paths would enable students to delve deeper into areas where they show promise. Additionally, integrating project-based learning and real-world applications of knowledge can help students identify and cultivate their innate abilities in practical contexts.
Furthermore, fostering a growth mindset within the educational environment is crucial. This involves encouraging risk-taking, viewing failures as learning opportunities, and celebrating effort as much as achievement. Providing access to mentorship programs, where students can connect with professionals or experts in various fields, could also offer invaluable guidance and inspiration.
Lastly, leveraging technology to offer adaptive learning experiences and exposure to a wide range of disciplines could help uncover hidden talents that traditional education might overlook. By adopting these strategies, education systems can create a more conducive environment for the discovery and development of students’ natural talents.”
Q: In what ways do you think society benefits from individuals developing their natural talents?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I believe society benefits a lot when people develop their talents. It leads to new inventions, better art, and improved services in different fields. When people use their talents, they can solve problems more effectively.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The cultivation of individual talents undoubtedly yields multifaceted benefits for society as a whole. Primarily, it fosters innovation across various sectors. When individuals are empowered to hone their natural abilities, whether in science, technology, arts, or humanities, it often leads to groundbreaking discoveries and creative solutions to complex problems.
Moreover, a society that encourages talent development tends to be more diverse and dynamic. This diversity of skills and perspectives enhances our collective ability to address global challenges, from climate change to healthcare crises. It also contributes to cultural richness, as talents in music, literature, and visual arts enrich our shared human experience.
From an economic standpoint, the development of individual talents drives progress and competitiveness. It leads to the creation of specialized skills that can propel industries forward, boost productivity, and even create entirely new sectors of the economy.
Furthermore, when people are able to align their careers with their natural talents, it often results in higher job satisfaction and overall well-being. This, in turn, can lead to more engaged citizens and a more harmonious society.
In essence, the nurturing of individual talents creates a positive ripple effect, benefiting not just the individuals themselves, but society as a whole through increased innovation, cultural enrichment, economic growth, and social well-being.”
IELTS Speaking: Describing a Natural Talent to Improve
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your responses and aim for higher band scores, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
Innate ability /ɪˈneɪt əˈbɪləti/ (noun phrase): A natural talent or skill that you’re born with.
Example: “My innate ability to understand complex mathematical concepts has always set me apart in my studies.”To hone /həʊn/ (verb): To refine or perfect a skill over time.
Example: “I’m committed to honing my public speaking skills to become a more effective communicator.”Aptitude /ˈæptɪtjuːd/ (noun): A natural ability or skill, especially in learning.
Example: “Her aptitude for languages was evident from an early age.”To cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To develop or improve through attention and effort.
Example: “I’m actively cultivating my leadership skills through various workshops and practical experiences.”Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
Example: “Developing a natural talent requires a multifaceted approach, including practice, mentorship, and continuous learning.”
Describe a member of a team that you know can provide an excellent opportunity to use these vocabulary items in context, especially when discussing how team members leverage their natural talents for the benefit of the group.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing natural talents:
- Demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary related to skills, abilities, and personal development.
- Use complex grammatical structures to express your ideas clearly and precisely.
- Provide specific examples and personal experiences to support your points.
- Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts, especially in Part 3 of the test.
- Maintain fluency by practicing speaking on this topic beforehand.
- Be prepared to discuss both the benefits and potential drawbacks of focusing on natural talents.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about having the right answers, but about expressing your ideas coherently, fluently, and with linguistic sophistication. Regular practice and exposure to English in various contexts will help you improve your performance.
IELTS Speaking Practice Session
By following these guidelines and incorporating the suggested vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to discuss your natural talents and aspirations for improvement in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice is key to building confidence and fluency. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
Describe a recent purchase that made you feel excited can be an interesting way to practice using descriptive language and expressing emotions, skills that are also valuable when discussing natural talents and personal development.