The ability to describe a person who always tells great stories is a valuable skill for the IELTS Speaking test. This topic has appeared in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this subject and impress the examiner with your speaking skills.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about storytelling and the people in your life who are good at it. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: Do you enjoy listening to stories?
Answer (Band 7-8):
Absolutely! I find listening to stories incredibly engaging. There’s something magical about being transported to different worlds or experiences through someone else’s words. I particularly enjoy stories that have unexpected twists or profound messages that make me reflect on life. It’s not just the content that captivates me, but also the way the storyteller brings the narrative to life with their tone, pacing, and expressions.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a person who always tells great stories:
Describe a person who always tells great stories
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kind of stories this person tells
- And explain why you think this person’s stories are great
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to talk about my grandfather, who is an exceptional storyteller. I’ve known him all my life, of course, but it wasn’t until I was a teenager that I truly began to appreciate his remarkable gift for narrative.
My grandfather’s stories often revolve around his experiences during World War II and his subsequent adventures as a merchant sailor. What makes his tales so captivating is the way he weaves historical facts with personal anecdotes, creating a rich tapestry of human experience.
One of the reasons I find his stories so great is his ability to transport listeners to another time and place. He has an uncanny knack for vivid description, making you feel as if you’re right there with him, whether he’s describing the tension on a battleship or the exotic sights and sounds of a foreign port.
Moreover, his storytelling is peppered with humor and profound insights about human nature. He doesn’t just recount events; he draws life lessons from them, making his stories both entertaining and thought-provoking.
What I admire most is how he tailors his narration to his audience. When telling stories to children, he emphasizes the adventure and includes funny details to keep them engaged. For adults, he delves deeper into the emotional and philosophical aspects of his experiences.
In essence, my grandfather’s stories are great because they’re not just tales – they’re windows into history, lessons in humanity, and a bridge between generations. His storytelling is a true art form that never fails to captivate and inspire his listeners.
Examiner’s follow-up questions:
- Do you think storytelling is an important skill? Why or why not?
- How has technology affected the way people tell and consume stories in your country?
Sample Answers:
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(Band 7-8) Yes, I believe storytelling is an incredibly valuable skill. In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to capture and hold someone’s attention through narrative is crucial, whether in personal relationships, education, or business. Good storytellers can convey complex ideas in an accessible way, evoke emotions, and create lasting memories. Moreover, storytelling is a powerful tool for preserving culture and passing down wisdom from one generation to the next.
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(Band 8-9) Technology has dramatically transformed storytelling in my country. On one hand, it has democratized the process, allowing anyone with a smartphone to share their stories through social media platforms, blogs, or podcasts. This has led to a proliferation of diverse narratives and perspectives. Additionally, interactive storytelling through video games and virtual reality is gaining popularity, offering immersive experiences that were previously unimaginable.
However, there’s also a downside to this technological influence. The shorter attention spans fostered by social media have led to a preference for bite-sized content, potentially diminishing appreciation for longer, more complex narratives. There’s also a concern that the art of oral storytelling might be declining as people increasingly consume stories through screens.
Despite these challenges, I believe technology has ultimately enriched our storytelling landscape, providing new tools and platforms for creative expression while also preserving traditional stories in digital formats for future generations.
Describe a person who has influenced you to be more ambitious can be another interesting topic to explore in your IELTS Speaking preparation.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to storytelling. Here are some sample questions and answers:
Q: How has storytelling evolved in the digital age?
A: (Band 8-9) The digital age has profoundly transformed the landscape of storytelling. Traditional forms like books and oral narratives now coexist with a multitude of digital platforms, each offering unique storytelling possibilities. Social media, for instance, has given rise to micro-storytelling, where complex narratives are distilled into short posts or even single images. This has led to more concise and impactful storytelling techniques.
Moreover, the rise of interactive storytelling in video games and virtual reality experiences has blurred the lines between narrator and audience, allowing people to actively participate in and shape narratives. This level of immersion was simply not possible before.
Another significant change is the democratization of storytelling. Anyone with internet access can now share their stories globally, leading to a diverse array of voices and perspectives that were previously underrepresented in mainstream media.
However, this digital evolution also presents challenges. The abundance of content can lead to information overload, making it harder for individual stories to stand out. Additionally, there’s a growing concern about the authenticity of digital narratives, given the ease of manipulating information online.
Despite these challenges, I believe the digital age has ultimately enriched our storytelling traditions, providing new tools and platforms for creative expression while also preserving and disseminating traditional stories to wider audiences.
Q: Do you think the ability to tell good stories is innate or can it be learned?
A: (Band 7-8) I believe the ability to tell good stories is a combination of innate talent and learned skills. Some people naturally have a flair for narrative and an intuitive understanding of what makes a story engaging. They might possess qualities like charisma, good timing, and the ability to read their audience effectively.
However, I’m convinced that storytelling is largely a skill that can be developed and refined. Many aspects of good storytelling, such as structure, pacing, and descriptive language, can be studied and practiced. Professional writers and public speakers, for example, often hone their storytelling abilities through years of deliberate practice and learning from feedback.
Moreover, our understanding of what makes a story compelling has been greatly enhanced by research in fields like psychology and neuroscience. This knowledge can be taught and applied to improve one’s storytelling abilities.
In my opinion, while natural talent can give someone a head start, dedication and practice are the key factors in becoming a truly great storyteller. Even those who don’t consider themselves naturally gifted can significantly improve their storytelling skills through study, practice, and a willingness to learn from others.
Describe a person who motivates you to work harder is another topic that can help you practice your speaking skills in a similar context.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Captivating /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/ (adj): Very attractive or interesting
Example: His captivating stories kept us entertained for hours. -
Vivid description /ˈvɪvɪd dɪˈskrɪpʃən/ (noun phrase): A very clear, detailed explanation
Example: Her vivid descriptions made me feel like I was actually there. -
To weave /wiːv/ (verb): To create a story by combining different elements
Example: He skillfully weaves historical facts with personal anecdotes. -
Anecdote /ˈænɪkdəʊt/ (noun): A short, interesting story about a real person or event
Example: My grandfather’s anecdotes about his travels are always fascinating. -
To transport (listeners) /trænˈspɔːt/ (verb): To cause strong feelings and make someone imagine they are in a different place or time
Example: His stories transport listeners to exotic locations around the world.
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who always tells great stories:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to storytelling and personal description.
- Employ varied sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
- Provide specific examples to support your points and make your description more vivid.
- Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts related to storytelling in Part 3.
- Practice fluency by speaking on this topic regularly, focusing on smooth delivery and natural transitions between ideas.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to elaborate on your ideas are crucial factors in achieving a high score.
Describe an old person who has had an interesting life can be a related topic that allows you to practice similar storytelling and descriptive skills.