As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ve seen countless candidates tackle the topic “Describe a person who has a special talent or ability.” This article will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to excel in this speaking task, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Understanding the Task
The topic “Describe a person who has a special talent or ability” is a common one in IELTS Speaking Part 2. It requires you to talk about someone you know who possesses a unique skill or talent. This task assesses your ability to describe people, express opinions, and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar structures.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Before diving into the main task, let’s look at some questions an examiner might ask in Part 1 related to talents and abilities:
- Do you have any special talents or abilities?
- What talents do you admire in others?
- How important do you think it is to develop one’s talents?
Let’s consider how to answer the first question:
Examiner: Do you have any special talents or abilities?
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
Yes, I think I have a talent for cooking. I enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and creating new dishes. My family and friends often compliment my cooking skills.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
I’d say I have a knack for culinary creativity. I find myself constantly experimenting with diverse ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. My passion for gastronomy has led me to develop a refined palate, and I take great pride in the fact that my culinary creations are often met with enthusiastic acclaim from both family and friends.
Part 2: Long Turn
Now, let’s focus on the main task. Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a person who has a special talent or ability
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their special talent or ability is
- How you know about this person’s talent
- And explain why you think this talent or ability is special
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about my friend, Sarah, who has an incredible talent for painting. Sarah is a classmate of mine from university, and I’ve known her for about three years now.
Sarah’s special ability is creating hyper-realistic portraits using oil paints. Her paintings are so lifelike that they often look like photographs at first glance. It’s truly amazing how she can capture the tiniest details, from the texture of skin to the glint in someone’s eyes.
I first discovered Sarah’s talent when we were working on a group project together. She casually mentioned that she liked to paint, and when I asked to see her work, I was absolutely blown away. Since then, I’ve seen many of her paintings and even watched her work a few times.
I think Sarah’s talent is special because it’s not just about technical skill. She has an incredible ability to capture the essence of a person in her portraits. It’s as if she can see beyond the surface and paint someone’s soul. Her work evokes strong emotions in viewers, which I believe is the mark of a truly gifted artist.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
I’d be delighted to share with you about an exceptionally gifted individual in my life, my university classmate, Sarah. She possesses an extraordinary talent for creating hyper-realistic portraits using oil paints, a skill that never fails to leave me in awe.
Sarah’s artistic prowess lies in her ability to produce paintings that are so strikingly lifelike, they’re often mistaken for high-resolution photographs at first glance. Her meticulous attention to detail is evident in every brushstroke, from the intricate textures of human skin to the subtle play of light in a subject’s eyes.
I stumbled upon Sarah’s remarkable gift during a collaborative project at university. When she nonchalantly mentioned her penchant for painting, I was curious to see her work. The moment she showed me her portfolio, I was utterly mesmerized. Since that eye-opening experience, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing her creative process on several occasions, each time gaining a deeper appreciation for her craft.
What sets Sarah’s talent apart, in my opinion, is not just her technical proficiency, but her uncanny ability to capture the essence of her subjects. Her portraits seem to delve beyond physical appearances, somehow managing to convey the very spirit of the person she’s painting. The emotional resonance her work evokes in viewers is truly remarkable and, I believe, a testament to her exceptional gift. Sarah’s talent transcends mere representation; she creates windows into the human soul, which is why I consider her ability so extraordinarily special.
Sarah painting a hyper-realistic portrait
Follow-up questions:
- How did Sarah develop her talent?
- Do you think natural talent is more important than hard work in achieving success?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 6-7):
From what Sarah has told me, she’s been painting since she was a child. She took art classes in school and practiced a lot in her free time. I think she also watched many online tutorials to improve her techniques.
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
Sarah’s journey to mastery has been a testament to her dedication and passion. She’s been honing her craft since childhood, immersing herself in various art classes throughout her school years. Beyond formal education, Sarah has been relentless in her self-improvement, spending countless hours practicing and refining her techniques. She’s also leveraged online resources extensively, watching tutorials and engaging with global art communities to continually expand her artistic horizons.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some examples:
Examiner: How do you think society benefits from people with special talents?
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
I believe society benefits greatly from talented individuals. They can inspire others, push the boundaries of what’s possible in their fields, and create things that bring joy or solve problems. For example, talented scientists might develop new technologies, while gifted artists can create beautiful works that enrich our culture.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
I firmly believe that individuals with exceptional talents play a pivotal role in advancing society. These gifted individuals often serve as catalysts for innovation and progress across various domains. Their groundbreaking contributions can revolutionize industries, push the boundaries of human knowledge, and inspire generations.
In the realm of science and technology, for instance, brilliantly talented individuals might spearhead the development of cutting-edge technologies that address pressing global challenges, such as climate change or disease prevention. Their innovative solutions can have far-reaching implications, improving quality of life for millions.
Similarly, in the arts, extraordinarily gifted creators have the power to profoundly impact our cultural landscape. Their works can challenge societal norms, provoke thought, and evoke deep emotions, thereby enriching our collective human experience. Moreover, these talented individuals often serve as role models, inspiring others to pursue excellence and push beyond perceived limitations.
Furthermore, the presence of exceptional talent in society often fosters a culture of aspiration and continuous improvement. It sets new benchmarks of achievement, encouraging others to strive for greatness in their own pursuits. This ripple effect of inspiration and motivation can lead to a more dynamic, innovative, and progressive society as a whole.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high band score, incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Here are some examples:
Knack for (noun): a special skill or talent
Pronunciation: /næk/
Example: She has a knack for solving complex mathematical problems.Hone (verb): to refine or perfect over time
Pronunciation: /həʊn/
Example: He spent years honing his guitar skills.Innate ability (noun phrase): a natural talent or skill
Pronunciation: /ɪˈneɪt əˈbɪləti/
Example: Her innate ability to connect with people made her an excellent therapist.Prodigy (noun): a person with exceptional talents or abilities
Pronunciation: /ˈprɒdɪdʒi/
Example: Mozart was considered a musical prodigy from a very young age.To have an eye for (idiom): to have a natural ability to recognize or appreciate something
Example: The fashion designer has an eye for color and texture.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person with a special talent:
- Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases to demonstrate your language proficiency.
- Provide specific examples: Support your points with concrete examples to make your description more vivid and convincing.
- Show enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the topic to engage the examiner and showcase your communication skills.
- Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, addressing all parts of the question.
- Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with various topics and practice speaking about them to improve fluency and confidence.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about having a wide vocabulary, but also about using it appropriately and communicating your ideas clearly and confidently.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find it helpful to read about how to describe a person who has motivated you to pursue excellence. This can provide additional insights into effective ways of describing influential people in your life.