The ability to vividly describe a person with a unique talent or ability is a valuable skill for the IELTS Speaking test. This topic frequently appears in Part 2 and can lead to engaging discussions in Part 3. Let’s explore how to excel in this task and impress the examiner with your English proficiency.
Understanding the Task
When asked to describe a person with a unique talent or ability, you’re expected to paint a detailed picture of an individual whose skills stand out. This could range from artistic abilities to specialized professional skills or even unusual personal traits.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
While this topic is more likely to appear in Part 2, the examiner might warm you up with related questions in Part 1. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you have any special talents or abilities?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Well, I’d say I’m quite good at cooking. I can whip up a tasty meal with just a few ingredients.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to think that I have a knack for languages. I’ve managed to pick up three foreign languages so far, and I find that I can assimilate new vocabulary and grammatical structures quite rapidly. It’s a skill that has served me well in both my personal and professional life.”
Q: Do you think it’s important for people to develop their talents?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think it’s important. Developing talents can help people feel more confident and maybe even get better jobs.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. I believe that nurturing one’s talents is crucial for personal growth and self-actualization. Not only does it boost self-esteem, but it can also open up new opportunities in one’s career and social life. Moreover, when individuals hone their unique abilities, they’re more likely to make meaningful contributions to society.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a person who has a unique talent or ability.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their unique talent or ability is
- How you know about this person’s talent
- And explain why you think this talent or ability is unique
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who has a really amazing talent. She can do mental math incredibly fast. I met Sarah in college, where we were both studying engineering. I first noticed her ability during a math class when she solved complex calculations in her head before anyone else could even start writing.
Her talent is being able to do difficult math problems in her head without using a calculator or pen and paper. It’s not just simple addition or multiplication; she can do things like square roots and even some calculus mentally.
I found out about her talent when we were working on a group project together. She would always have the answers ready before the rest of us had even finished inputting the numbers into our calculators.
I think this talent is unique because it’s not something you see every day. Most people struggle with basic math, let alone complex calculations. Sarah’s ability saves a lot of time and is really impressive to watch. It’s like her brain is a supercomputer, processing numbers at an incredible speed.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss a truly remarkable individual I had the privilege of meeting during my university years – Professor Alan Chen. His unique talent lies in his extraordinary ability to seamlessly switch between multiple languages in a single conversation, a skill known as polyglotism.
Professor Chen, who taught Comparative Literature, possesses an uncanny mastery over twelve languages, ranging from widely spoken ones like Mandarin and Spanish to more esoteric tongues such as Aramaic and Old Norse. What sets him apart is not just the number of languages he speaks, but the effortless fluency with which he navigates between them.
I first became aware of his linguistic prowess during a guest lecture he delivered on the nuances of translation in world literature. Throughout the two-hour session, he fluidly alternated between several languages to illustrate subtle differences in meaning and cultural context, leaving the entire audience spellbound.
The uniqueness of his talent lies in its rarity and practical application. While many people might speak two or three languages, the ability to command such a vast linguistic repertoire is exceptionally uncommon. Moreover, Professor Chen’s skill goes beyond mere translation; he demonstrates a deep understanding of the cultural and historical contexts of each language, allowing him to draw fascinating parallels and insights across different literary traditions.
His talent not only facilitates communication across cultural boundaries but also opens up new avenues for comparative literary analysis. It’s a skill that bridges gaps between different cultures and histories, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared human experience through the lens of language and literature.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How did you feel when you first witnessed this person’s talent?
- Do you think this talent has had a significant impact on their life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“When I first saw Professor Chen’s talent, I was really amazed. I couldn’t believe someone could speak so many languages so well. I think his talent has definitely helped him in his career as a literature professor.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I was utterly awestruck when I first witnessed Professor Chen’s linguistic abilities. It was a truly humbling experience that made me realize the incredible potential of the human mind. As for the impact on his life, I believe his talent has been transformative. It has not only propelled his academic career to great heights but has also allowed him to forge connections across diverse cultures and communities. His ability to navigate multiple linguistic landscapes with ease has undoubtedly opened doors to unique opportunities and experiences that most of us can only imagine.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: Do you think some people are born with special talents, or are talents developed through hard work?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think it’s probably a mix of both. Some people might have natural abilities, but everyone needs to practice to get really good at something.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“This is a complex issue that has been debated by psychologists and educators for years. While there’s evidence to suggest that some individuals may have a genetic predisposition towards certain abilities, I believe that talent is primarily cultivated through dedicated practice and perseverance.
The concept of ‘natural talent’ can be misleading, as it often overlooks the countless hours of hard work that go into developing a skill. Even those who seem to have an innate aptitude for something – be it music, mathematics, or languages – still need to invest significant time and effort to refine their abilities.
Moreover, recent research in neuroplasticity suggests that our brains are remarkably adaptable, and with the right kind of practice, we can develop skills in areas where we may not have shown initial promise. This underscores the importance of persistence and effective learning strategies in talent development.
That being said, I do believe that individual differences in learning speed and capacity exist. Some people might progress more rapidly in certain areas due to a combination of factors including genetics, early exposure, and environmental influences. However, I would argue that sustained effort and deliberate practice are the key determinants of achieving exceptional skill levels in any domain.”
Q: In your opinion, how can society better support and nurture individuals with unique talents?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think schools should offer more programs for talented students. Also, the government could give scholarships or grants to help people develop their special skills.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Nurturing unique talents is crucial for societal progress and innovation, and I believe there are several ways we can better support gifted individuals:
Firstly, our educational systems need to become more flexible and personalized. A one-size-fits-all approach often fails to cater to the specific needs of uniquely talented individuals. Implementing individualized learning plans and providing mentorship opportunities could help these students thrive.
Secondly, increased funding for specialized programs and research initiatives is essential. This could involve government grants, corporate sponsorships, or public-private partnerships aimed at identifying and nurturing exceptional talents across various fields.
Furthermore, we should foster a culture that values and celebrates diverse forms of intelligence and creativity. This means moving beyond traditional metrics of success and recognizing excellence in a wide range of domains, from artistic expression to technological innovation.
Lastly, creating networking platforms and collaborative spaces where talented individuals can connect, share ideas, and inspire each other could lead to exponential growth in their respective fields. This could be achieved through specialized conferences, online communities, or interdisciplinary research centers.
By implementing these strategies, we can create an environment that not only identifies and supports unique talents but also harnesses these abilities for the greater good of society.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
-
Polyglotism [ˈpɒlɪɡlɒtɪzəm] (noun): The ability to speak or use several different languages.
Example: “Her polyglotism allowed her to communicate effortlessly with people from various countries.” -
Innate aptitude [ɪˈneɪt ˈæptɪtjuːd] (phrase): A natural ability or skill.
Example: “He showed an innate aptitude for mathematics from a very young age.” -
Neuroplasticity [ˌnjʊərəʊplæˈstɪsɪti] (noun): The ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or experience.
Example: “Recent studies in neuroplasticity suggest that we can continue learning and developing new skills well into adulthood.” -
To hone [həʊn] (verb): To refine or perfect something over a period of time.
Example: “She spent years honing her craft before becoming a renowned sculptor.” -
Spellbound [ˈspelbaʊnd] (adjective): Held under someone’s spell; fascinated.
Example: “The audience was spellbound by the magician’s incredible illusions.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in describing a person with a unique talent or ability:
- Be specific: Provide detailed examples of how the person’s talent manifests.
- Use varied vocabulary: Employ a range of descriptive words to make your account vivid and engaging.
- Show enthusiasm: Convey your admiration for the talent through your tone and word choice.
- Link to broader themes: Connect the individual’s talent to wider societal or personal impacts.
- Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with describing various talents to improve your fluency and vocabulary range.
Remember, the key to a high score lies not just in describing the talent, but in your ability to discuss it thoughtfully and articulately. Good luck with your IELTS Speaking test!
For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might find it helpful to explore topics like describing a person who has inspired you or discussing leadership in group projects. These related topics can help broaden your vocabulary and improve your ability to discuss various aspects of personal experiences and abilities.