The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing someone who has helped you achieve your goals. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions on this subject and maximize your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions related to people who have helped you. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
1. Do you often ask for help when you have problems?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I usually do. When I face difficulties, I tend to reach out to my friends or family for advice. I find it helpful to get different perspectives on a problem.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I’m a firm believer in the power of collective wisdom. Whenever I encounter a challenging situation, I don’t hesitate to seek guidance from my network of friends, family, or mentors. I find that their diverse experiences and viewpoints often lead to innovative solutions I might not have considered on my own.
2. Who do you usually turn to when you need help?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I usually turn to my parents or close friends when I need help. They know me well and can offer good advice based on my personality and situation.
Band 8-9 Answer:
My support network is quite diverse, and I tailor my approach depending on the nature of the issue at hand. For academic or career-related matters, I often consult my professors or professional mentors, as they possess the expertise and industry insights I value. When it comes to personal dilemmas, I rely on the emotional intelligence of my closest friends or the unconditional support of my family. Additionally, for specialized problems, I’m not averse to seeking out experts or professionals in the relevant field.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who has helped you achieve your goals
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- How this person helped you
- And explain why this person’s help was important to you
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
The person I want to talk about is my high school math teacher, Mr. Johnson. I met him when I was 15 years old, in my sophomore year. He helped me a lot with my math skills and boosted my confidence in the subject.
Mr. Johnson noticed that I was struggling with algebra and stayed after school to give me extra tutoring. He was very patient and explained things in a way that made sense to me. He also encouraged me to join the math club, which helped me practice more.
His help was really important because it changed how I felt about math. Before, I thought I was bad at it, but he showed me that I could improve with practice. This made me work harder and eventually, I got much better grades. It even helped me decide to study engineering in college.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
I’d like to discuss my mentor, Dr. Sarah Chen, a renowned artificial intelligence researcher whom I met during my undergraduate studies. Our paths crossed at a university symposium where she was the keynote speaker, and her groundbreaking work in machine learning immediately captivated me.
Dr. Chen’s influence on my academic and professional journey has been truly transformative. She took me under her wing, offering invaluable guidance that extended far beyond mere academic advice. Her mentorship was multifaceted, encompassing everything from honing my research skills to navigating the complexities of the tech industry.
One of the most significant ways she aided me was by facilitating my involvement in cutting-edge research projects. This hands-on experience was instrumental in solidifying my theoretical knowledge and providing me with practical skills that are highly sought after in the field. Moreover, she consistently challenged me to push my boundaries, encouraging me to present at conferences and publish papers, which significantly bolstered my academic profile.
Dr. Chen’s support was pivotal in shaping my career trajectory. Her unwavering belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to pursue ambitious goals that I might have otherwise deemed out of reach. She also opened doors to invaluable networking opportunities, introducing me to key figures in the AI community, which has proven invaluable for my professional growth.
The importance of Dr. Chen’s mentorship cannot be overstated. Her guidance not only helped me achieve my immediate academic goals but also instilled in me a passion for lifelong learning and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the field of AI. She exemplified the importance of not just excelling in one’s field, but also of giving back to the scientific community and nurturing the next generation of researchers.
Follow-up questions:
- How do you plan to pay forward the help you received?
- Do you think it’s important to have a mentor in one’s career?
Band 6-7 Answer:
- I plan to help younger students with their math and science subjects. I want to volunteer at local schools or tutoring centers.
- Yes, I think having a mentor is important. They can give you advice and help you avoid mistakes in your career.
Band 8-9 Answer:
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I’m committed to paying it forward by actively mentoring junior researchers and students in my field. I’ve already initiated a peer mentorship program at my university, and I’m in the process of developing online resources to make AI education more accessible to underserved communities. Additionally, I’m collaborating with local schools to introduce STEM workshops that aim to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
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Absolutely, having a mentor is crucial for career development. A good mentor provides not just knowledge, but also invaluable insights into industry dynamics and career navigation strategies. They can offer personalized guidance based on their own experiences, help you avoid common pitfalls, and open doors to opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible. Moreover, a mentor can be a source of motivation and accountability, pushing you to set and achieve higher goals.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
1. What qualities should a good mentor possess?
Band 6-7 Answer:
A good mentor should be patient, knowledgeable, and willing to share their experience. They should also be good listeners and able to give constructive feedback.
Band 8-9 Answer:
A exceptional mentor should possess a multifaceted skill set. Firstly, they need to have profound expertise in their field, coupled with the ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner. Equally important is their emotional intelligence – the capacity to understand and respond to the mentee’s needs, fears, and aspirations. A great mentor should also demonstrate unwavering commitment to their mentee’s growth, often going above and beyond to create opportunities and provide support.
Furthermore, the ability to provide constructive criticism while maintaining a positive and encouraging atmosphere is crucial. They should be adept at active listening, ensuring they fully grasp the mentee’s perspective before offering guidance. A good mentor also leads by example, embodying the professional and ethical standards they advocate.
Lastly, a truly exceptional mentor possesses the wisdom to know when to guide and when to step back, allowing the mentee to develop their own problem-solving skills and professional identity.
2. How has mentorship changed in the digital age?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Mentorship has changed a lot with technology. Now, people can have mentors from anywhere in the world through video calls and emails. There are also online platforms that match mentors and mentees.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The digital revolution has profoundly transformed the landscape of mentorship. The most obvious change is the dissolution of geographical barriers. Through video conferencing, instant messaging, and collaborative online tools, mentors and mentees can now engage in meaningful interactions regardless of their physical location. This has democratized access to expertise, allowing individuals to connect with mentors from diverse backgrounds and industries worldwide.
Moreover, the digital age has ushered in new forms of mentorship. Micro-mentoring, where brief, focused interactions occur through social media or specialized platforms, has gained popularity. This allows for more diverse and numerous mentoring relationships, each potentially addressing specific aspects of a mentee’s development.
The rise of AI-driven mentoring platforms is another significant development. These systems can analyze vast amounts of data to match mentors and mentees based on compatibility, goals, and skill sets, potentially leading to more effective mentoring relationships.
However, this digital shift also presents challenges. The lack of face-to-face interaction can sometimes hinder the development of deep, trust-based relationships that are crucial for effective mentorship. Additionally, the digital divide means that not everyone has equal access to these new mentoring opportunities, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities in professional development.
In essence, while digital tools have expanded the reach and flexibility of mentorship, they also require us to be mindful of maintaining the human element that makes mentorship truly transformative.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Transformative /trænzˈfɔːmətɪv/ (adj): Causing a major change to something or someone
Example: “Her mentorship had a transformative effect on my career.” -
Invaluable /ɪnˈvæljuəbl/ (adj): Extremely useful; indispensable
Example: “His advice was invaluable in helping me navigate the challenges of graduate school.” -
Multifaceted /ˌmʌlti’fæsɪtɪd/ (adj): Having many different aspects or features
Example: “She provided multifaceted support, helping with both technical skills and career planning.” -
To bolster /ˈboʊlstər/ (v): To support or strengthen
Example: “His encouragement bolstered my confidence in public speaking.” -
Pivotal /ˈpɪvətl/ (adj): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else
Example: “Her guidance was pivotal in shaping my research interests.” -
To instill /ɪnˈstɪl/ (v): To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind
Example: “My mentor instilled in me a passion for continuous learning.” -
To pay it forward (idiom): To respond to a person’s kindness to oneself by being kind to someone else
Example: “I plan to pay it forward by mentoring junior colleagues in my field.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing a person who has helped you achieve your goals:
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Provide specific examples: Don’t just say someone helped you; describe exactly how they did so.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to mentorship and personal development.
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Demonstrate critical thinking: Reflect on why this person’s help was significant and how it impacted your life.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to ensure you can discuss it smoothly without long pauses.
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Show enthusiasm: Your tone and body language should convey genuine appreciation for the person’s help.
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Structure your answer: Especially in Part 2, organize your thoughts logically, covering all points in the cue card.
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Extend your answers: In Part 3, don’t just give short responses. Elaborate on your points and provide reasoned arguments.
Remember, the key to success is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and listen back to identify areas for improvement.