As an experienced IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve seen countless candidates struggle with this topic. However, with the right approach, you can turn this into an opportunity to showcase your English proficiency and impress the examiner. Let’s dive into how to effectively describe a person who has helped you grow professionally in your IELTS Speaking test.
Understanding the Task
This topic is a common one in IELTS Speaking Part 2, where you’re given a cue card and asked to speak for 1-2 minutes. It’s crucial to understand what the examiner is looking for:
- Fluency and coherence
- Lexical resource (vocabulary)
- Grammatical range and accuracy
- Pronunciation
Now, let’s break down the task and explore how to excel in each part of the Speaking test.
IELTS Speaking Test
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
While the main topic will be addressed in Part 2, the examiner might warm you up with related questions in Part 1. Here are some potential questions:
- Do you enjoy learning from others?
- How important is mentorship in your field?
- What qualities do you look for in a professional role model?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you enjoy learning from others?
Candidate (Band 6-7): Yes, I do. I think it’s important to learn from people with more experience. It helps me improve my skills and knowledge.
Candidate (Band 8-9): Absolutely! I find it incredibly valuable to learn from others, especially those with diverse experiences. It not only broadens my perspective but also accelerates my professional growth. I’m always eager to absorb new insights and techniques from colleagues and mentors alike.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a person who has helped you grow professionally
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they did to help you
- And explain how this person’s help impacted your professional growth
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
The person who has helped me grow professionally is my former manager, Sarah. I met her when I started working at a marketing agency three years ago. Sarah was very supportive and always gave me useful feedback on my work. She encouraged me to take on challenging projects and learn new skills.
One thing Sarah did was assign me to lead a big client presentation. I was nervous, but she coached me through the preparation process. She taught me how to structure the presentation and deliver it confidently. This experience really boosted my public speaking skills and gave me more confidence in my abilities.
Sarah’s help had a big impact on my career. Thanks to her guidance, I became more skilled in project management and client communication. These skills have been very useful in my current job, where I have more responsibilities. I’m grateful for Sarah’s mentorship and how it helped me grow professionally.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
The individual who has been instrumental in my professional growth is my former manager, Sarah Thompson. I had the privilege of working under her guidance at a cutting-edge marketing agency for three years, beginning in 2019.
Sarah was not just a manager; she was a true mentor who took a vested interest in my development. Her approach was multifaceted, combining constructive feedback with challenging opportunities that pushed me out of my comfort zone. What set her apart was her ability to identify potential in her team members and nurture it strategically.
A pivotal moment in our professional relationship was when Sarah entrusted me with leading a high-stakes client presentation. Recognizing my apprehension, she meticulously coached me through the preparation process. Her guidance was comprehensive, covering everything from structuring compelling narratives to mastering non-verbal communication. This experience was transformative, significantly enhancing my public speaking skills and instilling a newfound confidence in my abilities.
The impact of Sarah’s mentorship on my career has been profound and far-reaching. Under her tutelage, I honed my project management skills and developed a nuanced understanding of client relations. These competencies have proven invaluable in my current role, where I shoulder greater responsibilities. Sarah’s influence extended beyond specific skills; she fostered a growth mindset that continues to drive my professional evolution.
Reflecting on my journey, I’m immensely grateful for Sarah’s guidance. Her mentorship laid a solid foundation for my career progression and instilled in me the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the dynamic field of marketing.
Follow-up Questions
- What qualities do you think make a good mentor?
- How has your approach to work changed since this experience?
Sample answer (Band 8-9) for the first question:
A truly exceptional mentor possesses a unique blend of qualities. Foremost among these is empathy – the ability to understand and relate to the challenges faced by their mentee. Equally crucial is expertise in their field, coupled with the ability to communicate complex concepts in an accessible manner.
Patience is another vital attribute, as growth often involves trial and error. A good mentor should also be inspirational, leading by example and motivating their mentee to strive for excellence. Constructive feedback is essential, delivered in a way that is both honest and encouraging.
Furthermore, a top-tier mentor is adaptable, tailoring their approach to suit the individual needs and learning style of each mentee. They should be well-connected within their industry, willing to open doors and create opportunities for their protégé. Lastly, the best mentors foster independence, gradually empowering their mentees to stand on their own feet rather than creating dependency.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions:
- How has mentorship changed in the digital age?
- What role should companies play in fostering professional growth?
- Do you think formal education or on-the-job experience is more valuable for professional development?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: How has mentorship changed in the digital age?
Candidate (Band 6-7): I think mentorship has changed a lot because of technology. Now, we can connect with mentors online, which makes it easier to find help. There are also more resources available, like online courses and webinars. However, face-to-face mentorship is still important for building relationships.
Candidate (Band 8-9): The digital age has revolutionized the landscape of mentorship, bringing about both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, technology has dramatically expanded access to mentors, transcending geographical boundaries and allowing professionals to connect with experts worldwide. This democratization of knowledge has been further enhanced by the proliferation of online learning platforms, webinars, and virtual conferences.
However, this digital shift has also introduced new dynamics to the mentorship relationship. The asynchronous nature of online communication can sometimes dilute the immediacy and personal connection that traditional face-to-face mentoring offers. There’s also the challenge of information overload, where mentees must navigate a sea of advice and discern quality guidance from noise.
Interestingly, we’re seeing a hybrid model emerge, where digital tools complement rather than replace in-person interactions. This approach leverages the best of both worlds – the convenience and breadth of digital resources, combined with the depth and nuance of personal relationships. Ultimately, while the medium may have changed, the core essence of mentorship – guidance, support, and knowledge transfer – remains as crucial as ever in professional development.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated terms and phrases:
Instrumental /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ (adj): Playing a crucial role in an activity or process.
Example: “Her guidance was instrumental in shaping my career path.”Nurture /ˈnɜːrtʃər/ (v): To help or encourage the development of.
Example: “A good mentor nurtures their mentee’s potential.”Pivotal /ˈpɪvətl/ (adj): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
Example: “That project was a pivotal moment in my professional growth.”Comprehensive /ˌkɑːmprɪˈhensɪv/ (adj): Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
Example: “She provided comprehensive feedback on my performance.”Profound /prəˈfaʊnd/ (adj): Very great or intense.
Example: “The experience had a profound impact on my career trajectory.”Hone /hoʊn/ (v): Refine or perfect (something) over a period of time.
Example: “Under her guidance, I honed my leadership skills.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who has helped you grow professionally:
- Structure your answer clearly, using linking words to connect ideas smoothly.
- Use a wide range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and professional jargon where appropriate.
- Demonstrate grammatical range by using complex sentence structures and a variety of tenses.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate your points and make your answer more engaging.
- Practice your pronunciation, focusing on word stress and intonation to enhance clarity.
Remember, the key to success is not just what you say, but how you say it. Confidence and fluency come with practice, so rehearse your responses to various potential questions.
For more tips on acing your IELTS Speaking test, check out our guides on describing a time when you successfully completed a difficult project and describing a time when you had to adjust to new circumstances.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-equipped to excel in your IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who has helped you grow professionally. Good luck!