How to Ace IELTS Speaking: Describing a Person Who Taught You an Important Life Lesson

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing someone who has taught us a valuable life lesson. This article will provide you with strategies and sample answers to help you excel in this type of question.

IELTS Speaking Test

Understanding the Question

When asked to Describe A Person Who Has Taught You An Important Life Lesson, the examiner is looking for:

• Your ability to describe a person and their qualities
• Your capacity to explain the lesson learned
• Your skill in reflecting on personal experiences

This topic allows you to showcase your vocabulary, fluency, and ability to structure a coherent response.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about learning and influential people. Here are some possible questions:

1. Do you enjoy learning new things?
2. Who has been the most influential person in your life?
3. How do you prefer to learn – from books or from people?

Let’s look at a sample answer for question 2:

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):

“I’d say my grandfather has been the most influential person in my life. He’s always been a role model for me, showing incredible resilience in the face of challenges. His wisdom and life experiences have shaped many of my own values and beliefs.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Now, let’s focus on the main topic with a sample cue card:

Describe a person who has taught you an important life lesson.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What your relationship with this person is
• What lesson you learned from them
• How this lesson has influenced your life

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about my high school math teacher, Mr. Johnson. He taught me for three years and became a mentor to me. The most important lesson I learned from him was the value of perseverance.

Mr. Johnson always encouraged us to keep trying, even when math problems seemed impossible. He would say, ‘It’s not that you can’t do it; you just haven’t figured it out yet.’ This positive attitude really stuck with me.

This lesson has had a significant impact on my life. Whenever I face challenges, I remember Mr. Johnson’s words and keep pushing forward. It’s helped me in my studies and even in my personal life. I’ve learned to see obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable barriers.

Thanks to Mr. Johnson’s lesson, I’ve developed a more resilient mindset. I’m more willing to take on difficult tasks and less likely to give up when things get tough. This has led to many achievements I might not have realized otherwise.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to share with you about my grandmother, a remarkable woman who imparted an invaluable life lesson to me. Our relationship has always been exceptionally close, transcending the typical grandparent-grandchild dynamic to become more of a profound friendship.

The most significant lesson I gleaned from her was the importance of embracing change and adaptability. Having lived through numerous societal shifts and personal challenges, my grandmother consistently demonstrated an extraordinary ability to adjust her perspective and approach to new situations.

One vivid memory that encapsulates this lesson was when she, at the age of 75, decided to learn how to use a smartphone and social media. Despite initial struggles, she persevered with unwavering determination, often saying, ‘The world keeps moving, and so must we.’ This attitude left an indelible impression on me.

This lesson has profoundly influenced my life, shaping my outlook on personal and professional challenges. When faced with unexpected changes or obstacles, I find myself channeling my grandmother’s resilience and open-mindedness. It’s helped me navigate career transitions, adapt to new environments, and even embrace technological advancements with enthusiasm rather than trepidation.

Moreover, this lesson has instilled in me a deep appreciation for lifelong learning. I’ve come to view change not as a threat, but as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. This mindset has opened doors I never thought possible and has allowed me to continually evolve as an individual.”

Follow-up Questions

1. How has this lesson changed your perspective on life?
2. Do you think it’s important for everyone to have a mentor?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for Question 1:

“This lesson has fundamentally altered my perspective on life in several ways. Firstly, it’s made me more open to new experiences and less resistant to change. I now see change as an inevitable and often positive force rather than something to be feared or avoided.

Secondly, it’s enhanced my problem-solving skills. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by challenges, I now approach them with a more flexible mindset, looking for creative solutions and being willing to adapt my approach as needed.

Lastly, it’s given me a greater sense of control over my life. By understanding that I have the power to adapt and grow, I feel more confident in my ability to handle whatever life throws my way. This has led to increased self-efficacy and a more positive outlook on my future prospects.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to the topic. For example:

1. How do you think the role of teachers has changed in recent years?
2. What qualities make someone a good mentor?
3. Do you think life lessons are best learned through experience or through others’ advice?

Let’s look at a sample answer for question 3:

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):

“I believe that the most effective life lessons often come from a combination of personal experience and others’ advice. While experiencing something firsthand can make a lesson more memorable and impactful, learning from others’ experiences can help us avoid costly mistakes.

Personal experiences provide a deeper understanding of a situation and allow us to develop our own coping mechanisms. However, relying solely on personal experience can be time-consuming and potentially risky.

On the other hand, advice from others, especially those with more life experience, can offer valuable insights and alternative perspectives that we might not have considered. It can help us navigate complex situations more effectively.

Ultimately, I think the ideal approach is to balance both methods. We should be open to learning from others’ experiences and advice, but also be willing to step out of our comfort zones and gain our own experiences when necessary.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“This is a nuanced question that doesn’t have a straightforward answer. In my opinion, the most profound and lasting life lessons often result from a synergistic combination of personal experience and the wisdom imparted by others.

Personal experiences undoubtedly provide the most visceral and impactful learning opportunities. They engage all our senses and emotions, making the lessons learned deeply ingrained and difficult to forget. The process of trial and error, while sometimes painful, often leads to significant personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

However, relying solely on personal experience has its limitations. It can be an inefficient and potentially hazardous way to learn, especially when dealing with high-stakes situations. Moreover, our personal experiences are inherently limited by our individual circumstances and may not prepare us for the full spectrum of life’s challenges.

This is where learning from others’ advice and experiences becomes invaluable. It allows us to expand our horizons, gain diverse perspectives, and learn from the collective wisdom of humanity. By heeding others’ advice, we can often avoid pitfalls, make more informed decisions, and accelerate our personal development.

The most effective approach, in my view, is to cultivate a balance between these two learning methods. We should actively seek out the advice and experiences of others, particularly those we respect or who have expertise in areas we wish to develop. Simultaneously, we should remain open to new experiences, willing to step outside our comfort zones and test our understanding through personal action.

This balanced approach allows us to benefit from the wisdom of others while still developing our own judgment and critical thinking skills. It enables us to learn efficiently from others’ mistakes and successes, while still gaining the deep, personal understanding that comes from firsthand experience. In essence, it combines the breadth of collective knowledge with the depth of personal insight, leading to more comprehensive and well-rounded life lessons.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To score high in your IELTS Speaking test, use a variety of advanced vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples:

1. Invaluable /ɪnˈvæljuəbl/ (adj): Extremely useful; indispensable.
   Example: “My grandmother’s advice has been invaluable throughout my life.”

2. Profound /prəˈfaʊnd/ (adj): Very great or intense; having or showing great knowledge or insight.
   Example: “The experience had a profound impact on my worldview.”

3. Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (n): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
   Example: “Her resilience in the face of adversity was truly inspiring.”

4. Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ (n): Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
   Example: “His perseverance in pursuing his goals eventually led to success.”

5. Adaptability /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ (n): The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.
   Example: “In today’s rapidly changing world, adaptability is a crucial skill.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who taught you an important life lesson:

1. Practice storytelling: Develop your ability to narrate personal experiences coherently and engagingly.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of descriptive words and phrases to make your speech more vivid and precise.

3. Reflect on your experiences: Spend time thinking about the lessons you’ve learned and how they’ve impacted you. This will help you speak more authentically and passionately.

4. Use specific examples: Illustrate your points with concrete examples from your life to make your answers more convincing and memorable.

5. Work on fluency: Practice speaking on various topics to improve your overall fluency and reduce hesitations.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and coherence are just as important as the content of your answers.

For more tips on IELTS Speaking, you might find these articles helpful:

• Describe a person who has a unique approach to solving problems
• Describe a time when you taught someone something useful
• Describe a time when you learned something from a failure

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss life lessons and influential people in your IELTS Speaking test.