The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing someone who has taught us something valuable. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Understanding the Topic
The topic “Describe A Person Who Has Taught You Something Valuable” is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to talk about personal experiences, express gratitude, and describe the impact of learning on your life. This topic has appeared frequently in past tests and is likely to continue being relevant in future exams.
Person teaching valuable lesson
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions related to learning and influential people. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you enjoy learning new things?
- Who was your favorite teacher at school?
- Have you ever taught someone else something?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Sample Answer: “Absolutely, I’m quite passionate about acquiring new knowledge. I find it incredibly rewarding to broaden my horizons and gain insights into different subjects. Whether it’s learning a new language, picking up a new skill, or delving into a fascinating topic, I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I expand my understanding of the world around me.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a person who has taught you something valuable.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they taught you
- How they taught you
- And explain why you think what they taught you was valuable
Sample Answer
“I’d like to talk about my grandfather, who imparted a crucial life lesson to me about the importance of perseverance.
My grandfather was a self-made entrepreneur who built a successful business from scratch. What he taught me was the value of persistence in the face of adversity. He instilled in me the belief that setbacks are merely stepping stones to success.
His method of teaching was primarily through leading by example. I vividly remember spending time at his office as a teenager, observing how he navigated challenges with unwavering determination. He would often share stories of his early struggles and how he overcame them through sheer tenacity.
I consider this lesson invaluable because it has profoundly influenced my approach to life. Whenever I face obstacles, I recall my grandfather’s words and find the strength to persevere. This mindset has helped me achieve numerous goals, both personally and professionally. It’s a principle that transcends specific situations and can be applied to virtually any aspect of life, making it an incredibly versatile and powerful tool for success.”
Follow-up Questions
- How has this lesson influenced your life decisions?
- Do you think you could teach this lesson to others effectively?
Sample Answer for Question 1: “This lesson has had a profound impact on my life decisions. It’s encouraged me to take calculated risks and pursue challenging goals that I might have otherwise shied away from. For instance, when I decided to switch careers a few years ago, the transition was fraught with difficulties. However, remembering my grandfather’s teachings, I persisted through the tough times and eventually found success in my new field. It’s reinforced my belief that with enough determination and hard work, I can overcome almost any obstacle.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think the ability to teach is innate or can be learned?
Candidate: “I believe that while some people may have a natural aptitude for teaching, the ability to teach effectively is largely a skill that can be developed over time. Innate qualities like patience and empathy certainly help, but the core competencies of teaching – such as clear communication, adaptability, and the ability to break down complex concepts – can all be learned and improved through practice and training.
Moreover, great teachers are often those who have a deep passion for their subject and a genuine desire to share knowledge. These traits can be cultivated in anyone who is committed to becoming a better educator. It’s also worth noting that teaching methodologies and best practices are constantly evolving, which means that even naturally gifted teachers need to continuously learn and adapt their approach.
In my opinion, the most effective educators are those who combine some innate qualities with a strong commitment to improving their teaching skills throughout their careers. This balanced approach ensures that they can connect with students on a personal level while also employing the most effective pedagogical techniques.”
Examiner: How has technology changed the way we learn from others?
Candidate: “Technology has revolutionized the way we learn from others in several significant ways. Firstly, it has dramatically increased access to knowledge and expertise. Through online courses, webinars, and educational videos, we can now learn from experts around the world without geographical constraints.
Secondly, technology has made learning more interactive and engaging. Virtual reality simulations, for instance, allow us to experience complex concepts in a hands-on way that wasn’t possible before. Social media platforms and online forums have created virtual communities where people can share knowledge and learn from each other’s experiences in real-time.
However, this technological shift also presents some challenges. The abundance of information available online can sometimes be overwhelming, making it crucial to develop strong critical thinking skills to discern reliable sources. Additionally, the ease of access to information might lead some to undervalue the importance of deep, focused learning.
Despite these challenges, I believe the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Technology has democratized education to an unprecedented degree, allowing people from all walks of life to acquire new skills and knowledge. It has also enabled more personalized learning experiences, with adaptive technologies tailoring content to individual needs and learning styles.
In conclusion, while technology has certainly changed how we learn from others, its overall impact has been to expand opportunities for learning and make education more accessible and diverse than ever before.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Impart (verb) /ɪmˈpɑːrt/ – to pass on knowledge or information
Example: “My mentor imparted valuable wisdom about leadership.” -
Crucial (adjective) /ˈkruːʃl/ – extremely important or necessary
Example: “Understanding client needs is crucial in my line of work.” -
Perseverance (noun) /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ – continued effort and determination
Example: “Her perseverance in the face of adversity was admirable.” -
Instill (verb) /ɪnˈstɪl/ – to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind
Example: “Good teachers instill a love of learning in their students.” -
Tenacity (noun) /təˈnæsəti/ – the quality of being determined
Example: “His tenacity in pursuing his goals was inspiring.” -
Transcend (verb) /trænˈsend/ – to go beyond the usual limits of something
Example: “The skills I learned transcend this particular job and are applicable in many areas.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who has taught you something valuable:
- Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate your points.
- Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts, especially in Part 3.
- Practice speaking on various topics to improve fluency and coherence.
- Work on your pronunciation to ensure clear communication.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express your thoughts clearly are crucial factors in achieving a high band score.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find it helpful to read about describing a time when you had to work through a difficult problem or describing a time when you had to mentor a new team member. These experiences often involve valuable lessons and can provide additional practice for discussing influential people and learning experiences.
