Life lessons often come from those who have walked the path before us, shaping our perspectives and guiding our decisions. In the IELTS Speaking test, describing a person who has taught you valuable life lessons is a common topic that allows candidates to showcase their linguistic abilities while reflecting on personal growth. This theme has consistently appeared in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests, given its universal appeal and potential for rich discussion.

Describe a time you overcame an obstacle in your life can be closely related to discussing a mentor who has guided you through challenges. Let’s explore how to effectively address this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about learning and mentorship. Here’s an example question with a suggested response:

Question: “Do you think it’s important to have mentors in life?”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Absolutely. I believe mentors play a crucial role in personal and professional development. They provide invaluable guidance based on their experiences, helping us navigate challenges and make informed decisions. A good mentor can offer perspective we might not have considered and push us out of our comfort zones, which is essential for growth.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe A Person Who Has Taught You Valuable Life Lessons.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What your relationship with them is
• What lessons they taught you
• How these lessons have impacted your life

And explain why you consider these lessons valuable.

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about my grandmother, who has been a significant influence in my life. She’s in her late 70s now, and we’ve always been close. Throughout my childhood and even now, she’s taught me many important lessons.

One of the main things she’s taught me is the value of patience. She always says, ‘Good things come to those who wait,’ and I’ve seen how this applies in various situations. For example, when I was struggling to find a job after graduation, she encouraged me to keep improving my skills and not to settle for just any opportunity.

Another lesson she’s instilled in me is the importance of kindness. She often reminds me that ‘a little kindness goes a long way.’ I’ve tried to apply this in my daily life, whether it’s helping a colleague or volunteering in my community.

These lessons have had a big impact on my life. I’ve become more patient in my personal and professional pursuits, which has led to better decisions. The emphasis on kindness has helped me build stronger relationships and create a positive environment around me.

I consider these lessons valuable because they’ve shaped my character and outlook on life. They’ve helped me become a better person and have contributed to my success and happiness.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to elucidate on the profound influence my former professor, Dr. Johnson, has had on my life. Our relationship transcended the typical student-teacher dynamic, evolving into a mentorship that has shaped my worldview and professional trajectory.

Dr. Johnson imparted several invaluable lessons, but two stand out prominently. Firstly, she instilled in me the importance of critical thinking. She would often challenge us with the phrase, ‘Question everything, but do so with respect and purpose.’ This approach has revolutionized my problem-solving skills and analytical abilities.

Secondly, she emphasized the significance of ethical leadership. Her mantra, ‘Leadership is not about being in charge, but about taking care of those in your charge,’ has profoundly influenced my approach to teamwork and management.

These lessons have had a transformative impact on my life. The critical thinking skills I developed under her guidance have enabled me to navigate complex situations both in my personal life and career. I find myself approaching challenges with a more nuanced perspective, often uncovering solutions that might otherwise have been overlooked.

Mentor guiding student

The ethical leadership principles she instilled have been instrumental in shaping my professional conduct. I’ve consciously strived to create a work environment that prioritizes empathy, fosters growth, and values each team member’s contribution.

I consider these lessons immensely valuable because they’ve not only contributed to my personal growth but have also enabled me to positively impact others. They’ve equipped me with a moral compass that guides my decisions and actions, ensuring that I contribute meaningfully to both my professional field and society at large.”

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has this person’s advice helped you in difficult situations?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Dr. Johnson’s advice has been instrumental in navigating challenging situations. For instance, when faced with an ethical dilemma at work involving data privacy, I applied her critical thinking framework. This allowed me to thoroughly analyze the situation from multiple angles, considering both the legal and moral implications. Ultimately, I was able to propose a solution that upheld ethical standards while also meeting the company’s objectives. Her emphasis on ethical leadership also gave me the courage to voice my concerns to senior management, demonstrating that principles should not be compromised for short-term gains.”

2. Do you think you could be a mentor to someone else now?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Absolutely. I believe that mentorship is a cyclical process, and I feel equipped to pay forward the guidance I’ve received. I’ve already begun mentoring junior colleagues in my field, sharing insights gained from my experiences and the wisdom imparted by Dr. Johnson. I strive to emulate her approach of fostering critical thinking and ethical decision-making. It’s immensely rewarding to see these individuals grow and develop their own unique perspectives. However, I’m also acutely aware that being a mentor involves continuous learning and self-reflection, and I’m committed to this ongoing process of growth and development.

Mentoring junior colleagues

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: “Let’s consider the role of mentors in society more broadly. How do you think mentorship programs can benefit communities?”

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I think mentorship programs can be really helpful for communities. They can give young people guidance and support, especially in areas where there might not be many opportunities. Mentors can share their experience and knowledge, which can help mentees make better choices about their education and careers. This can lead to more people getting good jobs and contributing to the community. Also, mentorship can help build stronger relationships between different generations, which is good for society.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Mentorship programs can have a profound and far-reaching impact on communities. Firstly, they serve as a powerful mechanism for knowledge transfer, allowing experienced individuals to impart valuable insights and practical wisdom to younger generations. This not only enhances individual growth but also contributes to the collective intellectual capital of the community.

Moreover, mentorship can act as a catalyst for social mobility. In underprivileged areas, where access to role models and professional networks might be limited, mentors can provide crucial guidance and open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed. This can help break cycles of poverty and create pathways to success for talented individuals who may lack resources or connections.

Additionally, mentorship programs can foster intergenerational understanding and cohesion within communities. By facilitating meaningful interactions between different age groups, these programs can help bridge generational gaps, promote empathy, and create a more interconnected social fabric.

Furthermore, from an economic perspective, effective mentorship can lead to a more skilled and adaptable workforce, which in turn can attract investment and stimulate economic growth within communities. By guiding individuals towards fulfilling and productive careers, mentorship programs can contribute to reduced unemployment rates and increased overall prosperity.

In essence, well-structured mentorship initiatives can serve as a cornerstone for community development, driving positive change across social, economic, and cultural dimensions.”

Discuss a person who has had a significant impact on your life is another topic that closely aligns with describing a mentor who has taught you valuable life lessons. Both themes allow you to explore the profound influence certain individuals can have on our personal growth and development.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your responses and aim for higher band scores, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Impart /ɪmˈpɑːrt/ (verb): To pass on or communicate (knowledge, wisdom, etc.)
   Example: “My mentor imparted invaluable life lessons that continue to guide me.”
2. Profound /prəˈfaʊnd/ (adjective): Very great or intense; having or showing great knowledge or insight
   Example: “Her advice had a profound impact on my career choices.”
3. Instrumental /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ (adjective): Serving as a crucial means, agent, or tool
   Example: “His guidance was instrumental in helping me overcome my challenges.”
4. Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
   Example: “Her mentorship caused a paradigm shift in my understanding of leadership.”
5. Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To develop or improve by education or training
   Example: “Through her mentorship, I was able to cultivate resilience and adaptability.”
6. Overarching /ˌəʊvərˈɑːtʃɪŋ/ (adjective): Comprehensive; all-embracing
   Example: “The overarching theme of his lessons was the importance of integrity in all aspects of life.”

Describe a person who taught you an important life skill is another related topic where you can apply these vocabulary items and phrases to enhance your response.

Positive impact on others

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing a person who has taught you valuable life lessons:

1. Develop your ideas fully: Provide specific examples and scenarios to illustrate the lessons learned and their impact on your life.
2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally throughout your responses.
3. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your ability to express ideas smoothly and coherently.
4. Demonstrate critical thinking: Show your ability to analyze the lessons learned and their broader implications.
5. Use appropriate tenses: Pay attention to your use of tenses, especially when narrating past events and describing ongoing impacts.
6. Show enthusiasm: Convey genuine interest in the topic through your tone and expression.

Remember, regular practice with a variety of topics and consistent application of these strategies will help you improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.

By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to deliver a compelling and articulate response when describing a person who has taught you valuable life lessons in your IELTS Speaking test.