How to Ace the IELTS Speaking Task: Describing a Person Who Helped You Improve a Skill

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and relationships. One common topic is describing someone who has helped you develop a skill. This article will provide you with valuable tips and sample answers to help you excel in this task.

Understanding the Topic

“Describe a person who helped you improve a skill” is a frequently occurring topic in IELTS Speaking Part 2. It allows examiners to assess your ability to talk about personal experiences, relationships, and skill development. This topic is likely to remain popular in future tests due to its relevance to everyday life and personal growth.

IELTS Speaking Test

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions related to skills and learning. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Q: Do you enjoy learning new skills?

Band 6-7 Answer: Yes, I do. I find it exciting to learn new things and challenge myself. It’s always satisfying to see my progress when I pick up a new skill.

Band 8-9 Answer: Absolutely! I’m an avid learner and I thrive on acquiring new skills. It’s not just about the end result for me, but the journey of self-improvement that I find incredibly fulfilling. Each new skill I learn opens up a world of possibilities and enhances my personal and professional growth.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a person who helped you improve a skill
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What skill they helped you improve
• How they helped you
• And explain why this skill was important to you

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

Who this person is and what skill they helped you improve:
The person I’d like to talk about is my uncle, James, who played a pivotal role in helping me improve my public speaking skills. He’s a seasoned professor at a prestigious university and has always been known for his eloquence and ability to captivate an audience.

How they helped you:
My uncle’s approach to helping me was both systematic and encouraging. He started by having me practice short speeches in front of our family, providing constructive feedback on my content, delivery, and body language. He introduced me to the concept of storytelling in presentations, which was a game-changer for me. James also encouraged me to join the debating club at school and even arranged for me to attend a few of his lectures to observe his techniques firsthand.

One of the most valuable pieces of advice he gave me was to focus on connecting with the audience rather than just delivering information. He taught me to use rhetorical questions, vivid analogies, and personal anecdotes to make my speeches more engaging and memorable.

Why this skill was important to you:
Developing strong public speaking skills has been immensely beneficial for me, both academically and personally. It has boosted my confidence tremendously and allowed me to express my ideas more effectively in various settings, from class presentations to job interviews. Moreover, this skill has opened up numerous opportunities for me, such as being selected to represent my school at regional competitions and even delivering a TEDx talk at my university.

The ability to communicate clearly and persuasively is, in my opinion, an invaluable asset in today’s world, regardless of one’s chosen career path. I’m incredibly grateful to my uncle for recognizing the importance of this skill and investing his time and expertise in helping me develop it.

Follow-up Questions

1. How has this skill affected your life?
2. Do you think everyone should learn this skill?

Band 8-9 Sample Answers:

1. This skill has profoundly impacted various aspects of my life. Professionally, it has given me a competitive edge in job interviews and presentations at work. On a personal level, it has enhanced my ability to articulate my thoughts and feelings more effectively in relationships. Perhaps most importantly, it has instilled in me a sense of self-assurance that permeates all areas of my life, making me more willing to take on challenges and step out of my comfort zone.

2. Absolutely. I believe public speaking is a fundamental skill that everyone should strive to develop. In our increasingly interconnected world, the ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively is invaluable. Whether you’re a scientist explaining your research, an entrepreneur pitching to investors, or simply someone trying to make your voice heard in your community, strong public speaking skills can open doors and create opportunities. Moreover, the process of learning this skill often leads to increased self-awareness and emotional intelligence, which are beneficial in all aspects of life.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Q: How do you think technology has changed the way people learn new skills?

Band 6-7 Answer: Technology has made learning new skills much easier. We can now access online courses and tutorials on almost any topic. It’s also made it possible to learn at our own pace and from anywhere in the world.

Band 8-9 Answer: Technology has revolutionized the landscape of skill acquisition in numerous ways. Firstly, it has democratized access to knowledge, allowing anyone with an internet connection to learn from experts worldwide through platforms like Coursera or Udemy. This has leveled the playing field in terms of educational opportunities.

Moreover, technology has made learning more interactive and engaging through tools like virtual reality and gamification. For instance, language learning apps like Duolingo use game-like elements to make the process more enjoyable and addictive.

However, it’s worth noting that while technology has made information more accessible, it has also created challenges. The abundance of resources can be overwhelming, and learners need to develop strong critical thinking skills to discern quality information. Additionally, the ease of access might sometimes lead to a lack of depth in learning, as people may hop from one topic to another without fully mastering any.

Despite these challenges, I believe the positive impact of technology on skill acquisition far outweighs any negatives. It has opened up possibilities for lifelong learning and continuous self-improvement that were unimaginable just a few decades ago.

Q: Do you think the role of teachers will change in the future due to technological advancements?

Band 6-7 Answer: Yes, I think teachers’ roles will change. They might focus more on guiding students rather than just giving information. Technology can provide information, but teachers will still be important for explaining and helping students understand.

Band 8-9 Answer: The role of teachers is indeed likely to undergo a significant transformation in the coming years, primarily driven by technological advancements. However, rather than diminishing their importance, I believe these changes will elevate the teacher’s role to new levels of significance.

In the future, we’re likely to see teachers transition from being primary sources of information to becoming facilitators of learning. With vast amounts of information readily available online, the value of a teacher will lie increasingly in their ability to guide students through this sea of data, helping them to critically analyze, synthesize, and apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

Moreover, as artificial intelligence and adaptive learning technologies become more sophisticated, teachers will likely spend less time on routine tasks like grading and more time on high-value activities. These might include fostering creativity, developing students’ emotional intelligence, and cultivating critical thinking skills – areas where human interaction remains crucial.

Another important aspect of the evolving role of teachers will be in personalized education. Technology can help identify individual learning styles and paces, but teachers will be vital in crafting personalized learning experiences that cater to each student’s unique needs and potential.

In essence, while technology will undoubtedly reshape the educational landscape, the human element that teachers bring – empathy, inspiration, and the ability to ignite a passion for learning – will remain irreplaceable. The future teacher will be a blend of educator, mentor, and tech-savvy guide, uniquely positioned to prepare students for a rapidly changing world.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Pivotal role /ˈpɪvətl roʊl/ (adjective + noun): Crucially important.
   Example: My mentor played a pivotal role in shaping my career.

2. Eloquence /ˈeləkwəns/ (noun): The ability to speak fluently and persuasively.
   Example: His eloquence made him a natural leader in debates.

3. Systematic /ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk/ (adjective): Done according to a fixed plan or system.
   Example: She took a systematic approach to learning Spanish.

4. Constructive feedback /kənˈstrʌktɪv ˈfiːdbæk/ (noun phrase): Helpful and specific comments on how to improve.
   Example: The teacher provided constructive feedback on my essay.

5. Game-changer /ɡeɪm ˈtʃeɪndʒər/ (noun): An event, idea, or procedure that effects a significant shift in the current way of doing or thinking about something.
   Example: The invention of the smartphone was a game-changer in communication.

6. Rhetorical questions /rəˈtɔːrɪkl ˈkwestʃənz/ (noun phrase): Questions asked for effect rather than to elicit an answer.
   Example: Using rhetorical questions can make your speech more engaging.

7. Immensely beneficial /ɪˈmensli ˌbenɪˈfɪʃl/ (adverb + adjective): Extremely helpful or advantageous.
   Example: Learning a second language can be immensely beneficial for your career.

8. Competitive edge /kəmˈpetətɪv edʒ/ (noun phrase): An advantage over competitors.
   Example: Her fluency in Mandarin gave her a competitive edge in the job market.

9. Articulate /ɑːrˈtɪkjuleɪt/ (verb): Express thoughts or feelings fluently and coherently.
   Example: She was able to articulate her ideas clearly during the presentation.

10. Revolutionize /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ (verb): Change something radically or fundamentally.
    Example: The internet has revolutionized the way we access information.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who helped you improve a skill:

1. Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases naturally in your responses. This demonstrates a wide lexical range.

2. Provide specific examples: When talking about how the person helped you, give concrete instances and anecdotes. This adds depth to your answer.

3. Show reflection: Discuss not just what happened, but how it impacted you and why it was significant. This demonstrates critical thinking.

4. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on various topics to improve your ability to speak at length without hesitation.

5. Use appropriate tenses: Ensure you use past tenses when describing past events and present tenses when discussing current impacts.

6. Demonstrate coherence: Structure your answer logically, using linking words to connect ideas smoothly.

7. Express opinions: In Part 3, don’t just state facts. Offer your personal views and support them with reasons and examples.

Remember, practice is key. Regularly rehearsing potential topics will help you feel more confident and perform better on test day.

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

• Describe a Time When You Helped Someone Solve a Difficult Problem
• Describe a Person Who Has Taught You an Important Life Lesson

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in your IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who helped you improve a skill.