Similar to [describe a person who is very good at explaining things], this speaking topic frequently appears in IELTS tests and requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to describe people’s qualities and characteristics effectively.
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions examiners ask about explaining and teaching:
- Do you enjoy explaining things to others? Why/why not?
- Who usually explains things to you when you don’t understand something?
- What qualities make someone good at explaining things?
Sample answer for Band 8-9:
“I find great satisfaction in explaining concepts to others because it helps me deepen my own understanding. Being able to break down complex ideas into digestible parts is both challenging and rewarding. When I need explanations, I usually turn to my physics professor who has this remarkable ability to make abstract concepts tangible through real-world analogies.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe someone who is good at explaining things
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they usually explain
- How they explain things
And explain why you think they are good at explaining things
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my computer science professor, Dr. Stevens, who has an exceptional talent for explaining complex programming concepts. What makes him stand out is his systematic approach to breaking down intricate topics into manageable chunks.
When explaining programming algorithms, he employs a unique methodology of using everyday situations as analogies. For instance, when teaching sorting algorithms, he brilliantly compares them to organizing books on a shelf, making abstract concepts immediately relatable.
His explanations are particularly effective because he combines multiple teaching techniques. He uses visual aids, draws clear diagrams, and provides real-world examples. He also has this remarkable ability to read his audience’s facial expressions and adjust his pace accordingly.
What truly sets him apart is his passion for ensuring comprehension. He regularly pauses to check understanding and encourages questions, creating an interactive learning environment. His explanations are always structured logically, moving from basic concepts to more complex applications, which helps students build a solid foundation of understanding.”
[describe a decision that affected your life] can help you understand how to structure your response when discussing significant influences in your life, similar to describing someone’s impact on your learning.
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about my math teacher, Mr. Johnson. He teaches algebra and geometry at my school. He’s good at explaining because he uses simple examples from daily life. When he explains math problems, he draws pictures on the board and goes step by step. He always checks if we understand and repeats things when needed. I think he’s good at explaining because he’s patient and makes complicated math easier to understand.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
- What qualities make someone an effective explainer?
- How has technology changed the way people explain things?
- Why do some people find it difficult to explain things clearly?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The hallmark of an effective explainer lies in their ability to gauge their audience’s level of understanding and adapt their communication style accordingly. They possess strong emotional intelligence and can read non-verbal cues to determine whether their explanation is being comprehended.
[describe a person who is skilled at explaining things] offers additional insights into the characteristics that make someone an effective communicator.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions for High Scores
- To break down (phr.v) /breɪk daʊn/ – to explain something complicated in simpler parts
- Systematic approach (n.phr) /ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ – organized method of doing something
- To gauge understanding (v.phr) /ɡeɪdʒ ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ/ – to assess how well someone understands
- Interactive learning environment (n.phr) /ˌɪntərˈæktɪv ˈlɜːnɪŋ ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/ – setting where people actively participate in learning
Remember to practice these expressions naturally and incorporate them smoothly into your responses for higher band scores.