The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people who have made an impact on our lives. One common topic is describing someone passionate about learning. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and maximize your score.
Describe a person who is very passionate about learning is a topic that allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to provide detailed descriptions. To excel in this task, it’s crucial to understand the different parts of the Speaking test and how to approach each one.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about learning and education. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
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Do you enjoy learning new things?
Band 6-7 answer: “Yes, I do. I find learning new things interesting and it helps me grow as a person.”
Band 8-9 answer: “Absolutely. I have an insatiable curiosity for acquiring new knowledge and skills. It’s not just enjoyable, but I find it intellectually stimulating and essential for personal growth.”
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How do you prefer to learn: by reading, listening, or doing?
Band 6-7 answer: “I prefer learning by doing. It helps me understand things better when I can practice them.”
Band 8-9 answer: “I’m a firm believer in the hands-on approach. While I appreciate the value of reading and listening, I find that actively engaging with the subject matter through practical application cements the knowledge more effectively in my mind.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who is passionate about learning.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they like to learn about
- How they learn
- And explain why you think they are so passionate about learning
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who is incredibly passionate about learning languages. Her enthusiasm for linguistics is truly infectious.
Sarah has an insatiable appetite for mastering new languages. Currently, she’s fluent in five languages and is working on her sixth. What’s remarkable is her diverse approach to learning. She doesn’t just focus on grammar books; instead, she immerses herself in the culture of each language she studies.
Her learning methods are quite innovative. She uses language exchange apps to practice with native speakers, watches foreign films without subtitles, and even travels to countries where the language is spoken to gain authentic exposure. What I find most admirable is her dedication to daily practice, no matter how busy her schedule is.
I believe Sarah’s passion stems from her genuine curiosity about different cultures and her desire to connect with people from all walks of life. She often says that each new language opens up a new world of perspectives and experiences. Her enthusiasm is palpable when she speaks about her language learning journey, and it’s clear that for her, it’s not just about acquiring a skill, but about broadening her horizons and understanding the world better.
Sarah’s passion for learning languages has inspired me to approach my own learning with more dedication and creativity. Her journey shows that with the right mindset, learning can be an exciting, lifelong adventure.”
Follow-up questions:
- How has this person’s passion for learning influenced you?
Band 6-7 answer: “Sarah’s passion has motivated me to try learning a new language. I’ve started using some apps to learn Spanish.”
Band 8-9 answer: “Sarah’s unwavering commitment to language learning has been truly inspirational. It’s prompted me to reassess my own approach to personal development. I’ve not only taken up learning a new language but also adopted her holistic learning style, incorporating cultural immersion and regular practice into my routine.”
- Do you think passion for learning is common among people you know?
Band 6-7 answer: “Not really. Some of my friends like learning, but not many are as passionate as Sarah.”
Band 8-9 answer: “In my experience, such intense passion for learning is relatively rare. While many of my acquaintances appreciate the value of education, few demonstrate the level of dedication and enthusiasm that Sarah does. Her zeal for continuous learning sets her apart in a world where many view education as a means to an end rather than a lifelong pursuit.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think schools can encourage a passion for learning in students?
Band 6-7 answer: “Schools can make lessons more interesting and use different teaching methods. They can also reward students who show a strong interest in learning.”
Band 8-9 answer: “I believe schools play a pivotal role in cultivating a passion for learning. They can achieve this by implementing a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, incorporating interactive and experiential learning methods can make subjects more engaging and relatable. Secondly, fostering a growth mindset among students by emphasizing the process of learning rather than just outcomes can be incredibly powerful. Additionally, providing diverse learning opportunities beyond the traditional curriculum, such as clubs, projects, and partnerships with local organizations, can help students discover and nurture their interests. Lastly, celebrating curiosity and initiative rather than just academic achievements can create a culture where the love for learning is valued and encouraged.”
Examiner: Do you think the ability to learn quickly is more important than having a passion for learning?
Band 6-7 answer: “I think both are important. Learning quickly can help you in school and work, but passion keeps you motivated to keep learning.”
Band 8-9 answer: “While the ability to learn quickly is certainly advantageous, I would argue that having a passion for learning is more crucial in the long run. Quick learning can provide short-term benefits, particularly in academic or professional settings. However, passion for learning is what fuels continuous growth and adaptation throughout one’s life. It drives individuals to persevere through challenges, explore new areas of knowledge, and maintain curiosity even in familiar fields. In our rapidly changing world, this sustained enthusiasm for learning is invaluable. It enables people to stay relevant, innovate, and find fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. Moreover, passion often leads to deeper understanding and retention of knowledge, as opposed to the potentially superficial grasp that might result from rapid learning without genuine interest.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Insatiable curiosity (noun phrase)
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈseɪʃəbl kjʊəriˈɒsəti/
Meaning: An unquenchable desire to learn or know more
Example: Her insatiable curiosity led her to explore various fields of study. -
Intellectually stimulating (adjective phrase)
Pronunciation: /ˌɪntəˈlektʃuəli ˈstɪmjuleɪtɪŋ/
Meaning: Engaging or exciting the mind
Example: The professor’s lectures were always intellectually stimulating, challenging students to think critically. -
Cement knowledge (verb phrase)
Pronunciation: /sɪˈment ˈnɒlɪdʒ/
Meaning: To firmly establish information in one’s mind
Example: Practical exercises help to cement knowledge gained from textbooks. -
Broaden horizons (verb phrase)
Pronunciation: /ˈbrɔːdn həˈraɪznz/
Meaning: To expand one’s range of interests, experiences, or knowledge
Example: Traveling to different countries can really broaden your horizons. -
Unwavering commitment (noun phrase)
Pronunciation: /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ kəˈmɪtmənt/
Meaning: Steady, consistent dedication
Example: Her unwavering commitment to environmental causes inspired many to join the movement.
Examiner’s Advice: To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a passionate learner, focus on providing detailed examples and using a wide range of vocabulary. Practice expressing your ideas clearly and coherently, and try to incorporate some of the advanced phrases mentioned above. Remember to speak naturally and maintain good fluency throughout your responses.
Describe a place in your city that holds special memories can be another interesting topic to practice, as it allows you to combine descriptive language with personal experiences, much like discussing a passionate learner.
Describe a game or sport you have learned is also a relevant topic that can help you practice discussing learning experiences and personal growth, which are themes that often overlap with describing passionate learners.
By mastering these speaking strategies and expanding your vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about passionate learners or related topics in your IELTS Speaking test.