Speaking about someone who excels at explaining things is a common topic in IELTS speaking tests. Let’s explore effective strategies and sample answers to help you achieve a high score on this topic.
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions you might encounter:
- Do you enjoy explaining things to others?
- Who usually explains things to you when you need help?
- What qualities make someone good at explaining things?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I find great satisfaction in explaining concepts to others, especially when I can see their understanding grow. The key to being an effective explainer is to break down complex ideas into digestible pieces and use relevant examples that resonate with the listener.”
Professional teacher explaining concept to student
Part 2: Cue Card
You should talk about:
- Who this person is
- What they usually explain
- How they explain things
- And explain why you think they are good at explaining
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my physics professor, Dr. Sarah Thompson, who has an exceptional talent for making complex scientific concepts accessible to everyone. She possesses a unique ability to transform abstract theories into relatable everyday examples.
What sets her apart is her methodical approach to explanation. She always starts with the big picture before diving into the details, using analogies that students can easily connect with. For instance, when explaining quantum mechanics, she compared electron behavior to a peculiar dance performance, making it remarkably comprehensible.
Her most striking quality is her patience and ability to read her audience. She can instantly tell when students are confused and adjusts her explanation style accordingly. She also incorporates interactive elements like demonstrations and real-world applications, which significantly enhance our understanding.
describe a time when you showed something new to someone This reminds me of when I had to explain complex concepts to others, though I strive to match her effectiveness.
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about my math teacher, Mr. Lee. He is good at explaining mathematics to students. He uses simple words and draws pictures on the board. He explains things step by step and gives us many examples to practice with. I think he is good because he is patient and makes sure everyone understands before moving on.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
- What makes someone an effective teacher?
- How has technology changed the way people explain things?
- Do you think everyone can become good at explaining things?
Sample High-Scoring Response (Band 8-9):
“The hallmark of an effective teacher lies in their ability to foster genuine understanding rather than mere memorization. They need to possess deep subject knowledge while maintaining the ability to simplify complex concepts without losing their essence. describe a situation where you had to explain something complicated demonstrates this challenge well.
Technology has revolutionized explanatory methods through interactive visualization tools and immediate feedback mechanisms. However, the human element of reading student responses and adapting explanations accordingly remains crucial for effective teaching.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Articulate /ɑːˈtɪkjʊleɪt/ (adj): able to express thoughts and ideas clearly
- Break down (phrasal verb): to explain something complicated in simpler terms
- Methodical /mɪˈθɒdɪkəl/ (adj): systematic and well-organized
- Comprehensible /kɒmprɪˈhensəbl/ (adj): easily understood
- Interactive engagement (noun phrase): two-way communication during explanation
Teacher demonstrating practical experiment to students
Remember to practice these responses with attention to pronunciation and fluency. Record yourself and compare with model answers to improve your speaking skills.
