Describing a curious person is a popular topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme often appears in Part 2 and can lead to interesting follow-up questions in Part 3. To excel in this task, you need to understand the key aspects of curiosity and how to articulate them effectively. Let’s explore how to approach this topic and secure a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about curiosity. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you consider yourself a curious person?”
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I’m fairly curious. I often find myself wondering about how things work or seeking out new experiences. For instance, I recently became interested in urban gardening and spent hours researching different techniques and plants suitable for small spaces. This thirst for knowledge helps me learn new things regularly and keeps life interesting.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a curious person:
Describe a person who is very curious
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What makes this person curious
- And explain how you feel about this person’s curiosity
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my college roommate, Alex, who is undoubtedly one of the most curious individuals I’ve ever encountered. We met during our freshman year and quickly became close friends due to our shared interests in science and technology.
What sets Alex apart is his insatiable appetite for knowledge. He’s constantly asking thought-provoking questions and delving deep into various subjects, far beyond what’s required for our coursework. For instance, when we were studying basic electronics, Alex wasn’t content with just understanding the curriculum. He went above and beyond, exploring advanced concepts like quantum computing and even building a small robot in his free time.
Alex Building Robot
His curiosity manifests in numerous ways. He’s always reading diverse books, from philosophy to astrophysics, and eagerly sharing fascinating facts he’s learned. Alex also has this remarkable habit of striking up conversations with strangers, always eager to learn about their experiences and perspectives. This openness to new ideas and people has led him to some incredible opportunities, like an internship at a cutting-edge tech startup.
I find Alex’s curiosity both inspiring and occasionally overwhelming. On one hand, his enthusiasm is contagious, and I’ve learned so much just by being around him. He’s pushed me to question my assumptions and explore topics I’d never considered before. On the other hand, his relentless pursuit of knowledge can be exhausting at times, especially when I’m trying to relax.
Overall, I deeply admire Alex’s curious nature. It’s a quality that I believe will serve him well throughout his life, driving him to continually learn, grow, and innovate. His example has taught me the value of staying curious and open-minded, and it’s a trait I strive to cultivate in myself.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How has Alex’s curiosity influenced your own approach to learning?
- Can you describe a specific instance where Alex’s curiosity led to an interesting discovery or experience?
Sample Answers:
Band 6-7:
- “Alex’s curiosity has definitely made me more interested in learning new things. I now try to read more diverse books and ask more questions in class. It’s helped me understand my subjects better.”
- “Once, Alex’s curiosity about local history led us to explore an old abandoned building in our town. We discovered some interesting old artifacts and learned a lot about our town’s past. It was a fun and educational experience.”
Band 8-9:
- “Alex’s insatiable curiosity has profoundly transformed my approach to learning. I’ve become more proactive in seeking knowledge, not just for academic purposes but for personal growth as well. I’ve adopted his habit of questioning assumptions and exploring topics beyond the surface level. This shift has not only improved my academic performance but has also made learning a more fulfilling and engaging process.”
- “Alex’s curiosity once led to a fascinating discovery during a routine walk in the park. He noticed an unusual plant and, instead of simply admiring it, he meticulously researched its origins. It turned out to be a rare species not native to our area. This discovery sparked a collaboration with local botanists and resulted in a small conservation project. It was a perfect example of how curiosity can lead to meaningful contributions to our community and scientific knowledge.”
Alex Examining Plant
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Do you think curiosity is an important trait for success in today’s world?”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. In today’s rapidly evolving world, curiosity is not just important; it’s essential for success. The ability to ask probing questions, seek out new information, and adapt to changing circumstances is crucial in virtually every field.
In the professional realm, curious individuals are often at the forefront of innovation. They’re the ones who question existing processes, explore new technologies, and drive progress. Take the tech industry, for example. The most successful companies are often led by intensely curious individuals who are always looking for the next breakthrough.
Moreover, curiosity fosters a growth mindset, which is invaluable in our fast-paced society. Curious people are more likely to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and continuously improve their skills. This adaptability is a significant advantage in a job market where the skills required are constantly changing.
Curiosity also enhances problem-solving abilities. When faced with obstacles, curious individuals are more likely to approach them from multiple angles, drawing on a diverse knowledge base to find innovative solutions.
However, it’s worth noting that curiosity alone isn’t enough. It needs to be coupled with perseverance and critical thinking to truly drive success. But as a foundational trait, curiosity is undoubtedly a powerful asset in navigating and thriving in our complex, information-rich world.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Insatiable appetite for knowledge (noun phrase)
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈseɪʃəbl ˈæpɪtaɪt fɔːr ˈnɒlɪdʒ/
Meaning: An endless desire to learn and understand new things
Example: “Her insatiable appetite for knowledge led her to pursue multiple degrees.” - To delve deep into (phrasal verb)
Pronunciation: /tə delv diːp ˈɪntə/
Meaning: To thoroughly investigate or explore a subject
Example: “The researcher delved deep into ancient texts to uncover lost historical details.” - Thought-provoking (adjective)
Pronunciation: /ˈθɔːt prəˈvəʊkɪŋ/
Meaning: Stimulating careful consideration or attention
Example: “The documentary raised several thought-provoking questions about climate change.” - To question assumptions (verb phrase)
Pronunciation: /tə ˈkwestʃən əˈsʌmpʃənz/
Meaning: To challenge or reconsider established beliefs or ideas
Example: “A good scientist always questions assumptions and seeks empirical evidence.” - At the forefront of innovation (idiomatic expression)
Pronunciation: /æt ðə ˈfɔːfrʌnt əv ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/
Meaning: Leading or being among the most advanced in a field
Example: “That tech company has been at the forefront of innovation in artificial intelligence.”
Describe a person who has taught you something important can be another interesting topic to explore in IELTS Speaking, as it often involves discussing curiosity and learning experiences.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a curious person:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to curiosity and learning. Incorporate idioms and phrasal verbs naturally.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate the person’s curious nature. This demonstrates your ability to explain abstract concepts concretely.
- Discuss the impact of the person’s curiosity on yourself and others. This shows depth of analysis and personal engagement with the topic.
- Use a variety of complex sentence structures to express your ideas clearly and coherently.
- Practice speaking about curiosity in different contexts – personal, professional, and academic – to prepare for various question types.
- Develop your ideas fully, providing reasons and examples for your statements.
- Be prepared to discuss the broader implications of curiosity in society, linking it to topics like innovation, education, and personal growth.
Remember, the key to excelling in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Speak confidently, maintain good fluency, and show enthusiasm for the topic.
Describe a famous monument in your country that you have visited can be an excellent opportunity to demonstrate curiosity about history and culture, which ties into our main topic.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the suggested vocabulary and structures, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any question about describing a curious person in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice is key to improving your speaking skills and confidence.