The IELTS Speaking Test is designed to assess a candidate’s spoken English skills. It consists of three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). An IELTS Speaking Examiner evaluates candidates based on several criteria, including fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. In particular, tasks like “Describe a person who is very good at explaining things” are common, aiming to gauge a candidate’s ability to describe, elaborate, and use specific vocabulary.
Common Questions in Part 1 and Sample Answers
Common Questions
- What is your name?
- Where are you from?
- Do you work or study?
- Can you describe a person you admire?
- Do you think explaining things well is an important skill?
Sample Answer for Selected Question
Question: Can you describe a person you admire?
Answer: “I admire my grandmother a lot. She is extremely patient and has a wonderful way of conveying complex ideas in a manner that’s easy to understand. For instance, she once explained the entire process of making cheese from scratch to me, breaking it down into simple steps and drawing parallels to things I already knew. I’ve always admired her ability to make learning fun and accessible.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card and Sample Answer)
Cue Card
Describe a person who is very good at explaining things. You should say:
- Who the person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain why this person is very good at explaining things
Sample Answer
“I’d like to talk about my high school science teacher, Mr. Johnson. I met him when I was in the 10th grade, and he made a lasting impression on me with his exceptional teaching skills. Mr. Johnson teaches physics, and his ability to break down complicated concepts into easily digestible pieces is truly remarkable.
For example, when explaining Newton’s laws of motion, he didn’t just stick to the textbook definitions. Instead, he used real-life examples and practical demonstrations, making the lessons extremely engaging. He once used a skateboard to illustrate inertia, which made the concept not only understandable but also memorable.
teacher-explaining-physics-on-blackboard|physics teacher explaining|A photo of a enthusiastic teacher explaining a physics concept on a blackboard to a classroom of engaged students. The teacher uses colorful chalk to illustrate the concept, and the students are listening attentively and taking notes.
What makes Mr. Johnson exceptional at explaining things is his deep understanding of the subject matter combined with his knack for storytelling. He knows how to capture the attention of his students and keep them engaged throughout the lesson. His enthusiasm is contagious, and he encourages questions, making sure no one is left behind. His clarity, passion, and interactive approach to teaching are what truly set him apart.”
Follow-up Questions (Bullet Points) and Sample Answers
Why is it important for teachers to have good explanatory skills?
- “It is essential for teachers to have good explanatory skills because these skills facilitate better understanding and retention of information among students. When teachers explain concepts clearly, it boosts students’ confidence and stimulates their interest in the subject.”
How can someone improve their explanatory skills?
- “One can improve their explanatory skills by practicing active listening, using clear and concise language, and incorporating visual aids and analogies. Engaging in regular practice and seeking feedback from peers or mentors can also be very beneficial.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner’s Questions and Sample Responses
Examiner: How do you think the ability to explain things well affects professional relationships?
Candidate: “The ability to explain things well significantly strengthens professional relationships. Clear communication reduces misunderstandings and ensures all team members are on the same page, thus fostering a collaborative and productive working environment. For example, in project management, a manager who explains tasks clearly can prevent errors and improve efficiency.”
Examiner: Do you think that technology has changed the way people explain things?
Candidate: “Absolutely. Technology has revolutionized the way people explain things. Digital tools such as presentation software, instructional videos, and interactive simulations provide various methods to relay information effectively. For instance, e-learning platforms allow educators to use animated graphics and videos to illustrate complex subjects, making learning more dynamic and accessible.”
Key Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Vocabulary
- Articulate (/ɑːˈtɪkjələt/) – able to express thoughts and ideas clearly.
- Example: “She is very articulate, which makes her an excellent public speaker.”
- Engage (/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/) – to attract and hold someone’s attention.
- Example: “He engages his listeners with captivating stories.”
- Facilitate (/fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/) – to make something easier or more achievable.
- Example: “Effective communication facilitates team collaboration.”
- Instructive (/ɪnˈstrʌktɪv/) – providing useful information or knowledge.
- Example: “Her instructive lectures have greatly benefited the students.”
Structures
- Complex Sentences – “Although Mr. Johnson’s subject was challenging, his method of using real-life examples made difficult concepts easier to grasp.”
- Conditionals – “If a teacher explains things clearly, students are more likely to succeed.”
- Passive Voice – “The concept was explained thoroughly by Mr. Johnson.”
- Linking Words – “Moreover,” “In addition,” “Furthermore,” “Therefore.”
Examiner’s Advice for High Scores
To achieve high scores in the IELTS Speaking Test:
- Practice Regularly: Engage in speaking practice sessions with a partner or tutor.
- Expand Vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases that are relevant to common IELTS topics.
- Stay Coherent: Maintain a clear line of thought and avoid rambling.
- Use Varied Sentence Structures: Incorporate different grammatical structures to demonstrate range.
- Listen and Respond Thoughtfully: Be attentive to the questions asked and provide complete, relevant answers.