The Speaking section of the IELTS exam is designed to assess your English proficiency in a personal, interactive context. Examining factors such as fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation, the IELTS Speaking Examiner evaluates your ability to engage in a real-life conversation using English. One common topic that frequently arises is describing a person who excels at their hobby. This topic can be found in various parts of the IELTS Speaking test, particularly in Parts 2 and 3.
In this article, we will delve into sample questions and answers for the topic “Describe a person who is very good at their hobby”, provide detailed explanations, and share some useful vocabulary and strategies to help you excel in your IELTS Speaking test.
II. Main Content
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
The examiner may start by asking you several personal questions to help you feel comfortable and at ease. Below are some common questions and a sample answer related to hobbies.
Sample Question:
“Do you have a hobby? What is it?”
Sample Answer:
“Yes, I do have a hobby. I enjoy photography. Capturing moments through the lens allows me to express my creativity and see the world from different perspectives. It’s a great way to relax and unwind.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Now, let’s focus on creating a cue card (cue card) and a model answer for the topic “Describe a person who is very good at their hobby.”
Cue Card:
Describe a person who is very good at their hobby.
You should say:
- who this person is
- what their hobby is
- how they became so good at it
- and explain why you think they are so good at their hobby.
Model Answer:
“I would like to describe my friend Sarah, who is incredibly talented at her hobby, which is painting. Sarah and I met during college, and over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing her skill grow immensely.
Sarah’s passion for painting began when she was just a child. She attended a summer camp where she took art classes, and it was evident even then that she had a natural talent. As the years went by, she continued to practice diligently, attending various workshops and enrolling in art courses to refine her skills.
What truly sets Sarah apart is her dedication and meticulous attention to detail. She doesn’t just paint what she sees but also captures the emotions and essence of her subjects. Her artwork has a unique style that blends realism with abstract elements, making her creations stand out.
I believe Sarah is exceptional at her hobby because of her unwavering commitment and passion. She spends countless hours perfecting each piece, often experimenting with new techniques and materials. Additionally, her ability to adapt and innovate in her art has earned her several accolades in local art exhibitions.
In summary, Sarah’s exceptional talent in painting is a result of her dedication, continuous learning, and innovative spirit. She inspires me and many others to pursue our passions wholeheartedly.”
Possible Follow-up Questions:
- “How do you think one can improve their skills in a particular hobby?”
- “Do you believe having a hobby is important? Why or why not?”
Suggested Answers:
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“To improve skills in a particular hobby, I believe it is essential to practice regularly and seek feedback from experts. Additionally, joining groups or communities of like-minded individuals can provide motivation and exposure to new ideas and techniques.”
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“Yes, having a hobby is very important as it provides a creative outlet and a way to balance stress from daily life. Engaging in a hobby can also improve mental well-being and foster a sense of accomplishment and purpose.”
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will lead a discussion related to the topic in Part 2 but at a more abstract level. This is a chance to showcase your ability to analyze, provide reasons, and express your opinions.
Examiner’s Questions:
- “Why do you think some people are very passionate about their hobbies?”
- “Can a hobby be more than just a leisure activity?”
Suggested Answers:
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“I think people are passionate about their hobbies because they provide a sense of fulfillment and enjoyment that is sometimes lacking in their professional lives. Hobbies often allow individuals to express their creativity and explore their interests deeply, leading to a stronger emotional connection and passion.”
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“Certainly, a hobby can evolve into something much more significant than just a leisure activity. For instance, many people turn their hobbies into successful careers or businesses. Hobbies can also play a crucial role in personal development, teaching valuable skills such as patience, dedication, and problem-solving.”
Vocabulary and Useful Phrases
To help you prepare effectively, here are some important words and phrases that you can use to describe a talented individual and their hobby:
- Dedicated (adj.) /ˈdɛdɪˌkeɪtɪd/: Committed to a task or purpose.
- “She is a dedicated artist.”
- Meticulous (adj.) /məˈtɪkjʊləs/: Showing great attention to detail.
- Innovative (adj.) /ˈɪnəˌveɪtɪv/: Featuring new methods or ideas.
- Passionate (adj.) /ˈpæʃənət/: Having, showing, or caused by strong feelings or beliefs.
- “He is passionate about music.”
- Fulfillment (n.) /fʊlˈfɪlmənt/: The achievement of something desired.
- “Her hobby brings a sense of fulfillment.”
Example Usage:
- “John is incredibly dedicated to his hobby of gardening. His meticulous approach ensures that his garden always looks stunning.”
- “She has an innovative style in her cooking, combining traditional recipes with modern techniques.”
III. Advice for Achieving High Scores
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, here are some tips:
- Practice Regularly: Engage in regular speaking practice with a partner or mentor to build your fluency and confidence.
- Use a Range of Vocabulary: Incorporate diverse and contextually appropriate vocabulary to demonstrate your lexical resource.
- Focus on Pronunciation: Clear and accurate pronunciation will help convey your message effectively.
- Structure Your Answers: Plan your responses with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion to showcase coherence and cohesion.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Approach the test with a positive attitude and stay calm to think clearly and respond accurately.
By following these strategies and incorporating relevant vocabulary, you can significantly boost your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and achieve your desired band score.
For further reading, you can explore related articles that shed more light on describing people in your life, such as Describe a person who is very influential in your life or Describe a situation when you felt very proud of yourself.
By immersing yourself in realistic practice scenarios and utilizing these tips, you will be better prepared to tackle the IELTS Speaking section with confidence.