IELTS Speaking candidates are often asked to describe people they know or admire. One common topic is describing a humble person. This theme tests your ability to discuss personal qualities and provide specific examples. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively to achieve a high band score.
Describe a place where you like to go to enjoy nature can also be a related topic that tests your descriptive skills. However, let’s focus on describing a humble person for now.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about humility or people you admire. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you think humility is an important quality?
A: Absolutely. I believe humility is crucial in both personal and professional relationships. It allows people to acknowledge their limitations, learn from others, and create a positive environment where everyone feels valued. In my experience, humble individuals tend to be more approachable and respected by their peers.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe A Person Who Is Very Humble
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain why you think this person is humble
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about my former university professor, Dr. Sarah Thompson, who epitomizes humility in every aspect of her life and work. I had the privilege of taking her advanced biology course during my second year of studies, and her humble nature left an indelible impression on me.
Dr. Thompson is a renowned scientist in the field of genetics, with numerous groundbreaking publications to her name. Despite her impressive achievements, she never boasts about her accomplishments or talks down to her students. Instead, she approaches each class with genuine curiosity and openness to new ideas.
What truly sets her apart is her willingness to admit when she doesn’t know something. In our discussions, if a student raised a point she wasn’t familiar with, she would eagerly acknowledge it and encourage further exploration. This created an incredibly supportive learning environment where everyone felt comfortable sharing their thoughts.
I believe Dr. Thompson is humble because she consistently puts others before herself. She dedicates countless hours to mentoring students and junior researchers, sharing credit for discoveries, and emphasizing the collaborative nature of scientific progress. Her actions demonstrate that she values knowledge and growth over personal recognition.
Moreover, Dr. Thompson lives modestly despite her success. She drives an old car, wears simple clothing, and volunteers at local community centers. This shows that she doesn’t measure her worth by material possessions or status symbols.
In essence, Dr. Thompson’s humility is evident in her constant desire to learn, her genuine respect for others’ opinions, and her focus on contributing to society rather than seeking personal glory. Her example has profoundly influenced my own approach to both academics and life in general.”
Humble professor teaching students
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I want to talk about my neighbor, Mr. Lee. He’s an elderly man who lives next door to me. I’ve known him for about five years since I moved into this neighborhood.
Mr. Lee is retired now, but he used to be a high school teacher. Even though he’s not working anymore, he still helps local kids with their homework for free. He spends a lot of time in his garden too, and he often shares vegetables with everyone on our street.
I think Mr. Lee is humble because he never brags about his past achievements. He was apparently a very respected teacher, but he doesn’t talk about it much. He’s always willing to listen to other people’s opinions and doesn’t act like he knows everything.
Another reason I consider him humble is that he lives simply. His house is small and he doesn’t have fancy things. But he seems very happy and content with what he has.
Mr. Lee is also always ready to help others. Whether it’s fixing something for a neighbor or giving advice, he does it without expecting anything in return. This selfless attitude is a big part of his humble nature.
In conclusion, Mr. Lee’s humility shows in the way he treats others with respect, lives modestly, and helps people without seeking praise. His example has taught me a lot about the value of being humble.”
Follow-up Questions
Q: How does being humble benefit a person in their career?
A (Band 8-9): Being humble can be tremendously advantageous in one’s career. Firstly, humble individuals are often more open to feedback and constructive criticism, which allows them to continuously improve their skills and performance. Secondly, humility fosters better teamwork and collaboration, as humble people are more likely to acknowledge others’ contributions and create an inclusive work environment. Moreover, humble leaders tend to inspire greater loyalty and respect from their colleagues, as they lead by example and prioritize the team’s success over personal accolades. Lastly, humility often correlates with a growth mindset, enabling professionals to adapt more readily to changes in their industry and seize new opportunities for learning and development.
A (Band 6-7): Being humble can help a person in their job in several ways. First, humble people are usually better at working in teams because they don’t always try to be the boss. They listen to others’ ideas and can learn from their coworkers. Also, humble employees are often more liked by their bosses and colleagues because they don’t show off or make others feel bad. This can help them get along better at work and maybe even get promotions. Lastly, humble people are usually good at learning new things because they admit when they don’t know something and are willing to ask for help.
Describe a place where you feel most relaxed is another topic that might come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being able to discuss various topics confidently is key to achieving a high score.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: Do you think society values humility as much as it should?
A (Band 8-9): I believe that in many contemporary societies, humility is unfortunately undervalued. We live in an era where self-promotion and assertiveness are often rewarded, particularly in competitive fields like business and politics. Social media has exacerbated this trend, encouraging people to showcase their achievements and present idealized versions of themselves. However, I think there’s a growing recognition of the importance of humility, especially in leadership roles. Studies have shown that humble leaders are often more effective and better liked by their teams. Moreover, in fields like science and academia, humility is crucial for progress, as it allows researchers to admit mistakes, collaborate effectively, and build upon each other’s work. So while society at large may not fully appreciate humility yet, I believe there’s a shifting perspective towards recognizing its value in creating more harmonious and productive environments.
A (Band 6-7): I don’t think society values humility enough these days. Many people seem to care more about showing off on social media and trying to look successful. In some jobs, like sales or politics, being loud and confident seems more important than being humble. But I think this is a problem because humble people can be really good workers and nice to be around. Some companies are starting to see the value of humble employees and leaders. They realize that humble people can work better in teams and solve problems without fighting. So maybe things are changing a bit, but I think society still needs to appreciate humility more.
Humble leader in a team meeting
Q: How can parents teach their children to be humble?
A (Band 8-9): Parents play a pivotal role in instilling humility in their children. Firstly, they can lead by example, demonstrating humble behavior in their own lives. This might involve admitting mistakes, apologizing when wrong, and showing gratitude for others’ contributions. Secondly, parents can encourage a growth mindset by praising effort rather than innate talent, helping children understand that abilities can be developed through hard work. Additionally, involving children in volunteer work or community service can broaden their perspectives and foster empathy. Parents should also teach the value of listening and considering others’ viewpoints, perhaps through family discussions where everyone’s opinion is respected. Lastly, it’s crucial to help children develop a realistic self-image, neither overly critical nor inflated, by providing balanced feedback and encouraging self-reflection. By implementing these strategies consistently, parents can nurture humility as a core value in their children’s character development.
A (Band 6-7): Parents can teach their kids to be humble in several ways. First, they should set a good example by being humble themselves. This means not bragging about their own achievements and admitting when they’re wrong. Parents can also teach kids to say “thank you” and appreciate what they have. It’s important to show children that everyone makes mistakes, and it’s okay to ask for help. Parents should praise their kids for trying hard, not just for being smart or talented. Getting kids involved in helping others, like volunteering, can also teach them to be humble. Lastly, parents should teach their children to listen to others and respect different opinions. All these things can help kids learn to be more humble as they grow up.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Epitomize (verb) /ɪˈpɪtəmaɪz/ – to be a perfect example of something
Example: “Her actions epitomize kindness and compassion.” -
Indelible impression (phrase) /ɪnˈdelɪbl ɪmˈpreʃn/ – a lasting mark or effect
Example: “The professor’s humility left an indelible impression on her students.” -
Groundbreaking (adjective) /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/ – innovative; pioneering
Example: “Despite her groundbreaking research, she remained humble about her achievements.” -
Supportive learning environment (phrase) /səˈpɔːtɪv ˈlɜːnɪŋ ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/ – an atmosphere that encourages and facilitates learning
Example: “Her humility created a supportive learning environment where students felt comfortable asking questions.” -
Collaborative nature (phrase) /kəˈlæbərətɪv ˈneɪtʃər/ – the quality of working well with others
Example: “He emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, giving credit to all team members.”
Describe a place where you go to be alone with your thoughts is another topic that might require similar descriptive skills. Practice using these vocabulary items in various contexts to improve your fluency.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a humble person:
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Use a range of vocabulary related to personal qualities and behavior. Don’t just repeat “humble” – use synonyms and related phrases.
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Provide specific examples to illustrate the person’s humility. This demonstrates your ability to explain abstract concepts concretely.
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Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, to showcase your language proficiency.
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Speak fluently and coherently, organizing your ideas logically. Use discourse markers to connect your points smoothly.
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Show critical thinking by discussing why humility is important or how it impacts relationships and society.
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Practice pronunciation of key terms related to personality and character traits.
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Develop your ideas fully, but be concise. Aim to speak for the full 2 minutes in Part 2 without unnecessary repetition.
Remember, the key to success is practice. Regularly describe people you know, focusing on different qualities each time. This will help you build a rich vocabulary and improve your ability to speak at length on various topics.
Describe a place where you go to spend time in nature and Describe a place where you go to find peace are other topics that might come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Practicing a variety of topics will help you feel more confident on test day.
By following these guidelines and continuously practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss humility or any other personal quality in your IELTS Speaking test.
