The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to people’s talents and professions. One common task is to “describe a person who is very talented in their profession.” This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss personal experiences, express opinions, and use a range of vocabulary related to skills and occupations. Let’s explore how to approach this task effectively to maximize your score.
IELTS Speaking Test
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about talents and professions. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you think talent is innate or can be developed?
- What professions do you think require the most talent?
- How important is talent compared to hard work in achieving success?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you think talent is innate or can be developed?
Candidate (Band 6-7): I believe talent is a mix of both. Some people are born with natural abilities, but practice and dedication are crucial to develop those skills. For example, a person might have a good ear for music, but they still need to put in hours of practice to become a great musician.
Candidate (Band 8-9): In my opinion, talent is a complex interplay between innate abilities and acquired skills. While some individuals may possess a natural predisposition towards certain activities, I firmly believe that consistent effort and deliberate practice play a pivotal role in honing one’s talents. For instance, a person might have an innate sense of rhythm, but to become a virtuoso musician, they would need to dedicate countless hours to perfecting their craft and continuously challenge themselves to improve.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a person who is very talented in their profession.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their profession is
- How you know about their talent
- And explain why you think they are talented
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who is an incredibly talented graphic designer. She works for a well-known advertising agency in our city.
I’ve known Sarah since college, where we studied design together. Even back then, her work stood out from the rest of us. She had a natural flair for creating visually appealing designs that really captured people’s attention.
What makes Sarah so talented is her ability to think outside the box. She doesn’t just follow trends; she creates them. Her designs are always fresh and innovative, combining elements in ways I’ve never seen before. She also has an amazing eye for color and can create harmonious palettes that really make her work pop.
Another thing that impresses me about Sarah is how quickly she works. She can come up with brilliant ideas in a fraction of the time it takes most designers. This efficiency, combined with her creativity, makes her invaluable to her company.
I think Sarah is talented because she consistently produces high-quality work that exceeds expectations. Her designs not only look great but also effectively communicate the message her clients want to convey. It’s no wonder she’s won several industry awards and is highly sought after in her field.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to discuss a remarkably talented individual in the field of graphic design – my friend and former classmate, Sarah Thompson. Sarah currently holds a senior position at a prestigious advertising agency in our metropolitan area.
Our acquaintance dates back to our university days, where we both pursued degrees in visual communication. Even during those formative years, Sarah’s work was exceptionally distinctive, showcasing a level of creativity and technical proficiency that was well beyond that of her peers, myself included.
What truly sets Sarah apart in her profession is her unparalleled ability to conceptualize and execute groundbreaking designs. She doesn’t merely follow industry trends; she’s a trendsetter in her own right. Her portfolio is replete with visually stunning and conceptually rich pieces that seamlessly blend various design elements in innovative and thought-provoking ways.
Sarah’s talent is further evidenced by her exceptional color theory application. She has an innate understanding of color psychology and can effortlessly create harmonious and impactful color schemes that not only please the eye but also effectively convey the intended message of each project.
Moreover, Sarah’s creative process is remarkably efficient. She possesses the rare ability to rapidly generate and refine ideas, often producing multiple high-quality concepts in the time it takes most designers to create a single draft. This combination of speed and excellence makes her an invaluable asset to her agency and clients alike.
I believe Sarah’s talent is truly exceptional because she consistently delivers work that not only meets but exceeds industry standards and client expectations. Her designs are not just aesthetically pleasing; they are strategically crafted to communicate complex messages with clarity and impact. It’s no surprise that she has garnered numerous accolades within the design community and is highly sought after by top-tier clients in various industries.
In essence, Sarah embodies the perfect blend of natural talent, honed skills, and professional dedication, making her a true virtuoso in the world of graphic design.
Follow-up questions:
- How has technology impacted talented professionals in various fields?
- Do you think talented individuals have a responsibility to use their skills for the benefit of society?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 6-7):
Technology has had a big impact on talented professionals. It has provided new tools and platforms for them to showcase their skills. For example, artists can now use digital software to create amazing artwork, and musicians can produce high-quality recordings at home. Technology has also made it easier for talented people to reach a wider audience through social media and online platforms.
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
Technology has revolutionized the landscape for talented professionals across various fields. It has not only enhanced existing capabilities but also opened up entirely new avenues for creative expression and skill application. For instance, in the realm of visual arts, digital tools have expanded the boundaries of what’s possible, allowing artists to experiment with techniques that were previously unimaginable. Similarly, in fields like music and film, technology has democratized the production process, enabling talented individuals to create professional-quality work without the need for expensive studio equipment. Moreover, the internet and social media platforms have dramatically altered the way talented professionals connect with their audience, providing unprecedented opportunities for exposure and collaboration on a global scale.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think society benefits from having highly talented professionals?
Candidate (Band 6-7): Society benefits greatly from talented professionals. They drive innovation and push boundaries in their fields, which can lead to new discoveries and advancements. For example, talented scientists might develop new medicines or technologies that improve our lives. Talented artists and musicians enrich our culture and provide entertainment. Also, these professionals often inspire others to develop their own skills, which can lead to overall progress in society.
Candidate (Band 8-9): The presence of highly talented professionals in society yields multifaceted benefits that permeate various aspects of our collective existence. First and foremost, these individuals serve as catalysts for innovation and progress within their respective fields. Their exceptional skills and creative problem-solving abilities often lead to groundbreaking discoveries and advancements that can revolutionize entire industries. For instance, in the medical field, talented researchers and doctors might develop novel treatments or surgical techniques that significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Moreover, talented professionals contribute to the cultural and intellectual richness of society. Artists, writers, and musicians, for example, create works that challenge our perspectives, evoke emotions, and foster critical thinking. Their contributions form the bedrock of our cultural heritage and often serve as a mirror to society, reflecting our values, aspirations, and challenges.
Additionally, these individuals frequently act as role models and mentors, inspiring the next generation of professionals and elevating the overall standard of excellence within their fields. Their success stories can motivate others to pursue their passions and hone their skills, creating a ripple effect of talent development throughout society.
Lastly, from an economic standpoint, highly talented professionals often drive economic growth and competitiveness on both local and global scales. Their innovations can lead to the creation of new industries, job opportunities, and enhance a nation’s standing in the global marketplace.
In essence, the presence of talented professionals fosters a dynamic and progressive society that is better equipped to address complex challenges and continually evolve.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Natural flair (noun) – /ˈnætʃrəl fleər/ – an innate talent or aptitude
Example: She has a natural flair for languages, picking them up with remarkable ease.Innovative (adjective) – /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ – introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking
Example: His innovative approach to problem-solving has revolutionized the industry.Groundbreaking (adjective) – /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/ – innovative; pioneering
Example: The scientist’s groundbreaking research opened up new possibilities in cancer treatment.Virtuoso (noun) – /ˌvɜːrtʃuˈoʊsoʊ/ – a person highly skilled in music or another artistic pursuit
Example: He is considered a virtuoso pianist, capable of playing the most challenging pieces with ease.To push boundaries (phrase) – to extend the limits of what is possible or acceptable
Example: This avant-garde artist continually pushes boundaries with her provocative installations.Catalyst (noun) – /ˈkætəlɪst/ – a person or thing that precipitates an event or change
Example: Her innovative ideas acted as a catalyst for change within the organization.To hone one’s skills (phrase) – to refine or perfect a particular skill through practice and hard work
Example: He spent years honing his craft before becoming a master woodworker.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a talented professional:
Use a wide range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to talent, skills, and professions. Avoid repetition by using synonyms and varied expressions.
Demonstrate critical thinking: Don’t just describe the person’s talents; analyze why they are considered talented and the impact of their skills on their profession and society.
Provide specific examples: Use concrete examples to illustrate your points. This adds credibility to your statements and shows your ability to support your ideas.
Use complex sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to show your command of English grammar. Use connectors and subordinate clauses to link your ideas coherently.
Show enthusiasm and fluency: Speak confidently and maintain a natural flow. Enthusiasm about the topic can positively impact your fluency and pronunciation scores.
Extend your answers: In Parts 2 and 3, aim to provide detailed responses. Develop your ideas fully, but stay relevant to the question.
Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with various topics related to talents and professions. Regular practice will help you become more comfortable discussing these subjects fluently.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is to communicate effectively while showcasing your language skills. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can improve your performance and aim for a higher band score.
For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might find these resources helpful:
- Describe a person who is passionate about art
- Describe a person you know who is talented
- Describe a person who has a unique talent or ability
These additional resources can provide you with more examples and strategies to excel in your IELTS Speaking test.