Similar to describe a time when you had to say no to something, this topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests, requiring candidates to demonstrate their ability to narrate personal experiences while showcasing their language proficiency.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions you may encounter:
- Do you enjoy learning from others?
- Who do you learn from the most in your life?
- What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned so far?
Students engaged in discussion during IELTS speaking practice
Part 2: Cue Card
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What lesson they taught you
- How they taught you this lesson
- And explain why this lesson was valuable to you
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
Like describe a person who helped you become more resilient, I’d like to talk about my grandfather, who taught me an invaluable lesson about perseverance and dedication.
“My grandfather, a retired university professor, taught me one of the most profound lessons about dedication and lifelong learning. What particularly struck me about his teaching method was how he never directly lectured me but rather led by example. During my teenage years, I observed how he would consistently dedicate two hours every morning to reading and learning new things, despite being in his seventies.
The lesson became apparent when he embarked on learning digital photography at age 75. Despite struggling with modern technology, he demonstrated remarkable resilience, spending countless hours mastering camera settings and editing software. His unwavering commitment showed me that age is never a barrier to learning new skills.
This lesson has profoundly influenced my approach to challenges. Whenever I face difficulties, I remind myself of his persistence and determination. It’s particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world, where continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth.”
Elderly man teaching young person with patience and wisdom
Follow-up Questions
- How has this lesson changed your life?
- Would you teach this lesson to others?
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Similar to describe a book that taught you something valuable, these questions explore deeper aspects of learning life lessons:
Q: Why do some life lessons have such a strong impact on us?
A (Band 8-9): “Life lessons tend to resonate deeply when they’re learned through personal experience rather than mere instruction. They often coincide with significant emotional events or relationships, making them more memorable and impactful. Additionally, these lessons typically challenge our existing perspectives and force us to grow beyond our comfort zones.”
Q: How has the way people learn life lessons changed over generations?
A (Band 7): “Modern technology has definitely changed how we learn lessons. People now have access to online resources and can learn from others’ experiences through social media. However, the basic process of learning through personal experience and mentorship remains important.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ɪmˈpækt/ (adj + n): deep and significant effect
- Lead by example (idiom): to teach or influence others by demonstrating behavior
- Unwavering commitment /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ kəˈmɪtmənt/ (adj + n): steady, unchanging dedication
- Life-altering experience /laɪf ˈɔːltərɪŋ ɪkˈspɪriəns/ (adj + n): an event that changes one’s life significantly
Professional IELTS instructor explaining key vocabulary
Examiner’s Tips
- Maintain a clear narrative structure
- Use specific examples to illustrate your points
- Incorporate advanced vocabulary naturally
- Show genuine emotion and personal connection to the story
- Practice speaking for exactly 2 minutes for Part 2
Like describe a time when you made a mistake but learned from it, remember to reflect deeply on the experience and its impact on your life when answering these questions.
