The IELTS Speaking exam often includes questions about influential people in our lives, particularly those who have taught us valuable skills. This topic is a perennial favorite among examiners, as it allows candidates to showcase their language abilities while reflecting on personal experiences. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this subject and maximize your score.
Describe a person who has a creative job can be a related topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test. It’s important to be prepared for various subjects that revolve around describing people and their impacts on our lives.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about learning and skills. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Q: What’s the most important skill you’ve learned in your life so far?
A: (Band 7-8) The most crucial skill I’ve acquired is undoubtedly effective communication. It’s been instrumental in both my personal and professional life, enabling me to express my ideas clearly, build strong relationships, and navigate complex social situations. I’ve found that being able to articulate my thoughts and listen actively has opened up numerous opportunities and helped me resolve conflicts more efficiently.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the main topic:
Describe a person who taught you an important skill
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What skill they taught you
- How they taught you
- And explain why this skill is important to you
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to talk about my grandfather, who taught me the invaluable skill of gardening. He’s always been an avid horticulturist, and his passion for nurturing plants has been a constant source of inspiration for me.
My grandfather imparted this skill to me through a combination of hands-on experience and patient explanation. We would spend countless weekends together in his expansive backyard, where he’d demonstrate various techniques such as soil preparation, proper planting methods, and effective pruning. What struck me most was his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms.
He would often use analogies to help me understand, comparing the need for balanced soil nutrients to a well-rounded diet for humans. This approach made the learning process both enjoyable and memorable. Moreover, he encouraged me to take an active role, allowing me to make mistakes and learn from them, which I found to be an incredibly effective teaching method.
This skill has become immensely important to me for several reasons. Firstly, it’s given me a profound appreciation for nature and the environment. I’ve learned about the delicate balance of ecosystems and the importance of sustainable practices. Secondly, gardening has become a therapeutic hobby for me, providing a much-needed respite from the stresses of daily life. There’s something incredibly satisfying about nurturing a plant from seed to full bloom.
Lastly, this skill has taught me valuable life lessons about patience, perseverance, and the importance of consistent care – principles that I’ve found applicable in many other areas of my life. It’s not just about growing plants; it’s about cultivating a mindset of nurture and growth that extends far beyond the garden.
Follow-up questions:
- How has this skill impacted your daily life?
- Would you consider teaching this skill to others?
Sample answers:
-
(Band 7-8) This skill has had a profound impact on my daily routine. I now maintain a small herb garden in my apartment, which not only adds a touch of nature to my living space but also provides me with fresh ingredients for cooking. Moreover, the discipline and patience I’ve learned from gardening have spillover effects in other areas of my life, such as my approach to work projects and personal relationships.
-
(Band 8-9) Absolutely, I would be thrilled to pass on this knowledge. In fact, I’ve already started by helping my younger cousins set up their own small gardens. I believe that sharing skills is not only a way to preserve knowledge but also to strengthen bonds between generations. Teaching others has also deepened my own understanding of gardening, as explaining concepts to novices often requires me to think about the process in new ways.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How do you think the way people learn new skills has changed with technology?
A: (Band 8-9) The advent of technology has revolutionized skill acquisition in numerous ways. Firstly, online platforms and video tutorials have democratized access to knowledge, allowing people to learn at their own pace and from experts worldwide. This has broken down geographical and financial barriers that previously limited skill development.
However, this shift isn’t without its challenges. While technology offers unprecedented access to information, it can sometimes lack the personalized feedback and hands-on experience that traditional learning methods provide. There’s also the risk of information overload, which can be overwhelming and potentially counterproductive.
That being said, I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Technologies like virtual reality and AI-powered adaptive learning are creating immersive and personalized learning experiences that were unimaginable a few decades ago. These advancements are not just changing how we learn, but also what we can learn, opening up possibilities for acquiring complex skills that were once out of reach for many.
Describe a situation where you felt very confident can be another interesting topic to explore, especially when discussing how learning new skills can boost one’s confidence.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
-
Impart (verb) /ɪmˈpɑːrt/ – to pass on or communicate (knowledge, wisdom, information, etc.)
Example: My grandfather imparted his gardening wisdom to me over many years. -
Meticulous (adjective) /məˈtɪkjələs/ – showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise
Example: His meticulous approach to pruning ensured the health of every plant. -
Therapeutic (adjective) /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/ – having a good effect on the body or mind; contributing to a sense of well-being
Example: I find gardening to be a therapeutic activity after a stressful day. -
Nurture (verb) /ˈnɜːrtʃər/ – to care for and encourage the growth or development of
Example: Nurturing plants requires patience and dedication. -
Spillover effect (noun) /ˈspɪləʊvər ɪˈfekt/ – a secondary effect that follows from a primary effect, and may be far removed in time or place from the primary effect
Example: The discipline I learned from gardening had a spillover effect on my work habits.
Describe a person who motivates you to be your best is another topic that can help you practice using these vocabulary items in a different context.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who taught you an important skill:
- Practice narrating personal experiences coherently and engagingly.
- Develop a rich vocabulary related to learning, skills, and personal development.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures to showcase your language proficiency.
- Prepare examples of skills you’ve learned and be ready to discuss their importance.
- Practice linking your ideas smoothly using appropriate transition words and phrases.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and natural-sounding English.
Describe an activity you enjoyed in your free time as a child can be a great topic to practice these skills, as it also involves describing past experiences and their impacts.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about people who have taught you important skills in your IELTS Speaking test.