Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Person Who Taught You Something Important

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing someone who has taught us something important. This article will provide you with strategies and sample answers to excel in this type of question, which has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular topic.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about people who have influenced you. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Question: “Who has been the most influential person in your life?”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d have to say my high school physics teacher, Mr. Johnson, has been incredibly influential in my life. He not only ignited my passion for science but also taught me the value of critical thinking. His engaging teaching style and enthusiasm for the subject really left a lasting impression on me, shaping my academic and career choices.”

Describe a person who has taught you something important by focusing on their specific qualities and the impact they’ve had on your life. This approach demonstrates your ability to provide detailed and thoughtful responses.

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:

Describe a person who taught you something important

You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they taught you
- How they taught you
- And explain why this lesson was important to you

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my grandmother, who taught me an invaluable lesson about resilience and perseverance.

My grandmother, Maria, is a remarkable woman who overcame numerous hardships in her life. She taught me the importance of never giving up, no matter how challenging life becomes. This lesson wasn’t delivered through formal instruction, but rather through her actions and the stories she shared with me.

Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my grandmother, and she would often recount tales from her youth. She vividly described her experiences as an immigrant, arriving in a new country with nothing but hope and determination. Despite facing discrimination and financial struggles, she persevered, working multiple jobs to provide for her family while learning a new language and adapting to a different culture.

The way she taught me was through her unwavering positive attitude and her ability to find joy in small things, even during difficult times. She would always say, “Every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger,” and she truly lived by those words.

This lesson has been incredibly important to me because it has shaped my outlook on life. Whenever I face obstacles, I think of my grandmother’s resilience and draw strength from her example. It has helped me push through academic challenges, personal setbacks, and even moments of self-doubt.

Her teachings have instilled in me a sense of determination and optimism that I believe will serve me well throughout my life. Thanks to my grandmother, I’ve learned that with perseverance and a positive mindset, one can overcome almost any obstacle.”

Grandmother teaching resilience lesson

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this lesson influenced your decisions in life?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“This lesson has profoundly impacted my decision-making process. Whenever I’m faced with a challenging situation, I draw upon the resilience my grandmother taught me. For instance, when I was considering giving up on a difficult university course, I remembered her perseverance and decided to push through. This mindset has helped me tackle obstacles head-on and pursue opportunities I might have otherwise avoided due to fear of failure.”

2. Do you think older generations have more to teach younger ones?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe older generations have a wealth of experience to share, which can be incredibly valuable. They’ve lived through different times and faced unique challenges, giving them a broader perspective on life. However, I also think younger generations have much to offer in terms of new ideas and adaptability, especially in our rapidly changing world. Ideally, there should be a mutual exchange of knowledge between generations, with each learning from the other’s strengths and experiences.”

How to describe a person who has taught you something important in IELTS Speaking often involves highlighting the impact of their teachings on your personal growth and decision-making processes.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:

Question: “How has the role of teachers changed in recent years?”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The role of teachers has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, particularly with the advent of technology and changes in educational philosophy. Traditionally, teachers were seen as the primary source of knowledge, delivering information to passive students. However, modern teachers are now expected to be facilitators of learning, guiding students to discover information independently and develop critical thinking skills.

Moreover, the integration of technology in classrooms has required teachers to become more tech-savvy, adapting their teaching methods to incorporate digital tools and online resources. This shift has also led to a greater emphasis on personalized learning, with teachers expected to cater to individual student needs and learning styles more effectively.

Additionally, there’s been an increased focus on developing students’ soft skills, such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Teachers are now tasked with creating learning environments that foster these skills, often through project-based learning and group activities.

Lastly, the role of teachers has expanded beyond academic instruction to include aspects of mentoring and supporting students’ emotional well-being, recognizing the importance of holistic development in education.”

Modern classroom with teacher as facilitator

Question: “Do you think the internet has reduced the importance of teachers?”

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“While the internet has certainly revolutionized access to information, I don’t believe it has diminished the importance of teachers. If anything, it has redefined their role. The internet provides a vast amount of information, but it doesn’t necessarily teach critical thinking, analysis, or how to apply knowledge effectively.

Teachers play a crucial role in guiding students through this sea of information, helping them discern reliable sources and understand complex concepts. They also provide personalized feedback, motivation, and emotional support that no online resource can replicate.

Moreover, teachers are essential in developing social skills and fostering a collaborative learning environment, which are crucial for students’ overall development. The internet can complement a teacher’s efforts, but it can’t replace the human element that teachers bring to education.”

Describe a person who helped you learn something new by emphasizing not just what you learned, but how the teaching process impacted your understanding and personal growth.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples:

1. Ignite a passion /ɪɡˈnaɪt ə ˈpæʃən/ (phrasal verb): To spark a strong interest or enthusiasm.
   Example: “My art teacher ignited a passion for painting in me.”

2. Leave a lasting impression /liːv ə ˈlɑːstɪŋ ɪmˈpreʃən/ (idiom): To have a strong, enduring effect on someone.
   Example: “His kindness left a lasting impression on all his students.”

3. Overcome hardships /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm ˈhɑːdʃɪps/ (verb phrase): To successfully deal with difficult situations.
   Example: “She overcame numerous hardships to achieve her goals.”

4. Persevere /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪə(r)/ (verb): To continue trying to do something despite difficulties.
   Example: “Despite initial failures, he persevered and eventually succeeded.”

5. Instill /ɪnˈstɪl/ (verb): To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
   Example: “Good teachers instill a love of learning in their students.”

Describe a risk you took that ended with a positive result by incorporating these sophisticated phrases to elevate your response and demonstrate a high level of English proficiency.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who taught you something important, consider the following tips:

1. Practice storytelling: Develop your ability to narrate experiences coherently and engagingly. This skill is crucial for Part 2 of the test.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Continuously work on building your vocabulary, focusing on words and phrases related to education, personal development, and character traits.

3. Use specific examples: Always support your points with concrete examples from your personal experiences. This adds authenticity and depth to your responses.

4. Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; explain the significance of what you’re saying and how it relates to the question.

5. Work on pronunciation and fluency: Regular practice will help you speak more confidently and naturally.

6. Listen carefully to the questions: Ensure you understand and address all parts of the question, especially in Part 2 and Part 3.

7. Stay relevant: While it’s good to elaborate, make sure your answers remain focused on the question asked.

Describe a time when you found it hard to concentrate by applying these strategies to structure your response effectively and maintain the examiner’s interest throughout your answer.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing influential people and important life lessons.