The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to personal experiences and learning. One common theme that frequently appears is describing a person who has taught you something new. This topic allows candidates to showcase their ability to talk about influential people in their lives while demonstrating their language skills. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions on this subject and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about learning and people who have influenced you. Here are some potential questions you might encounter:

1. Do you enjoy learning new things?
2. Who do you usually learn from?
3. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you enjoy learning new things?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely! I’m passionate about expanding my knowledge and acquiring new skills. There’s something incredibly exhilarating about delving into unfamiliar territory and broadening my horizons. Whether it’s picking up a new language, exploring a scientific concept, or learning a practical skill, I find the process of learning to be both intellectually stimulating and personally rewarding.

IELTS Speaking candidate answering questions

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 New

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 grandfather, who taught me the invaluable skill of woodworking. He’s a retired carpenter with over four decades of experience in crafting beautiful furniture and intricate wooden structures.

What he taught me was not just the technical aspects of woodworking, but also the art of patience and precision. He showed me how to select the right wood, use various tools safely and effectively, and apply different finishing techniques to bring out the natural beauty of the wood.

His teaching method was hands-on and immersive. He would first demonstrate a technique, explaining each step meticulously. Then, he’d guide my hands as I attempted to replicate his actions, offering gentle corrections and encouragement. We’d spend hours in his workshop, the air filled with the scent of freshly cut wood and the sound of his sage advice.

This lesson was incredibly important to me for several reasons. Firstly, it gave me a profound appreciation for craftsmanship and the value of creating something with your own hands. Secondly, it strengthened my bond with my grandfather, creating cherished memories that I’ll always treasure. Lastly, the skills and patience I learned through woodworking have been transferable to many areas of my life, helping me approach challenges with a calm and methodical mindset.

Learning woodworking from my grandfather was more than just acquiring a new skill; it was a transformative experience that shaped my perspective on work, creativity, and the importance of passing knowledge from one generation to the next.

Follow-up Questions

1. How has this skill influenced your life?
2. Do you think traditional skills like woodworking are still relevant today?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for Question 1:

The skill of woodworking has profoundly influenced my life in multiple ways. Firstly, it has become a therapeutic hobby that allows me to unwind and express my creativity. Whenever I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I can retreat to my workshop and lose myself in a project, finding solace in the rhythmic motions of sanding or carving.

Moreover, this skill has honed my problem-solving abilities. Woodworking often involves overcoming unexpected challenges, whether it’s dealing with a knot in the wood or figuring out complex joinery. This has translated into my professional life, where I now approach problems with a more methodical and patient mindset.

Lastly, learning woodworking has given me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and quality. It’s made me more discerning as a consumer, and I now have a greater respect for handmade items and the skill that goes into creating them. This perspective has enriched my life by helping me value the beauty in everyday objects and the effort behind them.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

Examiner: How do you think the way we learn has changed in recent years?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): The landscape of learning has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, primarily due to technological advancements. We’ve seen a significant shift towards online and digital learning platforms, which have made education more accessible and flexible than ever before.

One of the most notable changes is the rise of self-paced learning. People can now access a wealth of information and courses at their fingertips, allowing them to learn at their own speed and convenience. This has democratized education to a large extent, breaking down geographical and financial barriers that previously limited access to knowledge.

Another key change is the increased emphasis on interactive and experiential learning. Traditional rote memorization is giving way to more engaging methods that promote critical thinking and practical application of knowledge. Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies, for instance, are revolutionizing fields like medicine and engineering, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in safe, simulated environments.

Moreover, there’s been a shift towards lifelong learning. The rapid pace of technological change means that people need to continuously update their skills to remain relevant in the job market. This has led to a proliferation of short courses, micro-credentials, and professional development programs designed for working adults.

However, it’s important to note that these changes also bring challenges. The digital divide remains a significant issue, with not everyone having equal access to the technology needed for online learning. Additionally, the abundance of information available online requires learners to develop strong critical thinking and information literacy skills to discern credible sources from misinformation.

In conclusion, while the core principles of learning remain the same, the methods and tools we use have evolved significantly, offering both exciting opportunities and new challenges in the realm of education.

Modern learning environment with technology

Examiner: Do you think it’s more effective to learn from people or from books and other resources?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): I believe that the most effective learning often comes from a combination of human interaction and traditional resources like books or digital content. Both approaches have their unique strengths and can complement each other beautifully.

Learning from people, particularly experts or experienced practitioners, offers several distinct advantages. Firstly, it provides the opportunity for immediate feedback and clarification. When learning from a person, you can ask questions in real-time, seek explanations for complex concepts, and benefit from their practical insights that might not be captured in written form. Additionally, human teachers can adapt their teaching style to suit individual learners, offering personalized guidance and support.

Moreover, learning from people allows for the transmission of tacit knowledge – the kind of intuitive understanding that comes from years of experience and is often difficult to articulate in writing. This is particularly valuable in fields that require hands-on skills or nuanced decision-making.

On the other hand, books and other resources offer their own set of benefits. They provide a structured and comprehensive approach to a subject, allowing learners to progress systematically through a topic. Books also offer the advantage of permanence and reference – you can always go back and review the material at your own pace. Digital resources, in particular, offer unparalleled accessibility and diversity of content, allowing learners to explore a wide range of perspectives and approaches.

Furthermore, self-study through books and resources cultivates important skills like self-discipline, critical thinking, and information synthesis. It encourages learners to actively engage with the material, form their own conclusions, and develop a deeper understanding of the subject.

Ultimately, I believe the most effective learning strategy is one that leverages both human interaction and traditional resources. For instance, one might read a book to gain foundational knowledge, then seek out an expert for practical application and deeper insights. This blended approach allows learners to benefit from the structured content of books and resources while also gaining from the nuanced understanding and immediate feedback that comes from human interaction.

In today’s digital age, we’re seeing an increasing convergence of these two approaches, with online courses and webinars offering a mix of pre-recorded content and live interaction with instructors. This trend towards hybrid learning models seems to be a promising direction, combining the best of both worlds to create rich, engaging learning experiences.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can help elevate your responses:

1. Transformative experience /trænsˈfɔːmətɪv ɪkˈspɪəriəns/ (noun phrase): An event or process that significantly changes someone or something.
   Example: “Learning to play the piano was a transformative experience that boosted my confidence in all areas of life.”

2. Profoundly influence /prəˈfaʊndli ˈɪnfluəns/ (verb phrase): To have a deep and significant impact on something.
   Example: “My mentor’s guidance profoundly influenced my career choices.”

3. Hone one’s skills /həʊn wʌnz skɪlz/ (idiom): To refine or perfect a particular ability through practice and hard work.
   Example: “I spent years honing my public speaking skills before feeling confident on stage.”

4. Immersive learning /ɪˈmɜːsɪv ˈlɜːnɪŋ/ (noun phrase): A learning technique that involves deep engagement and active participation in the subject matter.
   Example: “The language school offered an immersive learning experience where we only spoke the target language.”

5. Broaden one’s horizons /ˈbrɔːdn wʌnz həˈraɪznz/ (idiom): To expand one’s knowledge, experiences, or interests.
   Example: “Traveling abroad really helped me broaden my horizons and gain new perspectives.”

By incorporating these terms and phrases into your responses, you can demonstrate a high level of English proficiency and impress the examiner with your vocabulary range and fluency.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who taught you something new, consider the following tips:

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

2. Expand your vocabulary: Focus on learning and using descriptive language related to learning, teaching, and personal growth.

3. Work on pronunciation and fluency: Regular practice speaking English will help you sound more natural and confident during the test.

4. Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points with examples and explanations to showcase your language skills.

5. Stay relevant: Always keep your answers relevant to the question asked. It’s easy to go off-topic when describing personal experiences.

6. Use a variety of grammatical structures: Demonstrate your language proficiency by using a mix of simple and complex sentence structures.

7. Show enthusiasm: When describing someone who taught you something new, let your genuine interest and appreciation shine through in your tone and choice of words.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express your thoughts clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high score.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about describing a person who taught you something new, as well as other topics that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!