The ability to eloquently describe a person with exceptional skills is a crucial aspect of the IELTS Speaking test. This topic frequently appears in various forms across all parts of the speaking section, making it essential for test-takers to be well-prepared. As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ll guide you through effective strategies to excel in this task, providing sample answers and detailed analysis to help you achieve a high band score.
How to describe a person who has a unique talent in IELTS Speaking is a skill that can significantly boost your performance in the test. Let’s explore how to approach this topic in each part of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask questions related to talents and skills. Here are some common questions you might encounter:
- Do you have any special talents or skills?
- What kind of talents do you admire in others?
- How important do you think it is to develop one’s talents?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you have any special talents or skills?
Candidate (Band 7-8 response): Well, I’d say I have a knack for languages. I’m currently fluent in three languages – English, Mandarin, and French – and I’m in the process of learning Spanish. I find that languages come quite naturally to me, and I enjoy the challenge of mastering new linguistic structures and vocabulary. It’s not just about memorization; I believe I have a good ear for accents and intonation, which helps me sound more authentic when speaking these languages.
This response demonstrates a good range of vocabulary, uses complex sentence structures, and shows the ability to elaborate on the topic.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a person with a unique talent:
Describe a person you know who has a unique talent
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their unique talent is
- How you know about this talent
- And explain why you think this talent is unique
Here’s a sample answer targeting a Band 8-9:
I’d like to talk about my childhood friend, Sarah, who possesses an extraordinary talent for mental arithmetic. Sarah and I have known each other since elementary school, and it was during our math classes that her exceptional ability first came to light.
Sarah’s unique talent lies in her capacity to perform complex mathematical calculations in her head with astonishing speed and accuracy. She can multiply large numbers, calculate square roots, and even solve algebraic equations without the aid of a calculator or pen and paper. What’s truly remarkable is the speed at which she can do this – often faster than someone using a calculator.
I first became aware of Sarah’s gift during a math competition in our school. While most of us were furiously scribbling away, trying to solve the problems, Sarah was calmly raising her hand to answer question after question, leaving both our classmates and teachers in awe. Since then, I’ve witnessed her demonstrate this ability countless times, whether it’s quickly splitting a restaurant bill or helping friends with their math homework.
What makes Sarah’s talent truly unique, in my opinion, is not just the speed and accuracy of her calculations, but the intuitive understanding of numbers that underlies her ability. She doesn’t just memorize formulas or use tricks; she seems to visualize numbers and their relationships in a way that most people simply can’t comprehend. It’s as if she can see the patterns and connections in mathematics that are invisible to the rest of us.
Furthermore, Sarah’s talent goes beyond mere party tricks. She’s able to apply her extraordinary numerical skills to real-world problems, making her an invaluable asset in fields like data analysis and financial modeling. Her ability to quickly process and interpret large sets of numbers gives her a significant advantage in today’s data-driven world.
In conclusion, Sarah’s unique talent for mental arithmetic is not just impressive; it’s a rare gift that sets her apart and has the potential to make a real impact in her chosen field. It’s a constant reminder to me of the incredible diversity of human abilities and the importance of nurturing our individual talents.
Describe a person you find very creative can be a similar topic, and the strategies used in this answer can be applied there as well.
This response demonstrates:
- Excellent use of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions
- Complex sentence structures
- Coherent organization of ideas
- Detailed examples and explanations
- A personal perspective on the uniqueness of the talent
Talented individual demonstrating mental arithmetic skills
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to talents and skills. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Examiner: Do you think talent is innate or can it be developed?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): I believe talent is a combination of both innate ability and developed skill. While some people may have a natural predisposition towards certain abilities, these raw talents need to be nurtured and honed through dedicated practice and learning. Take musical ability, for instance. Someone might be born with a good ear for pitch, but becoming a virtuoso requires years of rigorous training and practice. Similarly, in sports, natural athleticism is certainly an advantage, but it’s the countless hours of training that truly sets elite athletes apart.
Moreover, I think it’s crucial to recognize that talent can manifest in various ways. What we often perceive as talent might actually be the result of intense passion and perseverance in a particular area. This perspective aligns with the concept of “growth mindset,” which suggests that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.
That being said, I do believe that innate factors play a role in determining our potential in certain areas. Some individuals might find it easier to grasp certain concepts or perform certain tasks due to their genetic makeup or early childhood experiences. However, I would argue that the development and expression of talent are heavily influenced by environmental factors, including education, opportunities, and cultural values.
In conclusion, while innate abilities might give someone a head start, it’s the cultivation of these abilities through persistent effort and learning that truly leads to exceptional talent.
Examiner: How do you think society benefits from people with unique talents?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Society benefits immensely from individuals with unique talents in numerous ways. Firstly, these talented individuals often become innovators and pioneers in their respective fields, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and driving progress. For instance, gifted scientists might make groundbreaking discoveries that revolutionize healthcare or technology, while exceptionally creative artists can inspire and challenge our perceptions of the world.
Moreover, people with unique talents often serve as role models and sources of inspiration for others. They demonstrate what can be achieved through dedication and the pursuit of excellence, motivating others to develop their own abilities and strive for greatness. This can lead to a ripple effect of positive change throughout society.
Another significant benefit is the economic impact of exceptional talent. Highly skilled individuals often contribute disproportionately to economic growth and innovation. They may found successful companies, attract investment, or simply increase productivity in their workplaces, all of which can boost a nation’s economic prosperity.
Furthermore, unique talents contribute to cultural richness and diversity. Whether it’s in sports, arts, or academia, talented individuals help create a vibrant cultural landscape that enhances the quality of life for everyone in society.
Lastly, in an increasingly complex world, individuals with extraordinary abilities in areas such as problem-solving, critical thinking, or creativity are crucial for addressing global challenges. Their unique perspectives and capabilities can be instrumental in tackling issues like climate change, poverty, or healthcare crises.
In essence, people with unique talents act as catalysts for societal advancement, inspiring progress, fostering innovation, and enriching our collective human experience.
These responses demonstrate:
- In-depth analysis of the topic
- Well-structured arguments with clear examples
- Advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions
- Fluency in discussing abstract concepts
Diverse group of talented individuals contributing to society
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these advanced words and phrases:
Innate ability /ɪˈneɪt əˈbɪləti/ (adj. + n.): Natural or inborn talent
Example: Her innate ability for mathematics was evident from an early age.To have a knack for /tə hæv ə næk fɔːr/ (phrase): To have a special skill or talent for something
Example: He has a knack for solving complex problems quickly.Exceptional /ɪkˈsepʃənl/ (adj.): Unusually good; outstanding
Example: Her exceptional musical talent has won her numerous awards.To nurture /ˈnɜːrtʃər/ (verb): To encourage or help develop
Example: It’s important to nurture children’s talents from a young age.Virtuoso /ˌvɜːrtʃuˈoʊsoʊ/ (noun): A person highly skilled in music or another artistic pursuit
Example: He’s considered a virtuoso in classical piano performance.To manifest /ˈmænɪfest/ (verb): To show or demonstrate clearly
Example: Her leadership skills manifested during the group project.Groundbreaking /ˈɡraʊndˌbreɪkɪŋ/ (adj.): Innovative; pioneering
Example: The scientist’s groundbreaking research revolutionized cancer treatment.To push the boundaries /tə pʊʃ ðə ˈbaʊndəriz/ (phrase): To extend the limits of what is possible or acceptable
Example: Artists often push the boundaries of conventional art forms.
Using these words and phrases will demonstrate a sophisticated command of English, helping you achieve a higher band score.
Describe a person who always makes you laugh is another topic where you can apply similar language skills and structures.
Examiner’s Advice
As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I recommend the following strategies to excel in describing a person with a unique talent:
Practice describing various talents: Prepare examples of different types of talents – artistic, intellectual, physical, etc. This will help you respond flexibly to any related question.
Use specific examples: Instead of general statements, provide concrete instances that illustrate the person’s talent.
Employ a range of descriptive language: Use varied adjectives and adverbs to make your description vivid and engaging.
Show personal engagement: Explain why you find the talent impressive or how it has impacted you personally.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; elaborate on your points and connect them to broader themes.
Work on fluency: Practice speaking at length about talents and skills to improve your ability to talk smoothly and confidently on this topic.
Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use topic-specific vocabulary related to talents, skills, and personal qualities.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, a wide range of vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy.
Describe a time when you tried something new and unexpected can be an excellent opportunity to showcase your language skills in a similar manner.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about unique talents in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!