Being asked to describe someone who is good with children is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to describe personalities, behaviors, and relationships while using appropriate vocabulary and grammar structures.
Similar to describe a person you know who is very patient, this topic requires careful consideration of specific characteristics and examples.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions you might encounter:
- Do you like spending time with children?
- Did you enjoy being around children when you were younger?
- What qualities should people who work with children have?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I absolutely adore spending time with children. Their infectious energy and genuine curiosity about the world make every interaction meaningful and enriching. When I was younger, I often volunteered at children’s summer camps, which really sparked my interest in working with young people.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a person you know who is good with children
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they do with children
- And explain why you think they are good with children
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my colleague Sarah, who demonstrates remarkable skill in handling children. She’s been working as a kindergarten teacher for over a decade, and I’ve had the privilege of observing her teaching methods firsthand since we work at the same school.
What sets her apart is her exceptional ability to connect with children on their level. She has this innate talent for making each child feel special and understood. For instance, when a child is struggling with an activity, she doesn’t just provide solutions; she guides them through the process of finding answers themselves, boosting their confidence and problem-solving abilities.
Sarah incorporates creative elements into every lesson, whether it’s using puppets to teach language or turning mathematics into an interactive game. She’s particularly adept at reading children’s emotions and responding appropriately – if a child is feeling overwhelmed, she knows exactly how to calm them down and make them feel secure.
What truly makes her exceptional is her perfect balance of being both nurturing and disciplined. She maintains clear boundaries while still being warm and approachable, which helps children feel safe while learning important life skills.”
As discussed in describe a person you know who is very kind-hearted, demonstrating empathy and understanding is crucial when describing someone’s positive qualities.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: What qualities make someone good with children?
A: “The most essential qualities include patience, empathy, and creativity. A person needs to be able to communicate effectively at a child’s level while maintaining authority. They should also possess strong emotional intelligence to understand and respond to children’s needs appropriately.”
Q: Has childcare changed compared to previous generations?
A: “There has been a dramatic shift in childcare approaches. Modern methods are more focused on emotional development and individualized attention, unlike the one-size-fits-all approach of previous generations. Technology has also revolutionized how we engage with children, though this comes with both benefits and challenges.”
Similar to describe a person you know who is passionate about their work, enthusiasm and dedication are key qualities to highlight.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Innate ability /ɪˈneɪt əˈbɪləti/ (adj + n): Natural talent
- Child-oriented /tʃaɪld ˈɔːrientɪd/ (adj): Focused on children’s needs
- Nurturing environment /ˈnɜːtʃərɪŋ ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/ (adj + n): Supportive atmosphere
- Age-appropriate /eɪdʒ əˈprəʊpriət/ (adj): Suitable for specific age groups
- Engage with /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ wɪð/ (phrasal verb): To interact meaningfully
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples to illustrate your points
- Demonstrate range in vocabulary related to children and education
- Include personal observations and experiences
- Show understanding of child development concepts
- Maintain a balanced structure between description and explanation
Remember to check out describe a person you admire for their achievements for more speaking strategies and examples.