describe something you taught to a friend is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This theme tests your ability to articulate a personal experience while demonstrating your language proficiency.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions you might encounter:
- Do you enjoy teaching others?
- What skills are important to be a good teacher?
- Have you ever taught someone something difficult?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I absolutely love sharing knowledge with others. Teaching gives me a sense of fulfillment, especially when I see someone master a new skill. I believe patience and the ability to break down complex concepts into simpler elements are crucial attributes for effective teaching.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Your task is to describe a skill you taught to someone else. You should say:
- What the skill was
- Who you taught it to
- Why you taught this skill
- How you felt about teaching it
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about when I taught my younger cousin how to code using Python. As someone who’s passionate about programming, I felt it was a golden opportunity to pass on this valuable skill.
My cousin had shown interest in technology but was intimidated by coding. I broke down the concepts into manageable chunks, starting with basic syntax and gradually moving to more complex operations. We had regular sessions over video calls, where I would demonstrate practical examples and guide him through exercises.
What made this experience particularly rewarding was seeing his transformation from being anxious about coding to confidently creating his own simple programs. I felt immensely gratified watching his progress, especially when he independently developed a small game using the skills I had taught him.”
describe a time when you taught someone a skill requires careful attention to detail and proper structuring of your response.
Follow-up Questions:
- What challenges did you face while teaching?
- Would you teach this skill again to others?
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How has technology changed the way people learn new skills?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized learning in numerous ways. Online platforms and interactive tools have made education more accessible and engaging. However, I believe the human element in teaching remains irreplaceable, as personal interaction provides immediate feedback and emotional support.”
describe a person you consider a mentor often connects well with discussions about teaching and learning experiences.
Q: What skills will be most important in the future?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I strongly believe that adaptability and digital literacy will be paramount in the future job market. The ability to continuously learn and upskill oneself will become increasingly crucial as technology evolves at an unprecedented pace.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- To break down (phr.v.) /breɪk daʊn/ – to explain something complicated in simple parts
- Gratifying (adj.) /ˈɡræt.ɪ.faɪ.ɪŋ/ – giving pleasure or satisfaction
- To demonstrate (v.) /ˈdem.ən.streɪt/ – to show or explain how something works
- Paramount (adj.) /ˈpær.ə.maʊnt/ – more important than anything else
Examiner’s Tips
- Use personal examples to make your answers more authentic
- Demonstrate range of vocabulary through synonyms
- Include specific details to support your main points
- Maintain good fluency while organizing thoughts
describe a moment when you felt very thankful can be connected to teaching experiences, as successful teaching often creates grateful moments.