The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people who have made an impact on our lives. One common topic is describing a talented person you admire. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses and key strategies to help you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about talented people or individuals you admire. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- Do you know any talented people?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I know a few talented people. My cousin is really good at playing the piano. She can play complex pieces by ear, which I find impressive.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. I’m fortunate to be acquainted with several exceptionally gifted individuals. For instance, my former classmate has an extraordinary talent for languages. He’s fluent in five languages and can pick up new ones with remarkable ease, which never ceases to amaze me.”
- What talents do you wish you had?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I wish I was better at public speaking. It would be great to feel more confident when talking in front of groups.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“If I could choose, I’d love to possess exceptional musical ability. The capacity to effortlessly compose melodies or master multiple instruments has always fascinated me. I believe such a talent would not only be personally fulfilling but also provide a unique way to connect with others and express emotions.”
Describe a talented person you know well can be challenging, but with practice, you can improve your responses to achieve a higher band score.
IELTS Speaking: Describing a talented person
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a talented person you admire:
Describe a talented person you admire
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their talent is
- How you know about this person
- And explain why you admire this personSample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about a remarkably talented individual I greatly admire – Elon Musk, the renowned entrepreneur and innovator. His talent lies in his extraordinary ability to envision and create groundbreaking technologies that have the potential to revolutionize various industries.
I first became aware of Elon Musk through news articles and documentaries about his companies, particularly Tesla and SpaceX. His work in advancing electric vehicles and pioneering private space exploration caught my attention and sparked my interest in following his career more closely.
What I find most admirable about Elon Musk is his unwavering determination and ability to think on a grand scale. He doesn’t just aim to improve existing technologies; he seeks to completely transform entire industries. His vision for sustainable energy and interplanetary travel demonstrates a level of ambition that I find both inspiring and necessary in today’s world.
Moreover, I’m impressed by his resilience in the face of adversity. Despite facing numerous setbacks and criticisms, he has consistently persevered and achieved remarkable success. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that with passion, hard work, and innovative thinking, it’s possible to make a significant impact on the world.
In conclusion, Elon Musk’s combination of visionary thinking, technical expertise, and relentless drive makes him a truly talented individual who I deeply admire and find incredibly inspiring.”
Examiner’s Follow-up Questions
- Do you think talent is innate or can be developed?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I believe talent can be both innate and developed. Some people are naturally good at certain things, but practice and hard work are also important to improve skills.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“In my opinion, talent is a complex interplay between innate abilities and dedicated cultivation. While some individuals may have a natural predisposition towards certain skills, I firmly believe that consistent practice, perseverance, and the right environment play crucial roles in developing and honing talent. Even those with innate abilities need to work hard to reach their full potential.”
- How can society better support talented individuals?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Society can support talented people by providing more opportunities and resources. This could include scholarships, training programs, and mentorship schemes.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“To better support talented individuals, society should implement a multi-faceted approach. This could involve establishing comprehensive mentorship programs, allocating substantial resources for specialized education and training, and creating platforms for talent showcase and networking. Additionally, fostering a culture that values and rewards innovation and excellence across various fields would encourage talented individuals to pursue and develop their unique abilities.”
Describe a sportsperson or athlete you admire is another common topic in IELTS Speaking that requires similar skills in describing admirable qualities.
Elon Musk: Pioneering Innovative Technologies
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- What role do talented individuals play in society’s development?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Talented people are important for society’s progress. They come up with new ideas and solutions that can help solve problems and improve our lives.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Talented individuals play a pivotal role in driving societal development. Their innovative thinking and exceptional skills often lead to groundbreaking discoveries and advancements across various fields, from science and technology to arts and culture. These individuals not only push the boundaries of what’s possible but also inspire others to strive for excellence, creating a ripple effect of progress and innovation throughout society.”
- Do you think the media gives too much attention to talented celebrities?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think the media sometimes focuses too much on celebrities. While it’s interesting to hear about talented people, there should be more attention given to other important issues as well.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“While talented celebrities undoubtedly deserve recognition, I believe the media’s disproportionate focus on them can be problematic. This oversaturation often overshadows equally talented individuals in less glamorous but potentially more impactful fields, such as scientific research or social entrepreneurship. A more balanced approach to media coverage would not only provide a more diverse representation of talent but also inspire young people to pursue a wider range of career paths and aspirations.”
- How has technology changed the way we discover and nurture talent?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Technology has made it easier to find talented people. Social media and online platforms allow people to showcase their skills to a wider audience, and there are many online courses for learning new skills.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Technology has revolutionized the landscape of talent discovery and development. Online platforms and social media have democratized exposure, allowing talented individuals from all corners of the globe to showcase their abilities to a vast, international audience. Moreover, e-learning platforms and virtual mentorship programs have made specialized education and guidance more accessible than ever before. This technological shift has not only expanded the pool of discoverable talent but also accelerated the learning process, enabling individuals to hone their skills at an unprecedented pace.”
Describe a famous personality in your country is another topic that can help you practice describing admirable qualities in people.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases into your responses:
Exceptional ability (noun): Extraordinary talent or skill
Pronunciation: /ɪkˈsepʃənl əˈbɪləti/
Example: “Her exceptional ability in mathematics set her apart from her peers.”Visionary (adjective): Having original ideas about what the future will or could be like
Pronunciation: /ˈvɪʒəneri/
Example: “Steve Jobs was known for his visionary approach to technology and design.”Perseverance (noun): Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success
Pronunciation: /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/
Example: “His perseverance in the face of numerous setbacks ultimately led to his breakthrough discovery.”Innovate (verb): Make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products
Pronunciation: /ˈɪnəveɪt/
Example: “The company continues to innovate, regularly introducing cutting-edge products to the market.”Resilience (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness
Pronunciation: /rɪˈzɪliəns/
Example: “Her resilience in overcoming personal challenges inspired many of her followers.”
Describe a member of a team that you know can be another opportunity to use these vocabulary items when discussing talented individuals.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a talented person you admire:
- Practice describing people’s talents and achievements using specific examples and personal anecdotes.
- Develop a range of vocabulary related to skills, abilities, and admirable qualities.
- Be prepared to discuss the impact of talented individuals on society and current issues related to talent and success.
- Work on your fluency by regularly discussing topics related to people you admire with friends or language exchange partners.
- Listen to interviews with talented individuals to familiarize yourself with how they describe their own abilities and experiences.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
Describe a person who is very humble can be an interesting contrast to discussing talented individuals, allowing you to showcase a range of descriptive language.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss talented individuals you admire in your IELTS Speaking test, potentially boosting your band score significantly.