The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people in our lives, including talented individuals we know well. This topic is frequently featured in Part 2 and Part 3 of the speaking exam, making it essential for test-takers to be well-prepared. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to describing a talented person you know well.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about talent or skilled people. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: Do you think you are a talented person?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d say I have some talents, but I’m not sure if I’d call myself exceptionally talented. I’m quite good at playing the guitar and have been practicing for several years. However, I believe there’s always room for improvement in any skill.
Band 8-9 Answer:
While I hesitate to label myself as particularly talented, I do believe I have certain aptitudes that I’ve nurtured over time. For instance, I’ve dedicated considerable effort to honing my skills in digital photography, and I’ve received positive feedback on my work. That said, I’m a firm believer in the concept of continuous improvement, so I always strive to enhance my abilities further.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a talented person you know well. You should say:
- Who this person is
- What talent they have
- How you know this person
- And explain why you think this person is talented
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who is an incredibly talented artist. I’ve known Sarah since high school, where we met in our art class. Her talent lies in painting, especially watercolors.
Sarah’s ability to capture emotions and scenes on canvas is truly remarkable. She can create beautiful landscapes and portraits that look almost lifelike. What makes her even more impressive is that she’s entirely self-taught, having never taken formal art lessons outside of school.
I think Sarah is talented because she can express complex ideas and feelings through her art in a way that resonates with people. Her paintings often evoke strong emotions in viewers, and she has won several local art competitions. Despite her success, she remains humble and is always eager to learn and improve her skills.
In my opinion, Sarah’s talent goes beyond just technical skill. She has a unique vision and the ability to bring her imagination to life on canvas. That’s why I consider her a truly talented person.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to describe my colleague, Dr. Amelia Chen, an exceptionally talented neuroscientist whom I’ve had the privilege of working with for the past three years at our research institute. Dr. Chen’s talent lies in her extraordinary ability to unravel the complexities of the human brain, particularly in the field of neuroplasticity.
What sets Dr. Chen apart is not just her profound understanding of neuroscience, but her remarkable capacity to approach problems from unconventional angles. She has an uncanny knack for connecting seemingly unrelated concepts, which has led to several groundbreaking discoveries in our field. Her work on the brain’s ability to rewire itself after trauma has opened up new avenues for treating neurological disorders.
I believe Dr. Chen is genuinely talented because she possesses a rare combination of analytical prowess and creative thinking. She can dissect complex data with surgical precision while simultaneously envisioning innovative solutions that others might overlook. Her talent is further evidenced by her numerous publications in prestigious scientific journals and the multiple research grants she’s secured for our institute.
Moreover, Dr. Chen’s talent extends beyond her scientific abilities. She has an exceptional gift for communicating complex ideas in accessible terms, making her an invaluable mentor to junior researchers and a sought-after speaker at international conferences. Her ability to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical applications has the potential to revolutionize patient care in neurology.
In essence, Dr. Chen’s talent lies not just in her scientific expertise, but in her capacity to push the boundaries of our understanding of the human brain, potentially paving the way for transformative treatments in the future.
Follow-up Questions:
- How did you first recognize this person’s talent?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I first recognized Sarah’s talent when I saw her paintings in our high school art exhibition. Her work stood out from everyone else’s, and I was amazed by the detail and emotion in her pieces.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I initially became aware of Dr. Chen’s exceptional talent during a departmental seminar where she presented her research findings. Her articulate explanation of complex neurological processes and her innovative approach to data analysis immediately set her apart. As we began collaborating on projects, her ability to synthesize information from diverse fields and generate novel hypotheses further cemented my recognition of her extraordinary talent.
- Do you think talented people are born with their abilities or develop them over time?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I believe it’s a combination of both. Some people might have a natural inclination towards certain skills, but hard work and practice are essential to develop and refine those talents.
Band 8-9 Answer:
In my opinion, talent is a complex interplay between innate predispositions and dedicated cultivation. While some individuals may possess a genetic predisposition that gives them an initial advantage in certain areas, the development of true expertise invariably requires sustained effort, deliberate practice, and often, exposure to enriching environments. Moreover, factors such as motivation, opportunity, and quality of instruction play crucial roles in transforming raw potential into exceptional ability.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: How can society benefit from talented individuals?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Talented people can contribute a lot to society. They can create amazing art, make scientific discoveries, or come up with innovative solutions to problems. Their work can inspire others and push the boundaries of what we think is possible.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Talented individuals can be catalysts for societal progress across various domains. In the realm of science and technology, their groundbreaking research and innovative inventions can lead to significant advancements in fields such as medicine, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence, potentially improving quality of life for millions. In the arts, talented creators can challenge our perspectives, enrich our cultural landscape, and foster emotional connections across diverse communities.
Moreover, talented individuals often serve as role models, inspiring others to pursue excellence and push their own boundaries. Their achievements can elevate entire industries, driving economic growth and creating new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. Additionally, when talented people collaborate across disciplines, they can tackle complex global challenges like climate change or food security with fresh, multifaceted approaches.
However, it’s crucial to note that for society to fully benefit from talented individuals, we must create supportive ecosystems that nurture talent, provide equal opportunities for talent to flourish regardless of background, and ensure that the fruits of their innovations are equitably distributed throughout society.
Question: Do you think the education system in your country does enough to nurture talent?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think our education system tries to support talented students, but there’s room for improvement. We have some special programs for gifted students, but they’re not available everywhere. More could be done to identify and nurture talent in different areas, not just academics.
Band 8-9 Answer:
While our education system has made strides in talent development, I believe there’s still considerable room for enhancement. The current system tends to prioritize standardized testing and rote learning, which may not effectively nurture diverse talents. There’s a need for a more holistic approach that recognizes and cultivates a wider spectrum of abilities, including creative, practical, and emotional intelligence.
Ideally, we should be moving towards a more personalized learning model that allows students to explore their interests and develop their unique strengths. This could involve project-based learning, interdisciplinary studies, and real-world problem-solving experiences. Additionally, fostering collaboration with industries and providing mentorship opportunities could help bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application of talents.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to address the disparity in resources and opportunities across different regions and socioeconomic backgrounds. Ensuring equitable access to quality education and talent development programs is essential for harnessing the full potential of our society’s talent pool.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Innate ability (noun) /ɪˈneɪt əˈbɪləti/: Natural talent or skill.
Example: Her innate ability for mathematics was evident from an early age. -
To nurture (verb) /ˈnɜːrtʃər/: To encourage or help develop.
Example: The school has excellent programs to nurture young artistic talents. -
Aptitude (noun) /ˈæptɪtuːd/: Natural ability or skill.
Example: He showed a remarkable aptitude for languages, picking them up with ease. -
To hone (verb) /hoʊn/: To refine or perfect over time.
Example: She spent years honing her skills as a pianist. -
Prodigy (noun) /ˈprɒdɪdʒi/: A person with exceptional talents or abilities, especially a young one.
Example: The young chess prodigy amazed everyone by defeating seasoned players. -
To excel (verb) /ɪkˈsel/: To be exceptionally good at something.
Example: Despite her young age, she excels in advanced mathematics. -
Gifted (adjective) /ˈɡɪftɪd/: Having exceptional talent or natural ability.
Example: The school has a special program for gifted students. -
To cultivate (verb) /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/: To develop or improve by education or training.
Example: The mentor worked tirelessly to cultivate the young artist’s potential.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a talented person:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to talent and abilities.
- Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to support your points.
- Discuss the impact of the person’s talent on others or society.
- Consider both the innate and developed aspects of talent.
- Practice describing talented people you know to improve fluency.
- Be prepared to discuss broader issues related to talent in Part 3.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about having good ideas, but also about expressing them clearly and confidently. Regular practice and expanding your vocabulary will help you describe a goal you want to achieve in the future or describe a sportsperson or athlete you admire with equal ease.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the suggested vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to discuss talented individuals and related topics in your IELTS Speaking test. This approach will not only help you describe a famous personality in your country but also enable you to describe a risk you took that ended with a positive result in your journey of learning and self-improvement.