Teaching someone a new skill is a common experience that can be an excellent topic for the IELTS Speaking test. This theme allows you to showcase your communication abilities, patience, and problem-solving skills – all valuable traits that examiners look for. Let’s explore how to approach this topic and maximize your score.
Describe a person who has influenced your outlook on life can be a related topic that may help you prepare for this speaking task.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about teaching and learning. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you enjoy teaching others?
A: Absolutely. I find teaching others to be incredibly rewarding. There’s something deeply satisfying about imparting knowledge and seeing someone grasp a new concept or skill. It’s not just about the information transfer; it’s about fostering curiosity and empowering others to learn independently.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you had to teach someone something new
You should say:
- What you taught
- Who you taught it to
- Why you had to teach it
- And explain how you felt about the experience
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about a time when I taught my younger sister how to cook a simple pasta dish. It was during the summer holidays, and our parents were away for work. My sister, who’s 16, wanted to learn some basic cooking skills.
I decided to teach her how to make spaghetti carbonara because it’s relatively easy but still impressive. We started by gathering all the ingredients and I explained each step of the process. I showed her how to boil the pasta, prepare the sauce, and combine everything.
The reason I had to teach her was that I wanted her to be more independent and able to prepare meals for herself. It’s an important life skill, and I felt responsible as her older sibling to pass on this knowledge.
Overall, I felt quite positive about the experience. It was nice to spend time with my sister and share something I enjoy. However, there were moments when I had to be patient, especially when explaining why certain steps were important.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to recount an experience where I had the opportunity to teach my younger sister the art of cooking, specifically how to prepare a quintessential Italian dish – spaghetti carbonara. This transpired during our summer break when our parents were away on a business trip, leaving us to fend for ourselves.
My sister, a precocious 16-year-old, had expressed a keen interest in developing her culinary skills. I seized this opportunity to impart some fundamental cooking techniques, choosing spaghetti carbonara as our inaugural dish due to its deceptive simplicity and impressive results.
We commenced by meticulously gathering all the necessary ingredients. I walked her through each step of the process, elucidating the importance of timing and temperature control. From al dente pasta to the delicate balance of the egg-based sauce, every aspect was thoroughly explained.
The impetus behind this impromptu cooking lesson was twofold. Primarily, I wanted to foster independence in my sister, equipping her with a vital life skill. Additionally, as her elder sibling, I felt a sense of responsibility to pass on practical knowledge that would serve her well in the future.
Reflecting on the experience, I found it to be immensely gratifying. The opportunity to bond with my sister over a shared activity was invaluable. However, it wasn’t without its challenges. There were moments when I had to exercise patience, particularly when elucidating the rationale behind certain techniques or the chemistry of cooking.
In retrospect, this experience not only enhanced my sister’s culinary abilities but also honed my own teaching skills. It underscored the importance of clear communication and adaptability in instruction, lessons that have proved invaluable in various aspects of my life.
Follow-up Questions:
Q: How did you ensure your sister understood each step?
A: I made sure to break down each step into manageable parts. I demonstrated each technique first, then had her replicate it under my guidance. I also encouraged her to ask questions at any point if something wasn’t clear.
Q: What challenges did you face while teaching?
A: The main challenge was adapting my teaching style to her learning pace. Sometimes, I had to rephrase explanations or provide more context to ensure she grasped the concepts fully. It was a valuable lesson in patience and effective communication.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: What qualities do you think make a good teacher?
A (Band 6-7): I believe a good teacher should be patient, knowledgeable, and able to explain things clearly. They should also be passionate about their subject and able to motivate their students.
A (Band 8-9): In my opinion, an exemplary educator possesses a multifaceted skill set. Foremost among these qualities is the ability to convey complex ideas with clarity and precision. A truly effective teacher must also demonstrate unwavering patience, adapting their teaching style to accommodate diverse learning paces and styles. Furthermore, a profound passion for their subject matter is essential, as it invariably inspires and motivates students. Equally crucial is the capacity for empathy, allowing teachers to understand and address the unique challenges faced by each student. Lastly, a willingness to evolve and embrace new pedagogical methods ensures that the teaching remains relevant and engaging in our rapidly changing world.
Q: How has technology changed the way people learn new skills?
A (Band 6-7): Technology has made learning more accessible. We can now learn almost anything online through videos, interactive courses, and apps. It’s also made it easier to connect with experts and other learners around the world.
A (Band 8-9): The advent of technology has revolutionized the landscape of skill acquisition. Online platforms and digital resources have democratized education, making a vast array of knowledge accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Interactive learning environments, such as virtual reality simulations and gamified educational apps, have transformed the learning experience, making it more engaging and immersive. Furthermore, technology has facilitated global knowledge sharing, allowing learners to tap into expertise from around the world through webinars, online forums, and collaborative projects. This interconnectedness has fostered a culture of continuous learning and skill development, equipping individuals to adapt to the rapidly evolving demands of the modern world.
Describe a time when you taught something to someone is another topic that can help you prepare for similar questions in your IELTS Speaking test.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Impart knowledge /ɪmˈpɑːrt ˈnɒlɪdʒ/ (phrasal verb): To pass on or communicate information or skills.
Example: As a mentor, his role was to impart knowledge to the new employees. -
Foster /ˈfɒstə(r)/ (verb): To encourage the development of something, especially something desirable.
Example: Good teachers foster curiosity in their students. -
Elucidate /ɪˈluːsɪdeɪt/ (verb): To explain or make something clear.
Example: The professor took time to elucidate the complex theory for his students. -
Quintessential /ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃl/ (adjective): Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.
Example: The spaghetti carbonara we made is a quintessential Italian dish. -
Adaptability /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ (noun): The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.
Example: Adaptability is crucial when teaching, as every student learns differently.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing teaching experiences:
- Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases relevant to teaching and learning.
- Provide specific examples: Use personal anecdotes to illustrate your points.
- Demonstrate critical thinking: Analyze the teaching experience, discussing challenges and outcomes.
- Show enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the topic through your tone and word choice.
- Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery with minimal hesitations.
- Develop your answers: Expand on your initial responses with explanations and examples.
Remember, the key to success is not just what you say, but how you say it. Confidence and clarity in your speech will greatly enhance your performance.
Describe a person who has made a significant impact on your community could be another interesting topic to explore, as it may involve discussing someone who has taught or mentored others.