Learning valuable life lessons can come from unexpected encounters with strangers. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2, as it allows candidates to demonstrate their storytelling abilities and vocabulary range. Similar to describe a time when you attended a traditional event or festival, this topic requires detailed description and personal reflection.
A person sharing life wisdom with stranger on park bench
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions you may encounter:
- Do you often talk to strangers?
- What kind of strangers do you usually meet?
- Is it safe to talk to strangers in your country?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“While I’m generally cautious about talking to strangers, I do engage in conversations when the situation feels appropriate, like in professional settings or public spaces. In my country, people are typically reserved but courteous when interacting with strangers, and we have a strong culture of helping visitors or those in need.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Here’s a typical cue card for this topic:
Describe a time when you learned something valuable from a stranger
You should say:
- Who this stranger was
- When and where you met them
- What you learned from them
- And explain why you think this lesson was valuable
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an enlightening encounter I had with an elderly gentleman during a train journey last summer. Just as describe an old person you recently met, this experience left a lasting impression on me.
The stranger was a retired professor in his seventies who sat next to me during a six-hour journey from London to Edinburgh. He had silver hair and wore wire-rimmed glasses, giving him a distinguished appearance.
During our conversation, he shared his philosophy about describe a skill you have that you find useful in everyday life: the art of active listening. He explained how genuinely listening to others had transformed his relationships and career.
The lesson was particularly valuable because it challenged my perspective on communication. Like many young professionals, I was always focused on speaking well, but he helped me understand that true communication is bilateral. This wisdom has profoundly impacted my personal and professional relationships.”
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about meeting a stranger on a train journey. He was an old teacher who taught me about listening to others. We talked for many hours, and he showed me that listening is very important. This helped me become better at talking with people.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: Why do some people find it difficult to learn from others?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe people often struggle to learn from others due to their preconceived notions and ego. When we’re too attached to our own beliefs, we might dismiss valuable insights from others, especially if they challenge our existing worldview.”
Q: How has technology changed the way we interact with strangers?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized our interactions with strangers, similar to how describe a trip you took that was not as expected can change our perspectives. While social media and online platforms have made it easier to connect with people worldwide, they’ve also created concerns about authenticity and safety.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Enlightening encounter /ɪnˈlaɪtnɪŋ ɪnˈkaʊntə/ (adj. + n.): A meeting that provides new understanding
- Preconceived notions /ˌpriːkənˈsiːvd ˈnəʊʃn̩z/ (n.): Existing beliefs formed without evidence
- Bilateral communication /baɪˈlætərəl kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃn̩/ (n.): Two-way exchange of information
- Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ (adj. + n.): Deep and significant effect
Remember, just as describe something important that you lost in the past, sharing personal experiences requires both emotional depth and structural clarity. Focus on delivering your response with appropriate pacing and natural transitions between ideas.
