Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Effectively Describe Teaching Someone Something New

IELTS Mentor

3 months ago

In IELTS Speaking, candidates are often asked to describe various experiences, including times when they shared knowledge or taught someone something new. This topic not only tests your English proficiency but also your ability to articulate a personal experience coherently. Let’s explore how to excel in answering questions related to “describe a time when you showed something new to someone” and examine the key elements that can help you achieve a high band score.

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:

Question: “Do you enjoy teaching others new things?”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely! I find teaching others to be incredibly rewarding. There’s something truly gratifying about sharing knowledge and seeing that moment of understanding dawn on someone’s face. It’s not just about imparting information; it’s about fostering curiosity and helping others develop new skills. Plus, I often find that I learn something new myself in the process of teaching, which makes it a mutually enriching experience.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe a time when you showed something new to someone
You should say:

Who you showed it to
What you showed
How you showed it
And explain why you showed it to this person

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a time when I taught my younger cousin how to play chess. This happened last summer when he was visiting us for the holidays.

My cousin, Alex, is a bright 12-year-old who’s always been fascinated by strategy games. When he noticed my chess set, his eyes lit up with curiosity, and I saw an opportunity to introduce him to this timeless game of intellect.

I began by explaining the basic setup of the board and the names of the pieces. To make it more engaging, I shared interesting tidbits about each piece’s movement, likening the knight to a horse jumping over obstacles and the bishop to an archer shooting diagonally across the battlefield. This analogy-based approach seemed to resonate with Alex, making the rules easier for him to grasp and remember.

We started with a few practice moves, and I encouraged him to think ahead by asking questions like, “If you move your pawn here, what could I do in response?” This method of guided discovery helped Alex understand the importance of strategic thinking in chess.

As we progressed, I introduced more advanced concepts like castling and en passant, always ensuring to explain the rationale behind these special moves. We played several games, and I made sure to balance challenge with encouragement, allowing him to take back moves when he realized he’d made a mistake.

I chose to teach Alex chess for several reasons. Firstly, I believe chess is an excellent tool for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in many aspects of life. Secondly, I wanted to share something that has brought me joy and mental stimulation over the years. Lastly, I saw it as an opportunity to bond with my cousin over a shared interest, creating memories and potentially starting a new tradition of playing chess together during family gatherings.

The experience was incredibly rewarding. Seeing Alex’s face light up when he executed his first checkmate was priceless. It reminded me of the joy of learning and the satisfaction of passing on knowledge to the next generation.”

Teaching chess to young cousin

Follow-up Questions:

How did you feel after teaching your cousin chess?
Do you think chess is a valuable skill for children to learn?
What challenges did you face while teaching, and how did you overcome them?

Sample Answers:

(Band 8-9) “After teaching my cousin chess, I felt a profound sense of fulfillment. It was incredibly rewarding to witness his progress and enthusiasm grow throughout our sessions. There was a palpable sense of achievement not just for him, but for me as well, knowing that I had successfully imparted knowledge that could potentially spark a lifelong interest. Moreover, the experience reinforced my own understanding of the game, as explaining concepts to a beginner required me to break down complex ideas into simpler terms, which in turn deepened my appreciation for the nuances of chess.”
(Band 8-9) “I firmly believe that chess is an invaluable skill for children to acquire. It’s not just a game, but a powerful tool for cognitive development. Chess enhances critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and foresight – skills that are transferable to various aspects of life. It teaches patience, strategic planning, and the importance of considering consequences before making decisions. Furthermore, chess can boost self-confidence and teach children how to handle both victory and defeat gracefully. In our increasingly digital world, it also provides a welcome opportunity for face-to-face interaction and mental stimulation without screens.”
(Band 8-9) “The main challenge I encountered was maintaining Alex’s interest and concentration, especially when introducing more complex concepts. Chess can be overwhelming for beginners due to its multitude of rules and possibilities. To overcome this, I employed a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I broke down the learning process into manageable chunks, focusing on one concept at a time. I also used storytelling and analogies to make the rules more relatable and memorable. Additionally, I incorporated mini-games that focused on specific pieces or strategies, which made the learning process more engaging and less daunting. Patience was key; I had to remind myself that mastery takes time and that the goal was to instill a love for the game rather than perfect play from the outset.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to teaching and learning. Here are some sample questions with suggested answers:

Question 1: “How has technology changed the way people learn new skills?”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized the learning landscape in numerous ways. Firstly, it has democratized access to information, allowing people to learn virtually anything, anytime, anywhere. Online platforms and apps offer courses on an vast array of subjects, from coding to cooking, often at a fraction of the cost of traditional education.

Moreover, technology has made learning more interactive and engaging. Virtual reality simulations, for instance, can provide immersive experiences in fields like medicine or aviation, allowing learners to practice skills in a safe, controlled environment. Gamification of learning has also become prevalent, turning the acquisition of new skills into an enjoyable, rewarding experience.

Another significant change is the shift towards personalized learning. Adaptive learning technologies can track a learner’s progress and tailor the content and pace to their individual needs, making the learning process more efficient and effective.

However, it’s worth noting that this technological revolution in learning also presents challenges. The abundance of information can be overwhelming, and learners need to develop strong critical thinking skills to discern credible sources. Additionally, the ease of access to information might sometimes lead to a superficial understanding rather than deep learning.

In conclusion, while technology has undoubtedly transformed how we acquire new skills, offering unprecedented opportunities and flexibility, it also requires us to adapt our learning strategies and maintain a balance between digital and traditional learning methods.”

Technology-enhanced learning environment

Question 2: “Do you think the role of teachers will change in the future due to technological advancements?”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The role of teachers is indeed likely to evolve significantly in response to technological advancements, but I believe their importance will remain paramount. Rather than being replaced by technology, teachers will likely need to adapt and redefine their roles to complement and leverage these new tools effectively.

In the future, we may see teachers transition from being primary sources of information to becoming facilitators of learning. With vast amounts of information readily available online, the value of a teacher will increasingly lie in their ability to guide students in critically evaluating information, synthesizing knowledge from various sources, and applying it in practical contexts.

Teachers may also need to become more adept at curating digital content and designing blended learning experiences that combine the best of both online and offline educational methods. They’ll likely play a crucial role in helping students develop digital literacy and navigate the complexities of the online world safely and effectively.

Moreover, as artificial intelligence and adaptive learning technologies become more sophisticated, teachers may find themselves focusing more on areas where human interaction is irreplaceable. This includes fostering social-emotional skills, promoting creativity, and providing personalized mentorship and motivation.

However, it’s important to note that while the methods may change, the fundamental aspects of teaching – inspiring curiosity, nurturing potential, and providing emotional support – will remain essential. Technology can enhance education, but it cannot replicate the human connection and intuitive understanding that skilled teachers bring to the learning process.

In conclusion, while technological advancements will undoubtedly reshape the educational landscape, they are likely to augment rather than replace the role of teachers. The future of education will likely see a symbiosis of human expertise and technological tools, with teachers at the helm, guiding students through an increasingly complex and interconnected world of knowledge.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To impart knowledge – [ɪmˈpɑːrt ˈnɒlɪdʒ] (phrasal verb): To pass on or communicate knowledge to others.
Example: “As a mentor, her role was to impart knowledge and wisdom to the younger employees.”
Gratifying – [ˈɡrætɪfaɪɪŋ] (adjective): Giving pleasure or satisfaction.
Example: “Teaching others can be an incredibly gratifying experience.”
To foster curiosity – [ˈfɒstə kjʊəriˈɒsɪti] (phrase): To encourage or promote a desire to learn or know more about something.
Example: “Good teachers strive to foster curiosity in their students, encouraging them to ask questions and explore topics deeply.”
Mutually enriching – [ˈmjuːtʃuəli ɪnˈrɪtʃɪŋ] (phrase): Beneficial for all parties involved.
Example: “The exchange program was mutually enriching, with both host families and students learning from each other’s cultures.”
To resonate with – [ˈrezəneɪt wɪð] (phrasal verb): To evoke a feeling of shared emotion or belief.
Example: “His teaching style resonated with the students, making complex topics easier to understand.”
Guided discovery – [ˈɡaɪdɪd dɪˈskʌvəri] (noun): A teaching method where students are led to discover concepts for themselves through carefully structured activities.
Example: “Through guided discovery, students were able to grasp the principles of physics more intuitively.”
To balance challenge with encouragement – [ˈbæləns ˈtʃælɪndʒ wɪð ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒmənt] (phrase): To provide difficult tasks while also offering support and motivation.
Example: “A good mentor knows how to balance challenge with encouragement, pushing their mentee to grow without overwhelming them.”
Palpable sense of achievement – [ˈpælpəbl sens əv əˈtʃiːvmənt] (phrase): A feeling of success or accomplishment that is so strong it can almost be physically felt.
Example: “There was a palpable sense of achievement in the room when the students completed their final project.”
Cognitive development – [ˈkɒɡnətɪv dɪˈveləpmənt] (noun): The growth of intellectual capabilities, including thinking, reasoning, and understanding.
Example: “Chess is known to promote cognitive development in children, enhancing their problem-solving skills.”
Multi-faceted approach – [ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd əˈprəʊtʃ] (phrase): A strategy that considers many different aspects or perspectives of a situation.
Example: “Teaching a new language requires a multi-faceted approach, incorporating reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.”

Vocabulary learning techniques

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing experiences like teaching someone something new, consider the following tips:

Structure your answer: Use a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, especially in Part 2. This demonstrates your ability to organize thoughts coherently.
Use descriptive language: Incorporate a range of adjectives and adverbs to make your description vivid and engaging.
Employ idiomatic expressions: Naturally integrate idiomatic phrases to showcase your command of English.
Vary your sentence structures: Use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences to demonstrate grammatical range.
Speak fluently: Practice to minimize hesitations and maintain a natural pace.
Provide specific details: Instead of general statements, offer concrete examples and anecdotes to support your points.
Show reflection: In Part 3, demonstrate critical thinking by considering different perspectives and implications of the topic.
Stay on topic: Ensure your answers are relevant to the question asked, particularly in Parts 1 and 3.
Use appropriate tenses: Pay attention to using the correct tenses, especially when describing past experiences in Part 2.
Pronunciation and intonation: Focus on clear pronunciation and use intonation to convey meaning and emphasis.

Remember, practice is key. Regularly rehearsing your responses to various topics will help you feel more confident and perform better during the actual test.

Describe a person who inspired you to do something interesting can be another engaging topic to practice, as it allows you to combine personal narrative with descriptive language, much like the topic we’ve discussed here.

By following these guidelines and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in your IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing experiences of teaching or showing something new to someone. Remember, the key is to communicate your ideas clearly, confidently, and with a rich vocabulary that demonstrates your English language proficiency.