Teaching a friend is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This topic allows candidates to showcase their communication skills, ability to explain concepts, and personal experiences. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively to achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about teaching and learning. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- Do you enjoy teaching others?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I find teaching others quite rewarding. It’s not only a chance to share knowledge but also an opportunity to reinforce my own understanding of a subject. Plus, seeing someone grasp a new concept thanks to my explanation is incredibly satisfying.”
- Have you ever taught someone a skill?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. I’ve had several experiences teaching friends various skills. Most recently, I taught a friend how to prepare a traditional dish from my hometown. It was a fantastic opportunity to share my cultural heritage while also improving my own culinary skills.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you taught something to a friend
You should say:
- What you taught
- Who you taught it to
- Why you taught it
- And explain how you felt about the experience
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a time when I taught my friend, Sarah, how to play chess. Sarah had always been intrigued by the game but found it intimidating due to its complexity. As an avid chess player myself, I was thrilled at the opportunity to share my passion with her.
We started with the basics – the chessboard layout and the movements of each piece. I made a conscious effort to break down the rules into digestible chunks, using analogies she could relate to. For instance, I compared the knight’s L-shaped move to a horse jumping over obstacles, which really helped her grasp the concept.
The reason I decided to teach Sarah was twofold. Firstly, I wanted to share the joy and mental stimulation that chess brings. Secondly, I believed that learning chess could help Sarah develop critical thinking skills that would be beneficial in various aspects of her life.
As we progressed through our lessons, I felt an immense sense of satisfaction. Watching Sarah’s face light up when she understood a new strategy or successfully executed a tactic was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced my own love for the game and made me appreciate the nuances of chess even more.
What struck me most about this experience was how much I learned in the process of teaching. Explaining the game to a beginner forced me to analyze my own understanding and find creative ways to communicate complex ideas. It was a mutually enriching experience that not only strengthened our friendship but also deepened my appreciation for the art of teaching.
In conclusion, teaching Sarah chess was an enlightening journey for both of us. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of sharing knowledge and the joy that comes from helping others learn and grow.”
Teaching chess to a friend for IELTS Speaking
Follow-up questions:
- How did your friend respond to your teaching method?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Sarah responded exceptionally well to my teaching approach. She particularly appreciated how I broke down complex concepts into more manageable parts. Her quick grasp of the material was immensely gratifying and motivated me to continue refining my teaching techniques.”
- Did you face any challenges while teaching your friend?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, there were a few challenges. The main one was adapting my explanations to suit Sarah’s learning style. I had to be patient and try different approaches until I found what worked best for her. It was a valuable lesson in the importance of flexibility in teaching.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Let’s discuss teaching and learning in a broader context. Do you think everyone has the ability to teach?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“That’s an intriguing question. I believe that while everyone has the potential to teach, effective teaching requires a combination of skills that not everyone naturally possesses. These include patience, clear communication, empathy, and the ability to break down complex information into understandable parts. However, I think these skills can be developed with practice and dedication.
Moreover, teaching isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about inspiring curiosity and fostering a love for learning. Some people have a natural gift for this, while others might need to work harder to develop these qualities. It’s also worth noting that different subjects or skills might require different teaching approaches.
In my opinion, the most effective teachers are those who are passionate about their subject and genuinely care about their students’ progress. This enthusiasm can often compensate for any lack of formal teaching skills. Additionally, I believe that the act of teaching itself can help individuals improve their teaching abilities over time.
So, while I wouldn’t say everyone is a born teacher, I do think most people can become effective teachers in their areas of expertise with the right mindset and practice.”
Examiner: How has technology changed the way we teach and learn?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Technology has revolutionized education in numerous ways. Firstly, it has made information more accessible than ever before. Students can now learn virtually anything online, from academic subjects to practical skills, often for free.
Online platforms and apps have introduced interactive and personalized learning experiences. These tools can adapt to a student’s pace and style of learning, making education more efficient and engaging. Video conferencing has enabled remote learning, breaking down geographical barriers and making education more inclusive.
However, technology in education also presents challenges. The digital divide means not everyone has equal access to these resources. There’s also the risk of information overload and the need to develop critical thinking skills to evaluate online sources.
Despite these challenges, I believe technology has generally had a positive impact on teaching and learning, making education more flexible, interactive, and accessible to a wider audience.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Thrilled at the opportunity (adj. phrase): Very excited about the chance to do something.
Pronunciation: /θrɪld æt ði ɒpəˈtjuːnəti/
Example: “I was thrilled at the opportunity to share my expertise with my colleagues.”Made a conscious effort (verb phrase): Tried hard in a deliberate way.
Pronunciation: /meɪd ə ˈkɒnʃəs ˈefət/
Example: “The teacher made a conscious effort to include all students in the discussion.”Immense sense of satisfaction (noun phrase): A great feeling of contentment or fulfillment.
Pronunciation: /ɪˈmens sens əv sætɪsˈfækʃən/
Example: “Completing the marathon gave me an immense sense of satisfaction.”Mutually enriching experience (adj. phrase): An activity that benefits all parties involved.
Pronunciation: /ˈmjuːtʃuəli ɪnˈrɪtʃɪŋ ɪkˈspɪəriəns/
Example: “Our cultural exchange program was a mutually enriching experience for both schools.”Reaffirmed my belief (verb phrase): Strengthened an existing opinion or conviction.
Pronunciation: /ˌriːəˈfɜːmd maɪ bɪˈliːf/
Example: “The success of the project reaffirmed my belief in teamwork.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing teaching experiences:
Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Don’t just stick to simple words and phrases.
Provide specific examples to support your points. This demonstrates your ability to communicate detailed information clearly.
Show enthusiasm in your voice and manner when discussing your teaching experience. Examiners appreciate genuine engagement with the topic.
Practice linking your ideas coherently. Use transition phrases to move smoothly between points.
Be prepared to discuss the topic from different angles, especially in Part 3. This shows your ability to think critically and express complex ideas.
Work on your pronunciation and fluency. Regular practice speaking English, even if just to yourself, can greatly improve these aspects.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and the ability to elaborate on your ideas are crucial factors in achieving a high score.
For more practice on IELTS Speaking topics, you might find it helpful to describe a person who is passionate about music or describe a time when you tried a new sport or activity. These topics can help you develop a broader range of vocabulary and improve your ability to discuss various subjects fluently.