The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to personal experiences, and “describe a time you taught someone something” is a common theme. This topic allows candidates to showcase their communication skills, ability to structure a narrative, and use of relevant vocabulary. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and achieve a high band score.
Describe a time when you taught someone something useful is a topic that requires careful preparation and practice. By following the tips and examples provided in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle this question in your IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions related to teaching and learning. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you enjoy teaching others?
A: Absolutely, I find teaching incredibly rewarding. There’s something special about sharing knowledge and seeing someone’s understanding grow. Whether it’s helping a classmate with a difficult subject or showing a colleague how to use new software, I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I can contribute to someone else’s learning journey.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a time you taught someone something
You should say:
- Who you taught
- What you taught them
- How you taught them
- And explain why you taught them this
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
I’d like to talk about a time when I taught my younger sister how to ride a bicycle. She was about 7 years old at the time, and I was in my early teens.
I decided to teach her because she had been asking our parents for a bike, and I thought it would be a good opportunity to bond with her. We started in our backyard, which was quite spacious and had a flat area perfect for beginners.
I began by explaining the basics of balancing and pedaling. Then, I held the back of her bike seat while she practiced pedaling. Gradually, I would let go for short periods, allowing her to gain confidence. We spent about an hour each day for a week practicing.
The reason I taught her was not just because she wanted to learn, but also because I believed it was an important skill for her independence and enjoyment. It was a challenging but rewarding experience, and I felt proud when she finally managed to ride on her own.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to recount an experience where I had the privilege of imparting a valuable skill to my younger sister – the art of cycling. This took place when she was around 7 years old, and I was in my early teens, eager to take on the role of a mentor.
The decision to take on this teaching endeavor stemmed from her persistent requests for a bicycle and my recognition of this as an opportune moment to strengthen our sibling bond. We chose our spacious backyard as our training ground, capitalizing on its flat terrain that was ideal for novice riders.
I initiated the process by elucidating the fundamental principles of balance and pedaling. Employing a hands-on approach, I provided physical support by holding the rear of her bike seat while she practiced pedaling. Gradually, I implemented a method of intermittent release, allowing her brief moments of independent riding to bolster her confidence. We dedicated approximately an hour each day for a week to this learning process, demonstrating commitment and consistency.
My motivation for teaching her extended beyond merely fulfilling her desire to learn. I firmly believed that cycling was an essential skill that would contribute to her personal growth, fostering independence and opening up avenues for enjoyment. The experience was both challenging and immensely rewarding, culminating in a profound sense of accomplishment when she successfully rode independently.
Describe a time when you taught someone something can be a great opportunity to showcase your communication and interpersonal skills. The key is to provide specific details and reflect on the experience.
Follow-up Questions
Q: How did you feel when your sister finally learned to ride the bike?
A (Band 6-7): I felt really happy and proud. It was great to see her cycling on her own after all our practice.
A (Band 8-9): I was overwhelmed with a sense of pride and fulfillment. Witnessing her newfound independence and the joy radiating from her accomplishment was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced my belief in the power of patience and perseverance in teaching.
A teenager teaching his younger sister to ride a bicycle in a backyard
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: What qualities do you think make a good teacher?
A (Band 6-7): I think good teachers need to be patient and understanding. They should be able to explain things clearly and be passionate about their subject. It’s also important for teachers to be supportive and encouraging to their students.
A (Band 8-9): In my opinion, an exemplary teacher possesses a multifaceted skill set. Paramount among these qualities is patience, coupled with an innate ability to empathize with students’ learning challenges. Clarity of communication is crucial, as is a profound passion for the subject matter, which often proves contagious, igniting curiosity in students. Moreover, a good teacher should be adept at fostering a supportive learning environment, offering encouragement and constructive feedback. The ability to adapt teaching methods to diverse learning styles and to inspire critical thinking are also hallmarks of an outstanding educator.
Q: Do you think technology has changed the way people teach and learn?
A (Band 6-7): Yes, I believe technology has had a big impact on teaching and learning. It’s made information more accessible and allowed for new ways of presenting material, like through videos or interactive programs. Online courses have also made education more available to people everywhere.
A (Band 8-9): Technology has undoubtedly revolutionized the educational landscape. It has democratized access to information, making vast resources available at our fingertips. This shift has catalyzed a transformation in pedagogical approaches, enabling educators to leverage multimedia content and interactive platforms to enhance engagement and comprehension. The rise of e-learning and MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) has transcended geographical barriers, making quality education accessible globally. However, it’s crucial to note that technology should be viewed as a tool to augment, not replace, traditional teaching methods. The challenge lies in striking a balance between technological integration and maintaining the irreplaceable human element in education.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Impart knowledge (phrasal verb) – /ɪmˈpɑːrt ˈnɒlɪdʒ/ – to pass information to others
Example: As a mentor, her role was to impart knowledge to the new employees.Foster (verb) – /ˈfɒstə(r)/ – to encourage the development of something
Example: Good teachers foster a love of learning in their students.Pedagogical (adjective) – /ˌpedəˈɡɒdʒɪkl/ – related to teaching methods
Example: The school implemented new pedagogical approaches to improve student engagement.Elucidate (verb) – /ɪˈluːsɪdeɪt/ – to explain or make something clear
Example: The professor used diagrams to elucidate complex scientific concepts.Bolster confidence (phrase) – /ˈbəʊlstə(r) ˈkɒnfɪdəns/ – to increase someone’s confidence
Example: Positive feedback from the instructor helped bolster the student’s confidence.
Describe an event where you felt out of place might seem unrelated, but the ability to describe personal experiences and emotions is crucial in both topics.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a teaching experience:
- Structure your answer clearly, following the cue card prompts.
- Use a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
- Provide specific details and examples to make your answer more engaging and authentic.
- Reflect on the experience, explaining your thoughts and feelings to show depth in your response.
- Practice speaking on various topics to improve fluency and confidence.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and the ability to express your ideas coherently are crucial. Describe a special gift you gave to someone is another topic where these skills would be equally important.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the “describe a time you taught someone something” topic in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!