Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe an Experience That Helped You Grow as a Person

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and their impact on our lives. One common topic is describing an experience that helped you grow as a person. This theme appears frequently in IELTS exams across countries like India, China, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. Let’s explore how to effectively answer such questions and impress the examiner with your English speaking skills.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions related to personal growth and experiences. Here are some potential questions:

1. Do you think it’s important for people to have experiences that help them grow?
2. What kind of experiences do you think are most valuable for personal growth?
3. Have you had any experiences recently that changed your perspective on life?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you think it’s important for people to have experiences that help them grow?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
Absolutely, I believe it’s crucial for individuals to seek out experiences that foster personal growth. Such experiences challenge our existing beliefs and push us out of our comfort zones, which is essential for developing resilience and adaptability. Moreover, these experiences often broaden our horizons and give us fresh perspectives on life, ultimately leading to greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence. In my opinion, without these growth-inducing experiences, we risk becoming stagnant and miss out on valuable opportunities for self-improvement.

Part 2: Long Turn

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

Describe An Experience That Helped You Grow As A Person
You should say:

• What the experience was
• When and where it happened
• Who was involved
• How it helped you grow as a person

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

One experience that significantly contributed to my personal growth was when I volunteered at a local homeless shelter during my university years. This eye-opening experience took place in the winter of 2019, at a shelter located in the heart of my city.

I was part of a team of student volunteers, working alongside the shelter’s staff and interacting directly with the homeless individuals who sought refuge there. Our responsibilities ranged from serving meals and distributing clothing to simply engaging in conversations with the shelter’s residents.

This experience profoundly impacted my personal development in several ways. Firstly, it shattered many of my preconceived notions about homelessness. I realized that many of these individuals had fallen on hard times due to circumstances beyond their control, such as job loss, mental health issues, or family problems. This newfound understanding fostered a deep sense of empathy within me.

Moreover, hearing their stories and witnessing their resilience in the face of adversity was truly humbling. It made me reassess my own life and the things I often took for granted. I began to appreciate the importance of community support and the power of small acts of kindness.

Perhaps most importantly, this experience ignited a passion for social justice and community service that has stayed with me ever since. It motivated me to become more involved in various charitable initiatives and to advocate for policies that address social inequality.

In essence, this volunteer experience was a catalyst for my personal growth, enhancing my empathy, broadening my perspective, and inspiring a commitment to making a positive impact in my community. It truly transformed the way I view the world and my role in it.

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How has this experience influenced your career choices?
2. Do you think everyone should have similar volunteering experiences? Why or why not?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

This volunteering experience has had a profound impact on my career trajectory. It sparked a keen interest in social work and community development, which I’ve since incorporated into my professional life. I’ve gravitated towards roles that allow me to contribute to social causes, even if they’re not directly in the non-profit sector. For instance, in my current job in marketing, I’ve spearheaded several corporate social responsibility initiatives. Moreover, this experience has made me prioritize companies with strong ethical values and community engagement when considering job opportunities. It’s instilled in me a desire to find purpose in my work beyond just financial gain, and I’m constantly seeking ways to leverage my skills and position to make a positive societal impact.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to personal growth and experiences. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: How do you think technology has changed the way people gain new experiences?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

Technology has revolutionized the way we acquire new experiences in numerous ways. Firstly, it has made information and learning opportunities more accessible than ever before. With online courses, virtual reality simulations, and interactive apps, people can now gain knowledge and skills in diverse fields without leaving their homes.

Moreover, social media and online communities have expanded our ability to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds, providing virtual cross-cultural experiences. This exposure to diverse perspectives can be incredibly enriching and contribute significantly to personal growth.

However, it’s worth noting that technology can also be a double-edged sword. While it opens up new avenues for experiences, it can also lead to information overload and superficial engagement. There’s a risk of people becoming more isolated in their physical lives while maintaining an active online presence.

Ultimately, I believe the key lies in striking a balance. Technology should be used as a tool to enhance and supplement real-world experiences, rather than replace them entirely. The most profound personal growth often comes from a combination of digital learning and hands-on, real-world engagement.

IELTS Speaking: Describing a personal growth experience

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can help elevate your responses:

1. Catalyst (noun) /ˈkætəlɪst/ – something that causes an important change or event to happen
   Example: “The volunteer experience was a catalyst for my personal growth.”

2. Profound impact (phrase) – a very significant or deep effect
   Example: “This experience had a profound impact on my worldview.”

3. Foster (verb) /ˈfɒstə(r)/ – to encourage the development of something
   Example: “The experience fostered a deep sense of empathy within me.”

4. Reassess (verb) /ˌriːəˈses/ – to consider or assess again, especially while paying attention to new or different factors
   Example: “It made me reassess my own life and privileges.”

5. Ignite a passion (phrase) – to cause a strong interest or enthusiasm to begin
   Example: “This experience ignited a passion for social justice.”

Describe a memorable day you spent with your family can also be a great topic to practice using these phrases and vocabulary in a different context.

Examiner’s Advice

As an IELTS examiner, I recommend the following tips to excel in the Speaking test:

1. Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try to speak English daily, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

2. Focus on fluency: While accuracy is important, don’t let the fear of making mistakes hinder your speech. Aim for a natural, flowing conversation.

3. Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases regularly, especially those related to common IELTS topics. Use them in context to ensure you understand their proper usage.

4. Use a variety of sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to demonstrate your language proficiency.

5. Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Explain your thoughts, provide examples, and elaborate on your points.

6. Listen carefully: Make sure you understand the question fully before answering. It’s okay to ask for clarification if needed.

7. Stay relevant: Always keep your answers relevant to the question asked. Describe a forest or park you visited that left a strong impression on you is another topic where you can practice staying on point while elaborating your answers.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is to communicate effectively and demonstrate your English language skills. By following these tips and consistently practicing, you can improve your performance and achieve the score you desire.

IELTS Speaking Test Preparation Techniques

Mastering the art of describing personal growth experiences can significantly boost your IELTS Speaking score. By using sophisticated vocabulary, providing detailed examples, and structuring your responses effectively, you can impress the examiner and demonstrate your English proficiency. Remember to practice regularly and apply these strategies to various topics, such as when you describe a memorable public park in your area or describe a season you enjoy and the reasons why. With dedication and the right approach, you can excel in your IELTS Speaking test and achieve your desired score.