Describe a Person Who Taught You Something Important: IELTS Speaking Topic

The IELTS speaking test is an opportunity for students to showcase their language proficiency in a structured format. Among the various cue card topics, “Describe a person who taught you something important” is a common yet thought-provoking choice. In this article, we will explore how to approach this cue card topic effectively, provide three model answers, and share eight follow-up questions to help you prepare for the discussion round.

Understanding the Cue Card Task: IELTS Speaking Part 2

The cue card in IELTS speaking topic part 2 allows you to prepare and speak for 2 minutes on the given subject. You will have 1 minute to organize your thoughts. For this topic, you should focus on:

1. Who the person is? 2. What he/she is like? 3. What he/she taught you? 4. How you felt about him/her?

A clear and structured answer, rich in vocabulary and delivered fluently, will significantly improve your band score.

Describe a Person Who Taught You Something Important: IELTS Speaking Topic 

One of the most intriguing cue card topics in the IELTS speaking test is “Describe a person who taught you something important.” This task gives you a chance to share a personal story while demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively in English. You will have 1 minute to prepare your response and 2 minutes to speak. Afterwards, the examiner will ask related follow-up questions during the discussion round.

Below, you will find 4 unique model answers and a list of follow-up questions to help you prepare.

Describe a Person Who Taught You Something Important: IELTS Speaking Topic: IELTS Speaking Topic (Analysis 1)

Introduction Forgetting an appointment can be an embarrassing experience, and I clearly remember the time I missed a meeting with my college professor. The appointment was set to discuss my final year project, and it was crucial for my academic progress. However, due to a mix-up with my schedule, I ended up missing it. Who the person is The person I missed the appointment with was Professor Sharma, who was known for his kindness and understanding nature. He had a reputation for being approachable and always willing to guide students. What he/she is like Professor Sharma is a patient and encouraging individual who genuinely cares about his students’ growth. He has a sharp mind and a calm demeanor, which makes it easy to discuss any topic with him. Despite his busy schedule, he always tries to accommodate students and offer constructive advice. What he/she taught you When I realized I had missed the meeting, I immediately reached out to him to apologize. To my surprise, he didn’t scold me. Instead, he taught me the value of time management and suggested tools like planners and apps to avoid such situations in the future. His words were not only practical but also motivational. How you felt about him/her I felt deeply grateful for his understanding attitude and practical advice. Missing the appointment made me realize how important it is to be organized and respectful of others’ time. It also reinforced my admiration for Professor Sharma’s patience and wisdom. Conclusion This experience turned out to be a learning moment for me. It highlighted the significance of managing my schedule better and being responsible. I am thankful for Professor Sharma’s guidance and have since made a conscious effort to stay punctual and organized.

Describe a Person Who Taught You Something Important: IELTS Speaking Topic Vocabulary 

1. Embarrassing (em-bar-uh-sing) Meaning: Causing shame or awkwardness. Sentence: Missing the appointment was an embarrassing moment for me. 2. Approachable (uh-proh-chuh-buhl) Meaning: Friendly and easy to talk to. Sentence: Professor Sharma is very approachable and always willing to help. 3. Constructive (kuhn-struhk-tiv) Meaning: Helpful or intended to improve something. Sentence: His constructive feedback was extremely useful for my project. 4. Demeanor (di-mee-ner) Meaning: Outward behavior or manner. Sentence: His calm demeanor made it easy to approach him. 5. Reputation (rep-yuh-tey-shuhn) Meaning: The beliefs or opinions about someone or something. Sentence: He has a reputation for being supportive of his students. 6. Motivational (moh-tuh-vay-shuh-nuhl) Meaning: Encouraging and inspiring. Sentence: His motivational advice helped me improve my time management. 7. Punctuality (puhngk-choo-al-i-tee) Meaning: Being on time. Sentence: Punctuality is crucial when it comes to professional meetings. 8. Conscious (kon-shuhs) Meaning: Aware of and responding to one’s surroundings. Sentence: I have made a conscious effort to stay organized since that incident.

Follow-Up Questions:

1. Why do you think people often forget their appointments? People often forget their appointments due to poor time management, being overloaded with tasks, or lack of reminders. In some cases, distractions or underestimating the time needed for travel or preparation might also contribute to forgetfulness. 2. How can modern technology help in managing schedules better? Modern technology, such as digital calendars, reminder apps, and scheduling software, plays a crucial role in managing appointments effectively. These tools provide timely alerts, sync across devices, and even help schedule meetings automatically, minimizing the risk of forgetting important events. 3. What would you do if you missed an important appointment? If I missed an important appointment, I would immediately contact the person involved to apologize and reschedule. I would acknowledge my mistake and take responsibility, ensuring better preparation and reminders to prevent this from happening again. 4. How do you usually prepare for important meetings or appointments? I prepare for important meetings by reviewing relevant materials in advance, confirming the details, and setting up reminders on my phone and calendar. I also ensure that I have enough time to travel to the location, so I am not rushed or late. 5. Do you think being late is ever acceptable? Why or why not? Being late is generally not acceptable as it shows a lack of respect for other people’s time. However, in unavoidable circumstances like an emergency, being late can be excused if there is prior communication. Clear communication is key to managing such situations. 6. How can schools and universities teach students the importance of punctuality?Schools and universities can teach students the value of punctuality by setting clear expectations, rewarding those who are on time, and providing training in time management. Incorporating these values into the curriculum and emphasizing professional responsibility can also reinforce their importance. 7. Have you ever had an experience where someone missed an appointment with you? How did you feel? Yes, I’ve experienced someone missing an appointment with me, and I felt disappointed and frustrated. It disrupted my schedule and made me feel as though my time wasn’t valued. I prefer to communicate how I feel in such situations, to encourage respect for each other’s time in the future. 8. What are the cultural differences in attitudes towards punctuality? Cultural attitudes towards punctuality vary significantly. In many Western cultures, punctuality is considered a sign of professionalism and respect. However, in some cultures, being slightly late may be more acceptable, as the focus might be more on the relationship or event itself rather than strict time adherence.

Describe a Person Who Taught You Something Important: IELTS Speaking Topic (Analysis 2)

Introduction I once had an experience where I missed an appointment with my career counsellor. I had been looking forward to the meeting, but I mistakenly mixed up the date and time. The session was meant to help me plan my career path after graduation, and I deeply regret missing it. Who the person is The person I was supposed to meet was Mr. Arora, a highly respected career counsellor at our university. He has a wealth of experience guiding students toward their career goals and always provides thoughtful advice. What he/she is like Mr. Arora is very methodical and attentive to detail. He listens carefully to students’ concerns and provides personalized advice. His approach to career counselling is holistic, as he takes into account both personal interests and market trends. What he/she taught you When I realised my mistake, I immediately contacted Mr. Arora to apologize. He was kind enough to reschedule our meeting. From this experience, I learned the importance of double-checking appointments and the value of punctuality. How you felt about him/her I felt a great sense of respect for Mr. Arora’s professionalism and understanding. His willingness to accommodate me despite my mistake showed his supportive nature. I also appreciated his patience in dealing with my tardiness. Conclusion This incident taught me to be more organised and to prioritize important commitments. I have since made a habit of using digital calendars and reminders to stay on top of my appointments.

Describe a Person Who Taught You Something Important: IELTS Speaking Topic Vocabulary 

1. Regret (ri-gret) Meaning: A feeling of sadness or disappointment about something. Sentence: I deeply regret missing my career counseling session. 2. Methodical (muh-thod-i-kuhl) Meaning: Systematic, organized, and deliberate in approach. Sentence: Mr. Arora has a methodical way of helping students plan their careers. 3. Holistic (hoh-lis-tik) Meaning: Considering all aspects of something, not just individual parts. Sentence: He provides holistic career advice that takes into account personal strengths and industry trends. 4. Professionalism (pro-fesh-uh-nuh-liz-uhm) Meaning: The competence or skill expected of a professional. Sentence: Mr. Arora handled the situation with great professionalism. 5.Tardiness (tahr-di-ness) Meaning: The act of being late. Sentence: I felt embarrassed about my tardiness during the meeting. 6. Accommodate (uh-kom-uh-deyt) Meaning: To provide assistance or make room for someone. Sentence: Mr. Arora kindly accommodated my request to reschedule the appointment. 7. Prioritize (pry-or-uh-tahyz) Meaning: To arrange or deal with in order of importance. Sentence: It’s essential to prioritize your commitments to avoid missing appointments. 8. Commitments (kuh-mit-muhnts) Meaning: The state of being dedicated to a cause or activity. Sentence: She manages all her commitments carefully to avoid missing deadlines.

Follow-Up Questions:

1. How do you ensure you don’t forget important appointments? I ensure that I don’t forget important appointments by using digital tools like Google Calendar and setting multiple reminders. I also keep a physical planner for a weekly overview, making sure to review it regularly and confirm appointments ahead of time. 2. Have you ever had to cancel an appointment? How did you handle it? Yes, I have had to cancel an appointment before. I made sure to inform the other person as soon as possible, offering a sincere apology and proposing an alternative time for rescheduling. Clear and prompt communication is key in such situations. 3. Why do you think people struggle with being on time? People often struggle with being on time due to poor time management, underestimating travel time, or failing to prioritize important appointments. Distractions or multitasking can also lead to delays, causing people to miss deadlines or meetings. 4. How do you feel when others are late for meetings? When others are late for meetings, I feel frustrated and disrespected, as it wastes my time and disrupts my plans. I value punctuality, so delays can negatively affect the progress of the meeting and create unnecessary tension. 5. Do you think it’s important to give feedback if someone misses an appointment with you? Yes, giving feedback is important when someone misses an appointment. It’s important to express how their actions impacted you and to encourage better time management in the future. Constructive feedback can help improve relationships and avoid similar issues later on. 6. How do you manage stress when you’re running late for an appointment? When I’m running late for an appointment, I try to stay calm and focus on finding a solution, such as notifying the other person about the delay. I manage stress by acknowledging the situation, making the best of the circumstances, and planning better next time. 7. What are the benefits of being punctual? The benefits of being punctual include building trust and respect, creating a positive professional reputation, and ensuring that meetings or appointments run smoothly. Punctuality also helps in time management, allowing for better productivity and reducing stress. 8. How do you think time management affects professional life? Time management plays a crucial role in professional life by helping individuals stay organised, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks effectively. Good time management enhances productivity, reduces stress, and contributes to career success.

Describe a Person Who Taught You Something Important: IELTS Speaking Topic (Analysis 3)

Introduction There was a time when I completely forgot about an appointment with my therapist. It was a weekly session that I had been attending for a couple of months, but I missed it due to being overwhelmed by work. I felt disappointed in myself for not keeping track of my responsibilities. Who the person is My therapist, Dr. Mehta, is a compassionate and empathetic person. She has been helping me manage stress and improve my emotional well-being. Over the months, I’ve built a strong rapport with her, which made missing the session even more frustrating for me. What he/she is like Dr. Mehta is a patient listener and always provides insightful strategies to handle difficult situations. Her calm approach helps me feel at ease during our sessions, and I have come to appreciate her genuine care for my progress. What he/she taught you When I realized I had missed the session, I immediately sent an apology message to Dr. Mehta. She responded with understanding and reminded me that managing my time effectively is also a key part of managing my mental health. This experience reinforced the importance of self-care and staying organised. How you felt about him/her I felt grateful for Dr. Mehta’s supportive response. Even though I had made a mistake, her understanding attitude helped me feel more motivated to prioritize my mental health and improve my time management skills. Conclusion This incident made me realize that my mental well-being and my time management are equally important. I’ve since started using tools like calendars and reminders to help me stay on top of my appointments and reduce stress.

Describe a Person Who Taught You Something Important: IELTS Speaking Topic Vocabulary 

1. Empathetic (em-puh-thet-ik) Meaning: Showing understanding and compassion for others. Sentence: Dr. Mehta is empathetic and listens to my concerns carefully. 2. Rapport (ra-por) Meaning: A close and harmonious relationship. Sentence: Over time, I’ve developed a strong rapport with my therapist. 3. Insightful (in-sahyt-fuhl) Meaning: Having or showing deep understanding. Sentence: Dr. Mehta provided insightful advice that helped me deal with my stress. 4. Frustrating (fruh-strey-ting) Meaning: Causing feelings of anger or dissatisfaction. Sentence: It was frustrating to realize that I had missed an important session. 5. Supportive (suh-por-tiv) Meaning: Providing help or encouragement. Sentence: Dr. Mehta’s supportive response made me feel better about the situation. 6. Motivated (moh-tuh-vay-tid) Meaning: Driven to take action or accomplish something. Sentence: I felt motivated to improve my time management after speaking with her. 7. Self-care (self kair) Meaning: The practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s health. Sentence: Dr. Mehta emphasized the importance of self-care in managing stress. 8. Time management (tahym man-ij-muhnt) Meaning: The process of organizing and planning how to divide time between specific activities. Sentence: Good time management helps reduce stress and ensures that I don’t miss appointments.

Follow-Up Questions:

1. How do you handle stress when you miss an appointment? When I miss an appointment, I focus on taking responsibility and resolving the situation quickly. I communicate with the other party, apologise, and reschedule. I then reflect on how I can better manage my time in the future to avoid missing appointments. 2. How do you stay organized in your personal and professional life? I stay organized by using digital tools like calendar apps and task managers. I review my schedule daily, set clear priorities, and allocate time for tasks. I also keep a physical planner to stay on track with both personal and professional commitments. 3. Why do you think time management is important for mental health? Time management is important for mental health because it helps reduce stress, prevent burnout, and promote a balanced life. Managing time effectively allows for breaks, relaxation, and ensures that important tasks are not left to the last minute, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety. 4. Do you think therapy is important for managing stress? Why? Yes, therapy is important for managing stress as it provides a structured space to address and work through stressors. Professional guidance can help individuals develop coping strategies, gain perspective, and better manage emotions, contributing to overall mental well-being. 5. How can you improve your self-care routine? Improving my self-care routine involves incorporating regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and setting aside time for relaxation and hobbies. I also prioritize sleep, practice mindfulness, and take mental health breaks when needed to stay refreshed. 6. What tools do you use to stay on top of your appointments? I use Google Calendar, Todoist, and my physical planner to stay on top of my appointments. These tools help me set reminders, organize my schedule, and ensure I never miss important events or meetings. 7. Do you think people in different cultures view appointments and punctuality differently? Yes, cultural attitudes towards punctuality can differ. In some cultures, punctuality is highly valued, while in others, being a few minutes late may be more acceptable. Understanding these cultural nuances is essential when managing appointments in different settings. 8. How does effective time management impact your daily life? Effective time management improves my daily life by reducing stress, helping me meet deadlines, and allowing for better work-life balance. It helps me prioritize tasks, allocate sufficient time for personal activities, and maintain productivity throughout the day.

Describe a Person Who Taught You Something Important: IELTS Speaking Topic (Analysis 4)

IntroductionThere was a time when I missed an important job interview. I had been preparing for weeks, but I got caught up in a personal situation and lost track of time. The missed interview was a big opportunity for me, and I regretted not being more mindful of the date. Who the person is The interview was with Mr. Gupta, the hiring manager of a prestigious firm. He is known for his expertise in recruitment and has a reputation for making hiring decisions based on merit and passion. What he/she is like Mr. Gupta is very professional and direct in his approach. He values efficiency and is always focused during interviews. Despite his seriousness, he also creates a comfortable environment for candidates to express themselves. What he/she taught you Missing the interview taught me the importance of preparation and the need to double-check my schedule. I learned that opportunities like these should never be taken lightly, and being organized is key to success. How you felt about him/her I felt extremely disappointed in myself for not attending the interview. I also felt bad for wasting Mr. Gupta’s time. However, I appreciated his professionalism in responding to my apologies. Conclusion This experience taught me a valuable lesson about time management and prioritizing my commitments. I’ve since made significant efforts to improve my organization and punctuality.

Describe a Person Who Taught You Something Important: IELTS Speaking Topic Vocabulary 

1. Mindful (mahynd-fuhl) Meaning: Being conscious or aware of something. Sentence: I should have been more mindful of the job interview date. 2. Merit (meh-rit) Meaning: The quality of being good, deserving praise or reward. Sentence: Mr. Gupta values merit above all else when making hiring decisions. 3. Efficiency (ih-fish-uhn-see) Meaning: The ability to do something in the best possible way with the least waste of time or effort. Sentence: Efficiency is important during interviews to make the most out of the time. 4. Seriousness (seer-ee-uhs-nuhs) Meaning: The quality of being earnest or solemn. Sentence: He approached the interview with seriousness, asking direct questions. 5. Responding (ri-spond-ing) Meaning: Reacting or answering to something. Sentence: Mr. Gupta was professional in responding to my apologies. 6. Opportunities (op-er-too-ni-teez) Meaning: A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something. Sentence: Missing the interview was a lost opportunity that I deeply regretted. 7. Commitments (kuh-mit-muhnts) Meaning: The state of being dedicated to a cause or activity. Sentence: It’s essential to honor your commitments to succeed in your career. 8. Punctuality (puhngk-choo-al-i-tee) Meaning: The habit of being on time. Sentence: Punctuality is crucial when attending professional meetings.

Follow-Up Questions:

How do you prepare for job interviews? I prepare for job interviews by researching the company and role, practicing answers to common interview questions, and reviewing my resume. I also make sure to prepare a professional outfit and plan my route to ensure I arrive on time. What can you do to ensure you never miss an important meeting again? To ensure I never miss an important meeting, I set multiple reminders, review my schedule the day before, and use a task manager to keep track of upcoming events. I also allow extra time for travel to avoid being late. Why do you think it’s important to be on time for job interviews? Being on time for job interviews is important because it reflects professionalism, respect for the interviewer’s time, and enthusiasm for the position. Arriving late can create a negative impression and reduce your chances of success. How do you handle professional disappointments? I handle professional disappointments by reflecting on the situation, learning from the experience, and staying focused on my long-term goals. I use setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement. What strategies do you use to stay organized for work-related tasks? I stay organized by breaking down larger projects into smaller tasks, using digital tools for task management, and setting clear deadlines. I also prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. How would you handle an interview if you arrived late? If I arrived late for an interview, I would apologize sincerely, explain the situation briefly, and focus on showcasing my skills and qualifications. I would aim to recover from the situation by remaining professional and composed throughout the interview. How does punctuality impact your professional reputation? Punctuality has a significant impact on professional reputation. Being on time builds trust, shows respect for others, and demonstrates reliability. Consistently being punctual helps strengthen relationships and enhances your professional image. Do you think punctuality is more important in certain cultures? Yes, punctuality is more emphasized in certain cultures, particularly in Western professional environments. In some Eastern cultures, there may be more flexibility around time, but understanding local expectations is important for managing appointments and meetings effectively.

The topic of “Describe a person who taught you something important” highlights the important impact individuals can have on our personal growth and understanding. Reflecting on such a person not only helps us appreciate their lessons but also allows us to recognise the value of mentorship and learning from others.

The model answers and follow-up questions provided serve as excellent guides to explore this theme further, encouraging deeper reflection on the qualities of those who shape our perspectives.

By studying these answers, you can enhance your speaking skills, enrich your vocabulary, and develop a more structured approach to presenting your thoughts in the IELTS Speaking exam.

FAQs

Successfully preparing for the IELTS Speaking Section, particularly the cue card and follow-up questions in Part 2, requires consistent practice, a clear strategy, and the right resources. By linking your responses between IELTS Speaking Part 2 and IELTS Speaking Part 3, you can showcase your ability to elaborate on topics and provide insightful answers. 

If you’re finding it challenging to prepare, consider taking an IELTS Mock Test to evaluate your progress or join our offline or online IELTS classes at Leverage Edu to enhance your skills and boost your confidence, ensuring you are fully prepared for your IELTS Speaking Test and one step closer to achieving your study abroad aspirations.