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Updated on Oct 09, 2024, 06:15
When preparing for the IELTS Speaking Test, a common topic you might encounter is "Describe a person who likes to make things by hand." This topic invites you to reflect on individuals who engage in hands-on creativity, such as artisans, crafters, or DIY enthusiasts.
Understanding this theme involves considering the significance of craftsmanship, the skills involved in creating handmade items, and the personal connection these individuals have with their craft. By exploring such topics, you not only enrich your vocabulary but also learn to articulate your thoughts clearly, which is essential for achieving a high IELTS score.
Practising this topic can significantly enhance your IELTS Speaking skills by encouraging you to structure your responses coherently while using relevant examples and descriptive language. This practice helps build confidence, allowing you to express your ideas fluently on test day. Furthermore, familiarising yourself with various themes related to personal experiences and observations will better prepare you for the unpredictable nature of the IELTS Speaking section, particularly in terms of adapting to different questions and achieving the desired IELTS band score.
Introduction (Covers: Who is this person?/ What do they make?)
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Why do they like to make things by hand?/ And explain how do you feel about the person?)
Key Highlights (Covers: And explain how do you feel about the person?)
Conclusion
Introduction (Covers: Who is this person?/ What do they make?)
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Why do they like to make things by hand?/ And explain how do you feel about the person?)
Key Highlights (Covers: And explain how do you feel about the person?)
Conclusion
Introduction (Covers: Who is this person?/ What do they make?)
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Why do they like to make things by hand?/ And explain how do you feel about the person?)
Key Highlights (Covers: And explain how do you feel about the person?)
Conclusion
When the cue card section starts, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic written on it. You will have one minute to prepare your response, and then you will need to speak about the topic for one to two minutes. This is your opportunity to showcase your ability to speak fluently and coherently on a given subject.
The best way to answer these cue cards is by breaking down your response into four parts: Introduction, describing your experience/opinion/interest, key highlights, and conclusion.
Introduction (Covers: Who is this person?/ What do they make?)
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Why do they like to make things by hand?/ And explain how do you feel about the person?)
Key Highlights (Covers: How did you feel about it?)
Conclusion
By following this structure, you can ensure that your response is well-organised, clear, and detailed, fitting within the two-minute time limit. Now, let’s look at a sample answer to illustrate how you can apply this structure effectively.
In the IELTS Speaking Test, the examiner will ask follow-up/ two-way discussion questions after you finish speaking about your cue card topic. This part of the test helps the examiner assess your ability to discuss the topic in more depth, providing detailed answers and expanding on your initial response. You should expect questions that explore your reasoning, experiences, and opinions related to the topic.
Answer 1: I believe handmade items hold more sentimental value than machine-made ones. When something is made by hand, it often involves personal care, creativity, and effort, which makes the item feel more unique. Machine-made products can be efficient and affordable, but handmade items have a personal touch that makes them more meaningful, especially as gifts.
Answer 2: In my opinion, handmade items are generally more valuable because they reflect the maker's skill and dedication. The time and effort spent on crafting something by hand often result in a one-of-a-kind item. While machine-made products are more uniform and easily available, handmade items carry a sense of individuality and craftsmanship that is hard to replicate.
Answer 1: Some people prefer making things by hand because it allows them to express their creativity and individuality. Crafting something with your hands can be a rewarding experience, as you get to see the entire process from start to finish. It also provides a sense of accomplishment, knowing that the final product is the result of your own hard work and imagination.
Answer 2: People enjoy making things by hand because it offers them a sense of relaxation and satisfaction. It’s a way to disconnect from the fast-paced digital world and focus on something tangible. Additionally, creating handmade items often gives them control over the quality and design, which can be more fulfilling than simply purchasing a mass-produced product.
Answer 1: Learning to make things by hand develops important skills like creativity, problem-solving, and patience. It also promotes mindfulness, as you need to concentrate on the task at hand. Additionally, crafting can be a great way to relieve stress, and the satisfaction of creating something yourself can boost confidence and provide a sense of achievement.
Answer 2: One of the main benefits of learning to make things by hand is that it encourages creativity and allows you to develop new skills. It also fosters a sense of independence, as you’re able to create or repair things on your own. Furthermore, handmade items often have sentimental value, which can bring joy to both the maker and the recipient.
Answer 1: Handmade items are often more environmentally friendly than machine-made products. They usually require fewer resources to produce, and the materials used are often sourced locally or sustainably. In contrast, mass production often relies on factories that can contribute to pollution. Handmade goods also tend to last longer, reducing waste.
Answer 2: Handmade items generally have a lower environmental impact because they’re not produced on a large scale and often use natural or recycled materials. Machine-made products, on the other hand, are mass-produced and can involve a lot of waste and energy consumption. Handmade items can also promote sustainable practices, as they encourage thoughtful, slower consumption.
Ans. If you encounter a word you don’t understand on the cue card, try to infer its meaning from the context or focus on the other aspects of the topic that you do understand. It’s important to keep speaking confidently, as the examiner is assessing your ability to communicate, not your vocabulary knowledge.
Ans. To extend your answers in Part 1, add details, examples, or reasons to your responses. Instead of giving short, direct answers, try to elaborate by explaining why you feel a certain way or providing additional information. This will show your ability to communicate more complex ideas.
Ans. While some informal language is acceptable, especially in Part 1, it's important to maintain a semi-formal tone throughout the test, particularly in Parts 2 and 3. Using a mix of formal and informal language can demonstrate your range, but avoid overly casual expressions that might not be appropriate for the context.
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