Describe a time you taught something new to a younger person?: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

When it happened
What you thought
Who you taught
Why you taught this person
How you felt about teaching

7 unique answers with expert feedback

What challenges did you face while teaching your buddy?

One of the main challenges was ensuring that he understood the importance of professionalism in communication. I had to be patient and clear in my explanations, especially since it was his first experience in a corporate environment. It was crucial to build his confidence while correcting his mistakes.

How did your buddy react to your feedback?

Initially, he seemed a bit embarrassed about the mistake, but he appreciated my guidance. I made sure to approach the situation positively, emphasizing that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s part of the learning process. He was receptive and eager to improve after our discussion.

What did you learn from this experience as a teacher?

I learned that teaching requires patience and adaptability. Each person learns differently, and it's important to tailor my approach to their needs. This experience also taught me the significance of clear communication and the impact of constructive feedback on someone's growth.

Band 6-7

00:00

Well, actually teaching is a skill to share information to others effectively and it is one of the best way to know new information whenever we teaching others. I like to teach others and share knowledge to them. Today I would like to talk about a time that I taught something new for my brother. I vividly remember that it was happened when I am in my 11th standard. At that time, my brother took a short break from his school due to some health issues. So he missed so many topics in different subjects. When he completed his sick leave and he rejoined the class, he realized that he missed a lot of portions in mathematics. For him, there was a topic trigonometry in mathematics. His teacher completed the topics during his leave days. So he requested me to teach him regarding the trigonometry. Therefore, I teach him every evening and I ask different questions regarding the topics I teach him. Initially, I just clarified him about the basic topics related to trigonometry. Then I let teach him how to study the trigonometry table. Most of the students realized that it was very difficult, but I felt it is very interesting and easy to study. So I just teach him regarding the easy method how to teach the trigonometry table. So he realized the easy method.

Follow up questions

What challenges did you face while teaching your brother?

One of the main challenges was ensuring that he understood the basics before moving on. Sometimes, he felt frustrated with the complexity of trigonometry, so I had to find different ways to explain concepts and keep him motivated. Patience was key in overcoming these challenges.

How did your brother respond to your teaching methods?

Initially, he was a bit hesitant, but as I introduced easier methods and made learning fun, he became more engaged. He started to ask questions and even enjoyed solving problems. It was rewarding to see his confidence grow as he grasped the concepts.

What did you learn from this teaching experience?

I learned that teaching requires adaptability and understanding of the learner's perspective. It also reinforced my own knowledge of trigonometry. Most importantly, I realized the joy of sharing knowledge and the satisfaction that comes from helping someone else succeed.

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Band 6-7

00:00

I am not very keen on teaching something especially to a younger person primarily because I think I am bad at educating someone else about the things that I know. So I have tried teaching to my younger brother who is just like 5 years old. He had trouble, he had difficulty in colouring between the lines in his project. So I asked him to first draw an outline of the colour next to the border so that it becomes difficult for him to colour within the lines. It happened, it was very random. He came up to me and asked me to help him colour because it was a really big project for him and he was crying. So I figured why not, it was just him, it was not a random person. So it was a very memorable experience for me. I really liked it. It was an eye opener. I always thought teaching preschoolers would be really difficult because they would not sit at one place but he was very calm with me. I think mainly because I was his big sister and I would scold him. But no, he was very patient and sometimes I tend to get aggressive when I am teaching someone a new thing, especially maths, I tend to get very aggressive. I just keep repeating the same stuff and it just confuses the person even more. So I really benefited from the whole experience. I came to understand that I am not a teacher.

Follow up questions

What do you think makes a good teacher?

A good teacher should be patient, understanding, and able to adapt their teaching style to the needs of the student. They should also create a positive learning environment that encourages questions and exploration.

How do you feel about teaching in the future?

I feel a bit hesitant about teaching in the future, especially to younger children. However, after my experience with my brother, I realize that I might be able to teach effectively if I approach it with patience and a different mindset.

What other skills do you think are important for teaching?

Apart from patience, I believe communication skills are crucial. A teacher should be able to explain concepts clearly and engage students. Creativity is also important to make learning fun and relatable.

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Band 6-7

00:00

So, this happened around 3-4 years ago, when my nephew was around 5-6 years old, and I taught him how to read a clock. So during one of the summers, we were sitting down, and he used to continuously come to me and ask that, okay, what's the time now, what's the time now. I just told him that instead of you asking me, I would teach you how you should read a clock. So we sat around for 1-2 hours, taking a slate, and I just described him about the functionalities of the clock, what is the small hand, the big hand, the second hand, and he was really very quick to pick it up, and yes, just after 1-2 days of teaching, he was able to read the clock, and that feeling was amazing that, okay, he could read a clock now, and he is no more dependent on me to know what time is it. So yeah, that was a very wonderful feeling of teaching someone, and that gave me a thought that, okay, these are the small little things that I should do to get happiness. So yeah, teaching someone something is a very rewarding feeling, and I should do it more often.

Follow up questions

What other skills do you think are important to teach children?

I believe teaching children basic life skills is crucial. Skills like cooking, managing money, and even social skills can help them become more independent and confident. It's important to equip them with knowledge that will benefit them in their daily lives.

How do you feel about teaching others in general?

I find teaching to be a very fulfilling experience. It not only helps the learner but also reinforces my own knowledge. Sharing knowledge creates a bond and can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you see someone succeed after your guidance.

Have you taught anything else to younger people since then?

Yes, I have. I’ve taught my nephew some basic math concepts and even how to ride a bicycle. Each experience has been unique and rewarding, and it’s always a joy to see them learn and grow from the skills I share with them.

Band 6-7

00:00

One time I taught my younger brother to dance. I love dancing and dancing is one of my hobbies and I am also good with it. So one time my younger brother had participated in an event in his school and he was in a dance club and he was struggling with it. So he asked me to teach him to dance and to be honest dancing is not that hard. He just needed to shake his hips a little bit. But for boys you know shaking hips can be hard. So I just showed him 2-3 moves where he could just use his karate moves and swing his karate moves so that he can dance swiftly. Now after 2 years he is dancing so much better than he used to and maybe he can compete me also. I like that I was the one who taught him to dance and now maybe in future he will pursue dancing as a career. But whenever I ask him what he wants to become in future he just tells I just want to be an actor and to my goodness that acting requires dancing as well. So I was the one who taught him to dance and I am always going to take credits for that.

Follow up questions

What other skills do you think are important to teach younger people?

I believe teaching younger people skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving is crucial. These skills help them navigate social situations and work effectively in groups. Additionally, teaching them practical skills like cooking or basic financial literacy can prepare them for independent living.

How do you feel about teaching others in general?

I find teaching others to be a rewarding experience. It allows me to share my knowledge and skills while also learning from the person I'm teaching. It can be challenging at times, but seeing someone grasp a concept or skill is incredibly fulfilling and motivates me to continue helping others.

Have you learned anything from teaching your brother?

Absolutely! Teaching my brother has taught me patience and the importance of adapting my teaching style to fit his learning pace. It also reinforced my own understanding of dance, as I had to break down the moves and explain them clearly, which deepened my appreciation for the art.

Show all 7 answers

Cue 1:When it happened

Mention a specific time frame, such as a particular month or year.
Describe the setting where the teaching took place, making it relatable.

Example

It was during the summer vacation last year when I decided to teach my younger cousin how to ride a bicycle. We were at my home in the backyard, which had enough space for practice.

Cue 2:What you thought

Share your initial feelings about teaching this skill.
Reflect on any concerns or excitement you had before starting.

Example

I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. I wanted to ensure that my cousin learned safely, but I was also thrilled to share this fun experience with him.

Cue 3:Who you taught

Introduce the younger person you taught, including their age and relationship to you.
Highlight any relevant background information about their previous experience with the skill.

Example

I taught my cousin, who is 10 years old. He had never ridden a bicycle before, so I knew it would be a new adventure for him.

Cue 4:Why you taught this person

Explain your motivation for teaching this specific individual.
Mention any personal connection or responsibility you felt.

Example

I chose to teach him because I remember how much fun I had learning to ride a bike at his age. I wanted him to experience that joy and gain confidence.

Cue 5:How you felt about teaching

Describe your feelings during and after the teaching experience.
Share any sense of accomplishment or pride you felt.

Example

Teaching him was incredibly rewarding. I felt proud when he finally balanced on his own, and seeing his joy made all my efforts worthwhile.

Conclusion

Summarize the key points of your experience.
Reflect on the importance of teaching and sharing skills with others.

Example

In conclusion, teaching my cousin to ride a bicycle was a memorable experience that strengthened our bond. It reminded me of the joy of learning and the importance of passing on skills to the next generation.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Lack of Specific Details

Avoid vague answers that do not provide specific details about the teaching experience. This can make your response less engaging and informative.

Tip

Include specific examples, such as the exact time, place, and activities involved in teaching to create a vivid picture.

2: Neglecting Personal Feelings

Failing to express your feelings about the teaching experience can make your answer less personal and relatable. It is important to convey your emotions.

Tip

Share how you felt before, during, and after teaching, as this adds depth and connection to your story.

Ignoring the Audience

Not considering who you are teaching can lead to a lack of relevance in your response. Tailoring your answer to the audience is crucial.

Tip

Mention the age and background of the person you taught, and explain why this context is important for your teaching experience.

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All Answers

Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

Band 6-7

Band 6

I thought a person who was a junior to me in my working space and he was doing a CA inter and I was an audit administrator and he was an articleship trainee. I was reminded of a person who was a junior to me. He was an articleship assistant in my office and I was the audit administrator who was responsible for the whole administration of the firm. He was like two years younger to me and he had a closeness with me with regard to his academic persuasions and other advises, his personal life advises too. So when he asked me about his academic help I told him that it's better late than ever to decide now about his future and to plan out what he's going to achieve in his life. I personally believe that having a clear plan about what you're going to do in the future is what makes you take the next step for your future. So if you don't have a plan then nothing works properly and you won't have a way to go or which path you have to choose or which way you have to proceed further. So I told him to make a proper plan and check that plan for whether it's working properly or whether he's following the plan or whether he is having a backlag or his plan is working out. So he followed that tip and now he has passed his CA and he often calls me for other advises too. He is now more like a younger brother to me and he often rings me.

Band 5-6

Firstly, in my point of view, that person is my elder sister. She is doing right now a Bachelor of Pharmacy in Nima University and I really appreciate her not because of she is one of the best student of her university but the way she transform herself from starting of the semester, I know her, she was one of the most introvert person in my house and right now she is in her best world. She developed many skills like in work on self-development by participating in different types of cultural events, in academic events and I know that she hates this, she is a very anti-social person but right now she is engaging with many people and now she make a lot of connections not for only their academics but also make the friends, new friends and I really appreciate her that I would also like to develop skills and transform myself like she did. We had a lot of memories when we were in childhood and she was not like this but yes, right now she is a fantastic person. Furthermore,