A Time You Taught Something to a Friend or Relative
IELTS Speaking Part 2 (Cue Card) Part 3: Follow-Up Questions
A Time You Taught Something to a Friend or Relative
🗂️ Part 2 – Cue Card
Describe a time you taught something to a friend or relative.
You should say:
- Who you taught
- What you taught
- How you taught it
And explain how you felt about the experience.
🗣️ Sample Answer
A few months ago, I taught my younger cousin how to use Microsoft Excel for his school project. He had to prepare a data chart for his science class but had no idea how to use the software. Since I use Excel frequently for my university assignments, I offered to help him learn the basics of the software.
We sat together one weekend, and I showed him how to enter data, create tables, and use simple formulas like SUM and AVERAGE. I also taught him how to make a chart from the data. To make it easier for him to remember, I wrote down the steps and explained everything with real examples from his homework.
It was a satisfying experience because I could see how happy and confident he became. He successfully completed his project and even scored full marks. Teaching him reminded me of the value of patience and made me feel proud that I could pass on something useful.
🔁 Part 3: Follow-Up Questions
1. Why do people enjoy teaching others?
Teaching allows people to share knowledge and feel a sense of fulfilment. It gives a sense of accomplishment when someone understands and benefits from what you explain. It also deepens the teacher’s own understanding of the subject.
2. What qualities make a good teacher or mentor?
A good teacher should be patient, clear, and encouraging. They should adapt their method to suit the learner’s needs. Empathy and communication are just as important as knowledge.
3. Do you think everyone has the ability to teach something?
Yes, everyone knows something that others don’t. Teaching doesn’t always mean formal education—it could be sharing a skill, experience, or life lesson. It’s more about willingness than expertise.
4. Is it better to learn from friends or professionals?
Both have their benefits. Friends can make learning more relaxed and informal, which helps reduce fear. Professionals, however, offer structured knowledge and credibility.
5. How has technology changed the way we teach and learn?
Technology has made learning more flexible and interactive. Online tutorials, apps, and virtual classes enable people to study at any time and from anywhere. It has also made teaching more accessible for non-professionals.
6. Can teaching help you learn better?
Definitely, when you teach, you need to explain concepts clearly, which forces you to understand them deeply. It also helps identify knowledge gaps and strengthens memory.
7. What challenges do people face when trying to teach others?
One challenge is explaining things in a way others can understand. Not everyone learns at the same pace, so the teacher must adjust their approach accordingly. It can also be frustrating if the learner isn’t motivated.
8. Why do some people enjoy self-learning more than being taught by others?
Self-learners enjoy the freedom to go at their own pace. They can explore topics that interest them deeply without pressure. However, it requires discipline and motivation.
9. How can schools encourage peer-to-peer teaching?
Schools can assign group projects where students teach each other. Creating learning clubs or mentoring programs can also be beneficial. When peers collaborate, learning becomes more engaging and inclusive.
10. Do you think teaching should be a part of everyone’s education?
Yes, because teaching builds communication skills and empathy. It also reinforces knowledge and encourages teamwork. Even basic teaching experiences can be valuable in real-life situations.
Top 10 Topic Vocabulary – A Time You Taught Something to a Friend or Relative
Vocabulary |
Type |
Meaning |
Synonyms |
Antonyms |
Word Family |
Example Sentence |
Spreadsheet |
Noun |
A digital document used for organising data |
Excel file, worksheet |
— |
— |
I taught him how to use an Excel spreadsheet. |
Formula |
Noun |
A mathematical expression in a spreadsheet |
Equation, calculation |
— |
Formulate, formulated |
SUM and AVERAGE are basic formulas in Excel. |
Chart |
Noun |
A graphical representation of data |
Graph, diagram |
Text |
Charted |
He learned how to make a chart in Excel. |
Instruction |
Noun |
Detailed guidance on how to do something |
Direction, guideline |
Confusion |
Instruct, instructional |
I gave him step-by-step instructions. |
Confident |
Adj |
Feeling sure of oneself |
Self-assured |
Nervousness |
Confidence, confidently |
He felt confident after learning Excel. |
Patience |
Noun |
Ability to remain calm while teaching |
Tolerance, calmness |
Impatience |
Patient, patiently |
Teaching taught me the value of patience. |
Mentor |
Noun |
A guide or teacher who supports others |
Advisor, coach |
— |
Mentorship |
A mentor supports learning and growth. |
Empathy |
Noun |
Understanding others’ feelings or challenges |
Compassion, kindness |
Indifference |
Empathetic |
Empathy is important when teaching beginners. |
Self-learning |
Noun |
Learning without formal instruction |
Independent study |
Dependent learning |
Self-learn, self-taught |
Many students prefer self-learning through online videos. |
Peer-to-peer |
Adj |
Involving students in teaching each other |
Collaborative |
Individual |
Peer |
Peer-to-peer teaching builds teamwork skills. |

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