IELTS VocabMaster

Describe a person who is good at making things by hand.

Describe a person who is good at making things by hand. You should say: - who this person is - what things this person makes - how this person learned to make them - and explain how you feel about this person

Part 2 model answer

The person I'd like to describe is my grandmother, who lives in our village in Mymensingh. She's in her late seventies now, but honestly, her hands are still more skilful than anyone I know.

She's especially good at making nakshi kantha, which is a traditional Bangladeshi embroidered quilt. She uses old saris and colourful threads to stitch beautiful patterns of flowers, birds, boats, and even scenes from village life. Apart from that, she also makes bamboo baskets, hand fans, and clay pots for storing rice and pickles. Almost every house in our extended family has at least one of her creations.

She learned these crafts from her own mother when she was just a little girl. Back then, there were no YouTube tutorials or classes, so she simply sat beside her mother every afternoon and watched carefully. She told me that her first few quilts were full of mistakes, but she kept practising for years until she mastered it. Now, a single kantha can take her two or three months to finish, because every stitch is done with great patience.

I feel really proud of her and also deeply inspired. In today's world, where most things are machine-made and mass-produced, her work feels incredibly special and personal. Each piece tells a story. Last winter, she gave me a small kantha with my name stitched in the corner, and it's honestly one of my most treasured possessions. I've actually asked her to teach me a few basic stitches, because I don't want this beautiful skill to disappear from our family.

Part 3 discussion

Why do some people enjoy making things by hand?

I think it gives them a sense of achievement and relaxation. Making something with your own hands is quite satisfying, especially when you see the final result. For many people, it's also a great way to reduce stress and take a break from screens.

Are handmade products better than machine-made ones?

In some ways, yes. Handmade products are usually unique and show more care and creativity. However, machine-made products are cheaper, faster to produce, and more consistent in quality. So I'd say handmade items are better for gifts or decoration, while machine-made ones are more practical for daily use.

Why are handmade items often more expensive?

Because they take a lot of time, effort, and skill to make. A craftsperson might spend weeks on a single item, while a machine can produce hundreds in an hour. Also, handmade products often use natural or high-quality materials, which naturally increases the price.

Should schools teach children handicraft skills?

Yes, I think so. Handicrafts help children develop creativity, patience, and fine motor skills. They can also teach students about their own culture and traditions. In Bangladesh, for example, learning crafts like pottery or embroidery could help keep our heritage alive.

Will traditional handicrafts disappear in the future?

There's a real risk, because fewer young people are interested in learning them, and they often don't earn much money from it. However, online platforms are helping artisans sell their products worldwide. If governments and communities support them, I believe traditional crafts can definitely survive.