The Speaking section of the IELTS exam consists of three parts: Introduction and Interview, Long Turn, and Two-Way Discussion. Each part has specific requirements and focuses, and an IELTS Speaking Examiner evaluates candidates based on fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammatical range, and pronunciation.

Among various topics, describing a famous person you admire is a common prompt in the IELTS Speaking test. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to mastering this topic, complete with sample answers and detailed analysis for high scores.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner asks personal questions to assess your ability to converse about familiar topics. These questions could include:

• Have you ever met a famous person?
• What do you think makes a person famous?
• Who is your favorite famous person and why?

Sample Response:

Question: Who is your favorite famous person and why?

Answer: My favorite famous person is Elon Musk because he is a pioneer in technology and space exploration. His innovative vision and drive have led to groundbreaking achievements with companies like Tesla and SpaceX. I admire his relentless pursuit of progress despite numerous challenges.

Analysis: This response uses specific examples (Tesla, SpaceX) and positive attributes (innovative, relentless pursuit) to demonstrate admiration. Keywords such as “pioneer,” “groundbreaking achievements,” and “technology” align well with the topic.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe A Famous Person You Admire. You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know about this person
• What they do
• Why you admire this person

Sample Answer:

The famous person I admire most is Marie Curie. I first learned about her in school when we studied pioneers in science. Marie Curie was a physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields. Her dedication and contributions to science are truly inspiring. Despite the obstacles she faced as a woman in her era, she persevered with unwavering commitment. I admire her intellectual brilliance and resilience, which have made a profound impact on the world.

Examiner Follow-up Questions:

• Do you think it’s important to have role models? (Yes, role models can inspire and motivate us to achieve our goals and improve ourselves.)
• In your opinion, what qualities make someone admirable? (Qualities like perseverance, integrity, and the ability to overcome challenges make someone admirable.)

Analysis: This answer provides detailed information on Marie Curie and uses specific achievements (Nobel Prizes) to illustrate why she is worth admiring. Words like “dedication,” “commitment,” “intellectual brilliance,” and “resilience” are key terms that contribute to a high band score.

Marie Curie

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the conversation shifts to a broader discussion related to the topic in Part 2. The following questions could be asked:

Examiner Questions and Sample Answers:

Question: How do famous people influence society?
Answer: Famous people can significantly influence society by setting trends and serving as role models. For instance, influential figures in science and technology, like Elon Musk, can inspire young minds to pursue education and careers in STEM fields. Celebrities can also impact social and cultural norms through their advocacy and public behavior.

Question: Do you think all famous people deserve their fame?
Answer: Not necessarily. While some individuals gain fame through genuine accomplishments and positive contributions, others might achieve fame due to controversial or sensational activities. True merit-based fame should ideally reflect real achievements and contributions to society.

Analysis: These responses highlight the ability to discuss abstract and broader implications of fame. Using terms like “influence,” “role models,” “advocacy,” and “merit-based fame” indicates a higher level of analytical thinking and sophisticated language use.

Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

Key Vocabulary:

• Innovative /ˈɪnəˌveɪtɪv/: featuring new methods; advanced and original.
  • Example: His innovative ideas transformed the industry.
• Pioneer /ˌpaɪəˈnɪər/: a person who is among the first to explore or settle a new area.
  • Example: She was a pioneer in developing new teaching methods.
• Relentless /rɪˈlɛntləs/: oppressively constant; incessant.
  • Example: His relentless pursuit of excellence led to success.
• Groundbreaking /ˈɡraʊndˌbreɪkɪŋ/: new and significant; pioneering.
  • Example: The groundbreaking research changed the course of medicine.
• Resilience /rɪˈzɪlɪəns/: the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
  • Example: Her resilience in facing challenges is admirable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, describing a famous person you admire requires specific examples, sophisticated vocabulary, and structured thinking. Practice consistently with these guidelines in mind to enhance your fluency and coherence. Consider reviewing related topics for a broader understanding, such as how celebrities influence society or what makes people famous.

Examiner’s Tips for High Scores:

1. Fluency and Coherence: Practice speaking continuously and logically.
2. Lexical Resource: Use varied vocabulary and avoid repetition.
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Utilize complex sentences and proper tenses.
4. Pronunciation: Work on clear and accurate pronunciation, including stress and intonation.

By following these strategies and continuously practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking section.