When it comes to the IELTS Speaking Test, achieving a high score can be challenging. An Examiner looks for fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. In this article, we’ll delve into a practical and effective approach to answering the common IELTS Speaking question: “Describe a famous person you would like to meet.” This topic frequently appears in the exam and is a great opportunity to showcase your speaking abilities.
A person meeting a famous individual
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Typical Questions and Sample Answer
In Part 1, the examiner will ask you general questions on familiar topics. Here are some example questions:
- Can you tell me about a famous person from your country?
- Who is your favorite celebrity and why?
- Have you ever met a famous person?
Sample Question and Answer
Question: “Can you tell me about a famous person from your country?”
Answer: “Sure, one of the most renowned figures from my country is Nguyen Phu Trong, the general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. He is considered to be an influential leader with a significant impact on the political landscape of Vietnam. His efforts in combating corruption and promoting economic development have been particularly noteworthy.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Let’s create a cue card and provide a detailed sample answer.
Cue Card
Describe a famous person you would like to meet.
You should say:
- Who the person is
- Why they are famous
- What you know about this person
- And explain why you would like to meet them
Sample Answer
“I would like to talk about Elon Musk, who is an influential entrepreneur and innovator. He is the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, and he is famous for his groundbreaking work in space exploration and electric vehicles.
I know that Elon Musk was born in South Africa and later moved to the United States. He co-founded Zip2, which was sold to Compaq for nearly $300 million, and then he went on to launch X.com, which eventually became PayPal. He is widely recognized as a visionary who aims to revolutionize the future of transportation with Hyperloop and Neuralink.
The main reason I would like to meet Elon Musk is his incredible ability to turn futuristic dreams into reality. His relentless pursuit of innovation and his passion for solving complex global problems inspire many. Meeting him would be an unparalleled opportunity to learn about his vision and his approach to tackling monumental challenges.”
Follow-up Questions
- What would you ask Elon Musk if you had the chance to meet him?
- How has Elon Musk impacted the technology industry?
- Do you think meeting a famous person changes the way we perceive them?
Sample Answers
Question: “What would you ask Elon Musk if you had the chance to meet him?”
Answer: “I would ask Elon Musk about his thought process behind some of his most daring projects, like colonizing Mars or developing autonomous vehicles. I am curious to know how he manages to stay motivated and innovative despite facing numerous obstacles.”
Question: “How has Elon Musk impacted the technology industry?”
Answer: “Elon Musk has significantly impacted the technology industry by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. His ventures such as SpaceX have drastically reduced the cost of space travel, and Tesla has accelerated the adoption of electric vehicles, promoting a more sustainable future.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions and Answers
In Part 3, the examiner will engage in a two-way discussion, often based on the topic from Part 2. These questions are more abstract and require in-depth analysis and opinion.
Question: “Do you think famous people have a positive influence on society?”
Answer: “Yes, famous people often have a considerable positive influence on society. They serve as role models, inspire others through their achievements, and sometimes advocate for social causes. For instance, Elon Musk’s dedication to sustainable energy has heightened public awareness about environmental issues and inspired many to pursue innovative solutions.”
Question: “Why do people care so much about meeting famous people?”
Answer: “People often care about meeting famous people because it gives them a sense of connection to someone who has significantly influenced or entertained them. Additionally, it can be motivating and inspiring to meet someone who has achieved great success, as it validates the idea that big dreams can be realized.”
Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Key Vocabulary
- Visionary /ˈvɪʒ(ə)nɛri/ (noun): a person with original ideas about what the future could be like.
- Innovator /ˈɪnəˌveɪtər/ (noun): a person who introduces new methods, ideas, or products.
- Groundbreaking /ˈɡraʊndˌbreɪkɪŋ/ (adjective): involving new ideas or methods.
- Influential /ˌɪnfluˈɛnʃ(ə)l/ (adjective): having great influence on someone or something.
- Revolutionize /ˌrɛvəˈluːʃəˌnaɪz/ (verb): to change something radically or fundamentally.
- Futuristic /ˌfjuːtʃəˈrɪstɪk/ (adjective): having or involving very modern technology or design.
Useful Structures
- Relative Clauses: “Elon Musk, who is the CEO of SpaceX, is…”
- Linking Words: “Moreover,” “Additionally,” “Furthermore,”
- Complex Sentences: “Despite facing numerous obstacles, he remains motivated and…”
Tips for High Scores
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps improve fluency and confidence.
- Use a Range of Vocabulary: Aim to incorporate advanced and topic-specific vocabulary.
- Engage with the Examiner: Make eye contact and show enthusiasm in your responses.
- Be Coherent: Ensure your answers are logically structured and easy to follow.
By mastering these techniques and familiarizing yourself with the topic “Describe a famous person you would like to meet,” you can enhance your chances of securing a high score in the IELTS Speaking Test. Keep practicing, and good luck!