Describe a Time When You Were Inspired by a Public Figure

The IELTS Speaking Test is designed to assess a range of speaking skills, including fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. As an examiner, I look for how well a candidate can communicate, organize their ideas, use a variety of vocabulary and grammar accurately, and demonstrate clear pronunciation. A common topic in the IELTS Speaking Test is drawing on personal experiences, such as describing a time when you were inspired by a public figure. This type of question not only tests your ability to describe an event and its impact but also your ability to expand on abstract ideas and express personal insights.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and familiar topics. Below are some typical questions for this section and a sample answer for one of them:

Common Questions:

1. What kind of music do you like?
2. Do you have a favorite public figure?
3. Can you tell me about a public figure who has inspired you? (We’ll focus on this question.)

Sample Answer:

“Certainly! One public figure who has had a significant impact on me is Nelson Mandela. His life and work as a civil rights activist and president of South Africa during and after apartheid have been incredibly inspiring. His perseverance, dedication to equality, and ability to forgive those who wronged him are qualities that I deeply admire.”

Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you will receive a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. You will have one minute to prepare and two minutes to speak. Here’s a cue card example and a suggested answer:

Cue Card:

Describe a time when you were inspired by a public figure.
You should say:

• Who the public figure is
• How you learned about this person
• What qualities or achievements of this person inspired you
• And explain how this person has influenced you

Suggested Answer:

“One public figure who has profoundly inspired me is Malala Yousafzai. I first learned about Malala through news reports and her autobiography ‘I Am Malala’. Malala’s unwavering commitment to education, even in the face of extreme adversity, is immensely inspiring. Despite being shot by the Taliban for advocating for girls’ education, she continued to fight for her cause, eventually becoming the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. Her courage, resilience, and advocacy for equality resonate deeply with me. She has made me realize the importance of standing up for what you believe in, even when the odds are against you. Malala’s story has inspired me to take on challenges and promote education within my community.”

malala-yousafzai-portrait

Follow-up Questions:

• What challenges do public figures face, and how can they overcome them?
• Why is it important for young people to have role models?
• Do you think public figures have a responsibility to inspire others?

Suggested Answers:

1. Public figures face immense pressure and scrutiny from the public and media. They can overcome these challenges by remaining authentic and true to their values. Leveraging their support systems and prioritizing mental health are also crucial.
2. It is vital for young people to have role models because they provide guidance, inspiration, and a sense of direction. Figures like Malala Yousafzai can motivate the younger generation to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles.
3. Public figures do have a responsibility to inspire others because they hold a significant influence over their followers. They can use their platform to promote positive change and address important social issues.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the questions will become more abstract, requiring you to discuss broader issues related to the topic in Part 2.

Examiner’s Questions:

1. Why do you think some public figures have a significant impact on society?
2. How can public figures use their influence to bring about positive changes?

Suggested Answers:

1. Public figures often have a significant impact on society due to their visibility and the platforms they possess. Their actions and words can influence public opinion, shape cultural narratives, and inspire collective action. For instance, Greta Thunberg’s activism has raised global awareness about climate change and mobilized millions to advocate for environmental protection.
2. Public figures can leverage their influence to bring about positive changes by supporting charitable causes, advocating for policy reforms, and using their social media presence to spread awareness. By aligning their actions with their advocacy, they can garner support and drive impactful initiatives.

Vocabulary and Structures

Using a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures can enhance your speaking performance. Here are some key phrases and their usages:

• Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ (n.) – persistence in doing something despite difficulty: Her perseverance in advocating for education inspired many.
• Resilience /rɪˈzɪlɪəns/ (n.) – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties: Nelson Mandela’s resilience was evident in his long struggle against apartheid.
• Advocacy /ˈædvəkəsi/ (n.) – public support for or recommendation of a particular cause: Malala’s advocacy for girls’ education has had a global impact.
• Profoundly /prəˈfaʊndlɪ/ (adv.) – to a great depth psychologically: His speech profoundly affected me.

Example Sentences:

• Perseverance: Her perseverance through difficult times is truly admirable.
• Resilience: His resilience helped him overcome many hardships in life.
• Advocacy: Through her advocacy, she has brought significant changes to the community.
• Profoundly: The book has profoundly changed my outlook on life.

Advice for Preparation

To excel in the IELTS Speaking Test, consider the following tips:

1. Practice Regularly: Engage in regular speaking practice. Find language exchange partners or practice speaking in front of a mirror.
2. Expand Your Vocabulary: Read widely and make note of new words and phrases. Try to use them in your daily conversations.
3. Record Yourself: Record your responses and play them back to identify areas for improvement.
4. Mock Tests: Take mock speaking tests to familiarize yourself with the format and manage your time more effectively.
5. Seek Feedback: Get feedback from teachers or peers to understand your strengths and areas for improvement.

By preparing thoroughly and practicing consistently, you can build the confidence and skills needed to achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking Test.