The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English. The Speaking test consists of three parts: Introduction and Interview (Part 1), the Long Turn (Part 2), and the Two-way Discussion (Part 3). An IELTS Speaking Examiner will assess your fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. A common topic in the Speaking test is “Describe a person who has made a positive impact on your life.” Mastering your response to this question can significantly boost your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the Examiner will ask you questions about yourself and general topics. Here are some common questions:
- Can you tell me about yourself?
- How often do you meet with friends?
- Who is the most important person in your life?
Example Question and Suggested Answer
Question: Who is the most important person in your life?
Suggested Answer:
The most important person in my life is my mother. She has always been my mentor and my source of inspiration. Her perseverance and dedication to everything she does have taught me valuable life lessons.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Cue Card
Describe a person who has made a positive impact on your life.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they have done to make a positive impact
- And explain how you feel about them
Suggested Answer
Who this person is:
The person who has made a tremendous positive impact on my life is my high school teacher, Mr. James.
How you know them:
I met Mr. James during my sophomore year when he became my English literature teacher. He quickly became more than just a teacher; he was a mentor and a guide.
What they have done to make a positive impact:
Mr. James introduced me to classic literature, which opened up a whole new world for me. His teaching method involved more than just rote learning; he encouraged us to think critically and express our opinions confidently. His support and encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue a career in writing.
Explain how you feel about them:
I feel incredibly grateful to Mr. James for his positive influence on my life. His guidance has been instrumental in shaping my career and personal growth. He instilled in me a passion for literature and the courage to follow my dreams.
Follow-up Questions
Question: Have you ever met someone else who had a similar impact on you?
Suggested Answer:
Yes, my college professor, Dr. Smith, also had a significant impact on me. Like Mr. James, she encouraged independent thinking and pushed me to excel in my studies.
Question: How do you think teachers can make a positive impact on their students?
Suggested Answer:
Teachers can make a positive impact by fostering a supportive and encouraging learning environment. They should focus on inspiring students to think independently and express their ideas confidently.
Teacher Mentoring Student
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Examiner’s Questions and Suggested Answers
Question: Why do you think some people are more influential than others?
Suggested Answer:
Some people are more influential because they possess qualities such as empathy, excellent communication skills, and a genuine interest in helping others. These characteristics allow them to connect with people on a deeper level, making their influence more profound.
Question: Can celebrities have a positive impact on the public?
Suggested Answer:
Absolutely, celebrities can have a significant positive impact on the public. For instance, when they use their platform to raise awareness about important social issues, they can inspire change and mobilize support for various causes.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, it is crucial to incorporate advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
Vocabulary List
- Instrumental (/ˌɪn.strəˈmen.təl/): Very important in helping or causing something to happen.
- Example: His guidance was instrumental in shaping my career.
- Perseverance (/ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪə.rəns/): Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties.
- Example: Her perseverance has inspired me to never give up.
- Mentor (/ˈmen.tɔːr/): An experienced and trusted advisor.
- Example: Mr. James has been my mentor throughout my academic journey.
- Critical thinking (/ˌkrɪt.ɪ.kəl ˈθɪŋ.kɪŋ/): The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue to form a judgment.
- Example: He encouraged us to engage in critical thinking.
- Encouragement (/ɪnˈkʌr.ɪdʒ.mənt/): The act of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.
- Example: Her constant encouragement made a huge difference.
Example Sentences
- Her perseverance in the face of adversity was truly inspirational.
- The teacher’s instrumental role in my development cannot be overemphasized.
- His ability to engage in critical thinking has set him apart from his peers.
Conclusion
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, it is essential to practice articulate and coherent responses. Utilize advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures to impress the examiner. Regular practice and incorporating feedback can immensely help in achieving a high score. Remember, the key is to be clear, confident, and genuinely engaged in the conversation.
For more useful tips and sample answers, you might want to check out these related posts: Describe a time when you felt proud of yourself, Describe a time when you did something spontaneous, Describe a time when you did something you regret, Describe a recent experience of teamwork, and Describe a recent trend in fashion or lifestyle.
Good luck!