The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing someone who has made a significant impact on your career. This article will provide you with strategies and sample answers to help you excel in this task.
Understanding the Task
This topic is frequently featured in IELTS Speaking Part 2, where you’re given a cue card and asked to speak for 1-2 minutes. It may also appear in Part 1 or Part 3 as follow-up questions. Being well-prepared for this subject can significantly boost your confidence and score.
IELTS Speaking Test
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you might be asked some general questions about influential people. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Sample Question 1: Who has been the most influential person in your life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d say my high school math teacher has been really influential. She encouraged me to pursue engineering and helped me develop problem-solving skills.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Without a doubt, my high school mathematics teacher, Mrs. Johnson, has been the most influential person in my life. Her unwavering support and innovative teaching methods not only sparked my passion for engineering but also instilled in me a strong work ethic and analytical mindset that have been invaluable throughout my career.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe A Person Who Has Made A Significant Impact On Your Career.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person did to impact your career
- And explain why this person’s impact was significant to you
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about my former manager, Sarah Thompson, who has had a profound impact on my career trajectory. I first met Sarah when I joined a multinational tech company as a junior software developer fresh out of university.
Sarah stood out from the moment I met her due to her exceptional leadership skills and her ability to nurture talent. She took me under her wing, recognizing my potential even when I doubted myself. What set her apart was her approach to mentorship – she didn’t just tell me what to do, but rather guided me to find solutions on my own.
One of the most significant things Sarah did was to entrust me with a high-stakes project barely six months into my role. While it was daunting at first, her unwavering faith in my abilities pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me discover capabilities I didn’t know I possessed. She provided support when needed but also gave me the space to learn from my mistakes.
Sarah’s impact was significant because she didn’t just help me develop technical skills; she shaped my entire professional outlook. She taught me the importance of clear communication, strategic thinking, and empathetic leadership. Her mentorship instilled in me a growth mindset that has been instrumental in my career progression.
Thanks to Sarah’s influence, I’ve not only advanced in my career but also learned to pay it forward by mentoring others. Her impact transcends my individual success; it’s created a ripple effect that continues to benefit others in our industry.”
Examiner’s Follow-up Questions
- How common is it for people to have mentors in their careers in your country?
- Do you think companies should have formal mentorship programs?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“In my country, formal mentorship programs are becoming increasingly prevalent, especially in larger corporations and tech startups. However, the concept is still evolving, and many professionals rely on informal mentorship relationships.
I firmly believe that companies should implement structured mentorship programs. Such initiatives can foster a culture of continuous learning and help bridge the gap between different generations of workers. They also contribute to employee retention by demonstrating a commitment to personal growth.
That being said, the efficacy of these programs largely depends on their implementation. Companies need to ensure that mentors are well-trained and that there’s a good match between mentors and mentees. Additionally, these programs should be flexible enough to accommodate different learning styles and career goals.
Ultimately, while formal programs can provide a solid framework, the most impactful mentorship often arises from genuine connections and a shared passion for growth and development.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Sample Questions and Answers
Examiner: How do you think the role of mentors in career development has changed over the years?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think mentors are becoming more important now. In the past, people often stayed in one job for a long time, but now careers are more varied. Mentors can help guide people through these changes and help them develop new skills.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The role of mentors in career development has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Traditionally, mentorship was often a long-term, hierarchical relationship within a single organization. However, in today’s rapidly evolving job market, characterized by frequent career changes and emerging industries, mentorship has become more dynamic and multifaceted.
Modern mentors often serve as navigators in an increasingly complex professional landscape. They not only provide industry-specific guidance but also help mentees develop transferable skills and adaptability. Moreover, with the rise of digital platforms, mentorship has transcended geographical boundaries, allowing professionals to connect with mentors globally.
Another notable shift is the emphasis on reverse mentoring, where younger employees mentor older colleagues, particularly in areas like technology and social media. This bidirectional flow of knowledge reflects the recognition that valuable insights can come from all levels of an organization.
In essence, while the fundamental purpose of mentorship – to guide and support professional growth – remains unchanged, its application has become more flexible, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of the modern workforce.”
Examiner: Do you think artificial intelligence could ever replace human mentors?
Band 8-9 Answer:
“This is a fascinating question that touches on the intersection of technology and human development. While artificial intelligence has made remarkable strides in many areas, I believe it would be challenging for AI to fully replace human mentors, at least in the foreseeable future.
AI certainly has the potential to augment mentorship in valuable ways. For instance, it could provide personalized learning resources, track progress, and even offer some forms of advice based on vast datasets of career trajectories and industry trends. These capabilities could enhance the efficiency of mentorship programs and provide additional support between human interactions.
However, mentorship encompasses many nuanced, deeply human elements that AI might struggle to replicate. The empathy, intuition, and emotional intelligence that skilled mentors bring to their relationships are crucial. A human mentor can pick up on subtle cues, understand complex personal and professional contexts, and provide tailored guidance that goes beyond data-driven insights.
Moreover, mentorship often involves sharing personal experiences, which AI lacks. The inspiration and motivation that come from hearing about a mentor’s own challenges and successes are powerful tools in career development.
That said, I envision a future where AI and human mentors work in tandem. AI could handle more routine aspects of career guidance, freeing up human mentors to focus on the more complex, nuanced aspects of professional development. This symbiotic relationship could potentially enhance the overall quality and accessibility of mentorship.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
-
Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ɪmˈpækt/ (adj. + n.): A deep and significant effect.
Example: Her advice had a profound impact on my career choices. -
Nurture talent /ˈnɜːrtʃər ˈtælənt/ (v. + n.): To encourage and develop skills in others.
Example: Good managers know how to nurture talent within their team. -
Push out of one’s comfort zone (idiom): To encourage someone to try new, challenging things.
Example: Taking on that project really pushed me out of my comfort zone. -
Instill /ɪnˈstɪl/ (v.): To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
Example: My mentor instilled in me the importance of continuous learning. -
Transcend /trænˈsend/ (v.): To go beyond the usual limits of something.
Example: The skills I learned transcend this particular job role. -
Ripple effect /ˈrɪpl ɪˈfekt/ (n.): The continuing and spreading results of an event or action.
Example: Her mentorship created a ripple effect, influencing many in the organization.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing influential people in your career:
- Use a variety of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate your points.
- Demonstrate critical thinking by discussing both positive and negative aspects of mentorship and career influences.
- Practice speaking on this topic to improve fluency and coherence.
- Be prepared to discuss related topics, such as workplace relationships and career development.
Remember, the key to success is not just in memorizing answers, but in understanding the topic deeply and being able to discuss it flexibly and articulately.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our article on how to describe a person who has motivated you to be more active. This will help you expand your vocabulary and ideas for discussing influential people in various contexts.
