The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives and communities. One common topic is describing someone who has made a positive impact on your local area. This article will provide you with strategies and sample answers to help you excel in this type of question.
Influential community leader
Understanding the Question
Before we dive into sample answers, let’s break down what the examiner is looking for when they ask you to Describe A Person Who Has Made A Positive Impact On Your Community:
- They want to assess your ability to describe a person’s characteristics and actions
- They’re interested in how you express the concept of positive change
- They want to hear about the specific effects this person has had on the community
Now, let’s look at how this topic might appear in different parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you might encounter questions related to community and influential people. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you know any people who are active in your local community?
- What kind of people usually make a difference in a community?
- How can individuals contribute to their community?
Let’s focus on the first question as an example:
Examiner: Do you know any people who are active in your local community?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
Yes, I do. There’s a woman named Mrs. Nguyen who volunteers at our local community center. She organizes various events and helps elderly residents. I think she’s quite well-known in our neighborhood.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Absolutely. One person who immediately comes to mind is Mrs. Nguyen, a retired teacher who has become a cornerstone of our local community. She’s incredibly proactive in organizing events at our community center, ranging from cultural festivals to educational workshops for children. What’s particularly admirable about her is her dedication to supporting the elderly residents in our area, often arranging transportation for them to medical appointments or simply providing companionship. Her tireless efforts have really fostered a sense of unity in our neighborhood.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to our topic:
Describe a person who has made a positive impact on your community
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they have done for the community
- How they have influenced others
- And explain why you think their impact has been positive
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about Mr. Tran, a local businessman who has made a big difference in our community. He owns a successful restaurant chain but spends a lot of time helping others.
Mr. Tran has done many things for our area. He started a scholarship program for poor students and organizes annual clean-up events in the parks. He also gives free meals to homeless people from his restaurants.
His actions have inspired other business owners to help the community too. Many people now volunteer for his projects or start their own charity work.
I think his impact has been positive because he’s improved education opportunities, made our area cleaner, and helped those in need. He shows that successful people can use their resources to make life better for everyone.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to discuss Mr. Tran, a prominent local entrepreneur who has transformed our community through his philanthropic efforts. As the owner of a thriving restaurant chain, he has leveraged his success to spearhead numerous initiatives that have significantly enhanced the quality of life in our area.
Mr. Tran’s contributions to the community are multifaceted and far-reaching. He established a comprehensive scholarship program that provides educational opportunities for underprivileged students, effectively breaking the cycle of poverty for many families. Additionally, he initiated annual environmental clean-up campaigns that have dramatically improved the aesthetic appeal and ecological health of our local parks. Perhaps most notably, he implemented a policy in his restaurants to provide free, nutritious meals to homeless individuals, addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity in our area.
The ripple effect of Mr. Tran’s actions has been profound. His unwavering commitment to social responsibility has inspired a wave of civic engagement among other local business owners. Many have either joined his existing projects or launched their own charitable initiatives, creating a robust network of community support.
I believe the impact of Mr. Tran’s efforts has been overwhelmingly positive for several reasons. Firstly, by investing in education, he’s not only changing individual lives but also cultivating a more skilled and prosperous workforce for the future. His environmental initiatives have fostered a greater sense of pride in our community and promoted sustainable living practices. Moreover, his approach to addressing homelessness has brought dignity and immediate relief to some of our most vulnerable residents. Overall, Mr. Tran exemplifies how successful individuals can leverage their resources and influence to elevate an entire community, creating a more equitable and harmonious society for all.
Possible follow-up questions:
- How do you think more people could be encouraged to contribute to their communities like Mr. Tran?
- What challenges might someone face when trying to make a positive impact on their community?
Sample Answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
Encouraging more people to contribute to their communities like Mr. Tran requires a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, increased visibility of such efforts through local media and social platforms could inspire others by showcasing the tangible benefits of community involvement. Educational institutions could play a crucial role by integrating community service into their curricula, instilling a sense of social responsibility from a young age. Local governments could incentivize community engagement through tax breaks or public recognition programs for businesses and individuals who contribute significantly. Additionally, creating accessible platforms that connect volunteers with community needs could lower the barrier to entry for those wanting to help but unsure where to start. Ultimately, fostering a culture that values and celebrates community contributions is key to motivating more people to follow in Mr. Tran’s footsteps.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some examples:
Examiner: What qualities do you think are important for someone who wants to make a positive impact on their community?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I think there are several important qualities. First, they need to be caring and want to help others. They should also be good at organizing things and leading people. It’s also important to be patient because making changes in a community can take a long time. Finally, they should be good communicators to explain their ideas to others.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I believe that individuals who aspire to make a meaningful impact on their communities need to possess a unique blend of qualities. Foremost among these is empathy – the ability to truly understand and share the feelings of others in the community. This foundational trait enables them to identify genuine needs and tailor their efforts accordingly.
Equally crucial is visionary leadership. This involves not just the ability to conceive innovative solutions, but also the charisma and persuasive skills necessary to rally others behind a common cause. A community changemaker must be able to articulate their vision compellingly and inspire collective action.
Resilience is another indispensable quality. Effecting change at a community level often involves overcoming numerous obstacles and setbacks. The ability to persevere in the face of adversity, maintain optimism, and adapt strategies when necessary is vital for long-term success.
Lastly, I’d emphasize the importance of integrity and transparency. To gain and maintain the trust of the community, individuals must demonstrate unwavering ethical standards and openness in their actions and decision-making processes. This fosters a sense of accountability and encourages broader participation in community initiatives.
Examiner: Do you think the responsibility for improving communities should lie with individuals or governments?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I think both individuals and governments have a role to play in improving communities. Governments have more resources and can make big changes, like building infrastructure or creating new laws. But individuals know their communities best and can often see what needs to be done. They can also act more quickly sometimes. I believe the best results come when governments and individuals work together to improve communities.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I firmly believe that the responsibility for community improvement should be a collaborative effort between individuals and governments, each playing distinct yet complementary roles.
Governments, with their extensive resources and legislative power, are uniquely positioned to implement large-scale initiatives that can significantly impact community welfare. This could include developing critical infrastructure, formulating policies that promote social equity, or allocating funds for education and healthcare. Moreover, governments can create frameworks that incentivize and facilitate community engagement.
However, the role of individuals is equally crucial and, in many ways, more nuanced. Community members possess intimate knowledge of local needs and challenges that may not be immediately apparent to government officials. This grassroots understanding often leads to more targeted and effective solutions. Additionally, individual-led initiatives tend to foster a stronger sense of community ownership and pride, which can sustainably drive long-term positive change.
Furthermore, individuals can often act with greater agility and innovation than bureaucratic structures, addressing emerging issues promptly. They also play a vital role in holding governments accountable and ensuring that policies and projects truly serve the community’s best interests.
Ultimately, I believe the most effective community improvement occurs when there’s a synergistic relationship between governmental support and individual initiative. This balanced approach leverages the strengths of both parties: the resources and systemic influence of governments, combined with the passion, local insight, and adaptability of community members. Such collaboration can create a powerful ecosystem for positive change, leading to more resilient, vibrant, and inclusive communities.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To score high in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing this topic, consider using these advanced words and phrases:
-
Catalyst for change /ˈkætəlɪst fɔːr tʃeɪndʒ/ (noun phrase): A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
Example: “Mr. Tran has been a catalyst for change in our community, inspiring others to get involved.” -
Philanthropic /ˌfɪlənˈθrɒpɪk/ (adjective): Seeking to promote the welfare of others, especially by donating money to good causes.
Example: “His philanthropic efforts have significantly improved the lives of many in our area.” -
Grassroots initiative /ˈɡrɑːsruːts ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ (noun phrase): A movement or campaign that starts at a local or community level.
Example: “The community garden was a grassroots initiative that brought neighbors together.” -
Empowerment /ɪmˈpaʊəmənt/ (noun): The process of giving people more control over their lives or situations.
Example: “Her work focuses on the empowerment of young women through education and mentorship.” -
Social fabric /ˈsəʊʃl ˈfæbrɪk/ (noun phrase): The composite of all the different relationships and interactions that hold a community together.
Example: “His efforts have strengthened the social fabric of our neighborhood.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in this type of question:
- Be specific: Provide concrete examples of the person’s actions and their impact.
- Use a range of descriptive language: Employ varied adjectives and adverbs to make your description vivid.
- Show personal insight: Explain why you believe the person’s impact has been positive, demonstrating your ability to analyze and evaluate.
- Practice storytelling: Work on your ability to narrate events coherently and engagingly.
- Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use words related to community, leadership, and social impact.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just what you say, but how you say it. Practice speaking clearly and confidently, and try to use a range of grammatical structures in your responses.
For more tips on how to excel in your IELTS Speaking test, you might find these articles helpful:
- Describe a Time When You Received Advice That Changed Your Thinking
- Describe a Person Who Has Helped You Achieve Something Important
- Describe a Person Who Is Known for Their Kindness
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss the positive impact of individuals on your community in your IELTS Speaking test.
