Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Famous Entrepreneur from Your Country

As an IELTS examiner and experienced English teacher, I understand the importance of being well-prepared for the IELTS Speaking test. In this article, we’ll focus on how to effectively answer questions about describing a famous entrepreneur from your country, a topic that frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests.

Famous Vietnamese Entrepreneur

Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test Structure

Before we dive into the specific topic, let’s briefly review the structure of the IELTS Speaking test:

1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
2. Part 2: Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes)

Now, let’s explore how to tackle questions related to describing a famous entrepreneur from your country in each part of the test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner might ask general questions about entrepreneurs or business. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Question: Do you know any entrepreneurs in your country?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I’m familiar with a few entrepreneurs in Vietnam. One that comes to mind is Pham Nhat Vuong, the founder of Vingroup. He’s quite well-known for his success in various industries.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. Vietnam has seen a surge in entrepreneurship over the past decade, and several notable figures have emerged. One standout example is Pham Nhat Vuong, the founder and chairman of Vingroup. His journey from selling instant noodles in Ukraine to becoming Vietnam’s first billionaire is truly inspirational. Another remarkable entrepreneur is Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, the CEO of VietJet Air, who’s known for her innovative approach to the airline industry.”

Question: What qualities do you think make a good entrepreneur?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I believe good entrepreneurs need to be creative and hardworking. They should also be willing to take risks and have good leadership skills.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“In my opinion, successful entrepreneurs possess a unique combination of qualities. Firstly, they need to be visionaries with the ability to identify opportunities where others see challenges. Secondly, resilience is crucial, as the path to success is often fraught with setbacks. Additionally, effective entrepreneurs must be adept at leadership, inspiring and motivating their teams. Lastly, I believe a strong ethical compass is essential, as it guides decision-making and builds trust with stakeholders and customers alike.”

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you might receive a cue card like this:

Describe a famous entrepreneur from your country
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What business they started
• How they became successful
• And explain why you think they are a good entrepreneur

Here’s a sample answer for Band 8-9:

“I’d like to talk about Pham Nhat Vuong, who is arguably the most prominent entrepreneur in Vietnam. He’s the founder and chairman of Vingroup, one of the country’s largest conglomerates.

Vuong’s entrepreneurial journey began in Ukraine, where he started a successful instant noodle business. However, his most significant venture came when he returned to Vietnam and founded Vingroup in 2002. The company initially focused on real estate development but has since diversified into numerous sectors, including technology, automotive manufacturing, healthcare, and education.

His path to success has been marked by strategic vision and relentless innovation. Vuong recognized the potential in Vietnam’s rapidly growing economy and positioned Vingroup to meet the evolving needs of the burgeoning middle class. He’s known for his ambitious projects, such as launching Vietnam’s first domestic car brand, VinFast, and creating smart cities across the country.

I believe Vuong is an exceptional entrepreneur for several reasons. Firstly, his ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities is remarkable. He’s not afraid to enter highly competitive industries and disrupt them with innovative approaches. Secondly, his commitment to social responsibility is admirable. Vingroup has invested heavily in education and healthcare, demonstrating a balance between profit and social impact. Lastly, Vuong’s adaptability and forward-thinking mindset have allowed him to pivot the company’s focus as needed, ensuring its continued growth and relevance in a rapidly changing business landscape.

In conclusion, Pham Nhat Vuong’s journey from a small noodle business to leading a multi-billion dollar conglomerate is a testament to his entrepreneurial acumen and visionary leadership, making him a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs in Vietnam and beyond.”

Follow-up questions:

1. What challenges do you think this entrepreneur faced?
2. How has their success impacted the local economy?

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to entrepreneurship. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Question: How has the role of entrepreneurs changed in your country over the past few decades?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Entrepreneurs have become more important in Vietnam over the past few decades. In the past, most businesses were state-owned, but now there are many private companies. Entrepreneurs are creating more jobs and helping the economy grow.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“The role of entrepreneurs in Vietnam has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades. In the late 20th century, during the centrally planned economy era, entrepreneurship was limited, and most businesses were state-owned. However, since the introduction of the ‘Doi Moi’ economic reforms in 1986, we’ve witnessed a dramatic shift.

Firstly, entrepreneurs have become key drivers of economic growth and innovation. They’ve been instrumental in diversifying the economy beyond traditional sectors like agriculture. Secondly, they’ve played a crucial role in job creation, alleviating unemployment and contributing to the rise of a middle class. Moreover, modern Vietnamese entrepreneurs are increasingly focused on solving social and environmental challenges, blending profit with purpose.

Perhaps most notably, entrepreneurs are now seen as role models and change agents in society, inspiring younger generations to pursue their own ventures. This cultural shift has led to a more dynamic and competitive business environment, fostering innovation and attracting foreign investment. In essence, entrepreneurs have evolved from being marginal players to central figures in Vietnam’s economic and social development.”

Question: Do you think the government should provide more support for entrepreneurs? Why or why not?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think the government should support entrepreneurs more. They can create jobs and help the economy grow. The government could provide loans or training programs to help new businesses start and grow.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I believe government support for entrepreneurs is crucial, but it’s a complex issue that requires a nuanced approach. On one hand, entrepreneurs are often the driving force behind innovation, job creation, and economic growth. Government support, in the form of favorable policies, access to funding, or mentorship programs, can help overcome initial barriers and foster a more vibrant startup ecosystem.

However, it’s equally important to strike a balance. Excessive government intervention might stifle the very spirit of entrepreneurship, which thrives on risk-taking and self-reliance. There’s also the question of resource allocation – whether public funds might be better spent on other areas like education or healthcare.

In my opinion, the most effective approach would be for governments to focus on creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurs. This could include streamlining bureaucratic processes, enforcing intellectual property rights, and improving infrastructure. Additionally, targeted support for sectors that align with national development goals or address pressing social issues could be beneficial.

Ultimately, the aim should be to cultivate a self-sustaining entrepreneurial ecosystem. Government support should act as a catalyst, not a crutch, encouraging entrepreneurs to innovate, take calculated risks, and contribute to economic resilience and social progress.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score, use a variety of advanced vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples:

1. Visionary /ˈvɪʒəneri/ (adj): Having original ideas about what the future will or could be like.
   Example: “Steve Jobs was a visionary leader who revolutionized the tech industry.”

2. Innovative /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ (adj): Introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking.
   Example: “Her innovative approach to problem-solving set her apart from other entrepreneurs.”

3. Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (n): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
   Example: “Entrepreneurial success often depends on one’s resilience in the face of setbacks.”

4. Disrupt /dɪsˈrʌpt/ (v): To radically change how an industry or market functions.
   Example: “Uber disrupted the traditional taxi industry with its ride-sharing model.”

5. Pivotal /ˈpɪvətl/ (adj): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
   Example: “Her decision to expand into e-commerce proved pivotal for the company’s growth.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing entrepreneurs:

1. Prepare diverse examples: Research various entrepreneurs from your country to have a range of examples to draw from.

2. Practice storytelling: Work on narrating the entrepreneur’s journey in a compelling and coherent manner.

3. Develop critical thinking: Be prepared to analyze the impact of entrepreneurship on society and the economy.

4. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use industry-specific terms and advanced vocabulary related to business and entrepreneurship.

5. Stay informed: Keep up with current trends and challenges in the business world to provide insightful answers in Part 3.

By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss entrepreneurs in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak fluently, use a wide range of vocabulary, and provide thoughtful, well-structured responses.

For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might want to check out our articles on describing a person who is very talented in a particular field or how people can become famous. These topics can help you expand your vocabulary and improve your ability to describe people and their achievements, which is crucial when discussing entrepreneurs.