The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to culture, history, and influential people from your home country. One common task is to describe a famous historical figure. This article will provide you with strategies, sample answers, and key vocabulary to help you excel in this type of question.
Understanding the Task
When asked to describe a famous historical figure from your country, you’ll need to:
- Choose a well-known historical personality
- Provide relevant details about their life and achievements
- Explain their significance in your country’s history
- Use appropriate vocabulary and grammar structures
Let’s explore how to approach this task effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
IELTS Speaking Test
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you may be asked general questions about history or famous people. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you enjoy learning about history?
- Who is your favorite historical figure?
- How do people in your country usually learn about historical figures?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the second question:
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“My favorite historical figure is Ly Thai To, the founder of Vietnam’s Ly Dynasty. He’s renowned for moving the capital to Hanoi in 1010, which laid the foundation for the city’s thousand-year history. What fascinates me most about him is his visionary leadership and how he implemented significant reforms that shaped Vietnam’s culture and governance for centuries to come.”
Key features of this high-scoring response:
- Uses specific details about the historical figure
- Employs advanced vocabulary (renowned, laid the foundation, fascinates)
- Demonstrates personal engagement with the topic
- Shows critical thinking about the figure’s impact
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a famous historical figure from your country
You should say:
- Who this person is
- When they lived
- What they are famous for
And explain why they are important in your country’s history
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about Tran Hung Dao, a famous military commander from Vietnam’s history. He lived in the 13th century during the Tran Dynasty. Tran Hung Dao is famous for leading the Vietnamese army to victory against the Mongol invasions three times.
He’s important in our history because he protected Vietnam’s independence. His military strategies were very clever, and he used the country’s geography to defeat a much larger enemy. Many Vietnamese people admire him for his bravery and intelligence.
Today, you can see many streets and schools named after Tran Hung Dao. There are also temples dedicated to him in different parts of Vietnam. His story is taught in schools, and he’s seen as a symbol of Vietnamese strength and resistance against foreign invaders.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to delve into the life of Tran Hung Dao, an illustrious military strategist who played a pivotal role in Vietnamese history during the 13th century. Renowned for his exceptional leadership, Tran Hung Dao spearheaded the Vietnamese resistance against the Mongol invasions, securing three remarkable victories that safeguarded the nation’s sovereignty.
Tran Hung Dao’s significance in Vietnamese history cannot be overstated. His innovative military tactics, which capitalized on the country’s terrain, demonstrated a level of strategic thinking that was far ahead of his time. He not only repelled a vastly superior force but also instilled a sense of national pride that resonates to this day.
The enduring legacy of Tran Hung Dao is evident in modern Vietnam. His name graces numerous streets, institutions, and temples across the country, serving as a constant reminder of his indomitable spirit. Moreover, his strategic principles, documented in his military manual “Binh Thu Yeu Luoc,” continue to be studied and revered, attesting to the timeless nature of his wisdom and foresight.”
Key differences in the Band 8-9 response:
- Uses more sophisticated vocabulary (delve into, illustrious, pivotal)
- Provides more detailed information about the figure’s achievements
- Analyzes the long-term impact of the historical figure
- Uses more complex sentence structures
Follow-up Questions
- How do young people in your country learn about historical figures?
- Do you think it’s important to study historical figures? Why or why not?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for Question 2:
“I firmly believe that studying historical figures is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides us with invaluable insights into the events and circumstances that have shaped our society. By examining the lives and decisions of influential individuals, we can better understand the complex interplay of factors that drive historical change.
Moreover, historical figures often embody important values and principles that can serve as sources of inspiration for current and future generations. Their triumphs and failures offer valuable lessons in leadership, perseverance, and moral courage, which are highly relevant in today’s world.
Lastly, knowledge of historical figures enhances our cultural literacy and fosters a sense of national identity. It allows us to appreciate our heritage and contextualize our place in the ongoing narrative of human history. In essence, studying these figures equips us with the tools to critically analyze the present and make informed decisions about the future.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to historical figures and their impact. Here are some potential questions:
- How do historical figures influence modern society?
- Should we judge historical figures by today’s moral standards?
- What role does technology play in preserving historical knowledge?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“Historical figures can influence modern society in different ways. They can inspire people to do great things or to fight for their beliefs. Some historical figures are used as examples in education to teach about important values or events. Their ideas or inventions might still be used today, affecting how we live. Also, some people might use historical figures to support their political views or arguments.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The influence of historical figures on modern society is multifaceted and profound. Firstly, they serve as cultural touchstones, embodying key values and ideals that continue to resonate with contemporary audiences. Their lives and achievements often become part of the national narrative, shaping collective identity and informing social norms.
Moreover, historical figures can act as catalysts for ongoing social and political discourse. Their legacies are frequently reinterpreted in light of current events, sparking debates about ethics, leadership, and social progress. This dynamic interaction between past and present keeps history alive and relevant.
In the realm of education, historical figures provide tangible examples of abstract concepts like courage, innovation, or social change. They offer valuable case studies for students to analyze complex historical processes and develop critical thinking skills.
Additionally, the enduring impact of historical figures can be seen in institutions, laws, and social structures that trace their origins to these individuals’ actions or ideas. In this way, they continue to shape societal frameworks, often in ways that may not be immediately apparent but are nonetheless significant.”
Key features of the Band 8-9 response:
- Comprehensive analysis of the topic
- Use of abstract concepts and sophisticated vocabulary
- Well-structured arguments with clear examples
- Demonstrates critical thinking and in-depth understanding of the subject
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To enhance your responses when discussing historical figures, consider using these terms:
-
Legacy /ˈleɡəsi/ (noun): Something left or handed down by a predecessor.
Example: “The legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. continues to inspire civil rights movements worldwide.” -
Influential /ˌɪnfluˈenʃəl/ (adjective): Having great influence on someone or something.
Example: “Gandhi was an influential figure in India’s struggle for independence.” -
Pivotal /ˈpɪvətl/ (adjective): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
Example: “Newton played a pivotal role in the development of modern physics.” -
Revered /rɪˈvɪəd/ (adjective): Feeling or showing deep respect or admiration for someone or something.
Example: “Nelson Mandela is revered for his role in ending apartheid in South Africa.” -
Visionary /ˈvɪʒənri/ (noun/adjective): A person with original ideas about what the future will or could be like.
Example: “Steve Jobs was a visionary who revolutionized personal computing and mobile technology.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in discussing historical figures in your IELTS Speaking test:
- Research thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with key historical figures from your country and their achievements.
- Practice narration: Work on telling coherent stories about these figures, focusing on key events and their significance.
- Develop analytical skills: Practice explaining why these figures are important and how they’ve influenced your country or the world.
- Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use sophisticated terms related to history, leadership, and societal impact.
- Stay objective: Be prepared to discuss both positive and negative aspects of historical figures, demonstrating balanced critical thinking.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and accuracy in your language use while demonstrating your knowledge and analytical skills.
By following these strategies and incorporating the provided vocabulary and sample answers, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle questions about historical figures in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!
