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

Are you preparing for the IELTS Speaking test and wondering how to excel in describing a famous historical figure from your country? This comprehensive guide will provide you with valuable insights, sample answers, and expert tips to help you achieve a high score in this common IELTS Speaking topic.

Understanding the Topic: Famous Historical Figures

Describing a famous historical figure from your country is a popular topic in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to talk about significant personalities, cultural knowledge, and historical awareness. This topic is likely to appear in Part 2 (Long Turn) of the Speaking test, but related questions may also arise in Parts 1 and 3.

Famous Indian historical figure

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you may encounter general questions related to history or famous people. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Question: Do you like learning about history?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy learning about history. It’s fascinating to understand how past events have shaped our present world. I particularly like reading about ancient civilizations and their contributions to modern society.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I find history captivating and enlightening. Delving into historical narratives not only provides context for our current global situation but also offers valuable lessons that can guide our future decisions. I’m particularly intrigued by the intricate interplay between political, social, and economic factors that have shaped nations over time.

Question: Who is a famous person from history that you admire?

Band 6-7 Answer:
One historical figure I greatly admire is Mahatma Gandhi. He played a crucial role in India’s independence movement and promoted non-violent resistance. His philosophy of peace has inspired many people around the world.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I have profound admiration for Mahatma Gandhi, an iconic figure in Indian history. His unwavering commitment to non-violent civil disobedience not only spearheaded India’s independence movement but also profoundly influenced civil rights movements globally. Gandhi’s philosophy of ahimsa, or non-violence, coupled with his simple lifestyle, exemplifies the power of peaceful resistance against oppression.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a famous historical figure:

Describe a famous historical figure from your country.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What they did
• Why they are famous
• And explain why you think this person is important in your country’s history

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

I’d like to talk about Mahatma Gandhi, a famous historical figure from India. Gandhi was a lawyer by profession who became the leader of India’s independence movement against British rule. He is famous for his non-violent approach to political change, which he called Satyagraha.

Gandhi led several important campaigns, such as the Salt March and the Quit India Movement, which put pressure on the British government. He encouraged people to boycott British goods and promote Indian-made products. His actions and philosophy played a crucial role in India gaining independence in 1947.

I think Gandhi is important in India’s history because he not only helped achieve independence but also promoted values like non-violence, truth, and simplicity. His ideas have influenced many other leaders and movements around the world. Even today, Gandhi’s principles are taught in schools and his birthday is celebrated as a national holiday in India.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

I’d like to discuss Mahatma Gandhi, an iconic figure in Indian history whose influence reverberates far beyond our borders. Gandhi, originally trained as a barrister, metamorphosed into the preeminent leader of India’s independence movement against British colonial rule.

Gandhi is renowned for his pioneering philosophy of non-violent resistance, which he termed Satyagraha, meaning “truth force.” This revolutionary approach to political change galvanized millions of Indians and catalyzed several landmark campaigns. The Salt March of 1930, for instance, was a masterful act of civil disobedience that dramatically highlighted the injustice of British salt monopoly. Similarly, the Quit India Movement of 1942 unequivocally demanded an end to British rule, accelerating the path to independence.

Gandhi’s far-reaching influence stems not only from his political achievements but also from his profound philosophical contributions. His unwavering commitment to truth, non-violence, and simplicity transcended mere political strategy; it became a moral compass for the nation. These principles, collectively known as Gandhian philosophy, continue to shape India’s national ethos and have inspired numerous civil rights movements globally, from Martin Luther King Jr.’s struggle in the United States to Nelson Mandela’s fight against apartheid in South Africa.

In my opinion, Gandhi’s enduring legacy in India’s history is multifaceted. Beyond his pivotal role in achieving independence, he championed social reforms, advocating for the rights of the untouchables and promoting communal harmony. His vision of a self-reliant India, emphasizing village economies and cottage industries, continues to influence economic policies. Moreover, Gandhi’s birthday, celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti, is not merely a national holiday but a poignant reminder of the power of non-violence and moral courage in effecting change.

Follow-up Questions:

1. How do young people in your country view historical figures like Gandhi?
2. Do you think it’s important for schools to teach about historical figures? Why or why not?

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Question: How do historical figures influence modern society?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Historical figures often serve as role models and inspire people today. Their actions and ideas can shape current policies and social movements. For example, Gandhi’s ideas about non-violence have influenced many modern peace movements.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Historical figures exert a profound influence on modern society in multifaceted ways. Firstly, they serve as beacons of inspiration, their lives and achievements galvanizing individuals and groups to strive for similar ideals. Moreover, the philosophies and strategies of historical figures often shape the bedrock of contemporary political and social movements. For instance, Gandhi’s principles of non-violent resistance have reverberated through time, informing civil rights movements globally. Additionally, historical figures can mold national identity and values, their legacies often woven into the fabric of a country’s culture and education system. However, it’s crucial to note that this influence isn’t always unequivocally positive – historical figures can also be subjects of critical reassessment, prompting important discussions about past injustices and societal progress.

Question: Do you think the way we view historical figures changes over time? Why or why not?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I believe our view of historical figures does change over time. As society evolves, we might reassess past actions and ideas differently. New information or changing values can also affect how we see historical figures. For example, some colonial-era leaders who were once celebrated are now criticized for their treatment of indigenous people.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, our perception of historical figures is inherently dynamic and subject to change over time. This evolution in perspective is driven by several factors. Firstly, the unearthing of new historical evidence can dramatically alter our understanding of a figure’s actions and motivations. Secondly, societal values and norms undergo significant shifts over time, leading us to reinterpret past events and personalities through a contemporary lens. For instance, many colonial-era figures once venerated as heroes are now scrutinized for their role in oppression and exploitation.

Moreover, the political and social climate of different eras can influence how historical figures are portrayed and remembered. This can lead to the rehabilitation of once-maligned figures or the critical reassessment of those previously held in high esteem. It’s also worth noting that globalization and increased cultural exchange have broadened our perspectives, allowing for more nuanced and multifaceted views of historical figures.

This continual reassessment is not necessarily negative; rather, it reflects a maturing understanding of history and a willingness to grapple with complexity. It underscores the importance of approaching history critically and being open to revising our views in light of new information or changing social consciousness.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your responses and aim for higher band scores, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Iconic /aɪˈkɒnɪk/ (adjective): Very famous or popular, especially being considered to represent particular opinions or a particular time.
   Example: Gandhi is an iconic figure in the history of non-violent resistance.

2. Spearhead /ˈspɪəhed/ (verb): To lead an attack or an important movement.
   Example: Gandhi spearheaded the Indian independence movement.

3. Galvanize /ˈɡælvənaɪz/ (verb): To shock or excite someone into taking action.
   Example: Gandhi’s speeches galvanized millions of Indians to join the freedom struggle.

4. Profound /prəˈfaʊnd/ (adjective): Very great or intense.
   Example: Gandhi had a profound impact on India’s path to independence.

5. Legacy /ˈleɡəsi/ (noun): Something that exists as a result of past events.
   Example: Gandhi’s legacy of non-violence continues to inspire peace movements worldwide.

Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner

1. Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with various historical figures from your country and practice describing them.
2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to showcase your language skills.
3. Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, especially in Part 2, to ensure a coherent response.
4. Provide examples: Support your points with specific examples or anecdotes about the historical figure.
5. Show critical thinking: In Part 3, demonstrate your ability to analyze and evaluate historical figures’ impact on society.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss famous historical figures from your country in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to combine accurate historical knowledge with strong language skills and critical thinking.

For more IELTS Speaking practice, check out our guides on describing a famous scientist in your country and describing a famous musician in your country.