Mastering IELTS Speaking: Describe a Famous Historical Figure You’d Love to Learn More About

Are you preparing for the IELTS Speaking test and looking to enhance your skills? One common topic that often appears in the exam is describing a famous historical figure you’d like to learn more about. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample answers and tips to help you achieve a high band score.

Describe a historical period you would like to learn more about is a related topic that may also come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared for various historical themes will give you an advantage in the exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about history and historical figures. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you enjoy learning about history?
2. Who is your favorite historical figure?
3. How do you usually learn about historical events or people?

Let’s focus on the second question:

Examiner: Who is your favorite historical figure?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I’ve always been fascinated by Leonardo da Vinci. He was not only a brilliant artist but also a visionary inventor and scientist. What captivates me most about him is his insatiable curiosity and how he seamlessly blended art and science in his work. His diverse talents and forward-thinking ideas were truly revolutionary for his time, and I find that incredibly inspiring.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Now, let’s look at a potential cue card for this topic:

Describe a famous historical figure you would like to learn more about.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• When this person lived
• What this person did
• And explain why you would like to learn more about this person

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about Cleopatra, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. She lived from 69 BC to 30 BC and was a pivotal figure in ancient history.

Cleopatra is renowned for her role as the last active pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. She ascended to the throne at the young age of 18 and ruled alongside her younger brothers and eventually her son. What’s particularly fascinating about Cleopatra is her political acumen and how she navigated the complex power dynamics of her time.

She formed alliances with Roman leaders Julius Caesar and later Mark Antony, using her intelligence and charm to maintain Egypt’s independence and power. Cleopatra was also known for her intellectual prowess. She was fluent in multiple languages and had a keen interest in science and medicine.

I’m eager to delve deeper into Cleopatra’s life because she’s often been misrepresented in popular culture. Many portrayals focus solely on her beauty and relationships with powerful men, but I’m intrigued by her strategic thinking and leadership skills. I’d like to learn more about how she managed to hold onto power in a male-dominated world and what strategies she employed in her diplomatic dealings.

Moreover, I’m curious about her cultural impact on Egypt during her reign. Did she introduce new policies or make significant changes to Egyptian society? How did her Greek heritage influence her rule over Egypt?

Ultimately, Cleopatra’s life offers a window into a fascinating period of ancient history, where Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures intersected. By learning more about her, I believe I could gain valuable insights into the political landscape of the ancient Mediterranean world and the role of women in power during that era.”

Cleopatra, the last active pharaoh of Ancient Egypt

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How do you think Cleopatra’s reign influenced modern-day Egypt?
2. What challenges do you think Cleopatra faced as a female ruler in ancient times?

Sample answer for question 2 (Band 8-9):

“Cleopatra likely faced numerous challenges as a female ruler in ancient times. Firstly, she had to contend with deeply ingrained patriarchal structures that viewed women as unsuitable for leadership roles. This meant she had to constantly prove her competence and assert her authority in a way that male rulers didn’t.

Additionally, she had to navigate complex political alliances, both within Egypt and with foreign powers like Rome. This required her to be exceptionally shrewd and diplomatic, often using her intelligence and charm to outmaneuver her rivals.

Moreover, Cleopatra had to balance her Greek heritage with her role as an Egyptian pharaoh, potentially facing skepticism from both cultures. She likely had to work harder to gain the trust and loyalty of her Egyptian subjects while also maintaining connections with her Ptolemaic roots.

Lastly, as a woman, she may have faced additional scrutiny in her personal life. Her relationships and potential heirs would have been subject to intense public interest and political maneuvering, adding another layer of complexity to her rule.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

Examiner: How do you think studying historical figures can benefit society today?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Studying historical figures can offer numerous benefits to contemporary society. Firstly, it provides us with valuable insights into leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving in different contexts. By examining the successes and failures of past leaders, we can glean important lessons that are applicable to modern challenges.

Moreover, learning about historical figures helps us understand the roots of our current social, political, and cultural systems. It allows us to trace the evolution of ideas and institutions, giving us a deeper appreciation of how we’ve arrived at our present circumstances.

Additionally, studying diverse historical figures can promote inclusivity and broaden our perspectives. By learning about leaders from various cultures, genders, and backgrounds, we can challenge our preconceptions and develop a more nuanced understanding of history and human potential.

Furthermore, these studies can inspire and motivate people today. Learning about individuals who overcame significant obstacles or made groundbreaking contributions can encourage us to strive for excellence in our own lives and work towards positive change in society.

Lastly, studying historical figures fosters critical thinking. It encourages us to analyze information, consider different viewpoints, and draw informed conclusions. This skill is crucial in our current era of information overload and can help create a more discerning and intellectually engaged citizenry.”

Benefits of studying historical figures for modern society

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can elevate your responses:

1. Pivotal figure /ˈpɪvətl ˈfɪɡə/ (adj. + noun): A person who plays a crucial role in an event or field.
   Example: “Cleopatra was a pivotal figure in ancient Egyptian history.”
2. Ascend to the throne /əˈsend tə ðə θrəʊn/ (phrase): To become the new ruler or monarch.
   Example: “Elizabeth I ascended to the throne in 1558.”
3. Political acumen /pəˈlɪtɪkl əˈkjuːmən/ (noun): The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions in politics.
   Example: “Machiavelli was known for his exceptional political acumen.”
4. Navigate complex power dynamics /ˈnævɪɡeɪt ˈkɒmpleks ˈpaʊə daɪˈnæmɪks/ (phrase): To successfully deal with complicated relationships between powerful people or groups.
   Example: “A skilled diplomat must be able to navigate complex power dynamics on the international stage.”
5. Misrepresented /ˌmɪsreprɪˈzentɪd/ (adj.): Portrayed or described inaccurately or misleadingly.
   Example: “Historical figures are often misrepresented in popular media.”

Describe a book you read recently could be another topic where you can apply these sophisticated vocabulary terms, especially if the book is about a historical figure or event.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing historical figures, consider the following tips:

1. Research extensively: Familiarize yourself with various historical figures from different eras and cultures. This will give you a wider range of examples to draw from during the test.
2. Practice articulating complex ideas: Work on explaining abstract concepts related to history, such as the impact of historical figures on modern society.
3. Develop your vocabulary: Learn and use sophisticated terms related to history, politics, and society. This will help you express your ideas more precisely and impressively.
4. Use a variety of sentence structures: Incorporate both simple and complex sentences in your responses to demonstrate your language proficiency.
5. Make connections: Try to link your discussion of historical figures to broader themes or current events to show your analytical skills.
6. Be prepared for follow-up questions: Anticipate potential questions the examiner might ask based on your initial responses and be ready to expand on your ideas.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss historical figures and other related topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to demonstrate not just your knowledge of the subject, but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and fluently in English.

Describe a famous historical figure you admire is another potential topic that you can prepare for using these strategies and vocabulary. The more you practice, the more confident and articulate you’ll become in discussing historical themes.