Mastering the Art of Describing Inspirational Public Figures in IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people, and “Describe A Public Figure Who Inspires You” is a common topic. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses for different band scores and valuable tips to excel in your IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about public figures and inspiration. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:

1. Do you have any role models?
2. Who do you think is the most influential person in your country?
3. How do public figures inspire young people?

Let’s focus on the third question:

Examiner: How do public figures inspire young people?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
Public figures can be incredibly influential for young people in various ways. Firstly, they often serve as role models, demonstrating what can be achieved through hard work and determination. Additionally, many public figures use their platform to raise awareness about important social issues, encouraging young people to become more socially conscious and active in their communities. Moreover, the success stories of public figures can motivate youth to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles, showing that with perseverance, anything is possible.

Public figure inspiring young people

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a public figure who inspires you
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What they do
• How you know about them
• And explain why they inspire you

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

I’d like to talk about Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani activist who really inspires me. She’s known for her work promoting education for girls and women’s rights. I first learned about her through news reports when she was shot by the Taliban for speaking out about girls’ right to education in her region.

What inspires me most about Malala is her courage and determination. Despite facing life-threatening dangers, she continued to advocate for education. Her resilience is truly remarkable. After recovering from the attack, she became an even more powerful voice for change, speaking at the United Nations and becoming the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Malala’s story shows that one person, even a young girl, can make a significant impact on the world. Her dedication to her cause and her ability to turn a terrible experience into a platform for positive change is incredibly inspiring. She reminds me that we all have the power to stand up for what we believe in and make a difference in our communities.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

I’d like to discuss Malala Yousafzai, a paradigm of courage and an indomitable advocate for girls’ education and women’s rights. Malala first caught the world’s attention when she was brutally targeted by the Taliban for her outspoken support of girls’ education in her native Swat Valley in Pakistan.

What truly sets Malala apart and makes her an inspirational figure is her unwavering commitment to her cause in the face of unimaginable adversity. Despite enduring a life-threatening attack, she emerged not as a victim, but as a more powerful catalyst for change. Her resilience and determination to continue her advocacy work, even in the aftermath of such a traumatic experience, is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Malala’s journey from a young blogger to a global icon for education rights exemplifies the profound impact a single voice can have. Her eloquence and poise while addressing world leaders at the United Nations, coupled with her becoming the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, underscore her exceptional influence and maturity beyond her years.

What I find particularly inspiring about Malala is her ability to transcend her personal tragedy and channel it into a force for positive change. She has leveraged her platform to amplify the voices of countless girls who are denied education worldwide. Her unwavering dedication to this cause serves as a powerful reminder that with passion and perseverance, one can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and effect meaningful change on a global scale.

Malala’s story resonates deeply with me as it embodies the idea that age is no barrier to making a difference. Her courage in standing up for her beliefs, even in the face of extreme danger, challenges us all to be more proactive in addressing social injustices. She exemplifies the notion that education is not just a right, but a transformative tool that can empower individuals and reshape societies.

Malala Yousafzai speaking at a conference

Examiner’s follow-up questions:

1. How do you think public figures can use their influence responsibly?
2. Are there any potential downsides to having public figures as role models?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

Public figures can wield their influence responsibly by being mindful of the immense impact their words and actions have on their followers. Firstly, they should strive for authenticity and transparency, acknowledging their own flaws and mistakes, which can help humanize them and set realistic expectations for their admirers.

Moreover, they can leverage their platform to raise awareness about crucial social issues and advocate for positive change. By aligning themselves with reputable organizations and thoroughly researching causes before lending their support, they can ensure their influence is directed towards meaningful and effective initiatives.

Additionally, public figures should be cognizant of their role as educators and strive to disseminate accurate information. In an era of misinformation, they have a responsibility to fact-check and consult experts before making public statements on complex issues.

Lastly, they can use their influence to promote critical thinking among their followers, encouraging them to form their own opinions rather than blindly following a public figure’s stance. This approach fosters a more informed and engaged citizenry, which is crucial for a healthy society.

describe a person who has inspired you to achieve something

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think the media gives too much attention to celebrities rather than more deserving public figures?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

I do believe there’s an imbalance in media coverage between celebrities and other public figures who may be making more substantial contributions to society. The media often gravitates towards celebrities because their lives are seen as more entertaining and can generate higher viewership or readership.

However, this disproportionate focus can be problematic. It may overshadow the work of scientists, educators, and social activists who are making significant impacts in their fields. For instance, a breakthrough in medical research might receive less attention than a celebrity’s new hairstyle, which seems misaligned with societal priorities.

That being said, some celebrities use their platform to highlight important causes, which can bring much-needed attention to these issues. The key is finding a balance and perhaps for media outlets to be more conscious of their responsibility to inform the public about a wide range of influential figures and important topics.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

The media’s proclivity for celebrity coverage over more substantive public figures is indeed a contentious issue that merits scrutiny. There’s no denying that the entertainment industry and its stars often dominate headlines, potentially eclipsing the achievements and contributions of individuals in fields such as science, education, or social activism.

This disproportionate attention can be attributed to various factors. Celebrities often lead lives that are perceived as glamorous and aspirational, which can captivate audiences and drive engagement metrics that media outlets rely on. Additionally, the accessibility and relatability of celebrity content make it an easy sell for mass consumption.

However, this media landscape presents several concerning implications. Firstly, it can lead to a skewed perception of success and importance in society, potentially devaluing intellectual and humanitarian achievements. Moreover, it may divert public attention from pressing social, political, and environmental issues that require widespread awareness and action.

That being said, it would be remiss to overlook the potential for celebrities to leverage their platform for societal benefit. Many public figures have successfully utilized their influence to spotlight crucial causes, effectively bridging the gap between entertainment and social responsibility.

The solution likely lies in striking a more judicious balance in media coverage. This could involve media outlets adopting more diverse content strategies, perhaps incentivizing coverage of a broader spectrum of public figures and their work. Additionally, media literacy education could help audiences become more discerning consumers of information, encouraging them to seek out diverse sources and perspectives.

Ultimately, while the allure of celebrity culture is unlikely to diminish entirely, a more conscientious approach to media coverage could help ensure that other influential and impactful public figures receive the recognition and attention they deserve.

describe a person who inspires you to achieve your goals

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test, use a range of advanced vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples:

1. Paradigm of courage /ˈpærəˌdaɪm əv ˈkʌrɪdʒ/ (noun phrase): A perfect example of bravery.
   Example: Nelson Mandela was a paradigm of courage during the apartheid era.

2. Indomitable /ɪnˈdɒmɪtəbl/ (adjective): Impossible to subdue or defeat.
   Example: Her indomitable spirit helped her overcome numerous obstacles.

3. Catalyst for change /ˈkætəlɪst fɔːr tʃeɪndʒ/ (noun phrase): Something that precipitates a significant transformation.
   Example: The protest movement became a catalyst for change in government policies.

4. Leverage /ˈliːvərɪdʒ/ (verb): Use something to maximum advantage.
   Example: He leveraged his networking skills to secure a position in the company.

5. Transcend /trænˈsend/ (verb): Go beyond the limits of something.
   Example: Her music transcends cultural boundaries and speaks to people worldwide.

describe a famous personality in your country

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a public figure who inspires you:

1. Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of inspirational figures from different fields to discuss.
2. Practice articulating reasons: Be ready to explain clearly and in detail why these figures inspire you.
3. Use advanced vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases relevant to the topic.
4. Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts; elaborate on your points with examples and personal insights.
5. Show critical thinking: Demonstrate your ability to analyze the impact and influence of public figures.
6. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your ability to discuss it smoothly and confidently.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.

describe a person who inspired you to do something interesting

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss inspirational public figures in your IELTS Speaking test, helping you achieve a higher band score.