The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people we’ve met and the impressions they’ve left on us. One common topic is describing a person you met recently who left a strong impression. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to describe people, express opinions, and discuss personal experiences. Let’s explore how to excel in answering questions related to this theme.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about meeting new people. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you enjoy meeting new people?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find meeting new people incredibly enriching. It’s always fascinating to learn about different perspectives and life experiences. However, as an introvert, I sometimes need to recharge after socializing extensively.”
- How do you usually make new friends?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I tend to make new friends through shared interests. For instance, I’m part of a local photography club, where I’ve connected with like-minded individuals who share my passion. Additionally, I actively participate in community events, which provides ample opportunities to strike up conversations and form new friendships.”
describe a scenic drive you took recently
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person you met recently who left a strong impression on you
You should say:
- Who this person is
- Where and when you met them
- What you talked about
- And explain why this person left a strong impression on you
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a remarkable individual I encountered last month at a local art exhibition. Her name is Sarah, and she’s a visually impaired artist who creates stunning tactile paintings.
I stumbled upon her booth while browsing the exhibition and was immediately captivated by her vibrant, textured artwork. We struck up a conversation, and I was deeply moved by her passion and resilience.
Sarah shared her journey of losing her sight in her early twenties and how she refused to let it deter her from pursuing her love for art. She explained in detail how she uses different textures and materials to create visually striking pieces that can be appreciated through touch as well as sight.
What left the strongest impression on me was Sarah’s unwavering optimism and innovative approach to overcoming challenges. Despite facing significant obstacles, she found a way to adapt her artistic skills and create something truly unique. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that with determination and creativity, we can turn limitations into opportunities.
Sarah’s artwork and personal story challenged my perceptions about the limitations of visual art and opened my eyes to new possibilities. Meeting her was a profoundly inspiring experience that I’ll cherish for a long time.”
Visually impaired artist creating a tactile painting
Follow-up questions:
- How did meeting Sarah change your perspective on art?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Encountering Sarah dramatically transformed my understanding of art. It opened my eyes to the fact that art isn’t solely a visual experience but can engage multiple senses. Her work challenged my preconceptions about the limitations of artistic expression and made me appreciate the innovative ways people can overcome obstacles in creative fields.”
- What qualities do you think make a person memorable?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“In my opinion, people who leave a lasting impression often possess unique combinations of qualities. Authenticity is crucial – those who are genuinely themselves tend to stand out. Additionally, individuals with passion and enthusiasm for their interests or work are often memorable. Resilience in the face of challenges and the ability to think outside the box are also qualities that make someone stick in your mind.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Let’s talk about first impressions. How important do you think first impressions are when meeting someone new?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“First impressions are undeniably significant, but I believe their importance can be overstated. While they often set the tone for future interactions, it’s crucial to recognize that they can be misleading or incomplete.
On one hand, first impressions can provide valuable initial insights into a person’s character, communication style, and overall demeanor. They can help us gauge compatibility and establish rapport quickly, which is particularly useful in professional settings or social situations where time is limited.
However, it’s equally important to approach first impressions with caution. People may be nervous or not at their best when first meeting others, leading to an inaccurate representation of their true selves. Cultural differences and personal biases can also skew our perceptions, causing us to draw hasty conclusions.
In my experience, while first impressions can be a useful starting point, it’s far more valuable to reserve judgment and allow time for a more comprehensive understanding of an individual to develop. This approach fosters deeper connections and helps prevent missed opportunities that might arise from dismissing someone based on a potentially flawed first impression.”
Examiner: Do you think social media has changed the way we form impressions of people?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Social media has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we form impressions of others. It’s created a digital first impression that often precedes face-to-face interactions.
On the positive side, social media allows us to gain insights into a person’s interests, values, and experiences before we even meet them. This can help break the ice and provide conversation starters when we do meet in person.
However, there are significant drawbacks to this approach. Social media profiles are often carefully curated versions of a person’s life, showing only their best moments or a persona they want to project. This can lead to unrealistic expectations or misconceptions about who someone really is.
Moreover, the abundance of information available on social media can sometimes lead to prejudgment. We might form opinions based on out-of-context posts or interactions that don’t accurately reflect a person’s character.
In my view, while social media can provide useful background information, it’s crucial to approach these digital impressions with skepticism and prioritize real-world interactions for forming genuine opinions about others.”
describe a movie character you relate to
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Captivating /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Capable of attracting and holding interest; charming.
Example: “Her captivating personality made everyone in the room gravitate towards her.”Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ (noun phrase): A deep, significant effect.
Example: “Meeting Sarah had a profound impact on my understanding of art and disability.”Innovator /ˈɪnəveɪtər/ (noun): A person who introduces new methods, ideas, or products.
Example: “Sarah is a true innovator in the field of tactile art.”Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
Example: “Her resilience in the face of adversity was truly inspiring.”To challenge preconceptions /tə ˈtʃælɪndʒ ˌpriːkənˈsepʃənz/ (verb phrase): To test or dispute previously held ideas or assumptions.
Example: “Sarah’s artwork challenged my preconceptions about the limitations of visual art.”Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “Meeting Sarah caused a paradigm shift in my understanding of artistic expression.”
describe a memorable journey you had recently
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who left a strong impression:
- Use a variety of descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of the person and your interaction.
- Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally throughout your response.
- Provide specific details and examples to support your points and make your description more engaging.
- Demonstrate critical thinking by explaining why the person left a strong impression and how the encounter affected you.
- Practice speaking about various types of people and encounters to improve your fluency and range of expression.
- Focus on maintaining a natural rhythm and intonation, avoiding long pauses or hesitations.
- Be prepared to discuss related topics in Part 3, such as the nature of first impressions or the impact of memorable encounters on personal growth.
Remember, the key to success is not just in memorizing answers, but in developing the ability to communicate your thoughts and experiences effectively and naturally.
describe an unusual meal you had recently
IELTS speaking test preparation
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss memorable encounters and leave a strong impression on your IELTS examiner.