The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. This topic allows candidates to showcase their ability to describe individuals and express personal experiences. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to “describing a person who has had a positive impact on your life” in each part of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about people who have influenced you. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Examiner: “Do you have any role models?”

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I certainly do. One person who has greatly influenced me is my high school history teacher, Mr. Johnson. He ignited my passion for learning about the past and helped shape my critical thinking skills. His enthusiasm for the subject was contagious, and he always encouraged us to look beyond the textbooks and analyze historical events from different perspectives.”

High school teacher inspiring student

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe a person who has had a positive impact on your life
You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What this person does
• And explain how this person has positively impacted your life

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my grandmother, Sarah, who has had an immensely positive impact on my life. She’s been a constant presence in my life since childhood, as we’ve always lived in the same neighborhood.

My grandmother is a retired school principal, but she’s far from inactive. She dedicates much of her time to community service, particularly focusing on literacy programs for underprivileged children. Her passion for education and helping others has always been inspiring.

The way she has positively impacted my life is multifaceted. Firstly, she instilled in me a love for reading from a young age, often sharing fascinating stories and encouraging me to explore different genres. This not only broadened my horizons but also significantly improved my language skills.

Secondly, her commitment to community service has taught me the importance of giving back to society. I’ve often accompanied her to volunteer events, and these experiences have shaped my values and motivated me to be more socially responsible.

Lastly, her resilience in the face of challenges has been a powerful lesson. Despite facing health issues in recent years, she maintains a positive outlook and continues to pursue her passions. This has taught me the importance of perseverance and maintaining a positive attitude in life.

In essence, my grandmother’s influence has been profound, shaping not just my skills and knowledge, but also my character and worldview. Her impact on my life serves as a constant source of inspiration, guiding me to strive for personal growth and to make a positive difference in the world around me.”

Grandmother teaching grandchild to read

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this person’s influence changed over time?
2. Do you think you’ll have a similar impact on someone else’s life?

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

“The influence of my grandmother has evolved significantly over time. In my childhood, her impact was more direct and tangible, focusing on nurturing my curiosity and basic skills. As I grew older, her influence became more profound, shaping my values and worldview. Now, as an adult, I find myself constantly drawing inspiration from her life experiences and wisdom. Her impact has transitioned from being a guide and teacher to becoming a role model for how I want to live my life and contribute to society.”

Sample answer for question 2 (Band 7-8):

“I certainly hope to have a positive impact on others’ lives, similar to how my grandmother has influenced mine. While I may not have her years of experience or wisdom yet, I strive to emulate her kindness and commitment to helping others. I’ve already started mentoring younger students at my university and volunteering at local community centers. It’s my goal to continue this path of service and hopefully inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of positive influence.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: “In what ways do you think role models in society have changed over the years?”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“The concept of role models has undergone a significant transformation over the years, largely due to societal changes and technological advancements. In the past, role models were often limited to local community leaders, teachers, or family members. People generally looked up to those in their immediate surroundings or prominent national figures.

However, with the advent of globalization and the rise of social media, the pool of potential role models has expanded exponentially. Today, people can find inspiration from individuals across the globe, ranging from social media influencers and entrepreneurs to activists and artists. This global exposure has broadened our perspectives and allowed for more diverse role models.

Another notable change is the shift in values that society prioritizes in role models. While traditional qualities like success and authority are still important, there’s an increasing emphasis on authenticity, social responsibility, and the ability to drive positive change. Many people now look up to individuals who challenge the status quo or use their platform to address important issues.

Moreover, the concept of role models has become more fluid. Instead of idolizing a single person, many now draw inspiration from multiple individuals, each exemplifying different qualities or achievements. This a la carte approach to role models allows for a more nuanced and personalized form of inspiration.

However, this evolution also brings challenges. The oversaturation of information and the often curated nature of public personas can make it difficult to discern genuine role models. It’s become increasingly important for individuals, especially young people, to develop critical thinking skills to evaluate potential role models effectively.

In conclusion, while the fundamental concept of looking up to inspirational figures remains, the nature, accessibility, and criteria for role models have significantly evolved, reflecting broader changes in our interconnected, information-rich society.”

Diverse role models on social media

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Influential (adjective) /ɪnfluˈenʃəl/ – having great influence on someone or something
   Example: “My mentor has been an influential figure in shaping my career path.”

2. To ignite a passion (phrase) – to cause strong feelings of enthusiasm or excitement for something
   Example: “The art teacher ignited a passion for painting in her students.”

3. Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
   Example: “The impact of technology on society is multifaceted, affecting various aspects of our lives.”

4. To instill (verb) /ɪnˈstɪl/ – to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind
   Example: “Parents often try to instill good values in their children from a young age.”

5. Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness
   Example: “Her resilience in the face of adversity was truly inspiring.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who has positively impacted your life:

1. Use a variety of descriptive language and advanced vocabulary to portray the person vividly.
2. Provide specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate the person’s impact on your life.
3. Discuss not only what the person did, but also how their actions affected you emotionally and practically.
4. Practice expressing your thoughts fluently and coherently, focusing on smooth transitions between ideas.
5. Develop your answers fully, especially in Part 2, ensuring you cover all points on the cue card.
6. In Part 3, demonstrate your ability to discuss abstract concepts related to role models and societal influence.

Remember, authenticity is key. While it’s important to use advanced language, ensure that your responses reflect your genuine experiences and opinions. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you become more comfortable and confident in expressing yourself during the test.

describe a cultural event or festival you have attended to further enhance your speaking skills and broaden your repertoire of topics for the IELTS Speaking test.