The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people who have influenced us or whom we admire. One common topic is describing a person you respect for their positive outlook on life. This article will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to excel in this type of question, helping you achieve a higher band score in your IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the Speaking test, the examiner may ask some general questions about positivity and outlook on life. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. Do you consider yourself an optimistic person?
2. How important is having a positive attitude in life?
3. Who do you think tends to be more positive – younger or older people?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I’m generally quite optimistic. I tend to look for the silver lining in difficult situations and believe that challenges are opportunities for growth. However, I also try to be realistic and acknowledge when things are tough. I think it’s important to strike a balance between positivity and pragmatism.”

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Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our main topic:

Describe a person you respect for their positive outlook on life

You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they do
- And explain why you respect their positive outlook on life

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about my aunt, Sarah, who I’ve known my whole life. She’s my mother’s younger sister and works as a high school teacher. What I respect most about her is her incredibly positive outlook on life, despite facing numerous challenges.

Aunt Sarah was diagnosed with a chronic illness in her early thirties, which causes her constant pain and fatigue. However, she never lets it define her or bring her down. She continues to teach with enthusiasm, always focusing on her students’ potential rather than their limitations.

I admire how she finds joy in small things, like a beautiful sunset or a student’s progress. She often says, “Every day is a gift,” and truly lives by that philosophy. Her positivity is contagious, and she has a knack for lifting others’ spirits, even when she’s struggling herself.

What I find most inspiring is her ability to reframe negative situations into opportunities for growth. For instance, when she had to take time off work for treatment, she used that period to develop new teaching methods that she now uses to engage her students better.

In essence, I respect Aunt Sarah’s positive outlook because it’s not just about being happy all the time. It’s about resilience, finding purpose in adversity, and continuously choosing to see the good in life and people. Her attitude has taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and gratitude.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to discuss my former university professor, Dr. Emily Chen, whom I deeply respect for her remarkably positive outlook on life. I had the privilege of being her student for two years during my undergraduate studies in psychology.

Dr. Chen is a renowned cognitive psychologist, specializing in resilience and positive psychology. What sets her apart is not just her academic achievements, but how she embodies the very principles she teaches and researches.

What I find particularly admirable about Dr. Chen’s positive outlook is its depth and authenticity. It’s not a superficial optimism, but rather a profound appreciation for life’s complexities. She often emphasizes the importance of “realistic optimism” – acknowledging challenges while maintaining hope and seeking solutions.

One incident that perfectly illustrates her outlook occurred when our department faced significant budget cuts. Instead of dwelling on the negatives, Dr. Chen spearheaded innovative community outreach programs. These not only provided alternative funding but also created valuable learning opportunities for students. Her ability to transmute obstacles into opportunities was truly inspiring.

Moreover, Dr. Chen’s positivity extends beyond her professional life. Despite losing her husband to cancer a few years ago, she channeled her grief into establishing a support group for bereaved academics. Her resilience in the face of personal tragedy and her commitment to helping others are testaments to her extraordinary outlook.

What I respect most about Dr. Chen’s positive outlook is its ripple effect. Her attitude catalyzes positive change in her environment. Students and colleagues alike are motivated by her energy and perspective. She doesn’t just teach positive psychology; she lives it, creating a tangible impact on her community.

In essence, I respect Dr. Chen’s positive outlook because it’s a powerful force for good. It’s not about denying life’s difficulties, but about finding meaning and growth in every experience. Her approach to life has profoundly influenced my own worldview, teaching me the transformative power of positivity when coupled with action and empathy.”

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Follow-up questions:

1. How has this person’s positive outlook influenced you?
2. Do you think it’s always possible to maintain a positive outlook in difficult situations?

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

“Dr. Chen’s positive outlook has had a profound impact on my personal and professional life. Firstly, it’s reshaped my approach to challenges. I now view obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable barriers. This shift in perspective has significantly enhanced my problem-solving skills and resilience.

Moreover, her emphasis on realistic optimism has taught me the importance of balancing positivity with pragmatism. I’ve learned to acknowledge difficulties while maintaining hope and focusing on solutions. This approach has been particularly beneficial in my career, allowing me to navigate complex projects and setbacks more effectively.

Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Chen’s outlook has inspired me to be more mindful of my impact on others. I’ve realized that positivity can be contagious, and I now strive to cultivate an uplifting environment in my workplace and personal relationships. This has not only improved my interpersonal skills but also contributed to a more collaborative and productive atmosphere in my team.

Lastly, her example has motivated me to engage more in community service. Seeing how she channeled her personal tragedy into helping others has encouraged me to seek ways to contribute positively to society, even in small ways. Overall, Dr. Chen’s positive outlook has been a catalyst for personal growth, professional development, and a more purposeful approach to life.”

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Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

1. How does a person’s outlook on life affect their relationships with others?
2. Do you think society places too much emphasis on being positive all the time?
3. In what ways can having a positive outlook benefit someone in their career?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“I believe a positive outlook can significantly benefit one’s career in several ways. Firstly, it can enhance problem-solving skills. People with a positive mindset tend to see challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles, which can lead to more innovative solutions in the workplace.

Secondly, a positive outlook often translates to better interpersonal relationships. Colleagues and superiors are generally more inclined to work with and support individuals who maintain a constructive attitude, even in difficult situations. This can lead to better teamwork, more opportunities for collaboration, and potentially faster career advancement.

Moreover, positivity can increase resilience, which is crucial in any career. Those with a positive outlook are often better equipped to handle setbacks and failures, viewing them as learning experiences rather than defeats. This resilience can be particularly valuable in high-pressure or competitive work environments.

Lastly, a positive attitude can contribute to better stress management. Career progression often comes with increased responsibilities and pressures, and maintaining a positive perspective can help individuals cope with these demands more effectively, leading to better overall job performance and satisfaction.

However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean ignoring problems or being unrealistically optimistic. Rather, it’s about maintaining a constructive approach to work challenges and opportunities.”

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Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To enhance your speaking performance, consider using some of these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

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

2. Pragmatic /præɡˈmætɪk/ (adjective): Dealing with things sensibly and realistically.
   Example: “He maintains a pragmatic approach to problem-solving while remaining optimistic.”

3. Contagious /kənˈteɪdʒəs/ (adjective): (Of an emotion or feeling) Likely to spread to and affect others.
   Example: “Her enthusiasm was contagious, motivating everyone in the team.”

4. To reframe /riːˈfreɪm/ (verb): To think about or express (words or a concept or plan) differently.
   Example: “She has the ability to reframe negative situations into positive learning experiences.”

5. Catalyze /ˈkætəlaɪz/ (verb): To cause or accelerate (a reaction).
   Example: “His positive attitude catalyzed a significant change in the company culture.”

6. Transmute /trænzˈmjuːt/ (verb): To change in form, nature, or substance.
   Example: “She has a remarkable ability to transmute challenges into opportunities for growth.”

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Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high band score when describing a person you respect for their positive outlook:

1. Use specific examples: Don’t just say the person is positive; provide concrete instances that demonstrate their outlook.

2. Employ a range of vocabulary: Use synonyms and varied expressions to describe positivity and its effects.

3. Show depth of thought: Discuss not just what the person does, but why their outlook is respected and its impact on others.

4. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to ensure you can talk smoothly for the full 2 minutes in Part 2.

5. Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, show that you can discuss the concept of positivity from various angles, including potential drawbacks or limitations.

6. Use appropriate tenses: Ensure you use past tenses when talking about specific incidents and present tenses for general statements about the person’s character.

Remember, the key to excelling in the IELTS Speaking test is practice. Regularly rehearse describing people you admire, focusing on their qualities and the reasons for your respect. This will help you build confidence and fluency, essential components for achieving a high band score.