Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Eloquently Describe a Famous Person You Admire

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential figures, making “describe a famous person from your country you admire” a common topic. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses and expert tips to help you achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about famous people and your opinions on them. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you have a favorite celebrity?
2. What makes someone famous in your country?
3. Do you think it’s good for society to have famous people as role models?

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

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do have a favorite celebrity. I greatly admire Nguyen Phu Trong, the current General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. His dedication to public service and his efforts to combat corruption have really impressed me. I find his leadership style and commitment to national development truly inspiring.”

describe a historical figure you admire

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card based on our theme:

Describe a famous person from your country you admire
You should say:
• Who this person is
• What they are famous for
• What qualities they have that you admire
• And explain why you admire this person

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a famous person from my country that I really admire. Her name is Nguyen Thi Anh Vien, and she’s a renowned swimmer who has represented Vietnam in many international competitions.

Anh Vien is famous for her incredible achievements in swimming. She has won numerous medals at the Southeast Asian Games and has competed in the Olympics. What’s really impressive is that she started her career at a very young age and quickly became one of Vietnam’s top athletes.

There are several qualities that I admire about Anh Vien. Firstly, her dedication to her sport is remarkable. She trains for hours every day, constantly pushing herself to improve. Secondly, I admire her resilience. Despite facing tough competition and setbacks, she always bounces back stronger. Lastly, her humility is truly inspiring. Despite her fame, she remains down-to-earth and focused on her goals.

I admire Anh Vien because she’s a great role model for young people in Vietnam. She shows that with hard work and determination, it’s possible to achieve great things on the world stage. Her success has inspired many Vietnamese youth to take up swimming and pursue their dreams in sports. Moreover, her story highlights the importance of perseverance and continuous self-improvement, which are valuable lessons for anyone, regardless of their field.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a prominent figure from Vietnam whom I deeply admire – Nguyen Phu Trong, the current General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Nguyen Phu Trong is renowned for his pivotal role in Vietnamese politics and his tireless efforts to combat corruption within the country. His fame stems from his long-standing commitment to public service and his instrumental role in shaping Vietnam’s domestic and foreign policies.

There are several qualities that I find particularly admirable about Nguyen Phu Trong. Firstly, his unwavering integrity is truly commendable. Despite holding one of the highest positions in the country, he has consistently demonstrated a strong moral compass and a genuine commitment to serving the people. Secondly, I admire his astute political acumen. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes while maintaining stability and promoting progress is remarkable. Lastly, his dedication to continuous learning is inspiring. Despite his age and experience, he remains open to new ideas and approaches, which is crucial in our rapidly changing world.

I admire Nguyen Phu Trong because he embodies the qualities of a true leader. His anti-corruption campaign has been instrumental in improving governance and fostering a more transparent political environment in Vietnam. Moreover, his balanced approach to economic development and social welfare has contributed significantly to Vietnam’s growth while ensuring that the benefits are shared across society. His leadership style, which emphasizes collective decision-making and national unity, serves as an excellent model for aspiring leaders. In essence, Nguyen Phu Trong’s commitment to national development and his ability to lead by example make him a figure worthy of admiration and respect.”

Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this person influenced your personal life?
2. Do you think famous people have a responsibility to be good role models?

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

“Nguyen Phu Trong’s influence on my personal life has been profound and multifaceted. His unwavering commitment to integrity has inspired me to maintain high ethical standards in my own life and career. I’ve found myself more conscious of my actions and their potential impact on others, striving to make decisions that are not only beneficial for me but also for the greater good.

Moreover, his emphasis on continuous learning has motivated me to pursue knowledge relentlessly, even outside my comfort zone. I’ve adopted a more proactive approach to self-improvement, regularly seeking out new information and skills that can enhance my personal and professional growth.

Perhaps most significantly, Trong’s dedication to public service has encouraged me to be more actively involved in my community. I’ve started volunteering for local initiatives and participating more in civic discussions, feeling a greater sense of responsibility towards contributing to societal progress.

In essence, Nguyen Phu Trong’s example has broadened my perspective on leadership and civic duty, inspiring me to strive for excellence not just for personal gain, but for the betterment of society as a whole.”

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:

1. How do famous people influence society in your country?
2. Do you think the media gives too much attention to celebrities?
3. How has social media changed the concept of fame?

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

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Famous people in Vietnam have a significant influence on society, particularly on young people. Their actions and opinions can shape public discourse and even influence trends in fashion, lifestyle, and consumer behavior. For instance, when a popular celebrity endorses a product or a cause, it often leads to increased public interest and engagement.

Moreover, famous individuals, especially those in politics or business, can influence policy decisions and economic trends. Their statements or actions can impact public opinion on important issues like education reform or environmental protection.

However, this influence isn’t always positive. There have been cases where celebrities’ inappropriate behavior has led to negative societal impacts, particularly on impressionable youth. This underscores the importance of celebrities recognizing their responsibility as public figures.

On a more positive note, many famous people in Vietnam use their platform for social good. They raise awareness about important issues, participate in charitable activities, and inspire others to contribute to society. This positive influence can lead to significant social changes and improvements in areas like education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.”

describe a time you met someone famous

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

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

1. Influential figure (/ɪnfluˈenʃəl ˈfɪɡər/) – A person who has the power to affect others’ beliefs or actions.
   Example: “Nguyen Phu Trong is an influential figure in Vietnamese politics.”

2. To embody (/ɪmˈbɒdi/) – To represent an idea or quality in a clear way.
   Example: “He embodies the qualities of integrity and dedication.”

3. Pivotal role (/ˈpɪvətl roʊl/) – A very important or essential role.
   Example: “Trong has played a pivotal role in shaping Vietnam’s foreign policy.”

4. Unwavering commitment (/ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ kəˈmɪtmənt/) – A dedication that doesn’t change or become weaker.
   Example: “His unwavering commitment to anti-corruption efforts is admirable.”

5. To navigate (/ˈnævɪɡeɪt/) – To find a way through a complex situation.
   Example: “He has successfully navigated the challenges of economic reform.”

describe a local artist you admire

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, focus on these key areas:

1. Fluency and Coherence: Practice speaking continuously for 2-3 minutes without long pauses. Use linking words to connect your ideas smoothly.

2. Lexical Resource: Incorporate a wide range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and collocations. Avoid repetition by using synonyms.

3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Pay attention to verb tenses and subject-verb agreement.

4. Pronunciation: Work on clear articulation and natural intonation. Pay attention to word stress and sentence rhythm.

5. Relevance: Always address all parts of the question and stay on topic throughout your response.

Remember, regular practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try recording yourself and listening back to identify areas for improvement. Additionally, exposing yourself to English media and practicing with native speakers can greatly enhance your fluency and natural expression.

describe a historical figure you respect

By following these guidelines and utilizing the sample answers provided, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss famous people you admire in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!