The topic “describe a classmate you admire” is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a common theme in future tests. This topic allows candidates to showcase their ability to describe people, express admiration, and discuss personal relationships in an academic context.
Describe a person who is very kind and caring is a related topic that can help you prepare for this question. Let’s dive into how you can excel in each part of the IELTS Speaking test when discussing a classmate you admire.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about your classmates or school life. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: “Do you have many classmates?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do. In my current class, there are approximately 30 students. It’s a diverse group with people from various backgrounds, which makes for an enriching learning environment. We often collaborate on projects and study together, which has helped us form strong bonds over time.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a potential cue card for this topic:
Describe a classmate you admire
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What qualities you admire about them
- And explain why you admire this person
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my classmate, Sarah, whom I deeply admire. I’ve known Sarah since we started university together three years ago, and we’ve been in the same Computer Science program ever since.
What I admire most about Sarah is her exceptional work ethic and her ability to balance multiple responsibilities. Despite taking on a challenging course load, she consistently excels academically while also actively participating in various extracurricular activities. Sarah is the president of the Coding Club and volunteers at a local STEM education program for underprivileged children.
One of Sarah’s most admirable qualities is her willingness to help others. She’s always ready to lend a hand to classmates struggling with difficult concepts, often organizing study groups and sharing her notes. Her patience and clear explanations have helped many of us improve our grades.
I also admire Sarah’s resilience and positive attitude. Last year, she faced a significant personal challenge when her father fell ill, but she managed to maintain her academic performance and even took on additional responsibilities at home. Her ability to persevere through adversity is truly inspiring.
What makes Sarah truly stand out is her genuine passion for learning. She’s not content with just getting good grades; she constantly seeks out new challenges and opportunities to expand her knowledge. Whether it’s attending tech conferences or working on personal coding projects, Sarah’s enthusiasm for our field is contagious and motivates those around her.
In conclusion, I admire Sarah for her outstanding work ethic, her commitment to helping others, her resilience in the face of challenges, and her genuine passion for learning. She embodies the qualities I strive to develop in myself, and her presence in our class has undoubtedly made me a better student and person.”
Admired classmate in IELTS Speaking test
Examiner: “What do you think makes someone a good classmate?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“In my opinion, a good classmate possesses several key qualities. Firstly, they should be supportive and cooperative, willing to help others and contribute to a positive learning environment. Secondly, reliability is crucial – someone who consistently shows up, participates in group projects, and follows through on commitments. Additionally, a good classmate should be respectful of diverse opinions and backgrounds, fostering an inclusive atmosphere. Lastly, I believe intellectual curiosity is important, as it can spark engaging discussions and motivate others to delve deeper into the subject matter.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “How do you think admiration for classmates can affect the learning environment?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe that admiration for classmates can have a significant positive impact on the learning environment. When students admire their peers, it often creates a culture of healthy competition and mutual respect. This can motivate individuals to strive for excellence in their own studies and personal development.
Moreover, admiration can foster a collaborative atmosphere where students are more willing to share knowledge and support one another. This can lead to improved academic performance across the entire class. When students see qualities they admire in their classmates, they may be inspired to develop these traits themselves, leading to personal growth.
However, it’s important to ensure that admiration doesn’t turn into unhealthy comparison or feelings of inadequacy. A balanced approach where students appreciate others’ strengths while recognizing their own unique abilities is ideal for creating a positive and productive learning environment.”
Describe a person who is hardworking is another topic that can help you prepare for questions about admirable qualities in classmates.
Examiner: “Do you think schools should actively encourage students to admire positive traits in their peers?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I believe schools should play an active role in encouraging students to recognize and admire positive traits in their peers. This approach can have numerous benefits for both individual students and the overall school community.
Firstly, by highlighting admirable qualities, schools can help students develop a deeper understanding of positive character traits and their importance in personal and professional success. This can serve as a form of indirect character education, encouraging students to aspire to these qualities themselves.
Secondly, acknowledging peers’ strengths can foster a more supportive and collaborative learning environment. When students appreciate each other’s abilities, they’re more likely to seek help from one another and work together effectively on group projects.
Moreover, this practice can boost self-esteem and motivation. When students receive recognition for their positive traits, it can reinforce those behaviors and encourage them to further develop their strengths.
However, it’s crucial for schools to implement this in a balanced and inclusive manner. The focus should be on recognizing a diverse range of qualities, not just academic achievements, to ensure all students have the opportunity to be admired for their unique strengths.
In conclusion, while it requires careful implementation, I believe actively encouraging peer admiration can significantly enhance the educational experience and prepare students for future success in their personal and professional lives.”
Peer recognition in a classroom setting
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test when describing a classmate you admire, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
Exemplary /ɪɡˈzempləri/ (adjective): Serving as a desirable model; very good.
Example: “Sarah’s work ethic is truly exemplary.”To hold in high regard (phrase): To greatly respect and admire someone.
Example: “I hold Sarah in high regard for her academic achievements and personal qualities.”Altruistic /ˌæltruˈɪstɪk/ (adjective): Showing a selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Example: “Her altruistic nature is evident in how she always helps struggling classmates.”To go above and beyond (idiom): To do more than is required or expected.
Example: “Sarah consistently goes above and beyond in her academic pursuits and extracurricular activities.”Intellectual curiosity (noun phrase): A strong desire to learn and understand new things.
Example: “Her intellectual curiosity drives her to explore topics beyond our course syllabus.”To embody /ɪmˈbɒdi/ (verb): To represent a quality or idea exactly.
Example: “Sarah embodies the qualities of an ideal student.”
Describe a person who has a special talent or ability can provide additional vocabulary and ideas for describing admirable qualities in classmates.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a classmate you admire:
Use specific examples: Don’t just list qualities; provide concrete instances that demonstrate these traits.
Vary your vocabulary: Use synonyms and avoid repetition to showcase your language range.
Employ complex sentence structures: Mix simple and compound-complex sentences to demonstrate grammatical range.
Show genuine enthusiasm: Your tone and delivery should convey sincere admiration for your classmate.
Connect ideas coherently: Use appropriate linking words to ensure your response flows logically.
Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with describing people and expressing admiration in various contexts.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and natural delivery are crucial factors in achieving a high score.
IELTS Speaking test preparation
By following these guidelines and incorporating the suggested vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in your IELTS Speaking test when describing a classmate you admire. Good luck with your preparation!