The IELTS Speaking test can be challenging, especially when asked to describe a famous person from your country. This topic is quite common and has appeared in many past IELTS exams. In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively answer questions about a famous actor or actress from your country, with a focus on achieving a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the first part of the speaking test, the examiner may ask you some general questions about famous people or actors. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Do you like watching movies?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I enjoy watching movies. I try to watch at least one or two films a month, especially on weekends when I have more free time.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about cinema. I make it a point to watch a variety of films, from blockbusters to independent productions, at least once a week. It’s not just entertainment for me; I find that movies often provide valuable insights into different cultures and perspectives.
Who is your favorite actor or actress?
Band 6-7 Answer:
My favorite actor is Ngo Thanh Van. She’s very famous in Vietnam and has been in many popular movies.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’m particularly fond of Ngo Thanh Van, who’s arguably one of the most versatile and influential actresses in Vietnam. Her performances are consistently compelling, and I admire how she’s successfully transitioned from acting to producing and directing, making significant contributions to the Vietnamese film industry.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this part, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a famous actor:
Describe a famous actor or actress from your country
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they are famous for
- What kind of movies they usually act in
- And explain why you think they are popular
You’ll have one minute to prepare, and then you should speak for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample answer:
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about Ngo Thanh Van, a very famous actress in Vietnam. She’s known for her action roles and has been in many popular movies. She usually acts in action and drama films. I think she’s popular because she’s talented and works hard. Many people in Vietnam admire her.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to discuss Ngo Thanh Van, a prominent figure in the Vietnamese entertainment industry. She’s widely recognized for her versatility as an actress, producer, and director. Ngo Thanh Van initially gained fame through her roles in action films, where she showcased her impressive martial arts skills and physical prowess.
While she’s particularly renowned for her performances in action-packed movies like “Clash” and “The Rebel,” Ngo Thanh Van has successfully diversified her portfolio to include dramatic roles and even romantic comedies. This adaptability has allowed her to appeal to a broad audience and demonstrate her range as an actress.
I believe Ngo Thanh Van’s popularity stems from several factors. Firstly, her dedication to her craft is evident in the intensity and authenticity she brings to each role. Moreover, she’s broken barriers for Vietnamese actors by securing roles in international productions, including Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” and Netflix’s “The Old Guard.” This global recognition has elevated her status and made her a source of national pride.
Furthermore, Ngo Thanh Van has leveraged her success to promote and develop the Vietnamese film industry. By establishing her own production company and nurturing new talent, she’s played a pivotal role in elevating the quality and visibility of Vietnamese cinema on the world stage. This commitment to her country’s cultural growth has endeared her to many Vietnamese people, solidifying her position as not just a celebrity, but a cultural ambassador.
Follow-up questions
The examiner might ask additional questions after your long turn. Here are some examples with suggested answers:
- What challenges do you think actors face in their careers?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think actors face many challenges. They have to work long hours and might not always get good roles. They also have to deal with public attention, which can be difficult.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Actors undoubtedly face a myriad of challenges throughout their careers. One of the most significant hurdles is the inherent instability of the profession. The feast-or-famine nature of acting work can lead to financial insecurity and emotional stress. Additionally, actors must constantly reinvent themselves to avoid being typecast, which requires tremendous versatility and continuous skill development.
Moreover, the intense public scrutiny that comes with fame can be psychologically taxing. Actors often struggle to maintain a sense of privacy and normalcy in their personal lives. The pressure to maintain a certain image or physique can also take a toll on their mental and physical health.
Lastly, as the entertainment industry evolves, actors must adapt to new mediums and changing audience preferences, which can be particularly challenging for those who have established themselves in traditional formats.
- How has the film industry in your country changed in recent years?
Band 6-7 Answer:
The film industry in Vietnam has changed a lot. We now have more modern equipment and better special effects. More Vietnamese movies are being shown in other countries too.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The Vietnamese film industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. There’s been a notable shift towards higher production values, with filmmakers leveraging advanced technology to create more visually stunning and technically sophisticated movies.
We’ve also seen a diversification of genres. While historical dramas and romantic comedies have traditionally dominated the market, there’s now a growing appetite for action films, sci-fi, and even arthouse cinema. This broadening of scope has attracted a wider audience and stimulated creativity within the industry.
Furthermore, there’s been an increased focus on international collaboration. Many Vietnamese filmmakers are now seeking co-production opportunities with foreign studios, which has led to knowledge transfer and elevated the overall standard of our productions. This internationalization has also opened up new markets for Vietnamese films, with several recent releases gaining acclaim at international film festivals.
Lastly, the rise of streaming platforms has revolutionized distribution channels, providing filmmakers with new avenues to reach audiences both domestically and abroad. This has particularly benefited independent filmmakers, allowing for more diverse storytelling and niche content to find its audience.
Ngo Thanh Van, a famous Vietnamese actress
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some example questions and answers:
- How do you think social media has affected the lives of celebrities?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Social media has had a big impact on celebrities. It helps them connect with fans and promote their work. But it can also be stressful because people can easily criticize them online.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Social media has profoundly transformed the landscape for celebrities, offering both opportunities and challenges. On the positive side, it has provided an unprecedented platform for direct engagement with fans, allowing celebrities to cultivate a more personal brand and maintain relevance between projects. This direct line of communication can be particularly valuable for celebrities in building and sustaining their fanbase.
However, the constant connectivity also comes with significant drawbacks. The pressure to maintain an online presence can be exhausting, and the immediacy of social media means that any misstep can be amplified and scrutinized within minutes. This heightened level of scrutiny can take a toll on celebrities’ mental health and privacy.
Moreover, social media has blurred the lines between public and private life, making it increasingly challenging for celebrities to maintain boundaries. While some have leveraged this transparency to their advantage, others have found it intrusive and overwhelming.
Ultimately, while social media has undeniably expanded the reach and influence of celebrities, it has also introduced new complexities to fame that require careful navigation and management.
- Do you think actors have a responsibility to be good role models?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think actors should try to be good role models. Many people, especially young fans, look up to them. But it’s also important to remember that actors are human and can make mistakes.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The question of actors’ responsibility as role models is complex and nuanced. On one hand, given their significant influence and visibility, particularly among younger audiences, one could argue that actors have an inherent obligation to conduct themselves in a manner that sets a positive example. Their actions and words can shape societal norms and influence behavior on a large scale.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that actors are first and foremost artists and entertainers, not elected officials or moral leaders. Imposing the burden of being a role model might constrain their artistic expression and personal freedom. Additionally, the expectation of perfection can be unrealistic and potentially harmful, both to the actors themselves and to their fans who might develop unrealistic standards.
Perhaps a more balanced perspective is to recognize that while actors can use their platform responsibly and positively, they shouldn’t be held to an impossibly high standard. It’s important for the public to distinguish between an actor’s on-screen persona and their real-life personality, and to seek role models from a diverse range of fields, not just entertainment.
Ultimately, while actors can certainly contribute positively to society through their influence, the primary responsibility for being good role models should lie with parents, educators, and community leaders who have a more direct and consistent impact on individuals’ lives.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a variety of advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can help elevate your responses:
Versatile /ˈvɜːsətaɪl/ (adjective): Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.
Example: “Ngo Thanh Van is a versatile actress who excels in both action and dramatic roles.”Compelling /kəmˈpelɪŋ/ (adjective): Evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.
Example: “Her compelling performances often leave audiences deeply moved.”Pivotal /ˈpɪvətl/ (adjective): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
Example: “She played a pivotal role in promoting Vietnamese cinema internationally.”Endear /ɪnˈdɪə(r)/ (verb): Cause to be loved or liked.
Example: “Her down-to-earth personality has endeared her to fans across generations.”Scrutiny /ˈskruːtəni/ (noun): Critical observation or examination.
Example: “Celebrities often face intense public scrutiny of their personal lives.”Leverage /ˈliːvərɪdʒ/ (verb): Use (something) to maximum advantage.
Example: “Many actors leverage their fame to support charitable causes.”Diversify /daɪˈvɜːsɪfaɪ/ (verb): Make or become more diverse or varied.
Example: “Successful actors often diversify their roles to showcase their range.”Elevate /ˈelɪveɪt/ (verb): Raise or lift (something) to a higher position.
Example: “Her international success has helped to elevate the profile of Vietnamese cinema.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a famous actor or actress from your country, consider the following tips:
Prepare thoroughly: Research well-known actors from your country and be ready to discuss their careers, achievements, and impact on the film industry.
Use specific examples: When talking about an actor’s work, mention specific movies or roles to demonstrate your knowledge.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts about the actor. Explain why they’re popular, how they’ve influenced the industry, or what makes them unique.
Practice fluency: Aim to speak smoothly and confidently, without long pauses or hesitations.
Expand your vocabulary: Use a range of descriptive words and industry-specific terms to discuss acting and cinema.
Show critical thinking: In Part 3, be prepared to discuss broader topics related to fame, the film industry, and the role of celebrities in society.
Stay relevant: Always keep your answers relevant to the question asked, even when sharing additional information.
Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, make sure your responses sound natural and conversational, not memorized.
By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss famous actors from your country in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice is key to improving your performance and achieving a high band score.