Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Famous Businessperson in Your Country

Are you preparing for the IELTS Speaking test and wondering how to tackle questions about describing a famous businessperson in your country? This comprehensive guide will provide you with valuable insights, sample answers, and expert tips to help you excel in this topic. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Topic

The topic “Describe a famous businessperson in your country” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. It allows examiners to assess your ability to talk about influential figures, business success, and cultural aspects of your country. This topic is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its versatility and cultural significance.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions related to business and famous people. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Question: Do you know any famous businesspeople in your country?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. One of the most well-known businesspeople in Vietnam is Pham Nhat Vuong. He’s the founder of Vingroup, a large conglomerate in our country.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! Vietnam has seen a surge in entrepreneurial success stories in recent years. One standout figure is Pham Nhat Vuong, the founder and chairman of Vingroup. He’s widely recognized as Vietnam’s first billionaire and has played a pivotal role in transforming various sectors, including real estate, technology, and automotive industries.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a famous businessperson:

Describe a famous businessperson in your country
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What business they are in
• How they became successful
• And explain why you think they are famous

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:

I’d like to talk about Pham Nhat Vuong, a famous businessman in Vietnam. He is the founder and chairman of Vingroup, which is one of the largest conglomerates in our country.

Vuong started his business journey in Ukraine, where he opened a small instant noodle company. This venture became very successful, and he eventually sold it for a good profit. With this money, he returned to Vietnam and invested in real estate.

Over the years, he expanded his business into various sectors, including retail, healthcare, education, and technology. His company now owns shopping malls, hospitals, schools, and even produces smartphones and electric cars.

I think Vuong is famous because he’s considered Vietnam’s first billionaire. He’s also known for his ambitious projects and his efforts to modernize Vietnam’s economy. Many people see him as a symbol of success and admire his business acumen.

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:

I’d like to discuss Pham Nhat Vuong, a prominent figure in Vietnam’s business landscape. As the founder and chairman of Vingroup, one of the country’s largest conglomerates, Vuong has left an indelible mark on various sectors of the Vietnamese economy.

Vuong’s entrepreneurial journey began in Ukraine in the 1990s, where he astutely identified a gap in the market for instant noodles. His company, Technocom, rapidly gained traction and eventually became Ukraine’s leading instant noodle producer. This initial success laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

Upon returning to Vietnam, Vuong strategically pivoted into real estate, capitalizing on the country’s burgeoning property market. Over time, he diversified Vingroup’s portfolio, expanding into retail, healthcare, education, and technology. The company now boasts an impressive array of ventures, including luxury resorts, state-of-the-art hospitals, international schools, and even an ambitious foray into electric vehicle production.

Vuong’s fame stems from several factors. Firstly, he holds the distinction of being Vietnam’s first billionaire, a testament to his business acumen and the scale of his success. Secondly, his visionary approach to business has played a pivotal role in modernizing various sectors of the Vietnamese economy. His projects, such as VinFast (the country’s first domestic car manufacturer), demonstrate a commitment to innovation and putting Vietnam on the global map.

Moreover, Vuong’s rags-to-riches story resonates deeply with many Vietnamese people. His journey from a modest background to becoming one of Asia’s wealthiest individuals serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs. His success embodies the potential for upward mobility in Vietnam’s rapidly developing economy.

In essence, Pham Nhat Vuong’s fame is a confluence of his remarkable business achievements, his role in shaping Vietnam’s economic landscape, and his status as a national icon of success. His story not only captivates the public imagination but also symbolizes the transformative power of entrepreneurship in driving national progress.

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has this person’s success impacted your country’s economy?
2. Do you think it’s important for businesspeople to give back to society? Why or why not?

Band 6-7 Sample Answer for Question 1:
Pham Nhat Vuong’s success has had a significant impact on Vietnam’s economy. His companies have created many jobs and contributed to the development of various sectors like real estate and technology. This has helped boost economic growth and modernize the country.

Band 8-9 Sample Answer for Question 1:
Pham Nhat Vuong’s success has profoundly influenced Vietnam’s economic landscape. His conglomerate, Vingroup, has been instrumental in driving modernization across multiple sectors. The company’s investments in real estate have transformed urban skylines, while its ventures in retail have revolutionized the shopping experience for many Vietnamese consumers.

Moreover, Vuong’s foray into technology and automotive industries has positioned Vietnam as a potential player in high-tech manufacturing. This diversification has not only created numerous employment opportunities but also stimulated innovation and attracted foreign investment. The ripple effect of his success has catalyzed growth in related industries and contributed significantly to Vietnam’s GDP.

Perhaps most importantly, Vuong’s success story has instilled confidence in Vietnam’s economic potential, both domestically and internationally. It has demonstrated the viability of large-scale, diversified business models in the Vietnamese context, potentially paving the way for future entrepreneurs and further economic development.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example:

Question: What qualities do you think are essential for a successful businessperson?

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
I believe that successful businesspeople need to be hardworking, innovative, and good at problem-solving. They should also have strong leadership skills and be able to take calculated risks. Additionally, being adaptable to change is crucial in today’s fast-paced business world.

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
In my opinion, a constellation of qualities contributes to a businessperson’s success. Foremost among these is visionary thinking – the ability to identify opportunities and conceptualize innovative solutions that address market needs. This forward-thinking approach must be coupled with tenacity and resilience, as the path to success is often fraught with challenges and setbacks.

Equally crucial is emotional intelligence, which encompasses self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. Successful businesspeople must be adept at building and nurturing relationships, whether with employees, clients, or stakeholders.

Adaptability is another indispensable trait, particularly in our rapidly evolving global economy. The ability to pivot strategically in response to market shifts or technological advancements can spell the difference between thriving and merely surviving.

Moreover, ethical leadership is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of sustainable success. This involves not only making sound business decisions but also considering the broader societal and environmental implications of one’s actions.

Lastly, I believe that continuous learning and intellectual curiosity are vital. The business landscape is constantly in flux, and those who remain intellectually stagnant risk obsolescence. Successful businesspeople cultivate a growth mindset, always seeking new knowledge and perspectives to inform their decisions and strategies.

Successful businessman

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

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

1. Entrepreneurial acumen (noun phrase) – /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːriəl əˈkjuːmən/ – Skill in making correct business decisions
   Example: His entrepreneurial acumen led to the rapid expansion of his startup.

2. Visionary leader (noun phrase) – /ˈvɪʒənəri ˈliːdə(r)/ – A person with original ideas about what the future will or could be like
   Example: As a visionary leader, she anticipated market trends years before her competitors.

3. Paradigm shift (noun phrase) – /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ – A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
   Example: The company’s new business model represented a paradigm shift in the industry.

4. Disruptive innovation (noun phrase) – /dɪsˈrʌptɪv ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – An innovation that creates a new market and value network
   Example: Their disruptive innovation completely transformed how people shop online.

5. Corporate social responsibility (noun phrase) – /ˈkɔːpərət ˌsəʊʃl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – A company’s commitment to manage its environmental and social impacts
   Example: The CEO prioritized corporate social responsibility, implementing various community outreach programs.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing famous businesspeople:

1. Develop a broad knowledge base: Familiarize yourself with various successful businesspeople from your country and their contributions.

2. Practice articulating complex ideas: Work on explaining business concepts and success factors clearly and coherently.

3. Enhance your vocabulary: Incorporate business-specific terminology and advanced vocabulary naturally in your responses.

4. Provide specific examples: Support your points with relevant examples from the businessperson’s career or achievements.

5. Demonstrate critical thinking: Offer thoughtful insights into the impact of business success on society and the economy.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about famous businesspeople in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak confidently, use a range of vocabulary, and provide well-structured, detailed responses.