As an IELTS Speaking examiner with years of experience, I’m excited to share insider tips on how to excel when describing a famous cultural figure from Vietnam. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests and is likely to remain popular. Let’s dive into strategies for impressing the examiner across all parts of the speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about cultural figures. Here’s a sample question with a suggested response:
Examiner: “Do you have a favorite cultural figure from your country?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do. One cultural figure I greatly admire is Trinh Cong Son, a renowned Vietnamese composer and musician. His poetic lyrics and melodious tunes have touched the hearts of many generations. I find his music deeply moving and reflective of Vietnamese culture.”
Vietnamese musician performing
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card on this topic:
Describe a famous cultural figure from your country
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they are famous for
- What you know about their life and work
- And explain why you think they are important to your country’s culture
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d like to talk about Nguyen Du, a prominent Vietnamese poet who lived in the 18th century. He’s best known for writing ‘The Tale of Kieu‘, which is considered a masterpiece of Vietnamese literature.
Nguyen Du was born into a noble family but experienced many hardships in his life. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, he created a work that resonates deeply with Vietnamese people. ‘The Tale of Kieu’ is a 3,254-line verse novel that tells the story of a young woman’s struggles and sacrifices.
What makes Nguyen Du so important to Vietnamese culture is how his work encapsulates Vietnamese values and philosophy. The tale explores themes of fate, loyalty, and the human condition, which are central to Vietnamese thinking. It’s so ingrained in our culture that even today, people often quote lines from the poem in daily conversation.
Moreover, Nguyen Du’s work has helped preserve classical Vietnamese language. In a time when many young people are more exposed to foreign cultures, his poetry serves as a link to our literary heritage.
I believe Nguyen Du’s contribution to Vietnamese culture is immeasurable. His work not only showcases the beauty of our language but also reflects the soul of our nation. It’s a source of national pride and continues to inspire artists and writers to this day.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss Huynh Tan Phat, a renowned Vietnamese architect who has left an indelible mark on our country’s cultural landscape. Phat is celebrated for his innovative designs that seamlessly blend traditional Vietnamese aesthetics with modern architectural principles.
Born in the early 20th century, Phat’s life spanned a period of significant change in Vietnam. He studied architecture in France but returned to Vietnam with a passion for preserving and evolving Vietnamese architectural identity. His most famous work is perhaps the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City, a building that symbolizes the fusion of East and West in its design.
Phat’s work is characterized by its thoughtful integration of local materials, adaptation to Vietnam’s tropical climate, and incorporation of traditional motifs into modern structures. He was a pioneer in sustainable architecture before it became a global trend, often incorporating natural ventilation and shading techniques in his designs.
The significance of Huynh Tan Phat to Vietnamese culture cannot be overstated. His architecture serves as a tangible representation of Vietnam’s cultural evolution. By harmonizing traditional elements with modern functionality, Phat’s work embodies the spirit of a nation in transition, preserving its heritage while embracing progress.
Furthermore, Phat’s influence extends beyond individual buildings. He established Vietnam’s first faculty of architecture and mentored numerous young architects, thereby shaping the future of Vietnamese urban landscapes. His legacy continues to inspire a new generation of designers to create spaces that are both culturally rooted and forward-looking.
In essence, Huynh Tan Phat’s contribution to Vietnamese culture lies not just in the buildings he created, but in the architectural philosophy he fostered – one that respects tradition, embraces innovation, and reflects the Vietnamese identity. His work stands as a testament to the power of cultural synthesis and continues to be a source of national pride and inspiration.”
Follow-up questions:
Examiner: “How do you think cultural figures influence young people in Vietnam?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Cultural figures have a significant impact on Vietnamese youth. They often serve as role models, inspiring young people to pursue their passions and preserve traditional values. Many young Vietnamese look up to these figures for guidance on balancing modernity with cultural heritage.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The influence of cultural figures on Vietnamese youth is multi-faceted and profound. These icons often serve as catalysts for cultural awareness and pride, inspiring young people to delve deeper into their roots while navigating the complexities of globalization. Moreover, cultural figures frequently bridge generational gaps, providing a common ground for dialogue between the youth and older generations, thus fostering a sense of continuity in our rapidly changing society.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “How has the role of cultural figures in society changed over time in Vietnam?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“The role of cultural figures in Vietnam has evolved significantly over time. In the past, they were often revered almost like deities, with their work being strictly preserved and interpreted. Now, cultural figures are seen more as inspirational individuals whose work can be reinterpreted and adapted for modern contexts. There’s also a greater emphasis on their personal lives and experiences, not just their artistic output.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The transformation of cultural figures’ roles in Vietnamese society has been profound and multifaceted. Historically, these individuals were often enshrined in a somewhat rigid cultural canon, their works treated with near-sacrosanct reverence. However, the contemporary perspective has shifted towards a more nuanced and humanizing approach.
Today, cultural figures are increasingly seen as conduits for cultural dialogue and evolution. Their works are not merely preserved but actively engaged with, reinterpreted, and even challenged by newer generations. This shift reflects a broader change in Vietnamese society, moving from a more hierarchical, tradition-bound structure to one that values individual interpretation and cultural fluidity.
Moreover, the digital age has dramatically altered how cultural figures are perceived and interacted with. Social media and online platforms have democratized access to information about these individuals, leading to a more intimate and immediate connection between cultural icons and the public. This has both humanized these figures and expanded their influence, allowing for a more dynamic and participatory cultural discourse.
Interestingly, this evolution has also led to a reevaluation of what constitutes a cultural figure in Vietnam. Alongside traditional artists and intellectuals, we now see digital content creators, social entrepreneurs, and cross-cultural ambassadors being recognized for their cultural contributions. This broadening of the cultural landscape reflects Vietnam’s ongoing negotiation between tradition and modernity, local identity and global citizenship.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Indelible mark (adjective + noun)
/ɪnˈdelɪbl mɑːrk/
Meaning: A lasting impact or impression
Example: “The architect’s designs left an indelible mark on the city’s skyline.” -
Cultural synthesis (noun phrase)
/ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈsɪnθəsɪs/
Meaning: The blending of different cultural elements
Example: “His music represents a beautiful cultural synthesis of Eastern and Western influences.” -
Embody (verb)
/ɪmˈbɒdi/
Meaning: To represent or express an idea or quality
Example: “Her paintings embody the spirit of modern Vietnam.” -
Catalyst (noun)
/ˈkætəlɪst/
Meaning: Something that causes an important change or event
Example: “The artist’s controversial exhibition acted as a catalyst for discussions about freedom of expression.” -
Nuanced (adjective)
/ˈnjuːɑːnst/
Meaning: Characterized by subtle differences
Example: “The poet’s work offers a nuanced exploration of Vietnamese identity.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a famous cultural figure:
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Research thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with various cultural figures from Vietnam, their works, and their impact on society.
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Practice articulating complex ideas: Work on expressing abstract concepts related to culture and identity clearly and coherently.
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Develop your vocabulary: Learn and use sophisticated terms related to culture, art, and society.
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Improve your pronunciation: Focus on clearly enunciating challenging words and names.
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Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and idiomatic expressions to demonstrate language proficiency.
Remember, the key to success is not just knowing about cultural figures, but being able to discuss their significance eloquently and thoughtfully.
For more practice on describing famous figures, you might find these resources helpful:
- Describe a famous actor or singer from your country
- Describe a famous artist or musician in your country
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about cultural figures in your IELTS Speaking test.
