Mastering the IELTS Speaking Test: How to Describe a Famous Entrepreneur You Admire

The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to influential figures, and describing a famous entrepreneur you admire is a common theme. This subject has appeared in past exams and is likely to resurface in future tests. To help you prepare effectively, let’s explore how to tackle this topic with confidence and eloquence.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about entrepreneurs and business. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Examiner: Do you think it’s important for young people to learn about entrepreneurship?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
Absolutely! I believe it’s crucial for young people to learn about entrepreneurship for several reasons. Firstly, it fosters creativity and innovation, which are essential skills in today’s rapidly changing job market. Secondly, understanding entrepreneurship can help young individuals develop a problem-solving mindset, which is valuable in any career path. Lastly, exposure to entrepreneurial concepts can inspire young people to pursue their own business ideas and potentially create jobs for others in the future.

Describe a person who has been a role model to you is a related topic that could help you prepare for discussing influential figures in your life, including entrepreneurs who have inspired you.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a famous entrepreneur you admire
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they have achieved
- Why you admire them
And explain how this person has influenced you or others

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

I’d like to talk about Elon Musk, a renowned entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to various industries. Musk is the co-founder of PayPal and the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, among other ventures.

Musk has achieved remarkable success in multiple fields. He revolutionized online payments with PayPal, which paved the way for secure digital transactions. With Tesla, he’s spearheading the transition to sustainable energy by producing electric vehicles and solar energy solutions. Perhaps most ambitiously, through SpaceX, he’s pushing the boundaries of space exploration and working towards making space travel more accessible.

I admire Musk for his visionary thinking and unwavering determination. He consistently tackles complex, seemingly impossible challenges and often succeeds against overwhelming odds. His ability to innovate across diverse industries is truly inspiring.

Musk’s influence extends far beyond his immediate business ventures. He has sparked renewed interest in space exploration and accelerated the adoption of electric vehicles worldwide. Personally, he has inspired me to think bigger and not be afraid of pursuing ambitious goals. His approach to problem-solving, which involves breaking down complex issues into fundamental principles, has influenced my own thought processes and how I approach challenges in my life and work.

Elon Musk: Entrepreneur and Visionary

Follow-up questions:

1. Examiner: What qualities do you think make a successful entrepreneur?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
I believe several key qualities contribute to an entrepreneur’s success. Firstness, visionary thinking is crucial – the ability to identify opportunities and imagine innovative solutions. Secondly, resilience is vital, as entrepreneurs often face numerous setbacks and must persevere through challenges. Additionally, adaptability is essential in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. Successful entrepreneurs must also possess strong leadership skills to inspire and guide their teams. Lastly, I think a willingness to take calculated risks is important, as entrepreneurship often involves venturing into uncharted territory.

2. Examiner: Do you think entrepreneurship can be taught, or is it an innate ability?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
In my opinion, entrepreneurship is a combination of both innate abilities and learned skills. While some people may naturally possess certain traits that lend themselves well to entrepreneurship, such as creativity or risk-taking tendencies, many aspects of running a successful business can definitely be taught. For instance, financial management, marketing strategies, and leadership skills can all be learned through education and experience. I believe that with proper guidance and resources, many individuals can develop the necessary skills to become successful entrepreneurs, even if they don’t start out with a natural inclination towards it.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How has the role of entrepreneurs changed in society over the past few decades?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
The role of entrepreneurs in society has evolved significantly over the past few decades. Historically, entrepreneurs were primarily seen as business owners or inventors. However, in recent years, their role has expanded to include social change agents and innovators who address global challenges.

Firstly, the digital revolution has created unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs to disrupt traditional industries and create entirely new markets. This has led to the rise of tech entrepreneurs who have transformed how we live and work.

Secondly, there’s been a growing emphasis on social entrepreneurship. Many modern entrepreneurs are not just focused on profit but also on creating positive social impact. They’re tackling issues like climate change, poverty, and healthcare through innovative business models.

Furthermore, entrepreneurs are now often seen as thought leaders and influencers, shaping public opinion and policy on various issues. Their platforms have expanded beyond their businesses to include social media, public speaking, and even politics.

Lastly, the globalization of markets has allowed entrepreneurs to have a much wider reach and impact. They can now easily operate on a global scale, connecting with customers and partners worldwide.

This shift has led to entrepreneurs playing a more prominent role in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and addressing societal challenges on a scale that was previously unimaginable.

Describe a person who inspires you to follow your dreams is another topic that could help you discuss the impact of influential entrepreneurs on personal aspirations.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Visionary thinking /ˈvɪʒəneri ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ (noun phrase): The ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom.
   Example: Her visionary thinking led to the development of groundbreaking technology.

2. Disrupt /dɪsˈrʌpt/ (verb): To radically change how an industry or market functions.
   Example: The startup aims to disrupt the traditional banking sector with its innovative fintech solutions.

3. Spearhead /ˈspɪəhed/ (verb): To lead an attack or movement.
   Example: The entrepreneur spearheaded the campaign for sustainable business practices.

4. Unwavering determination /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ dɪˌtɜːmɪˈneɪʃən/ (noun phrase): Firm purpose or intention that does not change.
   Example: Her unwavering determination helped her overcome numerous obstacles in building her company.

5. Social entrepreneurship /ˈsəʊʃəl ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːʃɪp/ (noun): The use of start-up companies and other entrepreneurs to develop, fund and implement solutions to social, cultural, or environmental issues.
   Example: Many young entrepreneurs are now focusing on social entrepreneurship to make a positive impact on society.

Entrepreneur Brainstorming Ideas

Examiner’s Advice

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

1. Prepare a range of relevant vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with business and entrepreneurship-related terms and use them naturally in your responses.

2. Practice describing different entrepreneurs: This will help you become more comfortable with the topic and improve your fluency.

3. Develop your ideas fully: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and provide examples to support your points.

4. Work on your pronunciation and intonation: Clear pronunciation and natural intonation will enhance the overall quality of your speech.

5. Stay up-to-date with current business trends: This will allow you to provide relevant and insightful responses, especially in Part 3 discussions.

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 the ability to express your ideas clearly are crucial factors in achieving a high score.

Describe a famous public figure in your country is another topic that can help you practice discussing influential individuals, which may include entrepreneurs who have made a significant impact on your nation.