The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people from history. Being prepared to discuss a famous historical figure can significantly boost your confidence and performance. This guide will help you craft impressive responses for this common topic across all parts of the speaking test.
IELTS Speaking Test Preparation
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you may encounter questions related to history or influential people. Here are some possible questions with sample answers:
- Do you enjoy learning about history?
- Who is a historical figure you admire?
- How do you think historical figures impact society today?
Let’s focus on question 2:
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I have great admiration for Mahatma Gandhi. His philosophy of non-violent resistance has had a profound impact on civil rights movements worldwide. What fascinates me most about Gandhi is his unwavering commitment to peaceful protest, even in the face of extreme opposition.”
Key features:
- Uses advanced vocabulary: “admiration”, “profound impact”, “fascinates”
- Demonstrates knowledge of the historical figure’s contributions
- Expresses personal opinion clearly
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card on describing a famous historical figure:
Describe A Famous Historical Figure you admire. You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they are famous for
- When they lived
- And explain why you admire them
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d like to talk about Nelson Mandela, a prominent figure in South African history and global politics. Mandela is renowned for his role in ending apartheid and promoting racial reconciliation in South Africa.
Born in 1918, Mandela lived through some of the most tumultuous periods of South African history. He spent 27 years in prison for his anti-apartheid activities before being released in 1990. Subsequently, he became South Africa’s first democratically elected president in 1994.
I profoundly admire Mandela for several reasons. Firstly, his unwavering commitment to equality and justice, even in the face of severe personal hardship, is truly inspirational. Despite spending nearly three decades in prison, he emerged without bitterness and advocated for peace and reconciliation.
Secondly, Mandela’s leadership skills were exceptional. He navigated the complex transition from apartheid to democracy with remarkable wisdom and foresight, preventing potential civil war and fostering a spirit of unity in a deeply divided nation.
Lastly, I’m impressed by Mandela’s humility and dedication to public service. Even after retiring from politics, he continued to work for social causes, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
In conclusion, Nelson Mandela’s life exemplifies the power of perseverance, forgiveness, and visionary leadership. His legacy continues to inspire people worldwide to stand up for justice and equality.”
Key features:
- Well-structured response following the cue card prompts
- Uses a range of advanced vocabulary and expressions (bolded)
- Provides specific details about Mandela’s life and achievements
- Clearly explains reasons for admiration with examples
Follow-up questions:
- How do you think historical figures like Mandela influence young people today?
- In what ways can we learn from historical figures to address current global issues?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Historical figures like Mandela exert a profound influence on today’s youth in multiple ways. Firstly, they serve as role models, demonstrating that individuals can effect significant change through perseverance and principled action. This can be incredibly empowering for young people facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Moreover, figures like Mandela provide a historical context for contemporary issues. By studying Mandela’s struggle against apartheid, young people can gain a deeper understanding of ongoing racial inequalities and the importance of continued efforts for social justice.
Additionally, the values embodied by such figures – courage, integrity, forgiveness – can shape the moral compass of younger generations. In an era of rapid change and complex ethical dilemmas, these timeless principles can guide young people in making decisions and taking stands on important issues.
Lastly, the global impact of leaders like Mandela inspires young people to think beyond national boundaries and consider their role in addressing international challenges. This broadened perspective is crucial in our increasingly interconnected world.”
Key features:
- Provides a comprehensive, multi-faceted response
- Uses sophisticated vocabulary and expressions (bolded)
- Demonstrates critical thinking by linking historical influence to contemporary contexts
- Maintains a clear structure throughout the response
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to historical figures and their impact. Here are some possible questions:
- How do you think the way we perceive historical figures has changed over time?
- What role do you think education plays in shaping our understanding of historical figures?
- Do you think it’s important to have national heroes? Why or why not?
Let’s focus on question 1:
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The perception of historical figures has undeniably evolved over time, influenced by various factors. One significant change is the shift towards a more nuanced understanding of these individuals. In the past, historical figures were often portrayed in black and white terms – either as flawless heroes or villains. However, modern historiography tends to present a more balanced view, acknowledging both their achievements and flaws.
This shift can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, advancements in historical research and the availability of new sources have allowed us to gain deeper insights into the lives and motivations of historical figures. This has often led to the demystification of long-held beliefs and the uncovering of previously overlooked aspects of their characters or actions.
Secondly, changing societal values have prompted us to re-evaluate historical figures through contemporary lenses. For instance, individuals once celebrated for their conquests might now be scrutinized for their treatment of indigenous peoples or their role in colonialism.
Moreover, the democratization of information through the internet and social media has allowed for a wider range of voices and perspectives to be heard. This has challenged traditional narratives and brought attention to historical figures who may have been marginalized in conventional accounts.
Lastly, there’s a growing recognition of the complexity of human nature and historical contexts. We’re more likely now to consider the societal norms and pressures of the time when judging historical actions, leading to a more contextualized understanding of these figures.
In conclusion, our perception of historical figures has become more complex and multifaceted over time, reflecting broader changes in historical methodology, societal values, and information dissemination.”
Key features:
- Provides a comprehensive, well-structured response
- Uses a wide range of advanced vocabulary and expressions (bolded)
- Demonstrates critical thinking by analyzing multiple factors
- Offers specific examples to support points
- Concludes with a clear summary of main ideas
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Influential /ɪnfluˈenʃəl/ (adj): Having great influence on someone or something
Example: Gandhi was an influential figure in India’s independence movement. -
Legacy /ˈleɡəsi/ (n): Something left or handed down by a predecessor
Example: Nelson Mandela’s legacy of reconciliation continues to inspire people worldwide. -
Visionary /ˈvɪʒəneri/ (adj): Thinking about or planning the future with imagination or wisdom
Example: Steve Jobs was known for his visionary approach to technology and design. -
Pioneering /ˌpaɪəˈnɪərɪŋ/ (adj): Introducing new and better methods or ideas for the first time
Example: Marie Curie’s pioneering research in radioactivity paved the way for modern cancer treatments. -
Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ (n): Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success
Example: Thomas Edison’s perseverance led to the invention of the light bulb after thousands of failed attempts.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing historical figures:
- Prepare a range of historical figures from different fields and eras to discuss.
- Practice explaining their significance using specific examples and advanced vocabulary.
- Develop your ability to analyze the impact of historical figures on contemporary issues.
- Work on linking your ideas coherently and expanding your answers with relevant details.
- Enhance your pronunciation and fluency by regularly practicing speaking about historical topics.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just knowing about historical figures, but being able to discuss them articulately and critically. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
