The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about well-known figures from your homeland. Being prepared to describe a famous personality in your country can significantly boost your confidence and performance. This topic has been a recurring theme in past exams and is likely to appear in future tests as well. Let’s explore how to tackle this subject effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about famous people. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Question: Do you have a favorite celebrity from your country?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do. I’m a big admirer of Nguyen Xuan Phuc, our former Prime Minister. What stands out to me is his dedication to public service and his efforts to modernize our country’s economy. I find his journey from a rural background to the highest office in the land quite inspiring.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe a famous person from your country
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What they do
• Why they are famous
• And explain why you admire this person

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about Tran Hung Dao, a revered historical figure in Vietnam. He was a brilliant military commander and strategist who lived in the 13th century during the Tran dynasty.

Tran Hung Dao is famous for his exceptional leadership in repelling Mongol invasions, which were among the most formidable military forces of that era. His tactical genius and unwavering patriotism enabled Vietnam to maintain its independence against overwhelming odds.

What truly sets Tran Hung Dao apart is not just his military prowess, but his character and wisdom. He’s known for his “Binh Thu Yeu Luoc” (Essential Matters of Military Art), a comprehensive guide on warfare strategy that’s still studied today. This demonstrates his forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of military science.

I deeply admire Tran Hung Dao for several reasons. Firstly, his selfless dedication to his country is truly inspiring. Despite his royal lineage, he prioritized national interests over personal gain. Secondly, his strategic mind and ability to unite people against a common threat showcase exceptional leadership qualities. Lastly, the fact that he’s still revered today, centuries after his time, speaks volumes about his lasting impact on Vietnamese culture and national identity.

Tran Hung Dao’s legacy serves as a constant reminder of the power of determination, wisdom, and patriotism. His life story continues to inspire generations of Vietnamese people, including myself, to strive for excellence and to always put the greater good above personal interests.”

Statue of Tran Hung Dao in Hanoi

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has this person influenced your country’s culture?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Tran Hung Dao has had a profound impact on Vietnamese culture. His military strategies are still studied in schools, and many streets and institutions are named after him. More importantly, he symbolizes national unity and resistance against foreign invasion, values that are deeply ingrained in our cultural identity.”

2. Do you think it’s important for countries to have national heroes?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. National heroes play a crucial role in shaping a country’s identity and values. They serve as role models and sources of inspiration, especially for younger generations. Moreover, these figures often embody the best qualities and aspirations of a nation, providing a shared narrative that can unite people across different backgrounds. However, it’s also important to approach these historical figures with a balanced perspective, acknowledging both their achievements and their human fallibilities.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Question: How do you think the concept of fame has changed in recent years?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“The concept of fame has undergone significant changes in recent years, largely due to the rise of social media and digital platforms. In the past, fame was often associated with exceptional talents or achievements in fields like sports, arts, or politics. However, nowadays, people can become famous simply by creating engaging content online or going viral.

This shift has both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, it has democratized fame, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain recognition. However, it has also led to a culture of instant celebrity, where fame can be fleeting and not necessarily based on substantial achievements.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The notion of fame has undergone a radical transformation in recent years, primarily driven by the proliferation of digital media and the democratization of content creation. Traditionally, fame was often the result of extraordinary accomplishments in specific domains, be it the arts, sciences, or public service. However, the contemporary landscape of fame is markedly different.

The advent of social media platforms has created a new paradigm of celebrity, where individuals can attain widespread recognition through viral content, relatable personalities, or niche expertise. This shift has blurred the lines between traditional celebrities and ‘influencers’, leading to a more diverse and dynamic concept of fame.

While this democratization of fame has its merits, such as providing platforms for underrepresented voices and fostering global connections, it also presents challenges. The ephemeral nature of internet fame can lead to a culture of constant content creation and self-promotion, potentially prioritizing visibility over substance. Moreover, the ease of achieving online fame has raised questions about the longevity and depth of such recognition compared to fame earned through sustained achievement in traditional fields.

This evolution in the concept of fame reflects broader societal changes, including shifts in how we consume media, form communities, and assign value to different forms of accomplishment. It underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of celebrity and influence in the digital age.”

Social media influencer gaining fame

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Revered (adjective) /rɪˈvɪəd/ – deeply respected and admired
   Example: Tran Hung Dao is a revered figure in Vietnamese history.

2. Tactical genius (noun phrase) /ˈtæktɪkl ˈdʒiːniəs/ – exceptional skill in planning and executing strategies
   Example: His tactical genius was evident in the way he outmaneuvered the Mongol forces.

3. Unwavering patriotism (noun phrase) /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ ˈpætriətɪzəm/ – strong, consistent love and support for one’s country
   Example: Tran Hung Dao’s unwavering patriotism inspired his troops to fight bravely.

4. To prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ – to give importance to something over other things
   Example: He prioritized national interests over personal gain.

5. Legacy (noun) /ˈlegəsi/ – something handed down from the past
   Example: Tran Hung Dao’s legacy continues to inspire Vietnamese people today.

6. To embody (verb) /ɪmˈbɒdi/ – to represent an idea or quality perfectly
   Example: National heroes often embody the best qualities of a nation.

7. Paradigm shift (noun phrase) /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ – a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
   Example: The rise of social media has caused a paradigm shift in how we perceive fame.

8. Democratization (noun) /dɪˌmɒkrətaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – the process of making something accessible to everyone
   Example: The internet has led to the democratization of fame.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in describing famous people during your IELTS Speaking test:

1. Research thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with various famous figures from your country, including historical and contemporary personalities.

2. Practice regularly: Use the vocabulary and phrases provided in this guide in your daily conversations to make them sound natural.

3. Develop personal opinions: Don’t just state facts; explain why you admire the person and how they’ve influenced you or your country.

4. Use a variety of tenses: When describing a historical figure, mix past and present tenses appropriately to discuss their actions and lasting impact.

5. Provide specific examples: Support your points with concrete examples or anecdotes about the famous person.

6. Stay relevant: Always tie your answers back to the question asked, ensuring you’re addressing all parts of the cue card in Part 2.

7. Expand your answers: In Part 3, use the topic as a springboard to discuss broader issues related to fame, influence, and societal values.

By following these tips and utilizing the sample answers provided, you’ll be well-prepared to describe a famous sportsperson from your country or any other notable figure during your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak confidently, use a range of vocabulary, and express your ideas clearly and coherently.