The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential figures and role models. One common topic is “Describe A Famous Person Who Acts As A Role Model.” This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Understanding the Task
Before we dive into specific examples and strategies, it’s crucial to understand what the examiner is looking for when asking about a famous role model. They want to assess your ability to:
- Describe a person clearly and coherently
- Express opinions and feelings
- Use a range of vocabulary related to personality and achievements
- Speak fluently and coherently on the topic
Famous Role Model Speaking
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you may encounter questions related to role models or famous people. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you have any role models?
- What qualities do you admire in a role model?
- Are there any famous people you look up to?
Let’s focus on question 3:
Examiner: Are there any famous people you look up to?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
Yes, I do admire some famous people. One person I really look up to is Malala Yousafzai. She’s a young activist from Pakistan who fights for girls’ education. I think she’s very brave and inspiring.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Absolutely. One public figure I particularly admire is Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. Her unwavering commitment to education rights, especially for girls in developing countries, is truly inspirational. What I find most remarkable about her is her resilience in the face of adversity and her ability to turn a personal tragedy into a global movement. Her eloquence and wisdom, particularly at such a young age, never cease to amaze me.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:
Cue Card
Describe a famous person who acts as a role model.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they have achieved
- Why you consider them a role model
- And explain how they have influenced you or others
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States. She’s achieved a lot in her life, from being a successful lawyer to becoming an advocate for health and education. I consider her a role model because she’s smart, confident, and cares about helping others. She’s influenced many people, especially young women, by showing that it’s possible to balance a successful career with family life. Her work on education has inspired me to value learning and try to make a difference in my community.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to discuss Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States, as a prominent figure who serves as an exceptional role model.
Michelle Obama has achieved remarkable success in various domains. She’s a Harvard-educated lawyer who had a thriving career before becoming the First Lady. During her time in the White House, she spearheaded initiatives focusing on health, education, and support for military families. Her autobiography, “Becoming,” became a global bestseller, further cementing her influence.
I consider her a role model for several compelling reasons. Firstly, her intellectual prowess and professional achievements demonstrate that with hard work and determination, one can reach great heights. Secondly, her unwavering commitment to public service, particularly in areas like child obesity and girls’ education, showcases how influential figures can use their platform for positive change. Lastly, her grace and dignity in the face of public scrutiny serve as a testament to her strength of character.
Michelle Obama has influenced countless individuals, myself included, in profound ways. Her emphasis on education has reinforced my belief in its transformative power. Her campaign “Let’s Move!” has inspired me to prioritize health and wellness in my own life. Moreover, her ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and passion has motivated me to improve my own communication skills.
On a broader scale, she has empowered a generation of young women, particularly women of color, by exemplifying leadership, intelligence, and compassion. Her message of inclusivity and her mantra, “When they go low, we go high,” have resonated with people worldwide, promoting a more empathetic and respectful discourse in our often divided times.
In conclusion, Michelle Obama stands out as a role model due to her multifaceted achievements, her dedication to public service, and her ability to inspire and influence people across different walks of life. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact one individual can have on society.
Follow-up Questions
- How do role models influence young people?
- Do you think celebrities make good role models? Why or why not?
Let’s focus on question 2:
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I think celebrities can be good role models, but it depends on the individual. Some celebrities use their fame to support good causes and set a positive example. However, others might not behave responsibly, which can be a bad influence on young people who look up to them.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The influence of celebrities as role models is a nuanced issue. On one hand, celebrities often have a significant platform and the potential to effect positive change. Many use their fame to raise awareness about important social issues, promote charitable causes, or inspire others through their personal achievements. Their success stories can serve as motivation for young people to pursue their dreams.
However, we must also consider the potential drawbacks. The intense scrutiny celebrities face can lead to unrealistic expectations and pressure, both for the celebrities themselves and their admirers. Moreover, the carefully curated public image of celebrities may not always reflect reality, potentially leading to disillusionment.
Ultimately, I believe the efficacy of celebrities as role models hinges on their actions, values, and how they handle their influence. Those who demonstrate integrity, use their platform responsibly, and show genuine commitment to causes beyond their personal gain can indeed be positive role models. However, it’s crucial for young people to develop critical thinking skills to discern between genuine role models and mere publicity stunts.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions:
- How has the concept of role models changed over time?
- Do you think social media influencers are replacing traditional role models?
- What role do parents play in shaping their children’s choice of role models?
Let’s focus on question 2:
Examiner: Do you think social media influencers are replacing traditional role models?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I think social media influencers are becoming more popular as role models, especially among young people. They’re often seen as more relatable than traditional celebrities. However, I don’t think they’ve completely replaced other role models like parents, teachers, or historical figures. It’s probably a mix of both now.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The rise of social media influencers has indeed significantly altered the landscape of role models, particularly for younger generations. These influencers often cultivate a sense of intimacy with their followers through constant engagement and seemingly unfiltered glimpses into their lives, which can make them appear more accessible and relatable than traditional role models.
However, I wouldn’t say they’re entirely replacing traditional role models, but rather supplementing them. The instantaneous and interactive nature of social media allows influencers to connect with their audience in ways that weren’t possible before, potentially amplifying their impact. Their ability to adapt quickly to trends and speak directly to niche interests can make them particularly appealing.
That said, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced perspective. Traditional role models such as parents, educators, community leaders, and historical figures still play a vital role in shaping values and aspirations. These figures often provide a depth of wisdom and life experience that many social media influencers, who may be focused on more superficial aspects of life, cannot match.
Moreover, the ephemeral nature of social media fame means that influencers can rise and fall from favor rapidly, which may lead to a more volatile and less stable set of role models for young people. There’s also the question of authenticity, as the curated nature of social media content can present an idealized and potentially misleading image.
In conclusion, while social media influencers are certainly gaining prominence as role models, I believe they’re creating a new category rather than fully replacing traditional ones. The key lies in fostering critical thinking skills that allow individuals, especially young people, to discern the values and behaviors worth emulating across all types of role models.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, incorporate sophisticated vocabulary and phrases into your responses. Here are some examples:
-
Unwavering commitment [ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ kəˈmɪtmənt] (noun phrase): Steady dedication to a cause or principle.
Example: Her unwavering commitment to human rights has inspired many activists. -
Spearhead [ˈspɪəhed] (verb): To lead or initiate an important action or movement.
Example: He spearheaded the campaign for environmental awareness in his community. -
Articulate [ɑːˈtɪkjʊleɪt] (verb): To express thoughts or feelings fluently and coherently.
Example: Despite the pressure, she articulated her ideas clearly during the debate. -
Nuanced [ˈnjuːɑːnst] (adjective): Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
Example: The issue requires a nuanced approach, considering all aspects of the problem. -
Cultivate [ˈkʌltɪveɪt] (verb): To try to acquire or develop a quality or skill.
Example: Good leaders cultivate strong relationships with their team members.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a famous role model:
- Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of role models from different fields to discuss.
- Practice elaboration: Don’t just state facts; explain why you admire these individuals.
- Use sophisticated language: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally.
- Show critical thinking: Discuss both positive and negative aspects of having role models.
- Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your pace and reduce hesitations.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your responses.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our guide on how to describe a good role model in IELTS Speaking. You might also find it helpful to read about how to describe a person who is very successful in their field, as this topic often overlaps with discussing role models.
By following these strategies and continuously practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss famous role models and achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
