The topic of describing a famous person you want to meet is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to express personal preferences, describe people, and discuss hypothetical situations. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask some general questions about famous people or your interests in meeting them. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- Do you have any interest in famous people?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I’m quite interested in famous people, especially those in the entertainment industry. I enjoy reading about their lives and careers in magazines and online articles.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Indeed, I have a keen interest in certain famous individuals, particularly those who have made significant contributions to society. I find it fascinating to learn about their journeys, challenges, and the impact they’ve had on their respective fields.”
- What kind of famous people are you most interested in?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’m most interested in musicians and actors. I love watching movies and listening to music, so I’m always curious about the people behind these forms of entertainment.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’m particularly drawn to innovators and thought leaders in fields like technology and science. Figures such as Elon Musk or Jane Goodall captivate me because of their groundbreaking work and the way they challenge conventional thinking in their respective domains.”
Describe a famous building you would like to visit is another common IELTS Speaking topic that allows you to showcase your descriptive skills and cultural knowledge.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a famous person you want to meet in the future.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they are famous for
- Why you want to meet them
- What you would say or do if you met themBand 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to meet Elon Musk in the future. He’s a famous entrepreneur and inventor, known for founding companies like Tesla and SpaceX. I want to meet him because I’m really interested in technology and space exploration. If I met him, I’d probably ask him about his vision for the future of space travel and electric cars. I think it would be exciting to hear his ideas firsthand.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The famous person I aspire to meet in the future is Dr. Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist and anthropologist. She’s internationally acclaimed for her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania, which has revolutionized our understanding of these primates and their similarities to humans.
My desire to meet Dr. Goodall stems from my profound admiration for her tireless dedication to wildlife conservation and environmental advocacy. Her work has not only contributed immensely to scientific knowledge but has also inspired generations to take action in protecting our planet’s biodiversity.
If I had the opportunity to meet her, I would express my gratitude for her invaluable contributions to science and conservation. I’d be keen to discuss her thoughts on the future of primate conservation in the face of habitat loss and climate change. Additionally, I’d love to hear her insights on how individuals can make a meaningful impact in environmental protection, drawing from her decades of experience as both a scientist and an activist.
Engaging in a conversation with such a visionary figure would undoubtedly be an enlightening experience, providing me with a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of dedicating one’s life to a noble cause.”
Dr. Jane Goodall's conservation work
Follow-up questions:
- How do you think meeting this person would impact your life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Meeting Dr. Goodall would probably inspire me a lot. I think it would make me more interested in conservation and maybe encourage me to volunteer for environmental causes.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Encountering such a pioneering figure as Dr. Goodall would likely have a profound impact on my perspective and life choices. Her wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to her cause could serve as a powerful catalyst, motivating me to pursue my own passions with similar dedication. Moreover, gaining firsthand insights into her work might inspire me to actively contribute to conservation efforts or even consider a career shift towards environmental sciences.”
- What challenges do you think famous people face in their daily lives?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think famous people probably struggle with privacy issues. It must be hard to go out in public without being recognized or bothered by fans.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Famous individuals likely grapple with a myriad of challenges in their day-to-day lives. Foremost among these is the constant scrutiny they face from the media and public, which can lead to a significant loss of privacy. This intense spotlight may also create immense pressure to maintain a certain image or level of success, potentially affecting their mental health. Additionally, they might struggle with forming genuine relationships, as people’s motives for associating with them could be questionable. Balancing their public persona with their true self and managing the expectations of their audience while staying true to their personal values could also pose ongoing challenges.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to fame and famous people. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you think being famous brings more advantages or disadvantages?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think being famous has both good and bad sides. On the positive side, famous people often have a lot of money and influence. They can use their fame to support good causes. But on the negative side, they lose their privacy and are always under pressure from the public and media.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The question of whether fame brings more advantages or disadvantages is quite nuanced and depends largely on the individual’s perspective and circumstances. On the one hand, fame often comes with significant financial rewards and a platform to influence society positively. Celebrities can leverage their status to champion important causes, raise awareness about critical issues, and inspire millions of people.
However, the drawbacks of fame can be equally substantial. The loss of privacy is perhaps the most obvious disadvantage, with famous individuals often finding their personal lives scrutinized and dissected by the media and public. This constant exposure can lead to immense psychological pressure and make it challenging to maintain authentic relationships.
Moreover, fame can be fleeting and unpredictable, potentially leading to a sense of insecurity about one’s future relevance or success. The pressure to maintain a certain image or level of achievement can be overwhelming and may lead to mental health issues.
Ultimately, I believe the balance between advantages and disadvantages largely depends on how the individual manages their fame and whether they can find a way to use their influence constructively while preserving their personal well-being.”
- How has social media changed the nature of fame?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Social media has made it easier for people to become famous. Now, anyone can gain a following on platforms like Instagram or TikTok. It’s also changed how celebrities interact with their fans, making them seem more accessible.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Social media has fundamentally transformed the landscape of fame in several significant ways. Firstly, it has democratized the path to celebrity, allowing individuals to gain substantial followings and influence without the traditional gatekeepers of fame such as talent agents or media companies. This has given rise to a new category of ‘influencers’ who have built their fame entirely through social media platforms.
Moreover, social media has blurred the lines between public and private life for celebrities. It offers a more intimate and immediate connection between famous individuals and their audience, creating an illusion of accessibility that wasn’t possible before. This can be both a blessing and a curse, as it allows for more direct engagement with fans but also exposes celebrities to constant scrutiny and potential backlash.
The speed at which information spreads on social media has also altered the nature of fame. Reputations can be made or destroyed in a matter of hours due to viral posts or tweets. This has created a more volatile and unpredictable fame environment, where public opinion can shift rapidly.
Lastly, social media has changed the metrics of fame. Follower counts, likes, and engagement rates have become new currencies of celebrity, sometimes overshadowing traditional measures like box office success or album sales. This has led to a more data-driven approach to fame, where analytics play a crucial role in shaping a celebrity’s career strategies.”
Social media's impact on modern fame
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Pioneering figure (adjective + noun) – /ˌpaɪəˈnɪərɪŋ ˈfɪɡər/ – A person who is one of the first to explore or develop a new area of knowledge or activity.
Example: Marie Curie was a pioneering figure in the field of radioactivity.Groundbreaking (adjective) – /ˈɡraʊndˌbreɪkɪŋ/ – Innovative; introducing new ideas or methods.
Example: The scientist’s groundbreaking research changed our understanding of genetics.To revolutionize (verb) – /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ – To change something completely and fundamentally.
Example: The internet has revolutionized the way we communicate and access information.Visionary (noun/adjective) – /ˈvɪʒənəri/ – A person with original ideas about what the future will or could be like.
Example: Steve Jobs was known as a visionary in the tech industry.To grapple with (phrasal verb) – /ˈɡræpəl wɪð/ – To struggle or contend with a problem or challenge.
Example: Many celebrities grapple with the loss of privacy that comes with fame.
Describe a neighborhood in your city you would like to explore is another interesting topic that can help you practice your descriptive skills for the IELTS Speaking test.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a famous person you want to meet:
Develop your ideas fully: Don’t just state facts about the person; explain why they interest you and how meeting them might impact you.
Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses.
Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your ability to talk at length without hesitation.
Show critical thinking: In Part 3, analyze the broader implications of fame and celebrity culture to demonstrate your ability to discuss abstract concepts.
Use appropriate tenses: Since you’re discussing a future meeting, practice using future tenses correctly.
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to English are key to improving your speaking skills. Consider joining discussion groups or attending online events to enhance your ability to converse on various topics fluently.