How to Ace the IELTS Speaking Test: Describing a Famous Political Figure in Your Country

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in your country, including political figures. Being prepared to discuss this topic can help you score well on the test. In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively describe a famous political figure from your country, with sample answers and tips to help you achieve a high band score.

Famous political figure speaking at podium

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask you some general questions about politics and political figures. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

1. Are you interested in politics?
2. Do you follow political news in your country?
3. Who is a well-known political figure in your country?
4. Do you think it’s important for young people to be involved in politics?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:

Examiner: Who is a well-known political figure in your country?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“One of the most prominent political figures in Vietnam is Nguyen Phu Trong, who currently serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. He’s been instrumental in shaping the country’s policies and international relations over the past decade. Many people in Vietnam, regardless of their political views, are familiar with his name and face.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Without a doubt, one of the most influential and widely recognized political figures in Vietnam is Nguyen Phu Trong, who has been serving as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam since 2011. His leadership has been pivotal in guiding the country through significant economic reforms and strengthening diplomatic ties with various nations. His anti-corruption campaign has also garnered substantial attention both domestically and internationally, making him a household name across Vietnam.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

In Part 2, you might receive a cue card asking you to describe a famous political figure. Here’s an example:

Describe a famous political figure in your country

You should say:

• Who this person is
• What position they hold or held
• What they are known for
• And explain why you think they are famous

Remember, you’ll have one minute to prepare and should speak for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample answer:

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):

“I’d like to talk about Ho Chi Minh, who is undoubtedly the most famous political figure in Vietnam’s history. Ho Chi Minh was the founding father of modern Vietnam and served as the country’s President from 1945 until his death in 1969.

Ho Chi Minh is best known for leading the Vietnamese independence movement against French colonial rule and later against American involvement in Vietnam. He was a key figure in the formation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945 and played a crucial role in unifying the country.

What makes Ho Chi Minh so famous is his unwavering dedication to Vietnam’s independence and his simple lifestyle. He is often referred to as ‘Uncle Ho’ by Vietnamese people, which shows the deep affection and respect people have for him. His philosophy of putting the nation’s interests first and living a modest life continues to inspire many Vietnamese people today.

Ho Chi Minh’s fame extends beyond Vietnam’s borders. He is recognized internationally as a revolutionary leader and a symbol of Vietnamese nationalism. His strategic thinking and diplomatic skills during the wars against foreign powers have been studied by historians and political scientists worldwide.

In conclusion, Ho Chi Minh’s fame stems from his pivotal role in Vietnam’s struggle for independence, his leadership during critical times in the country’s history, and the lasting impact of his ideology on Vietnamese society and politics.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to discuss Ho Chi Minh, who is unquestionably the most iconic and revered political figure in Vietnam’s history. Ho Chi Minh was the founding father of modern Vietnam and served as the country’s President from 1945 until his passing in 1969.

Ho Chi Minh is renowned for spearheading the Vietnamese independence movement against French colonial rule and subsequently against American intervention in Vietnam. He was the driving force behind the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945 and played an indispensable role in the nation’s unification.

What elevates Ho Chi Minh to legendary status is his unwavering commitment to Vietnam’s sovereignty and his austere lifestyle. Affectionately known as ‘Uncle Ho’ by the Vietnamese people, this moniker reflects the profound reverence and admiration he commands. His philosophy of prioritizing national interests and embracing a modest existence continues to resonate with and inspire generations of Vietnamese citizens.

Ho Chi Minh’s reputation transcends Vietnam’s borders. He is acclaimed internationally as a visionary revolutionary leader and an embodiment of Vietnamese nationalism. His strategic acumen and diplomatic finesse during the conflicts against foreign powers have become subjects of extensive study for historians and political scientists worldwide.

In essence, Ho Chi Minh’s enduring fame is a testament to his pivotal role in Vietnam’s quest for independence, his exemplary leadership during tumultuous periods in the nation’s history, and the indelible imprint of his ideology on Vietnamese society and political landscape. His legacy continues to shape the national identity and influence policy decisions in contemporary Vietnam.”

Follow-up Questions

The examiner might ask additional questions after your long turn. Here are some possibilities:

1. How do young people in your country view this political figure?
2. Do you think this person’s influence will continue in the future?
3. Are there any controversies associated with this political figure?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for Question 1:

“The perception of Ho Chi Minh among young Vietnamese is multifaceted and evolving. While there’s a general sense of respect for his historical significance, the younger generation’s views are increasingly nuanced. Many young people admire his dedication to national independence and his simple lifestyle, seeing these as virtues relevant to modern challenges. However, there’s also a growing critical examination of his legacy, with some youth seeking a more balanced perspective that acknowledges both his achievements and the complexities of his era. Educational initiatives and cultural programs continue to promote his ideals, but young people are also forming their own interpretations based on access to diverse information sources and global perspectives. This dynamic understanding reflects a broader trend of young Vietnamese engaging more actively with their country’s history and its implications for the present.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: How do you think social media has changed the way we perceive political figures?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Social media has significantly impacted our perception of political figures. It has made politicians more accessible to the public, allowing us to see their daily activities and personal sides. This can make them seem more relatable. However, it has also led to the rapid spread of both information and misinformation, which can quickly shape public opinion. Politicians now need to be more careful about their public image and statements, as any misstep can be immediately amplified on social platforms.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Social media has revolutionized our perception of political figures in multifaceted ways. It has dramatically increased the accessibility of politicians, offering unprecedented glimpses into their daily lives and personal personas, which can foster a sense of connection with the electorate. However, this double-edged sword also facilitates the viral propagation of both verified information and unsubstantiated claims, leading to rapid shifts in public sentiment.

This new landscape has necessitated a paradigm shift in how politicians manage their public image. They must now navigate the delicate balance between authenticity and caution, as even minor gaffes can be instantaneously magnified and disseminated. Moreover, social media has democratized political discourse, allowing citizens to directly engage with and challenge their leaders, thereby altering the traditional power dynamics of political communication.

The echo chamber effect of social media algorithms can also reinforce existing biases and polarize opinions, potentially oversimplifying complex political issues. This phenomenon underscores the growing importance of digital literacy and critical thinking skills among the electorate to discern credible information from manipulation or propaganda.”

Examiner: Do you believe that charisma is essential for political leaders in today’s world?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I think charisma is increasingly important for political leaders today. In our media-driven world, leaders need to be able to communicate effectively and inspire people. Charismatic leaders are often more successful in rallying support for their policies and building a strong following. However, it’s crucial to note that charisma alone isn’t enough; leaders also need competence and integrity to be truly effective.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The role of charisma in political leadership is indeed a complex and nuanced issue in today’s world. While charisma has always been an asset in politics, its importance has been amplified by the pervasive influence of media and the need for leaders to connect with diverse constituencies in an increasingly fragmented society.

A charismatic leader can galvanize public opinion, articulate a compelling vision, and inspire collective action more effectively than their less charismatic counterparts. This ability to resonate emotionally with the electorate can be instrumental in building the coalitions necessary to implement policies and navigate crises.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that charisma, while valuable, is not a panacea for effective leadership. History provides numerous examples of charismatic leaders who lacked the substantive skills or ethical grounding necessary for good governance. Therefore, charisma should be viewed as a complementary trait to other essential qualities such as strategic acumen, diplomatic skill, and moral integrity.

Moreover, in an era of increasing political polarization and complex global challenges, there’s a growing appreciation for leaders who can bridge divides and tackle intricate problems with nuanced approaches. This suggests that while charisma remains important, there’s also a rising demand for leaders who can demonstrate thoughtful analysis, collaborative skills, and the ability to navigate complexity.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples:

1. Influential /ˌɪnfluˈenʃəl/ (adjective): Having great influence on someone or something.
   Example: “Ho Chi Minh was an influential figure in shaping Vietnam’s modern history.”

2. Pivotal /ˈpɪvətl/ (adjective): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
   Example: “The leader played a pivotal role in negotiating peace between the two countries.”

3. Charismatic /ˌkærɪzˈmætɪk/ (adjective): Exercising a compelling charm which inspires devotion in others.
   Example: “His charismatic personality helped him win the election.”

4. Legacy /ˈleɡəsi/ (noun): Something left or handed down by a predecessor.
   Example: “The political reforms implemented by the leader became her enduring legacy.”

5. Controversial /ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːʃl/ (adjective): Giving rise or likely to give rise to controversy or public disagreement.
   Example: “The politician’s stance on economic reforms was highly controversial.”

6. Ideology /ˌaɪdiˈɒlədʒi/ (noun): A system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.
   Example: “The party’s ideology focused on social equality and economic reform.”

Tips from an IELTS Examiner

As an experienced IELTS examiner, I would advise candidates to:

1. Stay informed: Regularly read news about political figures and events in your country and globally.

2. Practice extensively: Use various IELTS speaking practice resources to familiarize yourself with different question types.

3. Develop your opinions: Form well-reasoned views on political issues to discuss them confidently.

4. Use sophisticated language: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures in your responses.

5. Be balanced: When discussing controversial figures, try to present a balanced view, acknowledging both positive and negative aspects.

6. Structure your answers: Use clear organization in your responses, especially for the long turn in Part 2.

7. Engage with the examiner: Show interest in the topic and be ready to expand on your answers in Part 3.

By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss famous political figures in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to express your ideas clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and demonstrate your ability to analyze and discuss complex topics.

For more guidance on IELTS Speaking topics, you might find these resources helpful:

• Describe a famous historical event in your country
• Describe a famous writer in your country
• Describe a person who is known for their leadership skills

These articles can provide additional practice and insights into discussing influential figures and events, which can be valuable for your IELTS preparation.