Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Brilliantly Describe a Famous Public Figure in Your Country

Public figures often feature prominently in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly when candidates are asked to describe influential individuals from their home countries. This topic allows examiners to assess a candidate’s ability to articulate complex ideas, use appropriate vocabulary, and showcase their cultural knowledge. Let’s explore how to excel in this speaking task, focusing on the prompt “Describe a famous public figure in your country.”

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may warm up with general questions about public figures. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you follow any public figures on social media?

   Sample answer (Band 7-8): “Yes, I do. I follow several public figures on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. For instance, I’m particularly interested in the posts of our national football team captain. His updates give me insights into the team’s preparations and his personal life, which I find quite fascinating.”

2. What kind of public figures are popular in your country?

   Sample answer (Band 8-9): “In my country, there’s a diverse range of popular public figures. Sports personalities, especially football players and Olympic athletes, enjoy immense popularity. Additionally, entertainers such as actors and musicians have a significant following. Interestingly, in recent years, we’ve seen a surge in the popularity of social media influencers and tech entrepreneurs, reflecting our society’s growing digital engagement and entrepreneurial spirit.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a famous public figure in your country

You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they do
- Why they are famous
- And explain how you feel about this person

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about Tran Lap, a famous rock musician in Vietnam. He was the lead singer and songwriter of the rock band Buc Tuong, which means ‘The Wall’ in English. Tran Lap became famous in the 1990s when rock music was gaining popularity in Vietnam. His songs often had deep meanings and talked about social issues, which made him very popular among young people. I feel a lot of respect for Tran Lap because his music inspired many Vietnamese youth to think critically about society. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2016, but his music is still loved by many people today.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss Nguyen Ngoc Tu, a renowned contemporary Vietnamese author whose literary works have profoundly impacted our cultural landscape. Tu rose to prominence in the early 2000s with her collection of short stories titled ‘Endless Field’, which vividly portrayed the lives of people in the Mekong Delta region.

Tu’s writing is characterized by its poetic prose and nuanced exploration of human emotions, particularly focusing on the struggles and resilience of rural women. Her fame stems not only from her literary prowess but also from her ability to shed light on often overlooked aspects of Vietnamese society.

What sets Tu apart is her unique narrative style, which seamlessly blends local dialects with standard Vietnamese, creating a rich tapestry of language that resonates deeply with readers across the country. Her works have been critically acclaimed, earning her several prestigious national literary awards.

Personally, I find Tu’s writing profoundly moving and thought-provoking. Her ability to capture the essence of the human experience, especially in the context of rapid societal changes, is truly remarkable. Tu’s contributions to Vietnamese literature have not only enriched our cultural heritage but have also fostered a greater understanding of the diverse experiences within our society.”

Portrait of Vietnamese author Nguyen Ngoc Tu

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this public figure influenced young people in your country?

Sample answer (Band 8-9): “Nguyen Ngoc Tu has had a significant impact on young Vietnamese readers. Her works have inspired a renewed interest in regional literature and dialects, encouraging young people to explore and appreciate their cultural roots. Moreover, Tu’s unflinching portrayal of social issues has sparked important discussions among the youth about gender equality, rural development, and cultural preservation. Her success as a female author in a traditionally male-dominated field has also served as an inspiration for young women aspiring to pursue careers in literature and the arts.”

2. Do you think public figures have a responsibility to be role models?

Sample answer (Band 8-9): “I believe public figures inherently carry a significant responsibility as role models, whether they choose to embrace this role or not. Their actions and words often have a far-reaching impact, particularly on impressionable young minds. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between holding public figures accountable and recognizing their humanity.

While we shouldn’t expect perfection, I think it’s reasonable to hope that those in the public eye will use their platform responsibly and constructively. This could involve promoting positive values, engaging in philanthropic activities, or simply demonstrating integrity in their professional and personal lives.

That said, it’s equally important for the public to develop critical thinking skills and not blindly idolize these figures. We should view them as inspirational but flawed individuals, much like ourselves, rather than infallible heroes.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: “Let’s talk more about public figures. How do you think the concept of fame has changed with the rise of social media?”

Sample answer (Band 7-8): “Social media has definitely changed how people become famous. In the past, fame was mostly limited to traditional celebrities like actors, musicians, and politicians. But now, anyone with a smartphone and internet connection can potentially become famous. This has led to the rise of influencers and content creators who gain huge followings online. I think this change has both positive and negative aspects. On one hand, it gives more people the opportunity to share their talents and ideas. On the other hand, it can also lead to a culture of superficiality where people become famous for trivial reasons.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9): “The advent of social media has fundamentally transformed the landscape of fame and celebrity culture. Traditionally, fame was a relatively exclusive domain, often gatekept by established media institutions. However, social media platforms have democratized visibility, allowing individuals to cultivate large followings based on a wide array of talents, interests, or simply their personality.

This shift has blurred the lines between traditional celebrities and what we now call ‘influencers’. It’s created a more dynamic and fluid concept of fame, where an individual’s popularity can skyrocket overnight due to a viral post or video. This new paradigm has both positive and negative implications.

On the positive side, it has opened up opportunities for diverse voices to be heard, potentially promoting greater representation and allowing niche interests to find their audience. It’s also enabled more direct communication between public figures and their followers, fostering a sense of intimacy and accessibility.

However, this democratization of fame also presents challenges. The ephemeral nature of social media fame can create pressure for constant content creation and engagement, potentially impacting mental health. Moreover, the lack of traditional vetting processes can sometimes elevate individuals to fame without the necessary skills or responsibilities that traditionally accompanied public prominence.

In essence, social media has made fame more accessible but also more volatile, reshaping our cultural landscape in ways we’re still trying to fully understand and navigate.”

Social media's impact on modern fame and celebrity culture

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Influential (adjective) /ɪnˈfluənʃl/ – having great influence on someone or something
   Example: “She is an influential figure in the world of literature.”

2. To rise to prominence (phrase) – to become well-known or important
   Example: “The politician rose to prominence during the economic crisis.”

3. To make an impact (phrase) – to have a strong effect on someone or something
   Example: “His groundbreaking research made a significant impact on the field of medicine.”

4. Renowned (adjective) /rɪˈnaʊnd/ – famous and respected
   Example: “She is a renowned scientist known for her work in quantum physics.”

5. To shed light on (idiom) – to help to explain or clarify something
   Example: “His autobiography sheds light on his early struggles as an immigrant.”

6. Critically acclaimed (adjective phrase) – receiving many positive reviews from critics
   Example: “The film was critically acclaimed for its innovative cinematography.”

7. To resonate with (phrasal verb) – to affect or appeal to someone in a personal or emotional way
   Example: “His speeches resonate with young voters who are concerned about climate change.”

8. To foster (verb) /ˈfɒstə(r)/ – to encourage the development of something
   Example: “The program aims to foster creativity in young children.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a famous public figure:

1. Prepare diverse examples: Familiarize yourself with various public figures from different fields (e.g., arts, sciences, sports) to adapt to any potential question.

2. Practice structure: Organize your thoughts logically, covering who the person is, what they do, why they’re famous, and your personal opinion.

3. Use rich vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to fame, influence, and achievements.

4. Provide specific details: Include facts about the person’s life, career, or contributions to make your description more engaging and credible.

5. Express personal views: Don’t just state facts; share your opinions and explain why you admire or criticize the person.

6. Connect to broader themes: Relate the public figure’s impact to wider social or cultural issues when appropriate.

7. Be fluent and natural: Regular practice will help you speak more smoothly and confidently about this topic.

Remember, the key to success is not just knowing about famous figures, but being able to discuss them articulately and thoughtfully. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!