The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to influential people, including scientists. One common cue card task is “Describe A Famous Scientist From Your Country Whose Work You Admire.” This topic allows candidates to showcase their knowledge of notable figures while demonstrating their English language skills. Let’s explore how to effectively approach this task and achieve a high band score.

Understanding the Task

Before we dive into sample answers, it’s crucial to understand what the examiner is looking for in your response. They want to hear about:

1. Who the scientist is
2. What field they work in
3. What specific work or achievements you admire
4. Why you admire this scientist’s work

Remember, you’ll have one minute to prepare and should aim to speak for 1-2 minutes on this topic.

Renowned Scientist at Work

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Before diving into the main task, the examiner will ask some general questions to help you feel at ease. Here are some possible questions related to science and scientists:

1. Do you have an interest in science?
2. Did you enjoy studying science in school?
3. Who is a scientist you’ve heard of?
4. Do you think it’s important for everyone to learn about science?

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

Examiner: Do you have an interest in science?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I’d say I have a keen interest in science, particularly in the field of biology. I find it fascinating how scientific discoveries can revolutionize our understanding of the world and improve our daily lives. Recently, I’ve been following developments in genetic research, which I believe holds tremendous potential for medical breakthroughs.”

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn

Now, let’s focus on the main task. Here’s a sample cue card:

Describe a famous scientist from your country whose work you admire.

You should say:

• Who this scientist is
• What field they work in
• What specific work or achievements you admire
• And explain why you admire this scientist’s work

Sample Answer (Band 6-7)

“I’d like to talk about a famous Vietnamese-American scientist named Flossie Wong-Staal. She’s a molecular biologist who has made significant contributions to the field of HIV/AIDS research.

Wong-Staal was born in China but moved to the United States for her education. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of California and then began her groundbreaking work on retroviruses.

What I admire most about her work is that she was the first scientist to clone HIV and determine the function of its genes. This achievement was crucial in developing blood tests for HIV and in understanding how the virus causes disease.

I admire Wong-Staal’s work because it has had a tremendous impact on global health. Her research has paved the way for better HIV treatments and has saved countless lives. Moreover, I’m impressed by her dedication to science despite facing challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field.

In conclusion, Flossie Wong-Staal’s contributions to HIV/AIDS research make her a scientist I greatly admire, and her work continues to inspire many in the scientific community.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

“I’d like to discuss a renowned Vietnamese-American scientist, Dr. Flossie Wong-Staal, whose pioneering work in molecular biology and virology has revolutionized our understanding of HIV/AIDS.

Born in China and later immigrating to the United States, Dr. Wong-Staal pursued her passion for science with remarkable dedication. She earned her Ph.D. from UCLA and subsequently embarked on a illustrious career in retrovirus research at the National Cancer Institute.

What I find particularly admirable about Dr. Wong-Staal’s work is her groundbreaking achievement in being the first scientist to successfully clone HIV and map its genes. This monumental accomplishment was instrumental in developing HIV blood tests and advancing our comprehension of the virus’s disease-causing mechanisms.

I hold Dr. Wong-Staal’s work in high regard for several reasons. Firstly, her research has had an immeasurable impact on global public health, significantly contributing to the development of more effective HIV treatments and potentially saving millions of lives. Secondly, her perseverance and success in a field historically dominated by men serve as an inspiration to aspiring scientists, particularly women and minorities in STEM.

Moreover, Dr. Wong-Staal’s work exemplifies the power of scientific inquiry to address pressing global challenges. Her research not only advanced academic knowledge but also had tangible, real-world implications, demonstrating the vital role of science in improving human welfare.

In conclusion, Dr. Flossie Wong-Staal’s trailblazing contributions to HIV/AIDS research, coupled with her resilience in overcoming barriers, make her a scientist I profoundly admire. Her legacy continues to inspire and shape the scientific community, serving as a testament to the transformative power of dedicated scientific pursuit.”

Examiner’s Follow-up Questions

After your response, the examiner might ask some follow-up questions. Here are a few possibilities with sample answers:

1. How do you think this scientist’s work has impacted society?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9): “Dr. Wong-Staal’s work has had a profound impact on society. Her research has been instrumental in developing HIV treatments, which have dramatically improved the quality of life and life expectancy for millions of people living with HIV/AIDS. Moreover, her success as a woman in science has helped break down barriers and inspire more diversity in STEM fields, which ultimately leads to more innovative and inclusive scientific research.”

2. Do you think it’s important for scientists to be well-known to the public?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8): “I believe it’s quite important for scientists to have some public recognition. When scientists are well-known, it can help raise awareness about important scientific issues and discoveries. This can lead to more public support for scientific research and funding. However, I think it’s equally crucial that the focus remains on the scientific work itself rather than on the scientist’s celebrity status.”

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions with sample answers:

1. How can we encourage more young people to pursue careers in science?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9): “There are several effective strategies we could employ to inspire young people to pursue scientific careers. Firstly, we need to make science education more engaging and hands-on from an early age, perhaps through interactive experiments and real-world applications of scientific concepts. Secondly, increasing exposure to diverse role models in science can help young people see themselves in these roles. We should also emphasize the societal impact of scientific work, showing how it can address global challenges like climate change or disease prevention. Additionally, providing more opportunities for internships and mentorship programs can give young people valuable insights into scientific careers. Lastly, we need to address the perception that science is only for ‘geniuses’ and instead promote the idea that scientific skills can be developed through dedication and hard work.”

2. What are some ethical considerations scientists must keep in mind in their work?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8): “Scientists face numerous ethical considerations in their work. One of the most important is ensuring the safety of any human or animal subjects involved in their research. They must also be honest and transparent about their methods and results, even if the findings don’t support their hypotheses. Another crucial consideration is the potential misuse of their discoveries, especially in fields like genetics or artificial intelligence. Scientists should also be mindful of the environmental impact of their work and strive to conduct their research in a sustainable manner. Lastly, they need to consider the broader societal implications of their work and ensure that their research doesn’t exacerbate inequalities or cause harm to vulnerable populations.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score, it’s essential to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can elevate your response:

1. Groundbreaking /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/ (adjective): Innovative; pioneering.
   Example: Her groundbreaking research changed our understanding of the human genome.

2. Revolutionize /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ (verb): To change something radically or fundamentally.
   Example: The scientist’s work revolutionized cancer treatment approaches.

3. Instrumental /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ (adjective): Serving as a crucial means, agent, or tool.
   Example: Her discoveries were instrumental in developing new medications.

4. Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ (noun): Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
   Example: The scientist’s perseverance in the face of numerous setbacks led to eventual success.

5. Profound impact (phrase): A deep and significant effect.
   Example: The research had a profound impact on our understanding of climate change.

6. Pave the way (idiom): To make progress or development easier.
   Example: Her early experiments paved the way for future breakthroughs in the field.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a famous scientist, keep these tips in mind:

1. Prepare in advance: Research a few scientists from your country so you’re ready for this topic.
2. Structure your answer: Use the cue card points as a guide to organize your thoughts.
3. Use specific examples: Mention particular achievements or discoveries to add depth to your answer.
4. Show enthusiasm: Convey your admiration through your tone and word choice.
5. Practice regularly: Record yourself speaking on various topics to improve fluency and identify areas for improvement.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clear pronunciation, natural intonation, and a good range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

For more practice on describing influential people, you might find this article on describing a person known for their achievements helpful.