As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve noticed that questions about social media influencers are becoming increasingly common in the test. This topic allows candidates to showcase their knowledge of modern trends and their ability to describe people in detail. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this part, the examiner may ask you general questions about social media and influencers. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you use social media?
- What do you think about social media influencers?
- Are there any social media influencers you follow?
Let’s look at a sample answer for question 2:
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I think social media influencers play a significant role in today’s digital landscape. They have the power to shape opinions and trends, especially among younger generations. While some influencers provide valuable content and inspiration, others might promote unrealistic lifestyles or products without proper disclosure. It’s important for followers to maintain a critical perspective and not be overly influenced by what they see online.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a potential cue card related to describing a famous social media influencer:
Describe a famous social media influencer in your country
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they are famous for
- How they became popular
- And explain why you think they are successful
Remember, you have one minute to prepare and should speak for 1-2 minutes.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about Thuy Vo, a prominent social media influencer in Vietnam who has gained widespread recognition for her travel and lifestyle content. Thuy, who goes by the handle ‘@thuyvo86’ on various platforms, has amassed over 2 million followers on Instagram and 3 million subscribers on YouTube.
Thuy is renowned for her captivating travel vlogs that showcase Vietnam’s hidden gems and lesser-known destinations. Her content stands out due to her authentic approach and her ability to blend local cultural insights with practical travel tips. She rose to prominence around five years ago when one of her videos exploring a remote village in Sapa went viral, garnering millions of views within days.
What sets Thuy apart and contributes to her success is her genuine passion for storytelling and her commitment to promoting sustainable tourism. She often collaborates with local communities, highlighting their traditions and livelihoods, which resonates deeply with her audience. Thuy’s success can also be attributed to her consistency in producing high-quality content and her adept use of various social media platforms to engage with her followers.
Moreover, Thuy has leveraged her influence for social good, frequently using her platform to raise awareness about environmental issues and support local charities. This multifaceted approach to content creation and her authentic personality have helped her build a loyal fan base and establish herself as a trusted voice in the Vietnamese social media landscape.”
Follow-up questions:
- How has this influencer impacted their followers?
- Do you think being a social media influencer is a sustainable career?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Thuy Vo has had a profound impact on her followers in several ways. Firstly, she has inspired many young Vietnamese to explore their own country, leading to a boom in domestic tourism. Her content has shed light on lesser-known destinations, boosting local economies in rural areas. Additionally, Thuy’s emphasis on sustainable travel has raised awareness about environmental issues, encouraging her followers to travel more responsibly. Her success has also motivated many young people to pursue careers in content creation, seeing it as a viable and exciting path. Lastly, through her charity work, she has mobilized her large following to contribute to various social causes, demonstrating the positive potential of social media influence.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, 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 influencers compare to traditional celebrities?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Social media influencers and traditional celebrities have some distinct differences in terms of their rise to fame and their relationship with their audience. Influencers often build their following from scratch, creating content that resonates with a specific niche audience. This organic growth allows them to maintain a more personal connection with their followers, often engaging in direct communication through comments and messages.
On the other hand, traditional celebrities usually gain fame through more conventional channels like movies, music, or sports. Their fame is often more widespread but potentially less targeted. However, many traditional celebrities are now also leveraging social media to connect more directly with their fans.
One key difference is the perceived authenticity. Influencers often present a more relatable image, sharing aspects of their daily lives that followers can identify with. Traditional celebrities, while admired, may seem more distant or inaccessible.
In terms of impact, both groups can sway public opinion and influence trends. However, influencers might have a more immediate and measurable impact on their followers’ purchasing decisions or lifestyle choices due to their niche focus and close audience relationship.
Ultimately, the line between these two categories is becoming increasingly blurred, with many influencers achieving celebrity status and celebrities adopting influencer-like strategies on social media.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing social media influencers, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
-
To amass (verb) /əˈmæs/ – to collect or gather a large amount of something
Example: “The influencer has amassed millions of followers over the years.” -
To resonate (verb) /ˈrezəneɪt/ – to produce or be filled with a deep, full sound; to have particular meaning or importance for someone
Example: “Her content resonates with young adults who are passionate about travel.” -
To leverage (verb) /ˈlevərɪdʒ/ – to use something to maximum advantage
Example: “She leveraged her online presence to launch a successful clothing line.” -
Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
Example: “His multifaceted content covers everything from tech reviews to lifestyle tips.” -
To shed light on (phrasal verb) – to help to explain or understand something
Example: “Her videos shed light on the challenges faced by rural communities.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a famous social media influencer:
- Use a variety of descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of the influencer and their content.
- Demonstrate critical thinking by discussing both positive and negative aspects of social media influence.
- Provide specific examples to support your points, showing depth in your understanding of the topic.
- Practice speaking about different types of influencers to broaden your vocabulary and ideas.
- Stay updated on current trends in social media to provide relevant and timely responses.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures in your responses.
For more practice on describing influential figures, you might find our article on how to describe a person who is a role model for young people helpful. Additionally, to broaden your perspective on fame and its impact, check out our discussion on how people can become famous.