The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about notable figures from your home country, including famous writers. This topic allows you to showcase your knowledge of literature and culture while demonstrating your English language skills. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about a famous writer from your country in the IELTS Speaking exam.

Understanding the Task

Before we dive into specific examples, it’s important to understand what the examiner is looking for when asking about a famous writer. They want to assess your ability to:

• Provide relevant information about the writer
• Express your opinions and feelings
• Use appropriate vocabulary related to literature and biography
• Speak fluently and coherently
• Use correct grammar and pronunciation

Famous writer with books

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you may be asked general questions about reading and writing. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Sample Question: Do you enjoy reading books?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do enjoy reading books. I try to read whenever I have free time, especially in the evenings. I find that reading helps me relax and learn new things.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely! I’m an avid reader and I’m always engrossed in a book. Reading is not just a hobby for me; it’s a passion that broadens my horizons and helps me unwind after a long day. I particularly enjoy novels that transport me to different worlds and offer new perspectives on life.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

For Part 2, you might receive a cue card like this:

Describe a famous writer from your country.
You should say:

• Who the writer is
• What kind of books they write
• Why they are famous
• And explain why you like or dislike their work

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about Nguyen Du, who is arguably the most renowned writer in Vietnamese history. He lived from 1766 to 1820 and is best known for his magnum opus, ‘The Tale of Kieu,’ which is considered the pinnacle of Vietnamese literature.

Nguyen Du primarily wrote poetry, and ‘The Tale of Kieu’ is a long narrative poem that spans over 3,000 verses. It tells the story of a young woman named Kieu who faces numerous hardships and sacrifices herself to save her family. The work is remarkable for its lyrical beauty and its profound insights into human nature and society.

Nguyen Du is famous not only in Vietnam but also internationally. He was recognized by UNESCO in 2013 as a World Cultural Celebrity, which speaks volumes about his global impact. His fame stems from his ability to capture the essence of Vietnamese culture and philosophy in his writing, as well as his masterful use of the Vietnamese language.

Personally, I have a deep appreciation for Nguyen Du’s work. What I find most captivating about ‘The Tale of Kieu’ is how it seamlessly blends beautiful poetry with profound philosophical ideas. The way he explores themes of fate, loyalty, and human resilience is truly timeless and universally relatable. Moreover, his writing style is so exquisite that even after centuries, it continues to resonate with readers and inspire new generations of writers. Nguyen Du’s legacy in Vietnamese literature is unparalleled, and his work continues to be a source of national pride for many Vietnamese people, including myself.”

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has this writer influenced modern Vietnamese literature?
2. Do you think young people today still appreciate classical literature like ‘The Tale of Kieu’?

Band 6-7 Answer (Question 1):
“Nguyen Du has had a big impact on modern Vietnamese literature. Many writers today still look up to him and try to learn from his style. His work is taught in schools, so it influences how young writers develop their skills.”

Band 8-9 Answer (Question 1):
“Nguyen Du’s influence on modern Vietnamese literature is profound and far-reaching. His masterful use of the Vietnamese language has set a benchmark for poetic expression that contemporary writers still strive to emulate. Moreover, the themes he explored in ‘The Tale of Kieu’ – such as the conflict between personal desires and social obligations – continue to resonate in modern Vietnamese writing. His work has also inspired countless adaptations and reinterpretations across various art forms, demonstrating its enduring relevance and adaptability to modern contexts.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to literature and famous writers. Here’s an example:

Examiner: How do you think technology has changed the way people consume literature?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Technology has definitely changed how people read books. E-books and audiobooks are very popular now. People can read on their phones or tablets, which is convenient. Also, social media has made it easier for people to share book recommendations.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Technology has revolutionized the consumption of literature in numerous ways. The advent of e-readers and smartphones has made books more accessible than ever, allowing people to carry entire libraries in their pockets. This portability has led to increased reading opportunities, especially during commutes or travels.

Moreover, audiobooks have opened up literature to new audiences, including those with visual impairments or those who prefer auditory learning. They’ve also made it possible for people to engage with literature while multitasking.

Social media and online platforms have transformed the way readers discover and discuss books. Online book clubs and review sites have created global communities of readers, facilitating discussions and broadening literary horizons.

However, this digital shift also presents challenges. The constant connectivity and shorter attention spans associated with technology use may be affecting how deeply people engage with longer, more complex works. There’s also an ongoing debate about whether digital reading provides the same cognitive benefits as reading physical books.

Overall, while technology has undoubtedly made literature more accessible, it’s also reshaping our reading habits and the publishing industry in ways that we’re still trying to fully understand.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing famous writers, consider using these advanced terms and phrases:

1. Magnum opus (/ˌmæɡnəm ˈəʊpəs/) – A great work, especially the greatest achievement of an artist or writer
   Example: “The Tale of Kieu is considered Nguyen Du’s magnum opus.”

2. Literary legacy (/ˈlɪtərəri ˈleɡəsi/) – The lasting influence of a writer’s work
   Example: “Shakespeare’s literary legacy continues to influence modern theater.”

3. Prolific writer (/prəˈlɪfɪk ˈraɪtər/) – An author who produces many works
   Example: “Agatha Christie was a prolific writer, publishing over 60 detective novels.”

4. Timeless themes (/ˈtaɪmləs θiːmz/) – Topics in literature that remain relevant across different eras
   Example: “Love, jealousy, and ambition are timeless themes explored in many classic novels.”

5. Cultural impact (/ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈɪmpækt/) – The effect of a work on society and culture
   Example: “George Orwell’s ‘1984’ had a significant cultural impact, introducing concepts like ‘Big Brother’ into popular discourse.”

Tips from an IELTS Examiner

As an experienced IELTS examiner, I recommend the following strategies to excel in the Speaking test:

1. Prepare a range of examples: Have several famous writers from your country in mind, so you can choose the most appropriate one for the question.

2. Practice storytelling: Work on your ability to narrate a writer’s life and works in an engaging manner.

3. Develop your opinions: Be ready to explain why you like or dislike a writer’s work, using specific examples.

4. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use literary terms and advanced vocabulary related to writing and literature.

5. Stay updated: Keep abreast of current literary trends and how they relate to classic writers from your country.

6. Practice regularly: Engage in conversations about literature and writers to improve your fluency on this topic.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

For more practice on describing influential figures, you might want to check out our guide on how to describe a famous musician from your country. This can help you draw parallels between different types of cultural icons and expand your descriptive vocabulary.