In IELTS Speaking, being able to effectively describe a person who has a positive impact on others is a valuable skill. This topic allows you to showcase your vocabulary, fluency, and ability to express personal experiences. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about people who influence others positively. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Sample Question 1: Do you know anyone who has a positive impact on others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. My high school teacher, Mr. Johnson, had a really good influence on his students. He was always encouraging and helped us believe in ourselves.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. One person who immediately comes to mind is my former high school teacher, Mr. Johnson. He had an extraordinary ability to inspire and motivate his students. His unwavering belief in our potential and his constant encouragement not only improved our academic performance but also boosted our self-confidence significantly.
Sample Question 2: What qualities do you think make someone have a positive impact on others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think being kind, patient, and supportive are important qualities. People who listen well and give good advice can also have a positive impact on others.
Band 8-9 Answer:
In my opinion, several qualities contribute to a person’s ability to positively influence others. Foremost among these are empathy and emotional intelligence, which allow individuals to understand and connect with others on a deeper level. Additionally, integrity, resilience, and a genuine desire to help others are crucial. Those who lead by example and demonstrate unwavering commitment to their values often inspire others to emulate their behavior.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card related to the topic. Here’s a sample cue card and response:
Cue Card
Describe a person who has had a positive impact on others.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain why you think this person has a positive impact on others
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about my aunt, Sarah, who has consistently had a profound positive impact on those around her. I’ve known her my entire life, as she’s my mother’s younger sister and has always been a prominent figure in our family gatherings.
Sarah works as a social worker in a community center in downtown New York. Her job involves providing support and guidance to underprivileged families, particularly focusing on at-risk youth. She goes above and beyond her official duties, often spending her weekends organizing fundraising events or mentoring struggling teenagers.
I believe Sarah has such a positive impact on others for several reasons. Firstly, her unwavering compassion and genuine empathy allow her to connect with people from all walks of life. She has this remarkable ability to make everyone feel heard and valued, which is especially important for the vulnerable individuals she works with.
Secondly, Sarah’s tireless dedication to her community is truly inspiring. She doesn’t just talk about making a difference; she actively works towards creating positive change every single day. This commitment motivates others to get involved and contribute to their communities as well.
Lastly, Sarah’s optimistic outlook on life is contagious. Even in the face of challenges, she maintains a positive attitude and always looks for solutions rather than dwelling on problems. This mindset not only helps her clients overcome their difficulties but also uplifts the spirits of everyone around her.
In conclusion, Sarah’s combination of empathy, dedication, and positivity makes her a beacon of hope in her community. Her impact extends far beyond her immediate work, inspiring countless individuals to become better versions of themselves and to pay it forward by helping others.
Follow-up Questions
- How did this person develop their ability to positively impact others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think Sarah developed her ability through her experiences and education. She studied social work in college and has been working in the field for many years, which has helped her understand people better.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Sarah’s ability to positively impact others has been honed through a combination of formal education, practical experience, and personal growth. Her academic background in social work provided a solid foundation in understanding human behavior and societal issues. However, it’s her years of hands-on experience in the field that have truly sharpened her skills. She’s constantly seeking to improve herself through professional development courses and by staying abreast of the latest research in her field. Moreover, Sarah has always been introspective and open to feedback, which has allowed her to continuously refine her approach and increase her effectiveness in helping others.
- Do you think everyone has the potential to have a positive impact on others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I believe everyone can have a positive impact in some way. It might be small things like being kind to others or helping a friend, but these actions can make a difference.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I’m a firm believer that everyone has the innate potential to positively influence others, albeit to varying degrees and in different ways. While not everyone may have the same level of impact as someone like Sarah, who has made it her life’s work, even small acts of kindness or consideration can ripple outwards and affect others positively. It’s about recognizing opportunities in our daily lives to be supportive, empathetic, or helpful. Sometimes, a simple smile or a word of encouragement can brighten someone’s day and potentially set off a chain reaction of positivity. The key is being mindful of our actions and their potential consequences, and consistently striving to contribute positively to our immediate environment and relationships.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some sample questions and answers:
Question 1: How do you think social media influencers impact society?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Social media influencers can have both positive and negative impacts on society. They can raise awareness about important issues and inspire people, but they can also promote unrealistic lifestyles and contribute to people feeling inadequate.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The impact of social media influencers on society is multifaceted and complex. On the positive side, influencers have the power to raise awareness about crucial social issues, promote charitable causes, and inspire their followers to pursue their passions or adopt healthier lifestyles. Their reach and engagement can be harnessed to disseminate important information quickly and effectively.
However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. The curated nature of social media can lead to the promotion of unrealistic beauty standards or lifestyles, potentially contributing to issues like low self-esteem or excessive consumerism among followers. Moreover, the line between authentic content and paid advertising is often blurred, raising ethical concerns about transparency and the responsibility influencers have towards their audience.
It’s also worth noting that the impact can vary greatly depending on the influencer’s focus and approach. Those who prioritize authenticity and social responsibility tend to have a more positive influence compared to those solely focused on monetization or self-promotion.
Ultimately, I believe that as social media continues to evolve, so too will our understanding of influencers’ roles and responsibilities in shaping societal norms and values. It’s crucial for both influencers and consumers to approach these platforms with critical thinking and an awareness of their potential impacts.
Question 2: Do you think governments should do more to recognize and reward people who have a positive impact on society?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think governments should recognize people who make positive contributions to society. It could encourage more people to do good things and help solve social problems. They could give awards or provide funding for projects that help communities.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I believe there’s certainly merit in governments acknowledging and incentivizing individuals who make significant positive contributions to society. Such recognition can serve multiple purposes: it can inspire others to engage in similar altruistic behaviors, highlight important social issues, and provide tangible support for initiatives that benefit communities.
However, it’s crucial to approach this idea with nuance. While government recognition can be powerful, we must be cautious about creating a system that inadvertently discourages people from doing good for its own sake. There’s a delicate balance to strike between providing incentives and maintaining the intrinsic motivation that often drives truly impactful work.
Additionally, any system of rewards would need to be carefully designed to ensure fairness and inclusivity. It should recognize not just high-profile achievements, but also the often overlooked contributions of everyday citizens who make a difference in their local communities.
Perhaps a multi-faceted approach would be most effective. This could include public recognition through awards or honors, financial support for scaling up successful initiatives, and creating platforms for these individuals to share their experiences and inspire others. Simultaneously, governments could focus on creating an environment that facilitates and encourages positive social impact, through policies that support volunteerism, social entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
Ultimately, while government recognition can play a role, it should be part of a broader societal effort to value and promote positive contributions to our communities.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ɪmˈpækt/ (adjective + noun): A very significant or deep effect.
Example: Her mentor had a profound impact on her career choices. -
To go above and beyond /tuː ɡəʊ əˈbʌv ænd bɪˈjɒnd/ (phrase): To do more than is expected or required.
Example: The teacher always goes above and beyond to ensure her students understand the material. -
Unwavering /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ (adjective): Steady or resolute; not changing.
Example: Despite the challenges, she showed unwavering commitment to her goals. -
Beacon of hope /ˈbiːkən əv həʊp/ (idiom): A person or thing that inspires hope in others.
Example: In times of crisis, her leadership was a beacon of hope for the community. -
To hone /həʊn/ (verb): To refine or perfect over time.
Example: He spent years honing his skills as a public speaker. -
Ripple outwards /ˈrɪpl ˈaʊtwədz/ (phrase): To spread gradually, like ripples on water.
Example: The effects of his kindness rippled outwards, influencing many in the community. -
Multifaceted /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
Example: The issue is multifaceted and requires a comprehensive approach. -
To harness /ˈhɑːnɪs/ (verb): To control and make use of.
Example: They sought to harness the power of social media for positive change.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who has a positive impact on others:
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Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate a range of descriptive words and phrases to vividly portray the person and their impact.
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Provide specific examples: Don’t just state that the person has a positive impact; illustrate with concrete instances or stories.
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Show depth of thought: Analyze why the person has such an impact and reflect on the broader implications of their actions.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to ensure you can discuss it smoothly and confidently.
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Use appropriate tenses: Ensure you use the correct tenses when describing past actions or ongoing impacts.
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Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, show your ability to consider multiple perspectives and provide nuanced responses.
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Connect ideas coherently: Use linking words and phrases to ensure your ideas flow logically from one to the next.
By following these tips and regularly practicing, you can improve your ability to discuss this topic effectively in your IELTS Speaking test.
For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might find it helpful to explore topics like describing a person who has motivated you to improve yourself or describing a person who has inspired you to be more creative. These related topics can help broaden your vocabulary and improve your ability to discuss influential people in your life.