The IELTS Speaking test is a critical component that determines your overall band score. As an experienced IELTS Speaking Examiner, I understand what examiners look for in an exceptional response. The task “Describe a person who has a positive influence on others” often appears in the speaking test and can be challenging if not well-prepared. This article offers a comprehensive guide, including model answers and detailed analyses, to help you achieve a high score.
Overview of the Speaking Test
The IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview – involves general questions about yourself and familiar topics.
- Part 2: Long Turn – requires a two-minute speech on a given topic.
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion – includes more abstract questions related to the Part 2 topic.
Examiners will assess your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Topics related to describing a person who positively influences others are popular because they test your ability to narrate events, describe personal experiences, and express emotions.
Common Questions in IELTS Speaking Part 1
In Part 1, you will introduce yourself and answer brief questions on familiar topics. Here is an example:
Sample Question and Model Answer
Examiner: Who is the most influential person in your life?
Candidate: The most influential person in my life is my mother. She has always been a pillar of strength for me, guiding me through all the ups and downs with her wisdom and kindness.
Analysis: This response is concise, directly addresses the question, and uses strong expressions like “a pillar of strength” and “guiding me through all the ups and downs” which will likely impress the examiner.
Mastering IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you must speak for 1-2 minutes on a given topic. Here’s a cue card related to our keyword:
Cue Card
Describe a person who has a positive influence on others. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What they do to influence others
- And explain why you think this person is positive
Model Answer
A person who has a remarkable positive influence on others is my high school teacher, Mrs. Johnson. I first met her when I was in tenth grade, and she taught me English literature.
Mrs. Johnson is not just an educator but also a mentor and role model for her students. She has a unique approach to teaching that goes beyond the classroom, often bringing in real-life experiences and practical wisdom. For example, she used to organize monthly reading clubs where we discussed various books, which made learning fun and engaging.
inspiring teacher
One of the most significant impacts she had was fostering a love for reading and critical thinking among her students. Her positive influence is evident as numerous students, including myself, have pursued higher education and careers in literature and philosophy under her guidance. Her kindness, patience, and unwavering support have always been motivating factors for us to strive for excellence.
I think Mrs. Johnson is immensely positive because she genuinely cares about the well-being and development of her students. Her ability to instill confidence and nurture individual talents has been transformative for many.
Analysis: This well-structured answer covers all the points in the cue card, uses a variety of sentence structures, and includes specific examples and vivid descriptions. Key phrases such as “remarkable positive influence,” “mentor and role model,” “real-life experiences,” and “transformative” demonstrate a strong lexical resource.
Engaging in IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Sample Questions and Model Answers
Examiner: How do influential people affect the younger generation?
Candidate: Influential people serve as inspiration and guidance for the younger generation. They can shape attitudes, values, and even career choices. For example, a dedicated teacher can inspire students to pursue education and personal growth. Their actions and words often encourage young people to aim higher and work hard to achieve their goals.
Analysis: This answer provides a thoughtful perspective, using words like “inspiration,” “guidance,” and “encourage,” which highlight the candidate’s ability to discuss more abstract ideas.
Examiner: Do you think people today are more influenced by friends or celebrities?
Candidate: In today’s digital age, I believe celebrities have a profound influence on people, especially through social media. Celebrities’ lifestyles and opinions are highly visible and accessible, shaping trends and behaviors. However, friends also play a crucial role, particularly in offering direct, personal support and advice. Ultimately, the influence may vary depending on the individual’s context and personal values.
Analysis: The use of terms like “profound influence,” “digital age,” and “direct, personal support,” helps the response sound advanced and insightful, demonstrating a complex understanding of modern influences.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To excel in your IELTS Speaking test, mastering key vocabulary and phrases is essential. Here are some important words and expressions for this topic:
- Inspirational (adj): Motivating or encouraging feelings of admiration.
- Example: “Her inspirational speeches have a lasting impact on students.”
- Mentor (n): An experienced and trusted adviser.
- Example: “Having a mentor like Mrs. Johnson can make a significant difference in one’s academic journey.”
- Transformative (adj): Causing a marked change in someone or something.
- Example: “Her guidance was transformative for many students, leading them to new heights.”
Tips and Advice for Preparation
Expert Tips:
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice enhances fluency and coherence. Use a mirror or record yourself to identify areas for improvement.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn and use new words in context to enrich your lexical resource.
- Engage in Real Conversations: Interacting with native speakers or joining speaking clubs can provide practical experience.
- Simulate Exam Conditions: Practicing under timed conditions helps manage exam stress and improve performance.
Final Thoughts
Achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test requires strategic preparation and understanding of examiner expectations. Communicate clearly, provide detailed examples, and use advanced vocabulary and grammar structures. Remember: each part of the test gradually increases in complexity, so showing progression in your speaking ability can impress the examiner and boost your band score. Good luck!