The topic of describing a person who has had a positive influence on you is a common and important one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows candidates to showcase their ability to articulate personal experiences, emotions, and reflections. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its universal nature and capacity to reveal a candidate’s language skills and personal depth.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions related to influences and role models. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
Q: Do you have any role models?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. I really look up to my high school math teacher. She was very patient and always encouraged us to think critically.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I’ve been profoundly influenced by my high school mathematics teacher. Her unwavering patience and ability to foster critical thinking have left an indelible mark on my academic journey and personal development.
Q: How do people influence each other in your country?
Band 6-7 Answer:
In my country, people often influence each other through social media and personal interactions. Family members and friends also have a big impact on each other’s decisions and behaviors.
Band 8-9 Answer:
In my country, influence manifests itself in various ways. Social media platforms play a pivotal role in shaping opinions and trends. Additionally, interpersonal relationships, particularly within families and close-knit social circles, exert a significant impact on individuals’ decision-making processes and behavioral patterns. This interplay of digital and personal influences creates a dynamic social fabric.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a person who has had a positive influence on you.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain why this person has had a positive influence on you
Band 6-7 Answer:
The person who has had a positive influence on me is my uncle, John. He’s my mother’s younger brother, and I’ve known him since I was a child. We often spent summers together at my grandparents’ house.
My uncle is a successful entrepreneur. He started his own tech company about 10 years ago, and it’s now doing really well. He’s always been interested in technology and innovation.
Uncle John has had a positive influence on me for several reasons. Firstly, he’s shown me the importance of following your passions. He left a stable job to start his company because he believed in his ideas. This taught me about taking risks and believing in myself.
Secondly, he’s always encouraged me to learn new things. Whenever we meet, he tells me about new technologies or interesting books he’s read. This has made me more curious and eager to learn.
Lastly, he’s very kind and always makes time for family, despite his busy schedule. This has taught me the importance of balancing work and personal life.
Overall, my uncle’s influence has made me more ambitious, curious, and mindful of maintaining a good work-life balance.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The individual who has exerted a profound positive influence on my life is my uncle, Dr. John Smith. Our relationship dates back to my earliest memories, as he has been a constant presence throughout my upbringing, particularly during our annual summer sojourns at my grandparents’ residence.
Professionally, my uncle is an accomplished entrepreneur in the tech industry. He embarked on his entrepreneurial journey a decade ago, founding a cutting-edge technology firm that has since flourished remarkably. His unwavering passion for technological innovation has been a driving force behind his success.
The reasons for Uncle John’s positive impact on my life are multifaceted. First and foremost, he has been a living embodiment of the importance of pursuing one’s passions. His decision to relinquish a secure corporate position in favor of launching his own venture was a powerful demonstration of risk-taking and self-belief. This has instilled in me the courage to pursue my own aspirations, regardless of the challenges that may arise.
Secondly, Uncle John has been an indefatigable advocate for continuous learning. Our interactions are invariably punctuated by discussions about emerging technologies or thought-provoking literature he has recently encountered. This has cultivated in me an insatiable curiosity and a thirst for knowledge that extends far beyond my formal education.
Lastly, despite his demanding schedule, Uncle John consistently prioritizes family commitments. His ability to strike a harmonious balance between his professional pursuits and personal life has been a valuable lesson in the importance of maintaining strong familial bonds and a well-rounded lifestyle.
In conclusion, my uncle’s influence has been instrumental in shaping my worldview. His example has fostered in me a spirit of ambition, an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and a deep appreciation for the delicate equilibrium between career aspirations and personal fulfillment.
Follow-up questions:
- How has this person’s influence affected your career choices?
Band 6-7 Answer:
My uncle’s influence has definitely affected my career choices. His success in the tech industry has made me more interested in technology. I’m now considering studying computer science in university because of him.
Band 8-9 Answer:
My uncle’s influence has had a profound impact on my career trajectory. His trailblazing success in the tech industry has ignited a passion for technology within me. Consequently, I’m now seriously contemplating pursuing a degree in computer science at university. His journey has opened my eyes to the vast opportunities in this field and has inspired me to explore the cutting-edge realms of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- Do you think it’s important for young people to have role models?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think it’s very important for young people to have role models. Role models can inspire young people and show them what’s possible. They can also provide guidance and set good examples for behavior and success.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I believe that role models play a crucial role in the development of young individuals. They serve as living exemplars of what one can achieve, thereby expanding the horizons of young minds. Moreover, role models provide invaluable guidance and set benchmarks for ethical behavior and success. They can catalyze personal growth by inspiring young people to push beyond their perceived limitations and strive for excellence in their chosen fields.
IELTS speaking test on positive influence
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How do you think social media influencers affect young people today?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think social media influencers have a big impact on young people today. They can inspire young people to try new things and be creative. However, they can also create unrealistic expectations about life and success. Some young people might feel pressure to look or live a certain way because of influencers.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The impact of social media influencers on today’s youth is undeniably significant and multifaceted. On one hand, these digital personalities can serve as catalysts for creativity and innovation, inspiring young individuals to explore new avenues and express themselves uniquely. They often champion important causes, raising awareness about social issues and encouraging civic engagement among their followers.
However, this influence is not without its potential pitfalls. The curated and often idealized lifestyles portrayed by influencers can foster unrealistic expectations about success, physical appearance, and material wealth. This can lead to heightened anxiety and diminished self-esteem among young people who may feel pressured to emulate these often unattainable standards.
Moreover, the commercialization of influence raises ethical concerns about the authenticity of content and the potential exploitation of young, impressionable audiences. It’s crucial for young people to develop critical thinking skills to navigate this digital landscape and discern between genuine inspiration and manufactured influence.
Q: In what ways do you think teachers can positively influence their students beyond academic subjects?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Teachers can positively influence students in many ways beyond just teaching subjects. They can be good role models and show students how to behave well. Teachers can also encourage students to be curious and love learning. They can help students develop important life skills like teamwork and communication.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Teachers possess a unique capacity to shape their students’ lives far beyond the confines of academic subjects. Their influence can be profoundly transformative in numerous aspects of a student’s personal and social development.
Firstly, teachers serve as paradigms of ethical behavior and professionalism. Through their conduct, they can instill values such as integrity, respect, and perseverance in their students. This implicit teaching often leaves a lasting impression that guides students’ moral compasses well into adulthood.
Secondly, educators can ignite a lifelong passion for learning by fostering curiosity and critical thinking. By encouraging students to question, explore, and think independently, teachers lay the foundation for intellectual growth that extends far beyond the classroom.
Moreover, teachers play a crucial role in developing students’ social and emotional intelligence. Through classroom dynamics and mentorship, they can help students hone essential life skills such as empathy, conflict resolution, and effective communication. These interpersonal competencies are invaluable in both personal relationships and professional settings.
Lastly, teachers can be instrumental in nurturing students’ self-confidence and helping them discover their unique talents and passions. By providing constructive feedback, recognizing individual strengths, and offering guidance, educators can empower students to pursue their goals with conviction and resilience.
In essence, the positive influence of teachers transcends academic boundaries, shaping well-rounded individuals equipped to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and integrity.
Teacher positively influencing students beyond academics
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Exert a profound influence /ɪɡˈzɜːt ə prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪnfluəns/ (phrase): To have a deep and significant effect on someone or something.
Example: My mentor’s guidance exerted a profound influence on my career choices. -
Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
Example: Her encouragement was the catalyst for my decision to pursue higher education. -
Paradigm /ˈpærədaɪm/ (noun): A typical example or pattern of something; a model.
Example: The teacher served as a paradigm of dedication and enthusiasm for her students. -
Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
Example: The influence of social media on youth is a multifaceted issue with both positive and negative aspects. -
Indefatigable /ˌɪndɪˈfætɪɡəbl/ (adjective): Persisting tirelessly.
Example: Her indefatigable spirit in the face of challenges was truly inspiring.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who has positively influenced you:
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Develop your ideas fully: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and feelings in detail.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases naturally into your responses.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length without long pauses or repetition.
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Show flexibility: Be prepared to discuss related topics and abstract ideas, especially in Part 3.
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Use varied grammatical structures: Demonstrate your ability to use complex sentences and different tenses accurately.
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Be authentic: While it’s important to use advanced language, ensure your responses remain genuine and personal.
Remember, regular practice with a variety of topics will help you improve your speaking skills and build confidence for the test. Additionally, reflecting on cultural influences can provide you with rich material for discussion, particularly when describing people who have had a positive impact on your life.
