When it comes to IELTS Speaking, being able to vividly describe people is a crucial skill. One common topic that often appears is describing someone with a unique style. This article will guide you through tackling this topic effectively, providing sample answers and valuable tips to help you achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.

Describe a famous building or monument you visited is another interesting topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared for a variety of topics will greatly enhance your performance.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about style and fashion. Here are a few examples:

1. Do you care about fashion?
2. How would you describe your personal style?
3. Has your style changed over the years?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the question “How would you describe your personal style?”:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say my personal style is a blend of casual and contemporary. I tend to gravitate towards comfortable yet stylish pieces that can be easily mixed and matched. I’m particularly fond of neutral colors like black, white, and gray, which I often accentuate with colorful accessories. I believe in investing in timeless pieces rather than following fleeting trends.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a person with a unique style:

Describe A Person Who Has A Unique Style.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What kind of style they have
• How you know this person
• And explain why you think their style is unique

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who has a truly distinctive sense of style that never fails to turn heads. Sarah is a graphic designer I met during my university days, and her creative flair is evident not just in her work, but also in her personal appearance.

Sarah’s style can best be described as eclectic and avant-garde. She has a knack for combining seemingly disparate elements to create looks that are both visually striking and thought-provoking. One day, you might see her in a vintage 1950s dress paired with futuristic, holographic boots, and the next, she could be sporting a tailored suit adorned with hand-painted details she’s added herself.

What truly sets Sarah’s style apart is her fearless approach to self-expression through fashion. She doesn’t just wear clothes; she curates ensembles that are like wearable art pieces. Each outfit tells a story or conveys a mood, often incorporating elements from different cultures, time periods, and artistic movements.

I find Sarah’s style unique because it’s a genuine reflection of her personality and creativity. She doesn’t follow trends but instead sets her own standards, often repurposing or upcycling items to create something entirely new. Her style is not just about looking good; it’s a form of personal storytelling and a celebration of individuality.

In a world where many people conform to fashion norms, Sarah’s bold and imaginative approach to style is truly refreshing. She reminds me that fashion can be a powerful form of self-expression and that there’s beauty in embracing one’s uniqueness.”

A person with unique eclectic style combining vintage and modern elements

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How has Sarah’s style influenced others around her?
2. Do you think having a unique style is important in today’s society?

Sample answer for “Do you think having a unique style is important in today’s society?” (Band 8-9):

“I believe having a unique style is increasingly significant in today’s society. In an era of mass production and fast fashion, standing out through personal style can be a powerful way to assert one’s individuality. A unique style not only sets one apart in a crowd but also serves as a form of non-verbal communication, conveying aspects of one’s personality, values, and creativity.

Moreover, in the age of social media, where personal branding is becoming more important, a distinctive style can be a valuable asset. It can help people make memorable impressions in both personal and professional settings. However, it’s crucial to note that the importance of unique style should be balanced with authenticity. The goal should be to develop a style that genuinely reflects one’s identity, rather than simply trying to be different for the sake of standing out.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to style and individuality. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. How do you think fashion influences society?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Fashion has a profound impact on society in various ways. Firstly, it serves as a reflection of cultural values and societal norms, often mirroring the zeitgeist of a particular era. For instance, the rise of casual wear in the workplace reflects changing attitudes towards formality and hierarchy.

Moreover, fashion can be a powerful tool for self-expression and identity formation, allowing individuals to communicate their personalities and beliefs without words. It can also foster a sense of belonging to certain social groups or subcultures.

From an economic perspective, the fashion industry is a significant driver of global commerce, providing employment and contributing to economic growth. However, it’s important to note that fashion, particularly fast fashion, also raises environmental and ethical concerns related to sustainability and labor practices.

In recent years, we’ve seen how fashion has become intertwined with social movements, with clothing choices often making political statements. This demonstrates how fashion can be a medium for raising awareness and advocating for change in society.”

2. Do you think people judge others based on their appearance?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“It’s an unfortunate reality that people often do make snap judgments based on appearance, despite the old adage not to judge a book by its cover. This tendency is deeply ingrained in human psychology, stemming from our evolutionary past where quick assessments were crucial for survival.

In today’s society, appearance-based judgments can have far-reaching consequences. They can influence everything from social interactions to job opportunities. Studies have shown that people perceived as attractive often receive preferential treatment in various settings, a phenomenon known as the ‘halo effect’.

However, it’s important to note that while these initial judgments are common, they’re not always accurate or fair. As society becomes more aware of these biases, there’s a growing movement to challenge and overcome them. Many organizations are implementing blind recruitment processes to mitigate appearance-based discrimination in hiring.

Moreover, the definition of what’s considered attractive or appropriate in terms of appearance is constantly evolving and varies across cultures. This flux highlights the subjective nature of these judgments.

Ultimately, while it’s natural for people to form initial impressions based on appearance, it’s crucial to consciously challenge these instincts and strive to evaluate others based on their actions, skills, and character rather than their outward appearance. This approach leads to a more equitable and inclusive society.”

Diverse group of people with different styles and appearances

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Eclectic (adjective) – /ɪˈklektɪk/ – deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
   Example: “Her eclectic taste in music ranges from classical to heavy metal.”

2. Avant-garde (adjective) – /ˌævɒ̃ˈɡɑːd/ – new and experimental ideas and methods in art, music, or literature.
   Example: “The artist’s avant-garde sculptures challenged traditional notions of form and space.”

3. To turn heads (idiom) – to attract a lot of attention, especially by being very attractive or noticeable.
   Example: “His bright red sports car always turns heads when he drives through town.”

4. Curate (verb) – /kjʊəˈreɪt/ – select, organize, and look after the items in a collection or exhibition.
   Example: “She carefully curates her wardrobe to include only pieces she truly loves.”

5. Zeitgeist (noun) – /ˈzaɪtɡaɪst/ – the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time.
   Example: “The punk movement of the 1970s captured the zeitgeist of youth rebellion.”

Describe a person who has a creative job is another topic where you can use some of these vocabulary items effectively.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person with a unique style:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary related to fashion and personal style.
2. Provide specific details and examples to make your description vivid and engaging.
3. Use idiomatic expressions and collocations naturally to demonstrate language proficiency.
4. Structure your answer logically, using appropriate discourse markers to connect your ideas.
5. Practice speaking about various aspects of style and fashion to improve fluency.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clear pronunciation, natural intonation, and a confident delivery.

Describe a place you visited where things were expensive is another topic where you can apply these speaking strategies to showcase your language skills.