Master the Art of Describing Influential Figures in IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people who have made significant achievements. This topic allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to structure a coherent response. In this guide, we’ll explore how to effectively answer questions related to describing a person who has achieved something important, with sample answers and expert tips to help you excel in your IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you may encounter questions about influential people or personal role models. Here’s a sample question with a suggested response:

Examiner: Do you have any role models?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
Yes, I do. One person I greatly admire is Malala Yousafzai. She’s a young Pakistani activist who has championed education for girls in her country and around the world. What impresses me most about her is her unwavering courage in the face of adversity. Despite facing threats and even surviving an assassination attempt, she has continued to advocate tirelessly for girls’ rights to education. Her resilience and determination are truly inspiring to me.

Describe a person who has helped you achieve an important goal can be another common topic in IELTS Speaking. Being able to articulate the impact someone has had on your life is a valuable skill for this exam.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for Part 2:

Describe a person who has achieved something important

You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they have achieved
- How they achieved it
- And explain why you think their achievement is important

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

I’d like to talk about Elon Musk, a renowned entrepreneur and innovator who has achieved numerous groundbreaking feats in various industries.

Elon Musk is the founder and CEO of several companies, including Tesla and SpaceX. One of his most notable achievements is revolutionizing the electric car industry through Tesla. He has transformed the perception of electric vehicles from being niche products to desirable, high-performance cars that can compete with traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

Musk achieved this through a combination of visionary thinking, relentless determination, and innovative engineering. He invested heavily in research and development to improve battery technology, which was a major limitation for electric cars. Additionally, he focused on creating sleek, attractive designs that appealed to a broader market. His marketing strategy of positioning Tesla as a premium brand also helped to change public perception of electric vehicles.

I believe this achievement is important for several reasons. Firstly, it has accelerated the transition towards sustainable transportation, which is crucial for combating climate change. Secondly, Musk’s success has inspired other companies to invest in electric vehicle technology, leading to increased competition and innovation in the industry. Lastly, his achievement demonstrates the power of perseverance and thinking outside the box when tackling global challenges.

Musk’s journey wasn’t without obstacles. He faced numerous setbacks, including production delays and financial difficulties. However, his unwavering belief in his vision and ability to adapt to challenges ultimately led to Tesla’s success. This resilience in the face of adversity is perhaps one of the most inspiring aspects of his achievement.

In conclusion, Elon Musk’s transformation of the electric vehicle industry is a testament to the impact that one person’s vision and determination can have on a global scale. His achievement not only revolutionized an industry but also contributed significantly to addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time – climate change.

Elon Musk's achievement with Tesla electric cars

Follow-up questions:

1. Examiner: How do you think Musk’s achievements might inspire young people?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
I think Musk’s achievements can be incredibly inspiring for young people in several ways. Firstly, his success demonstrates the power of innovation and thinking big. Young people might be encouraged to pursue their own ambitious ideas, even if they seem unconventional at first. Secondly, Musk’s perseverance in the face of setbacks can teach young individuals the importance of resilience and not giving up on their dreams. Lastly, his work across multiple industries shows that it’s possible to make a significant impact in various fields if you’re passionate and dedicated.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
Musk’s achievements have the potential to profoundly inspire the younger generation in multiple aspects. His journey epitomizes the transformative power of innovative thinking and unwavering determination. Young people may be galvanized to challenge conventional wisdom and pursue groundbreaking ideas, regardless of how audacious they might seem initially. Moreover, Musk’s ability to overcome numerous obstacles serves as a powerful testament to the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. His success across diverse industries – from electric vehicles to space exploration – illustrates the value of interdisciplinary knowledge and the potential to create synergies between seemingly unrelated fields. This could encourage young individuals to cultivate a broad skill set and think creatively about solving complex global challenges.

2. Examiner: Do you think it’s important for successful people to give back to society? Why or why not?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
Yes, I believe it’s crucial for successful people to give back to society. When individuals achieve great success, they often benefit from societal structures and opportunities that helped them along the way. Giving back is a way to acknowledge this support and help create similar opportunities for others. Moreover, successful people often have significant resources and influence, which can be used to make a substantial positive impact on social issues. This not only helps address important problems but also sets a good example for others to follow.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
I firmly believe that it is imperative for successful individuals to contribute meaningfully to society. This belief stems from several key considerations. Firstly, success is rarely, if ever, achieved in isolation. Even the most self-made individuals invariably benefit from societal infrastructure, educational systems, and collective knowledge accumulated over generations. Giving back, therefore, becomes a way to reciprocate and reinvest in the ecosystem that facilitated their success.

Secondly, successful people often possess unique resources, networks, and platforms that can be leveraged to address pressing social issues with unprecedented efficiency and scale. Their involvement can catalyze significant positive change, whether through philanthropic endeavors, mentorship programs, or innovative social enterprises.

Furthermore, when high-profile individuals engage in social causes, it raises public awareness and can inspire a ripple effect of giving and civic engagement across society. This multiplier effect can lead to far-reaching positive impacts that extend well beyond the individual’s direct contributions.

Lastly, giving back can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends material success, contributing to a more balanced and meaningful life for the individuals themselves. It fosters a culture of social responsibility and interconnectedness, which is essential for building resilient, equitable communities.

In essence, the act of giving back by successful individuals is not just commendable but a crucial component of social progress and sustainable development.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think society benefits from celebrating individual achievements?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
I believe society can benefit greatly from celebrating individual achievements. Firstly, it provides inspiration and motivation for others, especially young people, to strive for excellence in their own pursuits. When we see others succeed, it often encourages us to set higher goals for ourselves. Additionally, celebrating achievements can foster a culture of innovation and progress. It shows that hard work and creativity are valued, which can lead to more people taking risks and pushing boundaries in various fields. Lastly, recognizing individual accomplishments can boost overall morale in a community or nation, creating a more positive and ambitious social atmosphere.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
The celebration of individual achievements can yield multifaceted benefits for society at large. Primarily, it serves as a powerful catalyst for inspiration and aspiration, particularly among younger generations. When society spotlights exceptional accomplishments, it effectively demonstrates the realm of possibility, encouraging others to set ambitious goals and pursue excellence in their respective fields.

Moreover, this practice fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. By acknowledging and rewarding groundbreaking work, society signals the value it places on creativity, perseverance, and forward-thinking. This, in turn, can stimulate a collective drive for progress, encouraging more individuals to take calculated risks and push the boundaries of what’s possible in science, technology, arts, and other domains.

Celebrating achievements also plays a crucial role in shaping societal values and norms. It helps to define what a culture considers important and worthy of emulation. This can be particularly impactful in promoting positive behaviors and ethical standards, especially when the achievements celebrated are not just about personal success but also contribute to the greater good.

Furthermore, recognition of individual accomplishments can enhance social cohesion and national pride. When a society collectively celebrates its high achievers, it creates a shared sense of accomplishment and belonging. This can be especially powerful in diverse societies, where such celebrations can transcend cultural or social divides, uniting people in admiration of human potential.

Lastly, the practice of celebrating achievements contributes to the historical and cultural narrative of a society. It creates role models and stories that are passed down through generations, forming an important part of a society’s identity and aspirations. This historical context can provide valuable lessons and inspiration for future innovators and leaders.

In conclusion, the societal benefits of celebrating individual achievements are far-reaching, encompassing motivation, innovation, cultural development, social cohesion, and historical legacy. It’s a practice that not only recognizes past accomplishments but also actively shapes the future trajectory of a society.

Describe a time when you were proud of an achievement is another related topic that can help you practice articulating personal accomplishments, which is valuable for discussing achievements in general.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To enhance your responses when describing influential figures or important achievements, consider using these words and phrases:

1. Pioneering /ˌpaɪəˈnɪərɪŋ/ (adjective): Introducing new and innovative ideas or methods.
   Example: Her pioneering research in artificial intelligence has revolutionized the field.

2. Visionary /ˈvɪʒəneri/ (adjective): Having or showing clear ideas about what should happen in the future.
   Example: Steve Jobs was known for his visionary approach to product design.

3. Groundbreaking /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/ (adjective): Innovative; pioneering.
   Example: The scientist’s groundbreaking discovery could change our understanding of the universe.

4. To make strides (phrase): To make progress.
   Example: The company has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint.

5. To overcome adversity (phrase): To successfully deal with or overcome a difficult situation.
   Example: Her ability to overcome adversity and achieve her goals is truly inspiring.

6. Trailblazer /ˈtreɪlbleɪzər/ (noun): A person who is the first to do something; an innovator.
   Example: She was a trailblazer in the field of women’s rights.

7. To leave a lasting impact (phrase): To have a long-term effect or influence.
   Example: His work in education has left a lasting impact on generations of students.

8. Paradigm shift /ˈparədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: The invention of the internet caused a paradigm shift in how we communicate and access information.

Key vocabulary for describing achievements in IELTS Speaking

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in describing influential figures or important achievements in your IELTS Speaking test:

1. Prepare a range of examples: Have several people and achievements in mind from different fields (e.g., science, arts, social activism) to adapt to various questions.

2. Use specific details: Instead of general statements, provide concrete examples and anecdotes to support your points.

3. Show personal reflection: Explain why you find the achievement important or how it has influenced you or society.

4. Practice coherent structuring: Organize your thoughts logically, using linking words to connect ideas smoothly.

5. Expand your vocabulary: Incorporate a variety of descriptive adjectives and idiomatic expressions related to success and achievement.

6. Be ready to discuss broader implications: Practice talking about the wider impact of individual achievements on society or specific fields.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversational tone while showcasing your language skills.

Describe a time when you worked with a team can provide valuable practice in discussing collaborative achievements, which is often relevant when talking about important accomplishments.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss influential figures and important achievements confidently in your IELTS Speaking test.