The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. The test is divided into three parts: Introduction and Interview (Part 1), Long Turn (Part 2), and Two-way Discussion (Part 3). Examiners evaluate factors such as fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. A common topic in the test is describing a person who has achieved something remarkable. Understanding how to approach this topic can greatly enhance your performance.
Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner asks general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies, and interests. Here are a few example questions related to describing someone who has achieved something remarkable:
- “Who is someone you admire and why?”
- “What qualities do you think a successful person should have?”
- “Can you tell me about a person who has inspired you?”
Sample Answer for Part 1
Question: “Who is someone you admire and why?”
Answer:
“I admire Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist and anthropologist. Her groundbreaking work in the study of wild chimpanzees has not only advanced the scientific community’s understanding of these animals but also shed light on human evolution. What I find particularly remarkable about her is her dedication to conservation and animal welfare, which has inspired countless individuals worldwide.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
In this part, you will be given a cue card with a topic and a few prompts. You should speak for about 2 minutes on the topic. Here’s a cue card related to our topic:
Cue Card:
Describe a person who has achieved something remarkable. You should say:
- Who the person is
- What they achieved
- How they achieved it
- And explain why you find their achievement remarkable
Sample Answer for Part 2
Answer:
“I would like to talk about Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. Elon Musk has achieved remarkable success in multiple fields, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries. His achievements include the development of electric cars with Tesla, which has revolutionized the automobile market, and the successful launch and landing of reusable rockets through SpaceX.
Musk’s journey began with his background in physics and economics. He started by co-founding Zip2 and later X.com, which became PayPal. These ventures provided him with the financial backing to pursue his lofty ambitions. With Tesla, he focused on creating sustainable energy solutions, and with SpaceX, he aimed to make space travel more accessible and affordable.
I find his achievements remarkable for several reasons. Firstly, his vision and determination to overcome significant challenges in both industries are commendable. Secondly, he has managed to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and engineers, pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation. Lastly, his contributions to sustainability and space exploration hold profound implications for the future of humanity.”
Bullet Point Questions:
- Why do you think some people become more successful than others?
- How do successful people influence society?
Sample Answers for Bullet Points
1. Why do you think some people become more successful than others?
Answer:
“I believe that a combination of hard work, perseverance, and innate talent contributes to why some people achieve higher levels of success. Additionally, having the right opportunities and support systems in place can play a pivotal role in an individual’s success.”
2. How do successful people influence society?
Answer:
“Successful individuals often serve as role models, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and ambitions. They can also drive innovation and change by introducing new technologies or ideas, which can lead to societal advancements and improvements in quality of life.”
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will discuss more abstract aspects related to the topic in Part 2. You should be prepared to give longer answers and justify your opinions.
Sample Discussion Questions and Answers
Question: “Do you think that people who achieve remarkable things are always happy?”
Answer:
“Not necessarily. While achieving remarkable things can bring a sense of fulfillment and joy, it often comes with significant stress and sacrifice. The pressure to maintain success and the isolation that can accompany it might lead to personal challenges affecting their overall happiness.”
Question: “How important is it for young people to have role models?”
Answer:
“Having role models is incredibly important for young people. Role models provide inspiration and guidance, helping young individuals shape their goals and aspirations. They demonstrate what is possible through dedication and hard work, serving as a beacon for future achievements.”
Important Vocabulary and Structures
Key Vocabulary:
- Groundbreaking ([ɡraʊndˌbreɪ.kɪŋ]): innovative and pioneering.
- Dedication ([ˌdɛd.ɪˈkeɪ.ʃən]): commitment to a task or purpose.
- Lofty ambitions ([lɔf.ti æmˈbɪʃ.ənz]): high aspirations.
- Vision ([ˈvɪʒ.ən]): the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom.
- Perseverance ([ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪərəns]): persistence in doing something despite difficulty.
- Pivotal role ([ˈpɪv.ə.təl roʊl]): crucial or central importance in influencing outcomes.
Useful Structures:
- Passive Voice: “The successful launch and landing of reusable rockets were achieved by SpaceX.”
- Complex Sentences: “Not only did his work advance the scientific community’s understanding, but it also inspired many to pursue careers in science.”
- Comparative and Superlative Forms: “Musk’s achievements are among the most notable in the modern era.”
Advice for High Scores in Speaking
- Practice Fluency: Speak clearly and confidently without hesitating too much. Practice speaking regularly to improve your fluency.
- Extend Answers: Provide detailed responses and try to elaborate on your points. Use examples to support your statements.
- Range of Vocabulary: Use a varied and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Avoid repetition and try to use synonyms.
- Grammatical Accuracy: Pay attention to grammar and sentence structure. Practice using different grammatical forms.
- Pronunciation: Ensure your pronunciation is clear. Work on stress, intonation, and rhythm.
By preparing effectively and understanding what examiners are looking for, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.