The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. This part of the IELTS test is divided into three sections: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). As an IELTS Speaking Examiner, I assess various factors such as fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
Questions revolving around describing a person who has had a positive influence in your life are quite frequent and typical. They offer a unique opportunity to showcase your storytelling skills and your ability to use the English language creatively and effectively. Let’s delve into some detailed examples and suggestions to handle such questions adeptly.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Examiners often start with questions about your personal life, interests, and daily routine to ease you into the conversation. Here are a few common questions:
- What do you do for work or study?
- Can you describe your hometown?
- Do you have a role model or someone who has influenced you positively?
Sample Question and Suggested Answer:
Question: Do you have a role model or someone who has influenced you positively?
Answer: Yes, certainly. My grandmother has had a profound impact on my life. She instilled in me strong values, such as the importance of kindness, perseverance, and hard work. Her life story, full of challenges and triumphs, serves as a constant reminder that resilience and determination can lead to success, no matter the obstacles.
2. Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you are given a cue card with a topic. You will have one minute to prepare and up to two minutes to talk. Here is an example related to our keyword:
Cue Card:
Describe A Person Who Has Been A Positive Influence In Your Life.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What they have done to influence you
- And explain why you admire this person
Suggested Answer:
One person who has been a significant positive influence in my life is my English teacher from high school, Mrs. Nguyen. I vividly remember the first day I met her; she was enthusiastic and was passionately talking about literature and travel.
Mrs. Nguyen was more than just a teacher to me—she was a mentor. She encouraged me to pursue my dream of studying abroad. When I struggled with doubt and fear, she shared her own experiences of learning English, which were full of hard work and perseverance. Her unwavering belief in my abilities fueled my determination to excel.
She also introduced me to a wide range of literature that broadened my perspective and improved my critical thinking skills. Because of her, I developed a profound love for the English language and literature, which profoundly influenced my academic and personal growth. I admire Mrs. Nguyen not only for her teaching skills but also for her ability to inspire and encourage her students. Her influence has shaped me into the person I am today—confident, resilient, and always eager to learn.
Examiner Follow-up Questions:
- How did Mrs. Nguyen’s influence affect your career choices?
- Have you kept in touch with Mrs. Nguyen since you graduated?
Suggested Responses:
Her influence played a pivotal role in my decision to pursue a career in education. Her teaching style made me realize the profound impact a teacher can have on students’ lives, and I aspired to leave a similar mark. Yes, we have kept in touch. She continues to mentor me, and her advice remains invaluable.
Positive Influence of a School Teacher
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract and in-depth questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2. This section tests your ability to express opinions, analyze, and justify your argument.
Example Questions and Suggested Responses:
Question: In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a good role model?
Answer: I believe a good role model should possess qualities such as integrity, empathy, and resilience. They should lead by example, demonstrating through their actions the values and behaviors they espouse. A good role model should also be approachable and supportive, offering guidance and encouragement to those who look up to them.
Question: Can a person’s influence be both positive and negative? How?
Answer: Absolutely. A person’s influence can be a double-edged sword. While they can inspire and motivate, they can also unintentionally lead someone down a negative path. For instance, a highly ambitious person might inspire others to work hard, but if they emphasize success at any cost, they might encourage unethical behavior. It’s essential to balance ambition with ethical considerations.
4. Key Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Here are some of the key terms and phrases that can help elevate your speaking response:
- Profound impact: /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ – Significant and deep influence.
- Unwavering belief: /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ bɪˈli:f/ – Steadfast and constant faith.
- Mentor: /ˈmɛntɔːr/ – A guide or an advisor.
- Fuelled my determination: /fjuːld maɪ dɪˌtɜːmɪˈneɪʃən/ – Strengthened my resolve.
- Resilient: /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – Ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example Sentences:
- “Her unwavering belief in my abilities fuelled my determination to succeed.”
- “My grandmother is a resilient person who has faced many challenges and emerged stronger.”
III. Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, consider the following tips:
- Practice regularly: Frequent speaking practice enhances fluency and confidence.
- Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use new words and idiomatic expressions.
- Focus on pronunciation: Clear and accurate pronunciation can significantly affect your score.
- Engage in various topics: Discuss different subjects to build a wide range of ideas and expressions.
- Seek feedback: Have someone evaluate your speaking to identify areas for improvement.
In conclusion, describing a person who has been a positive influence in your life in the IELTS Speaking test offers a rich opportunity to showcase your language skills. By using the strategies, examples, and vocabulary outlined in this article, you can craft compelling responses that will impress the examiner and boost your score.
For further practice, consider exploring other related topics like describe a person who is good at listening or describe a time when you were inspired by someone to enhance your speaking skills.
