As an experienced IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve seen countless candidates struggle with this common topic. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share insider tips on how to effectively “Describe a person who has had a lasting impact on your personal development” in your IELTS Speaking test. We’ll explore sample questions, model answers, and key strategies to help you achieve a high band score.
Understanding the Topic
This topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking Part 2, where you’re required to give a 2-minute talk on a given subject. It’s a popular choice because it allows examiners to assess your ability to describe people, express emotions, and reflect on personal experiences – all crucial elements in evaluating your English speaking skills.
IELTS Speaking Test
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
While this topic is typically reserved for Part 2, the examiner might warm you up with related questions in Part 1. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you have any role models?
- Who has influenced you the most in your life?
- How important are mentors in a person’s development?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you have any role models?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. My main role model is my older sister. She’s always been there for me and has set a good example in many ways. I really look up to her because of her hard work and kindness.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I’d say my primary role model is my older sister. She’s been an invaluable source of inspiration throughout my life. What I find particularly admirable about her is her unwavering determination in the face of challenges and her genuine compassion towards others. Her approach to life has profoundly influenced my own personal and professional aspirations.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Now, let’s focus on the main topic. Here’s a typical cue card you might encounter:
Describe a person who has had a lasting impact on your personal development.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What qualities this person has
- And explain how this person has impacted your personal development
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
The person who has had a lasting impact on my personal development is my high school math teacher, Mr. Johnson. I met him when I was 15 years old and struggling with mathematics. Mr. Johnson is a very patient and dedicated teacher. He always took the time to explain difficult concepts and encouraged us to think critically.
What I admire most about Mr. Johnson is his passion for teaching and his belief in every student’s potential. He never gave up on anyone, even when they were struggling. This attitude really inspired me to work harder.
Mr. Johnson’s impact on my personal development has been significant. He taught me the value of perseverance and showed me that with hard work and the right mindset, I could overcome any challenge. Thanks to his guidance, I not only improved in math but also gained confidence in my abilities. This confidence has carried over into other areas of my life, helping me tackle new challenges with a positive attitude.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
The individual who has profoundly influenced my personal development is my high school mathematics teacher, Mr. Johnson. I had the privilege of being his student during a pivotal period in my academic journey, from ages 15 to 18.
Mr. Johnson is an exceptionally gifted educator with a unique ability to demystify complex mathematical concepts. His teaching style is characterized by unwavering patience, genuine enthusiasm, and an innate talent for fostering critical thinking. What sets him apart is his steadfast belief in every student’s potential, regardless of their initial aptitude or confidence level.
The qualities that I find most admirable in Mr. Johnson are his infectious passion for his subject, his unwavering dedication to his students, and his remarkable ability to inspire. He consistently went above and beyond, offering additional support and tailoring his teaching methods to suit individual learning styles.
Mr. Johnson’s impact on my personal development has been nothing short of transformative. Through his guidance, I not only overcame my initial struggles with mathematics but also discovered a genuine love for the subject. More importantly, he instilled in me a growth mindset – the belief that with perseverance and the right approach, any challenge can be surmounted.
This shift in perspective has permeated every aspect of my life, empowering me to approach obstacles with confidence and resilience. Mr. Johnson’s influence extended far beyond the confines of mathematics, shaping my problem-solving skills, boosting my self-efficacy, and ultimately altering the trajectory of my personal and academic growth.
Examiner’s follow-up questions:
- How do you think teachers can have a lasting impact on their students?
- What qualities do you think are essential for someone to be a good mentor?
Band 6-7 Answer (Question 1):
I believe teachers can have a lasting impact by being supportive and encouraging. When they show they care about their students’ progress and believe in their abilities, it can really boost a student’s confidence. Also, teachers who make their subjects interesting and relevant to real life can inspire students to pursue those subjects further.
Band 8-9 Answer (Question 1):
Teachers can exert a profound and enduring influence on their students through a multifaceted approach. Firstly, by fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment, they can ignite a lifelong passion for learning. Secondly, personalized guidance and constructive feedback can help students recognize and harness their unique strengths. Moreover, teachers who lead by example, demonstrating integrity, curiosity, and resilience, can shape their students’ character and values. Ultimately, the most impactful teachers are those who empower their students to think independently and believe in their own potential for growth and achievement.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Examiner: How do you think the role of mentors has changed in the digital age?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think the role of mentors has changed quite a bit in the digital age. Now, people can find mentors online through social media or professional networks. This means we have access to a wider range of mentors from different backgrounds. However, it might be harder to build deep, personal relationships like we used to have with face-to-face mentoring.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The digital age has fundamentally transformed the landscape of mentorship. On one hand, it has democratized access to mentorship, enabling individuals to connect with experts and role models from diverse fields and geographical locations. This unprecedented accessibility has expanded the horizons of mentorship beyond traditional boundaries.
However, this shift has also introduced new complexities. The abundance of information and potential mentors available online can be overwhelming, requiring individuals to develop discerning skills to identify genuine and suitable mentors. Moreover, the virtual nature of these relationships may lack the depth and nuance of face-to-face interactions, potentially diminishing the emotional connection and spontaneous learning that often occurs in traditional mentorship.
That said, the digital age has also fostered innovative mentorship models, such as micro-mentoring and peer-to-peer mentoring platforms. These adaptations reflect the evolving needs of a rapidly changing workforce and underscore the enduring importance of guidance and knowledge transfer in personal and professional development.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated terms and expressions:
Profound influence /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪnfluəns/ (phrase): A deep, significant impact.
Example: “Her teachings had a profound influence on my worldview.”Transformative /trænsˈfɔːrmətɪv/ (adjective): Causing a major change in someone or something.
Example: “The experience was truly transformative, reshaping my approach to challenges.”To instill /ɪnˈstɪl/ (verb): To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
Example: “My mentor instilled in me a strong work ethic.”Unwavering /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ (adjective): Steady, constant, not changing.
Example: “His unwavering support helped me through difficult times.”To foster /ˈfɒstər/ (verb): To encourage or promote the development of something.
Example: “A good mentor fosters independence in their mentees.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in this topic and improve your overall IELTS Speaking performance:
- Practice storytelling: Prepare personal anecdotes that demonstrate the impact of influential people in your life.
- Develop your vocabulary: Focus on learning and using sophisticated terms related to personal development and influence.
- Work on fluency: Practice speaking at length about personal experiences without long pauses.
- Enhance your critical thinking: Be prepared to discuss abstract ideas related to mentorship and personal growth.
- Use varied sentence structures: Incorporate a mix of simple and complex sentences to showcase your language proficiency.
Remember, authenticity is key. While it’s important to use advanced vocabulary and structures, ensure that your responses remain genuine and reflect your true experiences and opinions.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this topic and achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!
For more IELTS speaking practice, check out our guides on describing a time when you felt proud of a community effort and describing a time when you volunteered for a cause during the pandemic.