The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing someone who has had a positive impact on your career. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Understanding the Task
Before we dive into the sample answers, it’s crucial to understand what the examiners are looking for when they ask you to describe a person who has positively influenced your career. They want to assess your ability to:
- Speak fluently and coherently about a personal experience
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to work and personal development
- Employ complex grammatical structures
- Organize your thoughts in a logical manner
- Provide relevant details and examples
Now, let’s explore how this topic might appear in different parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you might encounter questions related to your career or influential people. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you have a job at the moment?
- What do you do for a living?
- Have you had any mentors in your career?
- Who has been the most influential person in your professional life?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the last question:
Examiner: Who has been the most influential person in your professional life?
Candidate (Band 7-8 answer): The most influential person in my professional life has been my former manager, Sarah. She played a pivotal role in shaping my career path and honing my skills. Sarah consistently challenged me to take on new responsibilities and pushed me out of my comfort zone, which ultimately led to significant growth in my career.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to our topic:
Describe a person who has had a positive influence on your career.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain how this person has influenced your career positively
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about my former professor, Dr. James Thompson, who has had a profound impact on my career in computer science. I first met Dr. Thompson during my undergraduate studies at Stanford University, where he taught advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence.
Dr. Thompson is a renowned expert in the field of machine learning and has made significant contributions to the development of AI technologies. His work has been widely recognized in academic circles and the tech industry alike.
What sets Dr. Thompson apart is not just his extensive knowledge, but also his passion for mentoring students. He went above and beyond his role as a professor, often staying late to discuss research ideas or provide career advice. His enthusiasm for the subject was contagious, and he had a unique ability to break down complex concepts into digestible pieces.
Dr. Thompson’s influence on my career has been immeasurable. He ignited my interest in AI and guided me towards specializing in this field. Through his connections in the industry, he helped me secure an internship at a leading tech company, which laid the foundation for my current career. More importantly, he instilled in me the values of continuous learning and ethical considerations in AI development.
His mentorship extended beyond the classroom, as he encouraged me to publish research papers and attend conferences, which significantly boosted my professional profile. Even after graduation, Dr. Thompson has remained a valuable resource, offering advice on career moves and keeping me informed about cutting-edge developments in the field.
In essence, Dr. Thompson didn’t just teach me about computer science; he showed me how to think like a scientist and approach problems creatively. His guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping my career path and fueling my passion for innovation in AI.”
Follow-up Questions
- How important do you think mentors are in one’s career development?
- What qualities do you think make a good mentor?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
-
I believe mentors are extremely crucial in career development. They provide invaluable guidance, share their wealth of experience, and can open doors to opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible. A good mentor can help you navigate challenges, avoid common pitfalls, and accelerate your professional growth.
-
In my opinion, the qualities that make a good mentor include patience, empathy, and a genuine interest in the mentee’s success. They should be excellent listeners, able to provide constructive feedback, and willing to share their network. A good mentor should also lead by example, demonstrating professional integrity and a commitment to continuous learning.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some examples:
- How has the role of mentorship changed in recent years?
- Do you think formal mentorship programs in companies are effective?
- What are some challenges in establishing a successful mentor-mentee relationship?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The role of mentorship has evolved significantly in recent years, largely due to technological advancements and changing workplace dynamics. Traditionally, mentorship was often limited to face-to-face interactions within the same organization. However, with the rise of remote work and digital communication platforms, mentorship has become more flexible and accessible.
Now, it’s increasingly common to have virtual mentors or even reverse mentorship, where younger employees mentor older colleagues on topics like technology or social media. This shift has broadened the scope of mentorship, making it possible to connect with mentors across different industries and geographical locations.
Regarding formal mentorship programs in companies, I believe they can be highly effective when implemented thoughtfully. These programs can foster a culture of learning and promote knowledge transfer within the organization. However, their success largely depends on factors such as proper matching of mentors and mentees, clear goals and expectations, and ongoing support from the company.
One of the main challenges in establishing a successful mentor-mentee relationship is finding the right match. It’s crucial to have aligned expectations, compatible communication styles, and a genuine connection. Another challenge is maintaining consistency and commitment, especially in today’s fast-paced work environment. Both parties need to prioritize the relationship and make time for regular interactions.
Additionally, there’s the challenge of navigating power dynamics, particularly if the mentor is in a senior position within the same company. It’s important to establish trust and create a safe space for open communication. Lastly, measuring the impact of mentorship can be challenging, as the benefits are often intangible and long-term.
Despite these challenges, I believe that mentorship remains a powerful tool for professional development and career advancement. When done right, it can lead to mutual growth and lasting positive impacts on both the mentor and the mentee.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high band score, it’s essential to use a wide range of vocabulary. Here are some key terms and phrases related to this topic:
-
Pivotal role (phrase) – /ˈpɪvətl roʊl/ – Playing a crucial part in something
Example: “My first boss played a pivotal role in shaping my leadership style.” -
Mentor (noun) – /ˈmentɔr/ – An experienced person who advises and helps someone with less experience
Example: “Finding a good mentor can significantly accelerate your career growth.” -
Influential (adjective) – /ˌɪnfluˈenʃl/ – Having great influence on someone or something
Example: “Her innovative ideas made her one of the most influential figures in the tech industry.” -
Professional development (noun phrase) – /prəˈfeʃənl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – The process of improving and increasing capabilities of staff through access to education and training opportunities
Example: “The company offers various professional development programs to help employees enhance their skills.” -
Career trajectory (noun phrase) – /kəˈrɪər trəˈdʒektəri/ – The path or progress of a person’s professional career over time
Example: “His advice significantly altered my career trajectory, leading me to pursue a specialization in data science.”
Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner
As an experienced IELTS examiner, I recommend the following strategies to excel in this task:
-
Prepare a range of examples: Have several stories ready about people who have influenced your career positively. This will help you respond confidently to various questions.
-
Use specific details: Instead of general statements, provide concrete examples of how the person influenced you. This adds authenticity to your answer.
-
Practice coherent storytelling: Work on organizing your thoughts logically. Use linking words to connect your ideas smoothly.
-
Expand your vocabulary: Learn and practice using advanced vocabulary related to career development and personal growth.
-
Focus on fluency: While accuracy is important, don’t let the fear of making mistakes hinder your speech. Aim for natural, flowing conversation.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is practice. Regularly engage in English conversations, record yourself speaking, and seek feedback to continually improve your skills.
For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might find it helpful to explore topics like describing a piece of advice you received or describing a time when you led a successful team project. These related topics can help broaden your vocabulary and improve your ability to discuss professional experiences fluently.