Are you preparing for the IELTS Speaking test and wondering how to effectively answer questions about influential people in your life? This comprehensive guide will provide you with valuable insights, sample answers, and strategies to help you excel in describing a person who has had a significant impact on your life during your IELTS Speaking exam.
Understanding the Topic’s Relevance in IELTS Speaking
Questions about influential people have been a recurring theme in IELTS Speaking tests. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to express personal experiences, emotions, and opinions while showcasing your language skills. Given its frequency in past exams, it’s highly likely to appear in future tests as well.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about people who have influenced you. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you have any role models in your life?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely! I’d say my grandfather has been a profound role model for me. His unwavering dedication to education and his resilience in the face of adversity have deeply inspired me. He grew up in a small village with limited resources but managed to become a respected professor through sheer determination. His journey has instilled in me the value of perseverance and lifelong learning.”
Key elements that make this a high-scoring response:
- Use of advanced vocabulary: “profound,” “unwavering dedication,” “resilience”
- Personal anecdote that directly answers the question
- Clear structure and coherent ideas
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to our topic:
Describe a person who has had a significant impact on your life.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain why this person has had such an impact on you
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my high school English teacher, Mrs. Johnson. I met her when I was 15 years old, and she taught me for three years. As an English teacher, she was responsible for teaching us grammar, literature, and writing skills.
Mrs. Johnson had a significant impact on my life because she ignited my passion for the English language. She had a unique teaching style that made learning engaging and fun. For example, she would often use games and interactive activities to teach complex grammar rules, which helped me grasp the concepts more easily.
What really set her apart was her dedication to her students. She would often stay after school to help those who were struggling, including me. Her encouragement and belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to pursue English as a major in university.
Looking back, I realize that Mrs. Johnson not only taught me English but also valuable life lessons about perseverance and the importance of following one’s passions. Her impact on my life extends far beyond the classroom, and I’m grateful for the role she played in shaping my future.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss my mentor, Dr. Amelia Patel, who has had a profound influence on both my personal and professional development. I first encountered Dr. Patel during my undergraduate studies when she was a guest lecturer in one of my bioengineering courses. Currently, she’s a renowned researcher in the field of regenerative medicine, spearheading groundbreaking projects on stem cell therapy.
Dr. Patel’s impact on my life has been multifaceted and transformative. Firstly, her innovative approach to problem-solving in scientific research has revolutionized my thinking process. She taught me to challenge conventional wisdom and approach complex issues from multiple angles, a skill that has proven invaluable in my own research endeavors.
Moreover, Dr. Patel’s unwavering commitment to ethical scientific practices has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility towards society. She consistently emphasizes the importance of considering the broader implications of our work, which has shaped my perspective on the role of science in addressing global challenges.
Perhaps most significantly, Dr. Patel’s mentorship has been instrumental in helping me overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome, which are common in the competitive field of bioengineering. Her unwavering belief in my abilities and her consistent encouragement have bolstered my confidence and propelled me to pursue ambitious research goals that I might have otherwise deemed beyond my reach.
In essence, Dr. Patel’s influence extends far beyond the realm of scientific knowledge. She has been a catalyst for my personal growth, teaching me the value of resilience, ethical integrity, and the power of mentorship. Her impact on my life serves as a constant reminder of the transformative power of a truly inspirational figure.”
inspirational-mentor-and-mentee|Inspirational Mentor and Mentee|A photo of a female mentor guiding her female mentee, both are smiling, wearing lab coats in a professional lab setting.
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this person’s influence changed over time?
- Do you think you’ll have a similar impact on someone else’s life in the future?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for Question 1:
“Dr. Patel’s influence on my life has evolved significantly over time. Initially, her impact was primarily academic, inspiring me to delve deeper into bioengineering research. However, as our mentor-mentee relationship developed, her influence expanded to encompass various aspects of my personal and professional growth.
In recent years, I’ve found her guidance particularly valuable in navigating the complexities of work-life balance in the demanding field of scientific research. She has exemplified how to maintain a fulfilling personal life while pursuing groundbreaking research, which has become increasingly relevant as I advance in my career.
Moreover, as I’ve taken on mentoring roles myself, I’ve come to appreciate the nuances of Dr. Patel’s mentorship style. I now see how she skillfully tailored her approach to my individual needs and learning style, a technique I strive to emulate with my own mentees.
In essence, while the core of Dr. Patel’s influence – inspiring scientific curiosity and ethical practice – has remained constant, the ways in which her impact manifests in my life have diversified and deepened over time, reflecting my own growth and changing needs.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example:
Q: How do you think role models in society have changed over the past few decades?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The nature of role models in society has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades, largely due to technological advancements and shifting societal values.
Firstly, the advent of social media has dramatically altered the landscape of public figures. In the past, role models were often limited to local community leaders, athletes, or mainstream celebrities. Now, we see the rise of influencers and content creators who can amass large followings and exert considerable influence, particularly on younger generations. This shift has democratized the concept of role models, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain prominence based on their content and message rather than traditional pathways to fame.
Moreover, there’s been a notable shift towards valuing authenticity and relatability in role models. While previous generations might have idolized seemingly perfect, unattainable figures, today’s society often gravitates towards individuals who are open about their struggles and imperfections. This change reflects a broader societal movement towards mental health awareness and self-acceptance.
Another significant change is the increased visibility of role models from underrepresented groups. With growing awareness of social issues and the importance of diversity, there’s been a concerted effort to highlight achievements of individuals from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as different gender identities and sexual orientations. This shift has provided more diverse representation in role models, allowing more people to see themselves reflected in positions of influence and success.
Lastly, the definition of success itself, which often underpins the concept of a role model, has evolved. There’s been a move away from purely financial or status-based success towards valuing work-life balance, social impact, and personal fulfillment. Consequently, role models today are more likely to be celebrated for their holistic approach to life and their contributions to society, rather than just their professional achievements.
In conclusion, while the fundamental concept of role models as figures of inspiration remains, the types of individuals filling these roles and the qualities we admire in them have undergone a substantial evolution, reflecting broader changes in our technological landscape and societal values.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Profound influence (adjective + noun)
Pronunciation: /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪnfluəns/
Meaning: A deep and significant impact
Example: “My grandfather’s wisdom has had a profound influence on my life choices.” -
To ignite a passion (verb phrase)
Pronunciation: /ɪɡˈnaɪt ə ˈpæʃən/
Meaning: To spark or awaken a strong interest or enthusiasm
Example: “My biology teacher ignited my passion for environmental conservation.” -
Unwavering commitment (adjective + noun)
Pronunciation: /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ kəˈmɪtmənt/
Meaning: Steady and unchanging dedication
Example: “Her unwavering commitment to social justice inspired many to join the cause.” -
To instill values (verb phrase)
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈstɪl ˈvæljuːz/
Meaning: To gradually establish a belief or attitude in someone
Example: “My parents instilled in me the importance of honesty and hard work.” -
Transformative experience (adjective + noun)
Pronunciation: /trænsˈfɔːrmətɪv ɪkˈspɪəriəns/
Meaning: An event or occurrence that causes a significant change in someone
Example: “Volunteering abroad was a transformative experience that changed my worldview.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who has had a significant impact on your life:
- Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases relevant to the topic.
- Provide specific examples: Support your statements with personal anecdotes or detailed explanations.
- Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length about influential people in your life to improve your ability to speak continuously and coherently.
- Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze and reflect on the impact this person has had on you.
- Use appropriate tenses: Ensure you use the correct tenses when talking about past events and their current impact.
Remember, practice is key to improving your performance. Regularly rehearse describing influential people in your life, focusing on articulating your thoughts clearly and using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
For more tips on how to excel in your IELTS Speaking test, check out our guide on how to describe a person who has encouraged you to pursue your passions. This resource will provide additional strategies to help you showcase your language skills effectively.