The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics that require candidates to reflect on personal experiences and relationships. One such topic that frequently appears is describing a person who has significantly impacted your worldview. This article will provide valuable insights and sample answers to help you excel in this particular speaking task.
Understanding the Task
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s essential to understand what the examiner is looking for when they ask you to “Describe a person who has helped you see the world differently.” This question aims to assess your ability to:
- Articulate personal experiences
- Describe people and their qualities
- Explain abstract concepts like change in perspective
- Use a range of vocabulary related to character and influence
IELTS Speaking Test
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about people who have influenced you. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you think it’s important to have role models in life?
A: Absolutely, I believe having role models is crucial for personal growth. They can inspire us to aim higher and provide guidance when we face challenges. In my experience, role models have helped shape my values and motivated me to pursue my goals with greater determination.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who has helped you see the world differently.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person did that changed your perspective
- And explain how your view of the world changed as a result
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
I’d like to talk about my high school history teacher, Mr. Johnson. I met him when I was 16 years old, and he taught me for two years. Mr. Johnson had a unique way of teaching history that really opened my eyes to the world around me.
Instead of just focusing on dates and events, he encouraged us to think critically about historical events and their impact on the present. He often organized debates in class where we had to argue from different perspectives, which really challenged my preconceptions.
One particular project he assigned was about analyzing propaganda from different eras. This made me realize how easily information can be manipulated and the importance of questioning what we see and hear.
As a result of Mr. Johnson’s influence, I started to view current events more critically. I began to look for multiple sources of information before forming opinions and became more aware of biases in media reporting. This change in perspective has made me a more informed and engaged citizen, and I’m grateful for the way Mr. Johnson helped me develop these skills.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about my maternal grandmother, who profoundly influenced my worldview. I’ve known her my entire life, of course, but it wasn’t until I was in my late teens that I truly began to appreciate the wealth of wisdom and experience she had to offer.
My grandmother grew up during the Great Depression and lived through World War II, experiences that shaped her outlook on life in remarkable ways. What really changed my perspective was her unwavering optimism and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the hardships she’d endured, she always maintained a positive attitude and a deep sense of gratitude for even the smallest things in life.
One particular conversation we had stands out vividly in my memory. She shared stories of how her community banded together during tough times, supporting each other without expectation of return. This opened my eyes to the power of collective action and the importance of community bonds.
As a result of my grandmother’s influence, I’ve come to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. I’ve learned to appreciate the simple joys in life and to cultivate resilience in the face of adversity. Perhaps most importantly, I’ve developed a deeper sense of empathy and a stronger commitment to community service, recognizing that we all have a role to play in supporting those around us.
Her perspective has truly transformed my outlook on life, encouraging me to be more compassionate, resilient, and community-minded. I’m incredibly grateful for the wisdom she’s shared and the way it’s shaped my understanding of the world.
Follow-up Questions
Q: How important do you think it is for young people to have mentors?
A (Band 6-7): I think it’s very important for young people to have mentors. Mentors can provide guidance and support that helps young people navigate challenges and make important decisions. They can also share valuable experiences and offer a different perspective on various situations.
A (Band 8-9): I believe mentors play a crucial role in the personal and professional development of young individuals. A good mentor can offer invaluable insights drawn from their own experiences, helping to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Moreover, mentors can serve as role models, demonstrating important qualities such as integrity, perseverance, and leadership. They can also open doors to new opportunities and help expand a young person’s network, which can be instrumental in their future success.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: Do you think the internet and social media have changed the way people view the world? How?
A (Band 6-7): Yes, I definitely think the internet and social media have changed how people see the world. They’ve made information more accessible, allowing people to learn about different cultures and events happening globally. However, they’ve also created echo chambers where people only see information that confirms their existing beliefs. This can lead to a more polarized view of the world.
A (Band 8-9): Undoubtedly, the internet and social media have revolutionized our perception of the world in multifaceted ways. On one hand, they’ve democratized access to information, enabling people to gain insights into diverse cultures, perspectives, and global events at an unprecedented scale. This has fostered greater cross-cultural understanding and global awareness.
However, the impact is not uniformly positive. The algorithms that power these platforms often create echo chambers, where individuals are predominantly exposed to information that aligns with their existing beliefs. This can lead to confirmation bias and a more polarized worldview. Additionally, the rapid spread of misinformation and the challenge of verifying sources in the digital age have made it increasingly difficult for people to discern fact from fiction.
Moreover, social media has altered our sense of connection and community. While it has facilitated global networking, it has also been linked to increased feelings of isolation and inadequacy in some users, particularly young people. The curated nature of social media content can create unrealistic expectations and distort our perception of reality.
In essence, while the internet and social media have undeniably broadened our access to global perspectives, they’ve also introduced new challenges in how we process and interpret information, ultimately reshaping our worldview in complex and sometimes contradictory ways.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Profoundly influenced (adv. + v.) – /prəˈfaʊndli ˈɪnflʊənst/: Had a deep and significant impact.
Example: “Her travels profoundly influenced her art style.”Wealth of wisdom (n. phrase) – /welθ əv ˈwɪzdəm/: A large amount of knowledge and good judgment.
Example: “The elderly often possess a wealth of wisdom from their life experiences.”Unwavering optimism (adj. + n.) – /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ ˈɒptɪmɪzəm/: Constant and steady hopefulness.
Example: “Despite the challenges, she maintained her unwavering optimism.”Stands out vividly (v. phrase) – /stændz aʊt ˈvɪvɪdli/: To be clearly remembered or noticed.
Example: “That particular moment stands out vividly in my memory.”Cultivate resilience (v. + n.) – /ˈkʌltɪveɪt rɪˈzɪliəns/: To develop the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: “It’s important to cultivate resilience in order to cope with life’s challenges.”Bridge the gap (idiom) – /brɪdʒ ðə ɡæp/: To connect two different things or groups.
Example: “Good communication can help bridge the gap between generations.”Echo chambers (n.) – /ˈekəʊ ˈtʃeɪmbəz/: Situations where people only encounter beliefs or opinions that coincide with their own.
Example: “Social media algorithms can create echo chambers, limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints.”Democratized access (v. + n.) – /dɪˈmɒkrətaɪzd ˈækses/: Made something available to everyone.
Example: “The internet has democratized access to education through online courses.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing influential people:
Use specific examples: Don’t just state that someone changed your perspective; provide concrete instances of how they did so.
Employ a range of vocabulary: Utilize varied adjectives and phrases to describe the person and their impact.
Show reflection: Demonstrate how you’ve thought about the influence this person has had on you.
Practice fluency: While it’s important to use advanced vocabulary, ensure you can speak fluently and naturally.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points with explanations and examples.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
For more tips on acing the IELTS Speaking test, check out our articles on describing a time when you learned from failure and describing a book that had a big impact on you.