As an experienced IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve witnessed countless candidates struggle with this topic. “Describe a person who has influenced the way you see the world” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. It’s a topic that allows candidates to showcase their language skills while reflecting on personal experiences. Let’s explore how to tackle this subject effectively and aim for that high band score.
Understanding the Topic
Before we dive into specific strategies, it’s crucial to understand what this topic entails. When asked to describe a person who has influenced your worldview, you’re expected to:
- Identify a specific individual
- Explain how they influenced you
- Describe the change in your perspective
- Reflect on the impact of this change
This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests due to its personal nature and potential for in-depth discussion.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions related to the topic. Here are a few examples:
- Do you think it’s important to have role models?
- Who do you admire in your family?
- Have you ever been inspired by a teacher?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: “Do you think it’s important to have role models?”
Candidate (Band 7-8 response): “Absolutely, I believe having role models is crucial for personal growth. They can serve as a source of inspiration and provide guidance in various aspects of life. In my experience, role models have helped shape my values and motivated me to strive for excellence. However, it’s equally important to maintain a critical perspective and not blindly follow anyone.”
Key features of this response:
- Uses a range of vocabulary (crucial, inspiration, guidance)
- Expresses personal opinion clearly
- Provides reasons and examples
- Shows nuanced thinking with the final point about maintaining a critical perspective
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Now, let’s look at a potential cue card for this topic:
Describe a person who has influenced the way you see the world
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What they did or said that influenced you
- And explain how your view of the world changed as a result
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about my grandfather, who has profoundly influenced my worldview. He’s a retired professor of sociology, and I’ve known him all my life, of course, but our relationship deepened when I entered university.
What stands out about my grandfather is his unwavering commitment to social justice and equality. He often shares stories from his youth when he actively participated in civil rights movements. One particular conversation we had left an indelible mark on me. He said, ‘Every small act of kindness or stand against injustice ripples through society.’ This simple yet powerful statement fundamentally altered my perspective.
As a result of his influence, I’ve become much more aware of social issues and my role in addressing them. I now view the world as an interconnected system where individual actions can have far-reaching consequences. This has motivated me to volunteer at local community centers and participate in awareness campaigns.
My grandfather’s influence has instilled in me a sense of social responsibility and empathy towards others, regardless of their background. It’s transformed my worldview from a self-centered one to a more community-oriented perspective, making me realize that we all have a part to play in creating a more just and equitable world.”
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I want to talk about my high school teacher, Mr. Johnson. He taught me history for two years.
Mr. Johnson was different from other teachers. He didn’t just teach from the book but made history interesting with stories and discussions. One thing he always said was, ‘History is not about memorizing dates, it’s about understanding people.’
This changed how I think about history and the world. I started to see current events differently, thinking about why things happen, not just what happens.
Because of Mr. Johnson, I became more interested in news and politics. I now try to understand different points of view before making judgments. This has made me more open-minded and interested in learning about other cultures and ideas.”
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: “Do you think it’s common for teachers to have such a big influence on students?”
Candidate (Band 8-9): “While it’s not universal, I believe impactful teachers are more common than we might think. Exceptional educators have the unique opportunity to shape young minds at a critical stage of development. Their influence can be particularly profound when they go beyond merely teaching the curriculum and engage students on a more personal level, inspiring curiosity and critical thinking. However, the extent of their impact often depends on the receptiveness of the student and the learning environment fostered by the school.”
Candidate (Band 6-7): “I think it depends on the teacher and the student. Some teachers are very good at connecting with students and can have a big influence. But not all teachers are like this. It also depends on if the student is interested in learning and respects the teacher. In my experience, most students have at least one teacher who really impacts them, but it’s not super common for teachers to have a big influence on all their students.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “How do you think social media influencers are changing the way young people see the world?”
Candidate (Band 8-9): “Social media influencers are undeniably shaping the worldviews of young people in profound and complex ways. On one hand, they’re exposing youth to diverse perspectives and lifestyles, potentially broadening horizons and fostering global awareness. Many influencers use their platforms to advocate for social causes, which can inspire young followers to engage with important issues.
However, there’s also a darker side to this influence. The curated nature of social media content can create unrealistic expectations about life, leading to issues with self-esteem and mental health. Moreover, the echo chamber effect of social media algorithms might limit exposure to diverse viewpoints, potentially narrowing rather than expanding worldviews.
Ultimately, I believe the impact is double-edged. While influencers can be a force for positive change, it’s crucial that young people develop critical thinking skills to navigate this digital landscape and form independent opinions.”
Candidate (Band 6-7): “I think social media influencers are having a big effect on how young people see the world. Many young people follow influencers and try to copy their lifestyle or opinions. This can be good and bad.
On the positive side, influencers can teach young people about new ideas or important issues. They might encourage their followers to care about things like the environment or social justice.
But there are problems too. Some influencers show a fake lifestyle that’s not realistic. This can make young people feel bad about their own lives. Also, if young people only follow influencers they agree with, they might not learn about different opinions.
I think it’s important for young people to be careful about which influencers they follow and to remember that social media isn’t always real.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
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Profoundly influenced (adverb + verb): Deeply affected or impacted
Example: Her mentor’s advice profoundly influenced her career choices. -
Unwavering commitment (adjective + noun): Strong, unchanging dedication
Example: Despite challenges, he showed an unwavering commitment to his goals. -
Indelible mark (adjective + noun): A lasting impression or effect
Example: The experience left an indelible mark on her memory. -
Fundamentally altered (adverb + verb): Changed in a basic or essential way
Example: The new discovery fundamentally altered our understanding of the universe. -
Instilled in me (phrasal verb): Gradually but firmly established an idea or attitude in someone
Example: My parents instilled in me the value of hard work. -
Community-oriented perspective (compound adjective + noun): A viewpoint focused on the needs and interests of the community
Example: The new mayor brought a community-oriented perspective to city planning.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in this type of question:
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Prepare diverse examples: Think about different people who have influenced you – family members, teachers, historical figures, etc.
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Practice storytelling: Work on narrating your experience coherently and engagingly.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts. Explain the impact and your reflections on it.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases, but ensure you use them correctly.
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Show critical thinking: Demonstrate that you can analyze the influence and its effects thoughtfully.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and depth in your responses.
For more IELTS speaking practice, you might find it helpful to check out our article on describing an athlete from your country who has influenced you. This can provide additional insights into discussing influential figures in your IELTS speaking test.