In the IELTS Speaking Test, one frequently addressed topic is describing a person who has influenced you. This article will equip you with strategies, sample answers, and tips for mastering this question, ensuring you achieve the highest band score possible. We also focus on SEO aspects to make this content accessible and valuable for learners worldwide.
Introduction: Master the IELTS Speaking Test Criteria
The IELTS Speaking Test is divided into three parts: Introduction and Interview (Part 1), Long Turn (Part 2), and the Two-way Discussion (Part 3). As an examiner, I asses candidates on several criteria:
- Fluency and Coherence: Ability to speak fluidly and logically.
- Lexical Resource: Range of vocabulary and usage.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use of various grammatical structures with accuracy.
- Pronunciation: Clarity and intonation.
Topics around someone who has influenced you are quite common. Thus, it is essential to be well-prepared to offer comprehensive and coherent responses.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions in Part 1
- Can you tell me about a person who has influenced you the most?
- What qualities do you admire in this person?
- How did this person impact your life?
Sample Answer for Question 1
Question: Can you tell me about a person who has influenced you the most?
Sample Answer: The person who has influenced me the most is my grandfather. He is a retired teacher who has always been passionate about education. His unwavering dedication to teaching and learning has inspired me to pursue a career in academics.
Analysis: This answer is succinct, introduces the person clearly, and sets up for further detailed responses.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Cue Card
Describe a person who has influenced you. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you met this person
- What qualities this person has
- And explain why this person has influenced you
Sample Answer for Cue Card
Who this person is:
My grandmother, who has been a pivotal figure in my life, especially due to her resilience and wisdom.
How you met this person:
I have known her since my childhood; she played a significant role in raising me.
What qualities this person has:
She possesses remarkable perseverance and compassion. She has always been a beacon of hope and has taught me the importance of empathy and resilience.
Explain why this person has influenced you:
She has significantly influenced my outlook on life. Her ability to remain positive and constructive, even in challenging situations, has taught me to approach life’s difficulties with optimism and determination. Her life story has pushed me to strive for personal excellence and to always remain humble.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions – Two-way Discussion
Question: Why do you think it’s important to have role models in one’s life?
Sample Answer: Role models are crucial as they provide guidance and inspiration. They embody values and traits that we might aspire to adopt. For instance, my grandmother’s unwavering discipline and positivity have given me the framework to model my own behavior. Role models like her can shape our character and drive us towards our aspirations.
Question: Do you think influencers on social media can have a positive impact on people’s lives?
Sample Answer: Yes, influencers can indeed have a positive impact, especially if they promote constructive content such as healthy living, educational material, or philanthropy. However, it’s essential for individuals to critically assess the content and the personas they follow to ensure they are influenced ethically and positively.
Vocabulary and Structures for High Band Scores
Important Vocabulary
Influence [ˈɪn.flu.əns] (noun and verb) – the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.
- Example: Her influence on me is immeasurable.
Resilience [rɪˈzɪl.i.əns] (noun) – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
- Example: His resilience in the face of adversity is truly commendable.
Empathy [ˈɛm.pə.θi] (noun) – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
- Example: Her empathy towards others makes her a wonderful friend and mentor.
Advanced Structures
Conditional Sentences:
- Example: If I hadn’t met her, I probably wouldn’t have achieved half of what I’ve done today.
Complex Sentences:
- Example: Despite encountering numerous hardships, she never lost her resolve, which motivated me to persevere in my own endeavors.
Examiner’s Tips: Achieving a High Band Score
- Practice Regularly: Engage in daily conversations in English to build fluency and confidence.
- Broaden Your Vocabulary: Regularly read books, articles, and journals to improve your lexical resource.
- Record and Review: Record your speaking practice sessions to identify areas for improvement.
- Seek Feedback: Get constructive feedback from teachers or native speakers.
By concentrating on these strategies and integrating them into your preparation, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking Test.
describe a person who influenced you
For more detailed tips on how to describe influential figures or recalibrate your beliefs, feel free to explore topics like Describe a person who has influenced your life and Describe a time when you had to reconsider your beliefs.
These strategies and examples should significantly aid you in mastering the speaking part of the IELTS test. Happy practicing!