Social media has become an integral part of our lives, connecting us with people worldwide and exposing us to diverse perspectives. In the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions about influential figures you’ve encountered online. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, focusing on the topic “Describe a person who has influenced you through social media.”
Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test Structure
Before diving into the specific topic, let’s briefly review the structure of the IELTS Speaking test:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
- Part 2: Individual Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes)
Now, let’s explore how to tackle questions related to social media influencers in each part of the test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about social media usage. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Sample Questions and Answers
- Do you use social media often?
Band 6-7 Answer: “Yes, I use social media quite frequently. I check my accounts a few times a day to stay connected with friends and family.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “Absolutely, I’m quite active on various social media platforms. I find them invaluable for maintaining relationships and staying abreast of current events. However, I’m mindful of striking a balance between online engagement and real-world interactions.”
- What do you think are the benefits of social media?
Band 6-7 Answer: “I think social media is great for keeping in touch with people and learning new things. It’s also a good way to share information quickly.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “Social media offers a plethora of benefits. Primarily, it serves as an unparalleled networking tool, enabling us to foster connections across geographical boundaries. Additionally, it’s a powerful platform for information dissemination, allowing for the rapid spread of news and ideas. Moreover, it provides a space for creative expression and community building around shared interests.”
Social media benefits
Part 2: Individual Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our main topic:
Sample Cue Card
Describe a person who has influenced you through social media.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you discovered them on social media
- What kind of content they share
- And explain how they have influenced you
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about a prominent environmental activist named Greta Thunberg, who has significantly influenced me through her social media presence, particularly on Twitter and Instagram.
I first stumbled upon Greta’s profile during the height of the climate strike movement in 2019. Her impassioned speeches and unwavering commitment to climate action were being widely shared across various platforms, which piqued my interest.
Greta’s content primarily revolves around climate change awareness and activism. She regularly posts updates on environmental policies, shares eye-opening statistics about global warming, and encourages her followers to take part in climate strikes and adopt more sustainable lifestyles. What sets her apart is her ability to break down complex environmental issues into digestible information, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Her influence on me has been profound and multifaceted. Firstly, she has heightened my awareness of the urgency of the climate crisis. Through her posts, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how our daily choices impact the environment. This has led me to make significant changes in my lifestyle, such as reducing my carbon footprint by using public transportation more frequently and adopting a plant-based diet.
Moreover, Greta’s fearless approach to challenging world leaders and corporations has inspired me to become more vocal about environmental issues in my own community. I’ve started participating in local climate action groups and even organized a small-scale awareness campaign at my university.
Perhaps most importantly, Greta has shown me the power of individual action. Despite her young age, she has managed to mobilize millions around a crucial cause, proving that one person’s voice can indeed make a difference. This has been incredibly motivating and has instilled in me a sense of responsibility to contribute to positive change, no matter how small my actions might seem.
In conclusion, Greta Thunberg’s influence through social media has not only altered my perspective on environmental issues but has also inspired me to take tangible action towards a more sustainable future.”
Examiner’s Follow-up Questions
- How do you think social media influencers compare to traditional role models?
Band 8-9 Answer: “Social media influencers and traditional role models each have their unique strengths and limitations. Influencers often offer a more immediate and interactive form of inspiration, allowing followers to engage directly with their content and ideas. They can also reach a broader, more diverse audience due to the global nature of social media platforms. However, traditional role models, such as teachers, parents, or community leaders, typically provide a more sustained and personal influence, often backed by years of experience and wisdom. The authenticity and depth of their impact can be more profound, as it’s based on real-life interactions and long-term relationships. Ultimately, I believe both types of role models can coexist and complement each other, offering different avenues for inspiration and guidance in our increasingly connected world.”
- Do you think it’s possible to have a genuine connection with someone you’ve only interacted with online?
Band 8-9 Answer: “While it may seem counterintuitive, I firmly believe that genuine connections can indeed be formed online. The digital age has revolutionized communication, allowing us to transcend geographical barriers and connect with like-minded individuals worldwide. These connections can be particularly meaningful when they’re based on shared interests, values, or experiences. Online interactions often encourage people to be more open and vulnerable, as the perceived anonymity can foster honesty. However, it’s crucial to approach online relationships with a healthy dose of skepticism and emotional intelligence. Verifying the authenticity of online personas and being aware of the limitations of digital communication are essential. Ultimately, while online connections can be genuine, they often benefit from being supplemented with face-to-face interactions when possible, to create a more holistic and well-rounded relationship.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Sample Questions and Answers
- How has social media changed the way we perceive influence and leadership?
Band 8-9 Answer: “Social media has fundamentally transformed our understanding of influence and leadership in several ways. Firstly, it has democratized influence, allowing individuals without traditional credentials or platforms to amass large followings based on their content and ideas. This has led to the rise of micro-influencers and niche thought leaders who can significantly impact specific communities.
Secondly, social media has made leadership more transparent and accountable. Leaders are now expected to engage directly with their audiences, respond to criticism in real-time, and demonstrate authenticity. This has created a more dynamic and interactive form of leadership.
However, this shift also presents challenges. The rapid spread of information on social media can lead to the amplification of misinformation, making it crucial for users to develop strong critical thinking skills. Additionally, the ephemeral nature of social media content can sometimes prioritize style over substance, potentially undermining the depth of discourse on complex issues.
Overall, while social media has broadened access to influence and made leadership more accessible, it has also heightened the responsibility of both influencers and followers to engage critically and ethically in these new digital spaces.”
- Do you think the influence of social media personalities will continue to grow in the future?
Band 8-9 Answer: “I believe the influence of social media personalities will not only continue to grow but will also evolve in significant ways. As technology advances, we’re likely to see more immersive and interactive forms of content, such as augmented and virtual reality experiences, which could deepen the connection between influencers and their audiences.
Moreover, as younger generations who have grown up with social media enter positions of power, we may see a blurring of lines between traditional and social media influence. Politicians, business leaders, and other public figures may increasingly adopt influencer-like strategies to connect with their constituencies.
However, this growth will likely be accompanied by increased scrutiny and regulation. Issues such as privacy concerns, the spread of misinformation, and the mental health impacts of social media are already prompting calls for more oversight. This could lead to a more regulated and potentially professionalized influencer industry.
Additionally, as audiences become more sophisticated, there may be a shift towards valuing authenticity and expertise over mere popularity. This could result in a stratification of influence, with some influencers gaining more credibility and impact while others fade into obscurity.
In conclusion, while the influence of social media personalities is set to grow, it will likely do so in a landscape that is increasingly complex, regulated, and discerning.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your responses and aim for those higher band scores, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
Paradigm shift /ˈpærəˌdaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “The rise of social media influencers has caused a paradigm shift in how we perceive celebrity and influence.”Pervasive /pərˈveɪsɪv/ (adjective): Spreading widely throughout an area or group of people.
Example: “The pervasive nature of social media has transformed how we communicate and consume information.”Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪˌveɪt/ (verb): To try to acquire or develop a quality or skill.
Example: “Many influencers strive to cultivate a unique personal brand to stand out in the crowded digital landscape.”Nuanced /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ (adjective): Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
Example: “The most respected social media personalities often present nuanced perspectives on complex issues.”Dichotomy /daɪˈkɑːtəmi/ (noun): A division or contrast between two things that are represented as being opposed or entirely different.
Example: “There’s often a dichotomy between an influencer’s curated online persona and their real-life experiences.”
Tips from an IELTS Examiner
As an experienced IELTS examiner, I recommend the following strategies to excel in the Speaking test:
Practice regularly: Engage in daily conversations in English, focusing on topics related to social media, influence, and technology.
Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use sophisticated vocabulary relevant to digital communication and social influence.
Develop critical thinking skills: Practice analyzing the impact of social media on society and forming well-reasoned opinions.
Work on fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Use fillers judiciously if you need time to think.
Engage with diverse content: Follow a variety of social media influencers to broaden your perspective and vocabulary on different topics.
Record yourself: Listen to your responses and identify areas for improvement in pronunciation, intonation, and content.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about knowing the language, but also about expressing your ideas clearly, coherently, and confidently. Good luck with your preparation!
For more insights on IELTS Speaking topics, check out our articles on describing a person who has shaped your views on social justice and describing a recent online discussion that was meaningful to you.