The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing someone who has inspired us to be more ambitious. This theme appears frequently in Part 2 and Part 3 of the Speaking test, as it allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to discuss personal experiences and abstract concepts related to motivation and success.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you may encounter questions related to ambition and influential people. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Examiner: Do you consider yourself an ambitious person?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think I am quite ambitious. I always try to set goals for myself and work hard to achieve them. For example, I’m currently studying for a degree in engineering while also learning a new language. It can be challenging at times, but I believe it’s important to push myself to grow and improve.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I’d say I’m driven by ambition in many aspects of my life. I constantly strive to set challenging yet attainable goals for myself, both personally and professionally. For instance, I’m currently juggling my engineering studies with an internship at a renowned tech company, all while dedicating time to mastering a new language. This multifaceted approach to self-improvement not only keeps me motivated but also ensures I’m continually expanding my skill set and pushing the boundaries of my capabilities.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe A Person Who Has Influenced You To Be More Ambitious.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What this person does
• And explain how this person has influenced you to be more ambitious

Band 6-7 Answer:
The person who has influenced me to be more ambitious is my uncle, John. He’s my father’s younger brother, and I’ve known him since I was a child. He’s a successful entrepreneur who started his own tech company about 10 years ago.

What I admire most about my uncle is his determination and work ethic. He came from a modest background but managed to build a thriving business through hard work and perseverance. Whenever I visit him, he’s always busy working on new projects or learning about the latest industry trends.

My uncle has influenced me to be more ambitious in several ways. Firstly, he’s shown me the importance of setting high goals and working tirelessly to achieve them. He often tells me that success doesn’t come overnight, but through consistent effort and dedication.

Secondly, he’s encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and take calculated risks. He always says that the biggest opportunities often come with the greatest challenges, and that’s motivated me to pursue my own entrepreneurial dreams.

Lastly, my uncle has taught me the value of continuous learning. He’s always reading books, attending conferences, and networking with other professionals. This has inspired me to adopt a similar mindset of lifelong learning and self-improvement.

Thanks to my uncle’s influence, I’ve become more focused on my career goals and more willing to take on challenging projects. His example has truly inspired me to aim higher and work harder to achieve my ambitions.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The individual who has profoundly influenced my ambition is my uncle, Dr. James Chen, a renowned neurosurgeon and medical researcher. I’ve had the privilege of knowing him since childhood, as he’s my mother’s elder brother and a frequent visitor to our family gatherings.

Dr. Chen’s professional journey is nothing short of extraordinary. He began his career as a general practitioner in a small rural clinic, but his insatiable curiosity and dedication to improving patient care led him to specialize in neurosurgery. Over the years, he has not only become a leading figure in his field but has also pioneered several groundbreaking surgical techniques that have significantly improved outcomes for patients with complex neurological conditions.

What truly sets my uncle apart is his unwavering commitment to both his profession and personal growth. Despite his already impressive achievements, he continues to push the boundaries of medical science through his research, regularly publishes in top-tier medical journals, and frequently speaks at international conferences. His ability to balance his demanding career with a fulfilling personal life, including his hobbies of classical music and mountaineering, is truly inspiring.

Dr. Chen’s influence on my ambition has been multifaceted and profound. Firstly, he has instilled in me the belief that with passion, perseverance, and continuous learning, one can achieve seemingly impossible goals. His journey from a small-town doctor to a globally recognized expert has shown me that there are no limits to what one can accomplish with dedication and hard work.

Secondly, my uncle has taught me the importance of setting audacious goals while remaining grounded in one’s values. He often emphasizes that true success lies not just in personal achievements, but in how one’s work positively impacts society. This perspective has motivated me to pursue ambitious career goals that align with my passion for making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Lastly, Dr. Chen has demonstrated the critical role of resilience and adaptability in achieving long-term success. He often shares stories of the challenges he faced throughout his career, including failed experiments and professional setbacks. However, his ability to view these obstacles as learning opportunities rather than defeats has profoundly shaped my approach to overcoming adversity.

In essence, my uncle’s influence has transformed my understanding of ambition. Rather than seeing it as a mere desire for personal success, I now view it as a powerful drive to continually grow, innovate, and contribute positively to society. His example has inspired me to set higher standards for myself, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and persistently work towards goals that extend beyond personal gain to create lasting, meaningful impact.

A mentor inspiring a student to be more ambitious

Examiner: How has this person’s influence changed your daily habits or routines?

Band 6-7 Answer:
My uncle’s influence has definitely changed my daily routines. I now wake up earlier to make the most of my day, just like he does. I’ve also started reading more books on business and self-improvement, which has become a regular part of my evenings. Additionally, I try to network more and attend relevant workshops or seminars when I can, as I’ve seen how valuable these activities have been for my uncle’s career.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Dr. Chen’s influence has catalyzed a significant transformation in my daily habits and routines. Firstly, I’ve adopted a more structured approach to time management, implementing a rigorous schedule that optimizes productivity while ensuring adequate time for rest and reflection. This includes waking up at 5 AM for a morning routine of meditation and exercise, mirroring my uncle’s emphasis on holistic well-being.

Secondly, I’ve cultivated a voracious appetite for knowledge, dedicating at least two hours daily to reading scientific journals, industry publications, and books on leadership and innovation. This habit has not only broadened my intellectual horizons but has also enhanced my critical thinking skills.

Furthermore, I’ve incorporated regular goal-setting and reflection sessions into my routine, where I evaluate my progress, adjust my strategies, and set new, challenging objectives. This practice, inspired by my uncle’s methodical approach to personal and professional growth, has significantly improved my focus and long-term planning abilities.

Lastly, I’ve made a conscious effort to expand my professional network and seek mentorship opportunities, regularly attending industry conferences and participating in online forums. This proactive approach to relationship-building and knowledge-sharing mirrors my uncle’s belief in the power of collaborative learning and mutual support in achieving ambitious goals.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think ambition is always a positive trait?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I believe ambition can be both positive and negative. On the positive side, it motivates people to work hard and achieve great things. Many successful people are very ambitious, and their ambition has led to important discoveries or innovations that benefit society.

However, ambition can also have a negative side. Sometimes, overly ambitious people might ignore their relationships or health in pursuit of their goals. They might also be tempted to use unethical methods to get ahead. So I think it’s important to balance ambition with other values and consider the impact of our actions on others.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The question of whether ambition is invariably positive is nuanced and warrants careful consideration. Undoubtedly, ambition can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth, societal progress, and innovation. It often drives individuals to push boundaries, overcome obstacles, and achieve remarkable feats that can benefit humanity as a whole. For instance, the ambitious pursuits of scientists and entrepreneurs have led to groundbreaking medical treatments and technological advancements that have transformed our world.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that ambition, when unchecked or misdirected, can have detrimental consequences. Excessive ambition might lead to a single-minded focus on achievement at the expense of ethical considerations, personal relationships, or overall well-being. In corporate settings, for example, overly ambitious individuals might engage in unscrupulous practices to climb the career ladder, potentially harming their colleagues or the organization in the process.

Moreover, the societal glorification of ambition can create unrealistic expectations and pressure, potentially leading to stress, burnout, and mental health issues. It’s also worth considering that different cultures may have varying perspectives on ambition, with some valuing collective harmony over individual achievement.

In my view, the key lies in cultivating what we might call “conscious ambition” – a form of ambition that is tempered by ethical considerations, empathy, and a broader sense of purpose. This balanced approach allows individuals to strive for personal and professional growth while remaining mindful of their impact on others and society at large. It involves setting ambitious goals that align with one’s values and contribute positively to the world, rather than pursuing success at any cost.

Ultimately, I believe that ambition, when channeled constructively and ethically, can be an immensely positive force. However, it’s essential to regularly reflect on our ambitions, ensure they align with our core values, and consider their broader implications. This thoughtful approach to ambition can lead to more sustainable, fulfilling, and genuinely impactful achievements.

Examiner: How do you think society’s view of ambition has changed over time?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think society’s view of ambition has changed quite a bit over time. In the past, ambition was often seen as a positive trait, especially for men in the workplace. People who were ambitious were admired for their drive to succeed.

However, in recent years, I believe there’s been a shift in how we view ambition. While it’s still generally seen as positive, there’s more awareness of the potential downsides of being too ambitious. People are more concerned about work-life balance and the impact of ambition on mental health and relationships.

Also, I think there’s more emphasis now on having different types of ambitions, not just career-related ones. For example, people might be ambitious about making a positive impact on society or achieving personal growth, rather than just climbing the corporate ladder.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The evolution of society’s perception of ambition is a fascinating reflection of broader cultural, economic, and social shifts. Historically, particularly in Western societies, ambition was often viewed through the lens of the “American Dream” – a narrative that celebrated individual striving and the potential for upward mobility. This perspective predominantly valued career advancement and material success as the primary indicators of ambition.

However, in recent decades, we’ve witnessed a significant transformation in this outlook. The advent of the digital age, globalization, and changing work cultures have led to a more nuanced and multifaceted understanding of ambition.

Firstly, there’s been a growing recognition of the potential negative consequences of unchecked ambition. High-profile corporate scandals and the 2008 financial crisis, for instance, highlighted how excessive ambition in the pursuit of profit could lead to unethical behavior and societal harm. This has fostered a more critical examination of ambition and its implications.

Secondly, the concept of success itself has broadened. While career achievement remains important, there’s an increasing emphasis on holistic life satisfaction. Ambitious pursuits in areas such as personal growth, work-life balance, mental health, and social impact are now given greater weight. This shift is particularly evident among younger generations who often prioritize purpose-driven careers and lifestyle choices over traditional markers of success.

Moreover, the rise of social entrepreneurship and the gig economy has redefined what ambitious career paths can look like. There’s growing admiration for individuals who channel their ambition towards solving social or environmental problems, rather than solely pursuing personal gain.

The digital age has also democratized ambition to some extent. Social media and online platforms have provided new avenues for individuals to showcase their talents and pursue their ambitions, leading to a more diverse range of role models and success stories.

Additionally, there’s been a notable shift towards valuing collective ambition alongside individual ambition. Many organizations now emphasize team achievements and collaborative goals, reflecting a more interconnected global landscape.

However, it’s important to note that these changes are not uniform across all societies. Cultural differences continue to shape how ambition is perceived and expressed in different parts of the world.

In conclusion, while ambition is still largely viewed as a positive trait, society’s understanding of it has become more nuanced and inclusive. The modern view tends to value ambition that is ethical, balanced, and contributes positively to both individual fulfillment and societal well-being. This evolving perspective reflects broader shifts in our values, work cultures, and global consciousness.

Diverse group of ambitious professionals

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing ambition and influential people, consider using the following vocabulary and phrases:

1. Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
   Example: “My uncle’s success was a catalyst for my own ambitions.”

2. Paradigm shift /ˈpærəداɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: “His mentorship caused a paradigm shift in my understanding of success.”

3. Epitomize /ɪˈpɪtəmaɪz/ (verb): To be a perfect example of.
   Example: “She epitomizes the combination of ambition and integrity.”

4. Tenacity /təˈnæsəti/ (noun): The quality of being very determined.
   Example: “His tenacity in pursuing his goals is truly inspiring.”

5. Trailblazer /ˈtreɪlbleɪzər/ (noun): A person who is the first to do something; an innovator.
   Example: “In her field, she’s considered a trailblazer, constantly pushing boundaries.”

6. Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
   Example: “His resilience in the face of setbacks has taught me valuable lessons.”

7. Visionary /ˈvɪʒəneri/ (noun/adjective): A person with original ideas about what the future will or could be like.
   Example: “Her visionary approach to problem-solving has revolutionized the industry.”

8. Galvanize /ˈɡælvənaɪz/ (verb): To shock or excite someone into taking action.
   Example: “His success story galvanized me to pursue my own entrepreneurial dreams.”

9. Indefatigable /ˌɪndɪˈfætɪɡəbəl/ (adjective): Persisting tirelessly.
   Example: “Her indefatigable spirit in the face of challenges is truly admirable.”

10. Paradigm of excellence (phrase): A perfect example or model of outstanding achievement.
    Example: “In the scientific community, she is regarded as a paradigm of excellence.”

Using these words and phrases appropriately can demonstrate a sophisticated vocabulary and help you articulate complex ideas about ambition and influence effectively.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics like ambition and influential people, consider the following advice:

1. Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short, simple answers. Expand on your points with examples, explanations, and personal experiences.

2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses. However, ensure you use them correctly and appropriately.

3. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on various topics to improve your ability to speak at length without long pauses or hesitations.

4. Show flexibility: Be prepared to discuss the topic from different angles, especially in Part 3. Demonstrate your ability to think critically and consider multiple perspectives.

5. Use appropriate tenses: When describing past experiences or future ambitions, use a variety of tenses accurately.

6. Practice pronunciation: Work on clear pronunciation and natural intonation to enhance the overall delivery of your responses.