IELTS Speaking Test Interview Session Between Examiner and Candidate
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions you may encounter:
- Do you have any role models in your life?
- Who do you look up to in your family?
- What qualities do you admire in others?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I deeply admire my grandfather, who has been a tremendous influence in my life. He exemplifies resilience and wisdom through his actions rather than just words. What I find most remarkable about him is his ability to maintain a positive outlook despite facing numerous challenges.”
Similar to describe a famous person from your country you admire, sharing personal experiences about influential people requires thoughtful reflection and specific examples.
Part 2: Cue Card
Task
Describe a person who has influenced you to become a better person
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What qualities they have
- And explain how they influenced you
Mentor Teaching and Guiding Student in Professional Setting
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about my high school Chemistry teacher, Ms. Anderson, who has profoundly impacted my personal development. I first met her when I was struggling with both academic performance and self-confidence in my sophomore year.
What makes her truly exceptional is her unique combination of qualities. She possesses an extraordinary ability to see potential in every student and has an unwavering commitment to helping them succeed. Her teaching style is remarkably innovative, always incorporating real-life examples to make complex concepts accessible.
She significantly influenced my life by teaching me that failure is not a destination but a stepping stone to success. Under her guidance, I learned to approach challenges with a growth mindset. She would often say, “Every mistake is a learning opportunity,” which has become my personal mantra.
The way she transformed my perspective on learning has fundamentally shaped who I am today. Thanks to her influence, I developed better study habits, gained confidence, and learned to help others, just as she helped me.”
Just as in describe a special moment spent with a family member, it’s important to include emotional depth and personal connection in your response.
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I want to talk about my teacher from high school. She taught Chemistry and helped me a lot. She was very kind and good at teaching. She always tried to help students understand difficult topics.
She showed me that I could do better in my studies if I tried harder. When I made mistakes, she would explain things again and encourage me to keep trying. She was patient and never got angry when students asked questions.
Because of her, I started to like studying more and got better grades. She taught me that it’s important to never give up and always try your best.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How do role models influence young people today?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Role models exert a powerful influence on young people through various channels, particularly social media. They can shape aspirations, mold behavior patterns, and inspire achievement. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this influence can be both positive and negative, depending on the values these role models embody and promote.”
When discussing personal influences, you might also be interested in describe a story from history that fascinates you, as historical figures often serve as inspirational role models.
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- To profoundly impact – to affect deeply
- To exemplify – to be a perfect example of
- Unwavering commitment – strong dedication
- Remarkable (adj.) – extraordinary, noteworthy
- To fundamentally shape – to influence basic characteristics
- Tremendous influence – very significant impact
- To transform – to change completely
IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Practice and Implementation
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples to illustrate your points
- Include personal reflections and emotions
- Demonstrate range in vocabulary and grammar
- Maintain coherent structure in longer answers
- Practice speaking about influential people regularly
For more speaking practice, consider preparing topics like describe an outdoor activity you want to try to diversify your speaking skills.
