The IELTS Speaking exam often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing someone who has had a significant impact on your outlook on life. This theme allows candidates to showcase their English skills while reflecting on personal experiences. Let’s explore how to effectively answer such questions and excel in your IELTS Speaking test.
Describe a person who has a positive attitude towards life is a related topic that can help you prepare for this type of question. Understanding how to discuss positive influences can enhance your ability to describe impactful individuals in your life.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about influential people. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you have any role models?
A: Yes, I certainly do. I believe having role models is crucial for personal growth. My grandfather has been a significant influence in my life. His wisdom and resilience have always inspired me to face challenges head-on and maintain a positive outlook.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who has influenced your outlook on life
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they do
- And explain how they have influenced your outlook on life
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
The person who has significantly influenced my outlook on life is my high school English teacher, Ms. Johnson. I met her when I was 15 years old, during my first year of high school. She taught English literature and language.
Ms. Johnson was not just a teacher; she was a mentor and a guide. Her passion for literature was contagious, and she had a unique way of connecting classic novels to real-life situations. She always encouraged us to think critically and form our own opinions.
What really set Ms. Johnson apart was her belief in the potential of every student. She would often stay after class to help struggling students and organize extra activities to make learning fun. Her dedication to her job was truly inspirational.
Dedicated Teacher Ms. Johnson
Ms. Johnson influenced my outlook on life in several ways. Firstly, she taught me the importance of perseverance. She would often say, “Challenges are opportunities in disguise,” which has become my personal motto. Secondly, she instilled in me a love for continuous learning. Thanks to her, I now see every experience as a chance to grow and improve myself.
Lastly, Ms. Johnson showed me the power of kindness and empathy. She always treated everyone with respect, regardless of their academic performance. This has made me more understanding and compassionate towards others.
In conclusion, Ms. Johnson’s influence has shaped me into a more resilient, curious, and empathetic person. Her teachings continue to guide me in my daily life, reminding me to always strive for personal growth and to treat others with kindness.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The individual who has profoundly shaped my perspective on life is my maternal grandmother, Elizabeth. Our relationship spans my entire lifetime, as she has been an integral part of my upbringing since birth. Professionally, she was a pediatrician, but her influence extends far beyond her career.
My grandmother’s life story is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Having lived through significant historical events, including World War II and major technological revolutions, she has accumulated a wealth of wisdom that she generously shares. Her ability to navigate life’s vicissitudes with grace and optimism has been nothing short of inspirational.
Grandmother Elizabeth Wisdom and Resilience
Elizabeth’s influence on my outlook has been multi-faceted and transformative. Primarily, she has instilled in me a deep appreciation for lifelong learning. Despite retiring from her medical practice, she continues to voraciously consume knowledge on various subjects, from current affairs to quantum physics. This has taught me that intellectual curiosity knows no age limit and that personal growth is a lifelong journey.
Moreover, my grandmother’s unwavering commitment to social justice has significantly shaped my worldview. She has always been an ardent advocate for equality, participating in civil rights movements and volunteering at community centers. Through her actions, she has demonstrated that one person can indeed make a tangible difference in society, motivating me to be more socially conscious and proactive in addressing societal issues.
Perhaps most importantly, Elizabeth has taught me the art of resilience. Her mantra, “Adversity is a crucible for character,” has become a guiding principle in my life. She has shown me that challenges, rather than being insurmountable obstacles, are opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
In essence, my grandmother’s influence has been profound and far-reaching. She has not only shaped my perspective on individual growth and social responsibility but has also equipped me with the mental tools to navigate life’s complexities with grace and determination. Her legacy continues to inspire me to strive for personal excellence while remaining committed to the greater good of society.
Follow-up Questions:
Q: How has this person’s influence affected your career choices?
A: (Band 6-7) Ms. Johnson’s influence definitely played a role in my career choice. Her passion for teaching inspired me to consider a career in education. I’m currently studying to become a teacher myself, hoping to inspire future generations the way she inspired me.
(Band 8-9) My grandmother’s influence has been instrumental in shaping my career aspirations. Her dedication to healthcare and social justice has inspired me to pursue a career in public health policy. I aim to bridge the gap between medical research and community health initiatives, focusing on equitable healthcare access for underprivileged communities.
Q: Do you think it’s important for young people to have role models?
A: (Band 6-7) Yes, I think it’s very important for young people to have role models. They can provide guidance and inspire us to set higher goals for ourselves. Role models show us what’s possible if we work hard and stay committed to our dreams.
(Band 8-9) I believe having role models is absolutely crucial for young individuals. Role models serve as beacons of inspiration, providing tangible examples of success and personal growth. They can catalyze ambition and offer valuable insights into overcoming challenges. Moreover, diverse role models can broaden horizons, exposing young people to various paths and possibilities they might not have considered otherwise.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How do you think society’s role models have changed over the past few decades?
A: (Band 6-7) I think society’s role models have changed quite a bit over the past few decades. In the past, role models were often political leaders or historical figures. Now, we see more diverse role models, including entrepreneurs, activists, and social media influencers. This change reflects our evolving society and the new ways we connect and share information.
Diverse Role Models in Modern Society
(Band 8-9) The evolution of societal role models over recent decades has been both significant and multifaceted. Historically, role models were often drawn from a relatively narrow pool of public figures, such as political leaders, athletes, or entertainment stars. However, the digital age has democratized influence, leading to a more diverse and inclusive range of role models.
We’re now witnessing the rise of thought leaders in niche fields, social entrepreneurs, and grassroots activists who gain prominence through their ideas and actions rather than traditional fame. This shift aligns with an increased societal emphasis on authenticity, social responsibility, and relatable success stories.
Moreover, the globalization of information has exposed people to a broader spectrum of cultures and perspectives, further diversifying the pool of potential role models. This change reflects a more interconnected and socially conscious society, where impact and values often supersede mere celebrity in defining admirable figures.
Describe a person who motivates you to be successful is another topic that can help you explore the concept of influential individuals in your life.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Integral part [ˈɪntɪɡrəl pɑːrt] (noun phrase): An essential or fundamental component.
Example: My mentor has been an integral part of my professional development. - Testament to [ˈtestəmənt tuː] (noun phrase): Evidence or proof of something.
Example: Her success is a testament to her hard work and dedication. - Vicissitudes [vɪˈsɪsɪtjuːdz] (noun): Changes in circumstances or fortune.
Example: He faced life’s vicissitudes with remarkable resilience. - Voraciously [vəˈreɪʃəsli] (adverb): In a way that involves consuming something eagerly and in large amounts.
Example: She voraciously reads books on various subjects to expand her knowledge. - Crucible [ˈkruːsɪbl] (noun): A situation of severe trial, or in which different elements interact, leading to the creation of something new.
Example: The challenges we face can be a crucible for personal growth.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing influential people:
- Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases relevant to the topic.
- Provide specific examples: Support your points with personal anecdotes or detailed explanations.
- Demonstrate critical thinking: Analyze the person’s influence on you and society at large.
- Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your ability to express ideas smoothly.
- Show range in grammar: Use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures.
Remember, the key to success is not just in memorizing answers, but in understanding the topic deeply and being able to discuss it naturally and eloquently.
Describe a person who has influenced your personal growth offers additional insights into discussing influential figures, which can be valuable for your IELTS preparation.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing influential people in your life.