The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing a person who has had a significant impact on your personal development. This article will provide valuable insights and sample answers to help you excel in this part of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about people who have influenced you. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Have you had any role models in your life?
A: Absolutely. I’ve been fortunate to have several role models who have shaped my perspective on life. One person who stands out is my high school literature teacher. She instilled in me a love for reading and critical thinking, which has been invaluable in my personal and academic growth.
High school teacher
Describe a person who has taught you valuable life lessons can be a challenging task, but with proper preparation, you can deliver a compelling response.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who has influenced your personal development
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain how this person has influenced your personal development
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about my grandfather, who has been a significant influence on my personal development. He’s a retired professor of history who I’ve known all my life, of course, as he’s family. But it wasn’t until I was in my teens that I really began to appreciate the profound impact he’s had on me.
My grandfather dedicated his life to education, not just as a profession but as a lifelong passion. Even in retirement, he continues to engage with students and gives guest lectures at various universities. His insatiable curiosity and love for learning have been incredibly inspirational to me.
Grandfather giving a university lecture
The way he has influenced my personal development is multifaceted. Firstly, he instilled in me a deep appreciation for history and its relevance to our present and future. Through our many conversations, I’ve learned to critically analyze events and understand the complex interplay of factors that shape our world.
Secondly, his unwavering commitment to education has motivated me to pursue knowledge relentlessly. He often says, “Education is the passport to the future,” and this philosophy has guided my academic journey and career choices.
Lastly, my grandfather has taught me the importance of integrity and standing up for one’s beliefs. He’s always encouraged me to question things, form my own opinions, and articulate them clearly and respectfully. This has significantly boosted my confidence and helped me develop strong communication skills.
In essence, my grandfather’s influence has been transformative. He’s not just taught me facts and figures, but how to think, how to learn, and how to be a better version of myself. His guidance has been instrumental in shaping my character and worldview, and I’m incredibly grateful for his presence in my life.
Follow-up Questions
Q: In what ways do you think you’ve changed as a result of this person’s influence?
A (Band 6-7): I think I’ve become more interested in learning because of my grandfather. He’s shown me that education is important, and now I try to read more and understand different subjects. I also feel more confident in expressing my opinions because he always encourages me to speak up.
A (Band 8-9): My grandfather’s influence has catalyzed a profound transformation in my character and outlook. I’ve developed a voracious appetite for knowledge, extending far beyond academic subjects. His guidance has honed my critical thinking skills, enabling me to analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives. Moreover, I’ve become more articulate and self-assured in expressing my views, a direct result of his encouragement to engage in intellectual discourse.
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. Role models can inspire young people and show them good examples. They can help young people set goals and work hard to achieve them. Having a role model can also help young people make better decisions in life.
A (Band 8-9): Absolutely. Role models play a pivotal role in shaping the aspirations and character of young individuals. They serve as living examples of the values and achievements that young people can strive towards. A well-chosen role model can ignite passion, foster resilience, and illuminate potential pathways for personal and professional growth. Moreover, they can provide invaluable guidance in navigating the complexities of life, offering insights drawn from their own experiences.
Diverse group of young people
Describe a technology that has changed your daily routine is another interesting topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How do you think the influence of parents on children has changed in recent years?
A (Band 6-7): I think parents today have less influence on their children compared to the past. This is because children now have more access to information through the internet and social media. They can learn many things on their own and form their own opinions. Also, children spend more time at school and with friends, which can influence them a lot.
A (Band 8-9): The dynamics of parental influence have undergone a significant shift in recent years, primarily due to the advent of technology and changing societal norms. While parents remain crucial figures in their children’s lives, their influence now competes with a plethora of external factors. The ubiquity of digital media has exposed children to a vast array of information and perspectives, often beyond parental control. This has led to a more democratized learning environment, where children can form opinions independently. Additionally, the increasing emphasis on peer relationships and extracurricular activities has expanded the sphere of influence beyond the family unit. Consequently, parents now face the challenge of navigating this complex landscape, adapting their parenting strategies to remain relevant and impactful in their children’s development.
Q: In what ways can society benefit from the wisdom of older generations?
A (Band 6-7): Society can benefit a lot from older people’s wisdom. They have more life experience and can share important lessons with younger generations. Older people can give advice on solving problems and making decisions. They also know about history and traditions, which helps keep our culture alive.
A (Band 8-9): The wisdom of older generations represents an invaluable repository of knowledge and experience that can significantly enrich society. Firstly, their lived experiences provide crucial historical context, offering insights into how societies have evolved and the cyclical nature of many societal challenges. This perspective can inform current decision-making processes and help avoid repeating past mistakes. Secondly, older generations often embody time-tested values and practical life skills that can serve as a counterbalance to the rapid-paced, often transient nature of modern society. Their wisdom can foster intergenerational understanding and social cohesion. Moreover, the accumulated professional expertise of older individuals across various fields can be leveraged to mentor younger generations, facilitating knowledge transfer and preserving institutional memory. By actively integrating the wisdom of older generations, society can achieve a more balanced, informed approach to progress and development.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ (adj. + n.): A very significant or deep effect
Example: “My mentor’s guidance had a profound impact on my career choices.”Instrumental /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ (adj.): Very important in making something happen
Example: “Her support was instrumental in helping me achieve my goals.”Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adj.): Having many different aspects or features
Example: “The influence of technology on society is multifaceted, affecting various aspects of our lives.”Articulate /ɑːrˈtɪkjələt/ (verb): Express thoughts or feelings fluently and coherently
Example: “He could articulate complex ideas in a way that everyone could understand.”Catalyze /ˈkætəlaɪz/ (verb): To cause or accelerate change or action
Example: “Her innovative ideas catalyzed a shift in the company’s approach to sustainability.”
Describe a favorite childhood memory is another common topic that can help you practice using descriptive language effectively.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing influential people:
- Prepare diverse examples: Have several people in mind who have influenced you in different ways.
- Use specific details: Provide concrete examples of how the person influenced you, rather than general statements.
- Demonstrate language range: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures naturally.
- Show reflection: Discuss not just what the person did, but how it affected your thinking and actions.
- Practice fluency: Aim to speak smoothly without long pauses, but don’t rush your speech.
- Engage with the topic: Show genuine interest and enthusiasm when discussing the influential person.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and seek feedback to improve your speaking skills.
Describe a moment in history that interests you can be an excellent way to showcase your knowledge and language skills in the IELTS Speaking test.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to describe a person who has influenced your personal development in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, authenticity and fluency are key to impressing the examiner and achieving a high score.