The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing someone who has had a significant impact on your personal development. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate complex ideas, use descriptive language, and reflect on personal experiences.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about people who have influenced you. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Question: Who has had the biggest influence on your life so far?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d say my high school English teacher has had a significant impact on my life. She encouraged me to improve my language skills and pursue my interest in literature.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Without a doubt, my high school English teacher, Ms. Thompson, has been the most influential person in my life thus far. Her passion for literature and innovative teaching methods not only sparked my interest in the English language but also instilled in me a love for learning that has shaped my academic and personal journey.”

IELTS Speaking – Describing an influential person

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe a person who has influenced your personal growth. You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know them
• What qualities they have
• And explain how they have influenced your personal growth

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my uncle, John, who has significantly influenced my personal growth. I’ve known him since childhood as he’s my father’s younger brother. He’s a successful entrepreneur who started his own tech company.

Uncle John is highly motivated and always eager to learn new things. He’s also very patient and great at explaining complex ideas in simple terms. What I admire most about him is his positive outlook on life, even when facing challenges.

He has influenced my personal growth in several ways. Firstly, he encouraged me to pursue my passion for technology, which led me to choose computer science as my major. Secondly, he taught me the importance of continuous learning and adapting to change. Lastly, his entrepreneurial spirit has inspired me to consider starting my own business in the future.

Thanks to Uncle John’s influence, I’ve become more proactive in my studies and career planning. I’ve also learned to approach problems with a positive mindset, which has helped me overcome many obstacles. His guidance has truly shaped my personal and professional development.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to share with you about my uncle, Dr. John Smith, who has been a pivotal figure in my personal growth journey. As my father’s younger sibling, he’s been a constant presence in my life since childhood, but it wasn’t until my late teens that I truly began to appreciate his profound impact on my development.

Dr. Smith is a renowned neurosurgeon who has pioneered several groundbreaking procedures in his field. Beyond his professional accomplishments, what truly sets him apart are his personal qualities. He possesses an insatiable curiosity that extends far beyond his area of expertise, always delving into new subjects with childlike enthusiasm. His ability to distill complex concepts into easily digestible explanations is nothing short of remarkable. Perhaps most impressively, he maintains an unwavering optimism in the face of adversity, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.

The influence Dr. Smith has had on my personal growth has been multifaceted and transformative. Primarily, he ignited my passion for scientific inquiry, which ultimately led me to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering. His emphasis on lifelong learning has instilled in me a voracious appetite for knowledge that extends far beyond my chosen field. Moreover, his entrepreneurial ventures in medical technology have inspired me to consider how I might leverage my own skills to make a tangible impact on society.

Perhaps most significantly, Dr. Smith has taught me the value of maintaining a growth mindset. Through his guidance, I’ve learned to embrace challenges as learning opportunities and to approach setbacks with resilience and determination. This shift in perspective has been instrumental in overcoming personal and academic hurdles, allowing me to push beyond my perceived limitations.

In essence, Dr. Smith’s influence has been a catalyst for my intellectual and personal evolution, shaping not just my career aspirations but my entire approach to life and learning. His mentorship has been invaluable in molding me into a more curious, resilient, and ambitious individual, ready to face the complexities of the modern world with confidence and optimism.”

IELTS Speaking – Long turn about an influential person

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has this person’s influence changed over time?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Uncle John’s influence has grown stronger as I’ve gotten older. I understand his advice better now and can apply it more effectively in my life.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“The impact of Dr. Smith’s influence has evolved significantly over time. As a child, I was merely in awe of his accomplishments, but as I’ve matured, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the nuances of his wisdom. His guidance has become increasingly relevant and applicable as I’ve faced more complex challenges in my academic and personal life. Moreover, our relationship has transformed from a simple mentorship to a more collaborative exchange of ideas, further enriching my growth experience.”

2. Do you think you’ll have a similar influence on others in the future?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I hope to have a positive influence on others in the future. I’d like to share what I’ve learned from Uncle John and help others grow too.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I aspire to emulate the profound impact that Dr. Smith has had on my life by becoming a source of inspiration and guidance for others. While I recognize that his level of influence is exceptional, I believe that by cultivating the qualities I admire in him – such as curiosity, empathy, and a passion for knowledge-sharing – I can positively shape the personal and professional trajectories of those around me. I’m particularly keen on mentoring younger individuals in my field, helping them navigate challenges and discover their potential, much as Dr. Smith has done for me.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think role models influence young people’s career choices?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Role models can have a big impact on young people’s career choices. They can inspire young people to pursue certain careers by showing what’s possible in that field. For example, a successful businesswoman might inspire girls to study business or start their own companies.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Role models play a pivotal role in shaping young people’s career aspirations and choices. They serve as tangible examples of success within specific fields, effectively broadening horizons and challenging preconceived notions about what’s achievable. Moreover, role models can demystify the path to success in particular careers, providing insights into the necessary skills, education, and perseverance required.

For instance, a renowned female scientist might inspire young girls to pursue STEM fields, areas traditionally dominated by men. This influence goes beyond mere inspiration; it can actively combat societal stereotypes and self-limiting beliefs. Similarly, entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds can motivate young people from similar demographics to consider business ventures, showing that success is not limited by one’s origin or circumstances.

However, it’s crucial to note that the influence of role models can be double-edged. While positive role models can inspire and guide, negative ones might lead young people towards questionable career paths or unrealistic expectations. Therefore, it’s essential for educators and parents to guide young people in critically evaluating their role models and understanding the realities of different career paths.”

IELTS Speaking – Discussing role models and career choices

Examiner: Do you think the influence of family members on personal development has changed in recent years?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think the influence of family members has changed recently. With technology and social media, young people have more influences from outside the family. But family is still important for teaching values and providing support.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“The dynamics of family influence on personal development have indeed undergone a significant transformation in recent years, primarily due to societal and technological changes. While the family unit remains a fundamental pillar of personal growth, its role has been both challenged and complemented by other factors.

Firstly, the proliferation of digital media and the internet has exposed young people to a vast array of influences beyond their immediate family circle. This has, in some ways, diluted the exclusive impact that family members once had on shaping an individual’s worldview and aspirations. Social media influencers, for instance, now play a substantial role in molding opinions and lifestyle choices, sometimes rivaling parental guidance.

Moreover, the changing structure of modern families, including an increase in single-parent households and blended families, has altered the traditional dynamics of familial influence. This shift has often led to a more diverse set of role models within the family unit itself.

However, it would be misguided to suggest that family influence has diminished entirely. Rather, it has evolved to meet the challenges of the modern era. Families now often play a crucial role in helping young people navigate the complexities of the digital age, providing a stable foundation amidst a sea of external influences. Additionally, as cultural differences in parenting styles become more pronounced in our globalized world, the family’s role in transmitting cultural values and identity has become even more vital.

In essence, while the nature of family influence has changed, adapting to new societal norms and technological advancements, its importance in personal development remains undeniable and irreplaceable. The challenge lies in striking a balance between traditional family values and the demands of an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Pivotal figure /ˈpɪvətl ˈfɪɡər/ (noun phrase): A person who plays a crucial role in a situation or process.
   Example: “My mentor was a pivotal figure in shaping my career path.”

2. Insatiable curiosity /ɪnˈseɪʃəbl kjʊəriˈɒsəti/ (noun phrase): An endless desire to learn or know more.
   Example: “Her insatiable curiosity led her to explore various scientific disciplines.”

3. Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
   Example: “The influence of my role model was multifaceted, affecting both my personal and professional life.”

4. Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
   Example: “His encouragement was the catalyst for my decision to start my own business.”

5. Emulate /ˈemjuleɪt/ (verb): To try to equal or excel; imitate with effort to equal or surpass.
   Example: “I strive to emulate my mentor’s problem-solving skills in my own work.”

6. Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
   Example: “Her resilience in the face of setbacks was truly inspiring.”

7. Voracious appetite for knowledge /vəˈreɪʃəs ˈæpɪtaɪt fər ˈnɒlɪdʒ/ (phrase): An extreme eagerness or desire for learning.
   Example: “His voracious appetite for knowledge led him to read extensively across various subjects.”

8. Growth mindset /ɡrəʊθ ˈmaɪn(d)set/ (noun phrase): The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence.
   Example: “Adopting a growth mindset helped me overcome many challenges in my studies.”

IELTS Speaking – Key vocabulary for high scores

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing influential people, consider the following tips:

1. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced and topic-specific vocabulary to demonstrate your language proficiency. For example, use terms like “pivotal figure” or “catalyst” when discussing influence.

2. Provide detailed examples: Support your points with specific anecdotes or experiences. This shows your ability to elaborate and adds authenticity to your responses.

3. Use varied sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to showcase your grammatical range. Use connectives to link ideas coherently.

4. Show reflection and analysis: Don’t just describe events or people; analyze their impact and reflect on their significance. This demonstrates critical thinking skills.

5. Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Regular practice can help improve your fluency and confidence.

6. Engage with the examiner: Maintain eye contact and show enthusiasm in your responses. This can positively impact the impression you make.

7. Develop your ideas: In Part 3, try to discuss topics from multiple perspectives and consider broader implications of the questions asked.

8. Stay on topic: While it’s good to elaborate, ensure your responses remain relevant to the question asked.

Remember, consistent practice and exposure to English through various media can significantly enhance your speaking skills and confidence for the IELTS test.

IELTS Speaking – Examiner's advice for high scores

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can improve your ability to describe influential people and make personal decisions effectively in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to demonstrate your English language skills while providing thoughtful and engaging responses.