The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing a person who has shaped our personal values. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
IELTS Speaking Test
Understanding the Task
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand what the examiner is looking for when they ask you to describe a person who has influenced your personal values. They want to assess your ability to:
- Speak fluently and coherently about a personal experience
- Use a range of vocabulary related to personality and values
- Employ complex grammatical structures
- Organize your thoughts logically
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about people who have influenced you. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you think it’s important to have role models?
A: Absolutely, I believe having role models is crucial for personal growth. They can serve as a source of inspiration and guidance, especially during challenging times. In my experience, observing successful individuals in my field has motivated me to set higher goals and work harder to achieve them.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to our topic:
Describe a person who has influenced your personal values
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What personal values they have influenced
- And explain why this person has had such an influence on you
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
The person who has significantly influenced my personal values is my grandmother. I’ve known her since I was born, and we’ve always been close. She has influenced my values of kindness, hard work, and respect for others. My grandmother has had such an influence on me because she’s always set a good example through her actions. She’s always been there for our family and community, helping others whenever she can. Her dedication to hard work, even in her old age, has taught me the importance of perseverance.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
The individual who has profoundly shaped my personal values is my maternal grandmother, a woman of remarkable strength and compassion. I’ve had the privilege of knowing her intimately since birth, and our relationship has blossomed into a deep, meaningful connection over the years.
My grandmother has been instrumental in influencing my core values, particularly in the realms of empathy, perseverance, and social responsibility. Her unwavering commitment to these principles has left an indelible mark on my character.
The reason my grandmother has had such a profound impact on me lies in her ability to lead by example. Her life story is a testament to resilience, having overcome significant hardships with grace and determination. She has consistently demonstrated the power of kindness, often going out of her way to help those in need, regardless of their background or circumstances. This has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a desire to contribute positively to society.
Moreover, her tireless work ethic, even well into her golden years, has inspired me to approach challenges with tenacity and to never shy away from hard work. Perhaps most importantly, she has taught me the value of respect – for oneself, for others, and for the world around us. This lesson has profoundly influenced my interactions with people from all walks of life.
In essence, my grandmother’s influence has been transformative, shaping not just my values, but my entire worldview. Her wisdom continues to guide me as I navigate life’s complexities, serving as a moral compass in both personal and professional spheres.
Follow-up Questions
- How has this person’s influence affected your decision-making?
- Do you think younger generations are less influenced by older family members nowadays?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for Question 1:
My grandmother’s influence has profoundly impacted my decision-making process. Her emphasis on empathy and social responsibility has led me to consistently consider the broader implications of my choices, not just for myself but for others and the environment. For instance, when choosing a career path, I prioritized roles that allowed me to contribute positively to society, aligning with the values she instilled in me. Moreover, her teachings on perseverance have equipped me with the resilience to face challenges head-on, viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable barriers. This mindset has been invaluable in both my personal and professional life, enabling me to make decisions that are not only beneficial in the short term but also conducive to long-term personal development and societal progress.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think the influence of family members on personal values is decreasing in modern society?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I think family influence on personal values is changing in modern society. With social media and the internet, young people are exposed to many different ideas and role models. This can sometimes reduce the influence of family members. However, I believe family still plays an important role in shaping our values, especially during childhood.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
While the dynamics of familial influence are certainly evolving in our increasingly interconnected world, I wouldn’t say that the impact of family members on personal values is necessarily diminishing. Rather, it’s becoming more nuanced.
In today’s digital age, young people are indeed exposed to a vast array of influences through social media, the internet, and global connectivity. This exposure undoubtedly broadens their perspectives and introduces them to diverse value systems that may differ from those of their immediate family.
However, I believe that family members, particularly in one’s formative years, continue to play a pivotal role in laying the foundation of an individual’s value system. The intimate, day-to-day interactions within a family unit provide a unique context for value transmission that cannot be easily replicated by external influences.
What we’re seeing is perhaps a shift in the nature of this influence. Modern families often engage in more open dialogues about values, allowing for a more collaborative approach to shaping beliefs and principles. This can lead to a richer, more robust value system that integrates familial teachings with broader societal perspectives.
Moreover, in times of crisis or significant life changes, many individuals still turn to their families for guidance and support, reaffirming the enduring influence of family on personal values. Thus, while the influence of family may be less monolithic than in previous generations, it remains a crucial and foundational element in the development of personal values in modern society.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Profound impact [prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt] (phrase): A deep, significant effect.
Example: “My mentor’s guidance had a profound impact on my career choices.”Instrumental [ˌɪnstrəˈmentl] (adjective): Serving as a means of doing something important.
Example: “Her support was instrumental in helping me achieve my goals.”Indelible mark [ɪnˈdelɪbl mɑːrk] (phrase): A lasting impression or effect.
Example: “The experience left an indelible mark on my perspective of life.”To instill [ɪnˈstɪl] (verb): To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
Example: “My parents instilled in me the importance of honesty from a young age.”Worldview [ˈwɜːrldvjuː] (noun): A particular philosophy of life or conception of the world.
Example: “Traveling to different countries has broadened my worldview significantly.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing influential people:
- Practice speaking about various influential figures in your life.
- Use a range of advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
- Provide specific examples to support your points.
- Reflect on how this person has impacted different aspects of your life.
- Be prepared to discuss the topic from various angles, including broader societal perspectives.
Remember, authenticity is key. While it’s important to use advanced language, ensure that your responses remain genuine and personal.
For more practice on describing influential figures, you might find it helpful to explore how to describe a person who is known for their generosity or describe a person who is always willing to help others. These topics can provide additional context and vocabulary for discussing impactful individuals in your IELTS Speaking test.