How to Ace the IELTS Speaking Task: Describing a Person Who Influenced Your Values

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing a person who has influenced your values. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses and expert tips to help you achieve a high band score.

Understanding the Task

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to understand what the examiner is looking for when asking about a person who has influenced your values. They want to assess your ability to:

• Describe a person coherently
• Explain the impact this person has had on your life
• Discuss abstract concepts like values and influence
• Use appropriate vocabulary and grammar

Now, let’s break down the speaking test and explore how to tackle this topic in each part.

Influential Person

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about influences and values. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you think people are easily influenced by others?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I believe that some people are more easily influenced than others. It often depends on their personality and life experiences. Younger people, for example, might be more open to influence from their peers or role models.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The extent to which individuals are influenced by others can vary significantly. Susceptibility to influence is often contingent upon factors such as age, personal experiences, and self-awareness. While some people may be more impressionable, others might have a more resolute sense of self, making them less prone to external influences.”

2. What values do you think are important in life?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I think honesty and kindness are really important values in life. They help us build good relationships and create a positive society. Hard work is also crucial for personal success.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“In my opinion, there are several fundamental values that contribute to a fulfilling life and a harmonious society. Integrity stands out as paramount, as it forms the foundation of trust in all relationships. Additionally, empathy and compassion are crucial for fostering understanding and connection between individuals. I also believe in the importance of perseverance and intellectual curiosity, as these drive personal growth and societal progress.”

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:

Describe a person who has influenced your values

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What values this person has influenced
• And explain why this person has had such an influence on you

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about my grandmother, who has had a big influence on my values. She’s always been a part of my life, and I’ve spent a lot of time with her growing up.

My grandmother is a very kind and generous person. She’s always helping others in our community, whether it’s by volunteering at the local food bank or just being there for neighbors who need support. This has really influenced my values around kindness and community service.

She’s also taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance. She came from a poor background but worked really hard to provide for her family and give them a good education. Seeing her dedication has made me value education and hard work in my own life.

I think she’s had such a big influence on me because she’s always led by example. She doesn’t just talk about these values; she lives them every day. Also, the love and care she’s shown me have made me really respect her and want to follow in her footsteps.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to discuss my former high school teacher, Mr. Johnson, who has had a profound impact on my values and worldview. I had the privilege of being in his class for two consecutive years during a formative period of my life.

Mr. Johnson is an exemplar of intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. His approach to teaching went beyond mere curriculum coverage; he consistently encouraged us to question assumptions, seek evidence, and form our own well-reasoned opinions. This has significantly influenced my values around intellectual integrity and the pursuit of knowledge.

Moreover, Mr. Johnson’s unwavering commitment to social justice and equality has shaped my perspective on these issues. He often integrated discussions about current events and social problems into our lessons, emphasizing the importance of civic responsibility and ethical decision-making. This has instilled in me a strong sense of social consciousness and a desire to contribute positively to society.

The reason Mr. Johnson has had such a substantial influence on me lies in his ability to seamlessly integrate these values into his teaching and daily interactions. His authentic embodiment of these principles made them tangible and achievable. Furthermore, the mentorship he provided, both during and after my time in his class, created a lasting impact. He didn’t just impart knowledge; he fostered a mindset of continuous growth and a commitment to living according to one’s values, which has been instrumental in shaping my character and aspirations.”

Follow-up questions:

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

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I think my grandmother’s influence has grown stronger over time. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate her wisdom more. I now see how her values have helped her live a happy and fulfilling life, which makes me want to follow her example even more.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The influence of Mr. Johnson has evolved significantly over time. Initially, his impact was primarily academic, shaping my approach to learning and critical thinking. However, as I’ve progressed through university and into my professional life, I’ve found that the values he instilled have become increasingly relevant and profound. His emphasis on ethical decision-making and social responsibility has guided me through complex situations in both my personal and professional spheres. Moreover, the intellectual rigor he encouraged has become a cornerstone of my approach to problem-solving and innovation in my career.”

2. Do you think it’s important for young people to have role models?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“Yes, I think role models are really important for young people. They can provide guidance and inspiration, showing young people what’s possible if they work hard and make good choices. Role models can also help young people learn important values and life skills.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe that role models play a crucial role in the development of young individuals. They serve as tangible exemplars of success, integrity, and perseverance, providing young people with aspirational figures to emulate. However, it’s important to note that the concept of a role model should be approached with nuance. Rather than idolizing a single individual, young people benefit most from identifying admirable qualities in various individuals and synthesizing these into their own unique value system. This approach fosters critical thinking and helps young people develop a more holistic and personalized set of values and goals.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. How do societal values differ across generations?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I think societal values can change quite a lot between generations. For example, older generations might place more importance on traditional family structures and job security, while younger generations might value work-life balance and environmental consciousness more. These differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings between generations.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The evolution of societal values across generations is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. While certain core values like honesty and kindness tend to remain constant, the relative importance and interpretation of various values can shift significantly. For instance, the concept of success has transformed from being predominantly associated with financial stability and social status to encompassing personal fulfillment and work-life balance for many in younger generations. Moreover, globalization and rapid technological advancements have led to an increased emphasis on values such as cultural competence and digital literacy. It’s also worth noting that these generational shifts are not uniform across all societies and can be influenced by factors such as economic conditions, cultural traditions, and geopolitical events.”

2. In what ways can media influence people’s values?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“Media can have a big impact on people’s values. It can shape our perceptions of what’s normal or desirable in society. For example, social media might influence our ideas about success or beauty. News media can affect our political views and what we think are important issues. It’s important to be aware of these influences and think critically about the media we consume.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The media wields substantial influence over societal values through various mechanisms. Firstly, it acts as a powerful agenda-setter, determining which issues receive public attention and shaping discourse around them. This can significantly impact what society deems important or worthy of concern. Secondly, media representations, particularly in entertainment and advertising, can reinforce or challenge existing norms and values. For instance, the portrayal of diverse family structures in media can contribute to greater societal acceptance of different lifestyles.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that media influence is not a unidirectional process. Audiences actively interpret media messages through the lens of their existing beliefs and experiences, a concept known as selective perception. Furthermore, the rise of social media has democratized information dissemination, allowing for a more diverse range of voices and values to be expressed. This has led to both positive outcomes, such as increased awareness of social issues, and challenges, like the spread of misinformation.

To navigate this complex landscape, it’s essential to promote media literacy and critical thinking skills, enabling individuals to engage with media content in a discerning and constructive manner.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score, it’s important to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples:

1. Influential /ɪnfluˈenʃəl/ (adjective): Having great influence on someone or something.
   Example: “My grandmother was an influential figure in my life.”

2. To embody /ɪmˈbɒdi/ (verb): To represent or express (an idea, quality, or feeling) in a clear and obvious way.
   Example: “Mr. Johnson embodied the values of integrity and intellectual curiosity.”

3. Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ (noun phrase): A very significant or deep effect.
   Example: “Her teachings had a profound impact on my worldview.”

4. 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.”

5. Formative /ˈfɔːmətɪv/ (adjective): Having an important and lasting influence on the development of something.
   Example: “My teenage years were a formative period in shaping my values.”

Tips from an IELTS Examiner

As an experienced IELTS examiner, here are my top tips for scoring high on this type of question:

1. Be specific: Instead of general statements, provide concrete examples of how the person influenced your values.

2. Use sophisticated vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases relevant to the topic of values and influence.

3. Show reflection: Demonstrate that you’ve thought deeply about the person’s influence on you.

4. Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, using discourse markers to connect your ideas.

5. Practice: Regularly practice speaking about influential people and values to improve your fluency and confidence.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about having good English skills, but also about effectively communicating your ideas and experiences. By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss a person who has influenced your values in your IELTS Speaking test.

For more IELTS speaking practice, you might find it helpful to describe a person who motivates you to be a better person or describe a person who inspires you to improve yourself. These topics are closely related and can help you build a broader vocabulary for discussing influential people in your life.