The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One such topic that has gained popularity recently is “Describe A Person Who Has Influenced Your Views On Innovation.” This article will guide you through answering this question effectively, providing sample answers and expert tips to help you achieve a high band score.
IELTS Speaking Test
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about innovation and influential people. Here are some potential questions:
- Do you think innovation is important in today’s world?
- How do you stay updated with the latest innovations?
- Who has been the most influential person in your life regarding technology?
Let’s focus on answering the third question:
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“The most influential person in my life regarding technology has been my computer science professor, Dr. Johnson. She’s always been at the forefront of technological advancements and has a knack for explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Her passion for innovation has really sparked my interest in exploring new technologies and their potential impact on society.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d have to say that my computer science professor, Dr. Johnson, has been the most pivotal figure in shaping my views on technology. Her encyclopedic knowledge of the field, combined with her infectious enthusiasm for emerging innovations, has profoundly influenced my perspective. She doesn’t just teach the curriculum; she constantly challenges us to think about the ethical implications and societal impacts of new technologies, which has broadened my horizons significantly.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a potential cue card related to our topic:
Describe a person who has influenced your views on innovation.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person’s views on innovation are
- And explain how this person has influenced your views on innovation
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d like to talk about my uncle, James, who has significantly influenced my views on innovation. He’s a successful entrepreneur in the tech industry, and I’ve known him since childhood. We often catch up during family gatherings and technology expos.
Uncle James has always been fascinated by cutting-edge technologies. He believes that innovation is the key to solving many of the world’s problems. His views on innovation are quite forward-thinking; he often says that we should embrace change and not be afraid to take risks when it comes to new ideas.
His influence on my views has been profound. Through our discussions, I’ve learned to think outside the box and consider how new technologies can be applied in unconventional ways. He’s taught me the importance of staying curious and constantly learning about new developments.
One particular conversation we had about artificial intelligence really opened my eyes to its potential applications in healthcare. This discussion sparked my interest in exploring how AI could revolutionize medical diagnostics.
Uncle James has instilled in me a sense of excitement about the future of technology. Thanks to him, I now see innovation not just as a means of creating new products, but as a tool for addressing global challenges and improving people’s lives.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss how my uncle, James, has profoundly shaped my perspective on innovation. As a pioneering entrepreneur in the tech industry, James has been a constant presence in my life since childhood. Our interactions, whether at family gatherings or technology exhibitions, have always been intellectually stimulating.
James’s views on innovation are nothing short of revolutionary. He firmly believes that innovation is the catalyst for societal progress and the solution to many global challenges. His outlook is inherently optimistic, advocating for embracing disruption and viewing obstacles as opportunities for creative problem-solving.
The impact of James’s philosophy on my own views has been transformative. Our discussions have cultivated in me a habit of lateral thinking, encouraging me to explore the potential applications of emerging technologies in unconventional domains. He’s instilled in me the importance of maintaining an insatiable curiosity and continuously expanding my knowledge base to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
A particularly eye-opening conversation we had about the potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare ignited my passion for exploring the intersection of technology and medicine. This dialogue catalyzed my interest in delving deeper into how AI could revolutionize medical diagnostics and treatment planning.
James has imbued me with an infectious enthusiasm for the future of technology. Thanks to his influence, I’ve come to perceive innovation not merely as a means of developing novel products, but as a powerful tool for tackling global issues and enhancing the quality of human life. His mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my ambition to contribute meaningfully to technological advancements that have a positive societal impact.”
Follow-up Questions
- How has this person’s influence affected your career choices?
- Do you think everyone should strive to be innovative in their work?
Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Uncle James’s influence has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory. His passion for innovation has inspired me to pursue a career in tech startups, where I can actively contribute to groundbreaking projects. His emphasis on the societal impact of technology has led me to focus on developing solutions that address pressing global issues, such as climate change and healthcare accessibility. Moreover, his entrepreneurial spirit has instilled in me the courage to take calculated risks and venture into uncharted territories in my professional life.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think innovation is always beneficial for society?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“While innovation often brings many benefits, it’s not always entirely positive for society. On the one hand, innovations in fields like medicine and renewable energy have greatly improved our quality of life and helped address global challenges. However, some innovations can also lead to job displacement or privacy concerns. It’s important to carefully consider the implications of new technologies and ensure they’re implemented responsibly.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The impact of innovation on society is undeniably complex and multifaceted. While innovation has the potential to catalyze tremendous progress and address pressing global issues, it’s crucial to acknowledge that it can also give rise to unforeseen challenges.
On the positive side, innovations in fields such as medicine, renewable energy, and communication have revolutionized our way of life, improving health outcomes, combating climate change, and connecting people across vast distances. These advancements have undoubtedly enhanced our collective quality of life and pushed the boundaries of what we thought possible.
However, it would be short-sighted to ignore the potential drawbacks. Rapid technological progress can lead to job displacement, exacerbating economic inequality if not managed properly. Moreover, innovations in areas like artificial intelligence and data analytics raise significant ethical concerns regarding privacy and autonomy.
Therefore, I believe it’s imperative that we approach innovation with a balanced perspective. We should harness its transformative power while simultaneously implementing robust safeguards to mitigate potential negative consequences. This requires a collaborative effort between innovators, policymakers, and society at large to ensure that technological progress aligns with our ethical values and contributes to the greater good.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Cutting-edge /ˈkʌtɪŋ edʒ/ (adjective): The most advanced stage of development.
Example: “His research is at the cutting-edge of biotechnology.” -
Paradigm shift /ˈpærəˌdaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “The internet caused a paradigm shift in how we communicate.” -
Disruptive innovation /dɪsˈrʌptɪv ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ (noun): An innovation that creates a new market and value network, eventually disrupting existing markets.
Example: “Ride-sharing apps are a classic example of disruptive innovation in the transportation sector.” -
To think outside the box (idiom): To think creatively, unconventionally, or from a new perspective.
Example: “To solve this problem, we need to think outside the box.” -
Groundbreaking /ˈɡraʊndˌbreɪkɪŋ/ (adjective): Innovative; pioneering.
Example: “Her groundbreaking research in quantum computing has opened up new possibilities.”
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our article on how to talk about a time you had to manage a conflict in IELTS Speaking.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing influential people and innovation:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary, including topic-specific terms related to innovation and technology.
- Employ complex grammatical structures and idiomatic expressions naturally.
- Provide detailed examples to support your points.
- Show critical thinking by discussing both positive and negative aspects of innovation.
- Maintain fluency by practicing speaking on various topics related to technology and innovation.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, expand your vocabulary, and stay informed about current technological trends to boost your confidence and performance.
For more practice on describing influential people, you might find our article on how to describe a person who has influenced your views on digital privacy helpful.
