The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing a person who has influenced your way of thinking. This article will provide you with valuable tips and sample answers to help you excel in this part of the exam.
IELTS Speaking Test
Understanding the Topic
Describing a person who has influenced your thinking is a popular topic in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to express personal experiences, describe people, and explain abstract concepts like influence and ways of thinking. This topic is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams due to its versatility and ability to elicit a range of language skills.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions related to influential people. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you have any role models?
- Who do you admire most in your family?
- Has a teacher ever influenced you significantly?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:
Examiner: Has a teacher ever influenced you significantly?
Candidate (Band 7-8 response): Yes, absolutely. My high school English teacher, Ms. Nguyen, had a profound impact on me. She didn’t just teach the language; she inspired a love for literature and critical thinking. Her innovative teaching methods and passion for the subject sparked my interest in pursuing English studies further.
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Certainly. I’d say my high school English teacher, Ms. Nguyen, exerted a considerable influence on my academic and personal development. She went beyond mere language instruction and instilled in me a deep appreciation for literature and analytical thinking. Her pedagogical approach was remarkably innovative, and her unbridled enthusiasm for the subject proved contagious, ultimately steering me towards pursuing English studies at a higher level.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe A Person Who Has Influenced Your Way Of Thinking.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain how this person has influenced your way of thinking
Sample Answer (Band 7-8)
The person who has significantly influenced my way of thinking is my grandfather, Mr. Tran. I’ve known him my entire life, as we’ve always been a close-knit family. He’s a retired history teacher who now spends most of his time reading and gardening.
My grandfather has profoundly impacted my thinking in several ways. Firstly, his vast knowledge of history has taught me the importance of understanding the past to make sense of the present. He often shares stories about historical events and their consequences, which has broadened my perspective on current affairs.
Secondly, his calm and patient demeanor has influenced how I approach problems. He always advises me to take a step back and consider all angles before making decisions. This approach has helped me become more analytical and less impulsive in my thinking.
Lastly, his passion for continuous learning has inspired me to always seek knowledge. Even in his retirement, he’s constantly reading and learning new things. This has instilled in me a love for lifelong learning and a curiosity about the world around me.
In conclusion, my grandfather’s influence has shaped my worldview, making me more thoughtful, patient, and eager to learn. His wisdom continues to guide me in my daily life and decision-making processes.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
The individual who has exerted a profound influence on my cognitive processes is undoubtedly my grandfather, Mr. Tran. Our relationship spans my entire lifetime, as we’ve always maintained exceptionally close familial ties. A retired history educator, he now dedicates the majority of his time to his literary pursuits and horticultural endeavors.
My grandfather’s impact on my thought patterns has been nothing short of transformative. Primarily, his encyclopedic knowledge of historical events has inculcated in me a deep appreciation for the significance of understanding our past as a means to comprehend our present circumstances. His penchant for recounting historical narratives and their far-reaching implications has substantially broadened my perspective on contemporary issues.
Moreover, his unflappable disposition and remarkable patience have significantly influenced my approach to problem-solving. He consistently advocates for a measured response, encouraging me to take a panoramic view of any situation before arriving at a conclusion. This methodology has fostered in me a more analytical mindset and tempered any tendency towards impulsivity in my decision-making processes.
Finally, his insatiable thirst for knowledge has been a constant source of inspiration, motivating me to persistently seek intellectual growth. Even in his retirement years, he maintains an unwavering commitment to expanding his knowledge base. This has instilled in me an enduring passion for lifelong learning and an insatiable curiosity about the intricacies of the world that surrounds us.
In summation, my grandfather’s influence has been instrumental in shaping my worldview, rendering me more contemplative, patient, and intellectually curious. His sagacity continues to serve as a guiding light in my day-to-day existence and decision-making processes.
Follow-up Questions
- How do you think older generations can influence younger ones?
- Do you believe that influencers on social media have a positive impact on young people’s thinking?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
Older generations can wield considerable influence over younger ones through various channels. Primarily, they serve as repositories of wisdom and life experience, offering invaluable insights that can shape the perspectives of younger individuals. Their lived experiences through different historical periods provide a unique lens through which younger generations can view and interpret current events.
Moreover, older generations often embody certain values and traditions that they can pass down, helping to preserve cultural heritage and provide a sense of continuity. Their resilience in facing life’s challenges can also inspire and instill fortitude in younger people.
However, it’s crucial to note that this influence should be a dialogue rather than a monologue. While older generations have much to offer, they should also remain open to new ideas and perspectives from younger generations, fostering a mutually enriching intergenerational exchange.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think people are more influenced by their parents or by their friends?
Candidate (Band 7-8 response): I believe that both parents and friends play significant roles in shaping a person’s thoughts and behaviors, but their influence often differs in nature and extent. Parents typically have a more profound and long-lasting impact, especially during childhood and adolescence. They instill core values, provide the initial framework for understanding the world, and often serve as role models.
Friends, on the other hand, tend to have a stronger influence during adolescence and early adulthood. They can shape our interests, social behaviors, and even our worldviews. Peer pressure can be a powerful force, sometimes leading individuals to adopt new perspectives or behaviors.
Ultimately, I think the balance of influence between parents and friends varies from person to person and can change over time. Some individuals might be more susceptible to peer influence, while others might maintain stronger ties to their parents’ teachings throughout their lives.
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): The question of whether parents or friends exert more influence on an individual is multifaceted and highly dependent on various factors. Parents, I would argue, typically wield a more profound and enduring influence, particularly during the formative years of childhood and adolescence. They are instrumental in instilling core values, providing the foundational framework for interpreting the world, and often serve as the primary role models in a child’s life.
Their influence is often deeply ingrained and can persist well into adulthood, shaping fundamental aspects of an individual’s personality, beliefs, and decision-making processes.
Friends, conversely, tend to exert a more immediate and peer-oriented influence, especially during adolescence and early adulthood. They can significantly impact social behaviors, interests, and even challenge or reinforce the worldviews established by parental influence. The power of peer pressure should not be underestimated, as it can sometimes lead individuals to adopt new perspectives or behaviors that may deviate from their family’s norms.
However, it’s crucial to note that the balance of influence between parents and friends is not static and can fluctuate over time. Some individuals may be more susceptible to peer influence, while others might maintain stronger allegiance to their parents’ teachings throughout their lives. Factors such as family dynamics, cultural background, and individual personality traits can all play a role in determining the relative strength of these influences.
In conclusion, while both parents and friends are significant sources of influence, I believe that parental influence often forms the core foundation of an individual’s character, upon which peer influences may later build or occasionally challenge.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Profound impact [prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt] (noun phrase): A deep and significant effect.
Example: “My mentor’s guidance had a profound impact on my career choices.” -
Exert influence [ɪɡˈzɜːt ˈɪnfluəns] (verb phrase): To have an effect on someone or something.
Example: “Great leaders often exert influence beyond their immediate circle.” -
Instill [ɪnˈstɪl] (verb): To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
Example: “Good teachers instill a love of learning in their students.” -
Broaden one’s perspective [ˈbrɔːdn wʌnz pəˈspektɪv] (phrase): To expand one’s point of view or understanding.
Example: “Traveling abroad can broaden your perspective on different cultures.” -
Analytical mindset [ˌænəˈlɪtɪkl ˈmaɪndset] (noun phrase): A way of thinking that involves careful examination and logical reasoning.
Example: “Developing an analytical mindset is crucial for problem-solving in any field.” -
Sagacity [səˈɡæsəti] (noun): The quality of being wise and having good judgment.
Example: “We often turn to our elders for their sagacity in difficult times.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing influential people:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and less common words.
- Vary your sentence structures, using both simple and complex sentences.
- Provide specific examples to support your points, making your answers more vivid and engaging.
- Practice speaking fluently on various topics, focusing on maintaining a natural pace and rhythm.
- Develop your ideas fully, exploring different aspects of the topic in depth.
- Use appropriate tenses and maintain grammatical accuracy throughout your responses.
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to English in various contexts will help you improve your speaking skills and confidence for the IELTS test.
For more tips on IELTS Speaking, you might find these articles helpful:
- Describe a Time When You Led a Successful Project
- Describe a Famous Writer in Your Country
- Describe a Person Who is Passionate About Art
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss influential people in your IELTS Speaking test and achieve a high score.
