When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, one common topic that candidates may encounter is describing a person who has inspired them to become a better individual. This topic allows you to showcase your ability to articulate personal experiences, express emotions, and use descriptive language effectively. In this article, we’ll explore how to approach this topic and provide sample answers that can help you achieve a high band score.
Inspirational mentor guiding a student
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask you some general questions about inspiration and role models. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you have any role models in your life?
A: Absolutely. I believe having role models is crucial for personal growth. In my case, my high school literature teacher has been a significant role model. Her passion for education and her ability to inspire critical thinking have had a profound impact on my approach to learning and life in general.
Q: How can people inspire others in daily life?
A: I think people can inspire others in various ways in everyday life. For instance, by demonstrating integrity in their actions, showing kindness to strangers, or persevering through challenges. Even small acts of thoughtfulness, like helping a colleague with a difficult task or volunteering in the community, can be incredibly inspiring.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
For Part 2, you might receive a cue card with the following task:
Describe a person who has inspired you to be a better person.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What qualities this person has
- And explain how this person has inspired you to be better
Here’s a sample answer:
“I’d like to talk about my grandfather, who has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my life. I’ve known him since I was born, of course, but it wasn’t until my teenage years that I truly began to appreciate his influence on me.
My grandfather is a retired university professor, and he possesses an extraordinary combination of wisdom and humility. One of his most admirable qualities is his insatiable curiosity about the world. Even in his eighties, he’s always eager to learn new things, whether it’s about the latest scientific discoveries or current global affairs.
Another remarkable trait is his unwavering commitment to helping others. He’s been involved in various community service projects for decades, from tutoring underprivileged children to organizing food drives for the homeless. His selflessness and dedication to making a positive impact on society have always struck me as truly inspirational.
What I find most inspiring about my grandfather is his ability to maintain a positive outlook on life, despite having faced numerous challenges. He lived through war, economic hardships, and personal losses, yet he never let these experiences embitter him. Instead, he used them as opportunities for growth and to develop empathy for others.
His example has inspired me to be a better person in several ways. Firstly, he’s instilled in me a love for lifelong learning. I now strive to constantly expand my knowledge and skills, just as he does. Secondly, his commitment to community service has motivated me to be more actively involved in volunteer work and to consider how I can contribute to society.
Perhaps most importantly, my grandfather has taught me the value of resilience and optimism. Whenever I face difficulties, I think of his example and try to approach challenges with a positive mindset, seeing them as opportunities for personal growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.
In essence, my grandfather’s influence has shaped my values, my approach to learning, and my overall outlook on life. His inspiring presence continues to motivate me to strive for personal growth and to make a positive difference in the world around me.”
Follow-up Questions
The examiner might ask some follow-up questions, such as:
Q: What specific actions of your grandfather do you try to emulate in your own life?
A: I try to emulate his commitment to continuous learning by reading widely and engaging in intellectually stimulating conversations. I also make an effort to volunteer regularly in my community, inspired by his dedication to service. Additionally, I strive to maintain a positive attitude in the face of challenges, just as he does.
Q: How has your grandfather’s influence affected your career choices or future plans?
A: His influence has definitely shaped my career aspirations. His passion for education has inspired me to consider a career in teaching or educational policy. Moreover, his emphasis on social responsibility has led me to seek out opportunities where I can make a meaningful impact on society, possibly through non-profit work or social entrepreneurship.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you think modern society lacks good role models? Why or why not?
A: I believe that good role models still exist in modern society, but they might be overshadowed by the prevalence of celebrity culture and social media influencers who don’t always promote positive values. However, I think there are many unsung heroes in various fields – scientists, educators, social workers, and community leaders – who embody admirable qualities and make significant contributions to society. The challenge lies in giving these individuals more visibility and recognition. Additionally, I believe that role models can be found in our immediate surroundings – family members, teachers, or colleagues – who demonstrate integrity, compassion, and dedication in their daily lives. It’s crucial to shift our focus from superficial fame to genuine impact when identifying role models.
Q: How has the concept of role models changed with the rise of social media?
A: Social media has dramatically altered the landscape of role models in several ways. Firstly, it has democratized influence, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain a platform and inspire others. This has led to a more varied range of role models, which can be positive as it provides representation for different groups.
However, social media has also created challenges. The pressure to maintain a perfect online image can lead to inauthenticity, and the rapid rise to fame of some influencers might mean they’re not always equipped to handle the responsibility of being role models. There’s also the risk of promoting unrealistic standards or harmful behaviors for the sake of gaining followers.
On the positive side, social media has made it easier for people to connect with and learn from their role models directly. It has also allowed for the emergence of niche role models who inspire others in specific areas of interest or expertise.
I believe the key is to approach social media with critical thinking, recognizing that what we see online isn’t always the full picture, and to seek out role models who demonstrate genuine value and positive impact beyond their online presence.
Q: In what ways can businesses or organizations inspire people to be better?
A: Businesses and organizations can play a significant role in inspiring people to be better through various means. Firstly, they can lead by example by implementing ethical business practices, prioritizing sustainability, and demonstrating social responsibility. When companies show a commitment to values beyond profit, it can inspire both employees and consumers to consider their own impact on society and the environment.
Secondly, organizations can create mentorship programs that foster personal and professional growth. By pairing experienced professionals with younger employees, they can inspire the next generation of leaders and promote a culture of continuous learning and development.
Furthermore, businesses can support and highlight positive initiatives within their communities. This could involve partnering with local charities, organizing volunteer programs for employees, or using their platform to raise awareness about important social issues. Such actions can inspire individuals to become more engaged in their communities and to consider how they can contribute to positive change.
Lastly, organizations can inspire people by recognizing and rewarding not just achievement, but also effort, innovation, and ethical behavior. This approach can motivate individuals to strive for personal growth and to uphold positive values in their professional and personal lives.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can elevate your response:
Insatiable curiosity (adjective + noun): An endless desire to learn and understand.
Example: His insatiable curiosity led him to explore various fields of knowledge.Unwavering commitment (adjective + noun): A strong, unchanging dedication to something.
Example: She showed an unwavering commitment to environmental conservation throughout her career.To instill (verb): To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
Example: My mentor instilled in me a deep appreciation for cultural diversity.Resilience (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: His resilience in the face of adversity was truly inspiring.To emulate (verb): To try to equal or excel; to imitate with effort to equal or surpass.
Example: Many young entrepreneurs try to emulate the success of tech giants like Steve Jobs.Profound impact (adjective + noun): A deep, significant effect.
Example: The volunteer experience had a profound impact on my worldview.To overshadow (verb): To appear more prominent or important than someone or something else.
Example: Unfortunately, the scandal overshadowed the company’s charitable work.Unsung hero (noun phrase): A person who makes a substantial contribution without receiving recognition.
Example: Many teachers are the unsung heroes of our society, shaping future generations without much public acclaim.
Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner
As an IELTS Speaking Examiner, I recommend the following strategies to achieve a high score:
Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with common topics and practice expressing your thoughts fluently.
Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Explain your thoughts and provide examples to support your points.
Work on pronunciation and intonation: Clear pronunciation and natural intonation can significantly improve your score.
Stay calm and confident: Remember, the examiner is interested in your language skills, not judging your personal opinions.
Listen carefully to the questions: Make sure you understand what’s being asked before you start your response.
Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, avoid memorizing scripts. Examiners can tell when responses are not genuine.
By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss the topic of a person who has inspired you to be better in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to express your ideas clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and showcase your ability to discuss abstract concepts related to the topic.
For more IELTS speaking practice, you might want to check out our articles on describing a person who has helped you grow personally or professionally or describing a time when you had to push through a challenging situation. These topics are closely related and can help you build a broader vocabulary for discussing personal growth and inspiration.