The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people who have influenced or inspired us. One common topic is “Describe a person who has inspired you to do something new.” This article will guide you through answering this question effectively, providing sample answers and valuable 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. They want to assess your ability to:
- Speak fluently and coherently
- Use a wide range of vocabulary
- Employ varied grammatical structures
- Pronounce words clearly
- Develop your ideas fully
Now, let’s break down the task and explore how to excel in each part of the speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner might ask some general questions about inspiration and role models. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you have any role models?
- What qualities do you admire in others?
- How important is it to have inspirational figures in our lives?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do have several role models. One person who particularly stands out is my high school art teacher. She was incredibly passionate about her subject and had a unique way of encouraging students to express themselves creatively. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and she inspired me to explore different art forms I hadn’t considered before.”
Key phrases: particularly stands out, incredibly passionate, unique way of encouraging, contagious, inspired me to explore
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to our topic:
Describe a person who has inspired you to do something new
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they inspired you to do
- And explain why you found them inspiring
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d like to talk about my high school art teacher, Ms. Thompson, who profoundly inspired me to explore photography. I first met her when I started high school, and she quickly became one of my favorite teachers.
Ms. Thompson was passionate about all forms of visual art, but she had a particular enthusiasm for photography. Her eyes would light up whenever she discussed composition, lighting, or the power of capturing a moment in time. This contagious excitement sparked my interest in photography, something I had never seriously considered before.
She inspired me to pick up a camera and start experimenting with different techniques. Ms. Thompson encouraged me to see the world through a new lens, quite literally. She taught me that photography wasn’t just about taking pretty pictures, but about telling stories and evoking emotions through visual imagery.
What made Ms. Thompson truly inspiring was her ability to nurture creativity in her students. She believed in our potential and pushed us to think outside the box. Her teaching style was hands-on and engaging, often taking us on field trips to practice our skills in real-world settings.
Thanks to her inspiration, I discovered a passion I didn’t know I had. Photography has since become a significant part of my life, both as a hobby and a means of self-expression. Ms. Thompson’s influence went beyond just teaching a skill; she showed me the importance of pursuing one’s passions and seeing beauty in everyday moments.”
Key phrases: profoundly inspired, passionate about all forms of visual art, particular enthusiasm, contagious excitement, pick up a camera, see the world through a new lens, telling stories, evoking emotions, nurture creativity, believed in our potential, think outside the box, hands-on and engaging, discovered a passion, went beyond just teaching a skill, seeing beauty in everyday moments
Examiner’s Follow-up Questions:
- How has this new skill changed your life?
- Do you think you’ll pursue photography professionally?
Sample Answers (Band 8-9):
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“Photography has transformed my perspective on the world around me. It’s taught me to be more observant and appreciate the beauty in everyday scenes. Moreover, it’s become a valuable outlet for self-expression and creativity. I find myself constantly looking for interesting compositions or unique lighting, which has made me more aware of my surroundings. It’s also improved my ability to capture and preserve memories, which I find incredibly rewarding.”
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“While I’m passionate about photography, I currently view it more as a serious hobby rather than a potential career. That being said, I’m open to opportunities that might arise. I’ve been honing my skills through online courses and local workshops, and I’ve even had a few of my photos featured in local exhibitions. If the right opportunity presented itself, I would certainly consider pursuing photography professionally. However, for now, I’m content with it being a creative outlet that complements my main career path.”
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:
Examiner: How do you think role models influence young people’s career choices?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9): “Role models can have a profound impact on young people’s career aspirations. They often serve as living examples of success in particular fields, making certain careers seem more attainable and appealing. For instance, seeing a successful scientist or entrepreneur from a similar background can inspire a young person to pursue a career in STEM or business.
However, it’s important to note that this influence can be both positive and negative. On the positive side, role models can motivate young people to set high goals and work hard to achieve them. They can also provide valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in a particular field.
On the flip side, there’s a risk of young people developing unrealistic expectations or choosing careers based on the glamorized version they see in their role models, rather than the day-to-day reality of the job. It’s crucial for young people to have a balanced perspective and to be encouraged to explore their own interests and aptitudes, rather than simply emulating their role models.”
Examiner: Do you think the media has a responsibility in presenting positive role models?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9): “Absolutely, I believe the media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and, by extension, influencing who society views as role models. Given their vast reach and influence, media outlets have a responsibility to present a diverse range of positive role models that reflect different aspects of society.
This responsibility is particularly important when it comes to young audiences who are still forming their values and aspirations. By showcasing individuals who have made positive contributions to society, overcome significant challenges, or achieved success through hard work and determination, the media can inspire and motivate viewers.
However, it’s also important for the media to present these role models in a balanced and realistic manner. Overly idealized portrayals can create unrealistic expectations. Instead, showing both the successes and struggles of these individuals can provide a more nuanced and relatable picture.
Moreover, the media should strive to represent a wide variety of role models from different backgrounds, professions, and walks of life. This diversity helps ensure that people from all segments of society can see themselves reflected in these positive examples and feel inspired to pursue their own goals.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can elevate your speaking:
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Profound impact (adjective + noun): A deep and significant effect.
Example: “Her mentor had a profound impact on her career choices.” -
To spark interest (verb phrase): To ignite curiosity or enthusiasm.
Example: “The documentary sparked my interest in marine biology.” -
Contagious enthusiasm (adjective + noun): Excitement that spreads easily to others.
Example: “The teacher’s contagious enthusiasm made every lesson enjoyable.” -
To think outside the box (idiom): To think creatively and unconventionally.
Example: “She encouraged her students to think outside the box when approaching problems.” -
To nurture creativity (verb phrase): To encourage and develop creative abilities.
Example: “The art program aims to nurture creativity in young children.” -
To go beyond (phrasal verb): To exceed or surpass expectations.
Example: “Her influence went beyond just teaching; she became a lifelong mentor.” -
To transform one’s perspective (verb phrase): To completely change how someone views something.
Example: “Traveling transformed my perspective on different cultures.” -
Valuable outlet (adjective + noun): A beneficial means of expression or release.
Example: “Writing became a valuable outlet for her emotions during difficult times.”
Examiner’s Advice
As an IELTS examiner, I recommend the following strategies to excel in the Speaking test:
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Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your fluency and confidence.
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Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics and use them in context.
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Use varied sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to demonstrate your range of grammatical knowledge.
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Develop your ideas fully: Don’t just give short answers. Explain your thoughts and provide examples to support them.
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Listen carefully to the questions: Make sure you understand what’s being asked before you start answering.
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Stay calm and confident: Remember, the examiner wants to hear you speak, so try to relax and show what you can do.
By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the “Describe a person who has inspired you to do something new” topic and other similar questions in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!
For more tips on acing your IELTS Speaking test, check out our articles on describing a person who has encouraged you to pursue your dreams and describing a person who has a special talent.