The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people who have had a significant impact on our lives. This topic allows candidates to showcase their ability to describe personal experiences and express emotions effectively in English. In this article, we’ll explore how to excel in answering questions related to “describing a person who has made a big impact on your life” across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about influential people in your life. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
2. Do you think teachers have a significant impact on students’ lives?
3. How do parents influence their children’s career choices?

Let’s focus on answering the first question:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“I’d say my grandmother has had the most profound influence on my life. She’s always been a pillar of strength and wisdom in our family. Her resilience in the face of adversity and her unwavering optimism have shaped my outlook on life. She taught me the value of hard work and perseverance, which has been instrumental in my personal and academic growth.”

Key features:

• Uses descriptive language: “profound influence,” “pillar of strength”
• Provides specific examples: “resilience,” “unwavering optimism”
• Links the influence to personal development

Part 2: Long Turn

For Part 2, you might receive a cue card like this:

Describe A Person Who Has Made A Big Impact On Your Life.

You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain why this person has made such a big impact on your life

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my high school physics teacher, Mr. Johnson, who has had a tremendous impact on my life. I first met him when I was 15, struggling with science subjects and lacking confidence in my academic abilities.

Mr. Johnson wasn’t just a teacher; he was a mentor and an inspiration. His innovative teaching methods made complex concepts accessible and sparked my curiosity about the world around us. He had this remarkable ability to relate abstract theories to everyday experiences, which made learning both enjoyable and memorable.

What set Mr. Johnson apart was his unwavering belief in his students’ potential. He saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself at the time. He encouraged me to participate in science competitions and pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Under his guidance, I not only improved my grades significantly but also discovered a passion for physics that I never knew I had.

The impact Mr. Johnson has had on my life goes far beyond academic achievements. He instilled in me a growth mindset and taught me the value of perseverance. His influence was a catalyst for my personal growth, boosting my self-confidence and changing the trajectory of my academic and professional life. Thanks to his mentorship, I pursued a degree in physics and am now working in a field I’m truly passionate about.

Mr. Johnson’s impact extends to my approach to challenges in all aspects of life. Whenever I face obstacles, I hear his voice encouraging me to think critically and approach problems systematically. He taught me that failures are stepping stones to success, a philosophy that has been invaluable in my personal and professional development.

In essence, Mr. Johnson didn’t just teach physics; he taught life lessons that continue to resonate with me years later. His influence has shaped not only my career path but also my character, making him truly one of the most impactful people in my life.”

IELTS Speaking: Describing an impactful person

Follow-up questions:

1. How do you think teachers can make a positive impact on their students?
2. Are there any negative impacts that influential people can have?

Sample answers:

1. “Teachers can make a positive impact by fostering a supportive learning environment and tailoring their approach to individual students’ needs. By encouraging curiosity and critical thinking, they can inspire lifelong learning. Moreover, recognizing and nurturing each student’s unique talents can boost confidence and motivation.”

2. “While influential people can be incredibly inspiring, there’s also a potential for negative impact. Sometimes, they might inadvertently impose their own expectations or biases on others. There’s also a risk of creating dependency, where individuals might struggle to form their own opinions or make decisions independently. It’s crucial to maintain a balanced perspective and develop one’s own critical thinking skills.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to the topic:

1. How do you think social media influencers impact young people today?
2. What characteristics do you think make someone influential in society?
3. How has the concept of role models changed over the generations?

Let’s focus on the first question:

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Social media influencers have become increasingly significant in shaping young people’s perspectives and behaviors. On the positive side, they can raise awareness about important issues and promote social causes, potentially inspiring their followers to become more socially conscious and active. Many influencers also share valuable skills and knowledge, from fitness routines to financial literacy, which can be beneficial for their young audience.

However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. The curated nature of social media can create unrealistic expectations about lifestyle and appearance, potentially leading to issues with self-esteem and body image among young followers. Moreover, the commercialization of influence means that many posts are actually advertisements, which might not always be clearly disclosed, potentially misleading young consumers.

Another aspect to consider is the impact on career aspirations. Many young people now see becoming an influencer as a viable and attractive career path, which could be both positive in terms of entrepreneurship and creativity, but also potentially narrow their view of success and professional development.

Ultimately, I believe the impact of social media influencers is a double-edged sword. While they can be a source of inspiration and information, it’s crucial for young people to develop critical thinking skills to navigate this landscape. Education about media literacy and the importance of diverse role models could help mitigate some of the negative impacts while harnessing the positive potential of influencer culture.”

Social media influencers' impact on youth

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Catalyst (noun) /ˈkætəlɪst/ – a person or thing that precipitates an event or change
   Example: “Her encouragement was a catalyst for my decision to pursue higher education.”

2. Paradigm shift (noun) /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ – a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
   Example: “Meeting her caused a paradigm shift in my understanding of success.”

3. Mentor (noun/verb) /ˈmentɔːr/ – an experienced and trusted adviser
   Example: “She mentored me throughout my early career, providing invaluable guidance.”

4. Pivotal (adjective) /ˈpɪvətl/ – of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else
   Example: “His support played a pivotal role in shaping my career path.”

5. Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
   Example: “Her resilience in the face of adversity taught me the importance of perseverance.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing influential people:

1. Use a range of descriptive vocabulary to vividly portray the person and their impact.
2. Provide specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
3. Discuss both positive and negative aspects to demonstrate critical thinking.
4. Use a variety of complex sentence structures to showcase your language proficiency.
5. Practice speaking about different influential figures to improve fluency and expand your vocabulary.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about the content, but also how you express your ideas. Focus on clarity, coherence, and confident delivery.

For more practice on describing significant experiences, you might want to describe a public transport experience you had recently or describe a memorable experience you had during a road trip. These topics can help you develop your descriptive language skills further.

Additionally, to enhance your ability to discuss surprising or unexpected events, which can often be related to influential people in our lives, you could practice how to describe an occasion when you were surprised. This will help you become more adept at expressing emotions and reactions in English.

By mastering these techniques and expanding your repertoire of topics, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing influential people and their impact on your life.