The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. This topic is not only common but also allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing personal experiences. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to describing a person who has positively influenced your life.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about influential people. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d say my high school math teacher has had a significant impact on my life. She was very supportive and helped me develop a love for mathematics, which ultimately led me to pursue a career in engineering.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Without a doubt, my grandmother has been the most influential person in my life. Her unwavering resilience in the face of adversity and her boundless compassion for others have profoundly shaped my values and worldview. Her wisdom and guidance have been invaluable throughout my personal and professional journey.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who has positively influenced your life
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they have done to influence you
- And explain why their influence has been positive
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my uncle, John, who has had a significant positive influence on my life. I’ve known him since childhood, as he’s my father’s younger brother and we often spent holidays together.
Uncle John is a successful entrepreneur who started his own tech company from scratch. What he’s done to influence me is show me the importance of hard work and perseverance. He always encourages me to pursue my dreams and not be afraid of failure.
His influence has been positive because he’s taught me valuable life lessons. For example, he once told me that success doesn’t come overnight, but through consistent effort. This advice has helped me stay motivated in my studies and career.
Overall, Uncle John’s influence has made me more determined and confident in pursuing my goals.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to delve into the profound influence my mentor, Dr. Sarah Chen, has had on my life. I first encountered her during my undergraduate studies when she was a guest lecturer in our advanced biology course.
Dr. Chen is a renowned molecular biologist whose groundbreaking research has revolutionized our understanding of gene therapy. Her influence on me has been multifaceted and far-reaching. Primarily, she has instilled in me a deep-seated passion for scientific inquiry and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.
What sets Dr. Chen apart is not just her scientific acumen, but her unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists. She took me under her wing, offering invaluable guidance on research methodologies and critical thinking. Moreover, she exemplifies the importance of ethical considerations in scientific advancement, a principle that has become deeply ingrained in my own research philosophy.
The positive impact of Dr. Chen’s influence is immeasurable. She has not only shaped my career trajectory but also molded my character. Her emphasis on collaborative research and interdisciplinary approaches has broadened my perspective, enabling me to tackle complex scientific problems with a holistic mindset. Furthermore, her dedication to using science for the betterment of society has inspired me to align my research goals with humanitarian objectives.
In essence, Dr. Chen’s influence has been a catalyst for both my professional growth and personal development, instilling in me the values of scientific integrity, perseverance, and social responsibility.”
Follow-up questions:
- How has this person’s influence changed over time?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Uncle John’s influence has grown stronger over time. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate his advice more, especially when facing challenges in my career.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Dr. Chen’s influence has evolved significantly over time. Initially, her impact was primarily academic, focusing on honing my research skills. However, as our relationship deepened, her influence permeated various aspects of my life. Her mentorship has transitioned from purely scientific guidance to encompassing career strategy, work-life balance, and even personal growth. This multifaceted influence has been instrumental in shaping my holistic development as both a scientist and an individual.”
- Do you think you’ll have a similar influence on others in the future?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I hope to have a positive influence on others in the future. I’d like to use the lessons I’ve learned from Uncle John to help and inspire younger people, maybe through mentoring or teaching.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I aspire to emulate Dr. Chen’s profound impact on others in my future endeavors. By channeling her approach of fostering intellectual curiosity and nurturing talent, I aim to cultivate an environment that promotes innovation and personal growth for those I interact with. However, I’m acutely aware that such influence is earned through consistent dedication and genuine investment in others’ development. It’s a responsibility I take seriously and a goal I’ll strive towards throughout my career.”
Influential mentor guiding a student in a laboratory
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: How do role models influence young people’s behavior?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Role models can have a big impact on young people. They often inspire young people to set goals and work hard to achieve them. For example, a successful athlete might motivate a young person to train harder in their sport. Role models also demonstrate good values and behavior, which young people might try to copy.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Role models wield significant influence over young people’s behavior through various mechanisms. Firstly, they serve as living exemplars of success and achievement, igniting aspirations and providing tangible goals for youth to strive towards. This vicarious learning process allows young individuals to internalize the behaviors, attitudes, and strategies that contribute to success.
Moreover, role models often embody specific values and ethical standards, which can profoundly shape a young person’s moral compass. By consistently demonstrating integrity, perseverance, and social responsibility, role models implicitly instill these qualities in their admirers.
However, it’s crucial to note that this influence is not always positive. High-profile role models, particularly in the age of social media, can sometimes propagate unrealistic standards or questionable behavior, potentially leading to detrimental effects on young people’s self-esteem or decision-making.
Therefore, the impact of role models on youth behavior is a double-edged sword, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and diverse representation in the figures young people look up to.”
Question: Do you think the influence of parents on children is becoming weaker? Why/Why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think the influence of parents on children is changing, but not necessarily becoming weaker. While children today have more access to information and other influences through technology and social media, parents still play a crucial role in shaping their values and behavior. However, parents might need to adapt their parenting style to stay relevant in their children’s lives.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The dynamics of parental influence on children are undoubtedly evolving in our rapidly changing society, but I wouldn’t characterize this shift as a simple weakening of influence. Rather, it’s a complex transformation shaped by various factors.
On one hand, the proliferation of digital media and the expanding social networks available to children have introduced a multitude of external influences, potentially diluting the once-dominant parental voice. The instant access to diverse perspectives and information sources empowers children to form independent opinions earlier than in previous generations.
However, this apparent diminution of parental influence is counterbalanced by several factors. Heightened awareness of the importance of parenting styles and child psychology has led many parents to adopt more intentional and informed approaches to child-rearing. Additionally, the challenges posed by the digital age have paradoxically necessitated more active parental involvement in guiding children through the complexities of online interactions and information overload.
Moreover, economic and social pressures often result in children living with their parents for longer periods, extending the duration of direct parental influence. This prolonged cohabitation can foster deeper, more mature relationships between parents and adult children.
In essence, while the nature of parental influence may be changing, becoming more nuanced and adaptive, its fundamental importance remains undiminished. Parents continue to play a crucial role in shaping their children’s values, emotional intelligence, and life skills, albeit in a more collaborative and guidance-oriented manner than the authoritative style of past generations.”
Parent and child bonding over a shared activity
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Profound influence (adjective + noun) – /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪnfluəns/ – A deep and significant impact
Example: “My teacher’s profound influence shaped my entire career path.” -
To shape one’s worldview (phrase) – /ʃeɪp wənz ˈwɜːldvjuː/ – To influence how someone perceives and interprets the world
Example: “Traveling extensively has shaped my worldview, making me more open-minded.” -
Unwavering support (adjective + noun) – /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ səˈpɔːt/ – Consistent and steadfast assistance or encouragement
Example: “My parents’ unwavering support gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams.” -
To instill values (phrase) – /ɪnˈstɪl ˈvæljuːz/ – To gradually but firmly establish certain beliefs or attitudes in a person
Example: “Good mentors instill values of integrity and hard work in their protégés.” -
Catalyst for change (noun phrase) – /ˈkætəlɪst fɔː tʃeɪndʒ/ – A person or thing that precipitates a significant transformation
Example: “Her innovative ideas were a catalyst for change in the entire organization.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing influential people:
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Use a wide range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and collocations related to influence and personal development.
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Demonstrate your ability to speak at length by providing detailed examples and explanations.
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Use a variety of complex grammatical structures accurately to express your ideas.
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Maintain a coherent flow of ideas, using appropriate linking words and phrases.
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Show critical thinking by discussing both positive and potentially negative aspects of influence.
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Practice speaking on this topic regularly, recording yourself and analyzing your performance to identify areas for improvement.
Remember, the key to success lies in combining rich vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, and thoughtful content in your responses.
