In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates may be asked to discuss individuals who have influenced their perspective on global matters. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate complex ideas, use appropriate vocabulary, and demonstrate critical thinking skills. Let’s explore how to tackle this subject effectively and aim for a high band score.
Understanding the Topic and Its Relevance
The topic “Describe a person who has shaped your understanding of global issues” is increasingly common in IELTS Speaking tests. It reflects the growing importance of global awareness and the impact of influential figures on our worldviews. This question is likely to appear in Part 2 of the test, where you’ll be given a cue card and asked to speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic.
IELTS Speaking Test Room
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
While this specific topic is unlikely to appear in Part 1, you may be asked related questions about global issues or influential people. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you follow international news?
Band 6-7 Answer: Yes, I try to keep up with international news. I usually read news websites or watch news channels on TV a few times a week.
Band 8-9 Answer: Absolutely, I make it a point to stay informed about global events. I typically peruse reputable international news sources daily, such as the BBC or The Economist, and I also listen to podcasts that offer in-depth analysis of world affairs. I find it crucial to have a well-rounded understanding of what’s happening across the globe.
Q: Who do you think are some of the most influential people in the world today?
Band 6-7 Answer: I think some of the most influential people today are political leaders like the US President, and also tech company CEOs like Elon Musk or Mark Zuckerberg.
Band 8-9 Answer: In my opinion, influence in today’s world stems from various sectors. Political figures like the US President or the UN Secretary-General certainly wield significant power. However, I’d argue that tech innovators such as Elon Musk or climate activists like Greta Thunberg are equally impactful in shaping global narratives. Their ability to mobilize public opinion and drive change on a global scale is remarkable.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who has shaped your understanding of global issues.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know about this person
- What global issues this person has influenced your understanding of
- And explain why you think this person has had such an impact on your perspective
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist for female education who has profoundly shaped my understanding of global issues, particularly those related to education and women’s rights.
I first learned about Malala through international news coverage of her courageous stand against the Taliban’s efforts to deny girls education in her home region of Swat Valley, Pakistan. Her story gained global attention after she was shot by the Taliban in 2012 for her advocacy work.
Malala has significantly influenced my understanding of the global education crisis, especially as it pertains to girls in developing countries. Through her work, I’ve become acutely aware of the multifaceted challenges facing education in many parts of the world, including poverty, cultural barriers, and conflict zones. Her advocacy has highlighted how access to education is not just a local issue but a global concern with far-reaching implications for economic development, gender equality, and social progress.
What’s particularly impactful about Malala is her ability to personify the abstract concept of global education inequality. Her personal story of defiance in the face of extremism, coupled with her eloquent articulation of the importance of education, has brought this issue to the forefront of global consciousness. She’s not just talking about statistics; she’s sharing a lived experience that resonates with people worldwide.
Moreover, Malala’s impact extends beyond education. She’s become a symbol of resilience and a powerful voice for human rights, particularly women’s rights. Her work has underscored the interconnectedness of global issues, showing how education ties into broader themes of gender equality, economic opportunity, and peace.
I think Malala has had such a profound impact on my perspective because she embodies the power of individual action in addressing global challenges. Despite facing life-threatening opposition, she continued to advocate for what she believed in, demonstrating that one person, even a young girl, can spark meaningful change on a global scale. Her journey from a local activist to a Nobel Peace Prize laureate is a testament to the fact that global issues, while complex, are not insurmountable.
In conclusion, Malala Yousafzai has not only broadened my understanding of global education and gender equality issues but has also inspired me to be more engaged and proactive in addressing these challenges. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that committed individuals can have on shaping our world.
Follow-up Questions
- How do you think individuals like Malala can influence government policies on education?
Band 6-7 Answer: I think people like Malala can influence government policies by raising awareness about education issues. They can speak at important events and use social media to spread their message, which might pressure governments to make changes.
Band 8-9 Answer: Influential individuals like Malala can have a significant impact on government policies through various channels. Firstly, they can leverage their public platform to raise awareness and galvanize public opinion, which in turn can exert pressure on policymakers. Additionally, their personal stories and advocacy work often lend credibility and urgency to the issues they champion, making it harder for governments to ignore. Moreover, these individuals frequently have the opportunity to engage directly with world leaders and participate in high-level policy discussions, allowing them to influence decision-making processes more directly. Lastly, the international recognition they receive, such as Nobel Prizes or UN appointments, can elevate their causes to the global stage, compelling governments to take action to maintain their international reputation.
- Do you think social media has changed the way we understand global issues?
Band 6-7 Answer: Yes, I think social media has changed how we understand global issues. It makes information more accessible and allows us to see different perspectives from around the world quickly.
Band 8-9 Answer: Undoubtedly, social media has revolutionized our engagement with global issues. On one hand, it has democratized information, allowing for rapid dissemination of news and diverse perspectives from across the globe. This immediacy and variety can foster a more nuanced understanding of complex issues. Social media platforms have also amplified voices that might otherwise go unheard, bringing attention to underreported issues and grassroots movements.
However, this transformation is not without its challenges. The echo chamber effect of social media algorithms can reinforce existing beliefs rather than broaden perspectives. Additionally, the spread of misinformation and the tendency towards oversimplification of complex issues are significant drawbacks. Despite these challenges, I believe that social media, when used critically and in conjunction with other sources, has the potential to enhance global awareness and facilitate cross-cultural dialogue, ultimately leading to a more informed global citizenry.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think education can help solve global issues?
Band 6-7 Answer: I believe education is very important for solving global issues. When people are educated, they can understand problems better and come up with solutions. Education also helps people get better jobs, which can reduce poverty.
Band 8-9 Answer: Education plays a pivotal role in addressing global challenges on multiple fronts. Firstly, it equips individuals with critical thinking skills essential for understanding and analyzing complex global issues. This cognitive foundation enables people to approach problems more analytically and devise innovative solutions.
Secondly, education fosters global awareness and empathy. By learning about different cultures, histories, and global systems, people develop a more nuanced understanding of the world, which is crucial for tackling issues that transcend national borders.
Moreover, education is a powerful tool for social mobility, potentially breaking cycles of poverty and reducing economic inequality. This economic empowerment can, in turn, contribute to political stability and social progress.
Lastly, education in specific fields like environmental science, public health, or conflict resolution directly contributes to our capacity to address pressing global challenges. By cultivating expertise in these areas, we can develop more effective strategies for issues such as climate change, pandemics, or international conflicts.
However, it’s important to note that for education to truly be effective in solving global issues, it must be inclusive, equitable, and of high quality. Only then can it fully unlock human potential and drive meaningful change on a global scale.
Examiner: Do you think it’s important for young people to be aware of global issues? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer: Yes, I think it’s important for young people to know about global issues. The world is becoming more connected, so understanding these issues can help them in their future careers and make them better citizens.
Band 8-9 Answer: I firmly believe that it’s not just important, but imperative for young people to be aware of global issues. In our increasingly interconnected world, the challenges we face are rarely confined to national borders, and the actions taken in one part of the world can have far-reaching consequences elsewhere.
Firstly, awareness of global issues prepares young people for the complexities of the modern world. It helps them develop a more comprehensive worldview, fostering critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze situations from multiple perspectives. This global mindset is increasingly valuable in many career paths and is essential for effective leadership in any field.
Secondly, early exposure to global issues can inspire a sense of global citizenship and responsibility. When young people understand the interconnectedness of global challenges, they’re more likely to feel empowered to take action, whether through their career choices, volunteer work, or daily lifestyle decisions.
Moreover, awareness of global issues can promote empathy and cross-cultural understanding. In a world often divided by cultural, religious, or political differences, this understanding is crucial for fostering peace and cooperation.
Lastly, as the leaders of tomorrow, young people will inherit these global challenges. Their awareness and engagement today will shape their capacity to address these issues effectively in the future. By understanding global issues early on, they can better prepare themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to create innovative solutions.
However, it’s crucial that this awareness is fostered in a way that empowers rather than overwhelms young people. The goal should be to inspire action and hope, not to induce anxiety or helplessness in the face of global challenges.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To shape one’s understanding: (phrasal verb) To influence or form one’s comprehension of something.
Example: “Reading diverse perspectives has shaped my understanding of global politics.”Influential: /ɪnfluˈenʃəl/ (adjective) Having great influence on someone or something.
Example: “Nelson Mandela was an influential figure in the fight against apartheid.”To raise awareness: (phrase) To increase public knowledge or understanding about a particular issue.
Example: “The campaign aims to raise awareness about climate change.”Global citizenship: /ˈɡləʊbəl ˈsɪtɪzənʃɪp/ (noun) The idea that all people have civic responsibilities to the world as a whole, not just to their local communities.
Example: “Schools are increasingly emphasizing the importance of global citizenship in their curricula.”To galvanize: /ˈɡalvənaɪz/ (verb) To shock or excite someone into taking action.
Example: “Her speech galvanized the audience into taking immediate action on the issue.”Multifaceted: /ˌmʌltɪˈfasɪtɪd/ (adjective) Having many different aspects or features.
Example: “Poverty is a multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive approach.”To personify: /pəˈsɒnɪfaɪ/ (verb) To be the perfect example or embodiment of a quality or idea.
Example: “Malala personifies courage and determination in the face of adversity.”Interconnected: /ˌɪntəkəˈnɛktɪd/ (adjective) Having different parts or elements connected or related to each other.
Example: “Global issues are often interconnected, with one problem affecting many others.”
Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner
Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of influential figures in mind from different fields (politics, science, arts, activism) to demonstrate breadth of knowledge.
Practice articulating complex ideas: Work on explaining abstract concepts clearly and concisely.
Develop your personal perspective: Examiners appreciate genuine, well-thought-out opinions on global issues.
Use a variety of sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to showcase your language skills.
Incorporate relevant idioms and phrasal verbs: This can elevate your language use, but ensure you use them correctly and naturally.
Listen carefully to follow-up questions: In Part 3, make sure your answers directly address the question asked.
Show enthusiasm: Demonstrating genuine interest in global issues can positively impact your fluency and coherence scores.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are crucial. Regular practice with these tips in mind will help you improve your performance and aim for those higher band scores.
For more insights on IELTS preparation, you might find our articles on how to promote mental health in the workplace and the impact of gender equality in the workplace helpful in broadening your understanding of global issues.