Speaking about someone who has inspired you to pursue your goals is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme frequently appears in Part 2 and leads to deeper discussions in Part 3. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively to achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions you may encounter:
- Do you have any role models?
- What qualities do you admire in others?
- Who influences your life decisions?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Well, I greatly admire people who demonstrate perseverance and integrity. In particular, my university professor has been a tremendous influence on my career choices. Her dedication to research and teaching has profoundly shaped my academic aspirations.”
IELTS Speaking Test Introduction Phase
Part 2: Cue Card
Talk about a person who inspired you to pursue a goal. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What goal they inspired you to pursue
- And explain why they were inspirational to you
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about my high school math teacher, Mr. Johnson. I met him during my sophomore year. He inspired me to pursue a career in engineering because of his unique teaching style. He always made complex concepts easy to understand and showed us real-world applications. His passion for mathematics motivated me to work harder in this subject.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share my experience with Dr. Sarah Chen, my research supervisor during my undergraduate studies. I first encountered her through her groundbreaking publications in molecular biology, and later had the privilege of working under her guidance. She ignited my passion for scientific research through her innovative approach to problem-solving and her unwavering commitment to advancing medical knowledge.
What truly sets her apart is her remarkable ability to balance scientific rigor with genuine compassion for patients. She instilled in me the importance of conducting research that has tangible benefits for society. Her mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my decision to pursue a career in medical research.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q1: Why do some people have a stronger influence on others?
Band 8-9 response:
“I believe people who exert significant influence often possess a compelling combination of expertise and charisma. They typically demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and have the ability to articulate their vision in a way that resonates with others. Moreover, their authentic commitment to their goals and willingness to guide others make them naturally influential.”
Q2: How has the concept of role models changed in recent years?
Band 8-9 response:
“There’s been a notable shift in how society views role models. With the advent of social media, people now have unprecedented access to diverse inspirational figures. This has broadened the spectrum of influence beyond traditional role models like teachers and parents to include entrepreneurs, activists, and content creators who can showcase their journey more intimately.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Instrumental (adj.) /ɪnstrʊˈmɛntl/ – playing an important role in making something happen
- Paradigm shift (n.) /ˈpærəداɪm ʃɪft/ – a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
- Mentor (n.) /ˈmɛntɔr/ – an experienced person who advises and helps someone with less experience
- Profound impact (phrase) – having a deep and significant effect
- Unwavering commitment (phrase) – steady, unchanging dedication
Key Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Success
Remember to describe a mentor who has guided you in life using specific examples and personal experiences. This approach helps create authentic responses that showcase your language abilities while maintaining examiner engagement.
For additional practice, you might want to describe a famous person from your country you admire, as this can help broaden your vocabulary and improve your speaking skills further.
