How to Masterfully Describe a Person Who Inspires You in IELTS Speaking

IELTS Mentor

2 months ago

As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve seen countless candidates struggle with this topic. Describing someone who inspires you to be a better person is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. It’s crucial to approach this task with confidence and proper preparation. This guide will help you craft an impressive response that showcases your English proficiency and personal insights.

Understanding the Task

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s break down what the examiner is looking for when they ask you to describe a person who inspires you to be a better person:

They want to assess your ability to describe someone in detail.
They’re interested in your personal experiences and opinions.
They’re evaluating your vocabulary, particularly adjectives and phrases related to personality and character.
They’re checking your ability to explain abstract concepts like inspiration and personal growth.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner might ask you some general questions about inspiration or role models. Here are a few possible questions:

Do you have any role models?
What qualities do you admire in other people?
How important is it to have inspirational figures in society?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you have any role models?

Candidate (Band 6-7 response): Yes, I do. I really look up to my grandfather. He’s always been very hardworking and kind to everyone around him. I try to be like him in my daily life.

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely. I find myself particularly inspired by my grandfather. His unwavering work ethic and genuine compassion towards others have left an indelible mark on me. I strive to emulate his qualities in my personal and professional life, as I believe they’re fundamental to becoming a well-rounded individual.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Now, let’s move on to Part 2, where you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:

Describe a person who inspires you to be a better person

You should say:

Who this person is
How you know this person
What qualities this person has
And explain why this person inspires you to be better

Here’s a sample response for both Band 6-7 and Band 8-9 levels:

Band 6-7 Response:

The person who inspires me to be better is my high school English teacher, Ms. Johnson. I met her when I was 15 years old, and she taught me for three years. She’s a very passionate and dedicated teacher who always goes the extra mile for her students.

Ms. Johnson has many great qualities. She’s very knowledgeable about English literature and always finds interesting ways to teach us. She’s also very patient and never gets angry when students make mistakes. Instead, she encourages us to learn from our errors.

What I admire most about her is her positive attitude. No matter how difficult things get, she always has a smile on her face and encourages us to keep trying. She taught me that with hard work and persistence, we can achieve our goals.

Ms. Johnson inspires me to be better because she shows me the importance of education and lifelong learning. She’s always reading new books and attending workshops to improve her teaching skills. This makes me want to keep learning and growing too.

Her dedication to her students also motivates me to be more caring towards others. She often stays after school to help students who are struggling, and this has taught me the value of helping others.

In conclusion, Ms. Johnson’s passion for teaching, her positive attitude, and her dedication to her students inspire me to work harder, be more positive, and care more about others. She’s shown me what it means to be a truly good person, and I strive to follow her example in my own life.

Band 8-9 Response:

The individual who profoundly inspires me to be a better person is my high school English teacher, Ms. Johnson. I had the privilege of being her student for three consecutive years, starting when I was 15. Her impact on my personal growth has been nothing short of transformative.

Ms. Johnson embodies a plethora of admirable qualities. Her encyclopedic knowledge of English literature is matched only by her innovative teaching methods, which never fail to captivate her students. Her patience is truly remarkable; rather than reprimanding students for their mistakes, she skillfully guides them to view errors as valuable learning opportunities.

What sets Ms. Johnson apart is her unwavering positive attitude. Even in the face of adversity, she maintains an infectious smile and encourages perseverance. Through her example, she’s instilled in me the belief that with diligence and determination, any goal is attainable.

Ms. Johnson’s dedication to lifelong learning is a constant source of inspiration. She’s perpetually expanding her knowledge base through voracious reading and professional development workshops. This commitment to self-improvement has ignited in me a passion for continuous learning and personal growth.

Moreover, her selfless devotion to her students’ success is truly awe-inspiring. She frequently sacrifices her personal time to provide additional support to struggling students, a practice that has profoundly influenced my own approach to helping others.

In essence, Ms. Johnson’s passion for education, indomitable spirit, and altruistic nature have fundamentally shaped my worldview and personal aspirations. She has exemplified the qualities of an exceptional human being, setting a standard of excellence that I continuously strive to emulate in my own life.

IELTS speaking teacher

After your 1-2 minute response, the examiner might ask you some follow-up questions. Here are a few examples:

What other qualities do you think make a person inspiring?
Do you think it’s important for everyone to have a role model?
How can we inspire others to be better people?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Band 6-7 Response: I think there are many qualities that can make a person inspiring. For example, honesty is very important. People who always tell the truth and are trustworthy can be very inspiring. Also, courage is another important quality. When people face their fears and overcome challenges, it can inspire others to do the same.

Band 8-9 Response: There are numerous qualities that can render an individual truly inspiring. Integrity stands out as a paramount trait; those who consistently adhere to their principles, even in challenging circumstances, serve as beacons of moral fortitude. Additionally, resilience is a highly inspiring quality. Individuals who demonstrate the ability to bounce back from setbacks and persevere in the face of adversity often motivate others to overcome their own obstacles. Lastly, empathy is a quality that can be profoundly inspiring. Those who genuinely understand and share the feelings of others often inspire compassion and kindness in those around them.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample responses:

Examiner: Do you think society today lacks inspirational figures? Why or why not?

Band 6-7 Response: I don’t think society lacks inspirational figures, but maybe we don’t always recognize them. There are many people doing great things in different fields like science, arts, and social work. However, sometimes the media focuses more on celebrities or negative news, so we might not hear about these inspirational people as much as we should.

Band 8-9 Response: I would argue that our society doesn’t necessarily lack inspirational figures, but rather we may be overlooking them due to shifting societal focus. In today’s media-saturated world, there’s often an disproportionate emphasis on celebrities or sensationalized news, which can overshadow the quietly inspirational work being done by countless individuals across various domains.

That said, I believe inspirational figures are abundant in our society, from groundbreaking scientists pushing the boundaries of human knowledge, to passionate activists fighting for social justice, to everyday heroes performing acts of kindness in their communities. The challenge lies in recognizing and amplifying these voices amidst the noise of our fast-paced, often superficial media landscape.

Moreover, the definition of an inspirational figure has perhaps evolved. In the age of social media, we’re seeing a democratization of inspiration, where ordinary individuals can share their stories and inspire others on a global scale. This has broadened our access to diverse role models, although it also requires us to be more discerning in identifying truly inspirational figures.

In essence, while the landscape of inspiration may have changed, I believe our society is still rich with inspirational figures. The onus is on us to seek them out, celebrate their contributions, and learn from their examples.

Examiner: How can we encourage young people to become inspirational figures themselves?

Band 6-7 Response: I think we can encourage young people to become inspirational by giving them opportunities to make a difference. For example, schools could organize community service projects. We should also teach them about important issues in the world and show them how they can help. It’s also important to recognize and praise young people when they do good things, even if they’re small.

Band 8-9 Response: Encouraging young people to become inspirational figures themselves is a multifaceted endeavor that requires a concerted effort from various sectors of society.

Firstly, education plays a pivotal role. By incorporating character education and social responsibility into school curricula, we can instill values such as empathy, integrity, and civic engagement from an early age. Schools can also provide platforms for students to initiate and lead community service projects, fostering a sense of agency and social impact.

Secondly, exposure to diverse role models is crucial. We should actively showcase inspirational figures from various fields and backgrounds, demonstrating to young people that there are multiple paths to making a positive impact on the world.

Furthermore, creating mentorship programs can be incredibly effective. Pairing young people with experienced mentors can provide guidance, support, and real-world insights that can inspire and shape their aspirations.

It’s also important to recognize and celebrate young people’s achievements, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and motivate them to continue their journey of personal growth and societal contribution.

Lastly, we must empower young voices by providing them with platforms to express their ideas and concerns. This could be through youth forums, social media campaigns, or inclusion in decision-making processes that affect their futures.

By implementing these strategies, we can cultivate an environment that not only encourages young people to become inspirational figures but also equips them with the tools and confidence to do so.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a wide range of vocabulary accurately. Here are some key words and phrases that can help you describe someone who inspires you:

Role model (noun) /rəʊl ˈmɒdl/: A person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.
Example: “My grandfather has always been a role model for me.”
To look up to (phrasal verb) /tə lʊk ʌp tuː/: To admire and respect someone.
Example: “I’ve always looked up to my English teacher for her dedication.”
Inspirational (adjective) /ɪnspɪˈreɪʃənl/: Providing or showing creative or spiritual inspiration.
Example: “Her inspirational speech motivated the entire team.”
To emulate (verb) /ˈemjʊleɪt/: To try to equal or excel; imitate with effort to equal or surpass.
Example: “I strive to emulate her positive attitude in my daily life.”
Unwavering (adjective) /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/: Not changing or becoming weaker.
Example: “His unwavering commitment to justice is truly admirable.”
To embody (verb) /ɪmˈbɒdi/: To represent an idea or quality in a clear and obvious way.
Example: “She embodies the qualities of compassion and integrity.”
Profound impact (noun phrase) /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/: A very significant or deep effect.
Example: “Her mentorship had a profound impact on my career choices.”
To instill (verb) /ɪnˈstɪl/: To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
Example: “My parents instilled in me the value of hard work from a young age.”

Examiner’s Advice

As an IELTS examiner, I’d like to offer some advice to help you excel in the Speaking test:

Practice regularly: Spend time each day speaking English, even if it’s just talking to yourself in the mirror.
Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to personality traits and inspiration. Use them in context to ensure you understand their proper usage.
Work on your fluency: Try to speak without long pauses. It’s okay to use fillers like “well” or “you know” occasionally, but don’t overuse them.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points and provide examples to support your statements.
Be genuine: While it’s good to prepare, don’t memorize answers. Examiners can tell if you’re reciting a prepared speech.
Listen carefully: Make sure you understand the question before answering. It’s okay to ask for clarification if needed.
Use a range of grammatical structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to demonstrate your language proficiency.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about having good English skills, but also about effectively communicating your thoughts and experiences. With proper preparation and practice, you can confidently tackle any topic, including describing someone who inspires you to be a better person.

For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find these articles helpful:

Good luck with your IELTS preparation!