Discussing someone who inspires confidence is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows candidates to showcase their ability to describe people, express emotions, and articulate personal growth. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and maximize your score.
Understanding the Topic
The topic “describe a person who inspires you to be more confident” requires you to think about someone who has positively influenced your self-assurance. This could be a family member, friend, teacher, public figure, or even a fictional character. The key is to choose someone whose impact on your confidence you can articulate clearly and convincingly.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about confidence and inspiration. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Sample Question 1: Do you consider yourself a confident person?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I would say I’m fairly confident in most situations. I feel comfortable speaking in public and meeting new people, but there are still times when I feel nervous, especially in new environments.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d describe myself as generally confident, but it’s a trait I’ve had to cultivate over time. While I excel in familiar settings, I still find myself occasionally grappling with self-doubt when faced with novel challenges. However, I view these moments as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.”
Sample Question 2: What do you think makes a person confident?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I believe confidence comes from experience and knowledge. When people know what they’re doing and have practiced it, they tend to feel more sure of themselves.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“In my opinion, confidence is a multifaceted trait that stems from various sources. Primarily, it’s rooted in self-awareness and self-acceptance. When individuals have a clear understanding of their strengths and limitations, coupled with a positive self-image, they tend to exude confidence. Additionally, repeated exposure to challenging situations and the subsequent mastery of skills play a crucial role in boosting one’s self-assurance.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who inspires you to be more confident.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they do
- And explain how they inspire you to be more confident
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my high school English teacher, Mrs. Johnson. I met her when I was 15 and struggling with public speaking. She was always very encouraging and patient with all her students.
Mrs. Johnson organized weekly debates in class, which helped us practice speaking in front of others. She would give us constructive feedback and praise our efforts, no matter how small.
What I found most inspiring about her was how she carried herself. She always spoke clearly and maintained eye contact, which made her seem very confident.
Her support and example helped me become more confident in speaking English. I started volunteering to answer questions in class and even participated in a school-wide debate competition. Thanks to her, I learned that confidence comes with practice and a positive attitude.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss how my mentor, Dr. Sarah Chen, has been a profound source of inspiration in terms of boosting my confidence. I had the privilege of working under her guidance during my postgraduate studies in marine biology.
Dr. Chen is a renowned marine ecologist, known for her groundbreaking research on coral reef conservation. Her work has not only contributed significantly to the field but has also influenced environmental policies on a global scale.
What sets Dr. Chen apart is her unwavering self-assurance, even in the face of adversity. I vividly recall an instance when her research findings were challenged at a prestigious conference. Instead of becoming defensive, she welcomed the critique with grace and used it as an opportunity to further strengthen her arguments. This demonstrated to me that true confidence isn’t about being infallible, but about being open to growth and learning.
Dr. Chen’s mentorship has been transformative for my confidence in several ways. Firstly, she consistently encouraged me to voice my ideas, emphasizing that every perspective has value. This pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me to trust my intellectual capabilities.
Moreover, she modeled impeccable communication skills, articulating complex scientific concepts with clarity and conviction. By observing her, I learned the art of presenting ideas confidently, whether in academic settings or public outreach programs.
Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Chen taught me that confidence is built through preparation and perseverance. She often said, ‘Confidence isn’t about knowing all the answers, but about being unafraid to seek them.’ This philosophy has profoundly shaped my approach to challenges, both in my professional and personal life.
In essence, Dr. Chen’s influence has been instrumental in helping me develop a robust sense of self-assurance. Her example has shown me that confidence, when coupled with competence and humility, can be a powerful force for positive change.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this person’s influence changed your behavior?
- Do you think you could inspire others to be more confident? How?
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to confidence and inspiration. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question 1: Do you think confidence is an innate trait or can it be developed?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I believe confidence can be developed. While some people might naturally be more confident, everyone can improve their confidence through practice and positive experiences. Learning new skills and overcoming challenges can help build confidence over time.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“In my view, confidence is a complex interplay of innate predisposition and environmental factors. While some individuals may have a natural inclination towards self-assurance, I firmly believe that confidence is predominantly a skill that can be cultivated and honed.
Research in psychology suggests that our experiences, particularly during formative years, play a crucial role in shaping our self-confidence. Positive reinforcement, constructive feedback, and opportunities for mastery can significantly boost one’s self-assurance. Conversely, repeated negative experiences or lack of supportive environments can undermine confidence.
Moreover, neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to form new neural connections throughout life – supports the idea that we can rewire our thinking patterns and behaviors to become more confident. Techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices have shown promising results in enhancing self-confidence.
That said, it’s important to acknowledge that the ease with which one develops confidence may vary from person to person. Factors such as personality traits, past experiences, and even cultural background can influence this process. However, with persistent effort, self-reflection, and the right strategies, I believe anyone can substantially improve their level of confidence.”
Question 2: In what ways do you think society’s expectations affect people’s confidence?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Society’s expectations can have a big impact on people’s confidence. When society sets high standards for things like appearance or success, it can make people feel less confident if they don’t meet those standards. This is especially true for young people who are still figuring out who they are.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Society’s expectations exert a profound and multifaceted influence on individual confidence levels, often in ways that are both overt and subtle. These societal norms and standards can be double-edged swords, capable of both bolstering and undermining self-assurance.
On one hand, when individuals perceive themselves as meeting or exceeding societal expectations, it can significantly boost their confidence. For instance, academic or professional achievements that align with societal definitions of success often enhance self-esteem. However, this can create a precarious foundation for confidence, as it becomes contingent on external validation rather than intrinsic self-worth.
Conversely, when people feel they fall short of societal ideals – be it in terms of physical appearance, career progression, or lifestyle choices – it can severely undermine their confidence. The pervasive nature of social media has intensified this effect, creating constant opportunities for social comparison and often fostering feelings of inadequacy.
Moreover, societal expectations often intersect with issues of diversity and inclusion. When certain groups are underrepresented or stereotyped in media and positions of power, it can erode the confidence of individuals from these groups, perpetuating cycles of inequality.
However, it’s worth noting that societal expectations are not monolithic and are increasingly being challenged. Movements promoting body positivity, mental health awareness, and diverse representations of success are helping to redefine societal norms and, in turn, providing new avenues for building confidence.
In conclusion, while societal expectations significantly impact confidence, increased awareness of these influences can empower individuals to critically evaluate and selectively internalize these expectations, fostering a more authentic and resilient sense of self-confidence.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Profound influence (adjective + noun) – /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪnfluəns/ – A deep and significant effect
Example: “My mentor’s guidance had a profound influence on my career choices.” -
Unwavering self-assurance (adjective + noun) – /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ self əˈʃʊərəns/ – Steady and resolute confidence in oneself
Example: “Despite the challenges, she displayed unwavering self-assurance throughout the project.” -
To exude confidence (verb phrase) – /ɪɡˈzjuːd ˈkɒnfɪdəns/ – To display confidence in a way that others can clearly see
Example: “The speaker exuded confidence as he addressed the large audience.” -
To cultivate confidence (verb phrase) – /ˈkʌltɪveɪt ˈkɒnfɪdəns/ – To develop or improve one’s confidence over time
Example: “Through practice and positive self-talk, she was able to cultivate confidence in her public speaking abilities.” -
Transformative experience (adjective + noun) – /trænsˈfɔːmətɪv ɪkˈspɪəriəns/ – An event or process that significantly changes someone
Example: “Working with my mentor was a transformative experience that boosted my self-esteem.”
Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner
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Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your speaking skills and building confidence.
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Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points with examples and explanations.
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Work on pronunciation and fluency: Clear pronunciation and natural speech rhythm can significantly enhance your score.
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Stay calm and composed: Remember, the examiner is there to assess your English, not to trick you. Stay relaxed and confident during the test.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and describe inspirational figures with confidence and eloquence.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find it helpful to read about how to describe a person who motivates you to be creative or how to describe a person who inspires you to learn new things.