As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve observed that questions about inspirational figures are quite common in the test. This topic allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing someone meaningful to them. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about a person who inspires you to follow your dreams, with sample responses for different band scores.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about inspiration and role models. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you have any role models?
- What qualities do you admire in others?
- How important is it to have someone who inspires you?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you have any role models?
Candidate (Band 6-7): Yes, I do. I really look up to my older sister. She’s always been hard-working and successful in her career, which motivates me to do my best too.
Candidate (Band 8-9): Absolutely. I’d say my primary role model is my high school literature teacher, Ms. Johnson. Her passion for learning and ability to ignite curiosity in her students have been truly inspirational. She exemplifies the kind of educator and lifelong learner I aspire to become.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a possible cue card related to our theme:
Describe a person who inspires you to follow your dreams.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain why this person inspires you to follow your dreams
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
The person who inspires me to follow my dreams is my uncle, John. He’s my father’s younger brother, and I’ve known him since I was a child. He visits us often during holidays and family gatherings.
My uncle John is a successful entrepreneur. He started his own technology company about ten years ago, and now it’s doing really well. He creates innovative software solutions for businesses.
What inspires me about him is his determination and positive attitude. He faced many challenges when he first started his business, but he never gave up. He always tells me that with hard work and persistence, I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
His success story motivates me to pursue my own dreams of starting a business one day. He shows me that it’s possible to turn your passion into a successful career if you’re willing to work hard and take risks.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The individual who profoundly inspires me to pursue my aspirations is Dr. Maya Patel, a renowned marine biologist and environmental advocate. I first encountered her work during a university seminar on ocean conservation, where she was the keynote speaker.
Dr. Patel’s professional endeavors are truly remarkable. She spearheads groundbreaking research on coral reef ecosystems and their resilience to climate change. Additionally, she founded a non-profit organization dedicated to ocean protection and has been instrumental in influencing environmental policies at both national and international levels.
What truly sets Dr. Patel apart and makes her such an inspirational figure in my life is her unwavering commitment to her passion and her ability to effect tangible change. Her journey from a curious child fascinated by tide pools to a leading voice in marine conservation exemplifies the power of following one’s dreams with tenacity and purpose.
Dr. Patel’s work resonates deeply with me because it demonstrates that one can harmonize personal interests with broader societal impact. Her resilience in the face of challenges, such as securing funding for her research or advocating for policy changes, serves as a constant reminder that pursuing one’s dreams often requires perseverance and adaptability.
Moreover, Dr. Patel’s ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, from policymakers to schoolchildren, inspires me to hone my own communication skills. She embodies the idea that true expertise involves not just acquiring knowledge but also sharing it effectively to inspire action.
In essence, Dr. Patel ignites my passion for marine biology and reinforces my belief that with dedication and hard work, I can contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation while fulfilling my personal aspirations.
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this person’s influence changed your life?
- Do you think it’s important for young people to have role models?
- In what ways do you try to inspire others?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
Dr. Patel’s influence has been transformative in my life. Her work has propelled me to pursue a degree in marine biology with a focus on conservation. More importantly, she has instilled in me a sense of responsibility towards our planet. I’ve become more environmentally conscious in my daily life, actively participating in local beach clean-ups and advocating for sustainable practices in my community. Her example has taught me that impactful change often starts with individual action, which has motivated me to take on leadership roles in environmental clubs at my university.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Examiner: How do you think role models in society have changed over the years?
Candidate (Band 6-7): I think role models have changed quite a bit. In the past, people often looked up to political leaders or religious figures. Now, we see more diversity in role models, like entrepreneurs, athletes, and social media influencers. People have more choices now about who they want to admire.
Candidate (Band 8-9): The evolution of role models in society has been quite significant and multifaceted. Historically, role models were often limited to a narrow range of public figures such as political leaders, religious authorities, or local community heroes. However, with the advent of mass media and later, social media platforms, we’ve witnessed a dramatic expansion and diversification of potential role models.
Today’s role models span a much broader spectrum, including entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, scientists, and even social media influencers. This shift reflects our changing societal values and the increased visibility of previously underrepresented groups. For instance, we now see more women and minorities in prominent positions, providing inspiration to a more diverse audience.
Moreover, the concept of a role model has become more nuanced and personalized. People are increasingly looking for figures who embody specific qualities or achievements rather than all-encompassing ideals. This change allows for a more realistic and relatable approach to admiration and aspiration.
However, this evolution also brings new challenges. The ephemeral nature of fame in the digital age means that role models can rise and fall rapidly, potentially leading to a lack of consistent, long-term inspiration. Additionally, the authenticity of public personas is often questioned, prompting a more critical evaluation of who we choose to admire and emulate.
Examiner: Do you believe that having a role model is essential for success?
Candidate (Band 8-9): While having a role model can be incredibly beneficial, I wouldn’t say it’s absolutely essential for success. Role models can provide invaluable guidance, inspiration, and a blueprint for achievement in a particular field or life path. They can motivate us to push our boundaries and aspire to greater heights.
However, success is a highly individualized concept, and the path to achieving it can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals thrive on forging their own unique paths without necessarily following in someone else’s footsteps. Innovation and groundbreaking achievements often come from those who don’t have a direct precedent to follow.
That being said, I believe that everyone can benefit from studying and learning from successful individuals in their field of interest. Even if we don’t consider these people formal role models, we can glean valuable insights from their experiences, strategies, and even their mistakes.
Moreover, role models don’t have to be famous or highly successful individuals. They can be peers, family members, or local community leaders who exhibit qualities we admire and wish to emulate. The key is to critically assess what we admire about these individuals and how we can incorporate those qualities into our own lives and pursuits.
In essence, while role models can be powerful catalysts for personal and professional growth, true success ultimately comes from within – from our own determination, hard work, and ability to learn and adapt. Role models can light the way, but we must walk the path ourselves.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Profoundly (adv) /prəˈfaʊndli/ – deeply or extremely
Example: Her story profoundly affected my career choices. -
Spearhead (v) /ˈspɪəhed/ – to lead or organize
Example: She spearheads several environmental initiatives in our community. -
Instrumental (adj) /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ – important in making something happen
Example: His support was instrumental in the project’s success. -
Tenacity (n) /təˈnæsəti/ – determination, persistence
Example: Her tenacity in pursuing her goals is truly admirable. -
Harmonize (v) /ˈhɑːmənaɪz/ – to bring into agreement or harmony
Example: She manages to harmonize her personal interests with her professional responsibilities. -
Embody (v) /ɪmˈbɒdi/ – to represent an idea or quality exactly
Example: The professor embodies the qualities of an ideal educator. -
Multifaceted (adj) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
Example: The issue is multifaceted and requires a comprehensive approach. -
Nuanced (adj) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle differences
Example: Her nuanced understanding of the subject impressed the panel.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing inspirational figures:
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Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to inspiration and personal qualities.
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Provide specific examples: Don’t just state facts; illustrate your points with concrete instances from the person’s life or your experiences.
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Show depth of thought: Discuss not just what the person does, but how their actions impact others and society at large.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to ensure smooth delivery without long pauses.
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Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, analyze the broader implications of role models in society, showing your ability to think abstractly.
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Use appropriate tenses: Ensure you use past tense for historical context and present tense for current impacts.
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Employ idiomatic language: Naturally incorporate idiomatic expressions to enhance your language use.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and seek feedback to continually improve your performance.
For more insights on describing influential people, you might find these related topics helpful:
- Describe a person who motivates you to achieve your goals
- Describe a person who is a great role model
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss inspirational figures in your IELTS Speaking test with confidence and eloquence.