In IELTS Speaking exams, candidates often encounter questions about influential people in their lives. One such topic that has gained prominence is describing someone who inspires you to contribute to society. This theme not only allows candidates to showcase their language skills but also demonstrates their awareness of social responsibility and personal growth. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and maximize your score in the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about giving back to society or people who inspire you. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you think it’s important for people to contribute to society?
Candidate: Absolutely, I believe it’s crucial for individuals to give back to their communities. In my opinion, when people contribute their time, skills, or resources, it creates a ripple effect of positive change. Not only does it help address social issues, but it also fosters a sense of connection and purpose among community members. Personally, I’ve found that even small acts of kindness can make a significant impact on both the giver and the recipient.
Describe a person who is very diplomatic is another interesting topic that may come up in IELTS Speaking. Being able to discuss various personality traits can enhance your overall performance in the exam.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who inspires you to give back to society.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they do to contribute to society
- Why they inspire you to give back
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about my former high school teacher, Mrs. Emily Chen, who has been a tremendous source of inspiration for me when it comes to giving back to society.
I first met Mrs. Chen when I was a sophomore in high school. She taught English literature, but her impact went far beyond the classroom. What sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to community service and social justice.
Mrs. Chen dedicates a significant portion of her time to various charitable causes. She runs a literacy program for underprivileged children in our local community, organizes food drives for homeless shelters, and mentors at-risk youth. What’s particularly impressive is how she seamlessly integrates these activities into her teaching, encouraging students to participate and develop a sense of social responsibility.
Her dedication to these causes inspires me for several reasons. Firstly, she demonstrates that one person can indeed make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Secondly, her approach shows that giving back doesn’t have to be grandiose; even small, consistent actions can create significant impact over time. Lastly, Mrs. Chen’s ability to balance her professional responsibilities with her charitable work is truly admirable and serves as a model for how we can all incorporate giving back into our daily lives.
Mrs. Chen’s influence has profoundly shaped my perspective on social responsibility. Her example has motivated me to seek out volunteer opportunities and consider how I can use my own skills and resources to contribute to my community. In essence, she’s shown me that giving back is not just an option, but a responsibility we all share in creating a better society.
Inspiring teacher leading community service
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: How has this person’s influence affected your own actions?
Candidate (Band 8-9): Mrs. Chen’s influence has profoundly impacted my approach to community engagement. Inspired by her example, I’ve actively sought out volunteer opportunities in my local area. For instance, I now regularly tutor underprivileged students in mathematics and science, mirroring her literacy program. Additionally, I’ve initiated a small-scale recycling project in my neighborhood, which has grown into a community-wide effort. Perhaps most significantly, her influence has shaped my career aspirations; I’m now considering a path in non-profit management or social entrepreneurship to maximize my positive impact on society.
Candidate (Band 6-7): Mrs. Chen has really changed how I think about helping others. Because of her, I started volunteering at a local food bank once a month. I’ve also tried to be kinder to people around me and help out when I can. Her example has made me think more about what I want to do in the future and how I can help my community.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think businesses can contribute to society?
Candidate (Band 8-9): Businesses can contribute to society in multifaceted ways that extend beyond their primary economic role. Firstly, they can implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs that address specific community needs, such as funding educational initiatives or supporting environmental conservation efforts. Additionally, businesses can foster ethical practices throughout their supply chains, ensuring fair labor conditions and sustainable resource management. They can also leverage their expertise and resources to tackle societal challenges, perhaps by developing innovative solutions to social or environmental problems. Moreover, businesses can promote inclusivity and diversity within their workforce, contributing to broader social equality. Ultimately, the most effective corporate contributions often arise when companies align their core competencies with societal needs, creating shared value for both the business and the community.
Candidate (Band 6-7): I think businesses can help society in many ways. They can donate money to good causes or organize volunteer activities for their employees. Some companies also make products that are good for the environment or help solve social problems. Businesses can also create jobs and support local communities. It’s important for companies to think about how they can make a positive impact, not just make money.
Describe a difficult conversation you had recently is another topic that may be relevant when discussing interpersonal interactions and challenges in giving back to society.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Philanthropic /ˌfɪlənˈθrɒpɪk/ (adjective): Seeking to promote the welfare of others, especially through charitable donations.
Example: Her philanthropic efforts have greatly improved educational opportunities in underprivileged areas.Social responsibility /ˈsəʊʃəl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ (noun): The obligation of an organization or individual to act for the benefit of society at large.
Example: Many modern companies prioritize social responsibility as part of their core values.Community engagement /kəˈmjuːnəti ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt/ (noun): The process of working collaboratively with community groups to address issues that impact the wellbeing of the community.
Example: The university’s community engagement program encourages students to participate in local volunteer initiatives.To make a difference (phrase): To have a significant effect or impact.
Example: Even small acts of kindness can make a difference in someone’s life.Grassroots initiative /ˈɡrɑːsruːts ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ (noun): A movement or campaign that originates and is driven by members of a community rather than traditional power structures.
Example: The neighborhood clean-up project started as a grassroots initiative by concerned residents.
Community engagement with diverse group
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing topics like inspiring individuals who motivate you to give back to society, consider the following tips:
Develop personal anecdotes: Prepare genuine stories about people who have inspired you. This adds authenticity and depth to your responses.
Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate a range of words and phrases related to social responsibility and community engagement. This demonstrates language proficiency and topic knowledge.
Practice elaboration: When describing the person’s actions or impact, provide specific examples and explanations. This shows your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
Reflect on the broader impact: Discuss how the person’s influence has affected not just you, but potentially others or society at large. This demonstrates critical thinking skills.
Balance emotion and rationality: While it’s good to show enthusiasm about the topic, also provide logical reasoning for why this person inspires you.
Be prepared for follow-up questions: Think about different aspects of social contribution and be ready to discuss them in Part 3 of the test.
Use appropriate tenses: When describing past events or ongoing inspiration, ensure you’re using the correct verb tenses consistently.
Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult conversation can be a valuable topic to practice, as it may relate to challenges faced when engaging in community service or philanthropic activities.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversational style while showcasing your vocabulary and grammatical range.
IELTS speaking practice session
Describe a time when you had to deal with disappointment is another topic that can help you practice discussing emotional experiences, which may be relevant when talking about challenges in philanthropy or community service.
By incorporating these strategies and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss inspiring individuals and their impact on your desire to contribute to society in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, authenticity and enthusiasm, combined with strong language skills, are key to impressing the examiner and achieving a high score.
Describe a time when you received unexpected praise can be a great topic to practice, as it may relate to recognition received for community service or philanthropic efforts.