The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing a person who is a great role model. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Understanding the Topic
A role model is someone whose behavior, example, or success is emulated by others. In the context of IELTS Speaking, you may be asked to describe a person you consider a great role model. This could be a family member, a teacher, a public figure, or anyone who has positively influenced your life or the lives of others.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about role models. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you have any role models?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do. I consider my high school teacher as my role model. She was very dedicated and always encouraged us to do our best.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. I’ve been profoundly influenced by my high school English teacher. Her unwavering dedication to education and her ability to inspire students to reach their full potential have left an indelible mark on my life. She exemplifies the qualities I aspire to emulate in my own career and personal development.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a possible cue card related to this topic:
Describe a person who is a great role model.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What qualities make this person a role model
- And explain why you think this person is a great role model
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my older sister, Sarah, who I consider a great role model. I’ve known her my whole life, of course, as we grew up together. Sarah is five years older than me, so I’ve always looked up to her.
What makes Sarah a role model is her determination and hard work. She’s always been very focused on her goals. For example, she wanted to become a doctor since she was young, and she worked really hard to achieve that dream. She studied a lot and got into a good medical school.
Another quality I admire in Sarah is her kindness. She always makes time to help others, whether it’s tutoring younger students or volunteering at local clinics. She’s also very patient and good at explaining things, which I think will make her an excellent doctor.
I think Sarah is a great role model because she shows that with hard work and dedication, you can achieve your dreams. She’s also proof that you can be successful in your career while still being kind and helping others. Her example motivates me to work harder and to always try to make a positive impact on people around me.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to expound on my older sister, Sarah, whom I hold in high regard as an exemplary role model. As siblings with a five-year age gap, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing her growth and achievements throughout my life.
Sarah embodies several qualities that make her an outstanding role model. First and foremost, her unwavering determination and tireless work ethic are truly inspirational. From a young age, she set her sights on becoming a doctor, a goal she pursued with remarkable focus and tenacity. Her journey through rigorous academic challenges, culminating in her acceptance to a prestigious medical school, serves as a testament to her dedication.
Moreover, Sarah’s compassion and altruism are equally commendable. She consistently goes out of her way to support others, whether it’s mentoring younger students or devoting her time to volunteer work at local health clinics. Her patience and ability to articulate complex concepts in an accessible manner are qualities that I believe will make her an exceptional physician.
I consider Sarah a great role model because she exemplifies the idea that success and kindness are not mutually exclusive. Her journey demonstrates that with perseverance and hard work, one can realize their aspirations while still maintaining a strong sense of social responsibility. Sarah’s example has been a driving force in my own life, motivating me to strive for excellence in my pursuits while never losing sight of the importance of making a positive impact on those around me.”
Follow-up questions:
- How has this person influenced your life choices?
- Do you think role models change as we grow older?
Band 6-7 Answer for Question 1:
“Sarah has influenced me a lot. Seeing her success has motivated me to work harder in my studies. I’ve also started volunteering because of her example.”
Band 8-9 Answer for Question 1:
“Sarah’s influence on my life choices has been profound and far-reaching. Her unwavering commitment to her goals has instilled in me a strong work ethic and a belief in the power of perseverance. Moreover, her dedication to helping others has inspired me to integrate community service into my own life, broadening my perspective on the importance of giving back to society.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: What qualities do you think make someone a good role model?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think good role models should be honest, hardworking, and kind. They should also be able to overcome difficulties and achieve their goals. It’s important that they use their success to help others too.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I believe that exemplary role models possess a constellation of qualities that inspire and guide others. Foremost among these is integrity – the unwavering adherence to strong moral and ethical principles. This foundation of honesty and authenticity is crucial in earning trust and respect.
Equally important is resilience – the ability to persevere in the face of adversity and to view challenges as opportunities for growth. This quality demonstrates that success often comes through persistent effort rather than innate talent alone.
Furthermore, empathy and social responsibility are vital attributes. A true role model should not only excel in their personal endeavors but also demonstrate a commitment to uplifting others and contributing positively to society.
Lastly, I believe that continual self-improvement is a key characteristic. Role models who consistently strive to learn, grow, and evolve serve as powerful examples of the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability in our rapidly changing world.”
Q: Do you think celebrities make good role models? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think some celebrities can be good role models, but not all. The good ones use their fame to help others and promote important causes. But some celebrities set bad examples with their behavior. It’s important to choose role models carefully.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The question of whether celebrities make good role models is a complex and nuanced issue. On one hand, celebrities often have a significant platform and the potential to influence a wide audience positively. Many use their fame to champion important causes, raise awareness about social issues, and inspire others to pursue their dreams.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that the nature of celebrity often puts individuals under intense scrutiny, and the pressure of constantly being in the public eye can lead to behaviors that may not always be exemplary. Moreover, the carefully curated public image of celebrities may not always reflect their true character or values.
I believe that while some celebrities can indeed serve as positive role models, it’s imperative for individuals, especially young people, to exercise critical thinking when looking up to public figures. It’s often more beneficial to admire specific qualities or actions of celebrities rather than idealizing their entire persona.
Ultimately, the most impactful role models are often those we interact with personally – teachers, family members, or community leaders who demonstrate integrity, kindness, and resilience in their daily lives. These individuals can provide a more tangible and relatable example of values and behaviors to emulate.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Exemplify (verb) /ɪɡˈzemplɪfaɪ/ – to be a perfect example of something
Example: “Her actions exemplify the qualities of a true leader.” -
Indelible mark (phrase) /ɪnˈdeləbl mɑːrk/ – a lasting impression or effect
Example: “The teacher’s guidance left an indelible mark on her students’ lives.” -
Unwavering (adjective) /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ – steady and determined
Example: “His unwavering commitment to justice inspired many.” -
Perseverance (noun) /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ – persistence in doing something despite difficulty
Example: “Her perseverance in the face of challenges was truly admirable.” -
Emulate (verb) /ˈemjuleɪt/ – to try to equal or excel; imitate
Example: “Many young athletes try to emulate their sports heroes.” -
Profound influence (phrase) /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪnfluəns/ – a deep and significant impact
Example: “The mentor had a profound influence on shaping her career choices.”
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a role model:
- Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
- Provide specific examples to support your points.
- Speak fluently and coherently, organizing your ideas logically.
- Show your ability to analyze and reflect on the topic deeply.
- Practice speaking about different types of role models to be prepared for any question.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are crucial factors in achieving a high band score.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our guide on how to describe a person who inspires you to keep learning.