Role models play a significant part in shaping our lives and aspirations. In IELTS Speaking tests, questions about role models or influential people are quite common, particularly in Part 2 and Part 3. Being prepared to discuss this topic can greatly enhance your performance and score. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this subject in your IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you may encounter questions related to people you admire or look up to. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Question: Do you have any role models in your life?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
Yes, I do have a role model. It’s my high school Physics teacher, Mr. Johnson. He profoundly influenced my academic journey and sparked my passion for science. What I admire most about him is his ability to make complex concepts accessible and his unwavering dedication to his students’ success. His enthusiasm for teaching was truly infectious and motivated me to pursue a career in scientific research.

Part 2: Long Turn

For Part 2, you might receive a cue card like this:

Describe A Person Who Is A Role Model For Others.

You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know about this person
- What qualities this person has
- And explain why you think this person is a role model for others

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

I’d like to talk about Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani activist who has become a global icon for education and women’s rights. I first learned about Malala through international news coverage of her courageous efforts to promote education for girls in her home region, which was under Taliban control at the time.

Malala possesses an extraordinary set of qualities that make her an outstanding role model. First and foremost, her unwavering commitment to education, even in the face of life-threatening dangers, is truly inspiring. She demonstrates remarkable bravery and resilience, having survived an assassination attempt and continuing her advocacy work undeterred. Her eloquence and wisdom, which belie her young age, allow her to effectively communicate her message to a global audience.

Furthermore, Malala’s humility and compassion are evident in her interactions with people from all walks of life. Despite her fame and numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize, she remains grounded and focused on her mission to ensure every child has access to quality education.

I believe Malala is a role model for others because she embodies the power of individual action to effect positive change on a global scale. Her story serves as a testament to the impact that one person’s voice can have when used to champion a worthy cause. Malala’s perseverance in the face of adversity and her unwavering dedication to her principles inspire people of all ages to stand up for what they believe in and work towards creating a better world.

Moreover, she bridges cultural divides and fosters understanding between different communities, showing that shared values like education and equality can unite people across diverse backgrounds. Malala’s journey demonstrates that age is not a barrier to making a significant difference, encouraging young people everywhere to take action on issues they care about.

Follow-up Questions:

1. What challenges do you think Malala faced in becoming a global role model?
2. How do you think role models like Malala can inspire positive change in society?

Sample Answers (Band 8-9):

1. Malala likely faced numerous challenges in her journey to becoming a global role model. Firstly, she had to overcome the trauma of the assassination attempt and subsequent medical treatments. Additionally, adapting to life in a new country and culture while continuing her advocacy work must have been demanding. She also had to navigate the complexities of international politics and media attention at a young age, which could be overwhelming. Despite these challenges, Malala has shown remarkable resilience and continues to advocate tirelessly for education and women’s rights.

2. Role models like Malala can inspire positive change in society in several ways. They serve as living examples of the impact one person can have, motivating others to take action on issues they care about. Their stories often raise awareness about important social issues, bringing them to the forefront of public discourse. Role models can also challenge existing norms and stereotypes, encouraging people to question and reshape societal attitudes. Furthermore, they often inspire policy changes at local and global levels, as their advocacy work highlights areas where reform is needed.

Malala Yousafzai speaking at the United Nations

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner may ask more abstract questions related to role models and their impact on society. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Question 1: How do role models influence young people’s career choices?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
Role models can have a significant impact on young people’s career aspirations. When young individuals see someone successful in a particular field, it can spark their interest and make them consider similar career paths. Role models provide tangible examples of what can be achieved, which can be especially motivating. Moreover, learning about a role model’s journey, including their challenges and how they overcame them, can give young people a more realistic perspective on what it takes to succeed in a specific career.

Question 2: Do you think the concept of role models has changed with the rise of social media?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Absolutely, social media has profoundly transformed the landscape of role models. In the past, role models were often limited to people in one’s immediate community or public figures featured in traditional media. Now, social media has democratized influence, allowing a much wider range of individuals to gain visibility and impact others.

This shift has both positive and negative implications. On the positive side, it has diversified the pool of role models, giving young people access to inspirational figures from various backgrounds and fields. This can broaden horizons and expose individuals to a wider array of potential career paths and life choices.

However, the rise of social media role models also presents challenges. The curated nature of social media can create unrealistic expectations, as people often only share their successes and highlights. There’s also the risk of superficial influence, where individuals are admired more for their lifestyle or appearance rather than their substantive achievements or character.

Furthermore, the rapid rise and fall of social media influencers can lead to a more volatile and less stable concept of role models. This contrasts with traditional role models who often maintained their influence over longer periods.

In essence, while social media has expanded the scope and accessibility of role models, it has also complicated the landscape, requiring young people to be more discerning in who they choose to emulate.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Profoundly influenced /prəˈfaʊndli ˈɪnfluənst/ (adverb + verb): To have a deep and significant effect on someone or something.
   Example: “Her mentor’s guidance profoundly influenced her career choices.”

2. Unwavering dedication /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ ˌdedɪˈkeɪʃn/ (adjective + noun): Firm and constant commitment to a cause or purpose.
   Example: “Despite numerous setbacks, she showed unwavering dedication to her goals.”

3. Global icon /ˈɡləʊbl ˈaɪkɒn/ (adjective + noun): A person or thing that is widely recognized and admired internationally.
   Example: “Nelson Mandela became a global icon for his fight against apartheid.”

4. Embodies /ɪmˈbɒdiz/ (verb): To represent an idea or quality in a clear and obvious way.
   Example: “The captain embodies the team’s spirit of perseverance and teamwork.”

5. Bridges cultural divides /brɪdʒɪz ˈkʌltʃərəl dɪˈvaɪdz/ (verb phrase): To connect or reconcile differences between various cultural groups.
   Example: “Through her music, she bridges cultural divides and promotes understanding.”

Diverse group of role models inspiring others

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in discussing role models in your IELTS Speaking test:

1. Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of role models from different fields (e.g., science, arts, politics) ready to discuss.

2. Focus on specific qualities: When describing a role model, highlight particular traits or actions that make them admirable.

3. Use personal anecdotes: If possible, relate how a role model has influenced your own life or aspirations.

4. Practice elaboration: Be ready to expand on your initial answers, especially in Part 3 discussions.

5. Develop critical thinking: For Part 3, practice analyzing the broader impact of role models on society and current trends.

6. Enhance vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions related to influence, admiration, and personal qualities.

7. Stay informed: Keep up with current events to discuss contemporary role models and their impact.

By following these tips and utilizing the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss role models eloquently in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak fluently, use a range of vocabulary, and provide thoughtful, well-structured responses.