The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people who have influenced us. One common topic is describing a role model. This article will guide you through answering questions about your role model effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Understanding the Task
When asked to describe a role model, you’ll need to talk about someone who inspires you or has had a significant positive impact on your life. This could be a family member, a teacher, a public figure, or anyone else you admire.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you may be asked simple questions about role models. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: Do you have any role models?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I certainly do. I believe having role models is crucial for personal growth and development. My primary role model is my grandmother, who has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my life. Her resilience in the face of adversity and her unwavering commitment to helping others have profoundly influenced my own values and aspirations.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card:
Describe a person who is a role model for you.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What qualities this person has
- And explain why this person is a role model for you
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my high school English teacher, Mrs. Thompson, who has been an invaluable role model in my life. I first met her when I was 15, and she taught me for three years until I graduated.
Mrs. Thompson possesses numerous admirable qualities that have left a lasting impression on me. Firstly, her passion for education is truly infectious. She has an uncanny ability to make even the most complex literature accessible and engaging, which sparked my own love for the English language.
Moreover, her empathy and compassion towards her students are remarkable. She always took the time to understand each student’s unique challenges and tailored her teaching approach accordingly. This personalized attention made every student feel valued and capable of success.
What I find most inspiring about Mrs. Thompson is her unwavering commitment to social justice. She consistently incorporated discussions about equality, diversity, and human rights into her lessons, broadening our perspectives and encouraging us to think critically about the world around us.
Mrs. Thompson is a role model for me because she embodies the kind of educator and person I aspire to be. Her dedication to her craft, her genuine care for others, and her drive to make a positive impact on society have profoundly influenced my own personal and professional goals. She has taught me that education is not just about imparting knowledge, but about empowering individuals to become thoughtful, compassionate, and engaged citizens of the world.”
Examiner’s Follow-up Questions:
- How has this role model influenced your career choices?
- Do you think role models change as we grow older?
Sample Answers (Band 8-9):
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“Mrs. Thompson has significantly influenced my career aspirations. Her inspiring example has led me to consider a career in education, particularly in the field of English as a Second Language. I’ve realized the profound impact a dedicated teacher can have on students’ lives, and I aspire to emulate her approach of combining academic instruction with lessons on social responsibility and critical thinking.”
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“Absolutely, I believe our role models often evolve as we mature and our perspectives broaden. While childhood role models might be more focused on visible achievements or personal connections, as we grow older, we tend to appreciate the nuanced qualities of individuals who align with our deepening values and expanding worldview. This shift reflects our own personal growth and changing priorities in life.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions with sample answers:
Question: How do role models in the media influence young people?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Role models in the media can have a profound impact on young people, both positively and negatively. On the positive side, media figures can inspire youth to pursue their dreams, advocate for important causes, and develop valuable skills. For instance, young environmentalists might be motivated by figures like Greta Thunberg to take action on climate change.
However, there’s also a potential downside. The media often portrays a glamorized or unrealistic image of success, which can lead to unrealistic expectations or feelings of inadequacy among young people. Moreover, when celebrities who are seen as role models engage in controversial behavior, it can send mixed messages to their young fans.
I believe it’s crucial to encourage young people to think critically about the media figures they admire and to understand that everyone, including role models, is human and imperfect. It’s also important to promote a diverse range of role models in the media, representing different backgrounds, careers, and life paths, to show young people the many forms success and influence can take.”
Question: Do you think teachers have as much influence as role models today as they did in the past?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“This is a complex issue that has been significantly impacted by societal changes. On one hand, the proliferation of information sources and the rise of social media have provided young people with a vast array of potential role models beyond their immediate environment, potentially diminishing the relative influence of teachers.
However, I would argue that teachers still play a crucial role as role models, albeit in a different capacity. In today’s information-saturated world, teachers are more important than ever in guiding students to critically evaluate information, develop analytical skills, and form well-rounded perspectives. Their day-to-day interaction with students allows them to demonstrate important values like integrity, perseverance, and empathy in a way that distant celebrities or online influencers cannot.
Moreover, as concerns about online misinformation and the potential negative effects of social media grow, many young people are increasingly valuing the authentic, face-to-face relationships they have with teachers. In this context, teachers have the opportunity to be powerful role models by fostering a love for learning, demonstrating ethical behavior, and helping students navigate the complexities of the modern world.
Ultimately, while the nature of their influence may have changed, I believe teachers continue to be vital role models, perhaps even more so in our current era.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Invaluable: Extremely useful; indispensable.
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈvæljuəbl/
Example: Her advice has been invaluable to my career development. -
Embody: Be an expression of or give a tangible or visible form to (an idea, quality, or feeling).
Pronunciation: /ɪmˈbɒdi/
Example: He embodies the company’s values of integrity and innovation. -
Profound impact: A very significant or deep effect.
Pronunciation: /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/
Example: The experience had a profound impact on her worldview. -
Unwavering commitment: Steady, constant dedication.
Pronunciation: /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ kəˈmɪtmənt/
Example: Her unwavering commitment to the cause inspired others to join. -
Infectious enthusiasm: Excitement or interest that spreads easily to others.
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈfekʃəs ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm/
Example: The teacher’s infectious enthusiasm made even difficult subjects enjoyable.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing role models:
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Use specific examples: Don’t just list qualities; provide concrete instances that illustrate these qualities.
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Employ a range of vocabulary: Use synonyms and varied expressions to demonstrate your language proficiency.
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Show critical thinking: Especially in Part 3, analyze the topic from different angles and consider broader implications.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your ability to talk at length without hesitation.
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Use appropriate tenses: When describing past events or ongoing influences, use the correct tenses consistently.
By following these guidelines and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss role models in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak naturally and confidently about your chosen role model while showcasing your English language skills.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our guide on describing a person who has a positive influence on your life.