As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ve assessed countless candidates on their ability to describe influential figures. One common topic that often comes up is discussing role models for young people. This article will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to excel in this speaking task, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.

Understanding the Task

The task of describing a role model for young people is a popular topic in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate personal opinions, use descriptive language, and discuss abstract concepts such as influence and inspiration. This topic is likely to appear in Part 2 or Part 3 of the Speaking test, where you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your English language skills in depth.

Inspiring role model for youth

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

While this topic is more likely to appear in Parts 2 and 3, the examiner might touch upon related themes in Part 1. Here are some questions you might encounter:

1. Do you have any role models?
2. What qualities do you admire in other people?
3. Who do you think young people look up to in your country?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you have any role models?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do have a few role models who have significantly influenced my life. One person I particularly admire is my high school physics teacher. She not only excelled in her field but also had an incredible ability to inspire her students. Her passion for science and her dedication to teaching really sparked my interest in pursuing a career in STEM.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a role model for young people:

Describe a person who is a role model for young people

You should say:

• Who this person is
• What they do
• Why they are admired
• And explain why you think they are a good role model for young people

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani activist who has become an inspirational figure for youth worldwide. Malala first gained international recognition when she was just a teenager, advocating for girls’ education in her home country despite facing severe opposition from extremist groups.

Malala’s journey began when she started blogging anonymously for the BBC about life under Taliban rule in Pakistan. Her unwavering commitment to education rights led to her being targeted and shot by the Taliban in 2012. However, she survived this horrific attack and continued her campaign with even greater determination.

She is widely admired for her incredible courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her cause. Despite facing life-threatening situations, Malala has never backed down from her mission to ensure every child has access to quality education. Her eloquence and passion have made her a powerful voice on the global stage.

I believe Malala is an excellent role model for young people for several reasons. Firstly, she demonstrates the power of education and how it can be a tool for change. Secondly, her story shows that age is not a barrier to making a significant impact on the world. Malala proves that young people can be agents of change and have the power to influence global policies.

Moreover, she embodies resilience and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs, even in the face of adversity. Her work has transcended borders, inspiring youth across different cultures and backgrounds to fight for their rights and the rights of others.

In conclusion, Malala Yousafzai’s extraordinary journey from a young blogger to a Nobel Peace Prize laureate serves as a powerful testament to the potential of youth leadership and the transformative power of education. Her story resonates with people of all ages, making her an exceptional role model for the younger generation.”

Examiner’s Follow-up Questions:

1. How do you think role models influence young people’s career choices?
2. Do you think celebrities make good role models? Why or why not?

Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 7-8):
“Role models can have a profound impact on young people’s career aspirations. When young individuals see someone succeeding in a particular field, it often sparks their interest and makes them believe that they too can achieve similar success. Role models provide a tangible example of what’s possible, which can be incredibly motivating. Moreover, by observing their role models’ journeys, young people can gain valuable insights into the skills, qualities, and work ethic required to excel in specific careers. This firsthand knowledge can help them make more informed decisions about their own career paths.”

Sample Answer for Question 2 (Band 8-9):
“The influence of celebrities as role models is a complex issue with both positive and negative aspects. On one hand, celebrities often have a wide-reaching platform that allows them to raise awareness about important causes and inspire positive change. Many celebrities use their fame to advocate for social issues, promote charitable work, or showcase dedication to their craft, which can be admirable.

However, the constant media scrutiny celebrities face can also lead to the amplification of their mistakes or personal struggles, which might send mixed messages to young admirers. Additionally, the glamorized lifestyle often associated with celebrity status may create unrealistic expectations or skewed priorities for young people.

Ultimately, I believe that while some celebrities can indeed be positive role models, it’s crucial for young people to develop critical thinking skills and look beyond the surface of fame. A more balanced approach would be to admire specific qualities or actions of celebrities rather than idolizing them entirely. It’s also important to encourage young people to find role models in various fields, including science, literature, and community leadership, to provide a more diverse range of inspirational figures.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic of role models for young people. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: How have role models changed over the past few decades?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The concept of role models has undergone significant transformation over the past few decades, largely due to societal changes and technological advancements. In the past, role models were often limited to local community leaders, teachers, or national figures that people learned about through traditional media. However, with the advent of the internet and social media, the pool of potential role models has expanded exponentially.

Nowadays, young people have access to a diverse array of inspirational figures from around the globe. This global connectivity has led to the rise of influencers and thought leaders in various niches, allowing individuals to find role models who align closely with their specific interests or aspirations.

Moreover, there’s been a shift towards valuing authenticity and relatability in role models. While traditional role models were often perceived as flawless or unreachable, today’s youth appreciate figures who are open about their struggles and personal growth. This change reflects a broader societal move towards mental health awareness and the importance of resilience in the face of challenges.

Another notable change is the increasing diversity of role models. There’s now greater representation of different ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds among public figures, which allows more young people to see themselves reflected in positions of success and influence.

Lastly, the rapid pace of change in our world has led to a greater emphasis on adaptability and lifelong learning in role models. Young people now look up to individuals who can navigate and thrive in our fast-evolving global landscape, rather than those who have achieved a static form of success.

In conclusion, while the fundamental concept of looking up to inspirational figures remains, the characteristics we value in role models and the ways we interact with them have evolved considerably, reflecting broader changes in our society and technology.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples that can elevate your speaking performance:

1. Inspirational figure /ɪnspɪˈreɪʃənl ˈfɪɡər/ (noun): A person who motivates others to be better or to do more.
   Example: “Nelson Mandela remains an inspirational figure for many people around the world.”

2. To advocate for /ˈædvəkeɪt fɔːr/ (phrasal verb): To publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy.
   Example: “She tirelessly advocates for environmental protection.”

3. Unwavering commitment /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ kəˈmɪtmənt/ (noun phrase): Steady and persistent dedication to a cause or goal.
   Example: “His unwavering commitment to social justice has driven his career choices.”

4. To embody /ɪmˈbɒdi/ (verb): To represent or express an idea, quality, or feeling in a clear and obvious way.
   Example: “The team captain embodies the values of hard work and perseverance.”

5. Agent of change /ˈeɪdʒənt əv tʃeɪndʒ/ (noun phrase): A person or thing that causes or accelerates a change or transformation.
   Example: “Young activists are often powerful agents of change in society.”

6. To resonate with /ˈrezəneɪt wɪð/ (phrasal verb): To evoke a feeling of shared emotion or belief.
   Example: “Her story resonates with people from all walks of life.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing role models for young people:

1. Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with discussing various influential figures and their impacts.

2. Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts; explain why certain qualities are admirable and impactful.

3. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases naturally in your responses.

4. Provide specific examples: Support your points with concrete examples to make your answers more compelling.

5. Be genuine: While it’s important to showcase your language skills, ensure your responses reflect your true thoughts and opinions.

By following these strategies and continually refining your English speaking skills, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about role models in your IELTS Speaking test.

For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might also want to check out our guides on describing a famous sportsperson from your country or describing a famous singer in your country. These topics often overlap with discussions about role models and can help you broaden your vocabulary and ideas for the Speaking test.