The IELTS Speaking test is an essential component of the IELTS examination. It evaluates several aspects of a candidate’s spoken English, including fluency, coherence, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Specifically, examiners look for candidates who can articulate their thoughts clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and demonstrate grammatical accuracy.
One common topic is describing a successful person. Such questions can appear in different parts of the test. In this article, we’ll explore how to answer questions related to this topic, provide sample answers, and share some essential vocabulary and structures to help you achieve a high band score.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you’ll be asked general questions about yourself and various familiar topics. The goal here is to make a good first impression with clear, concise responses.
Example Question:
- “Who is a successful person that you admire?”
Sample Answer:
“I admire Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. He is incredibly innovative and has made significant contributions to technology and space exploration. His tenacity and ability to overcome obstacles are truly inspiring.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you’ll be given a cue card with a specific topic. You’ll have one minute to prepare and you’ll need to speak for 1-2 minutes.
Cue Card:
Describe a person who is successful. You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they have achieved
- How they achieved their success
- And explain why you consider them successful
Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about Marie Curie, one of the most remarkable scientists of the 20th century. She is best known for her pioneering research on radioactivity, which earned her two Nobel Prizes—one in Physics and another in Chemistry.
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Marie Curie>
Marie Curie achieved her success through a combination of intellectual brilliance, dedication, and hard work. Despite facing numerous challenges, including gender discrimination in the scientific community, she persisted in her research. Her discoveries not only advanced scientific knowledge but also had practical applications in medical treatment.
I consider Marie Curie successful not just because of her academic achievements, but also because of her resilience and the lasting impact of her work. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation.”
Follow-up Questions:
- “What qualities do you think are essential for success?”
- “Do you believe that luck plays a role in achieving success?”
Suggested Responses:
“Essential qualities for success include determination, resilience, and the ability to adapt to change. While luck can sometimes play a role, I believe that hard work and perseverance are more significant factors in achieving success.”
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Part 3 requires a more in-depth and analytical discussion related to the cue card topic.
Example Discussion:
- Examiner: “Do you think education is the most important factor for success?”
- Candidate: “While education is certainly important as it provides the foundational knowledge and skills required for many careers, I believe that other factors such as creativity, problem-solving abilities, and networking are equally crucial. For instance, many successful entrepreneurs have achieved great things not just because of their formal education, but also due to their innovative thinking and ability to connect with others.”
III. Essential Vocabulary and Structures
Key Vocabulary:
- Innovative /ˈɪnəˌveɪtɪv/: Using new methods or ideas.
- Tenacity /təˈnæsɪti/: The quality of being determined to do or achieve something.
- Overcome /ˌoʊvərˈkʌm/: Succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty.
- Remarkable /rɪˈmärkəb(ə)l/: Worthy of attention; striking.
- Resilience /rɪˈzɪlɪəns/: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
- Perseverance /ˌpərsəˈvɪrəns/: Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
Useful Structures:
- “I admire [Name], the [Profession/Title]”
- “He/She is known for [Achievement]”
- “He/She achieved success through [Qualities/Actions]”
- “I consider him/her successful because [Reason]”
Example Sentences:
- “Elon Musk is admired for his innovative approach to technology.”
- “Marie Curie achieved her success through a combination of dedication and resilience.”
IV. Advice for Practice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, follow these tips:
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice helps build fluency and confidence.
- Expand Vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics.
- Simulate Test Conditions: Practice under timed conditions to get used to the test format.
- Record Yourself: Record your responses and listen to them to improve pronunciation and grammatical accuracy.
- Seek Feedback: Get feedback from teachers or peers to identify areas for improvement.
By following these strategies and preparing thoroughly, you’ll enhance your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.