The IELTS Speaking Test is designed to assess your spoken English skills in various contexts. Examiners evaluate factors such as fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One of the common topics you may encounter is describing a person who is influential in your community. This guide will provide you with insights and examples to excel in this topic and achieve a high band score.
II. Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Examiner’s Questions:
- Can you tell me about a person who has influenced your life in a positive way?
- Who is the most influential person in your community?
Suggested Answer for Question 1:
“One person who has influenced my life positively is my high school teacher, Mr. Smith. He always encouraged me to follow my ambitions and provided valuable advice that helped shape my career path. His dedication to teaching and his ability to inspire students remain unparalleled.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe A Person Who Is Very Influential In Your Community. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain why this person is influential in your community
Sample Answer
“One of the most influential people in my community is Dr. Jane Doe. I have known Dr. Jane for over five years, and she is a local physician as well as the founder of several community health programs.
Dr. Jane is well-known for her dedication to improving public health. She organizes free health check-ups and awareness campaigns about common diseases. Besides her medical expertise, she is deeply compassionate and takes the time to listen to each of her patients. Her initiatives have significantly reduced health issues within our community.
She is also a great advocate for mental health and often arranges workshops to provide guidance on mental well-being. Thanks to her effort and commitment, our community has seen significant improvements in both physical and mental health. This is why Dr. Jane is revered and considered an influential figure in our locality.”
Follow-up Bullet Points
- How has Dr. Jane’s work impacted the community?
“Dr. Jane’s initiatives have led to better overall health, with reduced incidences of common diseases and increased awareness about mental health issues. Her compassion and proactive approach have built a more health-conscious community.”
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions:
- Why do you think some individuals become influential in their communities?
- In what ways can influential people contribute to societal improvement?
Suggested Answers:
-
“Individuals become influential in their communities due to their dedication, actions, and the positive impact they have on others. Whether it’s through volunteer work, leadership in local organizations, or professional excellence, these contributions earn them respect and admiration.”
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“Influential people can contribute to societal improvement by addressing local issues, advocating for policies that benefit the community, and by setting a positive example for others to follow. For instance, they can help raise awareness about important causes or mobilize resources to assist in community development projects. Their leadership and vision often inspire collective action and foster a spirit of unity within the community.”
4. Useful Vocabulary and Phrases
- Dedication /ˌdɛdɪˈkeɪʃən/: (n) The quality of being committed to a task or purpose.
- Proactive /prəˈoʊæktɪv/: (adj) Creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened.
- Revere /rɪˈvɪər/: (v) Feel deep respect or admiration for.
Examples in Sentences:
- “Her dedication to the cause has inspired many volunteers.”
- “The team took a proactive approach to solve the issue before it escalated.”
- “He is revered for his contributions to the field of medicine.”
III. Tips for Practice
Examiner’s Advice
- Practice Fluency and Coherence: Ensure that your ideas flow naturally. Practice speaking about different topics to improve your fluency.
- Expand Your Lexical Resource: Use a variety of vocabulary and expressions. Avoid repetition and try to incorporate new words appropriately.
- Focus on Pronunciation: Clear and accurate pronunciation is crucial. Listen to native speakers and practice shadowing exercises to improve.
By following these steps and practicing regularly, you will be well-prepared to describe a person who is very influential in your community and score high in the IELTS Speaking Test. For further reading, you might find these links helpful: Describe a person who is very influential in your life, Describe a person who is very charismatic.
Remember that practice and preparedness are key. Good luck with your exam!