How to Answer the IELTS Speaking Question: “Describe a Person Who Is Very Influential in Your Life”

The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your English speaking abilities, including fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, accuracy, and pronunciation. One common question type is about describing a person who is very influential in your life. This guide will provide a detailed example and analysis to help you score high on this type of question.

Common Questions in the IELTS Speaking Test

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

In Part 1, the examiner typically asks general questions about yourself. Here are some sample questions:

1. Can you describe your hometown?
2. What do you do for a living?
3. Do you have a favorite hobby or interest?
4. Who is an influential person in your life?

Sample Answer

Question: “Who is an influential person in your life?”

Answer: “An influential person in my life is my grandfather. He has always been a pillar of strength and wisdom. His dedication to his family and community has inspired me to be a better person.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card Example

Here is a sample cue card related to our topic:

Describe A Person Who Is Very Influential In Your Life. You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you met this person
• What this person does
• And explain why this person is very influential in your life

Sample Answer

Response:

“The person who is very influential in my life is my mother. I met her, of course, when I was born, and she has been a constant presence in my life ever since. She is a teacher by profession and is renowned for her dedication and commitment to education. Her compassion, hard work, and unwavering support have profoundly impacted me. I admire her ability to balance work and family effortlessly. She has taught me the importance of perseverance and integrity. Her influence is the reason I strive to be kind, diligent, and considerate in all my endeavors.”

Follow-Up Questions

1. How has this person’s influence changed your life?

   • This person’s influence has instilled in me a sense of purpose and direction. I am more focused on my goals and strive to make a positive impact on those around me.

2. Do you think you will be as influential to someone else in the future?

   • I hope so. I would like to think that by emulating the same qualities of compassion and hard work that my mother has shown, I can be a positive influence on someone else’s life.

Part 3: Two-Way Discussion

Discussion Questions

1. In what ways can people be influential in society?

   • People can be influential in society through leadership, innovation, philanthropy, and by being role models in their communities.

2. Do you think celebrities are good role models?

   • It depends. Some celebrities use their platform to promote positive messages and charitable causes, making them good role models. However, others may exhibit behaviors that are not advisable to emulate.

3. How do social media and the internet influence modern society?

   • Social media and the internet have a significant influence on modern society by shaping public opinions, spreading information rapidly, and connecting people across the globe. However, they also present challenges such as misinformation and privacy concerns.

Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. Influential (/ˌɪn.fluˈen.ʃəl/): Having great influence on someone or something.

   • Her influential advice has guided me through many challenges.

2. Perseverance (/ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪə.rəns/): Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

   • He showed great perseverance and determination in completing the project.

3. Role model: A person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.

   • She is a role model for young aspiring doctors.

4. Philanthropy (/fɪˈlæn.θrə.pi/): The desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.

   • Bill Gates is known for his extensive philanthropy work.

Example Sentences

1. “Her influential nature has shaped not just my career but my entire outlook on life.”
2. “The perseverance he demonstrated during tough times is something I deeply admire.”
3. “She serves as a role model to countless individuals striving for excellence.”
4. “His philanthropy has made a significant difference in various underprivileged communities.”

Tips for Achieving a High Score

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice will help you become more fluent.
2. Use Complex Sentences: Show your grammatical range by incorporating compound and complex sentences.
3. Expand Your Vocabulary: Using a rich vocabulary can boost your lexical resource score.
4. Stay Calm and Confident: Composure can greatly affect your performance.

Influential person description

Linking to related articles can help deepen your understanding and preparation:

• Describe a person who is very creative in their approach to work
• Describe a person who is very charismatic

By following these guidelines and practicing diligently, you can effectively describe an influential person in your life and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.