In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates are evaluated on various parameters such as fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One common type of question you’ll encounter revolves around describing influential people. These questions are prevalent because they allow examiners to assess your ability to articulate thoughts, use descriptive language, and present coherent arguments.
Questions that start with “Describe A Person Who Is Very Influential” are designed to gauge your storytelling abilities and understanding of complex characteristics. Below, we delve into relevant examples and provide detailed responses to ensure you can master this part of the IELTS Speaking test effectively.
II. Main Content
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions:
- Who is your role model?
- What qualities do you admire in people?
- Can you describe someone influential in your life?
Example Question and Suggested Answer:
Question: Can you describe someone influential in your life?
Suggested Answer:
“In my life, the most influential person is my high school mathematics teacher. She not only helped me excel academically but also inspired me to be curious and passionate about learning. Her dedication and enthusiasm for teaching left a lasting impression on me, motivating me to pursue my own goals with vigor.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who is very influential. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain why this person is very influential to you
Suggested Answer:
Introduction
“The influential person I would like to describe is Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla.”
Who This Person Is and How You Know This Person
“I first came across Elon Musk through news articles and social media, where his groundbreaking work in technology and space exploration caught my attention.”
What This Person Does
“Elon Musk is renowned for his pioneering work in electric vehicles and space travel. He has pushed the boundaries of what is considered possible by successfully launching reusable rockets and championing electric cars through Tesla.”
Why This Person Is Very Influential
“What makes Elon Musk particularly influential to me is his relentless pursuit of innovation and his ability to turn visionary ideas into reality. His work not only addresses global challenges such as climate change but also inspires future generations to dream big and work tirelessly towards achieving their goals.”
Follow-up Questions and Suggested Answers:
Question: How has this person’s influence affected your life?
Suggested Answer: “Elon Musk’s influence has significantly impacted my approach to setting and pursuing long-term goals. His dedication and innovative thinking have encouraged me to be more creative and persistent in my personal and professional endeavors.”
Question: Do you think influential people always have a positive impact?
Suggested Answer: “While influential people can have substantial positive impacts, it is also possible for their influence to be detrimental, especially if they promote harmful ideologies. Therefore, it’s essential to critically assess the actions and motives of influential individuals.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Additional Questions:
- How important is it for influential people to aim for community welfare?
- Can influential people also be harmful to society? How?
Example Dialogue:
Examiner: How important is it for influential people to aim for community welfare?
Candidate: “It’s incredibly important for influential people to focus on community welfare. When they leverage their power and resources for the greater good, they can effect positive change that benefits a broad spectrum of society. For instance, philanthropists like Bill Gates have significantly contributed to global health improvements.”
Examiner: Can influential people also be harmful to society? How?
Candidate: “Yes, influential people can indeed be harmful if they propagate harmful practices or ideologies. For example, influential figures who disseminate misinformation can lead to social unrest or public health crises. Thus, the influence must be wielded responsibly.”
III. Useful Vocabulary and Phrases
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Influential /ˌɪnflʊˈɛnʃəl/: Having the power to have an effect on people or things; influential.
- Example: “His influential policies have shaped the modern economic landscape.”
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Visionary /ˈvɪʒəˌnɛri/: Having clear ideas about what should happen or be done in the future.
- Example: “As a visionary leader, she revolutionized the tech industry.”
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Pioneering /paɪəˈnɪərɪŋ/: Involving new ideas or methods.
- Example: “The pioneering research opened new avenues in medicine.”
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Innovative /ˈɪnəˌveɪtɪv/: Featuring new methods; advanced and original.
- Example: “The company’s innovative products set them apart from competitors.”
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Relentless /rɪˈlɛntləs/: Persistent; constant.
- Example: “His relentless pursuit of excellence earned him numerous awards.”
IV. Final Tips
Recommendations for High Scores:
- Practice Fluency and Coherence: Speak naturally and ensure your responses are well-structured. Practice with various topics to build your confidence.
- Improve Lexical Resource: Enhance your vocabulary with descriptive and topic-specific words.
- Focus on Pronunciation: Make sure your intonation and pronunciation are clear and understandable.
- Use Complex Sentences: Demonstrate your ability to use a range of grammatical structures.
By following these strategies and practicing the provided examples, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the “Describe a person who is very influential” question in the IELTS Speaking test successfully.