The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English under various circumstances. One common topic that appears in the test is the description of a person who is very innovative in their field. To excel in this part of the test, you need to be articulate, use a range of vocabulary, and exhibit fluency. This guide provides a thorough analysis, tips, and model answers to help you score high by describing an innovative person correctly.
Common IELTS Speaking Questions on Innovation
Part 1: Interview
In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking Test, the examiner will ask you general questions about familiar topics. Here is an example related to innovation:
Question: “Do you think innovation is important in everyday life?”
Model Answer: “Absolutely! Innovation is crucial as it drives progress and makes our lives more convenient. For example, the smartphone is an innovation that has profoundly changed how we communicate and access information.”
Analysis: The response is concise, uses specific vocabulary, and gives a relevant example to support the point.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who is very innovative in their field. You should say:
- Who the person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain why you think this person is very innovative
Model Answer
Who the person is: “I’m going to talk about Elon Musk, one of the most innovative people in the technology and transportation industries.”
How you know this person: “I first learned about Elon Musk through articles and news about his groundbreaking work with Tesla and SpaceX.”
What this person does: “Elon Musk is the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, where he has revolutionized space travel and electric vehicles respectively. His work on developing reusable rockets has significantly reduced the cost of space exploration, and Tesla’s electric cars are leading the move toward sustainable transportation.”
Explain why you think this person is very innovative: “I believe Elon Musk is exceptionally innovative because he approaches problems with a fresh perspective and is not afraid to pursue ideas that many consider unfeasible. His ability to turn ambitious ideas into reality, such as commercial space flights and the widespread use of electric cars, showcases his visionary mindset and technical expertise.”
Analysis: This response is well-structured and uses detailed and specific vocabulary like “groundbreaking work,” “revolutionized,” and “sustainable transportation,” which are crucial for attaining a high score.
Follow-up Questions
Question: “What qualities do you think innovative people possess?”
Answer: “Innovative people are usually characterized by creativity, resilience, and a strong sense of curiosity. They often see obstacles as opportunities and possess a relentless drive to improve upon existing solutions or create new ones.”
Analysis: This answer is comprehensive, mentions multiple qualities, and uses complex sentences and rich vocabulary.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Part 3 involves a deeper discussion based on the topics in Part 2 but at a more abstract level.
Question: “How does innovation impact economic growth?”
Model Answer: “Innovation plays a pivotal role in economic growth by introducing new products and services that can generate revenue, enhance productivity, and create jobs. For instance, the development of the internet has given rise to various industries, from e-commerce to digital marketing, vastly expanding economic activities globally.”
Analysis: This answer uses specific terminology related to economics and supports the argument with a relevant example. Words like “pivotal,” “economic growth,” and “enhance productivity” demonstrate a high level of proficiency.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To score high, it’s crucial to incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions:
Vocabulary
- Innovative (adj) /ˈɪn.ə.və.tɪv/: introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking.
- “Elon Musk is known for his innovative ideas in the tech industry.”
- Visionary (n) /ˈvɪʒ.ən.ər.i/: thinking about or planning the future with imagination or wisdom.
- “Steve Jobs was a visionary who foresaw the impact of personal computing.”
- Breakthrough (n) /ˈbreɪk.θruː/: a sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development.
- “The breakthrough in renewable energy sources has paved the way for sustainable living.”
- Groundbreaking (adj) /ˈɡraʊndˌbreɪ.kɪŋ/: innovative; pioneering.
- “Her groundbreaking research revolutionized cancer treatment.”
Phrases
- Push the boundaries – to go beyond the limits of what’s considered acceptable or possible.
- “Innovators like to push the boundaries of their fields.”
- Think outside the box – to think creatively and differently.
- “Innovative leaders always think outside the box to solve complex problems.”
Example Sentences:
- “Elon Musk’s groundbreaking work with SpaceX has pushed the boundaries of space exploration.”
- “Innovators must always think outside the box to come up with creative solutions.”
Tips for High Scores in IELTS Speaking
- Practice Fluency and Coherence: Speak clearly, maintain a smooth flow of speech, and link your ideas logically.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Use a wide range of words accurately. Avoid repetition by varying your word choices.
- Use Complex Sentences: Show your ability to use different grammatical structures. Use compound and complex sentences to express detailed ideas.
- Be Clear and Concise: Stick to the topic, and ensure your answers are relevant and to the point.
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice can enhance your confidence and improve your performance.
Conclusion
Describing a person who is very innovative in their field is a common yet challenging topic in the IELTS Speaking test. By following this guide, utilizing the vocabulary and structures provided, and consistently practicing, you can improve your skills and achieve a high score. Remember, innovation is not just about ideas but also about how you articulate them effectively.
Elon Musk – A Visionary Innovator
For more related topics, consider reading Describe a person who is very intelligent in their field and Describe a person who is very talented in their craft.