The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your spoken English skills. It consists of three parts and lasts approximately 11-14 minutes. Examiners evaluate candidates based on four criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation.
One common topic that frequently appears in the IELTS Speaking test is describing a person who is very inspirational. In this article, we’ll cover essential tips and provide sample answers to help you achieve a high band score.
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner introduces themselves and asks general questions about you. These questions may relate to your home, family, work, studies, interests, and other familiar topics. Here are some example questions and a suggested answer:
Example Questions:
- Who is your favorite actor or actress?
- Do you have a role model you look up to?
- Who is the most inspirational person you know?
Sample Answer:
Examiner: Who is the most inspirational person you know?
Candidate: One of the most inspirational people I know is my high school teacher, Ms. Nguyen. She always encouraged her students to strive for excellence and believed in our potential even when we doubted ourselves. Her dedication to education and her unwavering positive attitude left a profound impact on me.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will receive a cue card with a topic, and you have one minute to prepare your speech. You should speak for about two minutes. Let’s look at a cue card related to describing an inspirational person and some suggested responses.
Example Cue Card:
Cue Card:
Describe a person who is very inspirational. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they have done that is inspirational
- And explain why you think they are inspirational
Sample Answer:
Candidate:
Today, I would like to talk about Elon Musk, who is an exceptionally inspirational figure for me. I first learned about him through various news articles and interviews showcasing his groundbreaking work in technology and space exploration.
Elon Musk is the founder and CEO of companies such as Tesla and SpaceX. What sets him apart is his relentless pursuit of ambitious goals, like making space travel more affordable and developing sustainable energy solutions. For instance, he successfully launched the Falcon Heavy rocket, which was an unprecedented achievement in the field of aerospace.
Musk’s tenacity and forward-thinking vision inspire me greatly. Despite facing numerous setbacks and financial challenges, he never gave up on his dreams. His story teaches me the importance of resilience and innovation. Elon Musk exemplifies the belief that with hard work and determination, one can overcome any obstacle and make a significant impact on the world.
Follow-up Questions:
Examiner:
- What other qualities do you think inspirational people possess?
- How can young people benefit from having a role model?
Suggested Answers:
Candidate:
Inspirational people often possess qualities such as empathy, perseverance, and integrity. These traits not only help them achieve personal success but also influence others positively. For instance, an inspirational leader typically shows understanding and support for their team, fostering a conducive environment for growth and innovation.
Young people can greatly benefit from having a role model as it provides them with a positive reference point. It can help them set and achieve goals, develop strong moral values, and build confidence. Role models offer valuable lessons in navigating life’s challenges and inspire the next generation to pursue their ambitions with enthusiasm and dedication.
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask you more abstract and analytical questions related to the topic in Part 2. This is an opportunity to showcase your higher-level thinking, analysis, and discussion abilities.
Example Questions:
- How do leaders influence the behavior of others?
- Do you think celebrities are good role models?
- How can society benefit from having more inspirational people?
Suggested Answers:
Examiner: How do leaders influence the behavior of others?
Candidate:
Leaders influence the behavior of others through their actions, words, and vision. By setting a positive example, demonstrating ethical behavior, and outlining a clear vision for the future, leaders can inspire and motivate their followers to take similar actions. Effective leaders also use their communication skills to connect with people on a personal level, building trust and encouraging teamwork.
Examiner: Do you think celebrities are good role models?
Candidate:
It depends on the individual celebrity. Some celebrities use their platforms to promote positive messages and causes, setting a good example for their fans. For instance, celebrities who engage in charity work or advocate for social justice can be very inspirational. However, others may exhibit behaviors that are not appropriate for a role model, such as indulgence in scandals or irresponsible behavior. It’s important for the audience to critically evaluate the actions of celebrities before considering them as role models.
Essential Vocabulary and Phrases for Describing an Inspirational Person
Using sophisticated vocabulary and varied sentence structures is key to achieving a high band score. Here are some important words and phrases:
- Relentless (adjective): continuing in a determined way without any interruption. /rɪˈlɛntləs/
- Example: “Her relentless pursuit of excellence inspired many students.”
- Tenacity (noun): the quality of being determined to do something. /təˈnæsɪti/
- Example: “His tenacity in facing challenges is truly admirable.”
- Perseverance (noun): persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. /ˌpərsəˈvɪrəns/
- Example: “Her perseverance and hard work paid off when she finally won the championship.”
- Integrity (noun): the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. /ɪnˈtɛɡrɪti/
- Example: “He is known for his integrity and ethical approach to business.”
- Innovation (noun): the act of introducing something new. /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/
- Example: “Innovation is key to the success of tech companies.”
Tips for High Scores in IELTS Speaking
- Practice regularly: Engage in daily speaking practices and get feedback from proficient speakers.
- Build your vocabulary: Learn and use new words effectively within context.
- Stay fluent: Speak naturally and avoid long pauses.
- Be coherent: Link your ideas logically and clearly.
- Work on pronunciation: Practice sounds and intonation patterns of English.
For more resources and sample answers, you can check out these related articles:
- Describe a person who is very energetic
- Describe a time when you felt very inspired
- Describe a place where you go to be inspired
- Describe a time when you were very inspired
- Describe a time when you were inspired by someone
By incorporating the strategies and vocabulary outlined in this article, you can effectively prepare for the IELTS Speaking test and confidently describe a person who is very inspirational. Good luck with your preparation!