The IELTS Speaking test evaluates various aspects of your speaking ability, including fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. One common prompt you might encounter is, “Describe a person who is very inspiring to you.” This type of question is designed to assess your descriptive skills and your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly.
In this article, we will explore various ways to effectively answer this question to achieve the highest band score possible. We’ll provide model answers, sample questions, and valuable tips.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Examiner Questions and Sample Answers
In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner will ask you some general questions to assess your basic speaking skills. Here are some common questions:
- What is your name?
- Where are you from?
- Do you work or study?
Sample Question: “Where are you from?”
Sample Answer: “I am from Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. It’s a bustling city known for its rich history and vibrant culture.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
For Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points to guide your answer. You’ll have one minute to prepare and then you should speak for two minutes.
Cue Card:
Describe a person who is very inspiring to you.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What qualities this person has
- And explain why this person is very inspiring to you.
Model Answer
Model Answer:
“The person who is very inspiring to me is my grandmother. I have known her my entire life, and she has always been a pivotal figure in my family. She is a retired school teacher who dedicated over forty years of her life to education.
One of the qualities that make her stand out is her incredible determination. Despite facing numerous challenges, she persevered and became a highly respected educator in her community. She has always emphasized the importance of education and hard work, values that she instilled in me and my siblings.
Moreover, she is extremely compassionate and always willing to help others, whether it’s a student struggling with their studies or a neighbor in need. Her generosity and kindness have touched many lives.
What makes her truly inspiring to me is her unwavering optimism and positive outlook on life. No matter the situation, she never loses hope and always finds a way to stay positive. This has taught me to face my challenges with a similar mindset.”
Follow-up Questions and Suggested Answers:
-
What kind of difficulties do you think this person faced?
Suggested Answer: “She faced financial difficulties and societal barriers to education, especially as a woman. However, her resilience enabled her to overcome these obstacles.” -
How has this person influenced your life decisions?
Suggested Answer: “Her passion for education motivated me to pursue higher studies and her compassionate nature inspired me to volunteer and help others in my community.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions and Sample Responses
In Part 3, the discussion becomes more abstract. The examiner will ask you questions related to the theme of Part 2 but on a broader scale.
Examiner Question: “Do you think inspiring people are important for society? Why or why not?”
Sample Answer:
“Yes, I believe inspiring people are crucial for society. They act as role models who motivate others to achieve their goals and overcome obstacles. These individuals often bring about positive social changes and create a sense of hope and possibility. Their stories can encourage collective action towards important causes and inspire the next generation to strive for greatness.”
Examiner Question: “How can someone become an inspiring person?”
Sample Answer:
“To become an inspiring person, one needs to demonstrate resilience and overcome considerable challenges. They should exhibit strong moral values, such as honesty, integrity, and compassion. Additionally, a willingness to help others and contribute positively to society can make someone truly inspiring. Sharing their experiences and lessons learned with others can also help amplify their impact.”
Vocabulary and Useful Structures
Important Vocabulary:
-
Determination (/dɪˌtɜːmɪˈneɪʃən/): The quality of being firm in purpose.
- Example: “Her determination helped her succeed despite all odds.”
-
Resilience (/rɪˈzɪlɪəns/): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
- Example: “His resilience was evident when he bounced back after the setback.”
-
Compassion (/kəmˈpæʃən/): Sympathetic concern for the sufferings of others.
- Example: “Her compassion for the needy was truly inspiring.”
Effective Use of Structures:
-
Relative Clauses:
- Example: “My grandmother, who dedicated over forty years of her life to education, is an incredibly inspiring person.”
-
Complex Sentences:
- Example: “Despite facing numerous challenges, she persevered and became a highly respected educator in her community.”
Conclusion
Mastering the IELTS Speaking test involves developing a well-rounded ability to express your thoughts clearly and cohesively. When describing a person who inspires you, focusing on specific qualities, using vivid vocabulary, and structuring your response coherently can significantly enhance your performance. Practice regularly with these tips to improve your descriptive skills and achieve a higher band score.
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