In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners evaluate candidates based on four key criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. The topic “Describe a person who is very popular” is a common cue card task that appears in Part 2 of the Speaking section. This article will delve into effective strategies to tackle this topic, along with providing a detailed sample answer and useful vocabulary to help candidates excel.
II. Main Content
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions
- Do you think it’s important to be popular?
- Who is the most popular person in your country?
- Have you ever met a celebrity in real life?
Sample Answer for “Who is the most popular person in your country?”
“In my country, the most popular person is undoubtedly our President. He has garnered immense support and admiration due to his charismatic leadership and relentless efforts to improve the nation’s development. His approachable personality and commitment to public welfare have made him a beloved figure among citizens.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
“Describe a person who is very popular. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- Why this person is popular
- And explain how you feel about this person.”
Sample Answer
“I would like to talk about a person who is extremely popular worldwide, Elon Musk. He is the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and I have been following his work for several years now. Musk is widely known for his innovative and pioneering contributions to technology and space exploration.
People regard him as a visionary leader because of his groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible. For instance, his company SpaceX is making strides towards making space travel more accessible and affordable. He is also a major advocate for sustainable energy and has been instrumental in the proliferation of electric cars through Tesla.
Elon Musk
I find him to be very inspiring due to his unwavering determination and ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Moreover, his approach to tackling global issues with ingenuity and innovative thinking is something I deeply admire. In my opinion, his popularity is well-deserved because he not only dreams big but also has the tenacity to turn those dreams into reality.”
Follow-up Questions and Suggested Answers:
- “Do you think people always admire popular individuals for good reasons?”
“Not necessarily. While some popular individuals earn their admiration through genuine efforts and achievements, others might gain popularity through less commendable means. It often depends on societal values and media portrayal.”
- “How do you think social media affects the popularity of individuals?”
“Social media significantly amplifies a person’s visibility and can quickly turn an ordinary individual into a celebrity. It provides a platform for people to showcase their talents and views, but it can also lead to the spread of misinformation and superficial popularity.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Example Questions and Answers
Examiner: “In your opinion, what are the benefits of being popular?”
Candidate: “Being popular can bring numerous benefits such as extensive networking opportunities, the ability to influence public opinion, and sometimes financial gains. Popular individuals can use their platform to advocate for important causes and effect positive changes in society. However, popularity also comes with pressures and responsibilities that can be overwhelming.”
Examiner: “Do you think popularity is always a good thing?”
Candidate: “Popularity has its pros and cons. On the positive side, it can open doors to various opportunities and amplify one’s voice. On the downside, it can lead to a loss of privacy, high expectations, and sometimes a disconnection from reality. It’s important for popular individuals to remain grounded and focused on their genuine interests and values.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Charismatic /ˌkærɪzˈmætɪk/ (adj.) – exuding charm that inspires devotion in others.
- Innovative /ˈɪnəˌveɪtɪv/ (adj.) – featuring new methods or advanced technology.
- Pioneering /ˌpaɪəˈnɪrɪŋ/ (adj.) – involving new ideas or methods.
- Accessible /əkˈsɛsəbl/ (adj.) – easy to approach, reach, enter, or use.
- Tenacity /təˈnæsɪti/ (n.) – persistent determination.
Example Usage:
- “Elon Musk’s charismatic leadership has attracted a large following.”
- “Her innovative approach to teaching has revolutionized the education system.”
- “The company’s pioneering research has led to groundbreaking discoveries.”
- “Affordable and accessible education is essential for societal progress.”
- “His tenacity in overcoming obstacles is truly inspiring.”
III. Conclusion and Tips for High Scores
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, practicing fluency and coherence in your answers is key. Use a variety of sentence structures and advanced vocabulary to showcase your lexical range. Also, remember to maintain clear and natural pronunciation. It’s beneficial to practice with a partner or record yourself to evaluate your progress.
For further practice, you can explore related topics, such as Describe a person who is very good at their job or Describe a time when you took a photograph.
Final Tips:
- Prepare Key Vocabulary:
Be ready with high-level vocabulary relevant to different topics. - Practice Coherence:
Ensure your answers flow logically from one point to another. - Stay Calm:
Nervousness can affect fluency, so take a deep breath before you start.
By integrating these strategies and practicing regularly, you’ll gain confidence and improve your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.