Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Successful Professional with Confidence

Introduction and Common Questions

Describing a successful person in their profession is a popular topic in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss career achievements, personal qualities, and professional development. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you may encounter questions like:

1. Do you know any successful people in your field?
2. What qualities do you think make a person successful in their career?
3. How do you define success in a profession?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you know any successful people in your field?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
Yes, I do. In my field of software engineering, I greatly admire Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft. He’s widely recognized for his innovative leadership and for successfully guiding Microsoft through a significant transformation. What impresses me most about him is his ability to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability within the company, which I believe is crucial in the ever-evolving tech industry.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a person who is very successful in their profession.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What their profession is
• How you know about this person
• And explain why you think they are successful

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

I’d like to talk about Elon Musk, a highly successful entrepreneur and innovator in the technology and space industries. Musk is renowned for his role as the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, two groundbreaking companies that have revolutionized electric vehicles and space exploration, respectively.

I first learned about Elon Musk through news articles and documentaries showcasing his ambitious projects and visionary ideas. His relentless pursuit of innovation and willingness to take on seemingly impossible challenges caught my attention. As I delved deeper into his background and achievements, I became increasingly fascinated by his multifaceted approach to business and technology.

In my opinion, Musk’s success stems from several key factors. Firstly, his extraordinary vision and ability to think on a grand scale set him apart from other entrepreneurs. He doesn’t just aim to create successful companies; he seeks to solve global problems and push the boundaries of what’s possible in technology.

Secondly, Musk’s unwavering determination and work ethic are legendary. He’s known for working incredibly long hours and maintaining a hands-on approach in his companies, often immersing himself in the technical details of projects.

Furthermore, his aptitude for attracting top talent and inspiring his teams to achieve seemingly impossible goals is remarkable. Musk has a knack for creating a sense of mission and purpose that motivates employees to push beyond their limits.

Lastly, his ability to learn and adapt quickly across various industries is truly impressive. From online payments with PayPal to electric vehicles with Tesla, and space exploration with SpaceX, Musk has demonstrated an exceptional capacity to master complex fields and disrupt established industries.

In conclusion, I believe Elon Musk’s combination of visionary thinking, relentless drive, leadership skills, and adaptability make him an outstanding example of a person who is highly successful in their profession. His achievements have not only brought him personal success but have also had a significant impact on technological advancement and our vision for the future.

Elon Musk observing SpaceX rocket launch

Follow-up Questions

1. What challenges do you think Elon Musk faces in his work?
2. How do you think Musk’s work impacts society?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for Question 1:
Elon Musk likely faces numerous challenges in his work, given the cutting-edge nature of his ventures. One significant challenge is managing the immense pressure and expectations that come with pioneering revolutionary technologies. He’s often under scrutiny from investors, regulators, and the public, which can be incredibly stressful. Additionally, coordinating complex projects across multiple industries requires exceptional time management and leadership skills. Musk also faces the challenge of balancing long-term vision with short-term business needs, especially in capital-intensive industries like automotive and aerospace.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think the definition of success in a profession has changed over the years?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
I believe the definition of success in a profession has evolved significantly over the years. In the past, success was often measured primarily by financial gain and climbing the corporate ladder. However, nowadays, I think there’s a greater emphasis on work-life balance, personal fulfillment, and the impact of one’s work on society.

Many professionals today prioritize job satisfaction and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their field over simply earning a high salary. Additionally, the rise of entrepreneurship and the gig economy has redefined success for many, with flexibility and autonomy becoming increasingly important factors.

Moreover, in our rapidly changing world, adaptability and continuous learning have become crucial indicators of professional success. Those who can quickly acquire new skills and navigate evolving industries are often seen as more successful than those who remain static in their roles.

Examiner: Do you think success in a profession always leads to personal happiness?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
That’s a thought-provoking question, and I believe the relationship between professional success and personal happiness is quite complex. While success in one’s profession can certainly contribute to happiness, I don’t think it guarantees it.

On one hand, professional success often brings financial stability, recognition, and a sense of achievement, which can enhance overall life satisfaction. Succeeding in one’s chosen field can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose, both of which are important components of personal happiness.

However, professional success can come at a cost. High-achieving individuals may find themselves sacrificing personal relationships, health, or leisure time in pursuit of career goals. This imbalance can lead to stress, burnout, and ultimately, unhappiness, despite outward signs of success.

Moreover, the definition of success is highly personal. Someone may achieve what society deems as professional success but still feel unfulfilled if their work doesn’t align with their personal values or passions.

I think the key lies in finding a balance and ensuring that professional success aligns with one’s personal definition of a meaningful life. True happiness often comes from a combination of professional achievement, strong personal relationships, good health, and time for personal interests and growth.

In conclusion, while professional success can contribute to personal happiness, it’s just one piece of a larger puzzle. The most fulfilled individuals are often those who manage to achieve success while maintaining a well-rounded life that encompasses all aspects of personal well-being.

Professional balancing work and personal life

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. Groundbreaking /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/ (adjective): Innovative; pioneering.
   Example: Tesla’s electric vehicles were groundbreaking in the automotive industry.

2. Visionary /ˈvɪʒəneri/ (adjective): Having original ideas about what the future will or could be like.
   Example: Steve Jobs was known for his visionary approach to product design.

3. Relentless /rɪˈlentləs/ (adjective): Unceasingly intense or harsh; persistent.
   Example: Her relentless pursuit of excellence led to numerous breakthroughs in her field.

4. To disrupt /dɪsˈrʌpt/ (verb): To radically change how an industry or market functions.
   Example: Amazon disrupted traditional retail with its e-commerce model.

5. Aptitude /ˈæptɪtjuːd/ (noun): A natural ability or skill.
   Example: He showed a remarkable aptitude for problem-solving from an early age.

6. To pioneer /ˌpaɪəˈnɪər/ (verb): To develop or be the first to use or apply a new method or area of knowledge.
   Example: Marie Curie pioneered research on radioactivity.

Tips from an Examiner

1. Practice describing various professionals: Familiarize yourself with discussing different careers and what makes someone successful in them.

2. Develop a bank of relevant vocabulary: Learn and use profession-specific terms and phrases related to success and achievement.

3. Structure your answers clearly: Use linking words and phrases to organize your thoughts logically.

4. Provide specific examples: When describing a successful person, give concrete examples of their achievements and qualities.

5. Express and justify opinions: Don’t just state facts; explain why you think someone is successful and how their success impacts others.

6. Stay up-to-date: Keep informed about successful figures in various fields to have a range of examples to draw from.

7. Practice speaking for 2 minutes: Time yourself to ensure you can speak fluently for the duration required in Part 2.

By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss successful professionals in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak confidently, use a range of vocabulary, and provide thoughtful, well-structured responses.