The IELTS Speaking Test is an essential part of the IELTS exam, assessing your ability to communicate effectively in English. This test is divided into three parts: Introduction and Interview, Long Turn, and Two-way Discussion. Examiners evaluate your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and accuracy. One common topic in the test is describing a successful person. In this article, we’ll explore how to tackle this topic effectively to achieve a high band score.
Common Questions in Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner asks general questions about yourself, your life, and your interests. Here’s a sample question related to our topic:
Sample Question
“Who is a successful person you admire?”
Suggested Answer
“I admire my uncle, who is the CEO of a reputable software company. He is not only financially successful but also respected for his leadership skills and charity work. His dedication to his career and his ability to balance work and family life truly inspire me.”
Analyzing this answer:
- Admire shows positive feelings.
- CEO, reputable, leadership skills, and charity work are key terms that demonstrate a wide lexical range.
- Using financially successful and dedication implies detailed content knowledge.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and points to cover.
Cue Card Topic
Describe a person who is very successful.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person has achieved
- Why you consider this person to be successful
Suggested Answer
One of the most successful people I know is Elon Musk. He is a highly influential entrepreneur and the founder of companies like Tesla and SpaceX. I first heard about him through social media and various news outlets praising his innovative contributions to technology and space exploration.
Elon Musk has achieved remarkable success. His work at Tesla has revolutionized the electric car industry. Additionally, his efforts at SpaceX have reignited interest in space travel, with ambitions to eventually colonize Mars. Such groundbreaking achievements showcase his forward-thinking and risk-taking attitude.
I consider him successful not only because of his wealth but also due to his vision and persistence. Despite facing numerous setbacks, he remains driven and passionate about changing the future. His ability to consistently set and achieve grand goals makes him an icon of success.
Potential Follow-up Questions
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“How do you think this person’s success has impacted others?”
- This person’s success has inspired countless entrepreneurs and innovators worldwide. His commitment to sustainable energy and space exploration has encouraged many to pursue similar pathways and has brought positive changes to the industry standards.
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“Do you think being rich equals being successful?”
- While financial stability is a component of success, true success encompasses personal satisfaction, impact on society, and the ability to achieve goals. For example, a teacher influencing thousands of students’ lives is also highly successful.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In the final part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to Part 2.
Sample Questions and Answers
Question:
“How do you define success? What attributes contribute to someone’s success?”
Answer:
Success is a multifaceted concept. It varies from person to person but generally involves achieving personal goals, professional milestones, and contributing to society. Key attributes contributing to success include perseverance, determination, effective communication skills, and a growth mindset. These traits enable individuals to overcome obstacles and remain focused on their objectives.
Analyzing this answer:
- Terms like multifaceted, perseverance, determination, and growth mindset showcase a high level of vocabulary.
- Discussing various aspects of success demonstrates an analytical approach and depth of thought.
Essential Vocabulary and Structures
Incorporate the following vocabulary and structures to enhance your responses:
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Achieve (əˈtʃiːv): To accomplish a goal.
- Example: “She achieved remarkable success in her career.”
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Perseverance (ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns): Steadfast in achieving something despite difficulties.
- Example: “His perseverance led him to overcome all obstacles.”
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Innovative (ˈɪnəvətɪv): Introducing new ideas or methods.
- Example: “The company is known for its innovative solutions.”
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Milestone (ˈmaɪlstəʊn): A significant stage or event in development.
- Example: “Graduating with honors was a major milestone in her life.”
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Vision (ˈvɪʒən): The ability to think about or plan the future with imagination.
- Example: “His vision for the future is both inspiring and ambitious.”
Advice for Speaking Practice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking Test:
- Practice regularly: Engage in speaking practice daily.
- Record yourself: Listen to your speeches to identify areas for improvement.
- Seek feedback: Get feedback from peers, teachers, or online communities.
- Expand your vocabulary: Read extensively and incorporate new words into your practice.
- Stay calm and confident: Confidence can significantly impact your performance.
By implementing these strategies and focusing on key elements such as coherence, vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy, you’ll improve your chances of achieving a high band score in the IELTS Speaking Test.