Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Newsworthy Person You’d Like to Meet

Introduction and Key Questions

The topic of describing a person who often appears in the news and whom you would like to meet is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss current affairs, express personal opinions, and use descriptive language. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests.

Let’s explore how to approach this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about news and media consumption. Here are some possible questions with sample answers:

Q1: How often do you read or watch the news?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I try to keep up with the news daily. Usually, I check news apps on my phone in the morning and sometimes watch the evening news on TV.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I make it a point to stay informed about current events on a daily basis. I typically browse reputable news websites every morning and tune into in-depth news analysis programs in the evening to gain a comprehensive understanding of global affairs.

Q2: What type of news interests you the most?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I’m particularly interested in technology news. I like to keep track of new gadgets and innovations in the tech world.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I’m especially drawn to news related to scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements. I find it fascinating to follow how cutting-edge innovations are shaping our future and revolutionizing various industries.

IELTS Speaking Interview on Newsworthy Person

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a person who often appears in the news whom you would like to meet.

You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they do
- Why they often appear in the news
- Why you would like to meet them

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

I’d like to talk about Elon Musk, the renowned entrepreneur and innovator who frequently makes headlines in the news.

Elon Musk is the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, as well as the founder of several other cutting-edge companies. He’s known for his ambitious projects in electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy.

Musk often appears in the news due to his groundbreaking innovations and controversial statements. His companies regularly announce technological advancements that push the boundaries of what’s possible in their respective fields. Additionally, his active presence on social media platforms like Twitter keeps him in the public eye, as he often shares his thoughts on various topics, sometimes stirring up debates and discussions.

I would love to meet Elon Musk because I find his visionary approach to problem-solving incredibly inspiring. His ability to think outside the box and tackle global challenges head-on is something I greatly admire. I’m particularly interested in his views on sustainable energy and space colonization, and I’d be fascinated to hear his insights on how these technologies might shape our future.

Meeting Musk would be an invaluable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of his innovative mindset and perhaps even glean some wisdom about entrepreneurship and technological innovation. I believe a conversation with him would be both intellectually stimulating and potentially life-changing, given his vast experience and unique perspective on the world.

Follow-up Questions

1. How do you think meeting Elon Musk might inspire your own career or personal goals?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Meeting Elon Musk would probably motivate me to think bigger in my own career. His success might inspire me to take more risks and be more innovative in my work.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Encountering Elon Musk would likely serve as a catalyst for reevaluating my aspirations. His audacious approach to problem-solving and willingness to tackle seemingly insurmountable challenges could inspire me to set more ambitious goals in both my personal and professional life. I believe his innovative thinking would encourage me to approach obstacles with greater creativity and perhaps even inspire me to pursue entrepreneurial ventures that align with my passions and values.

2. Do you think it’s important for public figures like Elon Musk to use their platform to address global issues?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think it’s important. Public figures like Musk have a lot of influence, so they can raise awareness about important issues and inspire people to take action.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I believe that public figures of Musk’s stature have both an opportunity and a responsibility to leverage their platform for the greater good. Their influence and reach can be instrumental in raising awareness about pressing global issues and mobilizing resources and support for important causes. However, it’s crucial that they exercise this power judiciously and base their advocacy on well-researched information, as their words can have far-reaching consequences. When used effectively, their platform can catalyze positive change on a scale that few others can achieve.

Elon Musk as an Innovative Entrepreneur

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:

Q1: How has social media changed the way we perceive public figures?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Social media has made public figures seem more accessible to us. We can now see their daily lives and thoughts, which makes them feel more relatable. However, it also means that their mistakes are more visible and can spread quickly.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Social media has fundamentally transformed our perception of public figures by creating an illusion of intimacy and breaking down traditional barriers between celebrities and their audiences. This unprecedented access to their personal thoughts and daily activities has humanized many public figures, making them appear more relatable and approachable. However, this increased visibility is a double-edged sword. While it allows for more authentic connections, it also exposes every misstep and controversial statement to immediate public scrutiny. This has led to a more nuanced and complex relationship between public figures and their followers, where admiration can quickly turn to criticism, and reputations can be made or broken in the span of a single tweet.

Q2: Do you think the media gives too much attention to celebrities compared to other important issues?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think the media often focuses too much on celebrities. While celebrity news can be interesting, there are many more important issues that deserve attention, like climate change or poverty.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I believe there’s a significant imbalance in media coverage that often skews heavily towards celebrity culture at the expense of more pressing societal issues. This disproportionate focus on celebrities can be attributed to the public’s appetite for entertainment and the media’s need for engaging content that drives viewership or readership. However, this tendency risks trivializing crucial global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and geopolitical conflicts. It’s important to recognize that while celebrity news has its place in popular culture, it shouldn’t overshadow or detract from coverage of issues that have far-reaching impacts on society and require informed public discourse to address effectively.

Q3: How can we ensure that young people are exposed to positive role models in the media?

Band 6-7 Answer:
We should try to promote more positive stories about people who are making a difference in the world. Schools could also teach students to think critically about what they see in the media and help them identify good role models.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Ensuring young people’s exposure to positive role models in the media requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, media organizations should be encouraged to diversify their coverage, highlighting individuals who have made significant contributions to society beyond the realm of entertainment. This could include featuring more scientists, social entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Secondly, media literacy programs should be integrated into school curricula, teaching young people to critically analyze media content and discern between substantive achievements and mere celebrity. Additionally, parents and educators play a crucial role in curating media consumption and fostering discussions about the values and actions that truly define a positive role model. Lastly, social media platforms could be leveraged to amplify the voices of inspiring individuals who might not traditionally receive mainstream media attention, thereby broadening the pool of potential role models accessible to young people.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high band score, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases into your responses:

1. Visionary /ˈvɪʒəneri/ (adj): Having or showing clear ideas about what should happen or be done in the future.
   Example: Elon Musk’s visionary approach to space travel has revolutionized the industry.

2. Groundbreaking /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/ (adj): Innovative; pioneering.
   Example: The company’s groundbreaking research in artificial intelligence is pushing the boundaries of technology.

3. To make headlines (phrase): To be featured prominently in the news.
   Example: The celebrity’s controversial statement made headlines around the world.

4. To keep abreast of (phrase): To stay informed about.
   Example: It’s important to keep abreast of current events in today’s fast-paced world.

5. Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: The internet caused a paradigm shift in how we communicate and access information.

Media Literacy Education for Youth

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing newsworthy people:

1. Stay informed: Regularly read or watch reputable news sources to familiarize yourself with current events and notable figures.

2. Practice describing people: Work on your ability to describe people’s appearances, personalities, and achievements using varied vocabulary.

3. Develop your opinions: Form well-reasoned opinions about public figures and current events, and practice expressing these views clearly and coherently.

4. Use examples: Support your points with specific examples from the person’s life or career to demonstrate your knowledge and engagement with the topic.

5. Improve fluency: Practice speaking on this topic without long pauses. Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly.

6. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use topic-specific vocabulary related to media, news, and public figures to enhance the sophistication of your responses.

7. Work on pronunciation: Pay attention to the correct pronunciation of names and technical terms related to the person’s field of expertise.

By following these tips and incorporating advanced vocabulary and structures into your responses, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss newsworthy people in your IELTS Speaking test and achieve a high band score.