The topic of describing a courageous person is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to articulate complex ideas. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about courage and bravery. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: Do you consider yourself a brave person?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I’m reasonably brave in certain situations. While I might not be the first to jump out of a plane, I do push myself out of my comfort zone quite often. For instance, I recently gave a presentation to a large audience, which was quite nerve-wracking but ultimately rewarding. I believe courage is about facing your fears rather than never feeling afraid.”
Giving a presentation to a large audience
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Cue Card:
Describe A Person Who You Think Is Very Courageous. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What courageous things this person has done
- And explain why you think this person is courageous
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who I believe is an incredibly courageous person. I’ve known Sarah since college, where we were roommates, and we’ve remained close friends ever since.
Sarah has shown remarkable courage in several ways, but the most significant was her decision to become a volunteer firefighter. Despite having a fear of heights and confined spaces, she pushed herself to overcome these phobias to serve her community.
One particular incident stands out. Last year, there was a major fire in a high-rise building in our town. Sarah was part of the team that went in to rescue people trapped on the upper floors. She climbed several flights of stairs in heavy gear, battling smoke and flames, to help evacuate residents. Her actions that day saved several lives.
I consider Sarah courageous not just because of her heroic acts, but because she consistently faces her fears head-on. She doesn’t let her phobias hold her back from doing what she believes is right. Her bravery inspires me to push my own boundaries and face my fears with determination.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss Malala Yousafzai, a person I consider to be the epitome of courage. While I haven’t had the privilege of meeting her personally, her story has profoundly impacted me and millions worldwide.
Malala’s acts of bravery are truly extraordinary. Growing up in Pakistan’s Swat Valley, she defied the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education by continuing to attend school and vocally advocating for female education. Even after surviving an assassination attempt at the age of 15, she remained steadfast in her mission, becoming an international symbol of resilience and a champion for children’s right to education.
What makes Malala exceptionally courageous, in my opinion, is her unwavering commitment to her beliefs in the face of life-threatening danger. She chose to speak out against injustice at an age when most would shy away from conflict. Her courage isn’t just about facing physical threats; it’s about standing up for what’s right, even when the consequences could be dire.
Moreover, Malala’s courage extends beyond her personal struggle. She has leveraged her global platform to advocate for millions of girls denied education worldwide. Her ability to transform personal adversity into a force for positive change is truly inspirational.
In essence, Malala embodies courage not just in momentary acts of bravery, but in her sustained commitment to a noble cause, despite the ongoing risks and challenges. Her story reminds us that courage often means persevering in the face of adversity and using one’s voice to effect meaningful change in the world.”
Malala Yousafzai speaking at the United Nations
Follow-up Questions:
- Do you think courage is an innate quality or can it be developed?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“While some individuals may have a natural predisposition towards courageous behavior, I firmly believe that courage is primarily a quality that can be developed and nurtured over time. It’s akin to a muscle that strengthens with use. Exposure to challenging situations and consciously choosing to face fears can gradually build one’s capacity for courage. Moreover, education and awareness play crucial roles in fostering courage. When people understand the consequences of their actions and the importance of standing up for what’s right, they’re more likely to act courageously. Personal experiences, role models, and a supportive environment can also significantly contribute to developing courage. It’s a complex interplay of nature and nurture, but ultimately, with the right mindset and opportunities, anyone can cultivate and enhance their courage.”
- In what ways do you think modern society values courage differently from the past?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The concept of courage has undoubtedly evolved in modern society compared to historical perspectives. In the past, courage was often associated with physical bravery, particularly in warfare or exploration. Today, while we still admire physical courage, there’s a growing appreciation for moral and social courage.
Modern society increasingly values the courage to stand up against systemic injustices, speak truth to power, and challenge societal norms. We see this in the admiration for whistleblowers, activists, and individuals who advocate for marginalized groups. There’s also a newfound respect for the courage it takes to be vulnerable, to admit mistakes, and to seek help for mental health issues – concepts that might have been seen as weaknesses in the past.
Moreover, the digital age has introduced new arenas for courage. Online activism and taking stands on social media can require significant bravery, given the potential for backlash and the permanence of digital footprints.
However, it’s worth noting that this shift isn’t universal. Different cultures and subgroups within society may still prioritize traditional forms of courage. The key difference is that modern society generally recognizes a more diverse range of courageous acts, reflecting our increasingly complex and interconnected world.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: How does courage contribute to societal progress?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Courage plays a vital role in driving societal progress. It’s often the catalyst for change in many areas. For example, in politics, courageous leaders who stand up against corruption or fight for human rights can bring about significant reforms. In science and technology, researchers who pursue unconventional ideas despite skepticism often make groundbreaking discoveries. Social movements, too, rely heavily on the courage of individuals who are willing to challenge the status quo.
Moreover, courage inspires others. When people see acts of bravery, it can motivate them to take action themselves, creating a ripple effect of positive change. This is particularly evident in movements for social justice or environmental protection.
However, it’s important to note that courage alone isn’t always enough. It needs to be coupled with wisdom and empathy to truly benefit society. Reckless acts, even if brave, can sometimes do more harm than good.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Courage is an indispensable driver of societal progress, functioning as a catalyst for paradigm shifts across various domains of human endeavor. Its impact is multifaceted and profound.
In the realm of social justice, courage has been the bedrock of transformative movements. Consider the civil rights movement in the United States or the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa. These monumental shifts in societal norms and legal frameworks were propelled by individuals who demonstrated exceptional courage in the face of oppression and violence.
In science and innovation, courage manifests as the willingness to challenge established paradigms. The heliocentric model proposed by Copernicus, for instance, required immense courage to present in a time when it contradicted both religious doctrine and scientific consensus. Such intellectual bravery has been crucial in advancing human knowledge and technological capabilities.
Courage also plays a vital role in governance and policy-making. Leaders who make unpopular but necessary decisions for long-term benefits, despite potential short-term political costs, contribute significantly to societal progress. This could involve implementing environmental policies that may initially face resistance but are crucial for sustainability.
Moreover, courage in the form of ethical business practices and corporate whistleblowing has been instrumental in exposing corruption and malpractices, leading to more transparent and accountable systems.
It’s important to recognize that courage in driving societal progress isn’t always about grand, visible actions. Often, it’s the cumulative effect of small, everyday acts of courage – standing up against discrimination, questioning unethical practices in the workplace, or advocating for marginalized voices – that gradually shift societal norms and values.
However, as you rightly point out, courage must be tempered with wisdom and empathy. Reckless bravery or courage divorced from ethical considerations can be counterproductive or even harmful. The most effective agents of societal progress are those who balance courage with critical thinking, empathy, and a nuanced understanding of complex social issues.
In conclusion, courage serves as a fundamental catalyst for societal progress, challenging the inertia of the status quo and pushing societies towards greater justice, innovation, and ethical standards. It’s a quality that continues to be essential in addressing the complex challenges of our rapidly evolving world.”
Civil Rights March on Washington
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Epitome of courage /ɪˈpɪtəmi əv ˈkʌrɪdʒ/ (noun phrase): A perfect example of bravery.
Example: “Nelson Mandela is often cited as the epitome of courage for his unwavering stand against apartheid.” -
To defy /dɪˈfaɪ/ (verb): To openly refuse to obey.
Example: “The protesters defied the government’s orders to disperse.” -
Steadfast /ˈstedˌfæst/ (adjective): Firmly fixed in place; not changing.
Example: “Despite numerous setbacks, she remained steadfast in her commitment to the cause.” -
To persevere /ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪr/ (verb): To continue in a course of action in spite of difficulty.
Example: “The team persevered through many challenges to complete the project.” -
Catalyst for change /ˈkætəlɪst fɔːr tʃeɪndʒ/ (noun phrase): Something that precipitates a change or event.
Example: “The tragic incident became a catalyst for change in gun control laws.” -
To challenge the status quo /tə ˈtʃælɪndʒ ðə ˈsteɪtəs kwoʊ/ (phrase): To question or test accepted practices.
Example: “The new CEO wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo and implement innovative strategies.” -
Moral courage /ˈmɔːrəl ˈkʌrɪdʒ/ (noun phrase): The ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition or discouragement.
Example: “It took great moral courage for her to report the unethical practices in her company.” -
To stand up for /tə stænd ʌp fɔːr/ (phrasal verb): To defend or support.
Example: “We must stand up for what we believe is right, even when it’s difficult.”
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a courageous person:
- Use a variety of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions related to courage and bravery.
- Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to support your points.
- Demonstrate critical thinking by discussing different aspects of courage and its impact on society.
- Practice speaking fluently and coherently for 2 minutes for Part 2.
- In Part 3, aim to give extended responses that show depth of thought and analysis.
- Use a range of grammatical structures accurately, including complex sentences.
- Work on your pronunciation and intonation to enhance the clarity of your speech.
- Stay on topic but be prepared to expand on your ideas when prompted by the examiner.
Remember, regular practice and exposure to English through various media can significantly improve your speaking skills and confidence.
Describe an interesting story you read can also help you develop your narrative skills, which are crucial when describing a courageous person’s actions and impact. Additionally, exploring topics like describe a person who is a role model for others can provide valuable insights into discussing influential and inspiring individuals, further enhancing your ability to articulate the qualities of courageous people in the IELTS Speaking test.
