In the IELTS Speaking test, one common theme is describing a person you admire. This article will provide you with sample responses, an in-depth analysis, and essential tips to achieve a high score.
Introduction
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English across three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). In the context of “Describe a person you admire,” the examiner evaluates your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation.
Knowing the importance of lexical resources, we’ll also delve into key vocabulary and phrases that can boost your performance. This topic often appears in IELTS exams, making it an essential area to practice.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions
- Who is someone you admire?
- What qualities do you admire in a person?
- Why do you admire this person?
- Have you ever met someone you admire in person?
Sample Answer
Question: Who is someone you admire?
Answer: Someone I truly admire is my grandmother. She has always been a source of inspiration for me. Her unwavering dedication to her family, coupled with her tireless work ethic, makes her a role model in my life. Not only is she extremely hardworking, but she also possesses a great amount of wisdom and compassion.
Analysis: This answer effectively uses a range of adjectives and phrases, such as “unwavering dedication,” “tireless work ethic,” and “source of inspiration,” to clearly convey admiration and respect.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person you admire. You should say:
- Who the person is
- How you know this person
- What qualities this person has
- And explain why you admire this person
Sample Answer
One person that I deeply admire is Dr. Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist and anthropologist. I first learned about her while watching a documentary about her work with chimpanzees in Tanzania.
Dr. Goodall’s most admirable qualities include her relentless perseverance, genuine compassion for animals, and her ability to inspire others through her storytelling. Despite facing numerous challenges and criticisms throughout her career, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to conservation and research.
For example, her innovative methods of observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat have provided the world with invaluable insights into these incredible creatures. Moreover, her efforts to educate the public and advocate for environmental conservation have had a profound impact globally.
I admire Dr. Goodall because she exemplifies how passion and dedication can drive significant scientific discoveries and societal changes. Her work not only advances our understanding of primates but also underscores the importance of preserving our natural world for future generations.
Analysis: This response uses advanced vocabulary and complex grammatical structures. It includes clear examples and detailed explanations to demonstrate insightful admiration, aligning perfectly with what examiners look for in a high-scoring answer.
Follow-Up Questions
Question: Do you think it’s important to have someone to admire?
Answer: Absolutely. Having a role model can motivate and inspire us to pursue our goals with greater determination. It provides us with a tangible example of success and the qualities necessary to achieve it.
Analysis: This concise answer reflects the importance of motivation and inspiration. Using words like “motivate,” “inspire,” and “determination” enhances the lexical resource score.
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Examiner’s Questions
- Why do people admire celebrities?
- Are there any drawbacks to admiring someone?
- What is the role of admiration in personal growth?
Sample Answers
Question: Why do people admire celebrities?
Answer: People often admire celebrities for their charisma, talent, and the glamorous lifestyle they lead. Celebrities often represent an idealized version of success and attractiveness, which can be very appealing. However, it’s important to distinguish between admiration and infatuation.
Analysis: This response addresses the question directly and includes an insightful caution about distinguishing genuine admiration from mere infatuation.
Question: What is the role of admiration in personal growth?
Answer: Admiration plays a critical role in personal growth as it can serve as a catalyst for developing new skills and achieving goals. By observing the qualities and achievements of those we admire, we can adopt similar behaviors and attitudes to improve ourselves.
Analysis: This response effectively uses advanced vocabulary like “catalyst” and “adopt similar behaviors” to provide a thoughtful and relevant answer.
Vocabulary and Phrases
Essential Vocabulary
- Admirable (adj.) [ədˈmīərəb(ə)l]: Worthy of admiration; inspiring approval.
- Dedication (n.) [ˌded.ɪˈkeɪ.ʃən]: The quality of being dedicated or committed to a task or purpose.
- Compassion (n.) [kəmˈpaSHən]: Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
- Perseverance (n.) [ˌpərsəˈvirəns]: Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
Sample Sentences
- Dr. Goodall’s admirable dedication to her research has made her a prominent figure in her field.
- Her tireless work ethic and compassion for others inspire many people around the world.
- Despite numerous challenges, her perseverance has led to groundbreaking discoveries.
Dr. Jane Goodall
Conclusion
The IELTS Speaking test requires not just proficiency in English, but also the ability to articulate thoughts clearly and coherently. When describing a person you admire, use rich vocabulary and complex grammatical structures to demonstrate your language skills.
For further practice, consider these related resources:
Examiner’s Tips for High Scores
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice can help improve fluency and coherence.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Use advanced and varied vocabulary to express your thoughts more precisely.
- Work on Pronunciation: Clear and accurate pronunciation can enhance the overall quality of your speech.
- Seek Feedback: Regular feedback from a tutor can help identify areas for improvement.
By integrating these strategies and regularly practicing with high-quality materials, you can significantly improve your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.