The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people who inspire or influence us. One common topic is describing a person you would like to be similar to. This task appears frequently in Part 2 and can also be explored in Parts 1 and 3. Let’s dive into how to tackle this topic effectively and score high marks.
Describe a museum you wish to visit can be another interesting topic to explore in your IELTS preparation. Now, let’s focus on describing an admirable person.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you might encounter questions related to role models or influential people. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you have any role models?
A: Absolutely. I greatly admire Marie Curie, the renowned scientist. Her groundbreaking work in radioactivity and her unwavering dedication to science, despite facing numerous challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field, truly inspire me. I find her perseverance and intellectual curiosity incredibly motivating in my own academic pursuits.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a person you would like to be similar to.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know about this person
- What qualities this person has
- And explain why you would like to be similar to this person
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
The person I would like to be similar to is Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States. I first learned about her through news coverage during her husband’s presidency, but I became more interested in her after reading her autobiography “Becoming.”
Michelle Obama has many admirable qualities. She’s highly educated, having graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law School. She’s also very eloquent and can connect with people from all walks of life. I admire her commitment to public service, especially her efforts to promote healthy living and education for girls.
I would like to be similar to Michelle Obama because she’s a great role model for women. She’s shown that it’s possible to have a successful career, be a loving mother, and make a positive impact on society. Her ability to balance these different aspects of life is something I aspire to. Also, I’m inspired by how she uses her platform to advocate for important causes and empower others.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The individual I aspire to emulate is Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. I first became acquainted with her story through international news coverage of her advocacy for female education and her near-fatal encounter with the Taliban in 2012. Subsequently, I delved deeper into her life and work by reading her autobiography, “I Am Malala,” and following her ongoing activism.
Malala possesses an extraordinary array of qualities that I find deeply admirable. Foremost among these is her unwavering courage in the face of extreme adversity. Despite facing life-threatening circumstances, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to promoting education for girls. Her eloquence and persuasiveness as a public speaker, even from a young age, are truly remarkable. Furthermore, her capacity for forgiveness, as demonstrated by her lack of bitterness towards her attackers, showcases a level of emotional maturity that’s truly inspiring.
I yearn to embody Malala’s qualities because she exemplifies the profound impact one individual can have on the world. Her unwavering dedication to her cause, despite personal risk, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs. Malala’s ability to articulate complex issues in a way that resonates with both world leaders and ordinary citizens is a skill I strive to develop. Moreover, her global perspective and commitment to creating positive change align closely with my own aspirations to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Follow-up Questions:
- What challenges do you think this person faced in their life?
- How do you think this person’s background influenced their success?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I believe Malala faced significant challenges, particularly in terms of safety and cultural resistance to her ideas. Her background in a conservative area of Pakistan likely made her more determined to fight for girls’ education.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Malala undoubtedly encountered a myriad of challenges, ranging from life-threatening security risks to deeply ingrained cultural opposition to female education. Her background in the Swat Valley, an area grappling with extremist influence, likely served as a catalyst for her activism. This environment not only shaped her worldview but also imbued her with a firsthand understanding of the urgent need for change, fueling her passion and lending authenticity to her advocacy.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: Do you think it’s important for young people to have role models?
A (Band 6-7):
Yes, I think it’s very important for young people to have role models. They can learn good values and behaviors from these people. Role models can inspire young people to work hard and achieve their goals. However, it’s also important to remember that role models are human and can make mistakes.
A (Band 8-9):
I firmly believe that role models play a crucial role in shaping the aspirations and values of young people. Well-chosen role models can serve as beacons of inspiration, demonstrating the tangible results of perseverance and ethical behavior. They can expand young people’s horizons, introducing them to possibilities they might not have otherwise considered. However, it’s equally important to approach the concept of role models with a critical mindset. Young people should be encouraged to analyze and question, rather than blindly emulate, the actions and decisions of their role models. This approach fosters independent thinking and helps young individuals develop their own moral compass.
Q: How has the concept of role models changed with the rise of social media?
A (Band 6-7):
Social media has changed role models a lot. Now, there are many more people who can be role models, like influencers and YouTubers. It’s easier for young people to find and follow role models online. But this can also be a problem because some social media personalities might not be good role models.
A (Band 8-9):
The advent of social media has fundamentally altered the landscape of role models in several significant ways. Firstly, it has democratized influence, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain large followings based on their content rather than traditional gatekeepers. This has expanded the pool of potential role models exponentially, offering young people a wider array of figures to draw inspiration from.
However, this shift also presents new challenges. The curated nature of social media can create unrealistic expectations and promote a culture of comparison. Moreover, the rapid rise to fame of some influencers may not always be accompanied by the development of the wisdom and responsibility traditionally associated with role models.
On balance, while social media has undoubtedly increased accessibility to role models, it also requires young people to develop stronger critical thinking skills to navigate this new terrain effectively. The key lies in fostering media literacy and encouraging a nuanced understanding of the difference between cultivated online personas and genuine, substantive role models.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
-
Emulate /ˈemjuleɪt/ (verb): To try to be like someone by copying their behavior or qualities.
Example: Many young athletes emulate their favorite sports stars. -
Aspire /əˈspaɪər/ (verb): To have a strong desire to achieve something.
Example: She aspires to become a renowned scientist like Marie Curie. -
Exemplify /ɪɡˈzemplɪfaɪ/ (verb): To be a perfect example of something.
Example: Nelson Mandela exemplified courage and forgiveness throughout his life. -
Unwavering /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ (adjective): Not changing or becoming weaker.
Example: Despite facing numerous challenges, she showed unwavering determination. -
Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ (noun): Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties.
Example: His perseverance in the face of adversity was truly inspiring.
Describe a time you visited a famous landmark can provide another opportunity to practice using these vocabulary items in a different context.
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person you admire:
- Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of role models from different fields to discuss.
- Use specific details: Mention particular achievements or qualities of the person.
- Explain your reasoning: Clearly articulate why you admire this person and how they inspire you.
- Employ advanced vocabulary: Use sophisticated words and phrases to express your ideas.
- Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly without long pauses.
- Develop your answers: Provide in-depth responses, especially in Parts 2 and 3.
- Show critical thinking: In Part 3, analyze the topic from different angles.
Remember, authenticity is key. Choose someone you genuinely admire, as your enthusiasm will naturally enhance your speaking performance.
Describe a new development in your country is another topic where you can apply these speaking strategies. By consistently practicing with varied topics, you’ll be well-prepared for any question that comes your way in the IELTS Speaking test.