Describe a Public Figure Who Has Inspired You

In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates often encounter the task of describing a public figure who has inspired them. This task assesses a candidate’s ability to express themselves clearly, use a wide range of vocabulary, and demonstrate cohesive and coherent speech. This article will help you craft a detailed and compelling response to the cue card question “Describe a public figure who has inspired you” and provide guidance on how to achieve a high band score.

Introduction to the IELTS Speaking Test

The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion).

Part 1 involves answering general questions about yourself, your home, work, studies, and other familiar topics.

Part 2 requires you to speak for 1-2 minutes on a particular topic, with a minute to prepare. Here, you will be given a cue card with a topic and points to cover.

Part 3 involves a discussion with the examiner on more abstract ideas and issues related to the topic presented in Part 2.

The evaluator looks for fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.

Common Questions in Part 1

IELTS examiners often ask the following questions in Part 1:

1. What is your full name?
2. Where are you from?
3. Can you describe your hometown?
4. What do you do for a living?
5. Do you enjoy your work/studies?

Sample Answer to Part 1 Question

Question: What do you do for a living?

Suggested Answer:
“I’m currently working as a software engineer at a well-known tech company. I specialize in developing innovative solutions for various client needs. What I enjoy most about my job is the continuous learning and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects that have a significant impact on the industry.”

Part 2: Describe a Public Figure Who Has Inspired You

Cue Card

Describe a public figure who has inspired you. You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you first learned about him or her
• What this person has done
• Why this person has inspired you

Suggested Answer:

One public figure who has deeply inspired me is Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani education activist. I first learned about Malala through news reports and social media when her story gained international prominence after she was attacked by the Taliban for advocating girls’ education. Despite the grave danger she faced, she continued her advocacy work with even greater determination. Her resilience and unwavering commitment to education have made a profound impact on me.

Malala established the Malala Fund, which focuses on ensuring every girl has access to 12 years of free, safe, and quality education. She also authored a memoir, “I Am Malala,” which chronicles her experiences and her mission.

Malala inspires me because she exemplifies courage, strength, and an unyielding belief in the power of education. Her work has not only changed the lives of countless girls but has also shown the world that age and circumstance should never be barriers to making a difference.

Malala Yousafzai, Education Activist

Follow-up Questions and Suggested Answers

Question: How did Malala’s story impact you personally?

Suggested Answer:
“Malala’s story profoundly impacted me by reinforcing the value of education and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs. Her bravery encouraged me to be more vocal about issues I care about and to contribute to my community by volunteering to teach underprivileged children.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Discussion Topics and Suggested Answers

Question: Why do you think some people become role models?

Suggested Answer:
“People often become role models because of their exceptional qualities such as integrity, perseverance, and empathy. They often have the ability to overcome significant adversity and make meaningful contributions to society, which inspires and motivates others to emulate their positive traits.”

Question: Do you think the influence of celebrities is always good?

Suggested Answer:
“While celebrities can have a positive influence by raising awareness about critical issues and inspiring positive change, there can sometimes be negative effects, especially when they promote unhealthy or unrealistic lifestyles. Therefore, it is important for individuals to critically evaluate the actions and messages of their role models.”

Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores

To achieve a high band score, incorporating varied vocabulary and complex sentence structures is crucial. Here are some key expressions:

• Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

  • Example: “Malala’s resilience in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.”

• Unwavering /ˈʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/: Steady or resolute.

  • Example: “She has an unwavering commitment to her cause.”

• Advocacy /ˈædvəkəsi/: Public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy.

  • Example: “Her advocacy for girls’ education has garnered international support.”

• Empathy /ˈɛmpəθi/: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

  • Example: “Her empathetic nature makes her a beloved figure globally.”

Tips for Practicing Speaking

1. Practice Regularly: Speak English daily to improve fluency and confidence.
2. Record Your Responses: Listen to yourself to identify areas of improvement.
3. Use a Rich Vocabulary: Introduce new words in your responses to showcase lexical resource.
4. Stay Coherent: Ensure your speech has a logical flow from one idea to the next.
5. Seek Feedback: Practice with a teacher or proficient English speaker to get constructive feedback.

By following these tips and practicing with the provided frameworks, candidates can improve their speaking skills and perform well in Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test.

For more examples and guidance on IELTS Speaking topics, visit this page on describing a famous person you would like to meet.