The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people or public figures. One common topic is describing a public figure you respect. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.

Describe a person who has influenced your outlook on life can be a similar topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Understanding how to approach these questions will greatly enhance your performance.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about public figures or people you admire. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Examiner: Do you have a favorite public figure?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do. I greatly admire Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist for female education. Her courage and determination in advocating for girls’ rights to education, even in the face of extreme adversity, is truly inspiring. I find her story particularly compelling because it demonstrates the power of one individual to bring about significant change on a global scale.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a public figure you respect:

Describe a public figure you respect
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What they do
• Why you respect them
• And explain how this person has influenced society

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a public figure I deeply respect, Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa and a renowned anti-apartheid revolutionary.

Mandela was a pivotal figure in South African history, dedicating his life to fighting against racial oppression and advocating for equality. He spent 27 years in prison for his beliefs but emerged as a symbol of resilience and forgiveness. After his release, he became South Africa’s first black president and worked tirelessly to promote reconciliation between the country’s black and white populations.

I respect Mandela for his unwavering commitment to justice and equality, even in the face of extreme hardship. His ability to forgive his oppressors and focus on national unity rather than revenge is truly remarkable. This magnanimous attitude set an example for the entire nation and helped prevent a potential civil war.

Mandela’s influence on society has been profound and far-reaching. He not only played a crucial role in dismantling the apartheid system in South Africa but also became a global icon for human rights and social justice. His life story and philosophy have inspired countless individuals and movements worldwide to stand up against injustice and work towards a more equitable society.

Moreover, Mandela’s emphasis on education as a tool for social change has led to increased focus on improving educational opportunities in South Africa and beyond. His famous quote, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” continues to resonate with people globally.

In conclusion, Nelson Mandela’s legacy of courage, forgiveness, and dedication to equality has had a transformative impact on South African society and continues to inspire people around the world to strive for social justice and human rights.”

Portrait of Nelson Mandela

Examiner: How do you think public figures like Mandela can inspire young people today?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Public figures like Mandela can serve as powerful role models for young people today in several ways. Firstly, their life stories often embody important values such as perseverance, integrity, and compassion, which can inspire youth to develop these qualities in themselves. Secondly, these figures demonstrate that one person can indeed make a difference, encouraging young people to take action on issues they care about. Lastly, by showcasing the long-term impact of dedicated effort, they can motivate youth to think beyond immediate gratification and work towards long-term goals for the betterment of society.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: What qualities do you think make a good leader in today’s world?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“In my opinion, effective leadership in today’s world requires a combination of several key qualities. Firstly, a good leader should possess strong communication skills to articulate their vision clearly and inspire others. Secondly, adaptability is crucial in our rapidly changing world, allowing leaders to navigate complex challenges. Empathy is another vital trait, enabling leaders to understand and connect with diverse groups of people. Additionally, integrity and transparency are essential for building trust and maintaining credibility. Lastly, I believe a good leader should have a global perspective and be committed to sustainable practices, considering the long-term impacts of their decisions on society and the environment.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe that effective leadership in our contemporary world necessitates a multifaceted skill set. Visionary thinking is paramount; leaders must be able to anticipate future trends and guide their organizations or communities accordingly. Emotional intelligence is equally crucial, allowing leaders to manage their own emotions and those of others, fostering a positive and productive environment. In our interconnected world, cross-cultural competence is indispensable, enabling leaders to navigate diverse global contexts effectively. Furthermore, ethical decision-making should be at the core of leadership, ensuring that actions align with moral principles and societal values. Lastly, I’d argue that resilience and the ability to inspire resilience in others are vital qualities, given the unpredictable nature of our world and the constant need to adapt to new challenges.”

Describe a person who has strong opinions can be another interesting topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test, especially when discussing influential public figures.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your speaking performance, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Pivotal figure /ˈpɪvətl ˈfɪɡər/ (noun phrase): A person who plays a crucial role in a situation or event.
   Example: “Martin Luther King Jr. was a pivotal figure in the American Civil Rights Movement.”

2. Unwavering commitment /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ kəˈmɪtmənt/ (noun phrase): A dedication that never falters or weakens.
   Example: “Her unwavering commitment to environmental causes has inspired many young activists.”

3. Magnanimous /mæɡˈnænɪməs/ (adjective): Generous or forgiving, especially towards a rival or less powerful person.
   Example: “Despite facing years of oppression, Mandela’s magnanimous attitude towards his former oppressors was truly remarkable.”

4. To resonate with /ˈrezəneɪt wɪð/ (phrasal verb): To evoke a strong feeling or response in someone.
   Example: “His message of hope and unity resonated with people from all walks of life.”

5. Transformative impact /trænsˈfɔːrmətɪv ˈɪmpækt/ (noun phrase): An effect that causes a major change or improvement.
   Example: “The invention of the internet has had a transformative impact on how we communicate and access information.”

Public figure influencing society

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a public figure you respect:

1. Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of public figures from different fields (politics, science, arts, etc.) that you can discuss in detail.

2. Focus on specific impacts: When explaining why you respect the person, provide concrete examples of their actions and the resulting effects on society.

3. Use advanced vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated language and idiomatic expressions naturally throughout your responses.

4. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking about your chosen public figures to ensure smooth delivery during the test.

5. Develop your ideas: In Part 3, be prepared to discuss broader topics related to leadership, influence, and social change.

6. Show critical thinking: Demonstrate your ability to analyze the person’s impact from multiple perspectives.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in this aspect of the IELTS Speaking test.

Describe a famous poet from your country is another topic that can help you practice describing influential public figures in a different context.